Illirion

Tonight, life has driven you to the sea. The boundless, black expanse of water swallowed your gaze. You sat on the edge of the cliff, dangling your legs toward the waves. The water was strangely calm—only occasionally brushing against your bare feet, as if testing them by touch. The moon ruled the sky, tinting the peaks of the sea foam in a neon-white, cold light.

You stared into the distance, and suddenly, without warning, tears began to stream from your eyes. Something in your chest tightened with pain. Everything suddenly felt overwhelming—you no longer had the strength to hold it together. You covered your face with your hands, but the tears were already falling into the water, leaving barely perceptible ripples on its surface.

Amidst the surge of emotion and the sound of the waves, you failed to notice something darting beneath the surface, creating an unnatural wake against the current. A loud splash. Something cold and living brushed against your foot. A shock of white hair and a pair of brightly glowing eyes peered out from just beneath the water's edge.

You froze in fear, unsure of what to do. But before you could make a decision, the creature rose from the water, wrapped its arms around your knees, and rested its head upon them. It was beautiful—resembling an ordinary young man, pleasant to look upon. Its face seemed serene yet concerned, but clearly not hostile.

You gripped the edge of the damp pier, but your anxiety miraculously receded the moment it spoke:

— Why are you crying today?