For his conservation work, Lir spent some time around Mua Pel'Am exploring the sea cave and surveying the island. He excelled at being a conservationist.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51716299270_b9f8a4c054_c.jpgFor Lir, cleaning up the beach was important, but the way humans polluted the seas and the shores frustrated him.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51715695883_6aca2329aa_b.jpgOne of his focuses for a study was the plants that grew around the Caldera Eco Center, they seemed to be able to thrive in spite of their close proximity to the most active part of the volcano. Lir suspected that the soil must be exceptionally fertile closer to peak of the Mount Mua Pel'Am.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51715695853_d3df1a3183_b.jpgWhen Lir got home one evening, he received a phone call from his father.
Kylen: "I just wanted to check in on you. One of the Sapphire Princes were cursed."
Lir: "I'm fine father. But, how did you find out about this? I haven't noticed anything strange."
Kylen: "Their father noticed, and he came to me for advice. I couldn't really help him, and he decided to let his sons figure things out on their own since they are mermen. I wanted to let you know that I think the curse has something to do with Vampires. If you can figure out more, that would be a huge help. I'm at my wits end."
Lir: "I'll see what I can find out."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51715695828_cc993f2002_c.jpgAfter the phone call, Lir did some digging into Vampires. Aside from the typical vampires, there were a few instances of Island Elementals being Vampires, in particular the Dark Earth Elementals. The Dark Earth Elementals weren't evil, but their Elemental Nature would not mix with a Water or Air Elemental's nature. After further digging, he discovered that a Dark Earth Elementals Nature could corrupt a water or air elemental if the Island of Mua Pel'Am was polluted. The natures of the elementals were intricately tied together in a delicate balance. Lir knew that Island Humans believed Mua Pel'Am was the center of power for all Elementals. He also knew that the Shrine that kept the Elements in Balance was cared for by the Zalrian Royal Family. Beyond that, he couldn't figure out much more from the online rumors, lore, and island culture sites.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51714634737_3470750f74_b.jpgTo clear his mind, Lir did more painting. He took to painting like his dad. He didn't inherit his father's musical talents, but he was talented with a paint brush.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51716093184_f44c8fd8f3_b.jpgWhen Lir returned to Mua Pel'Am, he continued his survey of the Island Plants. His research yielded fascinating results. The Fires of the Volcano yielded some of the most fertile soils and the land was starting to thrive. It was clear that the Island was recovering with the new plant life and flowers blooming. He did have some concerns about the island closest to the sea. It was suffering, and the island shores and sea couldn't be more trash free. If the Spirit of the Sea was somehow corrupted, it would explain the suffering sea. The scientific community would never accept that answer though.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51716299755_db966d0eb2_b.jpgAfter work, Lir spotted Krista. The Fey World of Newcrest had a new museum open up, and Lir thought it would be a great place for a date.
Lir: "How about we go on a date at the Elderwood Museum. They just opened, and I heard that they have some amazing art on display."
Krista: "Sounds like a date. Sure, I'll go."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51714634632_e19802a15d_b.jpgLir: "See what I mean, there's artwork for everyone, and the place is perfect for enjoying some time together."
Krista: "The artwork is beautiful."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51716093089_08e302e8d6_b.jpgThe couple left the exhibit and went to the Sculpture Garden.
Lir bowed and gave Krista a suave kiss. "None of the Art is as beautiful as you."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51716093074_9774becb86_b.jpgAfter the date, the couple said their farewells and parted ways. Lir went home and decided to look for more lore involving Vampires and the Elementals. The book yielded some helpful answers. Apparently, there was a cure for Vampirism, and the Cure could restore a corrupted Elemental.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51716299675_6bc393cc79_z.jpgThe possibility of restoring the cursed prince pushed him to dig deeper. Lost in the pages of lore, day turned to night. Lir learned that not all Earth Elementals had dark attributes and were vampires. Other Earth Elementals had light attributes. The nature of the Earth Elementals involved a balance between the Sun and Moon, and it was from those celestial elements that a cure could set things right. As of yet, none of the books he read told him what the cure was.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51714634507_31d1b309a0_b.jpgThe next day, Lir spent some time working on a conservation article. He described the importance of maintaining the delicate balance in nature. He didn't include anything about the Elementals and Merfolk in his article. Humans wouldn't believe that fey actively played a role in maintaining the beauty and serenity of Sulani.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51715695618_cedd512a34_b.jpgLir's Article was a huge success and he ended up getting promoted to being a Marine Biologist. He was excited to survey marine life, and he worked late into the night after his promotion.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51715695598_d7a65ce956_b.jpghttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51714634467_715c5b7dea_b.jpg----------
Back in San Myshuno, Damion decided to check on Sarah's progress. He didn't care if he had the Souls of three Princes or the Soul of a Darkfin. He just wanted a new addition to his collection.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51716299625_1b6482cd80_b.jpgDamion approached Sarah. Sarah scowled at the sight of the Elemental.
