shadows dance around the room

SUNJATA

clipped wings and you're the one holding the bone saw
now things are getting so out of control

It’s strange, to say the least, to have free movement within the Greatwood. And even if his offer to join Phoebe for a few days within the woodlands was made solely in the hopes of visiting Frey, he finds himself comfortable within the boundaries of it, content to wander and explore, and stay an extra day more than planned. Why? Well, it’s because he wanted to get an extra chance to wander and explore, and that’s precisely what leads him here.

Staring into the pools of the Eyes of Vi, Sunjata finds himself a strange combination of homesick and nostalgia from the strange images he receives from peering though the pools – and that’s perhaps what leads him toward the water’s edge on the edge of this place. He needs to clear his head, to remind himself exactly where he was. And even though snow drifts onto the edges of the world around him where the trees haven’t had a chance to blot it out, Sunjata’s wrapped up and warm as he wanders along the edge, waving his lightning scarred hand around to move the water, lifting the little streams of water in easy arcs that turn golden with the sunlight that reflects through the gap in the trees.

He moves it around again and again, distracted in the soothing moment that it sparks, relieving the tension to his shoulders from the strange reminder of the eyes further within the woods.

the spiraling starts and we can't pull up, our hands are tied together so,
on the way down, we make every moment count

Hadama had not visited the island before, but he had heard rumors of its strange pools. Disconnected from the Symphony, he had no way to reach the pools and their mysterious visions without Aquaporting, but he was too cautious to make such a leap without looking first.

So he surfaced at the edge of the island, pushing his wet hair back and looking over the stretch of snowy solitude and the frost-rimmed pools he couldn't quite see from his angle below ground level.

What he could see was a tall, dark-haired man standing nearby, moving the water with a touch of what could only be magic. As he shifted into profile the mermanta recognized the Flood, and after a moment's contemplation he swam into the demigod's view, giving a solemn nod of greeting.

SUNJATA

clipped wings and you're the one holding the bone saw
now things are getting so out of control

Somehow, the last thing Sunjata expects is to have company amongst this strange woodland. And for half a second, the shadow of Hadama surfacing in the Flood’s peripherals has him thinking it’s yet another pool, even as he tries to distract himself with the water magic along the water’s edge. He doesn’t put it past Caido to make this specific river strange like the pools within, so it takes him a moment to glance over.

He does catch the nod of greeting the second the Tidebreaker comes into view and it gives him pause. His water magic stuttering before he allows it to vanish back into the river with a small plop, scarred hands dropping to his side. “Hey,” he says by means of greeting – having never met the king of the merfolk one on one, but recalling him from the varying meetings he’s been a part of as of late. “Hadama, right?” He comes closer, offering him a small smile in greeting, one that blooms crookedly with the scar that bisects his cheek. “We haven't met officially, unless you count the meeting about the refuge. I hope things are well, aside from the looming doom?” The recent meeting of Safrin’s departure, of course.

the spiraling starts and we can't pull up, our hands are tied together so,
on the way down, we make every moment count

Though he had been uncertain whether Sunjata sought company on the strange island, the mermanta's concern was quickly addressed by the Flood's casual greeting and approach. He swam as close as was comfortable to the shore without beaching himself and inclined his head in confirmation of his name. Not one for easy smiles - not, at least, with strangers - his expression held a courteous stoic serenity as he met the demigod's eyes and noted the scars that were visible, both old and new.

"Yes," he agreed. "Under the circumstances. I am well. Worried, but..." He paused, then gave a small shrug. "There is time to plan. To strengthen and entrench." He tilted his head at the Flood, gaze flicking down towards where the water droplets had disappeared out of his sight when the other man released his magic but holding back his curiosity for now. "How are you? And the Refuge?"

Orbs of light beckon and call from the darkened angles and shadows of trees. Were those whispers of your friends? Family? Fallen allies?

Was that a scream? Could they be in trouble?

Is it all in your head? Just your imagination?

