Darya (Dah-REE-yah)

Located beneath the crystal-clear waters of the Living Ocean, lies the fascinating kingdom of Darya, the land of the hetaceans. Darya is the third-largest underwater kingdom after Malik and Sharul. It stretches from the continent of Elentiya in the south to the landbridge that connects Aeron and Morana in the north. This kingdom shares borders with the terrestrial regions of Kalon and the Sorin Desert on Elentiya and the Frozen Horn Mountains on Aeron. Its underwater neighbours include Oriana in the northeast, Malik in the west, Sharul in the south and the Flaming Strait in the southeast. It does not share a border with Nimue.
Darya boasts mesmerising kelp forests, colourful coral reefs and protective underwater trenches. Most hetacean settlements are built in such dips in the ocean floor as they provide shelter from the currents that run through Darya and protection from predators and enemies. The largest underwater trench is located more or less in the middle of Darya and is home to the capital, Sereia. To the north of Sereia flows the Perenna Current, the longest and strongest current of Aonaran's oceans that is used by the inhabitants as well as the fauna as a means of transportation to other regions of the ocean.

Darya features a few different ecosystems within its borders that are all characterised by a large diversity of marine mammals and fish as well as a multitude of kelp, algae and coral species that all live in harmony with the hetaceans.
The mesmerising coral reefs of Darya are mostly found in the shallower regions near the coasts of Elentiya and Aeron, but also around Sereia, the capital of Darya. They often stretch far beyond the borders of Darya into the other underwater kingdoms. These reefs support an incredible variety of smaller fish, invertebrates, and a vast array of the Living Ocean's corals.
The large kelp forests are one of Darya's key features. They thrive all over the kingdom and serve as food sources for the hetaceans but also as a shelter for various fish, invertebrates and marine mammals and as camouflage for predators.
The most notable ecosystems that exist within Darya are the underwater trenches. These dips in the ocean floor brim with life, not only thanks to the hetacean settlements but also due to the diverse marine species that coexist with the humanoids such as whales, schools of fish, invertebrates and some predatory species.

Darya's ecosystems have their unique cycles following Aonaran's five seasons. Every season brings different benefits and challenges to the underwater realm.

Rain Season
This season sees increased rainfall on the continents but also over the oceans. The increased cloud cover affects photosynthesis-dependant flora such as kelp and algae, which however still benefit from the nutrients being flushed into the ocean by the rainfall and carried throughout the ocean by the currents. The same goes for the marine life of Darya. Fish and invertebrates use this last influx of food to breed one last time before the harsher months, while mammals such as whales use it to put on fat reserves. The hetaceans ensure during this time that their harvests of kelp and algae are as nutrient-rich as they can be.

Leaf Season
The Leaf Seasons brings the harvesting season for the hetaceans when the temperatures of the currents begin to cool and storage for the Frost months needs filling. The cooling of the currents also signals to the migrating marine animals of Darya that it is time for migration. Most of these creatures move to Oriana, the kingdom of the nymphs, in the northeast, while some move south through Sharul and Nimue or southeast through the Flaming Strait.

Frost Season
The coldest of Aonaran's seasons sees a tranquillity in Darya that is unusual for the vibrant underwater kingdom. With the currents reaching their coldest temperatures, the hetaceans mostly stay at home, conserving energy and spending time with their loved ones and families. Most marine animals are either in their respective regions to await the passing of the Frost months or have entered a state of hibernation.

Bloom Season
With the warming of the currents comes the renewing season of Aonaran. Marine animals migrate back home to Darya or awaken back from their hibernation. Coral reefs and kelp forests begin flourishing and brimming with life with the increased sunlight and nutrients the currents bring. Hetaceans become more active, taking part in hunts, going out to gather or taking care of the new crop cycle. This is also one of the procreating seasons for the hetaceans. Usually during the bloom season, mature young hetaceans come together in a festival of love to find a partner for life. This festival spawns the entire two months that Bloom lasts, often ending in young couples proclaiming their love to the village and having a ceremony held during the following seasons.

Sun Season
The warmest and most abundant time of the year comes with the peaking of the currents' temperatures. The first harvests ripen during these months, the marine animals reach their top activity levels and Darya flourishes once more. These months also bring the birth of most mammal offspring, ensuing celebrations to welcome the new life into the communities.

Next to being one of the most beautiful underwater realms of the Living Ocean, Darya features two distinct phenomena that can only be experienced within this kingdom.
Kelp Mazes are naturally occurring labyrinths within the wild kelp forests of Darya. The dense kelp acts as walls and ceilings that are impenetrable even for some smaller fish species. For native species, these mazes can turn into safe havens from outside threats, while for nonnative organisms, they can become deadly traps. Over the years, there have been some scattered legends within the hetacean communities about legendary treasures within these mazes. None have ever been confirmed.
Whale Sinfonias are enchanting musical displays that involve the hetaceans and the whales of Darya. During the Leaf season, many of the whale species begin migrating to their respective retreat for the colder months and then during the early Bloom, they migrate back to Darya. Due to their history as whale shifters, the hetaceans have a deep relationship with these large marine mammals. Every time the whales migrate to and from Darya, the hetaceans and the whales sing together, once sounding melancholic and once sounding ecstatic. With these displays, they bear open their souls to each other, a testimony to their deep relationship.

