Thalassa
Home is behind, the world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread
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."
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.
Until the stars are all alight.
