Those ocean eyes

Thalassa

I wanted to scream. I wanted to yell.
I wanted to shout about it.

Thal didn't remember ever visiting the Underwater City, but as she followed Hadama down into the sunken metropolis, things felt... familiar. It was like an itch on her brain, nagging as she tried to take in the marvelous sights of merfolk filtering through the coral archways and around floating kelp curtains. Despite the depth of the water and general blue hue of her vision, she could still see the vibrant colors of the world below. The corals were bright shades of pinks, oranges, purples, and every other color. Sealife were scattered amongst the stoney plants, starfish, crabs, scaled fish, and small leathery skinned mammals. It had her mouth coming open in awe before she almost panicked instinctually at the movement. However, the magic of the Cloud Manta crystal on her neck had yet to fail, magically keeping her lungs clear of water. 

She looked to the Mer King, grateful that he'd been willing to let her tag along on his journey home. Returning to the ship after such an emotionally draining day hadn't appealed to her. Her heart still felt too raw to put on any kind of brave face, and she wouldn't have her crew seeing her in such a state. They were loyal in part due to her intimidation. The tear-puffy face of their downtrodden captain wouldn't exactly inspire confidence in her leadership. Maybe some would argue that clinging to Hadama was just a way for her to hide, but how was she supposed to explain that being near him just felt right? How was she supposed to describe the lift of her heart as the idea had surface? The singing that had harmonized with her soul as she dove deeper into the ocean's grasp? The loosening of the hook that had tugged at her heart for the last two years? 

The truth was, she couldn't justify the reasoning. She'd finally decided to take hold of a new purpose, and like a prophetic dream, the call in her mind seemed to finally make sense. It wasn't just a preference for the water, or a curse of longing. It was an internal compass, trying to lead her somewhere. And as she drifted down to the center of the Underwater City, it just seemed to click. None of her questions had been answered, but a piece of the puzzle had fit snuggly into place. 

These were her thoughts as she silently trailed the Mer King, soaking in the sights and revelations like a dying woman.

But all I could do was whipser,
"I'm fine."

A change, Hadama had offered her. Not with any expectation that it would lead to answers, but as a chance to step away from the fear and frustration of the fight in the Feverlands. To wash away the shame and despair that had followed. A place that was new to her, with no memories of near-death or pain, no crew or acquaintances that she would need to keep up appearances for.

A respite from the world she knew, and that knew her, at least for a little while. A chance to forget, and to wonder at the colors and myriad forms of the life beneath the ocean she sailed. An entire world that even now that it was open to landfolk, few airbreathers braved.

A safe haven, if only for a few hours or days.

The mermanta swam with a grace that was usually hidden on land by his slow, deliberate steps. Here, in the underwater city, he was literally in his element, moving with effortless elegance through the water. He nodded acknowledgment or greeting to many of those that they passed. He was not a King who inspired over-familiarity with his subjects, but there was respect from the people around them, and even a few greetings from those who had known him before he had taken the throne; mostly from merchants in jewelry or metalwork.

He looked back at Thalassa regularly, slowing when she needed more time to take in a view or rest from the constant swimming, or occasionally drawing her attention to a particularly notable piece of art or architecture, such as a living abstract sculpture made of coral grown painstakingly into a twisting helix over the course of decades.

Thalassa

I wanted to scream. I wanted to yell.
I wanted to shout about it.

It was a different side of Hadama, the 'King' side, and the leadership sat well on him, like the crown upon his brow. His movements were so graceful, the only word to describe them was 'regal,' a monarch who accepted his responsibilities with poise and humility. She wondered how she hadn't seen it more clearly before. Maybe she'd just been too caught up in her own emotions. 

