Through Heaven's Eyes

49. Swab Aboard the Cursed Serpent.

[father-tobias]

Tobias peeked into the room, grinning as he found the person he was looking for. He leaned against the doorframe. “Billie-- I have a proposition for you. It requires your thieving skills and the reward... will most likely be worth it, but be for warned it’s not a perfect plan. You like wine, yes?” @billie-cassidy​

[father-tobias]

cleptaar·:

.

Magni rubbed the sleep from his eyes, as the corners of his lips curled up into a lazy smile. “ Joseph and his coat? ” Humming to himself, Magni lay his head back on Tobias’ chest, shutting his eyes again, soaking in the warmth of his embrace. “ He’s not the man who turned water into wine, so I’m sure he was a boring chap. ” This wasn’t anything new. Before Tobias left, listening to him read from the bible had been Magni’s favourite thing in the whole world. Sure, he had never cared much for the messages of its stories as much as Tobias did, instead, it had always been a moment of peace for him, away from the chaos and the violence, where Magni could be himself and forget that anything else existed, even if it was only for one fleeting moment. “ Isn’t he the one who fought a lion or something? “ Magni said absentmindedly, as he burrowed himself into his warmth, clinging onto him for dear life without realizing that he was laying his whole weight on his friend. “ Wait… I’m not hurting you, am I? “ He finally asked him, shifting his weight, so he was resting on his elbow instead of on Tobias. 

.

Magni nestled back onto Tobias’s chest. He chuckled when Magni mentioned the wine, by far the most popular story on the ship, and his chest pressed against Magni’s face. Tobias couldn’t help but trace a finger along Magni’s braid, always fascinated by the intricate weaving of hair. How Magni found the time to do it he had no idea. Tobias chuckled again as Magni tried to recall the story proper. “Not quite. You should remember him, his story is quite fitting.” He bent his neck so his lips were in Magni’s ear. “He has prophetic dreams,” he smiled against Magni’s ear, wondering what sort of dreams Magni had when he was resting like this. Magni seemed to want to be closer and closer to Tobias, to the point he was pressing his whole body against Tobias’ chest. Tobias spoke in a strained voice, “He saves people from famine, and uh, has to forgive his brothers...” Finally Magni shifted his weight and Tobias took a deep breath. He smiled, “no, no, it’s fine,” he lied. “I like having you close,” that part was true. “It reminds me of a simpler time...”

[cleptaar]

@father-tobias​

The gentle voice of Tobias rouses Magni up from his heavy slumber, shedding the remaining glimpses of his dream. His voice echoed around them, and for one blissful second, Magni didn’t realise where they were. The one thing he knew was that he was safe in Tobias’ arms. Nothing else mattered. Magni groaned quietly curling his fingers in Tobias’ shirt before he slowly and reluctantly blinked his eyes open. “ Oh no. ” Magni whispered to himself, panic building up within his chest when it dawned on him that he had fallen asleep while listening to Tobias read. “ I’m so sorry, Tobi. I was listening, I promise. ” Magni raised his head to look at him, with his eyes wide open, almost pleading. “ You know how much I love listening to you read from your book. “

[father-tobias]

Tobias wasn’t sure exactly when Magni fell asleep, but the slow heavy breath on his neck gave it away. That and the way Magni put his entire weight onto Tobias’ side. He didn’t mind. Years ago, before either of them had touched each other, this would happen. Magni would be interested in what Tobias was reading, lose interest, and subsequently fall asleep. Sometimes he’d just fall asleep next to Tobias, sometimes on top of him. It was hard not to feel like Tobias had been transported back to the past, before he left the ship. Magni stirred and he began to speak in a sleepy voice. Tobias raised a brow, “of course you were listening.” He shut his bible. “So you can tell me all about Joseph and his coat?” He grinned, looking at Magni expectantly. 

[father-tobias]

pxndemonium·:

-

There was a very good reason, but Alistair didn’t need it to be common knowledge. He didn’t want sympathy, either; something he didn’t respond well to. “We’ll see what we can find next time we reach dry land.” Because one thing that his father didn’t teach him was how to make a functioning guitar. One day, maybe he’d find somebody to teach him how to make a guitar - then Tobias would maybe teach him how to play. “I don’t know, I - I read a lot. Athena’s endless supply of books keeps my brain ticking.” That made him realise he didn’t have a plan B if for some reason, one day, he just didn’t need to do carpentry any more. What the hell would he do? He couldn’t make a living out of standing in a corner and being moody.

