And Now I Know This Hasn’t Always Been My Fault. @iphigenia-thewronged - Tumblr Blog

~ There’s a gentle, rhythmic knock on Elias’s bedroom’s door. It sounds almost like how Bownes would knock, but like it’s coming from someone who’s,, kicking the door? ~

May I come in?

- @iphigenia-thewronged

[Elias jolts awake, doing a very poor job of pretending to be well-rested when as he opens the door.]

hey, uh, what's up, kid?

~ In her hands, she’s holding one of those jewelry making kits with the plastic beads. Her hands are full, which must be why she “kicked” the door to knock. ~

I hope I didn’t wake you, I just wanted to know if you wanted to make bracelets with me, Bownes got me this kit and I made one with him already!

~ She extends her wrist, showing a bracelet with pink beads and very obviously fake pearls, as well as a seashell pendant. ~

...sure, why not. you'll have to teach me how, though.

[He steps out of his room, walking with Iphigenia to the kitchen table.]

Yay! Thank you!

~ She sets the kit down on the table, opening it up grabbing the elastic thread and the mini scissors. ~

Alright, so first we have to measure how much string we have to use. Like this.

~ She takes a bit of thread and wraps it around her wrist, and then snips the thread a little longer then the amount needed to cover her wrist. Afterwards, she hands the scissors and thread to Elias. ~

...okay, I think I get it.

[Though his hands are shaky, he measures and cuts the thread without error.]

[He sets the scissors and remaining thread back down, looking back to Iphigenia for further directions.]

Okay, and then we tie a knot on one end of the string, so this way the beads don’t fall off as we’re putting them on!

~ As she’s talking, she ties the knot on the right side of the bracelet, leaving the left side open. ~

And then we’ll trade threads! This way, I’ll make your bracelet and you can make mine!

alright, sounds... interesting.

[Elias continues to follow along, tying the knot just as she did. He passes his thread to Iphigenia, hands still shaking a little.]

I, uh... don't know what to do now.

~ Iphi passes her thread over to Elias. ~

And now you just add whatever beads feel right!

~ She opens up the container with the beads, each color or pendant divided into a little squares. She first grabs a green bead, and puts the thread through it. ~

~ There’s a gentle, rhythmic knock on Elias’s bedroom’s door. It sounds almost like how Bownes would knock, but like it’s coming from someone who’s,, kicking the door? ~

May I come in?

- @iphigenia-thewronged

[Elias jolts awake, doing a very poor job of pretending to be well-rested when as he opens the door.]

hey, uh, what's up, kid?

~ In her hands, she’s holding one of those jewelry making kits with the plastic beads. Her hands are full, which must be why she “kicked” the door to knock. ~

I hope I didn’t wake you, I just wanted to know if you wanted to make bracelets with me, Bownes got me this kit and I made one with him already!

~ She extends her wrist, showing a bracelet with pink beads and very obviously fake pearls, as well as a seashell pendant. ~

...sure, why not. you'll have to teach me how, though.

[He steps out of his room, walking with Iphigenia to the kitchen table.]

Yay! Thank you!

~ She sets the kit down on the table, opening it up grabbing the elastic thread and the mini scissors. ~

Alright, so first we have to measure how much string we have to use. Like this.

...okay, I think I get it.

[Though his hands are shaky, he measures and cuts the thread without error.]

[He sets the scissors and remaining thread back down, looking back to Iphigenia for further directions.]

#|| the duo ever! ||#iphigenia the wronged

Okay, and then we tie a knot on one end of the string, so this way the beads don’t fall off as we’re putting them on!

~ As she’s talking, she ties the knot on the right side of the bracelet, leaving the left side open. ~

And then we’ll trade threads! This way, I’ll make your bracelet and you can make mine!

~ There’s a gentle, rhythmic knock on Elias’s bedroom’s door. It sounds almost like how Bownes would knock, but like it’s coming from someone who’s,, kicking the door? ~

May I come in?

- @iphigenia-thewronged

[Elias jolts awake, doing a very poor job of pretending to be well-rested when as he opens the door.]

hey, uh, what's up, kid?

~ In her hands, she’s holding one of those jewelry making kits with the plastic beads. Her hands are full, which must be why she “kicked” the door to knock. ~

I hope I didn’t wake you, I just wanted to know if you wanted to make bracelets with me, Bownes got me this kit and I made one with him already!

~ She extends her wrist, showing a bracelet with pink beads and very obviously fake pearls, as well as a seashell pendant. ~

...sure, why not. you'll have to teach me how, though.

[He steps out of his room, walking with Iphigenia to the kitchen table.]

Yay! Thank you!

~ She sets the kit down on the table, opening it up grabbing the elastic thread and the mini scissors. ~

Alright, so first we have to measure how much string we have to use. Like this.

~ There’s a gentle, rhythmic knock on Elias’s bedroom’s door. It sounds almost like how Bownes would knock, but like it’s coming from someone who’s,, kicking the door? ~

May I come in?

- @iphigenia-thewronged

[Elias jolts awake, doing a very poor job of pretending to be well-rested when as he opens the door.]

hey, uh, what's up, kid?

~ In her hands, she’s holding one of those jewelry making kits with the plastic beads. Her hands are full, which must be why she “kicked” the door to knock. ~

I hope I didn’t wake you, I just wanted to know if you wanted to make bracelets with me, Bownes got me this kit and I made one with him already!

~ She extends her wrist, showing a bracelet with pink beads and very obviously fake pearls, as well as a seashell pendant. ~

torridturncoat

Iphigenia (1977) dir. Michael Cacoyannis

#|| ooc ||

~ There’s a gentle, rhythmic knock at Scare’s door. ~

Heya, I made some cake for my birthday, I wanted to know if you wanted to come have some?

~..Huh. I didn’t even know it was his birthday. ~

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

|/ theres some scrambling and a wierd groan heard before Scare is at their door. their floor, as per usual, is a mess. its a lot more messy by the bed. \|

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

|/ their ears then turn down a bit as they realize that they didn't know. \|

"Wait its your birthday?"

[Elias stays silent, assuming similarly to Scare.]

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

~ She lights up a little bit at her cue to talk about this stuff. Bownes seems interested too, although he’s familiar with many Greco-Roman classics, and by extension Hellenic mythology, he’s more than curious to hear it from someone who was from that period. ~

Mhm! Lady Demeter is the goddess of the harvest, and when Lady Persephone was abducted by Lord Hades, she turned the world into a great winter in her grief. Why Lady Persephone was in the underworld, she was tricked into eating a pomegranate, six seeds specifically, and so she became bound to Lord Hades realm. Eventually, Lord Helios- or maybe it was Arethusa -told Lady Demeter who kidnapped Lady Persephone, she went to the underworld to bargain with Lord Hades. Because she had eaten six pomegranate seeds, she would stay in the underworld for six months out of the year, which is when Lady Demeter is distraught so it’s autumn and winter. The other six months of the year, it’s spring and summer because Lady Demeter is happy to be reunited with her daughter.

~ She wonders if her own mother would’ve bought the world into a great winter upon her death. And that makes her think about something else. ~

I remember my mother showed me she had commissioned an artist to paint a scene on a vase for her wedding day. It showed Lady Persephone walking with Lord Hades to the underworld. Except, she didn’t look upset.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they blink a little, impressed by how much Iphi knows. they mutter something along the lines of "Damn, this kid knows her stuff.". \|

"That's really interesting."

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[He listens patiently to Iphi before finally adding a lottle comment.]

...huh. we understand seasons as happening because the planet moves, but I don't know the specifics.

...something about it going aroumd the sun wierd.

[Does Iphi even know that the Earth orbits the sun?]

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

Oh yes! I read that in one of my books.

~ She’s smiling and swinging her feet, I guess she was happy that she got to show off her smarts. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

~ There’s a gentle, rhythmic knock at Scare’s door. ~

Heya, I made some cake for my birthday, I wanted to know if you wanted to come have some?

~..Huh. I didn’t even know it was his birthday. ~

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

|/ theres some scrambling and a wierd groan heard before Scare is at their door. their floor, as per usual, is a mess. its a lot more messy by the bed. \|

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

|/ their ears then turn down a bit as they realize that they didn't know. \|

"Wait its your birthday?"

[Elias stays silent, assuming similarly to Scare.]

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

#|| this is literally just me informing through my characters. regarding the last part! ||#|| When women of certain Greek city-states were pleased with who they were arranged to marry #they would commission paintings or vases that depicted Persephone willingly going with Hades because it reflected their own situation ||#|| just another interesting way Hellenic myths reflect real life ||#iphigenia the wronged

~ She wonders if her own mother would’ve bought the world into a great winter upon her death. And that makes her think about something else. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

~ There’s a gentle, rhythmic knock at Scare’s door. ~

Heya, I made some cake for my birthday, I wanted to know if you wanted to come have some?

