[SE] just forget it

Smiling softly, she hums a light tune, contemplative but still playful. "Hmmm... sounds like a different world." Although she's glad to be moving on to a different topic, the concept of 'bettering' herself still lingers on the edge of her mind and the idea of 'survival' brings forth images of weaponry and ruthless strategies full of violence. "Do you find that any of those skills help you as an Ancient?" She's certainly seen the man's physical prowess in battle, but she wonders what else he might have saved from his previous life. 

Nodding her agreeance, Thal oils the next weapon within her reach. "It's a surprise that more people don't follow her." 'Worship' feels like the wrong word when it's more like a familial relationship. With so many people feeling alone in the world, it seems like an obvious choice to turn to the motherly goddess. Plus, people get the added benefits of magic, shifts, and fangs. Who wouldn't want that?

Tilting her head, she passes a mace towards a particularly tall, buff looking Ancient with curling brown oxen horns that doesn't hide the way his eyes linger on her. She returns the gaze with her own sharp blue eyes, mouth creeping into a smirk but quickly turning to the next approaching person.

thalassa

so don't waste the time i don't have

sit down now for some ground rules, thank you
do you think you can handle that much?

“It was.” He had taken a lot of time to try and learn everything he’d missed, spending hours since reawakening and securing his place to stay to stay into the late hours of the Atheneum, reading everything that had happened since he’d succumbed to stone and since been revived.

And honestly?

It has been a lot.

Humming a note of yes as he hands another Ancient a bundle of clothes and a fire starter, the butcher glances toward Thalassa with a twitch of a smile on his face. “It did in terms of fighting.” He hums, his shoulder rising and falling in a light shrug. “Everything else, however, isn’t solely beneficial as an Ancient.” He admits before he starts folding some of the clothes to have something to do with his hands for the moment.

“I have to agree.” He murmurs almost wistfully, thinking briefly about their goddess before he sips from the sweet cocoa mug and things begin to look like they’re winding down for his space with the clothes and fire starters. “I do appreciate you coming to help with this.” He flashes her his traditionally sharp smile, but something within it seems inherently more soft and genuine.

Astaroth

i've just come back to life, i'm here, i'm your little ray of sunshine

If they were alone, or closer acquaintances, Thal might have asked him more about his past, curiosity bringing forth questions of specifics or experiences. Yet they were in the midst of 'volunteering' and she understands the haunted look in his eyes. Perhaps one day - when they're both full of liquor that gives them the strength to stare down their pasts - they'll be able to have a more open, honest discussion. For now, she nods her head, letting the moment pass to the rhythmic work of oiling and passing weapons as she says, "At least some things translated." And not all skills had to be learned or relearned. 

Asta's agreeance is another link between them, loosening the lingering tightness between Thal's shoulders. So much so, that she doesn't flinch at the softer smile directed her way. Whereas she might have previously seen the expression as suspicious, she now accepts the look as it is: friendly. It may not have been her choice to come, but her cheeks still flush at the positive emotions. Sighing, she lets a playful chime enter her voice as she shares a sharp grin. "Well, it certainly hasn't been as unbearable as I thought it'd be." Mostly due to the company, but the experience itself has been eye opening. A small warmth has settled in her that's more than just hot chocolate and fire magic. 

Thal clears her throat, focusing her movements back on the oiling of the spear in hand to keep from fidgeting. "It actually helps me with something I've been considering...." Her eyes roam the square, taking in the people and space as she tests the fitting. She's been playing with the idea for a while, and her entire experience with Asta today is feeling like a subtle confirmation. The gentle sensation of budding friendship from his smile. The community before her eyes. The desire for change. 

Taking a sip from her hot chocolate, Thal shrugs her shoulders as if this doesn't feel like a careening ship changing course. "The Marauder could use a more permanent port, and the Hollowed Grounds are a favorite of the crew." Although true, her pride doesn't mention her own inclinations to settle. Torchline will always have a place in her heart, calling her; but if she is going to take a step away from her past and towards growth, distance might be necessary.

thalassa

so don't waste the time i don't have

sit down now for some ground rules, thank you
do you think you can handle that much?

Some things did indeed transfer over, even if the experiences in which he learned new things were quite at odds with the latter. He’d done so many wonderful things, under a new name and a new specific brand of trauma, but he’d worked through it to be the best – because he’d found a place he could belong. And while they didn’t know his past or even his previous name, they still welcomed him. Still chose to save him when he was bleeding out as a gore crow buffet in the Climb.

He'd still had a kinship with strangers he didn’t even know at the time. And it had turned into becoming the best second chance he likely could have ever asked for. It’s why he doesn’t choose to utilize his old name, either. A new name for a new version of himself. A new life.

Snorting his agreement and settling to drain the rest of his cocoa before he snags another steaming cup, he barely waits a second before he sips from it – no fear of being burned by it and preferring the too hot temperature anyway. “I am glad to hear it.” He means it, too. Sometimes all it took was a reminder that they weren’t all alone in this. That there was life out there outside of their own that was worth bolstering.