Or something else altogether – because what if it’s true?

---

You’ve encountered a Will-O-Wisp. This counts as a common creature encounter for the purposes of levelling, but does not count as a Random Event for levelling or MP. There will be no further admin/re intervention. If you choose to follow this creature, you do so at your own risk, however, just having it in this thread is enough to satisfy your levelling requirements.

Will-O-Wisps (common): Glowing orbs of light that dance and weave between the branches, despite their usefulness, these creatures are not to be trusted. Mischievous and loyal to no one, they will lead travellers astray at a moment's notice.

SUNJATA

clipped wings and you're the one holding the bone saw
now things are getting so out of control

“At least there’s that.” Sunjata agrees, his thicker accent coating the words as he turns his attention away from the merfolk King for a moment, taking in the snow covered Greatwood again. At the very least, they won’t be fighting each other this time. A small mercy, he supposes.

“I am better now.” He admits. Because now he was slowly beginning to come out of his shell, things have started to repair and heal, and while he was resistant to it for the longest time, he’s had no other choice but to give in. “The Refuge is good as well. Thriving, which is good in case we need it again. I’m hoping not.” His lip twitches against the scar, bunching it as it’s clear he doesn’t like the idea of needing to use it; hoping that the threat wouldn’t become that bad.

“But, the trees and crops have gotten their rotations so—” He drops off abruptly, catching the glint of light from the will o wisp in the corner of his gaze, immediately turning toward it while he brings the water back up again, hearing the low rumbles of voices he’d certainly choose against hearing again.

the spiraling starts and we can't pull up, our hands are tied together so,
on the way down, we make every moment count

The rumors had swirled thickly around the demigods before the War. Remi and Ronin, chosen of the old gods, partners and husbands through life and death and life again. Wessex, beloved of the Voice, most powerful of her people. And Sunjata and Nate, star-crossed lovers until the Flood had crossed the starry-eyed goddess for the last time and washed up on Frey's shore instead.

But none of the Ascended demigods had returned from the Draig. It took Hadama several long moments to realize what Sunjata's words signified, and then he inclined his head in respect for the other man's loss.

Talk of the Refuge and the desire not to need it was met with a nod of agreement. "Indeed. The lack of even natural magic within is... unnerving," the mermanta acknowledged with his usual understatement. It had made sense when the goal was to keep Ascended and... well, everyone else from coming to blows with their full abilities. But that didn't make it any more comfortable for Merfolk born to their shifts and their telepathy for the entire lives to suddenly lose such integral pieces of themselves while within the Refuge's borders.

Before Sunjata could finish his statement a song came drifting across the water to Hadama's ears, sung in a beloved voice, mellow and warm and weathered by decades of experience before it cracked and called out in pain. The light bobbed, beckoning them to rush to the aid of those that must surely lie just beyond, and the King's face grew stern and hard as he turned away from it with stoic determination. "Nuisances," he rumbled, spine straight is he at least outwardly appeared to ignore the creature's calls. "There was a hunt for them. Several seasons ago. Is there anything like them in King's End?"

SUNJATA

clipped wings and you're the one holding the bone saw
now things are getting so out of control

The incline of Hadama’s head is enough for Sunjata, quietly grateful that the merfolk King doesn’t pry. And he’s quick to latch onto the other conversation starting, over wars and gods and unknown threats which are perhaps the worst kind. At least when it came to the last war they knew what they were getting into; which abilities each side had and how to best prepare defenses against it.

As for the safe haven, well, it was unnerving. Especially for those that haven’t lived a life without access to any magic. “I don’t believe much of it can change, but after speaking with Frey it won’t be closed off like it was during the war. I understand, though.” To be able to offer more help and safety for others throughout if anything were to happen.

Which again, the Flood hopes nothing does.

