Ocean Man

Maeve scrunched her nose. “It doesn’t sound to me like he wants what’s best for the colony. It sounds like he wants what’s best for him.” Maybe there was some overlap there, but her gut told her there wasn’t. “You’re lucky to still have your parents. I hope everything works out.”

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“Perhaps, I think... It’s complicated. We are quite different so we have not always seen eye to eye, but I am still trying to give him the benefit of the doubt.” Her comment gave him pause, “I hope so too. Are yours — your parents, I mean... are they not around anymore?”

Arroyo was lucky that Lyra cared about him. If looks could kill, the merman would be dead where he so smirkily sat. It took all of Jax’s willpower not to punch him. His jaw twitched as he tried to focus on staying calm. “I don’t care much about Lyra’s lineage. As far as I’m concerned, you’re all nothing more than traitorous assholes who sentenced her to a slow death.” Jax refused to mince words with Arroyo. “Which is what I’m here to talk about. Lyra cares for you, so I’ve agreed to bring you home and check on the situation with your family, but after that, we’re leaving. While you’re here, I want to make it clear that if you hurt Lyra at all - emotionally - I will toss you overboard. Whether you’re healed or not.”

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Arroyo simply nodded, arguing with Jax was pointless. Nothing Arroyo could say would make Jax resent him less. “I understand full well what the plan is.” Arroyo began as he rose and approached the captain, “This seems a conversation we have already had, but perhaps my intentions were not clear before. I swear I will not allow Lyra to be hurt anymore than she already has been, neither here, nor back home, by me or anyone else. I would rather die before I let that happen. Whether you choose to believe me or not is your decision and not my problem, but it is the truth and you are welcome to hold me to it. Have I made myself clear enough now, Captain Harper?”

~

“Did nobody warn you about that? Bloody hell.” She did not want to be in his shoes right now, being drunk was one thing–being injured and drunk? Sounded like the mer was in for a rough time. “I’m cutting you off, and I never do that.” She moved to sit next to Arroyo. “You need to drink water, because if you throw up on me, I will be very upset.”

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“Warn me about what? Why does this drink do this? Have I been drinking poison? Is this crew trying to kill me? Wait why are you taking it away?” The words all spilt out of his mouth in a blur as he slumped over. “There is water everywhere. It is my home.” Stating the obvious, not protesting drinking water, just stating the obvious without intention. “I am strong.” Another statement with seemingly no purpose. “Cannot vomit.” He slurred.

~

Rav’s breath caught in her throat for a moment as he drew closer, once again, a behavior she was not used to, but she responded to his clearly playful remark with a faint smirk and an arched brow. “No. Because if you were smart enough to do that, you’d be smart enough to not admit it to me.” Rav simply watched, blinking in surprise as the branch suddenly shattered, a hand going up to block splinters from hitting her in the face, a couple no doubt tangling in her hair. Someone had quite the strength to him. “You’ve-uh-got some splinters.” Rav couldn’t help but laugh quietly, head shaking as she moved to pluck some splinters from his clothes. “Eh, it was worth a shot. C’mon, there’s plenty of branches.” She held her hand out once more. “Wasn’t expecting that much strength. Got any other skills hidden up your sleeves?”

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“Or I am just very smart.” He winked at her, “Anyway when did I ever admit anything?” When she got close to him he got a good look at her for the first time, behind her tough exterior there was the charming softness of caring in her eyes, a contrast that suited her well. He looked down at where she was picking splinters out of his clothes, “Ah, thank you. Oh...” He noticed the small pieces that had landed on her, “You have some on you too.” He reached up to free the splinters from her hair, “Sorry about that again.” His hand lingered for a moment, then fell from her hair to meet the hand she held out to him. As they began moving again he laughed at her question, “Mers are stronger than humans and I suppose some would consider me a strong mer. That is about all I have going for me though.” He laughed again, “I can sort of sing, not nearly as well as Lyra though.”

~

The apology had caught her off guard, as did the sudden hand on her shoulder, her gaze looking between it and Arroyo several times before she simply…accepted it. “Your apology is…appreciated. But I don’t believe you did this intentionally, so it isn’t necessarily needed. The crew can handle anything that life throws us.” Pride rang clear in her words, but her attention quickly shifted as she took a step back. “Only one way to find out.” She offered the makeshift cane out to him. “It might be a touch bigger than I hoped, but it should do the trick. Let me know if it doesn’t work.”

