[se] an eternity of other things

MELITA

Melita had made reckless ambition a habit as of late, and for the moment, she clambered along barefoot on the edge of the canals, testing her balance. A few swaying moments back and forth elicited a few giggles, worthwhile laughter while Fangorn watched on from a safer vantage point (could vampire gourds roll their eyes?), not even hiding his snort. Presuming she’d be fine and safe even if she did fall, given the anklet resting along her skin, she was only fueled by dexterity, audacity, and emboldened endeavors.

Hums began under her breath, coaxing away the source of any inhibitions or apprehension. Unaware of what stormed away, Torchline placid in its autumn approach, she merely began to proclaim actual intentions for the day to her companion. “We need sweets for Ludo this time,” she uttered, another wobble beginning through her arms, before righting herself again with a satisfactory grin. “Maybe we can find some shaped like skulls or something.” Or masks. Or dolls. Toys of any assortment.

This is a gift, it comes with a price
Who is the lamb and who is the knife?
Midas is king and he holds me so tight
And turns me to gold in the sunlight

Hadama had been swimming slowly along the bottom of the canals, letting his thoughts of the morning's observations settle into patterns - like trying to reassemble pieces of broken shells to create a cohesive whole. He would think better with food in his stomach, however, and the trading for dryland delicacies could be difficult without assistance.

It was the shadow that drew his attention, wavering in the water and causing the light from above to flicker fitfully. He rolled onto his back, noting a swaying human there, and he twisted back upright and rose to the surface, steely-haired head breaking into air in time to hear the woman's intentions, even if he didn't see to whom she spoke. She didn't seem in danger of falling, after all, and Hadama considered the situation before speaking.

"What kind of sweets are offered on land?" he asked curiously.