estoria | [Closed] Nothing can console me

Entry tags:

oona,
sinbad

[Closed] Nothing can console me

Who:

treasuresunclothed
When: vague handwaving motions
Where: Red-light district
What: Oona and Sinbad hae their first meeting.
Rating/Warning: None for now, but this is the red-light district and they are strippers so. you know.

[ It's not as though Oona makes it a habit of talking to the other girls and guys at her job. Partly it's because they're humans (as far as she knows) and therefore she doesn't care to know them, and partly it's because her attitude doesn't really endear her to anyone. So it's no surprise that she has no idea when someone new has been settling in.

It's the end of the night, it's late, and she's only shown up because she needs to grab her paystubs (something something too many piling up get the off the desk etc etc) when she overhears the chittering. Normally she'd ignore that too, but the comments of someone "gorgeous" starting has her turning her ear to the gossip.

Something something good-looking something something wanting to ask him to get drinks or walk them home. Something something too shy to go right up and ask.

Gag her.

At least they weren't lying about the good-looking part. For a human, she supposes. Her siren cousins to the north would probably fall over themselves to drown him and the thought entertains her for a few seconds. But he looks dreadfully human, and wasn't that a shame?

--Well, if they weren't going to do anything, she could, if only to be mean to her coworkers. So she waits a moment (internally she debates if she should really bother, and then decides the looks on her coworkers' faces would be too entertaining to give up) before walking up to him and pointing to him.]

You. New, yes? Well-- new to me. [Oona tilts her head, hums thoughtfully, and adds boldly:]

Walk me home.

[hi sinbad.]

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[ And he had seen her— oh, absolutely. Who could overlook a beauty so confidently displaying her scars for all the world to see in such a skin-savvy profession? It would be difficult not to. Sinbad had been schmoozing as per regular at his new job, getting all the girls to fawn over him and fluster them and gently prying what they know of this place out of each and every one over smalltalk at the bar, but this one had been given up for lost.

"Don't bother with her, she won't talk to you", "She's only here for the money" and so on; none of them outright saying she was mean, but he could read between the lines. Hell, he'd made a life choice of it.

When she approaches, he turns a warm smile on her with a curious look. What could a lovely young lady such as this want with a common merchant like himself?

He'd have choked over a laugh if he hadn't honed this to an artform over the years. ]

New to everything; I've only just arrived here. And it'd be my pleasure. I never have caught your name. Might you do me the honor?

[ He holds a large hand out to her, calloused yet soft, like a supple leather worn in over the years. His skin still carries the scent of the ocean and exotic spices speaking of his homeland, having yet to be broken into this world. ]

[It's the smell of the ocean that gets to her, terrifyingly nostalgic to the point it makes her haughty expression falter. When dealing with humans, Oona liked to think she was prepared for almost anything; it was a little...embarrassing, really, to be thrown by something that would seem so meaningless to others. For her it brings up an overwhelming urge to cling to him and it's a stark reminder that it's been a goo twenty years or more since she'd been near the sea.

With a start she realizes she's been staring, and she's acutely aware of the eyes on them.

Her gaze flits from his hand to his face and back, deeply suspicious before she takes his hand in her own. Human greetings; she's been around enough to know these things, even if she finds the customs strange or stupid.]

Name is... difficult for humans. [Her brows furrows lightly and she lifts her chin, trying to regain her control that had fled from her in the face of his easy acceptance and the smell of the sea that clung to him still.] Can call me Oona. Do not think your, ehh... [She pauses and makes a face as she tries to think of the word, before throwing her free hand up in an exasperated gesture.]

Your words are too sweet! You are not working, yes? Then do not act. [And then, as an after thought, she adds:] ...Your name?

[ That falter isn't something that escapes his notice, but he also has no idea what's caused it. Something he said, or did, or just natural social shortcomings? The world may never know. It doesn't matter that the other girls are staring, the other guys are scowling— the most reticent of his fellow workers has approached him and he plans on making her attempts worth it.

