The Ocean's Song (pt. 1) (Going through edits)

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For years, no, her whole life, Naida Muriel has been attracted to the sea. It's rhythmic tide, soothing waves, powerful potential, and the way it seemed to sing to her when she was alone. All of her friends claimed they heard no singing, whether they were alone or with her. Yet, before dawn, before the birds sang, before the sun rose, and when the fog still clung to the sand dunes, she would walk down to the sandy shore and listen to the music of the ocean, singing meaningful lyrics in a language unknown to her. But she didn't need to know the words to know they were for her, her heart told her so.

She would stand on a cliff, overlooking the navy blue sea, and paint. She'd been painting since she was six and over fourteen years her talents have become breathtaking. She would paint when the sea was calm, she would paint when it was rough, but her favorite scene to paint was when the sun was just rising over the horizon and washed the sky with a hundred splendid colors. A heavenly glow cast over the dark sea that seemed to blend with the pink and purple swathed sky. Today, she was recreating that setting with the help of her brush and a gentle hand.

Fueled with passion from the ocean's special song to her, her brush slid across the canvas with grace and expertise, smooth strokes blending colors with ease. Joy swelled in her heart as she did what she loved most, portraying the songs the ocean sang.

She closed her eyes and smiled peacefully as a gentle breeze brushed her cheeks bringing with it the smell of salt and sand. She let the wind embrace her and sweep her hair across her face, unaware of the storm brewing behind her.

She sighed with satisfaction and opened her eyes to again admire her painting. The wind began to pick up as she packed up her art supplies and when she reached to put away the painting, a vile wind swept the cliff and sent Naida's precious painting toppling off the face of the cliff, into the waves below. She cried out and ran after the painting, and stopped at the edge, stretching out her hand, though her work was now long out of reach. Despite her sobs, the wind was merciless and whipped around her, putting her off balance. It was when she stood up that the wind overtook her and sent her to join her painting.

She was falling, and there was no hope of being saved from the cold, merciless claws of death. As she fell, she thought back to all the joyous memories the ocean had brought her as the wind consumed her, roaring like a beast in pain.

The shells, she loved them so much. She always seemed to find the most beautiful, rare, or special ones when the ocean sang. Her favorites, the calico scallop, just happened to be the one that washed up the most.

The animals, so many times had she been awed by these encounters. Whether it was a curious pod of dolphins checking her out as she swam, sea turtles making their nest, a hermit crab hauling an impressive shell, or even just a tropical fish darting by her feet, the animals were inspiring and were featured in many of her paintings.

The reef, the closest place to another world. About once a week, she'd put on her scuba gear and swim to a reef, not too far from shore. Every color below the sun and under the sea was displayed in coral of all shapes, sizes, and multitudes. Dazzling fish darted through the pockmarked rocks, and eels glared at any passersby from their small caves, and sometimes she'd even see a small shark, though she was never afraid, for she knew it was no threat.

The waves, gracefully powerful. Whether she was falling asleep in her hammock to the sound of the lapping waves, or watched from her window as they beat relentlessly against the shore, or somewhere between where she'd watch surfers enjoy the wonderful day and perfect waves. Every wave sent out a ripple of calm, and respect for nature's forces.

And the songs, oh, the beautiful songs. Even if she was just hearing things, the music that radiated from the water seemed to touch her soul in a way nothing else could. It filled her heart, rang in her bones, and made her feel as if she could fly. Though the words were indiscernible, she knew what they spoke of, after all, the songs were for her, she was sure of it.