I promise I shall wait here for you. ( iseul even crosses his heart while namu is still above water.
when he disappears, he takes a moment to lean back, pressing his palms against the sand and letting out a great exhale. there are a great many things he can take in stride, but to have met a mer ... he doesn't suppose they will stay in touch for very long, but this certainly isn't something he would like to forget. especially if he ends up waking up tomorrow only to find out that this has just been a wonderful dream. )
My, my, ( he croons when the chest is above water as well. ) It looks about two centuries old at the very least!
[ namu makes a little 'o' face at that, his eyes gazing at the chest with wonderment. ]
Ooh... that's almost as old as my dad!
[ just gonna casually drop that little bit of information out there. it's normal.
he drums his fingers lightly against the lid, head tipping to the side as he tries to figure out the best way to crack it open without actually cracking it open. he hopes the lock will break easily. ]
What do you think's inside? I bet there's a necklace.
( iseul doesn't finish his question, shaking his head with a short chuckle to himself.
the treasure chest is clearly the most important thing today. he switches his position again, laying on his stomach so he can get a closer look at what namu has uncovered. what good luck today! and he didn't even have to do much diving at all! )
I say ... gold coins. Perhaps that is to be expected but, ah. That is what so many of us picture when we imagine a chest rescued from a ship.
[ namu closes his eyes and lets out a breath, his hands on either side of the chest. his palms start to glow, just a little, the light almost missable under the sun. there are a few clicks of the locks opening a moment later and he opens his eyes with a bright smile as he swings the lid open. ]
( iseul furrows his brow, wondering how he intends to open this with so much damage done to the lock on the front that makes it difficult to pry open. but all that worry was for nought as he seems to open it without an issue. magic, of course. how could he be so silly to assume there would be another, more difficult solution!
he marvels at him before looking at the trinkets in his webbed hands, nodding appreciatively. )
She is tempestuous most days, isn't she? I suppose I should be grateful for my finds.
[ namu places the necklace and its gem, dulled by algae but he's certain that it's going to be brilliant once he can get it cleaned, back down into the chest before he reaches out and places the coins into iseul's hands. ]
But she's happy today.
[ he looks up at iseul briefly before flicking his gaze away again with a faint smile. ]
All the more reason to be glad of our meeting, I think.
I'm very grateful that you've spared me, ( iseul murmurs, curling his fingers around the cold gold coins in his hands. he isn't certain what he wants to do with them. perhaps frame them or keep them somewhere secret to remind him of the day he met namu. what could be more real than a solid souvenir? )
I was worried for what you would do when you ... well, when you grabbed me back there. ( admittedly, it felt thrilling at the same time, even fos someone who isn't quite an adrenaline junkie. danger and most outdoor activities don't suit him very well. )
[ namu pokes around inside of the chest, his head tipped to the side. there's a few more coins in there, a disintegrating ribbon that looks like it may have once held together some parchment, but nothing more. looks like the best part was the necklace, in his opinion.
his gaze lifts, maybe a little shy? it's a strange sensation on his part, at least. ]
Well... ( iseul would toe the ground if he wasn't laying onhis stomach. ) I need to go home before it gets dark out here, but with the sun so high in the sky, we should have all the time in the world today.
( he peers around the trunk, curious about its insides. a preservation team would have a lot of fun with that, he thinks. but the mer found it first so he probably should get first dibs. )
[ namu remains impassive for a few seconds before he finally bursts, letting out a quiet giggle as he covers his mouth. ]
It's beautiful. Not that up here isn't, either, from the little that I've been able to see, but... There are so many colors, and I love the aquatic life that lives with us.
[ he blinks and lifts his head as something sounds off in the distance, a siren of some sort that grows louder for a moment before fading away again in what sounds like a hurry. his shoulders scrunch up next to his ears and he makes a face. ]
It's also quieter.
[ even when the whales get chatty.
namu shakes himself out from that momentary panic and points at the things sticking out from behind iseul where a fin should be. ]
The noises up here can truly be exciting, though. ( he chuckles good-naturedly, the sound a sharp contrast to his generally gloomy disposition. how can he not be pleased to be in the company of someone who seems awfully sweet and shines as bright as the sun? )
These?
