“Exploring ruins always leaves me with a sense of dread. I see some of them and I just go, ‘how the hells did they all get wiped out?’ It’s scary, travelling those haunted halls and empty places, but worse still are the ones with still living things in them. Strange creatures that lurk in the shadows, usually malformed experiments too twisted by their environment to leave their dark hollows. Creatures left behind to evolve in the emptiness of their master’s graves. Goddess above, if you ever plan on exploring, just make sure you always know where you need to run to escape. Only the stars know how these monstrosities survived for this long. ”
- Pathfinder Tialla Peck, Pathfinders Guild of Lucuria, ”The Explorer’s Refrain: A Word of Warning”
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The two had gotten surprisingly close. Though being creatures that could speak in a language that no one else could might’ve had its upsides. It didn’t matter that she was in her human form, Sigrid still enjoyed resting as she usually did, coiled up upon herself and stuffed snuggly in a comfy corner. Atop her was the errant fae creature that called itself Yana, the tiny thing having taken to using her ample chest as a pillow, now that everyone else seemed busy with a plethora of different affairs. Not that Sigrid minded, it felt good to properly converse every once in a while.
Her existence had been a mostly solitary one. Interrupted occasionally by gifts and tributes delivered by errant lay peoples before a town was then erected somewhere near her home. She lived well enough, for a being that had survived for centuries. Perhaps that was why she understood the fae creature’s own struggles. They were both, in this new world, creatures out of time.
Sigrid trilled unhappily as she fully regained consciousness from her rest. Her friend Sophie was out doing something, as were most members of the small little group they formed. Only the red haired child Aryana was present in the room, though she was agonized over something related to a separation ritual. Or so Yana had informed her.
Her stirrings had subsequently roused the fae as well, the tiny thing fluttering up into the air with a soft yawn. The fae fluttered about this way and that before spinning a little to gather her senses, flying up to the window of the room to determine the time of day. Aryana, tussled with her own braid before stretching and also letting out a yawn, the combined efforts of the two prompting Sigrid to let out her own.
She wanted to do something, ached to move about more now that she had purchased in which to tangle herself with the world outside. Yana wanted to move about too, judging by how dissatisfied the fae looked, glancing at her distressed compatriot pouring over a book. Having felt the mermaid’s gaze, the fae turned around to share a look with Sigrid.
It was one that asked for assistance and the mermaid trilled in response. She was itching to do something more today after all. A stroll or something of the sort would be better than more rest, however comfortable her current set up was.
Unwinding herself to stand upright, she let out a second yawn before languidly shuffling her way towards Aryana. The red headed human seemed to finally notice that the room’s attention had been turned on her and stopped her fussing to glance at the two. Sigrid clicked her tongue to inform the girl that she needed to relax a little, and that Sigrid herself wanted to do something.
“You seem to be in mild distress, perhaps you need to de-stress. The mermaid is also feeling a little restless, so it’s best to tend to her before she gets reckless.” Yana translated.
Sigrid hissed at the implication that she needed tending to like a pet of sorts. The fae, in return, shrugged and stuck her tongue out, making no effort to hide her mischief. Sigrid bristled and mimicked munching on the fae, making the faerie flutter upwards just out of reach, just in case.
“Huh? What?” Aryana made a soft noise, pausing the conflict brewing on the other side of the room.
Taking her cue, Yana fluttered over and now settled herself atop Aryana’s head, her traditional resting spot.
“You spent the whole day reading, that I believe your hairline is receding.” Yana dryly stated.
“I… huh?! What?!” Aryana let out a panicked cry.
The fae chuckled, while Sigrid just crossed her arms. It wasn’t nice to make fun of someone’s hairline. Though she could certainly see how it had immediately gotten the red haired human’s full attention.
“It was a joke dearest Aryana, so don’t you go… bananas?” The fae frowned as she failed to find a compelling rhyme.
“Seems like I’m not the only one with my head in the clouds.” Aryana teased back.
Sigrid offered some stifled giggles at the sight of the fae's pouting expression, one that scrunched her already tiny face even more. It was almost enough to provoke Sigrid to try and squish the fae’s cheeks just to see what would happen. Almost.
Finding Aryana having turned to hear her opinion, she gestured and trilled her desire to explore more of the campus now that there were far less people about. This time, the red headed human seemed to understand her a bit better, bobbing along as her gestures vaguely guided her along. Yana didn’t even bother to translate.
A little ashamed at having neglected her two charges for the day, Aryana blushed in embarrassment and awkwardly shuffled her feet.
