Halloween '23 Bonfire

Mockingbird swam down to where Merle was waiting for her; it was almost time for the bonfire! Her long, curly hair flowed behind her as she swam. The dark, murky water was hard to see in, but her eyes were quickly adjusting. She had never been to this part of the ocean before. The ocean was ruled by two kings, the high king, Mockingbird's father, the ruler of the whole sea that lived in the 'shallows'. Then there was the low king, ruler of the depths that lived in the deep sea, the high king's brother. Finally meeting up with Merle, the two touched noses lovingly before diving deeper into the depths. The Halloween festival was always celebrated in the deep sea, and it was both of their first times going; the two buzzed with excitement. Both halves of the kingdom could afford such luxurious festival imports and exports and all of that. The two could not wait to try different cuisines and desserts from the region, as they were both more or less foodies. They two eventually reached the festival, and the pressure was immense; neither of them had been this far below the sea before. It stung their ears, but like the low light levels, they were quick to adjust. There were spooky banners floating attached to poles, cast along the long road where the festival took place in. Carts and merchants lined said road, selling good-smelling food and items like Epsom salts and soap. The two carried backpacks full of coins and goods to trade, like seaweed salad, a hard item to find in the depths. After bartering and finding items that the two wanted, it was time for the parade; every dog got out of the way of the street, waiting with bated breath for it to begin. With loud music, all sorts of dogs came pouring down the street, dressed in all manner of sea creature costumes. The band played, and the two looked on in amazement. The shallows had never had such fun parties like this; it was all ballroom dances and the like, utterly boring.
The parade was done, and it was time for the bonfire, everyone's ears ringing from the excruciatingly loud sound of the band. Mockingbird and Merle floated over two where everyone had now gathered, floating above their heads to get a look at what the two were looking at. It was a lava vent. They had realized that the water had gotten warmer. It had been icy cold in the depths. Everyone was waiting patiently for their turn to roast a spongefish. Some burned them right away, others waiting patiently for them to crisp up. It was all according to preference. Spongefish were kind of a combination of pufferfish and sea sponges but not poisonous in the slightest. Finally, it was the pairs' turn to roast their fish on a stick. Merle roasted her fish right away over the lava vent, whereas Mockingbird waited for it to crisp up, eventually getting nervous about everyone around her waiting and impatient at how long it was taking. She thrust it into the vent, letting it burn. The two ate their fish happily, still good even though burnt. Overall, it was a fun evening.