Oceans and Merfolk

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[takesitall]

Home...

[And yep, he is full on sobbing now, crouching down and holding his pelt close as it all just hits him. He'll be a minute.]

[ignoranceisblight]

[That's just fine with him. Veritas gets on his knees to hug Vasha close.]

[takesitall]

[Slowly, he starts to calm down. He's still emotional, but he's calmer.]

Okay. Okay, let's go. Goddess, my pelt is probably all hideous...and what's that vial?

[ignoranceisblight]

... It'll let me turn into a merman temporarily, so I can swim with you back to the pod.

[takesitall]

...birdmaid.

[It's a stupid joke, but it amuses him. Vasha nods and heads into the water, tugging his pelt on as he goes. Sure enough, his pelt looks messy and neglected.]

[ignoranceisblight]

[He just laughs a little as he downs the vial's contents and jumps into the water afterward.

He transforms as soon as he hits the water, legs turning into a tail covered with blue and gold scales. He pays no attention to that, though, immediately fussing a little over Vasha's pelt. He's not sure he can do much to help, but...]

[takesitall]

It's fine. Hopefully it'll get better as I do.

[ignoranceisblight]

Hopefully... okay. Let's go.

[takesitall]

How far do we have to swim? I might need to rest, since it's been a while.

[ignoranceisblight]

It's not too far. The pod's been staying as close as they safely can.

[takesitall]

Alright. Lead on, Veritas.

[ignoranceisblight]

[And so he does. It doesn't take long for them to get to where the pod's currently staying, though Veritas is very careful to monitor how Vasha's doing as they go along and calling for breaks as necessary.]

[takesitall]

[He's exhausted by the time they reach the pod, but it's worth it. His family comes out to meet him, dragging him up onto the shore of the island they're staying on for now to hug and cry and just be emotional all over him. His sister goes to Veritas, pulling him into a hug.]

Thank you.

[ignoranceisblight]

[Veritas hugs her back tightly.]

Of course. I promised I'd bring him back.

[takesitall]

We didn't think you'd manage it, not so quickly. So, thank you.

[ignoranceisblight]

You're welcome. I... have to admit, I didn't think I'd manage it this quickly either.

[Not quick enough, he feels, but... at least it was only four years.]

[takesitall]

Did you kill him?

[ignoranceisblight]

Vasha did. I tore the bastard apart after.

[takesitall]

Good. Here, we managed to get a house for you to stay here for a while, if you want? It's nearby the rest of the pod, but plenty of space.

[ignoranceisblight]

[Veritas can't quite hide his surprise, but he nods.]

I definitely want to stay as close as possible.

[takesitall]

Of course. Here, this way. Vasha!

Coming!

[He trails after his sister, curious.]

What is it?

I'm showing Veritas the house we had built for him. You should probably learn where it is, too.

[ignoranceisblight]

[Veritas smiles a little, finding himself reaching for Vasha's hand without thinking.]

[takesitall]

[And Vasha takes the hand.]

If I need to get away for a bit, can I...?

[Stay with you?]

[ignoranceisblight]

Of course.

[He squeezes Vasha's hand.]

Any time you need it.

[takesitall]

Thank you.

[He just steps a little closer.]

Mama said you were looking out for them?