.

“Reading?” Tobias asked a bit surprised. Books were never his favorite-- well except for the one, and he often got the impression he was in good company on the Serpent in that regard. Apparently not so much. “That is good. Keep the mind sharp. What sort of books does our navigator supply you with?” He was curious now, especially since he and the navigator never spoke. “Or a better question-- what sort of books do you like?” He grinned, “perhaps once you make me a guitar I can repay you with some reading. Ship of Fools was one I read a lot as a boy. Fitting, I know.” 

[shiftingseas-deactivated2021090]

@father-tobias​

accustomed enough now to the set up of The Cursed Serpent, they had begun their usual routine of doubling up certain ropes so they could swing around without putting too much weight on the ones that were necessary to help the ship function. they were in the process of the last one, tying a knot to the bottom rail of the crows nest. looking down onto the rest of the ship, they wrapped their callused hands around the rope and turned their gaze down to their own feet. bracing themselves against the mast, they waited a second before pushing off. falling fast, they whooped, the sound cut off when the rope snapped taught and threw them across the length of the ship. eyes closed, relishing the feeling of the sea breeze on their face, they weren’t aware enough of where they were when they swung lowest, near the deck.

their revelry was broken by the sensation of slamming face first into someone else. Bloom let go of the rope in surprise, skidding across the wood floor on their ass. rubbing their eyes, they looked around to see the person they had bodied across the deck. spying an overturned bucket, their eyes followed the trail of water towards the man who had been using it. “oh lord I am so sorry, this has never actually happened before.” they offered a hand to the older man, using the other to rub their tender head. “C’mon, I feel like I owe you a beer, or a back massage or something…”

[father-tobias]

It was a lovely day back at sea. The island had been nice (especially his time alone with Magni) but Tobias was happy to return to the familiar rocking of the ocean waves. He was actually useful again too, swabbing the deck at his leisure. Stopping a moment he looked across the ship, admiring the sun’s glare across the waves and the crisp white sails. Not thinking much of it he saw a figure rushing towards him. Tobias thought he should step out of the way but gravity was faster than his thoughts and he was pushed down to the floor-- knocking into the bucket of sea water he was using to swab the deck. Laying in the cool water and staring up at the blue sky he let out a low groan. 

Tobias turned his head to face the voice. He recognized the new kid but beyond that he was still confused as to what exactly had just happened. Dazed, he spoke up, “don’t use the Lord’s name in vain.” With another groan he sat up, holding his head. He saw the hand offered to him and took it, using Bloom to steady himself as he stood up. “Beer... beer is always nice...” The deck was still spinning so he continued to grip Bloom’s hand. “Did you fall from the sky?” he asked. “Memory already is a bit foggy.”

[grimxintcntions]

“BAM!” Maeve smacked her hands together, ending her story with a bang. “I stepped on his hand and crushed it like a bug. I figured that would teach him not to steal…or at least, not to steal from me.” Grinning, she plopped down on her bunk, feeling superbly pleased that she had a semi-interesting story of her own to tell.

[father-tobias]

Tobias laughed, sitting on the floor leaned up against one of the bunk frames, a flask in his hand. It was smooth sailing and the crew was relaxing anyway, no reason for him not to have a drink. “But did he? Ever steal again I mean? I’ve seen men in the stockades before, thought that was a bad enough fate but I’ve never seen a man’s face when his hand was turned into bug goop.” With a cheeky grin he sipped from his flask.

[father-tobias]

cleptaar·:

Keep reading

Magni deepened the kiss and Tobias couldn’t help but oblige to his needs, wanting nothing more than to please Magni. As much as Tobias was motivated by his own lust, his inability to curve his desires, seeing Magni so vulnerable changed things. Magni had opened himself up time and time again, with Tobias simply walking in and out with little care. It hurt him, sure, but it hurt Magni more. Right now, alone in the woods, Tobias knew he could cater to Magni. Their lips parted though Tobias could still feel Magni’s breath and the taste of him lingered. Once again, Magni’s words made Tobias shiver. “It can’t just be me...” he said in disbelief. 