~..Huh. I didn’t even know it was his birthday. ~

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

|/ theres some scrambling and a wierd groan heard before Scare is at their door. their floor, as per usual, is a mess. its a lot more messy by the bed. \|

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

|/ their ears then turn down a bit as they realize that they didn't know. \|

"Wait its your birthday?"

~ He’s quick to notice Scare is upset. He takes Scare’s paw in his own. ~

Oh, I never told anyone, it just slipped my mind. I’m gonna go grab the others, do you wanna go wait at the table for me?

|/ their ears pirk back up and they smile, squeezing Bownes's hand. \|

"Oh! Mhm, yeah. I wont mess it up."

|/ they cackle a bit and let go of Bownes's hand. \|

"And, happy birthday, love!"

|/ they now walk, or more of fast-walk, to the table. they seem happy! \|

~ He giggles a little, before going to knock on the door to Feral and Icarus’s room, where he assumes Elias is. He knocks on the door, and repeats what he said to Scare. ~

Hey, Elias, you in there? I made some cake for my birthday and I wanted to know if you wanted to come join us for some?

|| @dream-of-elias ||

hm? yeah. I would like that.

[He opens the door, giving Bownes a small smile.]

and happy birthday.

Hehe, thank you! I’m gonna go get Ribs and Iphi, Scare is at the table.

~ And with that, he’s off knocking on Ribbon’s door and going out into the garden to retrieve Iphigenia. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ Scare, whom of which is trying to form an apology in their mind. they feel bad about what happened... yesterday, maybe? they don't have a real good concept of time. their so lost in thought, if anyone would come over to the table, it would take them a moment to realize. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias enters the kitchen, washing his hands thoroughly before sitting down at the table.]

[His eyebags are back, but he seems content enough.]

((@bownes-anon))

~ Bownes returns to the table with Iphigenia at his side and Ribs following close behind. The other two sit down while he stands to cut the cake, managing to cut near perfect even slices and passing the plates down the table. Once everyone has a piece, he sits down. ~

Buon appetito! I hope you guys like it.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ it takes them a slight moment to register that everyone else is at the table, but once they realize, they flash a smile and start... basically inhaling the cake. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias waves to Iphigenia and Ribs as they enter, suppressing a chuckle when Scare starts eating.]

[He eats his piece of cake at a more... reasonable pace. It may be a low bar to reach, but this is the best cake Elias has ever eaten.]

((@bownes-anon))

~ While Ribs and Bownes eat very delicately, Iphigenia scarfs down the meal like scare does. She does this with like, ever meal though so no surprise there. After swallowing an impressively large chunk of cake, she looks up to Bownes. ~

How old are you now?

~ Immediately after she chugs a glass of milk before going back to eating the cake. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ even Scares a bit surprised at how fast Iphigenia ate as if this wouldn've been her last meal. they shrug the confusion off, though, amd goes back to wolfing down the cake. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[While Elias was able to hold back his chuckle at Scare, he can't help but give a small giggle as Iphigenia devours her cake.]

[He picks up the pace a little, but still can't match her or Scare.]

((@ribbons-anon))

Oh, I’ve turned..

~ He counts on his fingers for a moment. ~

24. Been around for 6 years now.

~ He probably means how long he’s lived here.. right. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their head snaps up from their food… which is basically gone now. there may be a bite left. \|

"Where were you before hand?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias doesn't add anything, but his raised eyebrows say he's also curious.]

[He's eaten a little over half of his slice of cake, now. He quietly pushes it towards Iphigenia and gives her a small smile.]

((@bownes-anon))

~ Iphi looks utterly overjoyed, scarfing down the piece Elias gave her. ~

Oh, I just..

~ He hesitates. He certainly doesn’t wanna lie, but.. ~

I just sort, walked out of the sea.

~ He takes another bite of his slice, before looking to Scare. ~

Want me to cut you another piece?

|| @that-one-anon ||

"...you crawled out of the sea?"

|/ they tilt their head, their ears flopping to the side as they do so. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...were you, like... shipwrecked, or did you just appear in the ocean fully-formed and eighteen years old?

[Elias folds his arms on the table in front of himself.]

((@bownes-anon))

The second one. You got it spot on, actually. I had some stuff on me, like an ID and a phone, but that was about it. The house had no one inside so I just kind of.. took it.

~ He smiles to himself for a moment, the kind of smile when you think of something funny in your head. ~

I guess it was kind of a good thing I live far away from the village, I would be embarrassed as hell if anyone saw me get knocked down by like, three different waves.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their expression sort of dies, and turns into one of genuine thoguht. \|

"How... how does that even work?"

|/ their starting to suspect that Bownes might be part fish. but, that's also absurd. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias whispers so quietly that nobody can hear except Iphigenia from right beside him.]

...did nobody in this town get born from their mom at age zero?

uh, are you like... a ghost or something?

[He does not know the difference between any mythological creatures. I believe he means a mermaid, but I have no idea.]

((@bownes-anon))

Omg! Twins!!

~ He holds out his hand for a hi-five across the table, and Bownes takes it. Iphigenia looks even more confused now. She just looks up at Elias and shrugs. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they manage to stare at both Ribs and Bownes. they're more confused than ever.\|

"Are you guys fish people..?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...I just asked that...

but uh, yeah, what?

((@bownes-anon))

I don’t.. think so? I mean, I don’t get scales when I swim in the ocean, I certainly can’t breathe underwater, and I’m and about average swimmer so.. not fish person.

~ Iphigenia gets up, quickly excusing herself from the table, and then coming back with a book. “Children’s encyclopedia of mythical animals”. She begins flipping through the book, pushing it over a little so Elias can see too. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their head tilts. they try to peer over Elias's shoulder so they can see what's in the book. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias turns quiet upon seeing that a mermaid is, in fact, not called a ghost.]

...I forgot what it was called...

[He freezes, remembering the topic of discussion.]

wait, so... how? did you... come from the ocean, then?

((@bownes-anon))

Yeah, I just kind of.. Appeared in the middle of the water one day. I took the house because no one lived here.

~ He looks like he’s remembering something, maybe he just hasn’t thought of that period in his life for a while. ~

I thought Bownes was a cute name, so that’s what I named myself.

|| @that-one-anon ||

"So you don't got any parents?"

|/ they look over at Bownes, a saddened look in their eyes. they feel bad for people who don't have parents. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias hears Scare's comment and has different opinions.]

hey, lucky you. my dad sucked.

[He notices the sad look in Scare's eyes turn to something else. He can't tell if it's anger or confusion, but he knows to shut his mouth.]

((@bownes-anon))

Uh, I mean.. I suppose I didn’t need any? Like, I knew how to function from the get-go. I think the only thing I would’ve changed would have been.. having someone find me sooner.

~ He smiles, reaching his hand across the table to take Scare’s hand into his own. ~

But aside from that I can’t really complain.

~ It seems like the topic of parents has gotten Iphi quiet. Ribs is still snacking on her slice of cake. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they look down at the table and squeezes Bownes hand. \|

"I guess that isn't so bad, then. At least you knew how to take care of yourself on your own!"

|/ Scare chuckles a bit at their... joke, I suppose? well, it isn't really anything the others would get, considering he hasn't shared much about his past time before this house. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias stays silent, still feeling awkward about his earlier comment.]

((@bownes-anon))

~ Iphigenia also seems very silent, still flipping through the book she bought to the table, perhaps to distract from the conversation. It seems she’s gotten to a page that’s piqued her interest, because she goes and points at a certain line. ~

This says when mermaids die then turn into sea foam, and you were born from the sea foam, so maybe you’re a.. reverse mermaid?

~ Bownes laughs a little and pat her on the back. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ Scare tilts their head; wouldn't a reverse mermaid have the top-half of a fish and bottom half of a human? they don't say anything despite their question. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Unlike Scare, Elias doesn't stop himself from asking stupid questions.]

...wouldn't a reverse mermaid have a fish head?

[The answer is no. "Reverse Mermaids" aren't real. There is a mythological creature with a fish top half that has legs, but they aren't human legs. It's called a fishman.]

..Yeah, that’s probably right.

~ She shuts the book and takes her seat, a tiny bit embarrassed that she proposed such a silly idea. in an attempt to direct the conversation away from her “reverse mermaid” idea, she says; ~

Do you have any birthday wishes, Bownes?

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ curious as to what Bownes would say, they turn their head to him. they understand that Santa and the easter bunny aren't real, but thwy do trust wishes. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias also turns to Bownes, curious about what he'll wish for.]