When she gives him her hand after a moment's consideration, he lifts her knuckles to his lips and bends to kiss them, lashes long when he closes his eyes and lingers for a second. His touch is gentle, barely catching her palm between thumb and ring finger should she pull away. ]

Humans? Are you not human, then, miss Oona? [ But he glows with the introduction and his smile warms. It's a genuine reaction, or at least as genuine as he can get. His interest is piqued with that little hint of a mystery! ] You can call me Sin. Who says I'm acting? I take my clothes off, I'm not weaving grand stories on stage.

[ Which isn't to say he hasn't done that, either. ]

[Her hand jerks in surprise, but she doesn't pull away. Instead she eyes him again, all suspicion and confusion at the gesture. Handshakes she understood, but kissing her hand? She resisted the urge to look around for an explanation, instead focusing on his question.]

Am not. [There's a huff of indignation, but she's not nearly as offended as she might have been in the past. As loathe she was to admit it, there was nothing in her outward appearance that was obvious to her true nature.] Am mermaid. From the sea, deep, where the sun does not touch. [The haughty expression falters again, but this time it comes with a breathy 'ha'.]

...You work in a place such as this, and you are called Sin? [The corner of her mouth twitches before she gives in and laughs outright at the beauty of it.] Mm! I like it. [Another laugh; She can't say anything about how he acts on stage, since she's hardly stuck around to actually watch him or pay attention, but she's willing to drop the subject for now. Besides, it wasn't as though she had proof; just her own honed suspicion towards... well, anyone.]

Now, you will walk me home, yes? Or will we just stand here until the lights go off around us?

[ Sinbad is good at playing dumb, if nothing else. He can be mysterious and charming, or he can be deceptive and manipulative, but in this moment he is simply being friendly. Playing dumb only meant it was easier for others to project what they wished on him, like a blank slate to be whatever they wanted him to represent. Whatever it took; as he had lived in his world. Her huff of indignation has him chuckling, but as soon as she professes what she really is, it's his turn to be confused. It quickly turns to a child-like wonder, eyes bright with it in near-disbelief but brimming with hope.

As a man of the sea, naturally those sorts of tales would spread, and with some of the things he'd seen he had always believed it possible. But he had never once seen one in all his travels— and here was someone claiming to be a mermaid, and he'd just kissed her hand! ]

A mermaid! That's amazing! I've always wanted to meet one— I sailed often, where I come from, and I'd always heard stories— I never would have imagined...! There are all kinds of fantastic creatures and people to find everywhere, but mermaids...

[ He can't help trailing off, trying to reign in his excitement. Hopeful and bubbly and wanting nothing more than to sit down where they stood and get her story from her, nearly buzzing with giddiness. But back to the role at hand. ]

For a mere merchant like me, it is such an honor. You must tell me more, please. I love hearing stories and about one's culture.

[ And any prickliness or haughty response she may have had to his questions melts away with her laugh, and he laughs with her. He hadn't even thought of it that way. ]

I suppose that is apt, isn't it? I didn't realize. Perhaps that's why I was assigned here?

[ He'll take her hand and guide it under his arm to rest in the crook of his elbow, leading her out the door and into the... well, fresh air, though it may not necessarily be fresh. Not compared to what he knew. ]

I will walk you home, yes. [ But not without bantering right back. ] Though I'm sure we could find a few things to do as the lights go off around us.

[She looks startled again, caught between being flattered and pleased that he wants to learn about her, and suspicious and annoyed about the bother.

She's more surprised that he just easily accepts it-- normally the question that followed her declaration was a skeptical, "but where's your tail?" But he had jumped right on her explanation without question. Was he an idiot? Or maybe he was actually smarter??

Things were so much easier when she didn't talk to humans and could shove them in her defined categories without worrying about if they stepped outside the lines she'd set up for them. It threw her off balance, the ball firmly out of her court. Maybe she should have just walked home alone...]

Sailed? [he tilts her head, thinking, before 'sailed' connects with 'sailor' and 'sea' in her mind. 'Merchant' isn't as common a word anymore, so that one completely slips by her even as she makes a note to look it up later (ah the wonders of modern technology). Oona allows him to guide her for now, her intrigue over this 'weird human' overriding her annoyance that he's different in the first place.]

You are from-- Eh, no... You know the sea. That explains the smell. [But it's not said too unkindly, just matter-of-fact and like she's gotten an answer to an unasked question.] Humans do not belong there. Can you not just stay where you are put, on land? Have to invade sea and sky as well?

