The eel, oblivious to their frivolous talks of nature and philosophy simply turned its head to show Frieda the underside of its chin- there next scratching beast.]
They're not terribly unlike humans in how they live their lives. I mentioned Azul's family owned a restaurant. His parents have divorced and remarried, if one described only these parts of his life, you wouldn't know he'd grown up in the sea.
[Which was how he was getting away ignoring that detail in his own stories.]
Merfolk are simply forced to live closer to nature than humans are, and much of that nature is quite deadly. You have large predators, violent storms, poisonous and venomous creatures. That's not even taking into account the magical dangers, such as the violent spirits from old shipwrecks.
[She's happy to oblige and stroke the eel under its chin. Sealife is so different from life above the surface, and yet..! She has to wonder if the merpeople keep fish as pets. She wonders, too, what sort of food Azul's family restaurant serves. After all, they can't cook down here... right? Jade's mention of spirits, however, puts a frown on her face.]
If those spirits come from the wrecks, they must be human in origin. It's a wonder the merfolk are still willing to have relations with our kind if we cause them even such supernatural trouble.
[Back home, she never really believed in spirits and spectres, never having seen any evidence for their existence, but the topic reminds her of something:]
Being a winter power holder, you'll be able to see them too, won't you?
[Ghosts, like so many other beings of myth and legend, appear to be confirmed denizens of Ellipsa - and apparently of Jade's world, too. Maybe in his world, everybody has the ability to see them?]
[Jade watched idly as the eel indulged in the attention, even turning upside down for a good scritching at the top of its head. Honestly Jade couldn't help but be a little jealous at that. His primitive relative did seem to be very much enjoying itself. And it didn't even have to do anything for it. Just came out and immediately, free meal and free attention.]
Traditionally, yes, they are human. However they only cause serious trouble during the fall season, and spirits on land tend to do the same. It's simply the violent nature of their deaths that cause the undersea ghosts to be particularly troublesome.
At least their arrival is predictable enough so that measures are taken to ward against them, but every year people still go missing.
[And there are so many stories he wishes he could tell her about that. His and his brother's experiences, their traditions. It would perhaps be a fun gift to give her one of their glowing lanterns used to ward the spirits away.
Ah, but maybe some time in the future. Halloween was months away yet.]
I wouldn't be surprised if I could. I've been able to see them back home in the past. My school actually has a docile group of ghosts that tend to the kitchen- due to the magical concentration of the place, they can maintain their forms year-round.
[Not to worry, Jade, you'll remain the eel that gets the most attention from her, and you won't have to do more than show up, either! Given how much he's been spoiling her and Historia with free home-made meals, she'll keep trying to return that favour, too, much as he keeps beating her to it. (Ultimately, cooking together has been the best compromise.)]
Only in autumn..? How peculiar.
[On Paradis Island - and on the continent, too - that was usually the time for harvest festivals, though Frieda can see how the darkening days and the onset of the cold seasons would lend themselves to an increase in superstitious stories being shared.]
Your world sounds remarkable. Not only humans and merfolk, but even ghosts can coexist peacefully if they put their mind to it. Where I'm from, the fighting among humans alone feels like it'll never cease.
...
How can the ghosts cook when they have no solid body?
[Well it would seem she still has two eels in her thrall, and while he thought he had the home turf advantage, this one acting like a content dog seemed to be winning out. Just going to have to up his land game he guesses. Though he's grossly underestimating the effect of head scritches will have on him. He's playing a dangerous game and doesn't even know.]
Some ghosts. Others prefer a bit of mischief and chaos for their brief window of activity. And autumn is when the barrier between the living and the realm of the dead weakens, which allows ghosts to slip through briefly. Lanterns and gifts of appeasement are common among different lands.
[He certainly hoped there would be some similar celebrations around the fall. If the natives here were bringing aspects of other cultures, then he would not be amiss in suggestions from home. Perhaps he could even pester the Prince of Briar Valley to do that little fire trick of his.
Preferably without accidentally setting the city on fire. Maybe. Because that would also be hilarious.]
Our school is rich enough with latent magic that they have some physical presence, like a gelatin or pudding. you can still walk through one by accident if you aren't paying attention, but they tend to just laugh it off.
[Given how much the fish enjoys being petted, Frieda has taken to running both palms over its long body, still careful to not smush its fins or apply too much pressure. Jade's tales continue to brighten up her face.]
Like pudding? You can't be serious!
[She believes him, but it just sounds so outlandish!]
We should investigate the local customs to see if they do similar things as in your world. You'd think they wouldn't hold seasonal celebrations if all seasons exist year-round, but I suppose people still need those things!