Being an underwater kingdom, Darya's climate is shaped by the temperature and oceanic currents of the Living Ocean, as well as the characteristics of the land borders it shares with Aeron and Elentiya. It does not experience traditional terrestrial weather patterns.
Having two deserts as its neighbours influences Darya's climate near these borders significantly. Usually, the regions closer to the deserts are warmer than those further away from the coast, especially during the Sun Season.
In addition, the contrast in temperature between the deserts and the waters of Darya creates onshore and offshore winds. These winds have their advantages and disadvantages. The offshore winds going from the ocean into the deserts bring clouds from the ocean with them and thus ensure a milder climate on the desert's immediate shores. The onshore winds going from the desert out to the ocean often reduce visibility due to the dust and sand particles carried by them. However, these particles also carry micronutrients with them that the ecosystems around the shore have the ability to absorb.
The onshore winds also affect some ocean currents that flow past the shores. Often, the winds influence the currents in such a way that coastal upwelling is created, in which case deeper nutrient-rich waters are whirled up and better distributed by the currents.
Darya's eastern border with the Frozen Horn Mountains affects the immediate coastal line and the Perenna current that flows past it. In general, the coast's waters are colder due to their proximity to the region.
During the Frost months, the frigid conditions cause sea ice formation in the nearby ocean. This causes the surrounding regions of Darya to be more insulated and have less heat exchange with the atmosphere, making the cold months more mild.
Despite the insulation from the sea ice, the Perenna current still carries frigid waters from the Flaming Strait to the underwater kingdoms. Due to the activity of the hydras in this area of the Living Ocean, the water of the Flaming Strait never freezes over. This causes the water that the Perenna current carries to become colder and denser during the Frost months. The result is a slower-flowing current carrying fewer nutrients into the underwater kingdoms, which affects the underwater flora and thus the underwater fauna as well.

Darya is a vibrant kingdom full of unique marine creatures and plant life. All live in harmony and are well-respected by the other.

Fauna
Of course, Darya would not exist without the hetaceans. The human-whale-hybrids are the protectors of the underwater kingdom and ensure its safety as well as its natural balance. Living in a symbiotic relationship with the hetaceans are many different large and small whale species. The larger whales are called singers, while the smaller whales are called whistlers, based on the different sounds they make. Hetaceans and whales share a deep connection and assist each other in navigation, protection, and hunting for food. Whistlers are often companions to the hetaceans assisting with farm work and herding schools of fish and even domestic mammals. Shinies are herring-like fish that live in large schools all around Darya. They are a favourite food of hetaceans and whales alike. Huggers are formidable squid-like predators that lurk in the deeper regions of Darya. They are the natural enemies of the whales and often challenge the hetaceans and whales during their hunting expeditions. Floaters, a shelled reptile known for their gentle and wise nature, are believed to be the protectors of the coral reefs and are revered by the hetaceans. Floofs are agile hunters, skilled at catching fast-swimming prey, and often interact with the hetaceans and whales during joint hunting activities. Tiny, bioluminescent beings known as sprites inhabit the coral reefs of Darya. They play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the coral by warding off harmful parasites and diseases. Squills are small, burrowing shrimp-like crustaceans that dart in and out of the sandy ocean floor, creating intricate patterns and air pockets beneath the surface. They are a source of fascination for hetacean children who often try to catch them. Nurturers are a type of delicate jellyfish that use their tentacles to gently remove debris from the coral structures, aiding in their preservation and growth. Darya is home to diverse species of seahorses that congregate in large herds among the kelp forests. They play an essential role in maintaining the health of the kelp by grazing on algae and small invertebrates. Snappers are shrimp-like crustaceans known for their powerful claws, which they use to hunt and defend their territories. They are colourful and fiercely territorial creatures that live among the coral reefs and kelp forests. Stingers are small, dedicated fish that make their homes among the venomous tentacles of sea anemones. They protect the anemones from predators and, in return, benefit from the anemones' stinging defences against potential threats. Beakers are responsible for the constant remodelling of coral reefs. They feed on algae and dead coral, excreting fine sand that contributes to the creation of new coral formations. Their vibrant colours and beak-like mouths make them distinctive reef inhabitants. Zappers produce electric shocks to navigate and communicate with one another. Their presence adds an electrifying element to the ecosystem, and hetaceans have learned to coexist with them by respecting their territory. Squeakers are manatee-like docile mammals that float around kelp forests and sea grass plains. They are one of the animals that the hetaceans domesticated over the years. Pearlies are another domesticated animal of the hetaceans. These shelled molluscs are kept for the valuable pearls they produce. In return, they get protection from their predators and a safe space to live and procreate.