[Her tone is bitter and accusing, and she levels a sharp glare up at him, before she looks away with a small huff.] Still. Hmm. Better than those who have never seen. Maybe... [her attempts at categorizing him were quickly becoming unraveled. He was human, so she should shove him in 'human and annoying,' but he charming and flattering-- and handsome. Oona wouldn't lie, she did enjoy pretty things and other people weren't exempt from that. And he had sailed out on the sea, which was both better and worse than those who had never gone near it. Maybe?

She waves off his banter with her free hand, the corner of her mouth curling in a smirk as she moves the subject on] You wish to know? Speak, then. Ask your questions, mermaids do not lie.

[ This is certainly a lady that knows how to wind through mood swings; he follows as best he can from her body language and expressions, but even he's getting lost in the labyrinthine movements. He isn't too sure where she lives, within the residential district, but thankfully enough everyone is quartered together in one place so he knew how to get them there. She'd have to take over once they arrive to get to her door. ]

Oh, yes. If you wished to get anywhere and it wasn't connected by land, there's no choice but by ship. I've sailed all seven seas and visited every country, even those that didn't officially exist on any maps. [ And a pause, before... ] Eh, the smell!? Do I smell?

[ in the words of the great Taylor Swift All Hail twerkit twerkit, shake it off ] Invade? Well, I suppose it could be considered that, but we simply glide over the surface to get from one landmass to another. Is that so bad? At least where I come from, those that dwell in the waters are ferocious enough to deal with such inconveniences, haha. We had to be very careful navigating to avoid danger areas.

[ Sin's almost taken aback with the venom in her tone, looking a little baffled as she glares up at him. He tilts his head, questioning, letting it linger for a moment if she wanted to explain before soldiering on. ] Yes, well. Every new country discovered and incorporated into the new world means everyone's culture expands, I think. It's a worthwhile undertaking. Learning about others different from us tends to end in a deeper understanding and more open thinking. Not for everyone, of course; some are set in their ways and clam up even worse when introduced to things openly opposing their own ideals and theologies. [ But he shrugs; he's getting too far into diplomatic and political talk, and that could be suspicious.

When offered the chance to question her, however, he brightens up. There's no hesitation before asking: ] You're sure? What's it like, beneath the ocean? What are your dwellings like, and what is your culture like? How advanced are you? Do you use any magic? Ahhh, I've heard so many stories—

[There's a lot she could say to all of it, her expression aggravated as he talks.] Should stay where you are. Leave the sea alone.

[It was, after all, a twisted sort of desire to learn that had led to her capture to begin with, but it wasn't like Sinbad knew that. It wasn't quite fair of her to act like he should have known better to begin with, but then Oona had never been one for logical, well-placed anger. Instead she turns her head away to brood a moment on his words, saying simply:] Smell like the sea. Is... [the word 'nostalgic' doesn't come to her, but the meaning is there, on her tongue, as she struggles to figure out how to explain it. After a moment she seems to give up and simply says on a sigh:] Is not bad. Nice, suppose.

[Oona quickly waves her hand against the tidal wave of question though, making a noise like she's not sure if she's amused or annoyed] Ah, slow! Can not follow if you go so fast! [As moody as she had been, it's different when she gets to talk about her home. Her expression softens as she thinks on it. It's been over twenty years, but she can still remember the feel of the water on her skin, running her hands over a dolphin or a shark, or sending the fish into a tizzy with her magic for fun. She could still, faintly, here the whisper of a whale's song in her head and for a moment she's a little afraid she might start crying from the ache of missing it.

When she speaks it's at a slower pace, carefully choosing her words and speaking much fuller sentences, deeming this conversation worthy enough of her attention to put in the effort to make sure she'd be understood.]

There is nothing like it. I lived... deep. Very deep, where no sunlight touched. Dark, and cold, but there was life. Creature that, eh... [She pauses a moment, trying to figure out how to explain.] Blink. Lights, there were always blinking lights. Like stars? [Oona tilts her head before deciding the comparison was as apt as she was going to get.] Did not see stars or sky until I left. Thought I would fall into it. [A soft laugh.] Under the water, can feel it everywhere around you. On land, is... different. Can feel air, sometime, but is not the same. Water was always there, solid. [Well, not solid, but she figures Sinbad might get what she means anyhow. If not, well... He'd already proven to not be shy about asking questions.]

