mermaid shenanigans au

[occulthymns]

[This is stupid this is stupid this is stupid.

That's the mantra running through Euri's head as the western ocean comes into sight. This is stupid and dangerous and a plant isn't worth the trouble of getting this close to so much water, even if the tide is out.

... But damnit! If those rumours are true all she has to do is grab one or two plants. Then she can take them home and grow them herself and given how they're rare to the point of mythical she'll be rich.

Euri makes her way down the hill, swallowing thickly as the full ocean comes into view. It's a lot bigger than she imagined, and she tries to focus on the shallows directly in front of her. All she has to do is wade out to that little island - only a few miles - and then she'll be fine.

It takes her about an extra ten minutes to reach the edge of the water, and when she does she holds her breath for a few moments. But nothing happen, so she removes her shoes and stockings and ties the hem of her dress up high so it won't get wet. The feeling of warm water hitting her toes makes her squeak, but a few seconds later she's plowing into it and starting for the island.]

Comments

[showmeanguish]

Is a little cold gonna kill you? [Maybe Witches are just as fragile as humans...]

[occulthymns]

If I don't get warm and dry I'll get sick, and I could die from that.

[showmeanguish]

...

[He should just eat her. This is too much trouble.]

...Fine.

[Sigh. His head disappears beneath the water, as he swims off.]

[occulthymns]

[Euri climbs onto the rock with a huff, glancing back quick enough to see him disappear.

Bah, good riddance. While he's gone she can find a way out. She starts feeling along the rock for anything useful, casting a small burst of light to give the place more illumination.]

[showmeanguish]

[There are handholds, but the cavern's walls are steep. It's practically a vertical climb all the way to the top, though a few roots hang low enough that if she scaled twenty feet or so, she could grab onto one and haul herself to safety.

Of course, that's assuming the opening at the top's large enough to fit her through.]

[occulthymns]

[Gusss who is going to try climbing!

Granted this is a dumb idea since she is still shivering and her grip is not that steady, but she is trying anyway.]

[showmeanguish]

[Wow, Euri. You really are stubborn.

...She has at least fifteen minutes to try.]

[occulthymns]

[The poor thing starts clambering up, clinging as best she can to the rock wall. She won't make it up very far because her shivering is getting worse - even her fingers are twitching.

She slips a couple of times, and unfortunately she's going to lose her grip and land on her rear with a surprised squeak.]

[showmeanguish]

[skljfljk omg babbu...you tried

At the end of the fifteen minutes, Vanitas' head reappears and he swims up to the ledge she's sitting on. Then, he hauls something out of the water and slaps it down next to her.

It's a... seal... skin. NOT FRESH THANKFULLY. But that is his answer to her being cold.]

Here.

[...At least it'll dry quickly????]

[occulthymns]

[By then Euri is curled up on the rock, shivering and rubbing her rear. She starts when he reappears, and the... seal skin makes her stare confusedly.]

Wh... what is that?

[showmeanguish]

A seal skin.

[He says it like it should be the most obvious thing in the world.]

[occulthymns]

[She pokes it, then picks it up. Hesitantly she'll drape it over her shoulders.]

What's a seal?

[showmeanguish]

Food. But humans sometimes use their skin for clothing.

[Which is why he has a few of them on-hand. From hunters he's... killed...]

[occulthymns]

Oh....

[That... actually doesn't sound too bad. She's surprised, honestly.

And she realizes something else.]

My dress is still out there! In the rain...! And my shoes and stockings!

[showmeanguish]

Stockings? [He also doesn't know what a 'dress' is, but he recognizes 'shoes'. And assumes she must be referring to her own clothes.]

You mean your clothes? They're probably already being washed out to sea.

[occulthymns]

.............

[There's a tiny, hollow noise in her throat. She looks horrified.]

Washed... out to sea....?

[showmeanguish]

I told you, the tide comes in and puts most of the island underwater. When it rains, it's even worse.

[He crosses his arms over the edge of her perch, resting his chin on them.] Which ones are 'dress' and 'stockings'?

[occulthymns]

[She does her best to not look like she's about to start crying.

And fails miserably.]

D - damnit! I liked that dress!

[showmeanguish]

[He blinks, and frowns at her slightly. He's familiar with tears, but never over something he deems as so trivial.]

You can get more.

[occulthymns]

[Yep those are definitely sniffles.]

I can't when I'm stuck in here!

[showmeanguish]

Only for a few days. Then I'll let you go.

[Which is totally a lie, but y'know.]

[occulthymns]

[She glances at him suspiciously.]

... What are you going to do with me?

[showmeanguish]

Whatever I feel like? Just behave and you'll see dry land again. Promise.

[occulthymns]

[That isn't reassuring....]

I'll need more clothes. And food. And somewhere more comfortable to sleep.

[showmeanguish]

[...No, it isn't. And neither is the sharp look he gives her.]

You've in no position to dictate that.