( he looks suddenly behind him at the long, admittedly very pale legs stretched behind him. it's an odd question but iseul supposes that they day cannot g get any odder than this. )
My legs. You were referring to those, correct? ( he bends his knees and crosses his ankles for demonstration. )
[ he puts his hands together and makes his fingers wiggle in a way that looks startlingly very much like a crab. ]
Except yours are much bigger. Human legs!
[ he watches the various joints bend as iseul moves them, mimicking the motions with his arms since those are the only things he has that are comparable. his tail doesn't, y'know... bend, really. ]
That's so cool. And you can move around on land and in the water with them.
It does have its perks, especially when it comes to dancing. ( he gives a little flourish of his hand as if to demonstrate. ) But I certainly can't swim as well as you do.
Unfortunately, most of us cannot survive in the water for very long, unless we're in a vessel of course. ( it almost sounds like he is stating the obvious, but iseul is of the mind that namu might like hearing such explanations. maybe.
Mm, yeah, we've noticed that. You've all come up with a lot of really interesting things to be able to come underwater with us!
[ the comment about his tail makes him blink and then-- turn so very, very red. which is a very interesting experience for him. he lifts his hands and covers his face with them, even as he pulls more of his tail up so that iseul can get a better view of it. ]
( and even more beautiful now that he can see it up close, the way the scales shimmer and how one color fades into the other. it is as powerful as it is pretty. iseul is tempted to reach out and touch it but he doesn't want to do anything unless explicitly given permission. his head tilts very obviously as he follows the lines and curves of the appendage, tracing it with his eyes instead. )
Mm, it is nice to see up close. Thank you for showing me, ( iseul returns politely. )
[ his face feels so hot, which is very weird considering he lives in deep, cold water. is he drying out?? but he's still sitting in the water, that can't be the case. what is happening?
namu lifts his gaze for a moment before finally hauling as much of his tail out of the depths as he can, most of it now up on the bank with him but still just below the surface of the water (can't dry out!!). ]
( he is cautious even as he lowers his head to take a closer look at the tail he has so kindly hauled onto land. his hand hovers over the appendage without even skimming the surface, prepared to pull away if he's told 'no.' )
Look at how they turn from green to blue and back again -- ( iseul actually grins at him, not as bashful as the mer as they try to figure each other out. ) well, of course you would know. You live with these pretty things.
[ namu goes quiet, almost holding his breath, as iseul creeps closer to him to get a better look. he doesn't even realize he's staring, just captivated by pale skin and legs and--
he blinks rapidly as he snaps himself out of it, nodding at the question. ]
S-sure! Of course.
[ and then he ducks his head, smiling a little. ]
...Do you think it's pretty? Others like to say it's too showy...
Of course I do! Not just because I've never seen anything like it... or you. You must look spectacular underwater.
( iseul rests his palm warmly against the scales equally warmed beneath the sun's rays. the corner of his lip quirks upward. ) I could have if you'd given me a chance earlier. Anyway.
( it's just a tease and, several beats after, he finally wrinkles his nose a little to let him know as such. his fingers begin to follow the curve of his tail, around where he thinks a thigh would start, leading up to an imagined knee. )
[ his body has gone a little tense, uncertain, because sure people have touched his tail before, of course, they have. his mother has lovingly tended to scales that have gone missing, children like to examine it and wonder when their own colors will finally present, but.
this is different, somehow.
a shiver races down his spine as iseul's hand finally connects with his tail and the fins flare out a bit, expanding to their full width before relaxing again. ]
W-well. If you come back some time, if you're able, we could swim together.
( iseul lets out a tiny gasp when he sees the fins react to his touch, stealing a glance at namu's face before continuing his short journey down the side of his tail. his touch is almost overly cautious as if his palm might disturb the scales in some way. )
I shall be more prepared next time. Googles and everything.
( slowly, he removes his hand from namu's side, turning it over to look at his still very normal palm before curling his arm against his chest to support him while he settles on his stomach. ) I should offer to return the favor but it wouldn't be as interesting.
[ namu shakes himself out a few times before he starts scooping up water to splash himself with it. being dry is strange. his skin is itchy and hot but he's not going to move for anything, not yet. they won't miss him at home, anyway. he often wanders away for a while, after all. the panic only usually starts to set in after a second day.
he smiles a little as he finishes rehydrating his skin, hands settling under the water once more. ]
You're already giving me more than you know. This has probably been one of the most exciting days of my life.
Most exciting? ( iseul shakes his head. ) I suppose... after I disturbed your treasure hunting.
