Swamped

For a good while, the answer seems to be nothing. You feel your own presence, but you can't tell where you are. You're surrounded by emptiness.

Then, all of a sudden, it becomes a cold emptiness. Then a wet emptiness.

And then, it's water. You're surrounded by water on all sides. You're even finding it hard to breathe... until, suddenly, you feel the breather mask on your face.

If this were reality, you doubt it would be enough. But this is a dream, so it will do. You start to feel a presence, and swim towards it.

What you find is a grand underwater throne. It doesn't look like the sort of throne a human would make - there are no jewels, and it doesn't look comfortable to sit on. It looks like it grew from the waters themselves.

But it also looks beautiful, in a way you couldn't explain. Glorious.

And Nual is sitting on it. You can't actually see him - but you know he's there, somehow.

And he's dying.

I am far in the future, he bubbles weakly. His voice lacks its usual strength. In the time you are in, the time you came from - I have not learned to speak to the past. It is only now, with my existence nearing its end, that I can reach backwards. And now, I need you to save me.

What must I do? you ask.

From the time you are in, my most sacred of days is approaching. It comes but once a century. On that day, my power will be at its strongest - but, without your help, that will be the last time the day comes. And that is why I have sent you to this time, for you are the one mortal whose mind I have been able to touch so directly. You are the only one I can ask to act.

He goes silent for a while, before finally gurgling out his request.

SpoilerShow

Started posting before I got a suggestion. Obviously what this means is that Nual is a sexy mer-person.