estoria | I'll tell you a tale of the bottomless blue

Entry tags:

I'll tell you a tale of the bottomless blue

Who:

mermaiding & you!
When: 2/24ish?, ICly
Where: Wherever there's still deep flooding
What: Oona struck a deal with Maris and got her scale back, meaning she can turn back into her mermaid form. She's finally taking it out for a spin.
Rating/Warning: Vaguely NSFW, because mermaids do not wear clothes.

[She hadn't expected it to go easily. The process of removing her tail had been painful and clumsy to begin with-- she had never used that magic before, and she had never had to replace said tail either. She knew, in theory, hwo to, but it had taken her a few times to finally get the magic right.

The process had been just as painful-- was it always going to be painful, or was she just inexperienced, doing something wrong? Every movement ached as her muscles got used to the familiar movements of swimming again.. or maybe it had something to do with this crash of energy? Who knew.

She did feel tired, but that wasn't important right now. She decided against going her full form (there was no need for someone to actually mistake her for a monster and try to kill her right off the bat), but the more familiar half-form that most people associated with mermaids was fine enough.

It felt like flying, twisting through the waters, her gills burning with unfamiliar use. It had taken more time than she'd like to admit to get used to using them and she'd spent far too long accidentally trying to use her lungs and choking herself. But now that she was getting used to it, she wasn't sure she'd ever actually leave...]

[Option A]

[She'd never get truly tired of swimming around, but the space isn't that large, so it isn't long before she gets bored--and that's when she takes to terrorizing poor passer-bys. She waits until someone's standing near the edge of the water and slowly surfaces, watching to make sure their attention isn't on the water itself and...

GRABS THEIR ANKLE.

And immediately bursts out laughing at their reaction. Maybe it's you she grabbed? Maybe a random NPC whose panicked screams make you feel like jumping in to help out or investigate? Either way, Oona's clearly having a grand ol' time.]

[Option B

[There's definitely something moving in the water. You might see a flash of golden hair, or light reflecting off blue scales. Maybe you see a light, glowing faintly deep below...

Either way, it entices you to look closer. If you kneel on the ledge and lean over the water to try and get a closer look, you're in for quite the surprise. Oona's stirred up the debris and dirt below to mask her ascent to the surface; male or female or anything inbetween, it doesn't matter; lean in close enough and you'll suddenly find a pretty mermaid breaking the surface to press a kiss to your mouth.

It's a quick one and she swims away a bit right after with a bright laugh and a grin]

[Option C]

[Okay, so maybe the drain on her energy was more than she was anticipating. She pulls herself up out of the water, only barely managing to get herself on land before she curls up on her side and promptly goes to sleep. Her tail dips into the water, occasionally swaying absently and causing ripples in the water.

She may even start snoring softly, but either way it's probably not a good idea for her to just remain there hanging out, right?]

[Option D]

[WILD CARD. Got another prompt you wanna try out? Maybe Oona manipulated the water to splash a nice wave at your character? Maybe you dropped something in the water for Oona to discover?

Go crazy it's all yours'!]

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[Wow he feels so very loved here!!!

Okay, no, he doesn't mind. He's used to being the funsucker buzzkill, here he is to ruin your fun.]

... I see. [He considers that further, thoughtful, inspecting her tale without an ounce of shame. Hmmm...

And then, more softly and a tad bit more genuine:]

Congratulations, Oona.

[She looks surprised and then a tad embarrassed, her smile coming out warm] ...Thank you.

[It means a lot to her, to hear that thanks, though she can't help the suspicion that seeps in a few moments later.] That is all? No lecture or scolding?

[He quirks an eyebrow at that, more amused than offended, though it's hard to tell from his expression.]

What would I lecture you over? This has been your goal from the beginning. You played their game, took advantage of an opportunity, and reached your goal.

[The vaguest of shrugs. He fails to see what's so bad about that.]

...Do not know. [Her voice is a bit sullen, eyes still narrowed suspiciously] Thought you would be angry, somehow. You do not praise me enough.

[Well maybe not in so many words, and Oona was really just being picky now, but she relaxes anyhow.]

Yes... my goal. [She can't wrap her arms around her knees and pull them up to her like she might have as a human, so instead she shifts to lay on her stomach, propping her chin on her fist and dragging a finger through the dirt.] My goal, to get tail back. But, now that that is done--

I had no thought to live long beyond that. It is strange, then, to have come to it and realized I do not desire to die. [A pause and Oona realizes that's not quite what she meant. A sigh.] No, that is not right. Mean... I no longer do not care if I do or do not. I want to live. But I do not know what for, now.