((@bownes-anon))

Oh, I can’t tell you, or else it won’t come true!

~ He won’t tell you, but I can probably guess what he’s wishing for. He wants to grow old with Scare. To see Iphigenia grow up. To have Elias and Ribs over for frequent dinner parties. To serve more guests and serve more good meals. And maybe a few more recipes. He smiles thinking about it. ~

~ Iphi looks a little disappointed he won’t spill the beans, but she understands. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they shrug, agreeing with what Bownes had said. their tail swishes a bit, thinking about what Bownes's wish would be. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...come to think of it, when are all of your birthdays? I don't think I've ever asked.

[He tries to split his gaze between Scare, Ribs, and Iphigenia, but mostly focuses on Iphi.]

...mine is june twenty third. I'll be twenty seven this year.

Oh, it’s the sixth day of Artemísios.

|| Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a Mycenaean calendar, so I decided to use the Corinthian calendar. ||

~ Ironic how she was born on the month dedicated to the same goddess that called for her sacrifice. It also hasn’t clicked for her that she is using a completely outdated calendar. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

"I can't recall the actual day I was born, but I found myself here July 5th! Or, June 5th. One of those two."

|/ they hum to themself for a moment. \|

"I think I'm turning 23 or something this year."

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...uh, noted...

[He is befuddled amd confused.]

I understand entirely.

((@ribbons-anon))

Uhhhh..

~ She starts counting on her fingers for a moment. ~

January 29th I think. I’ll be turning 19!

~ She looks over at Iphigenia, a little bit confused at her answer, but she doesn’t say anything. It looks like Iphigenia is a little confused now too, hearing months she’s never heard of. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ Scare turns to Iphi, the most confused they've been in a while. \|

"The 6th of Artemísios?"

|/ they don't mean to sound rude, but their voice is a bit off. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

yeah, is that like... greek april?

...what month do you think it is currently?

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

Uhm.. It’s the seventh month of the year.

~ It occurs to her that she hasn’t really thought to check what month it is. All she knows is the year, although even that makes little sense to her. Rather than answer Elias’s question, she just kind of shrinks away and stays silent for a moment. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their ear flicks as they eye down Iphi. it's definitely an intimidating stare, but it means no malice. \|

"The 7th month of the year's July, though."

|/ their cold stare breaks, a smile finding Scares face yet again. \|

"Eh, whatever."

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...I guess the calendar's changed since your time. our seventh month is called july.

[He realizes he doesn't even kniw what season her calendar starts in.]

uh, july is a summer month. our calender starts about halfway through winter.

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

..Oh, I see. I think it was spring, almost summer, when my birthday was celebrated.

~ It occurs to her that her memory is a little foggy. I guess that’s just the result of dying. Not like I would know. ~

My calendar started a little after autumn, a little before winter. Demeter’s anticipation of Persephone leaving for Hades, I guess.

|| @that-one-anon ||

"Who anticipation for who leaving what?"

|/ their head tilts to the side, clearly confused. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...your calendar probably started in october-ish... that would mean seven months is... may? I think?

[He tunes in to the bit about Demeter, Hades, and Persephone.]

...who're they?

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

~ Oh, right, what they worshipped during her time is no longer the predominant religion, anywhere. ~

You know, Lady Demeter causes the world to go into winter when her daughter, Lady Persephone, goes to the underworld to be with Lord Hades for the next six months.

~ Truthfully, she had always been a little bit doubtful of her gods. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

~ There’s a gentle, rhythmic knock at Scare’s door. ~

Heya, I made some cake for my birthday, I wanted to know if you wanted to come have some?

~..Huh. I didn’t even know it was his birthday. ~

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

|/ theres some scrambling and a wierd groan heard before Scare is at their door. their floor, as per usual, is a mess. its a lot more messy by the bed. \|

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

|/ their ears then turn down a bit as they realize that they didn't know. \|

"Wait its your birthday?"

~ He’s quick to notice Scare is upset. He takes Scare’s paw in his own. ~

Oh, I never told anyone, it just slipped my mind. I’m gonna go grab the others, do you wanna go wait at the table for me?

|/ their ears pirk back up and they smile, squeezing Bownes's hand. \|

"Oh! Mhm, yeah. I wont mess it up."

|/ they cackle a bit and let go of Bownes's hand. \|

"And, happy birthday, love!"

|/ they now walk, or more of fast-walk, to the table. they seem happy! \|

~ He giggles a little, before going to knock on the door to Feral and Icarus’s room, where he assumes Elias is. He knocks on the door, and repeats what he said to Scare. ~

Hey, Elias, you in there? I made some cake for my birthday and I wanted to know if you wanted to come join us for some?

|| @dream-of-elias ||

hm? yeah. I would like that.

[He opens the door, giving Bownes a small smile.]

and happy birthday.

Hehe, thank you! I’m gonna go get Ribs and Iphi, Scare is at the table.

~ And with that, he’s off knocking on Ribbon’s door and going out into the garden to retrieve Iphigenia. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias enters the kitchen, washing his hands thoroughly before sitting down at the table.]

[His eyebags are back, but he seems content enough.]

((@bownes-anon))

Buon appetito! I hope you guys like it.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ it takes them a slight moment to register that everyone else is at the table, but once they realize, they flash a smile and start... basically inhaling the cake. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias waves to Iphigenia and Ribs as they enter, suppressing a chuckle when Scare starts eating.]

[He eats his piece of cake at a more... reasonable pace. It may be a low bar to reach, but this is the best cake Elias has ever eaten.]

((@bownes-anon))

How old are you now?

~ Immediately after she chugs a glass of milk before going back to eating the cake. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ even Scares a bit surprised at how fast Iphigenia ate as if this wouldn've been her last meal. they shrug the confusion off, though, amd goes back to wolfing down the cake. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[While Elias was able to hold back his chuckle at Scare, he can't help but give a small giggle as Iphigenia devours her cake.]

[He picks up the pace a little, but still can't match her or Scare.]

((@ribbons-anon))

Oh, I’ve turned..

~ He counts on his fingers for a moment. ~

24. Been around for 6 years now.

~ He probably means how long he’s lived here.. right. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their head snaps up from their food… which is basically gone now. there may be a bite left. \|

"Where were you before hand?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias doesn't add anything, but his raised eyebrows say he's also curious.]

[He's eaten a little over half of his slice of cake, now. He quietly pushes it towards Iphigenia and gives her a small smile.]

((@bownes-anon))

~ Iphi looks utterly overjoyed, scarfing down the piece Elias gave her. ~

Oh, I just..

~ He hesitates. He certainly doesn’t wanna lie, but.. ~

I just sort, walked out of the sea.

~ He takes another bite of his slice, before looking to Scare. ~

Want me to cut you another piece?

|| @that-one-anon ||

"...you crawled out of the sea?"

|/ they tilt their head, their ears flopping to the side as they do so. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...were you, like... shipwrecked, or did you just appear in the ocean fully-formed and eighteen years old?

[Elias folds his arms on the table in front of himself.]

((@bownes-anon))

The second one. You got it spot on, actually. I had some stuff on me, like an ID and a phone, but that was about it. The house had no one inside so I just kind of.. took it.

~ He smiles to himself for a moment, the kind of smile when you think of something funny in your head. ~

I guess it was kind of a good thing I live far away from the village, I would be embarrassed as hell if anyone saw me get knocked down by like, three different waves.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their expression sort of dies, and turns into one of genuine thoguht. \|

"How... how does that even work?"

|/ their starting to suspect that Bownes might be part fish. but, that's also absurd. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias whispers so quietly that nobody can hear except Iphigenia from right beside him.]

...did nobody in this town get born from their mom at age zero?

uh, are you like... a ghost or something?

[He does not know the difference between any mythological creatures. I believe he means a mermaid, but I have no idea.]

((@bownes-anon))

Omg! Twins!!

~ He holds out his hand for a hi-five across the table, and Bownes takes it. Iphigenia looks even more confused now. She just looks up at Elias and shrugs. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they manage to stare at both Ribs and Bownes. they're more confused than ever.\|

"Are you guys fish people..?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...I just asked that...

but uh, yeah, what?

((@bownes-anon))

I don’t.. think so? I mean, I don’t get scales when I swim in the ocean, I certainly can’t breathe underwater, and I’m and about average swimmer so.. not fish person.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their head tilts. they try to peer over Elias's shoulder so they can see what's in the book. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias turns quiet upon seeing that a mermaid is, in fact, not called a ghost.]

...I forgot what it was called...

[He freezes, remembering the topic of discussion.]

wait, so... how? did you... come from the ocean, then?

((@bownes-anon))

Yeah, I just kind of.. Appeared in the middle of the water one day. I took the house because no one lived here.