The Ancients were a family, after all.

Her next words captivate his attention, however, tail flicking in a subdued yet eager anticipation when she mentions her ship and looking for a permanent port. His grin brightens, an excitement bolstered beneath it that he tamps down if only not to push her away. “Is that so?” He asks, tilting his head and looking away from her toward the direction of Jack Tar Landing. “That is quite a beautiful idea. I am happy to help however you may require it.” It’s his turn to extend to her an offer – a boon of a budding friendship, should she wish to take it.

Astaroth

i've just come back to life, i'm here, i'm your little ray of sunshine

The sappy feelings were a little much for her, and Thal chooses to break the moment with a stern turn of her lips. "That doesn't mean I approve of handing out free stuff." As sharp as her expression may be, the playful glint of her blue eyes remains, staring directly at Asta. Despite all this talk of change, she's still a pirate and has a reputation to uphold. If people found out about her 'charity', her 'Blood Captain' name would be in jeopardy, even if her crew already suspects the existence of her hidden soft core. 

Either way, had Asta beamed with excitement and embraced her, Thal might have never stepped foot in the Hollowed Grounds again. When he casually offers his approval and help, her body releases some of the subconscious tension that had grown in anticipation. Pouring her own fresh cup of hot chocolate, she shrugs her shoulders, back to not meeting his eyes. "I usually stay aboard the ship, but it might be nice to have a place to crash every once in a while, if you know of any places?" She doesn't know if she's ready to completely leave The Marauder behind, after all, it's been her safe haven for the last few years; but it might be nice to have a space fully hers. Her ship didn't start as hers, and she supposedly lived with her 'parents' before becoming an Ancient, so nothing has ever truly felt like her own space, and if she's going to find out who this new version of herself is, that's exactly what she'll need: space.

thalassa

so don't waste the time i don't have

sit down now for some ground rules, thank you
do you think you can handle that much?

Letting the warm and amused chuckle escape him, he inclines a tad toward her still in a friendly notion, refraining from getting too close lest he ruin her Big Bad Captain reputation. “While it is not paid for now, does not make it free.” His voice has dropped, a thicker version of his Whitebrim accent making an appearance to mask his words better from the rest of the public or prying ears.

No, while they did in fact give it away for free today, it meant that more Ancients of the Grounds were prepared for whatever came their way. And the more Ancients there were, the more business the Inner Quarter received. The more people flitting in and out of its comfortable boundaries and through all of the shops and businesses.

But those thoughts pass by in favor for a permanent residence here in the Grounds and he straightens as his tail flits in a wave kind of pattern to hear she’s considering a place to permanently be able to stay, when she wasn’t traveling. “Mm, well, it depends on whether or not you wish to stay close to Jack Tar Landing, my dear Captain.” He hums thoughtfully, head tilting slightly as he considers the options. “If you do not wish to, I can recommend a room you may be able to make a deal with obtaining in Levinsward.” A chaotic scar of land with lightning, but a place to stay nonetheless. “I opted for a permanent room at the Dusklight, personally, however it is a bit of a trek to the docks from here.” He slants a softer and amused smile her way, almost as if apologetic for it.

Astaroth

i've just come back to life, i'm here, i'm your little ray of sunshine

His words play around in her mind, heading more the direction of a wealthy benefactor than the existential price of stronger Ancients to roam and fuel the economy. Money and power make sense to her, but the whole 'generational growth' thing is still foreign. Shifting her cloak, she shrugs her shoulders again. As long as she isn't the one who has to pay for it, Thal won't let it concern her. 

While Asta lays out options, she takes another sip of her hot chocolate, relaxing into the way he doesn't push or ask questions. The nickname doesn't even set her bristling like it used to, and she nods along with his list of recommendations. "Close to Jack Tarr would probably be good, but not too close. I want my crew to be able to find me, but not come crash at my place, you know?" There's a small chuckle, imagining her crew showing up drunk at her doorstep. As much as she loves her sailors, the whole point of being on her own is to be alone. That'd be a hard lesson for them to learn if she was right next door. Tilting her head, she adds, "I haven't been to Levinsward, but maybe I'll check it out. Would the lightning be a problem?" Not that she needs 'safe,' but she'd like to be able to leave her home without worrying about getting electrocuted. 

At the mention of the Dusklight, she raises an eyebrow. She hadn't known he lived there, but it feels awfully similar to her own situation on The Marauder. Every time she steps out of her quarters, she's bombarded with work and questions. It's not necessarily her ideal living situation. Flicking her tail curiously, she voices her thoughts in a smooth sing-song voice, "Really? I wouldn't have expected that."

thalassa

so don't waste the time i don't have

sit down now for some ground rules, thank you
do you think you can handle that much?