[And that's how they get ice rinks and Christmas decorations even in the summer districts! She can't say that she's opposed to it.
The eel, finally having enough of her ministrations, wiggles free and momentarily rests across her shoulders, looking almost like an open scarf, before swimming onwards. Frieda observes its tail moving the same way as Jade's and tries to copy it, but with her differently oriented fin it only results in an awkward, slow, diagonal somersault. She laughs.]
I've never walked through one myself, it's simply what I've heard from others. But yes, I would rather enjoy seeing that. Perhaps we can make some lanterns together when the time comes, just to be on the safe side.
[He watched at this eel absolutely shmoozed her before taking of, giving Jade's tail an annoyed nip before it slips back into its hiding spot. Jade turned around only to give it a passing frown- which for him might as well be a death glare. Really, the sheer audacity! Looks like this time the sea life harassed him instead. Well played eel, well played.
But, Frieda bring him back to the conversation quick enough.]
I'm curious how such things are decided as well. Perhaps your tail reflects your native homeland in some way. Mine was rocky and could be maze-like at times, and dark much of the year [All of the year.] so a tail like mine, and the luminescence would be useful.
[Which was why his family lived there in the first place.]
A tail like yours is versatile. Better at acrobatics than mine, clearly. [Said with a chuckle at her little somersault.] If you let me take a closer look, I can probably tell you more about where you'll excel.
Edited (reread older tag, thought it had been mentioned she had fancy webbing) 2024-01-15 07:56 (UTC)
[Making lanterns together sounds lovely, but then Frieda can hardly imagine anything not being fun if she's doing it with Jade. They truly are standing in for each other's absent siblings! Frieda, of course, has Historia... maybe the three of them should do more things together, but Historia is a good lot more withdrawn than her, and she doesn't want to push and pull her out of her comfort zone more than necessary.
Jade's description of his homeland sounds positively dreary - not that she'd put it like that out loud. Why would his family stay in a dark and labyrinthine place like that? Well, they must've had their reasons, and his tail certainly is more interesting for it. She observes her own tail again, halfway curled up to get a close look at the shimmering scales. Its shape is fairly standard, sleek and simple with no extravagant details besides the iridescent colour.]
Mine is more or less what people think of when they imagine a mermaid tail. Perhaps it's what people who live in the countryside and cities get.
[She extends her fin towards him to inspect. If anyone can supply more information about how she can maximise her efficiency of movement in the water, it'll be him!]
[Ah. He really should have thought that request through a bit more, because now he has a very lovely set of tailfins in his hands. He is… going to keep his gaze very politely on the tailfins. Only the tailfins. This isn’t even what her lower half truly looks like, he needs to keep it together.]
Well, I can say that the orientation isn’t vertical like that of a fish, but rather horizontal like a seal or whale. So it’s going to be very flexible, hence your skills in acrobatics.
[And he makes the mistake of glancing up at the rest of her tail only for a moment, but that was enough to make his heart race- and thus causing the pulsating glow that ran through his body also quickened.
He was just going to act normal, pretend it’s normal. Not acknowledge the shift and just continue his explanation… while not looking up until he can look her in the eyes again. Tailfins are what he’s looking at. That is all.]
It won’t be as heavy though, since you have webbing rather than bone and blubber, but it still should serve as a good weapon if you find yourself in danger.
[He folded her fins together like a fan, then tilted it to show her.
With minimal touching. Being a gentleman and is looking her in the eye. Just keep looking her in the eye. Ignore the appeal of the vibrant colors reflecting in her scales. Just keep looking at her face Jade.]
See, you can close your tailfins together like this, and you’ll be able to use it like a whip. A good firm blow with this, and you’ll likely drive off most potential threats.
[To Frieda, her tail still feels like such a strange and fascinating thing that it doesn't immediately occur to her that she's doing the direct equivalent of letting Jade take a good long look at her legs. His gentle touch of her tailfins make her laugh and wiggle a little. It's such an unfamiliar sensation! When she sees that glow race over his skin again, she can only wonder what it means... before, it happened when she complimented him. Is he happy? Or... flustered?
A barely noticable flush passes over her cheeks too. Luckily, Jade is keeping his eyes downcast! Focusing on his explanations helps her maintain her composure - she's actually quite surprised to hear that she can use her tail in self-defence (which is a very complicated matter for her, overall, but even her ideology of peace can accommodate the concept of assuring her survival in this world so she can return to her original one and fulfill her destiny there).]
I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for showing me how to do it.