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He nodded graciously. Then, with a playfully mischievous look in his eyes, he pulled in close and said “You mean you do not believe I got myself injured in a storm as an elaborate trap?” He smiled at her, then took the branch from her hands. It was a bit unwieldy and slightly too tall to lean on comfortably. “Hmmm I wonder...” he thought if he could break off one end of the branch it would be perfect height. This was a nice idea in theory, in practice, however, he miscalculated his strength. In an instant the branch shattered, sending splinters flying through the air to form a nest in his hair and decorate his clothes. He stood there surprised, holding two fractured bits of remaining branch, and blinking away dust. “...Oh. Well...” He sighed through a slightly embarrassed chuckle, “Looks like we’re going to have to keep searching.”

Adeline found herself a bit awestruck as she looked up at him, noting the similarities to Lyra in his features. Blimey, are all merpeople this attractive or is it just this family? “You have Lance to thank for that. I’m not much of a cook… but I can bake. Although, I suppose you wouldn’t be familiar with baking and sweets either. I know Lyra…” She trailed off, hoping that she wouldn’t pain him by speaking about her. “Well, she adores sweets.” She took the seat beside his cot now, fiddling with a fraying hem on one of her sleeves before he spoke again. “Oh, um… I didn’t say actually. I’m Adeline,” she replied with a warm smile. “Is it… Ayden or is that one of your brothers? I’m afraid I wasn’t kept informed about your name amongst everyone’s chatter.”

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He noticed her staring and smiled modestly, “I see, please give him my thanks for me then.” She seemed to be tiptoeing around speaking of Lyra, it was unnecessary, but he appreciated the thoughtfulness, “I am not familiar, but if Lyra likes them I am sure I will too. Maybe one of these days you can introduce me to these sweets you speak of?” 

“Adeline is a pretty name, very melodic. Adeline.” He repeated the name more like a song than a word. Hearing himself referred to as Ayden was amusing and he found himself pursing his lips to keep from laughing at the honest mistake, “Arroyo is my name. Though you are right, Ayden is my brother, but other than that we do not have much in common.”

     When he heard the other glug down a drink , Kalix turned his head and locked his gaze with the other.  Every word that the other said simply went in one ear and out the other , but the fucking  tone  that this  disproportionate sardine  took fully pissed Kalix right off.

     Normally , he’d assume that the other was unfamiliar with human concepts.  But lack of sleep and extreme lethargy began to get the best of him — and his patience ( which the helmsman didn’t have much of a reputation for , anyway ). So , when the other asked for clarification of what Kalix was looking for … 

     Kalix crossed his arms and unclenched his jaw in attempt to keep himself from scowling any more than he already was.  Then , he let a beat pass and looked at Arroyo casually —— though tit was still very clear that he wasn’t very happy to be wasting his time with a fish.

     “  Never mind.  ”  He blinked.  “ So ,  Flipper  —  have you ever heard of sushi?  ”

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Arroyo smirked at the name the man called him. Ridiculous. Mers had fins, not flippers. “Sushi...” he continued, “Sounds familiar, but I cannot place why. What is it?” He wasn’t sure why the question felt vaguely threatening, though the man himself didn’t intimidate Arroyo in the slightest.

He did seemed awfully irritable though, clenching and unclenching his jaw like he was chewing something bitter. Perhaps his own personality, Arroyo thought, he could probably use some of this fire water himself. He leaned forward and held the bottle out to Kalix, “You want some?”

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Billie was not sure if her and Lyra were close enough for the consideration of family, but that was more down to her own aloof nature than anything else. Perhaps it was how Lyra felt, but she couldn’t comment so Billie simply shrugged. “A sentiment shared by many- especially on the seas, I’m told- is that loyalty should be earned, and coming together for a common good or goal is far more valuable than simply… Growing up in the same location.” Though, she would still consider herself loyal to her own parents in so much that if they needed her aid there were many things Billie would drop to help them. Billie nods, “I’m sure even without the formality of a last name those who need to express their distaste for you will find some way to do so.” She assured him with a small smile.

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“Yes, I do like the sound of that quite a lot. It seems you humans have found a level of freedom in being out at sea that most will never see in a lifetime, I think that goes for mers and land-dwellers alike.” He laughed at Billie’s comment, he had learned that there were several expletives that could be used to insult people, so far he had learned of ‘bastard’ and ‘asshole’, “Yes, I am fairly certain I will be hearing quite a few of those names from... certain members of this crew in our coming time together.”

~

Rav was patient, sure to take slow, cautious steps. It wouldn’t do any good if Arroyo injured himself further. But the sudden stop threw her a bit, Rav glancing at Arroyo as he spoke. Well, it wasn’t exactly what she hoped to hear, but it was undoubtedly helpful. “Better the unwanted truth than an egregious lie.” She spotted something that might work, head tilted as she looked between it an Arroyo, quickly determining that it would be too small. But this one nearby perhaps? Picking up a branch and turning it in her hands, she spoke again. “The crew is skilled. One I wouldn’t underestimate, for sure. But hopefully things stay peaceful.”

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Arroyo wished he had a better answer for her, that anything of going home was easily predictable, but that unfortunately was not the case. He hung his head, feeling guilty, “I am sorry to have gotten you caught up in all this. The crew does seem a hearty bunch, I am hopeful they will be able to hold their own if it comes down to that.” He sighed and reached out a hand to squeeze her shoulder lightly, “That being said, I will do everything in my power to prevent any conflict. I promise you that much.” He looked down at the stick in her hand, then back up at her, “Do you think that one will do the trick?”

“How’s out latest little stowaway?” Jaina asked, walking into the room as if it were her own. Not only did she have her own curiosity, but she was also thankful to have someone newer than her aboard the ship. It kept more people focused on him instead of her. And he had no loyalty to the crew, maybe she could get some sort of information out of him that her captain would find useful. “Healing up well, I hope? I would ask if you were enjoying the ride but…well, you know.”

@arroyo-sin-pollo​

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Arroyo had healed well for the most part, but one particularly deep wound in his side was still giving him trouble. It didn’t help that the human fire water he’d been drinking had likely been the culprit responsible for the throbbing in his head and the nausea that now bubbled in his stomach. “I have been better, if I am being honest. That drink you humans like so much, it is fun, but comes with some nasty consequences.”

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This conversation almost felt like a game for Magni, a game of trying to get Arroyo to talk. He knew Jax would tell him what was going on if he needed to know the details, but lately, Magni had realised that perhaps there are more secrets between him and the Captain, secrets he would only learn by trying to figure them out. Magni tilted his head to the side, his eyes flickering as the fire of the lantern did. “ I’m sure he wouldn’t mind it if you told me. “ The quartermaster said as his mouth slid upwards into a smile. “ He tells me everything either way, so you would only be doing him a favour. “ Magni waited a moment, letting his words sink in before adding. “ So, what’s going on? “

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“Is that so?” Arroyo was suspicious of Magni’s sly grin and he was clearly trying to pry in matters that likely didn’t concern him, “Or maybe you just take me for a fool who will tell you anything because I am not familiar with your crew. Come now, my human friend — or... not human — what are you, anyway? — It does not matter, do really think me so stupid as to tell you everything?” He let out a laugh from deep in is diaphragm that pulled sharply at his wounds, adding a hint of strain in his voice, “It was a valiant effort, truly, but you will have to try harder than that.”

“So, you’ll help your mom keep control?” That seemed like the obvious choice if what Arroyo was saying was true. “If your brother is so…well, everything you said, then you have to help your mother.” It didn’t even seem like a choice to Maeve when the answer was so obvious. 

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“Yes... I suppose that is the only option. I do want to help my brother too, though. He maybe headstrong, but I know he wants the best for the colony, I just do not know if he knows what that truly looks like.” As much as he disagreed with his brother’s actions, he still cared for him and knew any obvious opposition to him would only make things worse. "But, yes, I will have to support my mother in the ways I can.” 

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Athena nodded, setting down her sketchbook in her chair before walking over to the workspace where Thadd kept the herbs and mortar. Athena made quick work, grabbing the herbs and pouring in enough water to make a proper paste. She worked in silence, the sound of stone grinding against stone filling the infirmary. Turning back to Arroyo she tapped the pestle against the mortar shaking off some paste. She cocked her head to the side. “Yes, I’m aware you’re Lyra’s brother,” she replied not catching what he meant.

She grabbed a roll of bandages before wandered back over. “Tell me if I’m hurting you,” she said as she began to unwrap the bandages around his torso. Athena worked methodically, trying to move Arroyo as little as possible. Not that she had the strength to move him on her own. With his chest now bare she slathered on the ointment. “These cuts look rather deep,” she commented. “Did you… it couldn’t have been easy swimming through that storm.”

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Arroyo chuckled at how Athena had obviously missed what he was trying to say, “What I mean is... I’m not a mermaid.” He gave her a wry smile, but that faded quickly as she began to unwrap his bandages.

He winced at the way the fabric pulled against his wounds, but breathed through it and let her continue. At first the ointment stung, but soon enough it was more soothing than anything, providing a relief Arroyo hadn’t realized he needed. “Easy? No. Honestly I would not exactly call what I was doing during that storm swimming. It was more... bracing myself than anything. This helps though,” he said, indicating to the salve and giving her an appreciative look, “thank you.”

