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]

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.

[occulthymns]

[Stubbornnnnnnn]

Do you want me to die?!

[showmeanguish]

You're not gonna die from being cold.

[occulthymns]

Do you need me to explain what happens when I'm cold for too long??

[showmeanguish]

[Snort.] You'll dry off. Besides, I brought you that skin, and it's sweltering up here even without it.

[occulthymns]

[Euri shakes her head stubbornly.]

No way. You must just be used to cold water.

[showmeanguish]

Or you're too delicate.

[occulthymns]

We are not! We're just not made for the water!

[showmeanguish]

[Her screech makes him wince a bit, but he resists the urge to clap his hands over his ears.] And loud. And whiny.

[occulthymns]

[She is so offended right now.]

I - I am not! Take that back!

[showmeanguish]

Nope. Not until you admit we're superior.

[occulthymns]

No.

[She's grabbing a small rock and tossing it at his head.]

[showmeanguish]

[He ducks it, with a tiny smirk. And finally swims back into the middle of the pool, so she'll have a harder time hitting him.]

Then I guess this conversation's over.