But then the will-o-wisp comes in, bringing with it memories and voices he really doesn’t want to hear. The water twitches as his fingers do, before Hadama’s voice reaches him and he exhales, shaking it off as he dispels the water again, lips quirking in a slight frown as he glares over in the direction of it. “No, the closest would probably be the Villi, but they don’t appear during the day. Spirits of lovers who died of heartbreak that will attack those they think cause their distress.” A casual shrug leaves him as his head tilts back toward Hadama. “Easy enough to deal with, at least.” His voice draws quieter as if he’s thinking.

the spiraling starts and we can't pull up, our hands are tied together so,
on the way down, we make every moment count

He nodded thoughtfully at the news that Frey would not be sealing it away as had been done during the War. If it even came to the need for it again which, Safrin willing, would be a moot point.

There were words that needed saying about the Refuge, but before Hadama could speak them they were interrupted. He did his best to close off his own ears and heart to the creature, turning his back on it and focusing on Sunjata instead. The water around him turned smooth as glass as the control he exerted over himself bled into his magic and he caused the river's surface to become still and mirror-like while he listened.

"Mmn." The villi seemed like a task for Ludo and its demigods, but perhaps they served a purpose within the rolling barrows and meadows of King's End. They seemed like poor neighbors for the Refuge, but in a way they might serve as a line of protection against invaders if it came down to it.

It reminded him of what Kaiden had said, and the reports of other Mer who had sheltered there in the dangerous War times, and Hadama raised his head to meet Sunjata's eyes before inclining his head deeply. "I am sorry," he rumbled, voice causing ripples in the water below his face. He raised his head slowly, exhaling through his nose as he straightened once more. "For not helping when you asked before. I was wrong."

SUNJATA

clipped wings and you're the one holding the bone saw
now things are getting so out of control

The smooth surface around Hadama certainly distracts him from the quieting echoes of the will o wisp, and Sunjata focuses on it as he steps closer to the edge of the river if only to get away from the sound some more.

But the second that Hadama apologizes, his steel gaze lifts to the merfolk King’s, brows pinching as if he can’t figure out why he’s apologizing. But he continues and it answers that question, and truthfully? The Flood doesn’t know how to respond to it. He’s never been good with words, though, so it shouldn’t be that surprising when he pauses to gather his thoughts.

His gaze stays level with the Tidebreaker’s, though, before he rolls a shoulder in a casual shrug. “It was hard, truthfully. But… I got it done in the end. And now it’s a place that’s helped people recover from how the world had changed while they were in it.” A space for those displaced by the war to have a spot to go to, to recover, to get back onto their feet to move on. And he’s happy to help with that.

“I am trying to get King’s End a bit more habitable, perhaps you might be interested in helping with that?” A softer smile crosses his face, one that seems to suggest that Hadama could still help make a space people could thrive and continue to live.

the spiraling starts and we can't pull up, our hands are tied together so,
on the way down, we make every moment count

Hadama was given to long pauses before speaking himself, so when Sunjata did the same the mermanta waited patiently, tuning out the Will o wisp as best he could. When the Flood was ready to speak, the Tidebreaker listened. He inclined his head in acknowledgment of the difficulties that had undoubtedly been faced in the Refuge's construction, and in the position it still fulfilled - even with one War past. That it might be needed again, however, was suddenly on the minds of much of Caido's leadership, and Sunjata's willingness to open its doors once more was met with greater support. At least from one of Torchline's kings.

The question - request? - gave Hadama pause in turn as he gave it serious consideration before nodding slowly. "Yes. Torchline will help King's End," he agreed. It would be something to tell Harper at their next meeting, but he knew his friend well enough that he felt comfortable making the promise. "If you need Merfolk assistance again, you may call on me."

By now the Will o Wisp realized that they weren't going to play its game, and its psychic screams faded to silence as it wandered off in search of more gullible prey. Hadama's shoulders and jaw eased at the return of Deepfrost birdsong and he came to a decision, taking the conversation down a different current. "May I ask you a personal question? About being a demigod?"