[As always, the contact between them is causing a pleasant energy flow, but in this situation it feels a little different than when they link arms. Is it the change in their physiology, or merely the mood..?]
As I said, it’s quite versatile. Your tail serves as your main defense, your propulsion, and a means for you to direct yourself.
[He let’s her fins open again, and shifts them in a different position.]
Here try keeping them in this position while you swim forward.
[It should have her spin in a corkscrew motion, both something she’ll no doubt find fun, and also gives him a minute to gather himself to quell his lightshow version of blushing.]
[Sure enough, it does make her spin around her own axis, and she laughs again as she lets the remaining momentum carry her a little further. She ends up floating on her back, looking up at the sunlight breaking through the surface high above them.]
It would be nice if we could just stay here...
[All her worries feel so remote down here in the water. In theory, she and Jade likely could remain mermaids indefinitely, given that they can recharge the mana needed to use their Mermaid Necklaces by resting, but she doesn't want Historia to worry for her. Besides... she turns back to Jade to share her question.]
What's it like in the sea at night? Unlike on land, there are no lamps here.
[Or are there? Perhaps the mermaids have their own sources of light. Do other things down here glow like Jade?]
[He swims alongside her, and once she’s laid on her back to rest he joins her, so that their heads are side-by-side. How many times has he enjoyed a similar view? There was comfort to be found in the familiarity.]
It would, wouldn’t it? But even merfolk have houses and shelter. We’d have to find or build a place to stay. Which wouldn’t be impossible I think.
[Which… was something he would consider at this point. Perhaps not to stay indefinitely, but this was all starting to make him homesick. Even simply for Octavinell’s dorms. He may have been on land at the school, but he never felt far from the sea.
In this place it would make for a nice getaway for a few days at most.]
There is magical lighting, though the further down you go the more accustomed to the dark the inhabitants are, and the less light they need.
There are fish and algae that glow that make for sufficient light sources- not to mention the inhabitants themselves.
But you can’t see the stars. It would be quite the trip to get a peek at them, and one would simply have to hope there were no clouds in the way.
Edited (I need to not tag right after waking up. I wont stop but I should.) 2024-01-16 20:43 (UTC)
[Resting in the waves side by side with Jade is so comfortable, Frieda can feel her body relax more deeply than it has in a long time. She turns to him with a smile.]
Let's build ourselves a seahouse, then! It can be our project!
[There may be no reefs or large rock formations on the seaground here, but surely they'll be able to figure something out!]
This sea probably isn't deep enough to have a truly dark zone we could get algae from, so let's see if we can find waterproof magical lighting. Maybe we can even learn to make our own!
[She turns further towards Jade and playfully nudges his shoulder.]
As for the stars, I won't miss them when you glow like this.
I was looking into purchasing some property here, I can keep an eye out for a good beachfront.
We would be able to avoid unpleasant run ins with fishing nets and boats that way.
[Since how could he have said no to that enthusiasm? Not that he’d have declined anyway, but she seemed to absolutely light up at the idea. It would take some work, namely finding a sufficient rock formation nearby- or to make one, and carve something out.
He raised his hands upwards, cupped them together, and magically summoned a small light.]
I’ll have to brush up on my enchanting too it seems. I’m certain I’ll find a way to make a few light fixtures-
[And he looks to her, mimicking her playful nudge. ]
Unless you would rather keep me as your personal underwater lamp. I would be happy to oblige.
[She laughs again. She won't admit it, but she really could look at the gentle glow of his skin for hours! His light magic, though, is just as impressive. Somehow, she had put aside the knowledge that he came here already in the possession of magic from his homeland!]
You want to buy a house here? How are you going to earn enough money for that?
[Come to think...]
I should look into finding work, too. Our allowance will stop next month, and I can't possibly leave the burden of paying for our rent and necessities on Historia. I'll contribute to your house, too. After all, I plan to be your guest so often!
[It'll be a challenge for her to identify a suitable occupation, and that worries her a little. She's neither frail not lazy nor hesitant to apply herself and learn new skills, but so many jobs that exist here simply don't exist back home! What's more, things like handicrafts are done much faster and more precisely by machines or magical means here... it won't be easy.]
[He waves his hand in the water to dispel the small light, leaving it to shimmer the waves as it dissipates. He's already got some potential ideas for how to make things work.]
I have numerous marketable skills [like blackmail, and extortion] I picked up some good business practices from Azul at the monstro lounge [Blackmail, and extortion], and my parents also own multiple businesses so I have picked up things from them [Blackmail, extortion, and possibly tax fraud? Who knows.]