Though Magni was smiling Tobias needed him to know he meant no harm in the comment. He brushed back a few strands of blond hair that had come loose during all the activity. “You are beautiful-- blindingly so... The whore part was just me getting carried away. You...” You’ve undone me as well, he wanted to say but he knew once those words left his lips they could never be taken back. Even when trying so desperately to say in the moment his future nagged him. His long time dream of a family and a simple life away from the violence that tore his life apart. How Magni fit into that future Tobias did not know.

Despite Magni’s quiet voice the power behind just a single word stopped Tobias’ thoughts completely. He looked at his friend, seeing how much he wanted to just say like this. Tobias wanted the same thing. He cradled Magni’s head and pressed it against his bare chest, his fingers deep in Magni’s hair. Tobias kissed the top of his head his free hand running along Magni’s back making sure he wasn’t hurt in any place. There was nothing he could say. Not without ruining this moment. Tobias kissed Magni’s head again. And again. And again. 

[father-tobias]

pxndemonium·:

=-

“I’ll hold you to that, you know. I don’t ever forget being owed a drink.” Alistair promised, almost wincing at the thought of talking extensively. Not that he thought Tobias would use knowledge of his past against him, or anything remotely like that, but the only person who’d had any idea of what he’d been through before joining the crew of the Cursed Serpent was Captain Bradway himself. That was proof that opening up was a bad idea, that he seemed to lose the people most important to him. He didn’t want the universe to take away anybody else.

The fact that Tobias was proficient in another language surprised him, though he wasn’t sure why. The fact he knew how to play the guitar was even more intriguing. “If you ever dust off the guitar, let me know.” Part of him wanted to learn that skill for himself, but watching and listening to Tobias would be enough for him.

.

Tobias laughed, “a man after my own heart!” Drinks always got people to open up. Alcohol always make tongues and hearts looser. Not that he was expecting to hear Alistair’s life story. Tobias just wanted a better sense of the man-- why he was so distant despite everyone being so eager to know him. There was bound to be a reason, a good one if Alistair was anything like the rest of the crew. “Ah, I’d need a guitar first. Then I’d need to see if my fingers can even reach the notes,” he chuckled. “But you know, I would like to pick it up again. Something to do when I’m not swabbing the deck. What about you? Other than hammering at wood do you have any secret skills? Guitar making perhaps?” He grinned.

[father-tobias]

billie-cassidy​:

“Sure, but it’s not the smartest place to shoot someone. Especially a priest. I’m more likely to go for the knee of the leg you favor- your left, by the way.” Billie point the hammer toowrds his left knee, “that’ll cause you more problems. But yes, for the best we try and avoid it in any case.” She frowned, running her thumb across the slant of her cheekbone. “Yeah, I had my doubts but when I got a good look at him on the boat, I knew.” The Cassidy’s had a look, it was true. Billie was strikingly similar to her father, black hair and stern brow. She grit her teeth at the reminder of their traitor. She’d gotten too comfortable on the ship, and finally unmasking and dealing with him had only intensified Billie’s caution and doubts, rather than soothing them. “Right. And Athena has surrounded herself with us. Perhaps she’s very anti religion, certainly wouldn’t be the first pirate.” She shook her head, “but yes. Generally speaking we have a power to hurt one another. Don’t torture yourself over that. I’m sure if anyone were going to take action against you they’d at least be merciful enough to have it over with quickly- it’s not as if you could put up any kind of an entertaining fight anyway.”

The speed at which Billie announced exactly how she would injure Tobias caught him off guard. Though he should have expected it by now. It wasn’t personal, just a survival tactic. Still, Tobias swallowed hard. “I uh... I’ll watch my left side,” he said finally. He saw her jaw tighten, no doubt thinking about that Charles fellow. “Well, from what I heard he’s an ass-- was an ass, but he’s not our problem anymore. Not that he was ever really your problem, you know?” Tobias considered Billie’s words. Perhaps she was right and religion just put a bad taste in the navigators mouth. “All she’s ever said to me is ‘god isn’t real’ so you might be right.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Just so we’re clear-- you shooting me in the knee is a quick death, right?”