SUNJATA

clipped wings and you're the one holding the bone saw
now things are getting so out of control

He’d allow Hadama however much time he needed to consider the offer, but when he returns with an acceptance so easily, Sunjata’s smile blooms on his face – lopsided from the scar, it’s still genuine as he nods his head. “Thank you.” He doesn’t know what’s next for King’s End just yet, but for the moment having the comfort in knowing that they would help him if he needed it alleviated any buried stress over fortifying King’s End into a safer region.

Likewise, he doesn’t worry over Harper’s agreement with it, already having helped the man in the House of Midnight not too long ago. But that thought passes as soon as he doesn’t have to listen to the Will O Wisp any longer and he exhales a soft sigh of relief, tension draining from his shoulders as he rocks back on his heels a bit, head tilting slightly at the question – finding it one of the last things he expected to be asked.

“Sure, what’s on your mind?” He comes closer to the water this time, dropping down his height to sit along the edge, partially shifting his lower half to that of his orca shift – the white and black blubber scarred with the circular jaggedness of shark bites that dips below the water, trying to bring himself closer to Hadama’s level instead of towering over from the water’s edge.

the spiraling starts and we can't pull up, our hands are tied together so,
on the way down, we make every moment count

The time for wars between regions was, hopefully, past. With a new threat approaching, an external one, Hadama recognized a greater need to reach outside of his borders and build alliances to strengthen not only Torchline but all of her allies as well.

And, unlike Snowcloak and Stormbreak, the Refuge was a place the Merfolk could actually visit. Even if it was a trick of geography as much as intention, it counted for much with the King Undersea.

But with his support settled he could set aside his crown and indulge in a more personal request. He watched curiously as Sunjata settled himself down and shifted. Appreciating the gesture, Hadama used his magic to draw the water beneath and around himself upwards so that they were on the same level, meeting the Flood halfway. "Hmm. What has changed, between being mortal and becoming a demigod? What is good about it, and if you have any regrets in becoming one," he said slowly, going over the most important points with due solemnity for the weighty topic.

SUNJATA

clipped wings and you're the one holding the bone saw
now things are getting so out of control

There were a few places in King’s End that the merfolk could go, and perhaps with any luck of the potential of new people moving into the outlanded region, there might be the opportunity to make it more habitable for them. But for now the priority was making it safer.

As for the shift in conversation? Sunjata inclines a small smile toward the Tidebreaker as he rises up to meet him half way, the Flood’s tail waving idly in the cold Deepfrost river beneath him. It gives him pause, trying to figure out just how he wants to respond, and it’s with an almost apologetic smile that he finally decides on an answer.

“I don’t regret it, no. But only because of who my parent god is.” He knows how close Torchline is to Safrin, but if Hadama wants the honest truth, Sunjata can give it to him. “Safrin had tried to make me hers for weeks before I spoke with Frey.” He starts off gently. “But… I think had I chosen to stay with Safrin I would have regretted it. Frey, on the other hand, has been less hands on.” He rolls a shoulder casually. “They let me keep my shifts, though I don’t know if that was the original intention or if they knew I’d been debating Safrin’s offer.” He works his jaw and looks away from Hadama, out over the water, lowering his hand into it to feel the biting cold in his fingertips.

“I didn’t have to think about it. They told me I could keep my shifts and they would do their best to keep my family safe.” Which… Hadn’t worked, obviously. “They gave me all the help and advice I could need to make the safe haven and not feel like I was someone else’s pawn.’ To not become like Ronin; and here he was, not Frey’s pawn in the way Safrin would have them be. Bowing down and choosing her over everyone else. “So… Not much has changed. Magic is something I am unused to, but between the gifts and everything Frey has done for me since becoming their demigod? I don’t regret it for a second.” And if he had to do it over again, he would have stuck with Frey the entire time. “Now, the circumstances on the other hand…”

the spiraling starts and we can't pull up, our hands are tied together so,
on the way down, we make every moment count