by David Attinburrow

Ealei! The island nation known for the grandest of elder tree's, Yggdrasil. But, beneath its boughs and branches, lies a perilous ocean full of life. 

 

Hidden among the various mangrove roots and small rocky outcroppings peeking from the lapping ocean waters, a small crustatean appears. It's mottled green and brown carapace, helps it blend into the surrounding mangrove roots.  He rests on a large root, gently cleaning his eyes with his front legs. Oh! He appears to have spotted something... or, should I say, someone?

 

A female!

 

At first, the male crustacean cautiously approaches his potential mate. As he gets closer, he stops.... and abruptly he whips out his smaller back legs up, waving them up and about. He dances, skillfully, with much practice. His back legs shimmer in the sunlight a shimmering blue-white, mimicking the watery ripples of the ocean below. The female watches with great interest, she scuttles around him, determined to scrutinise his dance from every angle.

 

But, little do our duo know... that a sharp-eyed predator awaits below....

 

A pointed flying fish! Known for its ability to fly out of the water in short bursts it's a local delicacy. Their thin sheer wing-like fins, help power their ability to leap out of the waters. Their silvery blue sheen helps them blend into the shallow waters. These fish enjoy swimming around the roots of mangroves native to Ealei, often in schools of fish when they're young, nibbling on barnacles that grow on rocks, or smaller shrimp. However, as they age and grow they leave their schools behind in search of bigger prey.  This one appears to be, a  large female... and she is hungry and waiting, for the right moment for lunch... 

 

SUDDENLY, FLASH!Our fearless dancer has disappeared. The female crustacean scuttles to hide under the mangrove roots. Oh dear. It appears our lead male crustaceon, has been gobbled up! Bother. The female pointed-flying fish, fully sated with her meal, swims away, and thus life as we know it continues in the grand world of the Eyre.