[father-tobias]

cleptaar·:

Keep Reading

Tobias continued to moan as his lips ran along Magni’s length, basking in Magni’s pleasure and ecstasy. If Tobias didn’t feel the warmth of Magni’s skin against his own he would have thought this was a dream. The kind the plagued him in his youth and sometimes still today. But no, this was very, very real. And Magni wanted more of it. So Tobias obliged throwing caution to the wind and taking Magni again as he had the night they fled Westburgh. It had been a rash and desperate move on Tobias’ part-- now he could actually pay attention to Magni, watch his lips part as he moaned and his eyes go hazy with lust.

As much as he wanted to let go and let his desires take hold Tobias still held back. His teeth found Magni’s shoulder but a few times and when his hand reached to support Magni’s neck he did not pull and grab at the man’s braid. He was as delicate as he could be-- despite the ghosts of his teeth and nails apparent all along Magni’s body. Tobias bit his own lip to keep himself from staying the depraved things he was thinking-- Magni’s whimpers sounded better than any song, how Magni was his now, how he would do this forever if Magni just fucking asked, what a “beautiful whore” he was in his arms. Alas it ended, as all things did, and Tobias looked down at Magni’s chest glistening with sweat and his own excitement. 

Tobias’ shoulder heaved as he caught his breath, the fresh air bringing clarity to his head. Regret wasn’t the right word. Tobias wasn’t sure there was a word for what he was feeling, the rush of Magni’s touch still felt across his skin. His thoughts jumbled as if being rocked by the sea he almost didn’t hear Magni’s question. Tobias looked at his friend with raised brows. “You.... heard that?” Here Tobias thought he had managed to keep his thoughts to himself but apparently not. Despite Tobias’ own embarrassment Magni looked... happy. Overjoyed even. In another moment of weakness Tobias kissed Magni softly on the lips. He wanted to stay there, holding this man and kissing every cut and bite left behind, a pilgrimage of pleasure. But to what end? Tobias pulled away, and pressed their foreheads together. “Magni...” his voice was gravely and distant. 

[father-tobias]

Tobias’ Playlist

This is Gospel - Panic! At The Disco

Vagabond - Wolfmother

Behind Closed Doors - Charlie Rich

Stand By Your Man - Tammy Wynette

No Waves - FIDLAR

Heaven’s Just A Sin Away - The Kendalls

Love Love Love - The Mountain Goats

Northern Downpour - Panic! At The Disco

7 Bottles - Ben Howard

The Village - Wrabel 

Another Lonely Song - Tammy Wynette

Eye Of The Beholder - Wolfmother

I Can’t Stop Lovin’ You - Dom Gibson

Big Houses - Squalloscope

Love’s Been Good To Me - Johnny Cash

So Sick - cover by James Bartholomew 

Big God - Florence + The Machine 

Spotify Link

[father-tobias]

pxndemonium·:

-

Alistair had to suppress another laugh again; god forbid anybody think he was softening up. “I may deserve it, but I may not have time for it.” He shrugged slightly, glancing down at his hammer again. It was refreshing, knowing a priest that wasn’t all doom and gloom and ‘God will smite you all’. As far as preachers went, Tobias was certainly the most reasonable one he’d ever met. “Wow. Next time I need a pep talk, I’ll come to you, yeah? I’d be willing to bet you know one or two things the rest of us don’t.”

.

“Well... I’ll help you find time. Next port-- I’ll buy you a drink,” he pat Alistair on the arm, “my treat!” At the mention of a pep talk Tobias laughed, “that’s what I’m here for after all.” He leaned his elbow against the ship. “But really Alistair, I don’t mind chatting. I can’t promise I can solve everything but you know, sometimes just talking helps, yeah?” It was true for him, the few times he’d opened up about the things he kept hidden. Talking to Bradway about Francisca and his time and Spain had changed everything for the better. Tobias just wanted to help the crew the same way they had helped him. “I know uh...” His face scrunched up as he tried to think of something he knew. “Ah... German? I can play Spanish guitar-- sort of, both of those skills are pretty dusty if I’m being honest.” 