( maybe he's just being modest. legs must be so unusual to someone who flips his fins to get through the day. he purses his lips, tilting his head to the side after watching him splash water over his skin and scales. )
You - should you go back to the water? I wouldn't want you to try out because of me...
Oh! No, don't worry, I won't. We like to lounge around on beaches of abandoned shores whenever we get the chance, the skin just gets a little itchy, is all. So long as my tail stays wet I should be okay.
[ namu hums quietly and starts shifting himself around so that he's also kind of laying on his stomach, his arms in the water against the sand and keeping his head and shoulders propped up above the water while the rest of him goes under.
and now that they're laying really close like this, namu can't help but look. ]
( the suddenness of the comment almost throws iseul for a loop and he blinks owlishly, finding himself mere inches away from namu. )
Why, thank you. ( he hears that often enough, usually when it comes to his work and a director's casting choices, whether one thinks his strange elfin features were perfect or inappropriate. it is, of course, different to hear it from the other and he feels rightfully tickled by the whole thing. a merman thinks he's pretty. isn't that something.
he tucks a dark strand behind his ear. )
I am here for the season. It would be nice to see you again.
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no subject
when he disappears, he takes a moment to lean back, pressing his palms against the sand and letting out a great exhale. there are a great many things he can take in stride, but to have met a mer ... he doesn't suppose they will stay in touch for very long, but this certainly isn't something he would like to forget. especially if he ends up waking up tomorrow only to find out that this has just been a wonderful dream. )
My, my, ( he croons when the chest is above water as well. ) It looks about two centuries old at the very least!
no subject
Ooh... that's almost as old as my dad!
[ just gonna casually drop that little bit of information out there. it's normal.
he drums his fingers lightly against the lid, head tipping to the side as he tries to figure out the best way to crack it open without actually cracking it open. he hopes the lock will break easily. ]
What do you think's inside? I bet there's a necklace.
no subject
( iseul doesn't finish his question, shaking his head with a short chuckle to himself.
the treasure chest is clearly the most important thing today. he switches his position again, laying on his stomach so he can get a closer look at what namu has uncovered. what good luck today! and he didn't even have to do much diving at all! )
I say ... gold coins. Perhaps that is to be expected but, ah. That is what so many of us picture when we imagine a chest rescued from a ship.
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[ namu closes his eyes and lets out a breath, his hands on either side of the chest. his palms start to glow, just a little, the light almost missable under the sun. there are a few clicks of the locks opening a moment later and he opens his eyes with a bright smile as he swings the lid open. ]
Ooooooh!
[ he holds up both gold coins AND a necklace! ]
The seas favor us today.
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he marvels at him before looking at the trinkets in his webbed hands, nodding appreciatively. )
She is tempestuous most days, isn't she? I suppose I should be grateful for my finds.
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[ namu places the necklace and its gem, dulled by algae but he's certain that it's going to be brilliant once he can get it cleaned, back down into the chest before he reaches out and places the coins into iseul's hands. ]
But she's happy today.
[ he looks up at iseul briefly before flicking his gaze away again with a faint smile. ]
All the more reason to be glad of our meeting, I think.
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I was worried for what you would do when you ... well, when you grabbed me back there. ( admittedly, it felt thrilling at the same time, even fos someone who isn't quite an adrenaline junkie. danger and most outdoor activities don't suit him very well. )
Will you be off now?
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[ namu pokes around inside of the chest, his head tipped to the side. there's a few more coins in there, a disintegrating ribbon that looks like it may have once held together some parchment, but nothing more. looks like the best part was the necklace, in his opinion.
his gaze lifts, maybe a little shy? it's a strange sensation on his part, at least. ]
Unless you've somewhere you need to be.
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( he peers around the trunk, curious about its insides. a preservation team would have a lot of fun with that, he thinks. but the mer found it first so he probably should get first dibs. )
What is it like, living down there?
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[ namu remains impassive for a few seconds before he finally bursts, letting out a quiet giggle as he covers his mouth. ]
It's beautiful. Not that up here isn't, either, from the little that I've been able to see, but... There are so many colors, and I love the aquatic life that lives with us.
[ he blinks and lifts his head as something sounds off in the distance, a siren of some sort that grows louder for a moment before fading away again in what sounds like a hurry. his shoulders scrunch up next to his ears and he makes a face. ]
It's also quieter.