~ He looks like he’s remembering something, maybe he just hasn’t thought of that period in his life for a while. ~

I thought Bownes was a cute name, so that’s what I named myself.

|| @that-one-anon ||

"So you don't got any parents?"

|/ they look over at Bownes, a saddened look in their eyes. they feel bad for people who don't have parents. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias hears Scare's comment and has different opinions.]

hey, lucky you. my dad sucked.

[He notices the sad look in Scare's eyes turn to something else. He can't tell if it's anger or confusion, but he knows to shut his mouth.]

((@bownes-anon))

Uh, I mean.. I suppose I didn’t need any? Like, I knew how to function from the get-go. I think the only thing I would’ve changed would have been.. having someone find me sooner.

~ He smiles, reaching his hand across the table to take Scare’s hand into his own. ~

But aside from that I can’t really complain.

~ It seems like the topic of parents has gotten Iphi quiet. Ribs is still snacking on her slice of cake. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they look down at the table and squeezes Bownes hand. \|

"I guess that isn't so bad, then. At least you knew how to take care of yourself on your own!"

|/ Scare chuckles a bit at their... joke, I suppose? well, it isn't really anything the others would get, considering he hasn't shared much about his past time before this house. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias stays silent, still feeling awkward about his earlier comment.]

((@bownes-anon))

This says when mermaids die then turn into sea foam, and you were born from the sea foam, so maybe you’re a.. reverse mermaid?

~ Bownes laughs a little and pat her on the back. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ Scare tilts their head; wouldn't a reverse mermaid have the top-half of a fish and bottom half of a human? they don't say anything despite their question. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Unlike Scare, Elias doesn't stop himself from asking stupid questions.]

...wouldn't a reverse mermaid have a fish head?

[The answer is no. "Reverse Mermaids" aren't real. There is a mythological creature with a fish top half that has legs, but they aren't human legs. It's called a fishman.]

..Yeah, that’s probably right.

~ She shuts the book and takes her seat, a tiny bit embarrassed that she proposed such a silly idea. in an attempt to direct the conversation away from her “reverse mermaid” idea, she says; ~

Do you have any birthday wishes, Bownes?

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ curious as to what Bownes would say, they turn their head to him. they understand that Santa and the easter bunny aren't real, but thwy do trust wishes. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias also turns to Bownes, curious about what he'll wish for.]

((@bownes-anon))

Oh, I can’t tell you, or else it won’t come true!

~ Iphi looks a little disappointed he won’t spill the beans, but she understands. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they shrug, agreeing with what Bownes had said. their tail swishes a bit, thinking about what Bownes's wish would be. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...come to think of it, when are all of your birthdays? I don't think I've ever asked.

[He tries to split his gaze between Scare, Ribs, and Iphigenia, but mostly focuses on Iphi.]

...mine is june twenty third. I'll be twenty seven this year.

Oh, it’s the sixth day of Artemísios.

|| Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a Mycenaean calendar, so I decided to use the Corinthian calendar. ||

~ Ironic how she was born on the month dedicated to the same goddess that called for her sacrifice. It also hasn’t clicked for her that she is using a completely outdated calendar. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

"I can't recall the actual day I was born, but I found myself here July 5th! Or, June 5th. One of those two."

|/ they hum to themself for a moment. \|

"I think I'm turning 23 or something this year."

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...uh, noted...

[He is befuddled amd confused.]

I understand entirely.

((@ribbons-anon))

Uhhhh..

~ She starts counting on her fingers for a moment. ~

January 29th I think. I’ll be turning 19!

~ She looks over at Iphigenia, a little bit confused at her answer, but she doesn’t say anything. It looks like Iphigenia is a little confused now too, hearing months she’s never heard of. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ Scare turns to Iphi, the most confused they've been in a while. \|

"The 6th of Artemísios?"

|/ they don't mean to sound rude, but their voice is a bit off. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

yeah, is that like... greek april?

...what month do you think it is currently?

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

Uhm.. It’s the seventh month of the year.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their ear flicks as they eye down Iphi. it's definitely an intimidating stare, but it means no malice. \|

"The 7th month of the year's July, though."

|/ their cold stare breaks, a smile finding Scares face yet again. \|

"Eh, whatever."

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...I guess the calendar's changed since your time. our seventh month is called july.

[He realizes he doesn't even kniw what season her calendar starts in.]

uh, july is a summer month. our calender starts about halfway through winter.

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

..Oh, I see. I think it was spring, almost summer, when my birthday was celebrated.

~ It occurs to her that her memory is a little foggy. I guess that’s just the result of dying. Not like I would know. ~

My calendar started a little after autumn, a little before winter. Demeter’s anticipation of Persephone leaving for Hades, I guess.

|| @that-one-anon ||

~ There’s a gentle, rhythmic knock at Scare’s door. ~

Heya, I made some cake for my birthday, I wanted to know if you wanted to come have some?

~..Huh. I didn’t even know it was his birthday. ~

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

|/ theres some scrambling and a wierd groan heard before Scare is at their door. their floor, as per usual, is a mess. its a lot more messy by the bed. \|

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

|/ their ears then turn down a bit as they realize that they didn't know. \|

"Wait its your birthday?"

~ He’s quick to notice Scare is upset. He takes Scare’s paw in his own. ~

Oh, I never told anyone, it just slipped my mind. I’m gonna go grab the others, do you wanna go wait at the table for me?

|/ their ears pirk back up and they smile, squeezing Bownes's hand. \|

"Oh! Mhm, yeah. I wont mess it up."

|/ they cackle a bit and let go of Bownes's hand. \|

"And, happy birthday, love!"

|/ they now walk, or more of fast-walk, to the table. they seem happy! \|

~ He giggles a little, before going to knock on the door to Feral and Icarus’s room, where he assumes Elias is. He knocks on the door, and repeats what he said to Scare. ~

Hey, Elias, you in there? I made some cake for my birthday and I wanted to know if you wanted to come join us for some?

|| @dream-of-elias ||

hm? yeah. I would like that.

[He opens the door, giving Bownes a small smile.]

and happy birthday.

Hehe, thank you! I’m gonna go get Ribs and Iphi, Scare is at the table.

~ And with that, he’s off knocking on Ribbon’s door and going out into the garden to retrieve Iphigenia. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias enters the kitchen, washing his hands thoroughly before sitting down at the table.]

[His eyebags are back, but he seems content enough.]

((@bownes-anon))

Buon appetito! I hope you guys like it.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ it takes them a slight moment to register that everyone else is at the table, but once they realize, they flash a smile and start... basically inhaling the cake. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias waves to Iphigenia and Ribs as they enter, suppressing a chuckle when Scare starts eating.]

[He eats his piece of cake at a more... reasonable pace. It may be a low bar to reach, but this is the best cake Elias has ever eaten.]

((@bownes-anon))

How old are you now?

~ Immediately after she chugs a glass of milk before going back to eating the cake. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ even Scares a bit surprised at how fast Iphigenia ate as if this wouldn've been her last meal. they shrug the confusion off, though, amd goes back to wolfing down the cake. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[While Elias was able to hold back his chuckle at Scare, he can't help but give a small giggle as Iphigenia devours her cake.]

[He picks up the pace a little, but still can't match her or Scare.]

((@ribbons-anon))

Oh, I’ve turned..

~ He counts on his fingers for a moment. ~

24. Been around for 6 years now.

~ He probably means how long he’s lived here.. right. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their head snaps up from their food… which is basically gone now. there may be a bite left. \|

"Where were you before hand?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias doesn't add anything, but his raised eyebrows say he's also curious.]

[He's eaten a little over half of his slice of cake, now. He quietly pushes it towards Iphigenia and gives her a small smile.]

((@bownes-anon))

~ Iphi looks utterly overjoyed, scarfing down the piece Elias gave her. ~

Oh, I just..

~ He hesitates. He certainly doesn’t wanna lie, but.. ~

I just sort, walked out of the sea.

~ He takes another bite of his slice, before looking to Scare. ~

Want me to cut you another piece?

|| @that-one-anon ||

"...you crawled out of the sea?"

|/ they tilt their head, their ears flopping to the side as they do so. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...were you, like... shipwrecked, or did you just appear in the ocean fully-formed and eighteen years old?

[Elias folds his arms on the table in front of himself.]

((@bownes-anon))

The second one. You got it spot on, actually. I had some stuff on me, like an ID and a phone, but that was about it. The house had no one inside so I just kind of.. took it.

~ He smiles to himself for a moment, the kind of smile when you think of something funny in your head. ~

I guess it was kind of a good thing I live far away from the village, I would be embarrassed as hell if anyone saw me get knocked down by like, three different waves.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their expression sort of dies, and turns into one of genuine thoguht. \|

"How... how does that even work?"

|/ their starting to suspect that Bownes might be part fish. but, that's also absurd. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias whispers so quietly that nobody can hear except Iphigenia from right beside him.]

