[Training] Sand and Steel

Thalassa

Home is behind, the world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread

Thal only nodded her head at his confident statement, sure that he would want something stronger than a single-hit armor. Especially considering the man had an obvious thing against clothing in general. His bare arms flexed to test the armlet and she tried not to remember the broad muscles slamming his fist into her shoulder. Maybe she needed some protection of her own if she was going to spar against him again. Something to consider next time she worked up the courage to approach Dygra's shrine. The thoughts were a welcome distraction to her inner turmoil, pulling her back from the dark recesses of her fear.

Hadama's compliments helped to relax her further, only to have each muscle tense with his question. She was usually able to skirt people's curiosity with an off-hand comment about The Marauder being her home, but that didn't seem to be the root of what he was asking. He seemed to want to know her origin. Whether or not she was a Torcher. The only problem with that was that she didn't know the answer.

Sheathing her dagger at her hip, Thal crossed her arms in confidence to hide her defensiveness. She wouldn't lie to him after injuring him, but she also wasn't about to have a bleeding-heart conversation with him. So she settled for a curt "I don't know." It wouldn't tell him much. Maybe she was adopted. Maybe she had grown up on her ship. It wouldn't imply that she didn't have any memories before almost two years ago.

Through shadows to the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.

Her curt response told him more than her impassive body language, but Thalassa was hardly the only person in Torchline who had reasons not to discuss their past. Hadama accepted the rebuff with a simple nod of acknowledgment and did not try to press his questions any further. They had known each other for less than two days, and respect was not the same as friendship, much less trust.

His gaze rested on her for a long, quiet moment. It was a thoughtful silence, considering all that he had seen of her so far. Her actions against the Shadow Serpent. Her hard work collecting rocks and mixing cement. Her willingness to pitch in to repair the fountain, and the way she had challenged and encouraged others both while they had prepared the sugarcane juice and afterwards at the party.

"Hmm. Would you consider becoming one?" he asked slowly, weighing each word. But there was a twinkle in his eye again as he added in incentive: "Haulani is warded against the Void. And we have Fountains for both Healing and Luck."

Thalassa

Home is behind, the world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread

The Mer-king's quiet assessment of her was unnerving, but she wasn't about to back down or appear small, so she stood with an uncaring mask of fortitude. Even if he didn't question her lack of answer, he was obviously thinking about something very deeply. Thal would have guessed that he was trying to guess her past or puzzle out her mannerisms. Whatever she thought it might have been, it wasn't an offer of citizenship.

Looking closely at Hadama, she realized that he was completely serious. It was no secret that she felt pulled to the ocean. Whenever she was away, her every thought was consumed by waves and watery depths. Torchline made it easy to stay close, soaking in the salty breeze. The people seemed acceptable and the weather was mild enough for her Ancient condition. In addition to the incentives he brought up, Thal couldn't think of a single reason to say no. Yet she hesitated.

A similar offer had been presented for her to join the Hollowed Grounds. The scenery wasn't nearly as enjoyable and there wasn't as much ocean front access, but there were other Ancients building a community there. They were creating a place for themselves in the world, not apologizing for who they were, just existing. It sounded like a fairy tale and she hadn't been able to bring herself to hope that it might be just as good as it sounded.

She didn't know what to do. On one hand, Thal loved being able to claim her ship as her home, but on the other, she felt a longing to belong. Hadama wasn't offering that. The Hollowed Ground wasn't either. Maybe one day they would. She just needed to feel it before she said yes.

Finally deciding, she cocked her head like an amused feline, smiling lightly. "Ask me again later."

Through shadows to the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.

He was indeed serious. It was not an offer he made lightly, though it was one he rarely made so soon after meeting someone. He did not know why the Ancient seemed like she belonged in Torchline, fitting comfortably into place here like a hand into a glove, but he trusted his instincts. They were not always right, but for all that he had gained from them over the years it was worth the consequences when they were wrong.

He did not think he was wrong about Thalassa, though.

She also lapsed into silence, clearly thinking his invitation through, and that was enough for him today. That she took it seriously, and that she did not turn it down out of hand. When she did answer he simply inclined his head in acceptance. "The offer will stand. But I will ask again someday."

He had a great deal to consider, and more tasks that needed doing as King, so he bid the Ancient Captain a good day and headed back to town to return to his work.

~Fin~