Did not live inside anything. Where I was, called, ehh... Mariana Trench. Deep. No one knows how are it goes, so could not reach bottom. My clan slept close, simply in the open. other different, if there is... [She trails off again; words were hard, man.] If there is place? Hmm... ah, for example. Some live in the reefs, coral and things, yes? There is place to build. But, they have to be more careful. Humans like reefs. So, they hide them, so humans will not discover. In and under the coral, build homes out of that. Others do it differently, I... [Oona shews on her lower lip] Do not know as much as I should. There is magic, yes. Can do a little. Taken before could learn more.

Supposed to, eh... When mermaid becomes adult, they leave clan. Go and explore sea, visiting each area and the major clans to learn from them. Then, settle. Return to own clan, or another and stay; maybe start own. Learn all the magic and knowledge of mermaids and the sea. Suppose, compared to those on land, we are-- not advanced. [She's reluctant to say 'simple'] But, it is nice. Miss it. [Her expression grows wistful.] Do not know if I will ever return, but I miss the water very much.

Edited (i shouldn't write tags when i first wake up) 2015-01-29 17:52 (UTC)

Where's the fun in that? [ If he'd stayed put, he'd still be stuck in a tiny fishing village in the Parthevia Empire, under the rule of idiotic tyrants who couldn't put war to bed any better than they could juggle. ] Besides, the world is always flourishing. Each country has their own specialties to offer, and trade begins. People mingle, their world spreads, culture spreads; it's beautiful.

[ But he keeps talk of his own to a minimum. He's more interested in what Oona has to say, hanging on every word like a fascinated boy. ]

Sorry, sorry. I'm just excited! Go on.

[ As she speaks, carefully and with more emphasis than usual, his smile warms and he nods along, not interrupting to the best of his ability. ] I think I've seen creatures like that before, yes. I never thought of it like a night sky, but it makes sense. They're wondrous! And I think I can understand the ever-present way water envelops you. It must be as comforting as being in a mother's womb. [ He's always taken to water like a fish himself. ]

Are you that young? How long have you been here? [ He interprets "taken" as being brought here. ] That sounds like a pilgrimage. Religious people do those often, where I come from. Visiting landmarks important to their religion, or other countries to expand their view of the world to become wise. I'm not advanced enough myself to understand most of the things here, but I think that's just what makes everything so interesting. Isn't it fun to learn about others, and what their worlds were like? I can't wait to meet more people!

[ But he watches her closely as she confesses how she misses the ocean, and there's a faint reflection of that sadness in his eyes. Sin may not understand in the same way, but he gets it to an extent. It takes him a moment before he offers her a lopsided smile. ] Have you gone swimming, then? Even just waded.

[She scratches her cheek idly at the question. Pilgrimage? Her mind circled around the word, trying to find a meaning before she remembered where she heard it before. Ah, yes. Well-- He wan't wrong. Her age, though--] 85. That is my age. Left on journey-- you say pilgrimage? Yes, is like that, I think. Left when I was 60. Was, eh... In human terms, 18? Or something. That is usual age of becoming adult, yes?

[Humans ages, how do they work.] But have been here a few months or so. [Because that math adds up.

--The corner of her mouth twitches at his enthusiasm. All she can think is 'what an idiot,' but he reminds her of Tenka enough that she has to fight a smile.] Swimming... No. Have not in human form. Not yet. [Oona's expression grows concerned and reluctant. It's not a complete lie, since the last time she was in a pool in her human form it'd been to bust herself out, not for recreation. She hadn't really been able to explore it.] Might feel strange.

[But she tilts her head and looks to him] Offering? [To take her swimming, she means.]

[ 85. Even if she puts it into terms, it's... well. Older than he expected, but still strange to hear. Magic was certainly involved, and she admitted to it herself. ] Haha, well now I feel positively young at 30. I believe that varies culture to culture, but it seems a decent medium, yes.