[ even when the whales get chatty.
namu shakes himself out from that momentary panic and points at the things sticking out from behind iseul where a fin should be. ]
What are those called?
no subject
These?
( he looks suddenly behind him at the long, admittedly very pale legs stretched behind him. it's an odd question but iseul supposes that they day cannot g get any odder than this. )
My legs. You were referring to those, correct? ( he bends his knees and crosses his ankles for demonstration. )
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[ he puts his hands together and makes his fingers wiggle in a way that looks startlingly very much like a crab. ]
Except yours are much bigger. Human legs!
[ he watches the various joints bend as iseul moves them, mimicking the motions with his arms since those are the only things he has that are comparable. his tail doesn't, y'know... bend, really. ]
That's so cool. And you can move around on land and in the water with them.
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Unfortunately, most of us cannot survive in the water for very long, unless we're in a vessel of course. ( it almost sounds like he is stating the obvious, but iseul is of the mind that namu might like hearing such explanations. maybe.
but the most important thing is: )
Your tail is lovelier.
no subject
[ the comment about his tail makes him blink and then-- turn so very, very red. which is a very interesting experience for him. he lifts his hands and covers his face with them, even as he pulls more of his tail up so that iseul can get a better view of it. ]
Oh. Tha... thank you...
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( and even more beautiful now that he can see it up close, the way the scales shimmer and how one color fades into the other. it is as powerful as it is pretty. iseul is tempted to reach out and touch it but he doesn't want to do anything unless explicitly given permission. his head tilts very obviously as he follows the lines and curves of the appendage, tracing it with his eyes instead. )
Mm, it is nice to see up close. Thank you for showing me, ( iseul returns politely. )
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namu lifts his gaze for a moment before finally hauling as much of his tail out of the depths as he can, most of it now up on the bank with him but still just below the surface of the water (can't dry out!!). ]
You can... you can look closer. If you like.
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( he is cautious even as he lowers his head to take a closer look at the tail he has so kindly hauled onto land. his hand hovers over the appendage without even skimming the surface, prepared to pull away if he's told 'no.' )
Look at how they turn from green to blue and back again -- ( iseul actually grins at him, not as bashful as the mer as they try to figure each other out. ) well, of course you would know. You live with these pretty things.
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he blinks rapidly as he snaps himself out of it, nodding at the question. ]
S-sure! Of course.
[ and then he ducks his head, smiling a little. ]
...Do you think it's pretty? Others like to say it's too showy...
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( iseul rests his palm warmly against the scales equally warmed beneath the sun's rays. the corner of his lip quirks upward. ) I could have if you'd given me a chance earlier. Anyway.
( it's just a tease and, several beats after, he finally wrinkles his nose a little to let him know as such. his fingers begin to follow the curve of his tail, around where he thinks a thigh would start, leading up to an imagined knee. )
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this is different, somehow.
a shiver races down his spine as iseul's hand finally connects with his tail and the fins flare out a bit, expanding to their full width before relaxing again. ]
W-well. If you come back some time, if you're able, we could swim together.
no subject
I shall be more prepared next time. Googles and everything.
( slowly, he removes his hand from namu's side, turning it over to look at his still very normal palm before curling his arm against his chest to support him while he settles on his stomach. ) I should offer to return the favor but it wouldn't be as interesting.
no subject
he smiles a little as he finishes rehydrating his skin, hands settling under the water once more. ]
You're already giving me more than you know. This has probably been one of the most exciting days of my life.
no subject
( maybe he's just being modest. legs must be so unusual to someone who flips his fins to get through the day. he purses his lips, tilting his head to the side after watching him splash water over his skin and scales. )
You - should you go back to the water? I wouldn't want you to try out because of me...
no subject
[ namu hums quietly and starts shifting himself around so that he's also kind of laying on his stomach, his arms in the water against the sand and keeping his head and shoulders propped up above the water while the rest of him goes under.
and now that they're laying really close like this, namu can't help but look. ]
You're pretty.
no subject
Why, thank you. ( he hears that often enough, usually when it comes to his work and a director's casting choices, whether one thinks his strange elfin features were perfect or inappropriate. it is, of course, different to hear it from the other and he feels rightfully tickled by the whole thing. a merman thinks he's pretty. isn't that something.
he tucks a dark strand behind his ear. )
I am here for the season. It would be nice to see you again.
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