paramounts | Erku IC Inbox

I wasn't swimming, I was getting out when I saw her watching. She was startled.

[ He's not the strange one here, huff. ]

Were you naked in the water?

[For scientific curiosity.]

Well, yeah. You don't wear clothes in the sea, when the Nein visited the beach at the Menagerie Coast we all stripped and dove straight in.

It makes sense to me, dearest.

[Says the goddess who is naked almost all the time. She hums, considering her words.]

Truly, I do not know much about Lottie, but in my experience some human cultures have some... odd values when it comes to modesty.

Before long everyone on this island will have seen what's beneath my clothes.

[ Grumpy halforc is grumpy. ]

Hmm, well for the record, the picture that Beau gifted to me has been kept for my eyes only.

[She doesn't know Lottie kept a copy!]

You have quite a nice everything, so I am surprised you do not flaunt it more.

[ He's shared so much of himself with Aphrodite already, it feels natural when he doesn't have to second-guess opening up a little more. ]

I was teased growing up, I didn't do it all at once like a human. Physically, I mean. They made fun of me. I don't really like being ... exposed.

I guess I still feel a little bit like that ugly kid.

[It's all fun and games but Fjord's admission is one that she's not expecting.]

Well, I do not know what the beauty standards are on Exandria, but if you are considered ugly I think I would like to go visit.

[Said with a small laugh but there's a somber tone to her voice. It sometimes feels strange, to have such a rift in life experiences between herself and others and sometimes it is hard to bridge that gap. Her voice turns more serious:]

Do you feel that way when you are with me?

I really was ugly, this isn't a "woe is me" thing. I had my knuckles drag on the floor for a year, my shoulders and head got bigger while my legs were still a child's. Orcs age rapidly but my other blood slowed the whole process down, here and there.

I know I look alright now, it's ... I'm fine.

[ Now he's paranoid that this sounds like a sob story, ugh. He doesn't want to be that person.

A soft laugh puffs free. ]

You've only ever made me feel good, I promise.

[She puts a hand over her mouth to hide a fond little smile. Oh no. She can't really imagine it, although picturing a little Fjord running around with too-long arms is charming.]

That sounds like... an awkward upbringing. It is hard for me to imagine, since I did not have any childhood at all.

[ lil green gorilla. ]

So fancy, being born straight out of the sea.

[ He likes to imagine she shot straight out of it like an arrow, heh. ]

Do you have any dominion over it?

From the sea foam, specifically. It is much better than to spring from the head of Lord Zeus or somesuch origin like that.

[No shade meant, Athena.]

Unfortunately, that is entirely the great oaf Poseidon's realm. And I mean that affectionately.

Well, next time I go paddling in the surf, I'll send a little prayer to you anyway.

[ Which makes him wonder, tilting his head ... ]

Could you hear me if I did that? Like ... could I Commune with you?

Mmm, it doesn't work quite like that here. It seems my powers have been dampened somewhat since I've arrived.

[It's like being blocked out from viewing Zagreus all over again.]

But I have not given it much thought. Try thinking of me now, dear and I'll tell you what I feel.

Okay, but if you hear me that's on you.

[ He laughs under his breath and thinks about her as asked to, her smile and laugh and the way she feels pressed up naked against him. Mmmm. ]

[There's a pause as she concentrates. Then:]

No specifics, but your heartbeat quickened. Were you thinking of something untoward, darling?

[ !! He always forgets she can read his heartbeat!! ]

There's nothing untoward about your beautiful face.

You are absolutely correct.

And if you are in the sea, you can just visit my temple and say hello instead. That way I will certainly get your message.

Your temple is in the sea here?

Oh no, that would be quite wet. Just near the coast! So if you are in the area you are always welcome.

Oh! I was going to say, I don't have my Water Breathing spell back yet [ or anything else ] but that would have been a useful location for keeping out the weirdos here.

[ Hmmm ... ]

No one bothers you on the island, do they? With unwanted attention, that sort of thing.

Water breathing? Now I would like to see that myself when your powers return. Along with the others.

[This time not for thirsty reasons! She's just interested.]

Are you worried about my safety? I will reassure you that I am quite immortal, dear.

So if someone stabbed you, you'd just heal up? That kind of immortal?

... That came out really grim.

[She just laughs, but when she speaks, her voice is slower. More serious.]

There is... precedent for gods being killed in the past. Typically that is the result of a quarrel between gods, however.

[Then, brightly.] And who would want to kill me?

[ Gods, he must sound like a lunatic, as if he's imagining random attackers bursting down her door with daggers. ]

No one! I just ... like knowing you're safe, that's all.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject