Thalassa
I wanted to scream. I wanted to yell.
I wanted to shout about it.
I wanted to shout about it.
It was obvious that a million questions were running through the woman, but Hadama would only hear, 'Captain Thalassa'? 'Ancient'? Her closer inspection caused her eyes to widen, a soft sound of pain ringing through the bond. She hadn't been on land in years, yet it was hard to deny the truth before her. Gods... how did everything go so wrong? How did she end up like... this? She looked like she might reach forward again but restrained herself at Thal's narrowing eyes. She couldn't hear the conversation, but Thal didn't like the familiar way the mermaid kept looking at her, with pleading, with concern, with caring. So she kept her distance, appreciative of the Mer King's presence through it all. But a strange inkling made her consider the idea that this woman might know something about her, about the old her, as unlikely as that was.
As Hadama pantomimed the woman's request, the captain considered her options: follow this strange mermaid to the surface, or ignore her and continue exploring the beautiful Underwater City. She wanted to continue on, taking comfort in the way the water seemed to affect her. But, if this woman happened to know something and Thal let her leave, would she ever be able to find her again? Would she ever get answers? Yet it was almost too much of a coincidence. She'd only just told Hadama of her plans. What were the chances?
At his question, the mermaid gave the King a confused look, her eyebrows furrowing to accentuate the wrinkles around her eyes. She seemed almost offended by the inquiry. Of course. It's been years, but I would never forget the face of my daughter. At that point, he might notice the near black hair lingering beneath the Athena's gray, the striking blue eyes that seemed somewhat familiar. Their noses may have been different, but if their lips had been in the same expression, they might have been identical. Other than the swaying silver tail, she might have been the image of Thal's future.
Meanwhile, Thal looked suspiciously between the two (primarily Athena), still wrestling with her decision that had already been made. There wasn't really any reason not to speak with the woman. Even if it turned out to be nothing but the ravings of a lunatic, Thal would hear her out. It was worth the small chance of discovering something about her past.
She finally met Hadama's gaze, reluctantly letting her head dip in acceptance of the woman's request. Not sure how to use her hands other than pointing between the two of them again, she mouthed, "I'll come back soon. Thank you." Thal reached out to shake his hand before indicating for the mermaid to lead the way. She almost immediately regretted her decision as Athena brightened, swimming up quickly before turning to watch her follow slowly behind.
As Hadama pantomimed the woman's request, the captain considered her options: follow this strange mermaid to the surface, or ignore her and continue exploring the beautiful Underwater City. She wanted to continue on, taking comfort in the way the water seemed to affect her. But, if this woman happened to know something and Thal let her leave, would she ever be able to find her again? Would she ever get answers? Yet it was almost too much of a coincidence. She'd only just told Hadama of her plans. What were the chances?
At his question, the mermaid gave the King a confused look, her eyebrows furrowing to accentuate the wrinkles around her eyes. She seemed almost offended by the inquiry. Of course. It's been years, but I would never forget the face of my daughter. At that point, he might notice the near black hair lingering beneath the Athena's gray, the striking blue eyes that seemed somewhat familiar. Their noses may have been different, but if their lips had been in the same expression, they might have been identical. Other than the swaying silver tail, she might have been the image of Thal's future.
Meanwhile, Thal looked suspiciously between the two (primarily Athena), still wrestling with her decision that had already been made. There wasn't really any reason not to speak with the woman. Even if it turned out to be nothing but the ravings of a lunatic, Thal would hear her out. It was worth the small chance of discovering something about her past.
She finally met Hadama's gaze, reluctantly letting her head dip in acceptance of the woman's request. Not sure how to use her hands other than pointing between the two of them again, she mouthed, "I'll come back soon. Thank you." Thal reached out to shake his hand before indicating for the mermaid to lead the way. She almost immediately regretted her decision as Athena brightened, swimming up quickly before turning to watch her follow slowly behind.
But all I could do was whipser,
"I'm fine."
"I'm fine."
