Mera Nereus

== Biography ==
=== Early Life ===
Mera was born one of two twin daughters to Ryus Nereus, the ruling King of Xebel. Her mother died due to complications during childbirth. Mera came of age in a time of political change for Atlantis, as she witnessed firsthand the political unrest within Atlantis. Even at a young age, she remained neutral and diplomatic about all affairs, while her twin sister Hila quickly fell into radicalization like her father.
Despite this, Ryus sent Hila and Mera to train in the Conservatory of Sorcery in Poseidonis. Mera showed great promise and would go on to specialize at the elite Conservatory in Shayeris, much to the chagrin and envy of her sister. Mera flew up the ranks of her class, impressing Queen Atlanna so much that she employed Mera as her mage.
Atlanna and Mera grew close, with Atlanna serving as the maternal figure Mera never had. She moved permanently to Poseidonis to be an advisor to the queen, much to the anger of her father. As Atlantis’ political turmoil grew, Atlanna confided in Mera about her surface-dwelling son. Mera convinced her to tell Atlantis, and so the good Queen sent her and Nuidis Vulko to retrieve Arthur, whom they found passed out, piss drunk in his father’s lighthouse.
=== Aquawoman ===
Mera became Arthur’s guide to Atlantis, showing him around, and even training him in sorcery. The training soon blossomed into a not-so-secret affair, which also included the Queen nudging them in the right direction. As Mera grew close to the royal family, her own blood pushed her further away.
Xebel was slowly becoming radicalized by the terrorist Ocean Master, even barring Mera and her husband from entering the city-state due to harboring the fugitive. Hila’s distaste of Mera grew to hatred, and she was essentially ostracized from her family.
For both their romance and the sake of the Kingdom, they were wed, a political move that Atlanna hoped would bring Xebel back into the fold. This did not work, and instead further pushed the Xebellians against her.
Life would change for her when her husband joined the Justice League, and in 2006, she officially joined the team as Aquawoman. This was followed swiftly with Atlantis’ induction into the United Nations, a move Mera was hesitant of.
The following year, Mera was with child, and was excited to become a mother. She faced many difficulties in her labor. While unconscious in the Conservatory of Science, an attempt on her life was made, and thwarted by the efforts of her husband, Aqualad, and a sorcery student whom she had been training. Mera gave birth to a healthy baby boy that day thanks to those allies.
When the superhero community was forced into shutdown, Mera took the time to focus on their family, properly training her son, AJ, in the ways of sorcery, hoping he’d one day follow in his father’s footsteps. She also began working with the Amazons to upgrade their Conservatory, and gave guest lessons when she was able.
However, her world would be rocked by the devastating losses of Queen Atlanna, Prince Orm, and Tula at the hands of the evil Ocean Master. Her husband exiled himself, leaving her to pick up the pieces. Thankfully, Mera was a strong diplomat and took over duties as best as she was able until Arthur was ready to return.
Following the OMAC Crisis, Mera helped her husband advocate for the annexing of Sub Diego, but found out she was pregnant during the process and had to step away. As of now, she’s temporarily retired the “Aquawoman” title, focusing on a life beneath the ways instead of surface-dwelling superheroics.