In the end of the blue ocean, farthest from the visible horizon and where waters shone crystal clear, and waves in dancing gradually swayed to the rhythm of the winds, was another mere mystic place unknown to all but the merfolk: Aeolis. It is the most resplendent place anyone might ever have wished for-the underwater world reflecting colours of numerous shades in its sea, and coral reefs which shine like jewels. It possessed a sacred spring that spilled the purest water from all the seas, called the Tears of the Sea.
It was said that it was the tears of a goddess from antediluvian times when the world was young. The Tears of the Sea could heal any illness, soothe the most turbulent storms, and even revive drowned coral reefs. But it had a powerful enchantment surrounding it: only one who was pure in heart and had love for the ocean that had no limits would be able to use such miraculous waters.
They selected Neryssa as the mermaid; a young and gentle soul who had long sensed the deep affinity she had for the ocean and its denizens. While the treasures of the sunken ship had enthralled her peers, Neryssa was fascinated by the well-being of the sea's inhabitants; often to be found taking care of an injured dolphin, singing to the whales, or restoring delicate coral formations.
One day, a terrible sickness swept across the ocean. The coral reefs, the very lifeblood of the sea, began to wither and die. Fish became scarce, and the waters grew darker and more turbulent. Merfolk fearful for their future turned to the elders for guidance. These wise and ancient people knew that only one hope lay before them-the Tears of the Sea.
However, the way to the sacred spring was threatened with terror. It was guarded by the Leviathan, the so-called sea dragon that had lain there for centuries submerged in the dark wave. The Leviathan gorged again only if the sea got threatened. The enchantment that bound the time cycle was such that it would let a passage only to whom it considered worthy.
Neryssa, with her heart full of sorrow but determination, volunteered to embark on the journey. She was directed by an abundance of love for the ocean and a sense of duty that she had ever been trained upon since her childhood. Under the blessing of the elders, she left to face the seas.
This journey was perilous and long. Neryssa faced many trials: whirlpools of fierce power and the grasps of a monstrous kraken that strove to ensnare her. During her journey, she encountered ghosts of sailors lost at sea who sought to entice her away from her course with claims of wealth and power. However Neryssa's resolve, and unspoiled heart resisted all those temptations and kept her going.
She finally reached the bottom where the Leviathan resided. The mammoth serpent, with scales of black as night, and eyes of glowing coals rose from the deep to confront her. Its bellow shake the bottom of the ocean; its eyes bore into her soul as they searched for any sign of fear or doubt.
Neryssa stood up to them. She sang a song about the ocean's beauty, harmony that once was, and about love for living things. The Leviathan heard in her voice the sincerity and purity, and recognized in her the one who saved the ocean. It bowed its head down and let her go.
Neryssa reached the sacred spring, and with a prayer of thanksgiving, she filled a conch shell with the Tears of the Sea. As she did that, the waters began to glow with a radiant light, and she felt the healing power coursing through her. Now was the time to return to her people and save the ocean.
When Neryssa returned to the island of Aeolis, she poured the Tears of the Sea into the waters surrounding the island. Immediately, the darkened waters brightened, the coral reefs began to renew, and the fish returned in numbers. The sickness of the ocean disappeared, and peace and renewal washed over the merfolk.
Neryssa's selfless act of bravery became legend and the ocean flourished once more, its beauty restored to former glories. Merfolk honored Neryssa as the Guardian of the Sea; the Tears of the Sea continued to flow as a reminder of the love of the goddess and the mermaid who saved the ocean with her pure heart.
And thus, the tale of Neryssa and the Tears of the Sea became an eternal history, spoken from generation to generation to mer and sea creatures. It was a love story, a sacrifice, and something unbreakable between a mermaid and the ocean, in which she had had her name written. The legend lived on inspiring all who heard it to cherish and protect the sea, source of life and endless wonder.
