flowers, please

Dance with the waves, move with the sea,

Thal doesn't dig more into his relationship. It had taken Asta this long to open up to her, so she's sure he'll eventually confide in her more. At the moment, she can focus on more achievable goals, strategizing how to best help him fulfill the quest. As she'd suspected, Danta is the perfect option for collecting feathers, and she gives a decisive nod of her head. "That's probably a good idea." Not that she has any other suggestions for that particular task. 

As for the others, she supposes it probably would be better for the Butcher to be an active participant in the literal killing of his adversary, but she can't picture it being an easy process. "Well, if you change your mind..." Or finds that he can't go through with it, the look in her eyes lets him know that her offer is a standing one. 

It shifts swiftly into a fanged grin at his question. "I could always use a good training, and it'd be nice to see how I stack up against you." Because although she may prance around with unrivaled confidence, she's not stupid enough to assume she's the strongest, especially not after getting literally pummeled into the ground by Hadama. She was also a little leery of her fire magic after the Mer King had been on the wrong end of her instinctual defensive outburst, but that wouldn't be a concern with Asta, and a bubbling of excitement builds in her chest. "Just let me know a time and place."

Thalassa

let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.

// we haven't won, and if we win, //

It would likely come with time, just as they have done with one another over the past seasons. So as she says that it was probably a good idea, the butcher inclines his head easily, his smile easier on his face and the lines of tension alleviating as plans are put into place. He was certainly a planner – one that would often become overwhelmed when there were too many listless things in his life. It’s why he was so meticulous – and he makes those mental checklists if only to categorize everything in a manageable chunk rather than let it overwhelm him.

So as he searches her face, the butcher nods – spying the standing offer there and the glint in his dark gaze is nothing but appreciative of her. One that blossoms when she grins at his question and he inclines his head. “I do like a challenge.” He confirms playfully. While he’s never fought against the captain, something tells him she’s fiery and slippery, challenging in the ways that the butcher doesn’t often get to spar against.

She won’t go easy on him, he’s sure, but neither will he for her. It’s a perfect balance as far as he’s concerned. “I shall let you know.” He turns on his heel, giving the springs another precursory glance to find absolutely nothing in their midst. “Shall we head back? We can take the portal together if you would like.” He murmurs softly, offering his arm should she wish to take it.

Whether she does or doesn’t, he marks the path back toward the portal to the Hollowed Grounds, feeling bolstered by his deity and the help from his friend.

- FIN

Astaroth

// and if the morning light sets in, we've cheated fate again //