Flora
The plant life of Darya is just as diverse as the fauna. Towering kelp species known as giant kelp form underwater forests, providing shelter and sustenance for various marine creatures. Bullwhip kelp, recognisable by its long, flexible fronds, is often used by hetaceans for ropes and bindings. Feather kelp is another kelp species that forms underwater forests, providing shelter for marine creatures and blindingly colourful displays for predators. A green filamentous algae, mermaid's hair forms dense mats along the ocean floor and rocks. Named for its vibrant colours, rainbow seaweed adds a splash of beauty to the underwater environment. Fireweed creates lush, fiery-coloured beds that are both beautiful and essential to the ecosystem. Velvet seaweed has a soft, velvety texture and is a favourite snack for many herbivorous marine species. Beadlet anemone is a kind of small, red anemone that clusters on rocks and provides shelter for small fish. Tube anemones burrow into the sandy ocean floor and extend their long, tentacle-covered bodies to catch passing prey. Hooded nettles are massive anemones with vibrant tentacles that host stingers and other small creatures that can withstand their poisonous nature. Brain corals, named for their intricate, convoluted appearance, form colonies that provide shelter for small fish. With branching, antler-like structures, horn coral is an iconic part of the coral reef ecosystem. Squishy coral is a soft coral species that resembles pink, inflated bubbles, adding a touch of whimsy to the reefs. Despite its name, fire coral is a hard red coral that can deliver a painful sting when touched.

Darya's natural resources are of a wide variety. They not only contribute to the economic well-being of Darya but also hold cultural, artistic, and scientific value.
Kelp forests of different species give many different crafting materials for the hetaceans. Ropes, clothing, decorations and even dyes are often crafted using the different kelp species found throughout the kingdom.
The diverse species of seaweed and algae in Darya are cultivated in underwater farms for various purposes. They are harvested for food, as ingredients for traditional hetacean cuisine, and for the production of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and fertilizers.
Pearls are highly regarded in Darya. They are considered a special gift from the pearlies that create them as a thank you for protection. The time and effort it takes for the pearlies to create a pearl is immense, which makes them rare and valuable.
Coral reefs are not only a vibrant part of the ecosystem but also serve as a valuable resource. Corals can be harvested for their hard skeletons, which can be used in crafting jewellery, intricate sculptures, and even architectural elements within hetacean settlements. Additionally, corals are essential for reef-based fisheries, as they provide habitat and shelter for various marine species.
Darya is rich in a variety of seashell species, each unique in shape, size, and colour. Seashells are collected for their aesthetic value and are often used for ornamentation, decoration, and even in the creation of musical instruments.
Darya's waters are home to a variety of sea sponges with unique textures and properties. Sea sponges are harvested for their commercial value, as they are used in the creation of bath and cleaning sponges, exfoliating products, and even in certain medical applications.
Hetaceans intricately believe that everything has a purpose, even death. This belief has led to naturally deceased creatures being harvested for various resources such as chitinous exoskeletons from crustaceans and whale oil from deceased whales. Despite this practice, it is a serious crime to kill any creature simply to enrich oneself and is punishable by death.

In the year 6.335 HT, Darya was nothing but a small community of the very first hetaceans. The former whale shifters found themselves out in the open ocean after a violent storm had torn them away from the shores of Keitha, the country of the shifters. They were faced with a difficult choice: Stay in their human form and drown once exhaustion claimed them or attempt a transformation and possibly survive. Finally, they decided to transform despite knowing that they would not have enough magic to transform fully. In the end, they ran out of magic mid-transformation and found themselves in the hybrid state the hetaceans display today. The shock of the grotesque mixture quickly brought disarray into the group, but luckily a brave young woman stepped up to calm the rising panic. Riva of Darya reminded her group that they were resilient and strong enough to stick together through a violent storm and that if they put their mind to it, they could accomplish anything. With their spirits lifted once more, the newly born hetaceans agreed with Riva and began searching for a place to call home. They quickly discovered they could breathe underwater, unlike any whale species, which meant they could build a home on the ground of the ocean. At a fork of the Perenna current, where the stream splits to go south to what is now known as Sharul and southwest to head into what is now known as Malik, the group settled down in one of the underwater trenches and founded the first-ever settlement of Darya, Cara. Riva was shortly after voted to become the leader of the small village and with that she was the first leader of the hetaceans.
Over time, the hetacean population grew in number and branched out to the north. Soon, the territory in which hetaceans lived spanned from Elentiya to Aeron. Around the year 4.750 HT, Darya was founded as an underwater kingdom by the rulers of each hetacean village. They crowned the leaders of the largest settlement, Sereia, as their king and queen and named the city the capital. With this, King Olvan and Queen Valda were the first rulers of Darya and of the hetacean population.
When the catastrophe hit Mortea, the now Dead Ocean, in the year 1.339 HT, the hetaceans were equally as concerned as the fairy queens of Aeron and Elentiya and the Tree of Life. It was the driving reason that when the fairy queen of Aeron approached the hetaceans half a year later with her proposal of creating fairies for the ocean, the hetaceans immediately wanted to help. A group of selected hetaceans was then transformed to be the fairies of the Living Ocean, who would later be known as nymphs.