When I came to this place, both it and I were young. I swam in newborn rivers and roamed across forested floodplains and densely vegetated swamps and lakes. I met many creatures in the ancient seas and watched them slowly take their first step onto the sandy shorelines, and through the dunes into the verdancy of the tropical forests. Gradually they learned to colonise their world, to cross the arid deserts, to climb the fiery mountain ranges and even spread wings and soar the mountain ridges. I watched over them, like a patient parent.

While I waited for their minds to grow, I took their form. I was cautious, for many of them were violent. Time passed, and the creatures changed in many ways. They became more cunning, more violent, more agile, more ravenous and more malicious. They ate flesh, even if it was their own. Others simply become bigger, more ponderous, protected by their huge bulk, content to eat all green things. But for all of them, their minds remained dull, incurious and ordinary. I could not talk to them, for they had nothing to say. They were easy prey. I ate well, hunting in the seas and on the margins of the river. But although my appetite was met, I was unsatisfied. So, I made the cool darkness of the waters my home and watched and waited.

One day the asteroid came. The skies grew dark, and the creatures choked and died. Safe, hidden in the deep abysses of the oceans I slumbered for many years. When I awoke, new creatures ruled the land. I could feel their minds, busy with many thoughts. I sensed their intelligence, their determination to explore, to command, to understand the world.  I sensed their promise. Surely there would be one amongst them, into whom I could place my purpose, who could sing my song for me. Yes, there it was – a female mind so crystal clear I could hear her thoughts half a planet away.

And thus I travelled to the land she called A' Ghàidhealtachd, to the shore of Loch Nis, the place of her home. And she sang for me a song, so pure, so shining bright, it could be heard across the stars - the song of a siren, beckoning, inviting, calling to those afar.

Much later, the silver ships will arrive. Then will be the time for breeding.

(400 words)