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“You didn’t,” Tobias acknowledged. “But you did just say it was your mother who chose to banish Lyra. I could be wrong– but it sounds like had it been your decision thinks might have been a bit different.” He shrugged, “but what do I know?” He laughed a little. “Honestly– I know nothing. I don’t know what sort of expectations a young man like yourself has in… a colony you called it?” Tobias imagined the mere colonies didn’t run like human colonies. Unless there was some merfolk king no one had mentioned yet. “You’re still healing anyhow. No reason to try an answer those sorts of questions yet. Especially when it sounds like you have some things to work out on land first.” 

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“It does not matter who’s decision it was, there was always more I could have done. I have come to terms with the fact that I have a lot to make up for, it does not help thinking too much about what may or may not have been fair in the past. Nevertheless, I do appreciate your sympathy, even if you are unfamiliar with merfolk.” He let out a hearty laugh at being called young by a human who was likely younger than himself, “Yes, colony, but young man? Something tells me you probably think I’m a good deal younger than I really am. I doubt I would be considered so by human standards at least.”

“Captain Harper,” Jax corrected, his eyes narrowing already. It was clear that Arroyo was trying to show him some respect, and it wasn’t as if Jax could reasonably expect Arroyo to remember his former title, but he didn’t care much for being reasonable with Lyra’s brother. “I’m in charge of the ship. I visit all of our guests. Even the ones I don’t like.” Usually, the unwelcome “guests” were locked in the stores. Arroyo should’ve counted himself lucky. Jax crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze never moving from Arroyo. “Now that you’re getting stronger, and we’ll be headed toward your colony soon, I thought it was time for you and I to have a chat.” 

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“Aye, Captain.” Arroyo nodded at Jax’s request, not letting it show on his face that he felt the man was being unreasonably thorough. He smirked at Jax’s reply, “I see. Well, good. For a moment there I worried you came because you were curious about all Lyra’s lineage had to offer.” The joke was a risky one, Arroyo knew, but he couldn’t resist making it and thought perhaps there was even an off-chance it would help break the ice. He sat down in the chair he was using to help him stand and crossed his arms the same way Jax had. “Very well, Captain Harper.” He crossed his legs as well and leaned back in his chair, “What is it you wanted to chat about?”

~

“I am.” Which was something she was hesitant to do, but she said she’d keep an eye on Arroyo for Jax, so keep an eye out she shall. Taking the offered hand, Rav allowed the mer to use her to help him walk, not seeming to react too much to the added weight. “Been wonderin.” She started, helping to move Arroyo to the treeline, glancing at him. “Think we’ll be safe enough when we drop you off? Not super familiar with mermaids, want to make sure nothing goes awry, you know?”

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He stumbled a bit as they walked, partially due to getting reacquainted with walking and partially due to still healing wounds, but he didn’t struggle nearly as much as he would have without Rav’s assistance. Considering her question proved challenging as they moved carefully over precarious roots and vines. Arroyo had to stop for a moment to give a question like that the thought it deserved. “Honestly? I cannot say for certain. I am not familiar with your crew, nor their capabilities. However, my colony is strong and if my brother has currently taken power to the extent I suspect... If I told you it was safe, it would be an egregious lie.”

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Tobias hummed, piecing together what Arroyo was saying. Whatever happened between Lyra and her family… well it was none of his business. He’d rather hear about it from Lyra’s mouth thought it sounded like Lyra being shunned by the family affected Arroyo too. “If Lyra offered you her name then she wants you to take it. Family is never easy. I won’t pretend to know anything about your kin, but you are not them.” He sighed, “you know, on land, we say that the sins of the father pass onto the son. Unfair isn’t it? That one person’s mistakes are now your own because… what?” He just shrugged. “Though if you were to take your sister’s name, does that mean you intend to spend some time on land?”

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“This has nothing to do with my father’s sins. If anyone, it is my mother who banished Lyra. Did I ever say I was taking the burden of anyone else’s mistakes, but my own?” Clearly the man was very confused, but Arroyo wasn’t about to try to press that point. His following question stumped Arroyo, all he had planned so far was to go home and try to fix the mess his family had started. But what after that? Would he even be allowed to stay with the colony after everything? Would he even want to? “In truth, I do not know. I do not know what my ties to the colony will look like after all this is over. I suppose it is very possible I will be staying out of the ocean for some time, I just cannot say for certain.”