the foothills [Lore] Melodia

[Dubstep]

Melodia - Jewel of the Eastern Sea

 

Off on the Eastern shore of Equestria, nestled neatly on a stretch of land between Itaily and Germaney, sits a quiet little village where ponies, griffons, and even qilin and longma from Long Guo all make their living by trade, selling the bounties of the sea such as pearls and coral jewelry, or the unique inks made from the glowing plankton that gather on the shores. To most this unassuming little town by the waves wouldn’t register as anything out of the ordinary. Friendly villagers, a thriving seaside market, ships pulling in and out of the nearby docks. But a keen eye and a sharp ear may catch a thing or two that seems out of place.

 

Through the middle of the village runs a paved road, innocuous enough itself as it winds through the town. But the curious part comes when one follows the street straight through the town and to the shore, where it goes directly into the sea. Upon these shores, one can hear the faintest of singing, beautiful voices ringing out between the sounds of the lapping waves. If an intrepid pony were to take a dive beneath the serene waters, they would find just what makes this ‘little’ village extraordinary!

 

Hidden deep beneath the waves sits Melodia, the beautiful and thriving city of the Sirens. Built long ago by a small band of Sirens, Melodia started off as many cities do — a small village of close friends. Chosen for its naturally calm waters, Melodia was settled in an area surrounded by walls of coral that stretched for many miles, making it a safe haven for not only the Sirens, but also for the myriad sea life that made their home there.

 

As time passed, the village grew as more Sirens and sea ponies came to settle in the underwater valley. Homes made of ancient sea shells and carefully carved coral that fell from the reefs were soon cropping up all around the burgeoning Melodia, and before long the little village grew into a little city of its own.

 

But Melodia’s growth wouldn’t stop there. Sirens, known widely for their beautiful and oft times hypnotic voices, are wont to sing. And sailors who aren’t careful may sometimes find themselves distracted, if only for a moment. But that moment was usually enough for them to find their boats getting stuck upon the massive walls of coral that lay just out of sight beneath the waters.

 

The citizens of Melodia often are a helpful sort and had no problem with aiding the poor stranded sailors free their ships and repair their vessels. Many a ship sailed away from Melodia, carrying warnings of the waters around there being treacherous due to the unseen walls of coral that lay there, and tales of the helpful Sirens and sea ponies that aided in their escapes. Those unlucky few who found their ships torn asunder though, were met with the Siren’s hospitality. Taking the torn and broken pieces of their ships, the Sirens and sea ponies would help their land dwelling friends build new homes for themselves to live in upon the shore, leading to the little hamlet that sits there today.

 

And while the little village on the shore isn’t much to look at, Melodia itself lives up to its name as the Jewel of the Eastern Sea. Tall and elaborate buildings made of coral and glass line the outer streets of the city, while the older more quaint shell buildings come to play towards the center. The business district on the southwestern side of the city houses many shops, such as jewelry stores and clothing boutiques, while the residential district sits on the southeast side.

 

The most impressive area in Melodia however, is their arts district. Taking nearly the entirety of the city’s northern half, the arts district houses a plethora of music shops, art galleries, and recording studios. But the crowning jewel is undeniably the Melodia Concert Hall. A large domed structure built near the northern coral wall, the Concert Hall is decorated with hundreds of glistening pearls, polished stones, and strings of lights made from the bioluminescent plankton from the upper shores.

 

So if you happen to find yourself wandering the eastern shore of Equestria and come across a quiet little seaside village? Stay awhile, take in the sights, enjoy a swim. You may just find yourself going home with a story or two to tell!

~Sea Shore To Sea Bed: An Aquatic Compendium

Ashley ‘Ash’ Ravencrest