“So uhh, sorry.” Aryana muttered.
Seeing the human dejected, Sigrid decided to rectify the situation and scampered over to wrap herself around the girl in a hug. It was a move that seemed to bolster Sophie’s mood whenever the elf was looking worse for wear and away from her lover, thus Sigrid reasoned that it work about the same here. Aryana stiffened in surprise for a few moments, before surrendering to the movement with a sigh. The girl slumped down and leaned into the mermaid, Yana taking off from her head to rest upon Sigrid’s bosom once more.
Sigrid shot a curious look at the faerie.
Yana chirped in the language of the fae, startling the poor human once more but ignoring the movement as she continued. Sigrid at least caught the gist of the statement. Aryana seemed to be too exhausted now that she had a moment to break away from her mental strain.
It was a regrettable development but one that she could handle. While Sigrid and Yana had been resting, Aryana’s struggles had gone mostly unnoticed until the two had awakened. Sigrid now understood the fae’s request. Aryana needed to relax, Sigrid needed to drag her along.
She frowned, her lips upturned as a new challenge presented itself before her. Where to go? She didn’t know the area as well as any of the others, and she suspected that her instinctual desire to drag everyone down to a cave would be less than helpful. Her eyes narrowed as she pondered this problem long and hard. Human and mermaid sensibilities were far more different than expected, now that she had the time to think about such things.
Still, Sophie had seemed to appreciate her help back then. She now strived to meet that same standard with any of these new compatriots that she had gained.
Taking matters into her own hands, she detached herself from the human and used her hands to grab hers and guide her instead. Aryana just let herself be pulled along, though Sigrid noted how the girl slowly showed more amusement than surprise. A success, if a small one.
Jerked forward by the sudden shift in pace, Yana angrily fluttered in the air above them. The faerie now forced to keep pace as Sigrid tried to eagerly lead Aryana to a place that she had passed by with Sophie on their first arrival to the area. There was unlikely to be much, considering how Sigrid was almost certain that Aryana had to have surely seen every bit of this campus.
“Whoa, whoa. Give me a second.” Aryana tugged on Sigrid’s arm, barely even affecting the mermaid but getting the message across.
Sigrid spun around, curious.
“I have to get dressed properly, Sigrid.” Aryana chuckled at the mermaid’s bafflement before giving Sigrid a prod to the sides that elicited an instinctive alarmed trill, “And you too. You’re still in dorm clothes.”
The mermaid bobbed her head but growled. There were parts of human tradition that still eluded her. Back when she still lived with other mer, their attire for the day was decided when they woke up. Ornate and fancy outfits fit for any occasion. Yet, the more time she spent here with the land faring creatures, the more bizarre they seemed. They had different outfits for different activities of the day. They had clothes for wearing around a room, but if one were to leave or exit then they’d need another dress, preferably a uniform. Then even if they had a uniform, if they were to do other activities, they would have even more specific outfits to wear. The only one she understood was that warriors had separate arms and armors for their role.
But when Aryana threw open her closet to choose an outfit, hastily also throwing a long sleeved shirt over to help cover Sigrid’s exposed torso, the mermaid cooed warmly. She didn’t understand why they needed so many outfits, but she didn’t mind. It meant she would always look different, and as she caught a glimpse of her own reflection in the mirror, though it wasn’t as beautiful as her glamourless mer form, she still looked pretty. And she was satisfied with that result.
A triumphant hmpf escaped her lips as she admired herself in the mirror. Only interrupted by the mocking chirp of the faerie buzzing past her head. Sigrid shot her a dirty look. The fae smirked in response before twirling in the air, showing off her own little dress and frills. How annoying!
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The strange little trio found themselves wandering out into the cold of the outside world, shivering ever so slightly, the worst of it staved off by Yana’s warming magicks. But Sigrid remembered the garden she had seen. It seemed like a peaceful place and one that could help relax Aryana. She felt proud of her own idea. A good one, she nodded to herself.
Aryana clung to her and Sigrid could see why Sophie seemed to enjoy such things. The sensation was quite pleasant and comfy. She cooed gently.
Passing by a few other students, they found their way to the big building with many different plants in it. Greens, blues, reds and purple foliage decorated the place. Large conifers and trees were interspersed by ferns and flowerbeds. Some she recognized, such as what the humans might call winter’s flesh, a deep turquoise shaded plant that was similar to mint but far more potent. Others were strange looking things that fascinated her.