I would say one of my best skills is information gathering. I am good at understanding others needs, and acting accordingly, and in so doing I learn things. It was why Azul chose me as his vice housewarden. It's an invaluable skill for running a business.
[and for blackmail and extortion.
But at least he peppered in some honesty towards the end. He'd rather she not be completely blindsided by his shady business practices when she inevitably finds out.]
I assure you, that both you and Historia will have a key, and will be welcome to stay as frequently and as long as you like, and you only need contribute what you feel comfortable with.
[The real payment would be her company, perhaps a bit lopsided, but after spending do much time alone in the apartment... he's willing to be the wallet if it means escaping that insufferable silence night after night.]
What sort of work to you plan on looking into? There might be options for schooling instead? I'm still working through the information on this place, but there are places for you to learn magic from my understanding. I imagine they would provide you an allowance.
[And if not he would be fine helping out as well.]
[Jade is so confident in his skills..! Frieda can't help but think that he could have a great career in the Military Police back home (which, honestly, no morally upright person should take as a compliment, given how a sub-unit of said police excels at sniffing out people who are questioning the truth about their world and making sure they don't talk about it ever again).
At his consideration of her and especially her sister, she smiles warmly. Historia may only have met him that once when he delivered his cooking to them, but it means a lot to Frieda that he's thinking of her too! At his question, however, she turns ponderous.]
I'm honestly not sure. Learning magic is our main objective here, right?
[To enable them to brave the dangerous Segments... she frankly can't imagine ever being able to do that.]
It's daunting. Besides the energy we get from contact with each other, I haven't been able to feel my magic at all. I'm afraid of failing completely if I enroll at a school. Besides, most others there will probably be children.
[Jade is, for better or worse, more morally sideways then morally upright, so he’d take it as the highest of compliments. And also she’s probably not far off the mark, he’d be terrifyingly good at it so long as it remained interesting.
For now, however, he was putting that sinister little mind of his to work puzzling out a solution to Frieda’s troubles.]
That’s not entirely unsurprising, but at the very least I do not believe you need to fret about being too old to learn magic.
Even at my school, a prestigious academy for mages, accepts students from all magical backgrounds. A fair number of which have never received any formal training prior. If it’s something you’re still worried about, I would be willing to accompany you.
[He thoughtfully brought a hand to his chin, briefly thinking of the Prefect’s unique situation back home. He was also without magic, and yet there was one class he could always participate in…]
I could even perhaps give you something of a leg up on the competition so-to-speak. Brewing potions requires little to no actual magical aptitude, and it happens to be my best subject. I can show you how to brew some simple potions- it’s really not so different than cooking.
[It would be something of a trick, and a way to see if magic in this world worked similarly to his own. If one’s ability to imagine the result was still a key factor in a spell or potion’s success, then if she wasn’t aware the potion could potentially fail- she’d use her magic without realizing it to make it true.
Which would be the perfect time to confess his actions, and give her a starting point to push her forward in it. It would also be a fun experiment in and of itself.]
[That brings her smile right back. What a reliable friend he is! She rolls onto her stomach to better look at him (though that means she has to put in a little bit of effort again to stay in place and not gradually drift off).]
If potion-brewing is like cooking, I can do it! And if you instruct me, it can only turn out well.
[How does he manage to turn her mood swings back around so effortlessly? Everything seems a lot easier when she's with him.]
If they really compensate us with our studies, we'll have things cut out for us, won't we?
It wouldn’t be too different from how things are back home, helping Azul run the lounge while taking classes. Likely easier even, without my other duties minding the dorm.
[ When she rolled over, Jade reflexively reached out to take her hand in his to stay her, and the other on her hip to keep her from drifting off. She didn’t really need the help, but better safe than sorry- and it was just rather nice to keep her close.
He has to chuckle at how easily it was to brighten her mood in situations like this. Did no one ever offer her such simple things before? Or perhaps it was him with the skewed perspective, having Floyd by his side since the day he hatched? Either way, it seemed to be a fair arrangement, and it was rather adorable when she got so happy.]
I can show you a simple healing potion as your first recipe. Basic but quite useful.
[And a marketable product. A skill she can make use of.]
Indeed we will be, and if you ever find yourself struggling, you know I’ll be more than happy to help.
[There is is again, that flow of energy between them... and, quiet as she stays about it, merely giving his other hand a squeeze, she likes feeling his palm on her scales.
It's not like no one is kind or generous to her back home - on the contrary, she has a loving family and community around her -, but the knowledge that her loved ones will die such violent deaths still makes her struggle a lot every day, and Jade provides her with much-needed distraction and stability.