They continued their way through the city, Thal appreciating the slower pace to really take everything in. She mainly ignored the residents, choosing to admire the structures and sensation of water around her, so she didn't look up as another approached. The mermaid made her way towards them, moving fluidly with the swish of her silvery-grey tail. Hadama would hear her musical voice through the bond, Welcome home, Your Majesty. He might even recognize her as one of the artists of their community, Athena, who helped to sculpt the coral statues. To Thal, the woman made her greeting like the last few, dipping her head respectfully before turning to leave with a polite smile. However, this time, when her eyes drifted up, she froze in place, disbelief flooding her features. At first, Thal wondered if a predator had entered their midst. Alert, her eyes scanned the area for the source, prepared to do what little she could to fend off an enemy. As she turned her head, the mermaid moved quickly forward, startling her back with the sudden motion. The flailing panic of her limbs disrupted the water and surprising the other woman enough to make her freeze again, confusion replacing the fleeting excitement that Thal had missed. 

Both women looked between each other and the Mer King. Thal's face was filled with mild concern and puzzlement. It looked similar to the other's who seemed to be asking questions through the bond, deferential mannerisms gone. Where did you find Lassie? Why isn't she speaking? Is she okay? She swam forward more slowly, looking closely at Thal, causing her to lean away from the inspection, suspicion running rampant. What was she doing? The others hadn't acted this way. 

Hadama would be able to hear as she tried to say, Please, Lassie. Let's talk. Please don't leave. We can go to the surface and I can explain if that's easier. The mermaid pointed up, placing her hands together in a prayer motion before pointing to the surface again. A flurry of other hand motions followed, but Thal narrowed her eyes, unsure what was trying to be communicated. She looked to her friend, eyes narrowed, totally lost on if this was a normal occurrence in the Underwater City. Thal just wanted to enjoy the brief reprieve from everything, and that included whatever was going on here.

But all I could do was whipser,
"I'm fine."

Thank you... Athena. It took him a moment to recall her name, but the coral sculptors were an important and respected sector of the artisans; their art was often used in the city's architecture, and was occasionally brought to his attention when the city planning council met. He inclined his head in return, but unlike most of his citizens she paused and therefore so did he. Her expression spoke more than her words at first, and he turned to look back at Thalassa before returning his gaze to the mermaid with an inquiring tilt of his head.

She moved swiftly, and he reached out to steady Thalassa, placing a calming hand on her shoulder. He looked between the two women, puzzled, though as the flood of questions from the artisan began he quirked a brow at the incongruity of them. Aside from the horns and spade tail, the good captain had legs. Though it was possible that she had once been Attuned... This is Captain Thalassa, he informed Athena slowly. She is an Ancient. A follower of Dygra. They cannot speak in the bond as Attuned can. He was uncertain how much time Athena had spent above the waves, or how much she had cared to learn - or not - of the ways of landwalkers.

He turned back to Thal and after a moment of thought he touched his mouth and mimed speaking, then pointed to Athena. Then he pointed upwards and tilted his head to the side inquiringly. After a few moments to let the implications sink in he gestured back to the city and snaked his hand through the water to mime swimming before looking back to Thalassa again.

Did she want to go to the surface to speak? Or continue their tour of the Underwater City? The decision was hers, though he sent a thought to Athena: Are you certain that you know her?

Thalassa

I wanted to scream. I wanted to yell.
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.

But all I could do was whipser,
"I'm fine."

Emerald eyes watched Athena with compassion, but in spite of the woman's good intentions Hadama remained protective of Thalassa. Perhaps it was a case of mistaken identity, but knowing that the captain was looking for memories of her past made it... not impossible that a connection existed. Still, he had promised his friend the shelter of the Underwater City as a place to rest and heal from their ordeal in the Feverlands, and even if Athena was a link to her past he would not force her to confront it until she was ready to do so.

Though the claim that the artisan made a moment later drew a considering look from the Tidebreaker as he looked between the two women. The similarity was there, yes... but it was not proof. He did not know Athena personally; a woman he had met briefly and knew more by reputation than anything else. Still, he could not see a reason for her to lie about something like this, and the pain and confusion in the bond was genuine.

He inclined his head to her, requesting her patience as he turned back to Thalassa, whose choice it ultimately was. When she reached for his hand he clasped hers firmly, giving her fingers an encouraging squeeze before letting go to watch her ascend with the woman who claimed to be her mother.

~Fin