...did nobody in this town get born from their mom at age zero?

uh, are you like... a ghost or something?

[He does not know the difference between any mythological creatures. I believe he means a mermaid, but I have no idea.]

((@bownes-anon))

Omg! Twins!!

~ He holds out his hand for a hi-five across the table, and Bownes takes it. Iphigenia looks even more confused now. She just looks up at Elias and shrugs. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they manage to stare at both Ribs and Bownes. they're more confused than ever.\|

"Are you guys fish people..?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...I just asked that...

but uh, yeah, what?

((@bownes-anon))

I don’t.. think so? I mean, I don’t get scales when I swim in the ocean, I certainly can’t breathe underwater, and I’m and about average swimmer so.. not fish person.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their head tilts. they try to peer over Elias's shoulder so they can see what's in the book. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias turns quiet upon seeing that a mermaid is, in fact, not called a ghost.]

...I forgot what it was called...

[He freezes, remembering the topic of discussion.]

wait, so... how? did you... come from the ocean, then?

((@bownes-anon))

Yeah, I just kind of.. Appeared in the middle of the water one day. I took the house because no one lived here.

~ He looks like he’s remembering something, maybe he just hasn’t thought of that period in his life for a while. ~

I thought Bownes was a cute name, so that’s what I named myself.

|| @that-one-anon ||

"So you don't got any parents?"

|/ they look over at Bownes, a saddened look in their eyes. they feel bad for people who don't have parents. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias hears Scare's comment and has different opinions.]

hey, lucky you. my dad sucked.

[He notices the sad look in Scare's eyes turn to something else. He can't tell if it's anger or confusion, but he knows to shut his mouth.]

((@bownes-anon))

Uh, I mean.. I suppose I didn’t need any? Like, I knew how to function from the get-go. I think the only thing I would’ve changed would have been.. having someone find me sooner.

~ He smiles, reaching his hand across the table to take Scare’s hand into his own. ~

But aside from that I can’t really complain.

~ It seems like the topic of parents has gotten Iphi quiet. Ribs is still snacking on her slice of cake. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they look down at the table and squeezes Bownes hand. \|

"I guess that isn't so bad, then. At least you knew how to take care of yourself on your own!"

|/ Scare chuckles a bit at their... joke, I suppose? well, it isn't really anything the others would get, considering he hasn't shared much about his past time before this house. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias stays silent, still feeling awkward about his earlier comment.]

((@bownes-anon))

This says when mermaids die then turn into sea foam, and you were born from the sea foam, so maybe you’re a.. reverse mermaid?

~ Bownes laughs a little and pat her on the back. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ Scare tilts their head; wouldn't a reverse mermaid have the top-half of a fish and bottom half of a human? they don't say anything despite their question. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Unlike Scare, Elias doesn't stop himself from asking stupid questions.]

...wouldn't a reverse mermaid have a fish head?

[The answer is no. "Reverse Mermaids" aren't real. There is a mythological creature with a fish top half that has legs, but they aren't human legs. It's called a fishman.]

..Yeah, that’s probably right.

~ She shuts the book and takes her seat, a tiny bit embarrassed that she proposed such a silly idea. in an attempt to direct the conversation away from her “reverse mermaid” idea, she says; ~

Do you have any birthday wishes, Bownes?

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ curious as to what Bownes would say, they turn their head to him. they understand that Santa and the easter bunny aren't real, but thwy do trust wishes. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias also turns to Bownes, curious about what he'll wish for.]

((@bownes-anon))

Oh, I can’t tell you, or else it won’t come true!

~ Iphi looks a little disappointed he won’t spill the beans, but she understands. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they shrug, agreeing with what Bownes had said. their tail swishes a bit, thinking about what Bownes's wish would be. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...come to think of it, when are all of your birthdays? I don't think I've ever asked.

[He tries to split his gaze between Scare, Ribs, and Iphigenia, but mostly focuses on Iphi.]

...mine is june twenty third. I'll be twenty seven this year.

Oh, it’s the sixth day of Artemísios.

|| Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a Mycenaean calendar, so I decided to use the Corinthian calendar. ||

~ Ironic how she was born on the month dedicated to the same goddess that called for her sacrifice. It also hasn’t clicked for her that she is using a completely outdated calendar. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

"I can't recall the actual day I was born, but I found myself here July 5th! Or, June 5th. One of those two."

|/ they hum to themself for a moment. \|

"I think I'm turning 23 or something this year."

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...uh, noted...

[He is befuddled amd confused.]

I understand entirely.

((@ribbons-anon))

Uhhhh..

~ She starts counting on her fingers for a moment. ~

January 29th I think. I’ll be turning 19!

~ She looks over at Iphigenia, a little bit confused at her answer, but she doesn’t say anything. It looks like Iphigenia is a little confused now too, hearing months she’s never heard of. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ Scare turns to Iphi, the most confused they've been in a while. \|

"The 6th of Artemísios?"

|/ they don't mean to sound rude, but their voice is a bit off. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

yeah, is that like... greek april?

...what month do you think it is currently?

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

Uhm.. It’s the seventh month of the year.

|| @that-one-anon ||

~ There’s a gentle, rhythmic knock at Scare’s door. ~

Heya, I made some cake for my birthday, I wanted to know if you wanted to come have some?

~..Huh. I didn’t even know it was his birthday. ~

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

|/ theres some scrambling and a wierd groan heard before Scare is at their door. their floor, as per usual, is a mess. its a lot more messy by the bed. \|

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

|/ their ears then turn down a bit as they realize that they didn't know. \|

"Wait its your birthday?"

~ He’s quick to notice Scare is upset. He takes Scare’s paw in his own. ~

Oh, I never told anyone, it just slipped my mind. I’m gonna go grab the others, do you wanna go wait at the table for me?

|/ their ears pirk back up and they smile, squeezing Bownes's hand. \|

"Oh! Mhm, yeah. I wont mess it up."

|/ they cackle a bit and let go of Bownes's hand. \|

"And, happy birthday, love!"

|/ they now walk, or more of fast-walk, to the table. they seem happy! \|

~ He giggles a little, before going to knock on the door to Feral and Icarus’s room, where he assumes Elias is. He knocks on the door, and repeats what he said to Scare. ~

Hey, Elias, you in there? I made some cake for my birthday and I wanted to know if you wanted to come join us for some?

|| @dream-of-elias ||

hm? yeah. I would like that.

[He opens the door, giving Bownes a small smile.]

and happy birthday.

Hehe, thank you! I’m gonna go get Ribs and Iphi, Scare is at the table.

~ And with that, he’s off knocking on Ribbon’s door and going out into the garden to retrieve Iphigenia. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias enters the kitchen, washing his hands thoroughly before sitting down at the table.]

[His eyebags are back, but he seems content enough.]

((@bownes-anon))

Buon appetito! I hope you guys like it.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ it takes them a slight moment to register that everyone else is at the table, but once they realize, they flash a smile and start... basically inhaling the cake. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias waves to Iphigenia and Ribs as they enter, suppressing a chuckle when Scare starts eating.]

[He eats his piece of cake at a more... reasonable pace. It may be a low bar to reach, but this is the best cake Elias has ever eaten.]

((@bownes-anon))

How old are you now?

~ Immediately after she chugs a glass of milk before going back to eating the cake. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ even Scares a bit surprised at how fast Iphigenia ate as if this wouldn've been her last meal. they shrug the confusion off, though, amd goes back to wolfing down the cake. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[While Elias was able to hold back his chuckle at Scare, he can't help but give a small giggle as Iphigenia devours her cake.]

[He picks up the pace a little, but still can't match her or Scare.]

((@ribbons-anon))

Oh, I’ve turned..

~ He counts on his fingers for a moment. ~

24. Been around for 6 years now.

~ He probably means how long he’s lived here.. right. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their head snaps up from their food… which is basically gone now. there may be a bite left. \|

"Where were you before hand?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias doesn't add anything, but his raised eyebrows say he's also curious.]

[He's eaten a little over half of his slice of cake, now. He quietly pushes it towards Iphigenia and gives her a small smile.]

((@bownes-anon))

~ Iphi looks utterly overjoyed, scarfing down the piece Elias gave her. ~

Oh, I just..

~ He hesitates. He certainly doesn’t wanna lie, but.. ~

I just sort, walked out of the sea.

~ He takes another bite of his slice, before looking to Scare. ~

Want me to cut you another piece?

|| @that-one-anon ||

"...you crawled out of the sea?"

|/ they tilt their head, their ears flopping to the side as they do so. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...were you, like... shipwrecked, or did you just appear in the ocean fully-formed and eighteen years old?