[father-tobias]

cleptaar·:

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At that moment, as Tobias began to kiss his neck, Magni would have forgiven him for any wrongdoing he might have done against him. Before he met Tobias, Magni thought he had more self-control, but whenever Tobias was around him, Magni could never get enough of him, and he never seemed to be able to control himself. He always needed to be closer to Tobias, and nothing was ever enough. Magni’s chin tilted upwards, giving Tobias greater access to his neck, his eyes fluttering shut. “ Fuck Tobias. You’re not making me feel forgotten anymore. “ He gave a silvery laugh, all the times he had felt betrayed and hurt by the other man now long forgotten. 

Magni’s fingers trailed down Tobias’ back, unintentionally digging his fingernails into the skin between his shoulder blades when he felt Tobias’ teeth graze his skin. Magni should be more careful around Tobias, he knew he was setting himself up for another heartbreak, but Magni couldn’t help it. He had never wanted anyone as much as Tobias. Besides, he was worth the heartbreak. Magni’s breathing was becoming heavier and heavier, and while there was no space between them, Magni still needed him closer. Without thinking twice about it, his hand landed on his ass, using it to pull Tobias even closer to him, causing Magni to stumble backward, a soft groan escaping his parted lips when his back hit a tree behind him.

“ Tobias, please. ” Magni pleaded, even though he wasn’t sure what he was asking him to do. A voice in the back of his head begged him to pick up his clothes and leave, but he couldn’t resist him. Magni leaned in closer to him to whisper in his ear, his lips brushing against his cheek as he spoke. “ Please, I want you… I need you.” Magni told him, capturing Tobias’ earlobe between his teeth, biting down on it, teasing him before he continued. “ I haven’t been able to stop thinking about what you did to me. No one has ever made me feel that good before. ” His heart was racing in his chest. No matter how confident he sounded, Magni was still nervous that he might go too far, that despite their confessions, he might walk away from him. “ You can have me in any way you want. You do want me. Right? ”

Tobias laughed with Magni, his face still pressed against his friend’s neck as he kissed, laughed, then kissed some more. It was hard to think that this made up for the past. Yet, what else was there to do? Tobias couldn’t change what had happened even though he wanted to. If he could go back five years ago and convince himself to stay on the Serpent he would-- absolutely he would. To save himself, to save Magni and the crew, so much heartbreak. Being here now meant something, didn’t it? Tobias had to hope but right now his mind was on others things. His mind and hands ever wandering. His whole body shivered as Magni’s nails dug into his skin. They had just begun and already Tobias knew tonight would be a night he would not forget. 

Pressing Magni against the tree, Tobias felt a rush between his legs as Magni began to plead and beg for him. To think such sounds could come from the mouth of a man so tough and masculine. Just as Tobias was thinking Magni was a proper mess in his arms he felt Magni pull at his ear. He grunted, the sharp pain taking him by surprise. You can have me in any way you want, Tobias moaned as if Magni’s own words had stroked his cock. Their bodies still pressed together Tobias felt Magni’s hard length against him. The “rules” they had set up not even a half hour ago were out the window. Magni wanted him and Tobias wanted him back. Wrath, greed, gluttony-- the other sins were so selfish, so harmful to others. Lust, mutual lust, was so kind in comparison. 

Tobias responded to Magni’s question by kissing down his neck to his collarbone, then down to his chest. He slowly moved down Magni’s body, kissing every spot, till Tobias was on his knees. Both hands grabbed Magni’s ass, giving it a tight squeeze, letting his fingernails dig into soft flesh. Tobias kissed the cross tattoo at Magni’s hip, running his teeth over it before pulling away to look up at his friend. “Do I want you?” He asked with a cheeky grin. Finally, he kissed the head of Magni’s cock before taking it in his mouth and moaning. 

[father-tobias]

billie-cassidy​:

Billie’s lips quirk up into a smirk, “you’ve never been shot by me.” She points out, “I know how to find a mans weak points- not that any spot is particularly strong when met by a bullet.” She shakes her head, “we determined Athena wasn’t the traitor. By all accounts, the threat I made to her is void. She was well behaved enough before I threatened her, too.” Billie is trying not to get impatient. She has her suspicions, granted, but Tobias’ distrust seems to be rooted more in a generalization of the sorcerers than reality. She scoffed at his question, “why yes Tobias, I do know if that original line had anything to do with a sorcerer we dealt with in Westburgh.” Billie narrows her eyes and tosses the hammer in the air to catch it quick, daring him to have a problem with her as much as he does Athena now. “Ah, I doubt it. I don’t know anymore about sorcerers than what my parents did, and what I’ve witnessed since joining the crew.” She sighs, “regardless, I share blood with a man that terrorized our ship. Athena has never steered us wrong. So if family lineage is bullshit and I’m not a danger, then neither is Athena.”

