The Lost City of Meridian
In an era where humanity had only begun to explore the depths of the oceans, the tale of an underwater city named Meridian existed. Unseen by human eyes, untouched by sunlight, the city thrived beneath the waves in solitude for countless centuries.
It was a realm untouched by time and pain. A city of radiant sapphire palaces, marble statues, and aquatic gardens, all shimmering in the spectrum of phosphorescent sea life. Meridian was home to a mesmerizing breed - the Aquarians. Capable of surviving in the deepest pits, they had evolved in sync with the sea. Their civilization thrived, unperturbed by issues that land-dwelling creatures fought every day.
The denizens of Meridian were ruled by a wise king known as Alaric, a benevolent entity known fondly to his citizens as the 'Mariner King'. His rule was divine and just, fostering a haven of peace under the tumultuous waves. However, over time, the Mariner King grew persistently eager to explore the world above the sea.
His curiosity was sparked by the stories that were carried down by the sea currents, tales of vast lands, towering mountains, and infinite skies. Enamored, King Alaric wished to create a bond of peace and understanding between his people and the surface dwellers.
Under his order, an assembly of emissaries - trained scholars who had studied the artifacts washed down from the surface world - were sent to negotiate an alliance. There, they met the king of the surface, a man named Orin. King Orin was a curious man, fascinated by the stories brought to him by these strange aquatic visitors.
An alliance was formed between the two Kings, a bond sealed with exchanges of artifacts, knowledge, and biennial visits to each other's realms.
However, with time and the persistent contact between the two realms, the darkness of certain surface-dwelling humans manifested. The allure of Meridian's untold riches and resources kindled the flame of greed. Orin, once a friend and ally, was trapped in the thirst for power and desire to own the underwater world.
Devoid of moral compass, Orin commanded his alchemists and sorcerers to concoct a dreadful spell which resulted in a cataclysmic event. The surface dwellers cast a net of powerful magic over the city of Meridian, intending to lift it from the ocean floor. They succeeded in their wicked plan, and the underwater city ascended, however not without devastating consequences. The spell tore Meridian from its foundation, shards of once grandeur lay scattered on the ocean floor.
Seeing his beloved city being ripped apart and his people in anguish, Alaric weaponized his rage and despair. Gathering all the magic left in the sea-bed, he plunged into the heart of the tempest swirling around his city. His determined sacrifice severed the destructive magic, causing Meridian to crash back into the abyss from where it was wrongfully taken.
Alaric's noble act, however, came at a heavy price. As the city plunged back into the darkness of the deep, so did he. His body, drained of life force, drifted down to the ruins of his once great city, a king who gave his life to save his kingdom. The Aquarians, although in deep despair, began to rebuild in quiet solidarity, choosing isolation from the surface world in memory of their fallen ruler.
Back on the surface, King Orin reaped his dreadful karma. The backlash from the broken spell plunged his kingdom into decades of famine and strife. The once-prosperous land withered into desolation, a stark reminder of the devastating impact of greed.
The tale of the lost city of Meridian stands as a testament to harmony between civilizations and the thwarting of greed. Deep in the ocean, the Aquarians continue to live in solitude, keeping alive their history. There are times when a curious sailor encounters a larger than normal wave, or an unusual glint beneath the water – perhaps that is Meridian, still thrumming with life, beneath its watery veil.