[Elias folds his arms on the table in front of himself.]

((@bownes-anon))

The second one. You got it spot on, actually. I had some stuff on me, like an ID and a phone, but that was about it. The house had no one inside so I just kind of.. took it.

~ He smiles to himself for a moment, the kind of smile when you think of something funny in your head. ~

I guess it was kind of a good thing I live far away from the village, I would be embarrassed as hell if anyone saw me get knocked down by like, three different waves.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their expression sort of dies, and turns into one of genuine thoguht. \|

"How... how does that even work?"

|/ their starting to suspect that Bownes might be part fish. but, that's also absurd. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias whispers so quietly that nobody can hear except Iphigenia from right beside him.]

...did nobody in this town get born from their mom at age zero?

uh, are you like... a ghost or something?

[He does not know the difference between any mythological creatures. I believe he means a mermaid, but I have no idea.]

((@bownes-anon))

Omg! Twins!!

~ He holds out his hand for a hi-five across the table, and Bownes takes it. Iphigenia looks even more confused now. She just looks up at Elias and shrugs. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they manage to stare at both Ribs and Bownes. they're more confused than ever.\|

"Are you guys fish people..?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...I just asked that...

but uh, yeah, what?

((@bownes-anon))

I don’t.. think so? I mean, I don’t get scales when I swim in the ocean, I certainly can’t breathe underwater, and I’m and about average swimmer so.. not fish person.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their head tilts. they try to peer over Elias's shoulder so they can see what's in the book. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias turns quiet upon seeing that a mermaid is, in fact, not called a ghost.]

...I forgot what it was called...

[He freezes, remembering the topic of discussion.]

wait, so... how? did you... come from the ocean, then?

((@bownes-anon))

Yeah, I just kind of.. Appeared in the middle of the water one day. I took the house because no one lived here.

~ He looks like he’s remembering something, maybe he just hasn’t thought of that period in his life for a while. ~

I thought Bownes was a cute name, so that’s what I named myself.

|| @that-one-anon ||

"So you don't got any parents?"

|/ they look over at Bownes, a saddened look in their eyes. they feel bad for people who don't have parents. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias hears Scare's comment and has different opinions.]

hey, lucky you. my dad sucked.

[He notices the sad look in Scare's eyes turn to something else. He can't tell if it's anger or confusion, but he knows to shut his mouth.]

((@bownes-anon))

Uh, I mean.. I suppose I didn’t need any? Like, I knew how to function from the get-go. I think the only thing I would’ve changed would have been.. having someone find me sooner.

~ He smiles, reaching his hand across the table to take Scare’s hand into his own. ~

But aside from that I can’t really complain.

~ It seems like the topic of parents has gotten Iphi quiet. Ribs is still snacking on her slice of cake. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they look down at the table and squeezes Bownes hand. \|

"I guess that isn't so bad, then. At least you knew how to take care of yourself on your own!"

|/ Scare chuckles a bit at their... joke, I suppose? well, it isn't really anything the others would get, considering he hasn't shared much about his past time before this house. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias stays silent, still feeling awkward about his earlier comment.]

((@bownes-anon))

This says when mermaids die then turn into sea foam, and you were born from the sea foam, so maybe you’re a.. reverse mermaid?

~ Bownes laughs a little and pat her on the back. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ Scare tilts their head; wouldn't a reverse mermaid have the top-half of a fish and bottom half of a human? they don't say anything despite their question. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Unlike Scare, Elias doesn't stop himself from asking stupid questions.]

...wouldn't a reverse mermaid have a fish head?

[The answer is no. "Reverse Mermaids" aren't real. There is a mythological creature with a fish top half that has legs, but they aren't human legs. It's called a fishman.]

..Yeah, that’s probably right.

~ She shuts the book and takes her seat, a tiny bit embarrassed that she proposed such a silly idea. in an attempt to direct the conversation away from her “reverse mermaid” idea, she says; ~

Do you have any birthday wishes, Bownes?

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ curious as to what Bownes would say, they turn their head to him. they understand that Santa and the easter bunny aren't real, but thwy do trust wishes. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias also turns to Bownes, curious about what he'll wish for.]

((@bownes-anon))

Oh, I can’t tell you, or else it won’t come true!

~ Iphi looks a little disappointed he won’t spill the beans, but she understands. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they shrug, agreeing with what Bownes had said. their tail swishes a bit, thinking about what Bownes's wish would be. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...come to think of it, when are all of your birthdays? I don't think I've ever asked.

[He tries to split his gaze between Scare, Ribs, and Iphigenia, but mostly focuses on Iphi.]

...mine is june twenty third. I'll be twenty seven this year.

Oh, it’s the sixth day of Artemísios.

|| Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a Mycenaean calendar, so I decided to use the Corinthian calendar. ||

~ Ironic how she was born on the month dedicated to the same goddess that called for her sacrifice. It also hasn’t clicked for her that she is using a completely outdated calendar. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

~ There’s a gentle, rhythmic knock at Scare’s door. ~

Heya, I made some cake for my birthday, I wanted to know if you wanted to come have some?

~..Huh. I didn’t even know it was his birthday. ~

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

|/ theres some scrambling and a wierd groan heard before Scare is at their door. their floor, as per usual, is a mess. its a lot more messy by the bed. \|

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

|/ their ears then turn down a bit as they realize that they didn't know. \|

"Wait its your birthday?"

~ He’s quick to notice Scare is upset. He takes Scare’s paw in his own. ~

Oh, I never told anyone, it just slipped my mind. I’m gonna go grab the others, do you wanna go wait at the table for me?

|/ their ears pirk back up and they smile, squeezing Bownes's hand. \|

"Oh! Mhm, yeah. I wont mess it up."

|/ they cackle a bit and let go of Bownes's hand. \|

"And, happy birthday, love!"

|/ they now walk, or more of fast-walk, to the table. they seem happy! \|

~ He giggles a little, before going to knock on the door to Feral and Icarus’s room, where he assumes Elias is. He knocks on the door, and repeats what he said to Scare. ~

Hey, Elias, you in there? I made some cake for my birthday and I wanted to know if you wanted to come join us for some?

|| @dream-of-elias ||

hm? yeah. I would like that.

[He opens the door, giving Bownes a small smile.]

and happy birthday.

Hehe, thank you! I’m gonna go get Ribs and Iphi, Scare is at the table.

~ And with that, he’s off knocking on Ribbon’s door and going out into the garden to retrieve Iphigenia. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias enters the kitchen, washing his hands thoroughly before sitting down at the table.]

[His eyebags are back, but he seems content enough.]

((@bownes-anon))

Buon appetito! I hope you guys like it.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ it takes them a slight moment to register that everyone else is at the table, but once they realize, they flash a smile and start... basically inhaling the cake. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias waves to Iphigenia and Ribs as they enter, suppressing a chuckle when Scare starts eating.]

[He eats his piece of cake at a more... reasonable pace. It may be a low bar to reach, but this is the best cake Elias has ever eaten.]

((@bownes-anon))

How old are you now?

~ Immediately after she chugs a glass of milk before going back to eating the cake. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ even Scares a bit surprised at how fast Iphigenia ate as if this wouldn've been her last meal. they shrug the confusion off, though, amd goes back to wolfing down the cake. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[While Elias was able to hold back his chuckle at Scare, he can't help but give a small giggle as Iphigenia devours her cake.]

[He picks up the pace a little, but still can't match her or Scare.]

((@ribbons-anon))

Oh, I’ve turned..

~ He counts on his fingers for a moment. ~

24. Been around for 6 years now.

~ He probably means how long he’s lived here.. right. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their head snaps up from their food… which is basically gone now. there may be a bite left. \|

"Where were you before hand?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias doesn't add anything, but his raised eyebrows say he's also curious.]

[He's eaten a little over half of his slice of cake, now. He quietly pushes it towards Iphigenia and gives her a small smile.]

((@bownes-anon))

~ Iphi looks utterly overjoyed, scarfing down the piece Elias gave her. ~

Oh, I just..

~ He hesitates. He certainly doesn’t wanna lie, but.. ~

I just sort, walked out of the sea.

~ He takes another bite of his slice, before looking to Scare. ~

Want me to cut you another piece?

|| @that-one-anon ||

"...you crawled out of the sea?"

|/ they tilt their head, their ears flopping to the side as they do so. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...were you, like... shipwrecked, or did you just appear in the ocean fully-formed and eighteen years old?

[Elias folds his arms on the table in front of himself.]

((@bownes-anon))

The second one. You got it spot on, actually. I had some stuff on me, like an ID and a phone, but that was about it. The house had no one inside so I just kind of.. took it.