[ If it was only a few months ago here, yet she'd left on her pilgrimage 25 years ago, then...? ] And the twenty-five years? That sounds like you had plenty of time for adventures.

[ That tiny twitch of a smile has him smiling as well, slowing his pace to match hers. The reluctant expression is something he tries to pick apart before proceeding. Perhaps she can't swim well with legs? Or she has problems breathing? Those are all easy fixes, though... ]

Really? That's your reasoning? It'll be amazing! Of course I'm offering. I mean there's those creatures in the Gardens, but I'm sure we can find somewhere safer. Isn't there a... [ He can't remember the word used for it here, but: ] training arena?

30? Ha. Still a baby. [But she's clearly teasing, her smile quick and her soft laugh even quicker. Human lifespans were so short compared to her own, it was strange to think that her own age--still barely an adult by her own people-- was considered practically ancient to humans. Babies, all of them.

However her good mood quickly sours at his question] Adventures? [He doesn't know, so really Oona shouldn't be so offended, but the wounds are still healing. Her scars seem painfully obvious to her all of a sudden and self-consciously she runs her hand over her neck to her shoulder and frowns.]

No. Nightmare. Humans who wished to know my people, but could not ask as you do. Humans can not understand new things easily. Must rip it apart, see how it works. Take it apart, piece it together again--or not. [And because Oona doesn't believe in lying, she glances sideways at him and continues.She gestured to her chest and neck] Tried to escape and lost tail. Later escaped again, got away. Ended up here.

[They can talk about swimming plans in another minute, because if there's anything else Oona lives for, it's the reaction from humans when she throws the ugly truth in their face. It was why she wore her scars so openly and, seemingly, proudly; to her they were a visible, constant slap in the face of humanity.

Besides, making humans uncomfortable never got old.]

[ ~~You're an old maid, Oona. People die at your age!! How does that make you feel!!~~ Sinbad takes it with a gracious smile, inclining his head in acceptance. He would be a baby for a lovely lady, certainly. ]

I no longer require diapers, so that's a plus in my favor.

[ Her change in demeanor is immediate, the hand at her neck vulnerable and his expression matches the change. He seems immediately sorry, brows knitting and eyes widening when he realizes. He doesn't get a chance to apologize before she's explaining what happened to her, and he only grows more apprehensive, his expression going darker. Angry. Amber eyes shift away when he realizes his anger is showing, directing it away from her and fingers curling into fists at his side. He has to work his jaw, take a moment— humans. Were they destined to destroy beautiful things for the sake of understanding in all whens? It wasn't right. There were better ways to do things. It just required a little patience in establishing communication. Was that so hard?

It takes effort to relax once again, but when he does, he drops a heavy hand on her head and pulls her to his chest, ruffling her hair and pressing a light kiss to that pale golden crown. He wasn't uncomfortable, or awkward. It wasn't a slap in the face for Sinbad, it's something to apologize and make up for. No one deserved to be treated this way, let alone someone as beautiful and rare as a mermaid. ]

I'm so very sorry from the bottom of my heart, Oona. This should have never happened to you. I swear there are those who would treasure you as I do and wish to know only what you'll share with me.

[Whatever reaction she'd been expecting, this was apparently not it. She squeaks in surprise and stumbles forward, pressing her hands against his chest to brace herself. What-- What was--

Others were sympathetic before, that was no great surprise here, but the level it went here was beyond Oona's understanding. He'd been angry, she could see that much, but it hadn't been at her. The humans who had held her? Yes, she'd encountered that before too, but this...

Her first thought was to hit him for making her feel suddenly so flustered, but there's something strangely comforting about being this close. Physical affection was important to Oona--hell, all mermaids she supposed--but the smell of the sea still clung to him too; maybe it was just some mermaid sense she hadn't fully encountered before, but he reminded her too much of the ocean for her to want to pull away right then.

So she lets him hold her, her face burning red; Sinbad, she decided, was very interesting.]

Stupid. [Slightly muffled since her face was pressed to him, fingers curling tightly into his clothes. It's an automatic insult in the absence of an actual response.] You are very strange.

...Thank you. [It still feels nice to hear regardless. AN actual apology from the humans who captured her would have been nice too, but it's not like they could talk anymore haha...ha...]