[Talking about those feelings she'd kept hidden deep down is strange now, though it's easier when it's Sousei. She's not entirely sure she could tell Tenka the same thing in quite so many words, if only because she would not want to make him upset. Sousei, she thinks, does not get upset anyway, so it didn't really matter.

(Or, if he did get upset, he never showed it in the same manner Tenka might have.)]

I don't have any reasons to praise you right now. [Ouch..... well, you set yourself up for that one.

As for the rest.....he sits then, because it's becoming pretty obvious that this is going to take awhile, and inclines his head vaguely.]

That is something you are going to have to figure out for yourself. [He can't say he's surprised, because Sousei knows very well what it's like to live for a single purpose. The struggle of learning how to live for something else.

But if he can do it, so can she. It's a good sign that she's already thinking about it. A pause, and then with the vaguest hint of mischief:]

You now have the freedom to decide for yourself. Is freedom not what mermaids enjoy?

Ah, you are rude. As rude as ever.

[She wishes, almost, that she didn't have to figure it out herself. It'd be easier to just have someone point and say, 'go this direction now.' She might have even followed said command... for a little while, anyway, before her natural need to rebel would set in.

Oona gives a huff, both of disgruntlement and amusement.She tilts her head, her amusement turning slightly bitter.] As much as one can be in this city.

[Which reminds her, though, and she perks up some] That man showed me, there are others like me out there. There is a big ocean, and mermaids-- or, close enough. Still my people. [Her giddiness goes straight to her head and makes her feel dizzy a moment with how much she wants to just race out there right away.] For now, that is what I want. To leave here, to see them. They are not my family, but they are as close as can get here.

[Oona pauses, hesitates, and her finger digs into the ground a little more with uncertainty. That's assuming they'd even accept or recognize her and something like kin to them, of course.]

[And he always will be, so that just gets a placid incline of his head. Ever rude. Forever rude. That's Sousei for you. He listens rather intently at that, though, curious and thoughtful. Mermaids out there, and an ocean...]

The possibility is certainly there. This city is small, and if we are truly on another planet, there could be any number of oceans out there. We have no way of knowing at the moment.

[He knows what she's afraid of, of course; she'd told him before, and he doesn't find it surprising in the least. Who wouldn't be afraid? Sousei's grateful that with all of the historical people who have shown up, there has not once been someone bearing the Abe name.

That would be difficult. Acceptance is a tricky thing, especially considering how easy it is to want it.]

When we discover the oceans of this world, you shall have to communicate and bridge that gap for us. [A beat, and somewhat humorously:] As, like most things, I imagine they shall want to kill those of us who are different. You may be one of them, but the rest of us humans, after all, are invaders.

I hope you shall be prepared for that task.

[She hadn't thought of that before, becoming some kind of ambassador of sorts between those stuck in CERES's city and the creatures outside it.

For a long moment she says nothing as she thinks it over, expression apprehensive. What if she wasn't up to that task? What if they didn't want to listen to her, or what if the humans lived up to their unfortunate expectations? The humans she did trust were fine, of course, but there were many other residents she hadn't met yet, and a couple she had that she would rather let the monsters eat than try to pass them off as peaceful do-gooders.

Her hands slide against her scales as if to smooth them down, a self-comforting gesture as her mind tumbles through various scenarios and various outcomes. It's a big sort of responsibility, and that's... Well, it's scary. Her eyes find Sousei, studying him a little.

Sousei wasn't the kind of person who would say such things to her if he didn't believe her capable. His world was not one of empty pleasantries and pretty lies meant only to soothe and comfort. If she wasn't up to that task... He wouldn't have suggested it in the first place.

That, at least, she can take comfort in. And the prospect was far enough away that it didn't make sense to needlessly worry over it now.

So the tension leaves her shoulders as she becomes more sure of the world again and she hums in a playfully thoughtful manner.]

Suppose, then, that you ought to be very, very nice to me. Otherwise, could turn on you, yes? Should not give me reason to do so.

[But there's mischief in her eyes to show she's only joking (well, more or less).]

If you give me a kiss, I will be very nice indeed. [Oona tilts her head to present her cheek with a grin]

[He watches her, of course--he always is, when it comes to things like this, but either he likes what he sees or he sees no reason to say anything, because he doesn't bring it up again. He's serious, naturally, about her having to bridge the gap. Now she has a blessing from one of the creatures of this world, even. There isn't anyone else suited to dealing with the other creatures out there.