Pleased at the way she doesn’t bristle with the nickname as it slips past his lips, the butcher nods before he continues to sip from his cocoa, draining the last few dregs before he finds the explanation of Levinsward leaving his lips. “Not at the Sparkbird’s Nest’s immediate area. It is quite a cozy Inn on the outskirts, and if you are to receive a room with a bay window you can even witness the storms as they pass through.” He says it in a knowing tone – a glimmer of excitement flickering in his gaze.

He'd witnessed it, even if he’d been broken at the time. And it was beautiful.

As for the response to where he lives, the butcher’s low rumble of a laugh vibrates through his chest as he inclines his head a touch toward her. “I originally bargained a room in exchange for working as the Dusklight’s Security. Now that things have changed a fair amount, I have an office in the back and no longer truly need to be there to oversee things constantly. The threat of my presence is often enough to keep the scoundrels at bay.” There’s a boon of pride in the butcher’s tone and the glimmer in his dark gaze as he scans her.

Astaroth

i've just come back to life, i'm here, i'm your little ray of sunshine

Having wathered plenty of storms out at sea, Thal likes the idea of being able to see them pass by her window. Her head tilts in contemplation, liking the idea more with each second. "Hmm. That actually sounds pretty nice." She gives him a smile that borders on appreciative, filing the information away along with plans to visit. 

The rest of her hot chocolate goes down easily, fighting off the chill that was starting to creep through her thick cloak. Her cheeks and nose have reddened slightly, bur she doesn't complain, tucking her hands into her pockets for warmth while she listens. This time, her smile is somewhat softer, happy for Asta, if not slightly jealous. "Seems like things have worked out for you." From mostly dead to having a private office and respectable fear, it's like a story out of a book. 

People are beginning to disperse, having gathered their goods and met with friends. The streets start to lose the warmth of laughter and clustered bodies. Looking to Asta, she asks, "Are we expecting any more people?"

thalassa

so don't waste the time i don't have

sit down now for some ground rules, thank you
do you think you can handle that much?

Inclining his head in agreement to it sounding nice – he’d found it quite beautiful to indulge in it despite the circumstances that had brought him there. But it had been a welcome surprise – and a welcome location, should he ever need to go and visit his favorite Captain. And as for his own trajectory, well, he snorts a little and nods – sharp grin flashing toward her that’s equally as pleased as it is content. “Quite well, I would agree.” That things had worked out, at least.

Following her gaze to the rest of the gathering after having given a variety of things away to help the Ancients during the cold season, his attention returns to her with that same bright smile as he shakes his head. “No, I believe this is the end of it. I do appreciate your help, once again.” He inclines his head to her for his gratitude, before he starts to busy himself with packing up the rest of the wares and trinkets they’d brought. “I will finish up here if you would prefer to head back.” He hums softly, opening it up for her to take her leave.

Astaroth

i've just come back to life, i'm here, i'm your little ray of sunshine

Dipping her head, she doesn't shy away from the words, "I'm glad." And even if it's tinged with envy, it's true. She's come to like and respect the man, as evidenced by the way she lingers at the booth even as everyone takes their leave. Asta is both sharp and soft in a way she didn't know was possible, making her think there might just be hope for her.

Thal shrugs off the thanks, her hair shifting to cover her face as she looks away. Her voice is soft when she says, "I suppose if you need assistance again... you can reach out." Not even as a favor, but as a friend. With time, perhaps it would come more naturally to her, this sense of 'community.' For now, she doesn't leave room for teasing or analyzing, shaking her head. "No. I won't leave until the job is finished." And so she grabs a dagger and a spear, piling them similarly to how they were when she arrived.

thalassa

so don't waste the time i don't have

sit down now for some ground rules, thank you
do you think you can handle that much?

He’s glad too. And with each and every time they have these little interactions (whether she’s helping him help others for a season or he’s helping decide who her next in charge would be), they’ve managed to get a pretty decent friendship growing. One that he fully intends on keeping up with – and just so you know, Thal, Asta absolutely adores gifting his friends. So the closer to him you get, the more trinkets you’ll probably end up receiving.

She shrugs off the thanks, though, and he begins to pick up the booth while he listens, hearing her soft tone as she offers up a friendly offering rather than the tactic he’d pulled on her early on upon meeting her. “Good to know.” He hums, flashing her a smile despite the fact she likely won’t see it.

It’s quick and easy work, though, and as Thalassa helps the butcher get the weaponry back into place, Astaroth focuses on setting the clothes back into their boxes and crates to be taken back later by the other handful of volunteers. “Well, that should do it. Would you like another cocoa? A treat for my dear Captain, of course.” He asks, eyeing the stand – his sweet tooth getting the best of him. And if she agrees, well, he’ll go with her over to order it. If she’d prefer to take her leave, though, the butcher still fully intends on finding himself there with one more cup to drain and indulge in the sweetness of it.

- FIN

Astaroth

i've just come back to life, i'm here, i'm your little ray of sunshine