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]

[There's a moment more of crunching as he finishes off the remains, then finally smirks a little in reply.]

If I was really hungry, you'd know it. It's just better not to waste anything since it can lead to... unwanted attention.

[occulthymns]

[She nods.]

Did it taste good?

[showmeanguish]

Of course. You should try it, next time.

[occulthymns]

No thanks, we usually hold onto those parts of an animal for potions.

[showmeanguish]

Potions?

[occulthymns]

Another way of casting magic. But instead of singing you mix a bunch of magical ingredients together.

[showmeanguish]

...Huh. [When it comes down to it, there's a lot of developed, Witch culture he has no idea about.]

Is that why you were after that plant?

[occulthymns]

[She nods.]

Mhmm. It's really rare, and has a lot of magical power in it. I was hoping to bring some home and start growing it myself.

[showmeanguish]

I see. [And he thinks for a moment.] Too bad you won't be getting any.

[occulthymns]

I - it doesn't belong to you!

[showmeanguish]

Why? How d'you know I don't have my own use for it?

[occulthymns]

Didn't you say you're a carnivore?

[showmeanguish]

[Snrk.] Uses other than eating it.

[occulthymns]

Like what??

[showmeanguish]

I dunno what you'd call it. To us, it's for healing.

[occulthymns]

... Really?

[showmeanguish]

Mixed with a kind of clay and applied to wounds. If you don't believe me, I could demonstrate.

[occulthymns]

- Sure! That would be interesting.

[showmeanguish]

[Oh my gods Euri, why would you agree to that. In response, there's a dark smile on his face as he swims up to her again, and puts a hand out.]

The knife.

[occulthymns]

[Pfft, she isn't expecting him to do anything serious. Not after that puppy behaviour with the fish.

She crawls over to the edge of the rock, handing it over.]

Here.

[showmeanguish]

[When she does, he takes it by the handle with one hand. And simultaneously, his other shoots out, grabbing her wrist.

The blade makes a cut against the back of her hand--not deep, but it will probably hurt.]

[occulthymns]

[Curiosity injured the cat :c Euri shrieks and tries to yank her hand away, more surprised than anything else.]

Hey-!

[showmeanguish]

You asked.

[He swims backward, twirling the knife between his fingers with disturbing ease before he slips further into the water.]

It'll only take a few minutes. Oh, and try to keep your blood out of the water. Unwelcome company and all that. [Then, he's gone again.]

[occulthymns]

[He gets a huffy scowl as she holds her hand close to herself.]

....

[showmeanguish]

[It actually takes closer to thirty by the time he shows up again, head popping up out of the water with sudden force. But there's no alarm, he just likes startling her alkjflk.]