The great manta considered the mershark thoughtfully. If he'd had his human half he might have tilted his head in acknowledgment of the other Mer's confusion, for before the War he had thought much the same. His games with Melita had largely been that: fun, a challenge to better himself and improve his magic and his marksmanship.
But War - a year ago, but no less present today for all that it was past - had changed that. He'd had to prepare himself for the possibility of fighting against something sentient. And when the battle came upon them he found himself facing an opponent he would never have chosen if lives had not been on the line. He would have fled, if it had been himself alone, and taken no shame in acknowledging an opponent that was beyond him.
But flight was not always an option.
Yes, he confirmed solemnly to the first two questions. And no, he answered the last. With a ripple of his fins he turned once more. If you would like to know the difference, seek me out when you are ready.
And with those words the mermanta swam gracefully away.
~fin~
But War - a year ago, but no less present today for all that it was past - had changed that. He'd had to prepare himself for the possibility of fighting against something sentient. And when the battle came upon them he found himself facing an opponent he would never have chosen if lives had not been on the line. He would have fled, if it had been himself alone, and taken no shame in acknowledging an opponent that was beyond him.
But flight was not always an option.
Yes, he confirmed solemnly to the first two questions. And no, he answered the last. With a ripple of his fins he turned once more. If you would like to know the difference, seek me out when you are ready.
And with those words the mermanta swam gracefully away.
~fin~