~ He smiles to himself for a moment, the kind of smile when you think of something funny in your head. ~

I guess it was kind of a good thing I live far away from the village, I would be embarrassed as hell if anyone saw me get knocked down by like, three different waves.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their expression sort of dies, and turns into one of genuine thoguht. \|

"How... how does that even work?"

|/ their starting to suspect that Bownes might be part fish. but, that's also absurd. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias whispers so quietly that nobody can hear except Iphigenia from right beside him.]

...did nobody in this town get born from their mom at age zero?

uh, are you like... a ghost or something?

[He does not know the difference between any mythological creatures. I believe he means a mermaid, but I have no idea.]

((@bownes-anon))

Omg! Twins!!

~ He holds out his hand for a hi-five across the table, and Bownes takes it. Iphigenia looks even more confused now. She just looks up at Elias and shrugs. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they manage to stare at both Ribs and Bownes. they're more confused than ever.\|

"Are you guys fish people..?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...I just asked that...

but uh, yeah, what?

((@bownes-anon))

I don’t.. think so? I mean, I don’t get scales when I swim in the ocean, I certainly can’t breathe underwater, and I’m and about average swimmer so.. not fish person.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their head tilts. they try to peer over Elias's shoulder so they can see what's in the book. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias turns quiet upon seeing that a mermaid is, in fact, not called a ghost.]

...I forgot what it was called...

[He freezes, remembering the topic of discussion.]

wait, so... how? did you... come from the ocean, then?

((@bownes-anon))

Yeah, I just kind of.. Appeared in the middle of the water one day. I took the house because no one lived here.

~ He looks like he’s remembering something, maybe he just hasn’t thought of that period in his life for a while. ~

I thought Bownes was a cute name, so that’s what I named myself.

|| @that-one-anon ||

"So you don't got any parents?"

|/ they look over at Bownes, a saddened look in their eyes. they feel bad for people who don't have parents. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias hears Scare's comment and has different opinions.]

hey, lucky you. my dad sucked.

[He notices the sad look in Scare's eyes turn to something else. He can't tell if it's anger or confusion, but he knows to shut his mouth.]

((@bownes-anon))

Uh, I mean.. I suppose I didn’t need any? Like, I knew how to function from the get-go. I think the only thing I would’ve changed would have been.. having someone find me sooner.

~ He smiles, reaching his hand across the table to take Scare’s hand into his own. ~

But aside from that I can’t really complain.

~ It seems like the topic of parents has gotten Iphi quiet. Ribs is still snacking on her slice of cake. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they look down at the table and squeezes Bownes hand. \|

"I guess that isn't so bad, then. At least you knew how to take care of yourself on your own!"

|/ Scare chuckles a bit at their... joke, I suppose? well, it isn't really anything the others would get, considering he hasn't shared much about his past time before this house. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias stays silent, still feeling awkward about his earlier comment.]

((@bownes-anon))

This says when mermaids die then turn into sea foam, and you were born from the sea foam, so maybe you’re a.. reverse mermaid?

~ Bownes laughs a little and pat her on the back. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ Scare tilts their head; wouldn't a reverse mermaid have the top-half of a fish and bottom half of a human? they don't say anything despite their question. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Unlike Scare, Elias doesn't stop himself from asking stupid questions.]

...wouldn't a reverse mermaid have a fish head?

[The answer is no. "Reverse Mermaids" aren't real. There is a mythological creature with a fish top half that has legs, but they aren't human legs. It's called a fishman.]

..Yeah, that’s probably right.

~ She shuts the book and takes her seat, a tiny bit embarrassed that she proposed such a silly idea. in an attempt to direct the conversation away from her “reverse mermaid” idea, she says; ~

Do you have any birthday wishes, Bownes?

|| @that-one-anon ||

~ There’s a gentle, rhythmic knock at Scare’s door. ~

Heya, I made some cake for my birthday, I wanted to know if you wanted to come have some?

~..Huh. I didn’t even know it was his birthday. ~

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

|/ theres some scrambling and a wierd groan heard before Scare is at their door. their floor, as per usual, is a mess. its a lot more messy by the bed. \|

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

|/ their ears then turn down a bit as they realize that they didn't know. \|

"Wait its your birthday?"

~ He’s quick to notice Scare is upset. He takes Scare’s paw in his own. ~

Oh, I never told anyone, it just slipped my mind. I’m gonna go grab the others, do you wanna go wait at the table for me?

|/ their ears pirk back up and they smile, squeezing Bownes's hand. \|

"Oh! Mhm, yeah. I wont mess it up."

|/ they cackle a bit and let go of Bownes's hand. \|

"And, happy birthday, love!"

|/ they now walk, or more of fast-walk, to the table. they seem happy! \|

~ He giggles a little, before going to knock on the door to Feral and Icarus’s room, where he assumes Elias is. He knocks on the door, and repeats what he said to Scare. ~

Hey, Elias, you in there? I made some cake for my birthday and I wanted to know if you wanted to come join us for some?

|| @dream-of-elias ||

hm? yeah. I would like that.

[He opens the door, giving Bownes a small smile.]

and happy birthday.

Hehe, thank you! I’m gonna go get Ribs and Iphi, Scare is at the table.

~ And with that, he’s off knocking on Ribbon’s door and going out into the garden to retrieve Iphigenia. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias enters the kitchen, washing his hands thoroughly before sitting down at the table.]

[His eyebags are back, but he seems content enough.]

((@bownes-anon))

Buon appetito! I hope you guys like it.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ it takes them a slight moment to register that everyone else is at the table, but once they realize, they flash a smile and start... basically inhaling the cake. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias waves to Iphigenia and Ribs as they enter, suppressing a chuckle when Scare starts eating.]

[He eats his piece of cake at a more... reasonable pace. It may be a low bar to reach, but this is the best cake Elias has ever eaten.]

((@bownes-anon))

How old are you now?

~ Immediately after she chugs a glass of milk before going back to eating the cake. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ even Scares a bit surprised at how fast Iphigenia ate as if this wouldn've been her last meal. they shrug the confusion off, though, amd goes back to wolfing down the cake. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[While Elias was able to hold back his chuckle at Scare, he can't help but give a small giggle as Iphigenia devours her cake.]

[He picks up the pace a little, but still can't match her or Scare.]

((@ribbons-anon))

Oh, I’ve turned..

~ He counts on his fingers for a moment. ~

24. Been around for 6 years now.

~ He probably means how long he’s lived here.. right. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their head snaps up from their food… which is basically gone now. there may be a bite left. \|

"Where were you before hand?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias doesn't add anything, but his raised eyebrows say he's also curious.]

[He's eaten a little over half of his slice of cake, now. He quietly pushes it towards Iphigenia and gives her a small smile.]

((@bownes-anon))

~ Iphi looks utterly overjoyed, scarfing down the piece Elias gave her. ~

Oh, I just..

~ He hesitates. He certainly doesn’t wanna lie, but.. ~

I just sort, walked out of the sea.

~ He takes another bite of his slice, before looking to Scare. ~

Want me to cut you another piece?

|| @that-one-anon ||

"...you crawled out of the sea?"

|/ they tilt their head, their ears flopping to the side as they do so. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...were you, like... shipwrecked, or did you just appear in the ocean fully-formed and eighteen years old?

[Elias folds his arms on the table in front of himself.]

((@bownes-anon))

The second one. You got it spot on, actually. I had some stuff on me, like an ID and a phone, but that was about it. The house had no one inside so I just kind of.. took it.

~ He smiles to himself for a moment, the kind of smile when you think of something funny in your head. ~

I guess it was kind of a good thing I live far away from the village, I would be embarrassed as hell if anyone saw me get knocked down by like, three different waves.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their expression sort of dies, and turns into one of genuine thoguht. \|

"How... how does that even work?"

|/ their starting to suspect that Bownes might be part fish. but, that's also absurd. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias whispers so quietly that nobody can hear except Iphigenia from right beside him.]

...did nobody in this town get born from their mom at age zero?

uh, are you like... a ghost or something?

[He does not know the difference between any mythological creatures. I believe he means a mermaid, but I have no idea.]

((@bownes-anon))

Omg! Twins!!

~ He holds out his hand for a hi-five across the table, and Bownes takes it. Iphigenia looks even more confused now. She just looks up at Elias and shrugs. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they manage to stare at both Ribs and Bownes. they're more confused than ever.\|

"Are you guys fish people..?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...I just asked that...

but uh, yeah, what?

