Dory

Marina smiled gently, placing a hand on Dory’s shoulder. “It’s alright, I don’t mind.,” she said softly. “Besides, it’s good to have a break from everything every now and then.” She let go of Dory’s shoulder and stepped back, giving her friend some space. “But it’s also good to not get kicked out of the school you were so adamant about joining.” she nodded for them to start walking. She held out a towel for Dory. “Do you want to talk about it?” 

Dory smiled knowing Marina wouldn’t have said otherwise, which made her feel slightly guilty. She wanted to rule Atlantis and do right by her people but sometimes the role and the constraints it came with were suffocating. “Yes, well, lets walk back then shall we?” she let out a soft sigh pinching at her own fingers anxiously before taking the towel and wrapping it around herself. “The crown is just feeling very heavy today - I know it will from time to time.” 

“Doesn’t the school provide you access to the water?” Liz frowned. Not being a water baby herself, she hadn’t thought much on it.  Sure, she might enjoy swimming for a short time, but after too long it felt like … a constraint.

Marina was hesitant to swim alone at night. She knew that the headmistress had set a curfew and it was not safe to be out after dark. She was worried about getting caught and facing the consequences. “Dory, I don’t think it’s a good idea to be out here alone,” Marina said. “We should head back before we get in trouble.”

Dory sighed stepping out of the water. “Fine, I suppose you’re right.” she frowned. Dory had just wanted a moment to herself in her natural element. It had been difficult coming back here after everything that happened, after knowing Jon would be back at school. Being home had felt so freeing despite the royal duties that weighed down on her. “I just needed some air - or rather some water. I’m sorry you had to come looking for me, I’m sure you wanted to rest tonight.”

“I probably don’t totally get it,” Liz admitted, “but I can see why you’d be torn.” For herself, as long as she had a high enough rooftop, she could feel at home. But … well, she did miss her dad. “For me, it’s more people, less places.  But … I’ll bet home feels freer to you.”

It took Marina a second longer than it normally did to gather herself. It always did on Akir’s remembrance day. She tended to not even go out as her self-control lacked greatly on this day. But she did not have that luxury here. She looked at Dory as she spoke, grateful for her sister of choice. She always knew when to divert Marina’s attention. Always knew when to pull her out of the riptide that was her mind. “She is a sweet girl. I’ve always liked her.” Marina nodded, happy her princess was rooming with someone who could be trusted. “I understand. I miss the sea as well. It was comforting to come back to somewhere close to home. I’m sure once the other more pressing buildings are remade, this one will be too.” she comforted Eldoris.

“Who do they have you rooming with?” Dory asked curiously smoothing down her skirt. “You know between you and I, sometimes I wish I used my special treatment power a little more.” she chuckled softly. Because things had been so tense and the water dorms destroyed, Dory had not pressed about the rooming situation. “The pools are alright, but the chlorine just isn’t it.” she complained. Nothing compared to Atlantis, that was home. 

@lizxbarton​

“No it’s alright. I can’t…it would be to hard to be around father right now. Not today.” she admitted. All of that compassion and understanding for her little brother’s murderer. It drove her insane on the best of days, and today was very much not that. She took the flower from dory, tossing it into the waves gently. He hand reached up to cover the blonde’s. “Thank you.” she spoke, voice so soft she would be surprised if Dory heard her over the waves. After a few moments, she began to pull herself together. Expertly packing those emotions back into their boxes and putting them away in the depths of her minds. With the wipe of one lone tear, she was standing. Back straight, head high. “Let us go.” she nodded.

Dory nodded in understanding. She knew how painful the memories were for Marina, how she put up a tough front, packed all her emotions away and carried on. Good people, innocent people like Akir had lost their lives because of Marina’s sister and the manipulation by Black Manta. Dory didn’t want to leave the water especially since the water dorms had been destroyed, it made the homesickness set in. “I am lucky that my roommate is Mar’i Grayson, but the regular dorms are not ideal.” Dory said making small talk with Marina to take her mind off her current state. 

       “Marin’ahm’s sister?” Finn asked to clarify despite only knowing on Mir’ahm. “Is that going well?” He knew that if anyone could rehabilitate Mir’ahm it was the future Queen of Atlantis. “Does she seem willing to change?” It had been years since he had seen Mira. “I wouldn’t miss it.” Not that he would be allowed to miss it even if he wanted to. “Will Jon be back in time to come?”

“It is a difficult task but I believe I could make a difference. I hope at least.” Mir’ahm was so angry and although she had tried to kill her Dory believed in second chances. “Honestly, no. She doesn’t.” She said truthfully. “No...Jon will not be coming.” She tried to keep her voice from breaking. All she had wanted was to be with Jon but whether it was the pressure of the crown, her family or perhaps his she wasn’t sure, but Jon asked for space and she gracefully granted it despite not having the same want. “I don’t think he will be attending any future crown events unfortunately.” Her voice was soft, sad.