[PQ] The ebb and the flow

Ray

Vibrancy is crucial
In life

Ray flinched back as the octopus reached out, sending Hadama a grateful smile, Thank you. Kaiden then came in and nearly smacked the Attuned with their tail. Sputtering, she turned back to the octopus and implored the stubborn animal once more. "Please just let me move you. Otherwise, that shark is going to give us both concussions." Could octopi get concussions? Ray thought so but she truly didn't' want to test that theory out at the moment.

Even as she attempted her negotiations, Ray refrained from reaching out this time. If the octopus wanted a ride, it could come to her. Otherwise, she'd let it be.

~
Ray tries diplomacy once more! (This time keeping her hands to herself.)

In death
And in what comes after

That is not what Safrin asked, Hadama pointed out calmly in response to Kaiden's 'suggestion,' though he knew how the other Mer felt about this stubborn antagonist. Killing was, at the very least, against the spirit of what the Goddess of Life had commanded for the project, whatever philosophical arguments might be made to the contrary.

The mershark's false attack in shark form was a lot more convincing than his previous charge had been, however. The impact sent ripples through the water and stirred up sand around the octopus, forcing it to move back and away from the path in order to get clear sight of the intruders in its territory.

Unfortunately, Ray's attempts at diplomacy continued to be ineffective thanks to Kaiden's aggression. Even if the young Mer hadn't been harassing the octopus, it had been in a bad mood to begin with and conversation was difficult without a similar shift to aid in communication.

Enough. The King's mental voice was a resolute rumble as he surged forward, sweeping his tail through the water as his water magic gathered and began to spin around the octopus in a globe of swift current. Persisting in its stubbornness, an arm unfurled to try and push through the impromptu cage--

And was caught, pulling the octopus into a mad swirl within the localized vortex. Hadama blinked, surprised, and then closed his eyes for a long moment, gathering his patience before releasing the magic. The octopus floated helplessly, dizzy and uncoordinated, and the King swam forward to scoop it into a net bag, bundling it into a ball of confused legs and mantle. I will take him down the coast, he informed his helpers as the rest of the team gathered around. But I will meet you tonight at the Hanged Man for food and drinks. A celebration is in order. The corners of his eyes crinkled as he bowed his head gratefully to the others. Thank you, everyone.

---

Thus ends the PQ! \o/ Thank you!

~Fin~