Ah, if we stay like this, people will get wrong idea, you know.

[ And he will hold her as long as it takes. It's a common saying that if a child hugs you, don't be the first to let go. He followed this in all senses, for all ages. Strangers and friends alike. Her breath is warm against his chest when she mumbles, warm against him as he holds her to him. He just smiles, chin resting on her head. ]

I'm fine with people getting the wrong idea and with being strange.

[ His chest still feels tight from anger, unable to fathom how anyone could harm such a creature even as he understands that those people exist. Beyond time and tide, in every world. Humans kind of sucked. He'll wait for her to pull away first, letting her drink her fill of his apology and his affection before they continued on back. What's so wrong with a king and a mermaid hugging in the middle of the walkway?

Sin wants to know more about her. There's no denying that now. ]

[Oona scoffs lightly, but there's amusement there. This guy... She wasn't entirely sure what to think about him. It was true there were quite a few humans she'd grown fond of in her time here, humans that defied the rigid stereotype she put them in, but she still managed to be knocked off balance each time she encountered one.

But if he doesn't care, then she certainly doesn't care. Her grip on him tightens somewhat-- deep down she feels a little embarrassed with how easily she accepts this, but hugs are nice. She enjoyed physical affection probably as much, or more, as the next person, even if it was coming from a human. Besides, he smelled nice and she was shallow, okay?

But after a minute she pulls away and heaves a sigh, tucking her hair behind her ear with a feigned air of resignation, like this situation simply couldn't have been avoided and she totally didn't love it.]

Yes, well. Now you can tell your friends you hugged a mermaid. [She looks away to hide her slight smile and shakes her head.] You are so very strange.

My apartment is not far. We should go, am sure you want to go home too, yes?

[ She pulls away and he smiles, warm and indulgent and he ruffles her hair just after she tucks it behind her ear. His fingers run down the loose blonde curls and he tucks the other side behind the opposite ear, brushing it off her shoulder and looking over her scars. That tightness in his chest squeezes, ribs aching, but the anger's fizzled out to sadness like cold ashes after a blazing fire.

She doesn't seem to be taking it too harshly, however. She waves it around like a mace, hurting those who court too closely and keeping a perimeter around herself. He doesn't particularly mind, even if the news had indeed hurt as it smashed into his chest. Sin has the decency to look offended when she tells him he can brag about her. ]

Why, what makes you assume I have any friends to brag to? That's tacky.

[ He's not that kind of man. ]

Besides, if your apartment is so close and mine is so far, I can at least stop in and see how mermaids live.

So you are friendless? Those types are usually loser types, are they not? [The corner of her mouth twitches as she fights a smile that'd give away her teasing. It's nice to ease into that again, something light and friendly to take her away from that darker memories.

And she laughs easily, moving on then; if he wants to see her apartment, then so be it.] It is not as impressive as real mermaid homes. At least, some. Mother would tell me of where she used to live. Deep under the water, where human ruins were. Made their home in there; it was very pretty. She was like princess or queen.

[Alright not really, but as far as Oona was concerned she was as good as.] But, suppose all children think their mothers are queens. Most are right.

I'm not entirely friendless, Oona. Aren't you my friend? I just haven't made any that I'd brag to, not yet.

[ Her laugh makes him smile, an infectious thing that has him chuckling with her after a beat. It was light and easy and it carried him away like a breeze. ]

That sounds beautiful. All mothers are queens, even if only of their own homes. And all women are princesses and should be treated as such. It shouldn't matter where you come from or how you've lived your life; everyone deserves better. Adventure, romance, a place to call home at the end of it all.

[ He had forged his own in his adventures and perils and at great risk to himself, but he'd founded his country and built it up. Him, a one-legged fisherman's son from a tiny village in a war-torn country. Who'd lost his parents early on and had to fend for himself and fight tooth and nail for his place in this world, and here he stands a grand king with everything he ever could have wished for and more. But men always find new things to lust after, some shiny great item to aspire for. The day he stopped reaching for the stars was the day he drifted out to sea in a funeral ship.

As they walk to her apartment, he bumps into her playfully on every other step, arms brushing together and smile lingering on his face. ]

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[Closed] Nothing can console me

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