(SE) when the nighttime comes, say yes

SUNJATA

i'm drowning in all these voices in the sea
and meeting all my vices in the ring

At her response, he offers her a slight nod of his horned head. He’d heard a similar term before, back in Korofi, back when he’d been given the moniker of the Flood. Devastating, powerful, and yet one that moved with what occurred. Never a pillar, vibrant and strong and open. It was strange how much of him had changed, while at his core he agreed so heartily with the words. Regardless he inhales as deeply as he can, through the crackling, content for as long as he can before the chill of the water becomes too much.

She pulls herself away then and he focuses on her as she steps out of the water, to go to Haai to retrieve the rags and offer a scratch to the griffin, who howls a quiet hum of appreciation, wings flaring as though it hadn’t bothered her any. Sunjata shifts in the water, giving her a small smile and a quiet understanding. Until next time, it seems to say. as he lounges, soon to bundle everything up once Maea leaves and place it in the basket to find Jigano to his surprise later. “I’ll see you soon, Maea.” He hums to her with a sly wink. Because he’d still offered to train her at the very least.

— FIN

so step inside, i ain't afraid to bleed
there ain't a casket strong enough for me