“Well--” he stifled a chuckle. “I’d hazard a guess that a bullet to the groin hurts more than a bullet in the arm. But uh, I’d like to continue the tradition of not being shot if you don’t mind.” He raised his hands defensively, “sorry, sorry... I wasn’t sure. Cassidy isn’t exactly an uncommon name. Though I suppose those cheekbones are striking enough I should have figured.” He lowered his hands and slipped them into his pocket. “You said yourself, the family split a long time ago. Even if you and that Charles fellow had grown up in the same city I imagine your lives would have been very separate. Family is the people you surround yourself with more than a matter of bloodlines. You share a name and maybe a few drops of blood with that asshole. Nothing else.” He sighed, “as for the Athena girl-- you know better than I. She doesn’t talk to me. Not even to threaten me. So... not a danger?” He shook his head, “let’s be frank-- everyone onboard has the capacity to be dangerous. Except me. But the point still stands that unchecked, any of us could hurt the crew. The real traitor proved that.”

[father-tobias]

jax-harper·:

Jax did think the worst of most people lately. How could he not? The past year had been one of the hardest of his life, and he wasn’t in any position to trust that anyone was competent without seeing them put their skills to action. Jax held out the axe for Tobias to take and then stepped back. “You better be telling the truth,” Jax warned, more concerned for Tobias’ safety than he cared to admit. “Because it’s heavy, and I don’t want to run and get Thadd to nurse the headache you’ll get if you whack yourself with it.”

With a small nod Tobias took the ax. As Jax spoke he lined up the blade with a fresh piece of wood. “Good God, don’t do that,” he said when the good doctor was mentioned. “That’ll make my headache worse. Probably give Thadd a headache too.” Tobias twisted his body then brought the axe down on the wood-- splitting it about halfway down the middle. “Damn,” he cursed under his breath before using his foot to hold the wood in place while he pulled the axe out. He took a second swing and the wood split in two. 

[father-tobias]

baronoftheseas·:

~

On a hill then? Rav tried to picture it, rows and rows of grapes on a rolling hill. It was a fleeting image, a pretty one, but gone just as quickly as she’d thought of it. She noticed the hesitation in his tone, but decided to not question it. It was just as likely that he was telling the truth. “Seems unlike you to make enemies.” He was a man of faith after all, even if Rav didn’t always agree with him on that front, it would still feel strange to her to threaten someone like Tobias. Outside of the playful jests she would occasionally throw his way. “I doubt Maeve would actually throw you overboard. Or otherwise kill you. So, despite any threats to the otherwise, I wouldn’t be too worried, Tobias.”

.

“I’m not sleeping with one eye open or anything. Just, you know, keeping track. I don’t make many enemies, you’re right. But when I do manage to piss someone off I seem to do a spectacular job of it.” He smiled, seemingly proud of this fact. “I think I’d actually be impressed if Maeve threw me overboard. Quite the physical feat. I’m not exactly a featherweight,” he said lightly smacking his stomach.

[father-tobias]

arroyo-sin-pollo·:

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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.”

.

Tobias rubbed the back of his neck. There probably was more Arroyo could have done for Lyra. There was always more people could do to help others, but to what end? Tobias didn’t know what the rules for mer were in regards to such a thing. Perhaps they were a more understanding sort than humans. Then again, Arroyo and Lyra probably wouldn’t have so much angst if their punishments were peaceful. Tobias cocked a brow. “Let me guess...” he began, squinting at Arroyo. Mid-thirties was the answer that popped in Tobias’ head but if Arroyo was saying he was older than him then there was probably some merfolk nonsense going on. “You’re a thousand years old!” Tobias offered, looking smug. “Was I close?” He was proud of himself for not laughing at his own joke.