Damion: "So, I gave you the info on the Princes, and I just found out that our little merman celebrated a Birthday. I thought you would have their souls by now."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51715695583_26418ca18f_b.jpgSarah: "I almost had the little merman, but his dads got in the way. You already know that though. I'm working on a new plan."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51716299610_b753124b95_b.jpgDamion: "Ah, I could sense the disruption to the balance when you corrupted one of the Sapphire Princes. I thought I told you to leave them to me. You just have to swipe the tomes their spirits are bound too. I can handle the rest."
Sarah: "I'm looking for a cure to con him into giving up the tome in exchange for freedom from his curse."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51715431031_3c168005b8_c.jpgDamion: "That would be a genius plan... if you already had the cure. Let's just hope no one beats you to it."
Sarah: "I have all the time in the world. No one will piece together the magic that I used to Poison the Sapphire Prince. If he doesn't burn to death first, I'll have his tome."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51716299585_9067d5937d_b.jpgDamion: "You merfolk are so interesting. I mean it. I truly can't wait to have one of your souls in my collection. I look forward to seeing how you fail miserably. Don't worry, I'm asking for three souls from you, so I'll give you time."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51715695548_56703701c1_b.jpgDamion: "But, if you think you can't fulfill your end of the bargain, I can take your soul now. Just kidding, I'll continue to give you any new information I learn about the Princes. Best of Luck!"
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51714634382_8bdfa37f99_b.jpg-------
It was the start of the a long awaited week of Island Festivals. Lir learned the cure for the Curse that corrupted the Spirit of the Sea. He also managed to convince Juniper to convince his brother to meet him at Wayfarer's Atoll on Mua Pel'Am. The requirements for the cure were very specific. Dylan needed to be in the Daylight and where the Elemental Energies Converged, but close to the sea. The cure was a vile concoction that he couldn't imagine drinking.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51716299530_a0a01b3708_b.jpgWhen Lir met with Dylan, he saw the blue mark on his arm, the Mark of the Curse. He didn't need to see the mark to also see how much the curse had twisted Dylan's appearance.
Lir: "So, this will help you out. I think it would help the island recover if you were feeling a little better."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51715431406_e4518b2a78_b.jpgDylan looked inside the gift. "If this is what I think it is, I couldn't ask for a better gift. Thank you."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51716092814_53783d9958_b.jpgWhen Dylan drank the potion, he felt his heart burn and dark energies began to swirl around him. At first, he felt searing pain in his veins, and then, he lost control of his form, reverting to his natural merman form.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51714634322_6041f02cc9_b.jpgBefore long, but not fast enough, the darkness gave way to light, and Dylan floated in the air. He channeled his energies and regained his ability to shapeshift into his human disguise.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51715695468_ca40abe00b_b.jpgThe light began to shine brighter, and finally, Dylan was cured.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51714634302_517dc123d2_b.jpgAfter he regained his composure, Lir started a club with Dylan. Both princes were now victims of a Darkfins hostile actions. Why they were getting targeted was beyond them, but they decided to stick together. Lir told Dylan about getting abducted and his spirit put under the influence of a Siren's Lullaby. Dylan explained that he received the cursed Mermadic Kelp from a mysterious fan that approached his younger brother. They concluded that it was probably the same mermaid.
As the night set in, the two princes left for the Ohan'Ali Surf Bar for some fun. Lir sang with his mermadic vocals during the gathering after leaving the dance floor.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51716092729_2ced515d0b_b.jpgThe next morning, the two princes parted ways and Lir greeted Krista with a kiss. The Darkfin was causing problems, but she was also uniting her victims against her. Lir was happy that Krista hadn't encountered her.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51715431261_4160eff0ac_b.jpgAt the Flower and Music Festival, Lir gave Krista a rose with a note.
"You're my angel fish, my most treasured pearl in the seven seas."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51716299425_b3f2743dfd_c.jpgThe mood was just right, so the abalone prince kneeled and proposed to Krista.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51714633997_7861623072_b.jpgKrista said yes and they kissed. Lir grasped his chest, his heart fluttered as light and swift as a flying fish.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51716092689_0c914709b2_b.jpgThe next day, the couple had a traditional merfolk wedding and kissed on the beach before returning home. While they were in the mood, they tried for a baby.