Besides, this new world with its magic and machines and futuristic transport and food and... well, everything, presents a daunting challenge to her in her emotionally compromised state. Where she could have briskly tackled the challenge of adapting under normal circumstances, she now wavers between mental exhaustion and grief. Still, she wants to persevere!]
Thank you, Jade. You're incredibly resourceful.
[His sheer assuredness that it'll all work out boosts her faith, too. With his help, she will learn to make potions, and maybe do other magic too, and they'll be able to earn enough money to buy the house he dreams of! Her fate back home may be sealed, but there's still happiness to be found here until the time for her return arrives.
She turns her head up to look at the surface, noticing a change in lighting.]
Is it getting cloudy up there? If it rains, will we even feel it down here?
Of course. It’s hardly any trouble. Please do not hesitate to come to me when you find yourself in these dilemmas.
[Solving such things was similar to some of the work he did back home, and her needs thus far were quite simple, and yet her whole face would light up in response. It was rather unexpected, and a bit fun.]
Yes and no, and also it depends. Fish get more active when it’s cloudy out during rainstorms. It has little to do with the rain itself, and more with the darkened sky. Though if it rains hard enough, it can kick up sand and silt which bring about more fish in the shallows.
[She squeezes his hand in gratitude again. Mundane as his support may be, he doesn't have to do these things for her, and the fact that he chooses to makes her happy. However, his answer regarding the weather's impact surprises her.]
How strange. I'd have thought the darkness would put the fish at rest!
[She looks up at the darkening sky overhead again.]
What do we do? Go up to the shallows? Or go further down? With your lights, we should be able to see even if it gets darker.
Fish don't sleep as humans do, many must keep moving in order to breathe, so they can only enter a partial state of rest at best. During the day time Fish tend to hide among the rocks and corals to avoid predators in open waters.
However, at night, when predators like birds and other land based creatures are sleeping, they come out to feed.
[He turned his gaze upwards as the first raindrops began to disturb the surface of the water. It wasn't something he'd seen often given how deep he lived, but he also wasn't a fan of the mucky muddy waters of stagnant lakes and ponds.]
I believe going deeper would be the better option, better than swimming through muddy water..
[That did mean they'd need to separate in some capacity, so with some reluctance he let go of her hip and twisted himself so he could right himself without letting go of her hand.]
Shall we? I'm certain we'll find something interesting.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[The other part being, well, he lives there.
The eel, oblivious to their frivolous talks of nature and philosophy simply turned its head to show Frieda the underside of its chin- there next scratching beast.]
They're not terribly unlike humans in how they live their lives. I mentioned Azul's family owned a restaurant. His parents have divorced and remarried, if one described only these parts of his life, you wouldn't know he'd grown up in the sea.
[Which was how he was getting away ignoring that detail in his own stories.]
Merfolk are simply forced to live closer to nature than humans are, and much of that nature is quite deadly. You have large predators, violent storms, poisonous and venomous creatures. That's not even taking into account the magical dangers, such as the violent spirits from old shipwrecks.
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If those spirits come from the wrecks, they must be human in origin. It's a wonder the merfolk are still willing to have relations with our kind if we cause them even such supernatural trouble.
[Back home, she never really believed in spirits and spectres, never having seen any evidence for their existence, but the topic reminds her of something:]
Being a winter power holder, you'll be able to see them too, won't you?
[Ghosts, like so many other beings of myth and legend, appear to be confirmed denizens of Ellipsa - and apparently of Jade's world, too. Maybe in his world, everybody has the ability to see them?]
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Traditionally, yes, they are human. However they only cause serious trouble during the fall season, and spirits on land tend to do the same. It's simply the violent nature of their deaths that cause the undersea ghosts to be particularly troublesome.
At least their arrival is predictable enough so that measures are taken to ward against them, but every year people still go missing.
[And there are so many stories he wishes he could tell her about that. His and his brother's experiences, their traditions. It would perhaps be a fun gift to give her one of their glowing lanterns used to ward the spirits away.
Ah, but maybe some time in the future. Halloween was months away yet.]
I wouldn't be surprised if I could. I've been able to see them back home in the past. My school actually has a docile group of ghosts that tend to the kitchen- due to the magical concentration of the place, they can maintain their forms year-round.
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Only in autumn..? How peculiar.
[On Paradis Island - and on the continent, too - that was usually the time for harvest festivals, though Frieda can see how the darkening days and the onset of the cold seasons would lend themselves to an increase in superstitious stories being shared.]