Aryana at least, looked to be equally as excited to examine the different plants. Or rather, Sigrid felt that Aryana was more amused at her reaction to the plants than the plants themselves. She didn’t mind though, for Sigrid enjoyed the attention.
Yana zipped her way up a tree, finding a nook for herself as she camped out on a branch. Cheekily, the fae waved at the two, as if urging them to follow. Aryana looked in no way ready to follow. Sigrid felt the call of a challenge and just stared upwards, her desire to prove herself only contained by the fact that climbing would be a hassle for her body.
Aryana calmed the bristling mermaid by pointing towards an interior bench. A place for them to admire the scenery without being exposed to the cold. Sigrid trilled with a hinty of satisfaction at the suggestion. She threw a victorious smirk at the faerie nestled in the tree, enjoying the look of disdain she received as Yana finally caught onto Aryana’s suggestion and had to descend to follow.
With the fluttering of the faerie above them, they entered the building and took a seat. The two of them shared a sigh, Aryana letting out her exhaustion and Sigrid just enjoying the moment. Yana rested once more atop Aryana, the fae warily taking a look around the place.
This made Sigrid take note of their surroundings as well. In her haste to arrive she had almost forgotten about the ever present danger that plagued the group. Talks of assassins, warriors, fights, and potential conflict. Who or what or even why, she didn’t understand. All the names and groups made little sense to her. What she did know was that she would protect her new comrades.
She trilled softly, a calming coo that reached out towards Aryana. The redhead turned to regard her, a soft smile on her face. Sigrid nodded firmly, they were safe here. The mermaid let out a throaty growl to inform her colleague, the fae rolling her eyes but holding a small thumbs up in affirmation.
Given the signal to relax, Sigrid took charge and promptly settled comfily on the bench. Aryana remained a little uneasy, but seeing the mermaid and then the fae rest once more, she too joined them in this endeavor.
For a few moments, there was a strange quietness that settled over the group. Only the ambient sounds of their breaths and the occasional shout of some excitable student in the distance interrupted them. Sigrid watched as the trees swayed slowly outside, the barest hint of a breeze brushing past them and sending a few leaves gently drifting down into the flowerbeds below. Entranced by the way that the plants blended together, as dark greens and browns sifted their way in between petals of red and blue. She skipped a few breaths, only remembering to breathe after the faerie lazily fluttered past, a little too restless to stay still like the other two.
She found great beauty in this strange display. A self contained garden, nature tamed, yet left to run wild all the same. It reminded her of herself. A creature brought to a strange world, where she no longer received offerings nor interacted with the denizens of the waves. At least not directly. Now she acted as more observer than participant, still uncertain of the role she should play.
Maybe that was why she was willing to stay behind and help protect the tiny red haired human. After their experiences with the stone kin under the city, there was a franticness in her actions that reminded Sigrid of herself. For she too, was searching for something. Though looking for a different solution to a different problem, the process was startlingly similar.
She reached out a hand towards the girl. Aryana started questioningly at her but didn’t reject the outstretched arm. Encouraged, she leaned over and tousled the girl’s hair, earning her a small yelp from her target.
“H-hey!” Aryana squeaked, “Careful with the braid.”
Sigrid paused, trying to decipher if this was a playful refusal or genuine complaint.
Aryana appeared unsure as well, but having sensed the doubt within the mermaid, the girl gave her answer by sitting up a little straighter and bringing the top of her head under the mermaid’s palm. Delighted, Sigrid let out a happy trill and carried on with her work. Pleased with the outcome, she spent a moment searching around for the fae, finding the small creature curiously absent.
A faint trickle of starlight drew her gaze skywards. There, the fae had illuminated a small object, the warm orange glow cloaking them in a comforting light. It felt almost too relaxing, and Sigrid unintentionally let out a yawn, causing Aryana to do the same.
In the grand scheme of things, Sigrid reckoned that this moment would be but a passing thought, nothing more. Yet, at the same time, it still created a small sense of happiness at having suggested an idea good enough to help the human to rest. A small but crucial break before the girl mentally collapsed.
Maybe that was why she wasn’t entirely surprised when Aryana turned towards her. The girl let out a deep, pained sigh. Facing the human, Sigrid found the girl staring directly into her eyes, making her just a tad uncomfortable. The mermaid gestured curiously, wondering what the human sought from her.
“Sigrid. Can I… ask for your advice on something?” Aryana whispered worriedly, the girl’s hands constantly fidgeting with her braid.
