The Lost City of Meloria
Long ago, in an era unknown to modern civilization, there existed a thriving island city named Meloria. It was a place of untold beauty and sophistication, hidden amidst the vast, unending turquoise ocean.
Meloria was a paradise on earth, with lush green landscapes, crystal-clear rivers flowing through it, and architectural wonders reflecting the excellence of a highly advanced civilization. Its people were joyful and lived harmonious lives. The city was governed by a wise king named Eldrin who was held in high regard for his wisdom and compassion. Melorians loved music and art; their grand festivals of culture were unmatchable.
One day, a wandering seafarer named Tyrian found himself amidst the mesmerizing beauty of Meloria. Tyrian was a man of the world, his eyes shining bright with unquenchable curiosity. He was fascinated by the unique culture and the peace that prevailed in Meloria. King Eldrin welcomed him with open arms, and Tyrian began to immerse himself in the ways of the Melorians.
For many joyous months, Tyrian lived among the Melorians. He found friendship, peace, and even love. He became inseparable from the king's daughter, the gentle and well-loved Princess Myrielle. They found solace in each other's company, discussing all forms of art, philosophy, and their dreams.
One day, Tyrian confessed his love to Myrielle. The kind-hearted princess did not reject his feelings. Instead, she made a promise to him that she would talk to her father. Full of joy, Tyrian left the grounds, his heart singing a melody of love.
But fate had a different plan. The Melorians guarded a soul gem, a magical stone believed to possess the power to either bless an extraordinary era of prosperity or bring an unthinkable calamity. The gem had chosen Meloria as its host centuries ago, becoming the very soul of the city.
However, out of greed and lust for power, Tyrian stole the soul gem and fled Meloria. The Melorians woke up to an unimaginable catastrophe. The once-thriving city began sinking, the beautiful landscapes dimmed, and the Melorians who once used to welcome the dawn of every day with sheer joy and music had fear written over their faces.
Eldrin, the wise king, understood the consequence of Tyrian's betrayal. Gathering his advisor, he made a plan to save what was left of his precious island. He ordered the construction of a giant sanctuary known as the 'Ark of Meloria', a vessel capable of protecting a selected few. It was a heart-wrenching choice, as the selection would inadvertently doom those not chosen.
Meanwhile, Princess Myrielle was filled with rage and sadness for she had loved Tyrian truly. Perhaps it was the betrayal of love that overshadowed the impending doom of her city. So, she took a leap of faith and sailed on a journey to find Tyrian, to return the soul gem and save her city.
She sailed for many days and nights until she found Tyrian on an abandoned island, crying out in remorse. He had lost his sanity no longer able to bear the guilt of his deeds. In his madness, he threw the soul gem into the ocean. Myrielle, desperate, jumped into the water. She swam into the depths, her breath diminishing, her body chilling, but her will unyielding. Finally, amidst the suffocating darkness, her hand found the gem.
But it was too late. As Myrielle's spirit departed, her body merging with the ocean, the gem unleashed a final wave of magic, transforming Meloria into a city beneath the waves. A city lost to time and mankind forever.
The story of Meloria, of its beauty, its downfall, and Princess Myrielle's sacrifice, lives on through the generations. Often, on quiet nights, some old sailors claim that they can hear a soft melody flowing with the wind: the lost song of Meloria, singing an endless requiem to the city beneath the waves.