Your world sounds remarkable. Not only humans and merfolk, but even ghosts can coexist peacefully if they put their mind to it. Where I'm from, the fighting among humans alone feels like it'll never cease.
...
How can the ghosts cook when they have no solid body?
[Asking the important questions!]
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Some ghosts. Others prefer a bit of mischief and chaos for their brief window of activity. And autumn is when the barrier between the living and the realm of the dead weakens, which allows ghosts to slip through briefly. Lanterns and gifts of appeasement are common among different lands.
[He certainly hoped there would be some similar celebrations around the fall. If the natives here were bringing aspects of other cultures, then he would not be amiss in suggestions from home. Perhaps he could even pester the Prince of Briar Valley to do that little fire trick of his.
Preferably without accidentally setting the city on fire. Maybe. Because that would also be hilarious.]
Our school is rich enough with latent magic that they have some physical presence, like a gelatin or pudding. you can still walk through one by accident if you aren't paying attention, but they tend to just laugh it off.
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Like pudding? You can't be serious!
[She believes him, but it just sounds so outlandish!]
We should investigate the local customs to see if they do similar things as in your world. You'd think they wouldn't hold seasonal celebrations if all seasons exist year-round, but I suppose people still need those things!
[And that's how they get ice rinks and Christmas decorations even in the summer districts! She can't say that she's opposed to it.
The eel, finally having enough of her ministrations, wiggles free and momentarily rests across her shoulders, looking almost like an open scarf, before swimming onwards. Frieda observes its tail moving the same way as Jade's and tries to copy it, but with her differently oriented fin it only results in an awkward, slow, diagonal somersault. She laughs.]
Why didn't I get an eel tail?
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[He watched at this eel absolutely shmoozed her before taking of, giving Jade's tail an annoyed nip before it slips back into its hiding spot. Jade turned around only to give it a passing frown- which for him might as well be a death glare. Really, the sheer audacity! Looks like this time the sea life harassed him instead. Well played eel, well played.
But, Frieda bring him back to the conversation quick enough.]
I'm curious how such things are decided as well. Perhaps your tail reflects your native homeland in some way. Mine was rocky and could be maze-like at times, and dark much of the year [All of the year.] so a tail like mine, and the luminescence would be useful.
[Which was why his family lived there in the first place.]
A tail like yours is versatile. Better at acrobatics than mine, clearly. [Said with a chuckle at her little somersault.] If you let me take a closer look, I can probably tell you more about where you'll excel.
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Jade's description of his homeland sounds positively dreary - not that she'd put it like that out loud. Why would his family stay in a dark and labyrinthine place like that? Well, they must've had their reasons, and his tail certainly is more interesting for it. She observes her own tail again, halfway curled up to get a close look at the shimmering scales. Its shape is fairly standard, sleek and simple with no extravagant details besides the iridescent colour.]
Mine is more or less what people think of when they imagine a mermaid tail. Perhaps it's what people who live in the countryside and cities get.
[She extends her fin towards him to inspect. If anyone can supply more information about how she can maximise her efficiency of movement in the water, it'll be him!]
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Well, I can say that the orientation isn’t vertical like that of a fish, but rather horizontal like a seal or whale. So it’s going to be very flexible, hence your skills in acrobatics.
[And he makes the mistake of glancing up at the rest of her tail only for a moment, but that was enough to make his heart race- and thus causing the pulsating glow that ran through his body also quickened.
He was just going to act normal, pretend it’s normal. Not acknowledge the shift and just continue his explanation… while not looking up until he can look her in the eyes again. Tailfins are what he’s looking at. That is all.]
It won’t be as heavy though, since you have webbing rather than bone and blubber, but it still should serve as a good weapon if you find yourself in danger.
[He folded her fins together like a fan, then tilted it to show her.
With minimal touching. Being a gentleman and is looking her in the eye. Just keep looking her in the eye. Ignore the appeal of the vibrant colors reflecting in her scales. Just keep looking at her face Jade.]
See, you can close your tailfins together like this, and you’ll be able to use it like a whip. A good firm blow with this, and you’ll likely drive off most potential threats.
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A barely noticable flush passes over her cheeks too. Luckily, Jade is keeping his eyes downcast! Focusing on his explanations helps her maintain her composure - she's actually quite surprised to hear that she can use her tail in self-defence (which is a very complicated matter for her, overall, but even her ideology of peace can accommodate the concept of assuring her survival in this world so she can return to her original one and fulfill her destiny there).]
I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for showing me how to do it.