She nodded.
“You remember how the dwarves said I’d die if the spirit got removed from me?”
She nodded again, though with a hint of worry now crossing her own visage at the girl’s words.
“What if… what if I had to make that choice?”
Sigrid cocked her head sideways, her brows furrowing at the concerning words. She trilled out her concern, adding a few clicks to emphasize her worry. Her distress was felt by the fae as Yana flew down, the fae’s own expression mirroring her own.
“I… I haven’t told Sophie yet, so you can’t tell her, okay?”
Sigrid whined. Curious but increasingly alarmed.
“I made an agreement with my people. My original people. They… they have a ritual in mind, one that could potentially draw the spirit out of me. Make me normal.”
Before Sigrid could process the information, the fae cried out.
“No!” Yana responded.
“Yana?”
“Cease your foolish plan, this pointless dedication to clan.”
Sigrid clicked her tongue softly, trying to understand what was happening.
“I… I think they know what they’re doing. They’ve dealt with this before and-”
“They deal with matters beyond their grasp, and you’ll die with nary a rasp!”
“But Yana! It’s killing me regardless. Sooner or later I’ll have to deal with this anyways!” Aryana snapped back.
“So? We can make do until the end, find another solution before then.”
“I need to do something! I can’t just burden the others. Sophie’s hampered enough because of me. She might’ve even saved more people if she didn’t need to worry about me.”
“Don’t you dare say that… you twat.” Yana growled.
Sigrid cooed softly, urging for the two to remain at peace.
Yana twisted around to glare at her, but the fae found herself faltering. Yana grumbled but differed to the mermaid. Sigrid for her part reached over to pat Aryana gently, trying to soothe whatever pains the girl was feeling.
“I… look… I hate to ask this. But I know, it’s a stupid idea, Yana, Sigrid. Don’t think I haven’t thought this through. Spirits know that I’ve agonized over this the past few weeks. Why do you think I’ve been searching for any other solutions?” Aryana hissed.
“Still.” Yana snarled.
“Look, Yana. I know, okay? I know.”
“Then why even ask?”
“Because in a month, after the conference, when the others leave. I’m going to meet with my clan. I… I still don’t know if I’ll go through with it, if that matters to you. But-”
“I cannot ask that you join us. But I will.” Yana’s more serious tone interrupted Aryana.
“I… huh?” Aryana queried.
“Not you.” Yana turned to Sigrid.
It was a sudden decision and one she still had only a vague idea about. But on the matter of spirits and fusions at least, she could try to help. She gestured her approval, but let out a click of doubt regardless.
Aryana looked almost ashamed, the girl unwilling to meet either of their eyes.
“I’m guessing you’ll ask Hanabi too?” Yana questioned.
Aryana grunted, the girl now more despondent at having been scolded.
Sigrid felt bad for both of them. Yana seemed in pain, the care the faerie showed far different from what most of the fae would treat humans. It felt as if the faerie had something more that she hadn’t shared with the others yet. But Sigrid still wanted to help. Aryana on the other hand, was a human stuck with a bad choice. In an extraordinary circumstance for a relatively ordinary child.
Sigrid trilled for peace, gestured for both of them to relax.
The two were tense, yet under the mermaid’s gaze, they both backed down a little. Their moment of heated exchange gradually simmering back down to a more manageable state.
“Sorry.”
“Hmm.”
The two apologized to Sigrid.
She shook her head and gestured towards the plants in front of them and the warm light above. She smiled at the two of them. They were here to relax and rest, to leave the worries of the moment behind. If they were to fight, then she had found her purpose. To make sure that they could still have moments of calm admist it all.
Resolved, she tapped Aryana’s forehead and motioned for her to follow. The girl on the verge of a question but waiting for the answer first. Sigrid grasped both of the girl’s hands and closed her eyes, letting out a series of melodic hums as she meditated. It was an art that she perfected in her solitude, one which helped her settle her mind in moments such as this.
“Close your eyes, follow along.” Yana instructed the girl, the fae’s voice more caring.
Sigrid let out an appreciative coo, hoping that the girl would follow along. To her relief, Aryana joined her in humming and she could feel the girl chuckle a little.
“Thanks. For being here.” Aryana whispered.
Sigrid clicked her affirmation and led the meditation.
Before any of the others returned from their excursions to the city, Sigrid would help however she could. Making sure that whatever secrets Aryana wanted to confess or decisions she wanted to make, she would do it with a clear mind. It was the most she could do for now.