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

[occulthymns]

[It turns out she's a lot more tired than she realized. When he comes back she's still fast asleep, curled up in a little ball under the seal skin. She's a lot cuter when she isn't being a shrieking harpy.]

[showmeanguish]

[D'aww, how sweet.

He watches her for a few moments, head peering up at first from the water, before he reaches up and pulls himself a little closer.

...Then, lifts his other hand out of the water, hauling a very fresh but very dead snapper out of it, and sets it down right next to her face. Time for dinner, Euri. B>]

[occulthymns]

[The fishy smell reaches her fast. Wrinkling her nose, Euri groans before slowly blinking her eyes opens.

In another instant she's sitting up and scooting away from the fish.]

Wh - what the -??

[showmeanguish]

[And he's there, with his chin resting against his folded arms again, just grinning at her.]

You said you needed food, so I got you something.

[occulthymns]

... Oh.

[She hesitates, then leans over a bit to get a better look. She doesn't mind fish, and it doesn't look too bad.]

Thanks. But - ... I'll need to cook it somehow. I'm not sure I can eat fish raw.

[showmeanguish]

Sure, you can. It's better for you this way.

[Which is totally just him being lazy and not wanting to take her somewhere she'd be able to make a fire. Plus she'd have to go back under the water, which he's not sure if she'd balk at, or not.]

[occulthymns]

... I think I'd throw it up.

[Because that fishy smell is a little overwhelming.]

[showmeanguish]

[What do you mean; it smells delicious.]

You can't make a fire in here, so you'll have to force yourself to keep it down.

[occulthymns]

.......... [She picks the fish up, bringing it up to her nose and sniffing.]

... That isn't happening.

[showmeanguish]

Would it be easier if I picked it apart for you?

[Like a mama bird. B> He's also totally just teasing her now.]

[occulthymns]

[She scowls huffily.]

I can butcher it myself!

... I just need a knife.

[showmeanguish]

That all? One second.

[And he disappears again, only to return a couple minutes later with a fisherman's fillet knife. Which he sets on the ledge for her.

But when he hands it over, there's a dangerous glint in his eye.] Just for the fish.

[occulthymns]

[Euri narrows her eyes at him, crawling over and snatching it up quickly.]

Uh huh.

I'll still need some way to cook this. [But she can at least process it. Gutting a fish isn't as easy as other animals, but she works quickly at it and is doing a decent enough job.]

[showmeanguish]

[He watches her, honestly a bit interested in her use of the knife. It's a skill he doesn't have a need for, but it's an interesting process.]

Don't you have a curse to make fire?

[occulthymns]

[There are a few, actually.

But they're all curses, and Euri's never been able to reach that level of skill yet.]

... I don't have any memorized. [Total bullshit she has like three running through her head right now.]

[showmeanguish]

You could try.

[Sounds like wussying out, to him.]

[occulthymns]

[Yeah, not trying would make her look weak. Trying would just end in failure.

There's no good way out of this.]

Ugh...! Give - give me a few minutes to remember one!

[showmeanguish]

Take your time. Your meal's not going anywhere.

[And he is starting to suspect she's stalling because she doesn't know any spells. So we'll see how this plays out.]

[occulthymns]

[She makes an irritated noise and screws up her face, as if she's thinking deeply.

Well... it couldn't hurt to try, right? Maybe?]

... Um. Well....

[She takes a deep breath, then starts humming softly. She'll work her way up, until she's reached a point where she feels the curse flowing within her.]

[showmeanguish]

[In the meantime, he just lazily swishes his fin back and forth in the water while he watches, body stretched out behind him at it's surface.]

[occulthymns]

[Once she feels a tiny spark of confidence she'll start in with the actual lyrics. They're quick and powerful, as flames should be.

... But nothing's happening.]

[showmeanguish]

[Chin in hands. Well, this is absolutely thrilling.]

[occulthymns]

[She isn't giving up quiet yet, though. She'll keep singing, putting more and more effort into the curse. Come on, she can do this. She's seen plenty of Witches cast this curse. She has enough magic in her to do it, too!

Except she doesn't, and the most she's getting is a tiny flicker of a spark midair. Then nothing.]

[showmeanguish]

[... There's a faint snort, at that tiny flame. One that he doesn't really try to cover up, or look less amused.]

Maybe the sea water dried out your throat.

[occulthymns]

[His comment gets a frustrated growl.]

Shut up! I'd like to see you try it!