[As always, the contact between them is causing a pleasant energy flow, but in this situation it feels a little different than when they link arms. Is it the change in their physiology, or merely the mood..?]
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[He let’s her fins open again, and shifts them in a different position.]
Here try keeping them in this position while you swim forward.
[It should have her spin in a corkscrew motion, both something she’ll no doubt find fun, and also gives him a minute to gather himself to quell his lightshow version of blushing.]
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It would be nice if we could just stay here...
[All her worries feel so remote down here in the water. In theory, she and Jade likely could remain mermaids indefinitely, given that they can recharge the mana needed to use their Mermaid Necklaces by resting, but she doesn't want Historia to worry for her. Besides... she turns back to Jade to share her question.]
What's it like in the sea at night? Unlike on land, there are no lamps here.
[Or are there? Perhaps the mermaids have their own sources of light. Do other things down here glow like Jade?]
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It would, wouldn’t it? But even merfolk have houses and shelter. We’d have to find or build a place to stay. Which wouldn’t be impossible I think.
[Which… was something he would consider at this point. Perhaps not to stay indefinitely, but this was all starting to make him homesick. Even simply for Octavinell’s dorms. He may have been on land at the school, but he never felt far from the sea.
In this place it would make for a nice getaway for a few days at most.]
There is magical lighting, though the further down you go the more accustomed to the dark the inhabitants are, and the less light they need.
There are fish and algae that glow that make for sufficient light sources- not to mention the inhabitants themselves.
But you can’t see the stars. It would be quite the trip to get a peek at them, and one would simply have to hope there were no clouds in the way.
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Let's build ourselves a seahouse, then! It can be our project!
[There may be no reefs or large rock formations on the seaground here, but surely they'll be able to figure something out!]
This sea probably isn't deep enough to have a truly dark zone we could get algae from, so let's see if we can find waterproof magical lighting. Maybe we can even learn to make our own!
[She turns further towards Jade and playfully nudges his shoulder.]
As for the stars, I won't miss them when you glow like this.
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We would be able to avoid unpleasant run ins with fishing nets and boats that way.
[Since how could he have said no to that enthusiasm? Not that he’d have declined anyway, but she seemed to absolutely light up at the idea. It would take some work, namely finding a sufficient rock formation nearby- or to make one, and carve something out.
He raised his hands upwards, cupped them together, and magically summoned a small light.]
I’ll have to brush up on my enchanting too it seems. I’m certain I’ll find a way to make a few light fixtures-
[And he looks to her, mimicking her playful nudge. ]
Unless you would rather keep me as your personal underwater lamp. I would be happy to oblige.
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You want to buy a house here? How are you going to earn enough money for that?
[Come to think...]
I should look into finding work, too. Our allowance will stop next month, and I can't possibly leave the burden of paying for our rent and necessities on Historia. I'll contribute to your house, too. After all, I plan to be your guest so often!
[It'll be a challenge for her to identify a suitable occupation, and that worries her a little. She's neither frail not lazy nor hesitant to apply herself and learn new skills, but so many jobs that exist here simply don't exist back home! What's more, things like handicrafts are done much faster and more precisely by machines or magical means here... it won't be easy.]
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I have numerous marketable skills [like blackmail, and extortion] I picked up some good business practices from Azul at the monstro lounge [Blackmail, and extortion], and my parents also own multiple businesses so I have picked up things from them [Blackmail, extortion, and possibly tax fraud? Who knows.]
I would say one of my best skills is information gathering. I am good at understanding others needs, and acting accordingly, and in so doing I learn things. It was why Azul chose me as his vice housewarden. It's an invaluable skill for running a business.
[and for blackmail and extortion.
But at least he peppered in some honesty towards the end. He'd rather she not be completely blindsided by his shady business practices when she inevitably finds out.]
I assure you, that both you and Historia will have a key, and will be welcome to stay as frequently and as long as you like, and you only need contribute what you feel comfortable with.
[The real payment would be her company, perhaps a bit lopsided, but after spending do much time alone in the apartment... he's willing to be the wallet if it means escaping that insufferable silence night after night.]
What sort of work to you plan on looking into? There might be options for schooling instead? I'm still working through the information on this place, but there are places for you to learn magic from my understanding. I imagine they would provide you an allowance.
[And if not he would be fine helping out as well.]
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At his consideration of her and especially her sister, she smiles warmly. Historia may only have met him that once when he delivered his cooking to them, but it means a lot to Frieda that he's thinking of her too! At his question, however, she turns ponderous.]
I'm honestly not sure. Learning magic is our main objective here, right?
[To enable them to brave the dangerous Segments... she frankly can't imagine ever being able to do that.]
