9

You slacken your body and concentrate on the vibrations of the deep sea noise: "SQUID. They are attacking us, they are fighting back, our minds hurt, we call upon your help, Everwardens, you must respond." That sounds serious. The on-duty merfolk will go to rescue them, but you feel a twinge of guilt that you can't. You shake yourself and refocus on Estre and Arraia. They're two Everwardens themselves, but they didn't take the time to listen to the message. Their own news must be dire. Or maybe they're just not on duty.

Estre does a quick scan of the area while Arraia speaks. "I'm so glad we found you," she says. "It's about Tephra." She takes a moment to catch her breath, although it feels like there's some additional hesitation in there as well.