Either way, he arches an eyebrow at her next suggestion, before answering immediately and simply:]

No. I will not give you a kiss.

[Hold your surprise, I know you're astonished.]

If you choose to throw me to the mermaids because of that, I shall deal with the consequences when they come.

[He looks remarkably unconcerned about this prospect, because naturally, he is really, really not. Oona wouldn't do that.]

[Oona sighs but she's not surprised in the slightest. Sousei doesn't like fun, after all!!]

Hope you are willing to explain to everyone that they will get no help from creatures because you would not give one kiss. [No "taking one for the tea" here, apparently.

Instead she looks at him beseechingly] A hug? [Bargaining!!]

No, you may not have that either.

[ah... now he's being contrary just to be contrary. What a life.]

The others will likely understand my reasoning, after I explain it was you. You do have the tendency to steal kisses when you can, do you not?

[He saw those pranks ok....]

[She totally has a good argument in mind about why Sousei should totally hug her, but his nonchalant revelation that he's totally onto her prank has her choking on her own breath.]

Wha-- I-- [She blushes brightly and gives a nervous 'eheh' noise.] It is just for fun!

[Yeah, he's just quirking an eyebrow at her for that.]

Is it? Does everyone think so?

[Some people treasure that sort of thing........ like Oona did, he thinks, perhaps. Moms gonna worry.]

No one has been... overly mad. So far. [She thinks a moment] Mostly just surprised.

[Don't ruin her fun now, not!mom!!! She's grown a little more cynical to the fairy tale ideals of romance by now, unfortunately.] If they were mad or upset, would apologize.

Is that so... [He doesn't sound too impressed for a moment, before--] Well, I shall expect you to take responsibility for your actions either way then.

[He can trust her with that much--the mug thing proved as much.]

I assume you are able to change back from that form as well?

[She decides not to focus on that line of questioning anymore, and focus on the part about her tail again.]

Yes. It is... not pleasant. My mother could make it seem so pretty. [Oona smiles, albeit bitterly] She did not teach me how to do that. Said I would learn it better when I met my cousins, but that knowing basics before would be impressive. Make them like me.

So, it is painful. But I will endure. [of course she would, like anyone would expect any less from her??] But, will have to go back soon. Tail is drying out, and besides the water will not stay forever. Will have to go back to walking everywhere.

Are we sure we can not flood city again? For good? [Oona's only joking... mostly.]

I'm certain, yes.

[As ever, he answers totally seriously, whoops....]

I am not certain how much of what CERES has told us is true, naturally, but if we are truly incapable of living outside of this colony on this planet, we need it to be habitable.

For everyone. [not just mermaids.]

[She pauses a moment, a snarky comment on the tip of her tongue-- not everyone, she wants to say, because all that really matters are the people she actually cares about, but...

Well. It should be habitable enough to fit all of them too. So she nods in understanding and sighs a little, ready to change the subject to less serious things] You are no fun, Sousei. Take things too seriously! Do you know what 'joke' is? Do you know how to tell one?

No. I have never told a joke in my life, and I never will.

[that was A Joke.

An incredibly dry, deadpan one.

But a joke nonetheless.]

[s q u i n t]

...Ah, it is worse that I can not tell if you are serious now or not.

[ANYWAY.] If you will not kiss me, will you give me hug? [Back to the barter she was trying to do earlier!! If he says 'no' she's got another request up her sleeve so she doesn't really expect him to agree anyhow]

[Sorry, Oona.... he actually frowns slightly (wow he's capable of jokes, oona, pls!!!), but at that, he immediately answers exactly how you'd expect him to:]

No.

[Ah......]

I'm not interested in that.

[She expected that so she's not at all put out by it. Instead she moves right on ahead to plan C]

Then, at least, will you pat my head? [She gives him a pleading look. THATS DOABLE, RIGHT??]

[... Ah, there's the compromise. He inspects her for a long moment, and then he sighs.]

This doesn't mean anything.

[It's a warning, but...a moment later he does reach out to rest his hand on the top of her head, the worst head pat in the history of head pats--but the intent is there, and at the very least, he lingers there for a moment before he removes his hand.

Cough.]

Now say, [She lowers her voice a little in an imitation of him] 'Oona you have done good job, am very proud!'

[BEAMS AT HIM]

No.

[Well...that's as far as you get, Oona, sorry. It's still progress though!!!]

You have accomplished a personal mission, but that is all. It is not enough for that manner of praise.

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I'll tell you a tale of the bottomless blue

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