It's daunting. Besides the energy we get from contact with each other, I haven't been able to feel my magic at all. I'm afraid of failing completely if I enroll at a school. Besides, most others there will probably be children.
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For now, however, he was putting that sinister little mind of his to work puzzling out a solution to Frieda’s troubles.]
That’s not entirely unsurprising, but at the very least I do not believe you need to fret about being too old to learn magic.
Even at my school, a prestigious academy for mages, accepts students from all magical backgrounds. A fair number of which have never received any formal training prior. If it’s something you’re still worried about, I would be willing to accompany you.
[He thoughtfully brought a hand to his chin, briefly thinking of the Prefect’s unique situation back home. He was also without magic, and yet there was one class he could always participate in…]
I could even perhaps give you something of a leg up on the competition so-to-speak. Brewing potions requires little to no actual magical aptitude, and it happens to be my best subject. I can show you how to brew some simple potions- it’s really not so different than cooking.
[It would be something of a trick, and a way to see if magic in this world worked similarly to his own. If one’s ability to imagine the result was still a key factor in a spell or potion’s success, then if she wasn’t aware the potion could potentially fail- she’d use her magic without realizing it to make it true.
Which would be the perfect time to confess his actions, and give her a starting point to push her forward in it. It would also be a fun experiment in and of itself.]
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[That brings her smile right back. What a reliable friend he is! She rolls onto her stomach to better look at him (though that means she has to put in a little bit of effort again to stay in place and not gradually drift off).]
If potion-brewing is like cooking, I can do it! And if you instruct me, it can only turn out well.
[How does he manage to turn her mood swings back around so effortlessly? Everything seems a lot easier when she's with him.]
If they really compensate us with our studies, we'll have things cut out for us, won't we?
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[ When she rolled over, Jade reflexively reached out to take her hand in his to stay her, and the other on her hip to keep her from drifting off. She didn’t really need the help, but better safe than sorry- and it was just rather nice to keep her close.
He has to chuckle at how easily it was to brighten her mood in situations like this. Did no one ever offer her such simple things before? Or perhaps it was him with the skewed perspective, having Floyd by his side since the day he hatched? Either way, it seemed to be a fair arrangement, and it was rather adorable when she got so happy.]
I can show you a simple healing potion as your first recipe. Basic but quite useful.
[And a marketable product. A skill she can make use of.]
Indeed we will be, and if you ever find yourself struggling, you know I’ll be more than happy to help.
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It's not like no one is kind or generous to her back home - on the contrary, she has a loving family and community around her -, but the knowledge that her loved ones will die such violent deaths still makes her struggle a lot every day, and Jade provides her with much-needed distraction and stability.
Besides, this new world with its magic and machines and futuristic transport and food and... well, everything, presents a daunting challenge to her in her emotionally compromised state. Where she could have briskly tackled the challenge of adapting under normal circumstances, she now wavers between mental exhaustion and grief. Still, she wants to persevere!]
Thank you, Jade. You're incredibly resourceful.
[His sheer assuredness that it'll all work out boosts her faith, too. With his help, she will learn to make potions, and maybe do other magic too, and they'll be able to earn enough money to buy the house he dreams of! Her fate back home may be sealed, but there's still happiness to be found here until the time for her return arrives.
She turns her head up to look at the surface, noticing a change in lighting.]
Is it getting cloudy up there? If it rains, will we even feel it down here?
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[Solving such things was similar to some of the work he did back home, and her needs thus far were quite simple, and yet her whole face would light up in response. It was rather unexpected, and a bit fun.]
Yes and no, and also it depends. Fish get more active when it’s cloudy out during rainstorms. It has little to do with the rain itself, and more with the darkened sky. Though if it rains hard enough, it can kick up sand and silt which bring about more fish in the shallows.
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How strange. I'd have thought the darkness would put the fish at rest!
[She looks up at the darkening sky overhead again.]
What do we do? Go up to the shallows? Or go further down? With your lights, we should be able to see even if it gets darker.
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However, at night, when predators like birds and other land based creatures are sleeping, they come out to feed.
[He turned his gaze upwards as the first raindrops began to disturb the surface of the water. It wasn't something he'd seen often given how deep he lived, but he also wasn't a fan of the mucky muddy waters of stagnant lakes and ponds.]
I believe going deeper would be the better option, better than swimming through muddy water..
[That did mean they'd need to separate in some capacity, so with some reluctance he let go of her hip and twisted himself so he could right himself without letting go of her hand.]
Shall we? I'm certain we'll find something interesting.
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