Naia's Frozen Sculptures

It was morning, the cold air nipped at the warm skin of Naia. She grumbled and only curled in closer to her girlfriend for warmth. She wasn’t used to the cold dry air of the land, she could tolerate below the sea, but within the vast air with blowing wind? Absolutely not. Naia would grumble again, “Can someone turn the heat up…” She would lay there, quietly. The only thing she would get in response was Neivra cuddling closer to her. A heavy sigh would leave Naia before she realized. “We should go out. We came all the way out here, topside, only to rest some more?” 

Naia would laugh, only settling into Neivra even further. Despite that, the young princess was getting her well deserved beauty rest. Naia would leave her to it as she got up and decided to look around. She wanted to see what Vence offered, so then she could properly plan a date for them topside! The thought delighted her as she slipped out of the grasp of the Deep Sea faian. Naia would quietly stretch and yawn before sneaking out to hit the town. Of course, she left Neivra with makeshift naia “plushie”, which really was a misshapen pillow.

Naia would bounce along her merry way, down to the center of the town, watching the wyrmwick running out to play and greeting other faians. A gentle tune would leave the faian’s muzzle as she walked down and window shopped for restaurants and stores. She eventually found herself within the plaza and a show was taking place. She could hear the announcer’s voice, booming over everyone. Of course she would be drawn in, why wouldn’t she be? There was a large crowd of Faians of all ages, she was simply curious… that’s all.

“Welcome to the daily Sculpting contest! Every day, there’s a new variety of displays we have you demonstrate or judge!” The random Faian’s voice boomed. Naia found it comical. He continued on. “We are looking for one more to join our panel of judges! Anyone would like to step forth?” Naia without much thought did step forth to get a better look… only to have her singled out from the crowd. 

“You! Thank you for volunteering!” Naia would jump and stare at the announcer wide eyed, waddling awkwardly as she reached him. “Me?” 

“Yes you! Where do hail from?” He would ask, she would freeze up, not used to being in the public eye and wanting to keep a  low profile. “Oh, from the reef.” She’d hum. “Not too far from home, ey? Well, welcome to Vence, go over there with the other panelists and go down the line of sculptures.” The announcer’s voice would fade as she would focus on the panel, some reason taking this voluntold job seriously. 

One would catch her eye, a Sculpture that looked a lot like her sweet Neivra. Of course it wasn’t. Just some random Faian. But she couldn’t help but to be drawn to it, of course she was. Her beauty is what drew Naia into Neivra in the first place. The once eloquent faian dumbed down to a couple words and stutters. She didn’t know how she did it, but she couldn’t help but to be enamored with the once-princess. 

She would be brought back by the announcer who look at her expectantly. “Have you chosen your finalist?” With a sweet smile, she nodded. “I have.” She was never more sure.