The Mer-Tribe settlement appeared on the horizon like something from a dream.
Built into and around a massive coral reef system that rose from the shallows, the structures were a blend of natural formation and deliberate architecture. Caves carved into the living coral, platforms woven from giant kelp and sea glass, walkways of polished driftwood connecting air-pockets where land-dwellers could breathe.
But most of the settlement was underwater—Alex could see it through the crystal-clear shallows. Buildings of mother-of-pearl and abalone shell, gardens of swaying sea plants, mer-people swimming between structures with effortless grace.
There had to be hundreds of them.
[POPULATION ESTIMATE: 400-600 mer-people
SETTLEMENT TYPE: Permanent reef city
THREAT LEVEL: Low (they're curious, not hostile)
AESTHETIC RATING: Absolutely stunning]