((@bownes-anon))

I don’t.. think so? I mean, I don’t get scales when I swim in the ocean, I certainly can’t breathe underwater, and I’m and about average swimmer so.. not fish person.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ their head tilts. they try to peer over Elias's shoulder so they can see what's in the book. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias turns quiet upon seeing that a mermaid is, in fact, not called a ghost.]

...I forgot what it was called...

[He freezes, remembering the topic of discussion.]

wait, so... how? did you... come from the ocean, then?

((@bownes-anon))

Yeah, I just kind of.. Appeared in the middle of the water one day. I took the house because no one lived here.

~ He looks like he’s remembering something, maybe he just hasn’t thought of that period in his life for a while. ~

I thought Bownes was a cute name, so that’s what I named myself.

|| @that-one-anon ||

"So you don't got any parents?"

|/ they look over at Bownes, a saddened look in their eyes. they feel bad for people who don't have parents. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias hears Scare's comment and has different opinions.]

hey, lucky you. my dad sucked.

[He notices the sad look in Scare's eyes turn to something else. He can't tell if it's anger or confusion, but he knows to shut his mouth.]

((@bownes-anon))

Uh, I mean.. I suppose I didn’t need any? Like, I knew how to function from the get-go. I think the only thing I would’ve changed would have been.. having someone find me sooner.

~ He smiles, reaching his hand across the table to take Scare’s hand into his own. ~

But aside from that I can’t really complain.

~ It seems like the topic of parents has gotten Iphi quiet. Ribs is still snacking on her slice of cake. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they look down at the table and squeezes Bownes hand. \|

"I guess that isn't so bad, then. At least you knew how to take care of yourself on your own!"

|/ Scare chuckles a bit at their... joke, I suppose? well, it isn't really anything the others would get, considering he hasn't shared much about his past time before this house. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias stays silent, still feeling awkward about his earlier comment.]

((@bownes-anon))

This says when mermaids die then turn into sea foam, and you were born from the sea foam, so maybe you’re a.. reverse mermaid?

~ Bownes laughs a little and pat her on the back. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

~ There’s a gentle, rhythmic knock at Scare’s door. ~

Heya, I made some cake for my birthday, I wanted to know if you wanted to come have some?

~..Huh. I didn’t even know it was his birthday. ~

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

|/ theres some scrambling and a wierd groan heard before Scare is at their door. their floor, as per usual, is a mess. its a lot more messy by the bed. \|

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

|/ their ears then turn down a bit as they realize that they didn't know. \|

"Wait its your birthday?"

~ He’s quick to notice Scare is upset. He takes Scare’s paw in his own. ~

Oh, I never told anyone, it just slipped my mind. I’m gonna go grab the others, do you wanna go wait at the table for me?

|/ their ears pirk back up and they smile, squeezing Bownes's hand. \|

"Oh! Mhm, yeah. I wont mess it up."

|/ they cackle a bit and let go of Bownes's hand. \|

"And, happy birthday, love!"

|/ they now walk, or more of fast-walk, to the table. they seem happy! \|

~ He giggles a little, before going to knock on the door to Feral and Icarus’s room, where he assumes Elias is. He knocks on the door, and repeats what he said to Scare. ~

Hey, Elias, you in there? I made some cake for my birthday and I wanted to know if you wanted to come join us for some?

|| @dream-of-elias ||

hm? yeah. I would like that.

[He opens the door, giving Bownes a small smile.]

and happy birthday.

Hehe, thank you! I’m gonna go get Ribs and Iphi, Scare is at the table.

~ And with that, he’s off knocking on Ribbon’s door and going out into the garden to retrieve Iphigenia. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias enters the kitchen, washing his hands thoroughly before sitting down at the table.]

[His eyebags are back, but he seems content enough.]

((@bownes-anon))

Buon appetito! I hope you guys like it.

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ it takes them a slight moment to register that everyone else is at the table, but once they realize, they flash a smile and start... basically inhaling the cake. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[Elias waves to Iphigenia and Ribs as they enter, suppressing a chuckle when Scare starts eating.]

[He eats his piece of cake at a more... reasonable pace. It may be a low bar to reach, but this is the best cake Elias has ever eaten.]

((@bownes-anon))

How old are you now?

~ Immediately after she chugs a glass of milk before going back to eating the cake. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

~ It seems like Iphigenia has wandered into the garden. She sits down on the grass as she bites into a tomato she picked straight off the vine. The sun is shining. The tomato is ripe, just like all the fruits in Bownes’s garden. Maybe she’ll have some figs when she’s done with the tomato. Maybe she’ll have another tomato. Maybe she’ll have ten tomatoes. Because the sun is shining and, she’s alive. Against everything that should’ve been, she’s alive under the sun. For the longest time, she had considered herself a dead girl, rotting parts put together by divine intervention in an era not her own. But perhaps with the warmer weather rolling around, a new thought has occurred to her. By gods, she’s alive. She’s so alive. More alive than she was back in Mycenae. More alive than she’s ever been. Things are good. She gets to eat tomatoes in a garden while soaking in the sun. What more could she ask for? ~

~ Well, maybe some more books would be nice. But aside from that, she’s more than content. ~

[Elias is dashing throughout he hallway, knocking loudly on all the doors.]

everyone come out to the living room! I have important notes to share!

((@that-one-anon @iphigenia-thewronged @ribbons-anon))

((-@dream-of-elias))

((also. i know that Vex runs three of those but. i pinged them for emphasis on "everyone"))

~ Ribbons seems to be in the kitchen, and she turns to Elias with a confused look on her face as she joins him in the living room. Iphigenia follows shortly after, and she seems to be readjusting her scarf as she walks out of her room. Bownes follows out of his own room shortly, a little panicked. ~

Is everything alright? What happened?

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ Scare had heard all the yelling from the porch. they walk inside, a puzzled look on their face. \|

"'Fuck got you all wired?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

okay, everyone's here. first of all, if you haven't seen yet, then take a second to run into Feral and Icarus's room.

[He pauses for a moment, allowing time for anyone to go and check. When nobody does, he continues.]

I've been taking notes,

[He turns his notebook around, quickly flipping through three pages of bullet-pointed notes, interspersed with shockingly good drawings of Feral, Icarus, and the cocoons. His handwriting is terrible.]

and I wanted to catch everyone up on the... situation with them.

any questions before I begin?

((@bownes-anon))

~ Bownes lights up upon seeing Scare enter, more than happy that they have returned from wherever they had gone too. ~

~ Iphigenia tilts her head, and starts towards Feral & Icarus’s room, as she had not yet seen whatever he was talking about, only heard of it through Elias (and his drawings have piqued her interest), but she’s quickly stopped by Bownes. ~

Maybe it’s best you.. don’t see it.

~ He’s probably speaking from his own repulsion of the cocoons. She looks a little bit disappointed, but doesn’t protest. She sits on the couch, waiting for Elias to start, more than interested in what he has found. The same can be said for Bownes. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they raise an eyebrow, but don't move. notcing that Bownes doesn't want Iphigenia to see it, then they shouldn't either. \|

"What do you mean by.. eh.. 'notes'?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

by notes? I mean notes. I went in there, I sat down, and I took a lot of notes.

[He flicks the notebook before turning it back towards himself and continuing.]

firstly, for those who don't know, Feral and Icarus have, uh... cocooned. right now, they're big fleshy pods stuck to the ground in their room.

[Elias pauses for a moment, giving everyone a second to process the disgust and dread.]

I'm setting a few ground rules for everyone, unless you have access to my notebook and can be sure you're being careful with them.

firstly, do not touch. no matter what you do, don't touch them. especially with your bare hands. the oil in our fingers make them start bleeding when they're touched, and dust on my gloves did the same before I cleaned them.

secondly, they should be watered. last any of you saw, they were all shriveled, like this-

[He turns his notebook to point at two drawings. They're recognizable as the cocoons, but next to them is two other drawings of them, swelling and fleshy.]

they absorbed water really quickly. I'm willing to bet they were dehydrated and struggling. if I'm here, I can water them, but whenever I'm not, I trust Bownes or Ribs to do it. does that work?

((@bownes-anon))

Huh… that’s actually quite interesting.

~ He pauses for a moment. As much as he’d rather not see the cocoons again, he wouldn’t want Feral and Icarus to be hurt from dehydration while they’re, in Elias’s words, “marinating.” He’ll probably work out and agreement with Ribs to alternate watering the cocoons when Elias is away. ~

Mhm, I can do that.

~ Iphigenia is marveling at the drawings as Elias speaks. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they shiver as they picture... that, in their mind. it reminds them of a shriveled up catapillar after a soldier beatle is done with it. if they didn't feel like puking up the last thing they ate, they would probably offer to help. they don't say anything, as they wait for someone to carry this on. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

thirdly, don't put towels on them like we did earlier. especially if they're being watered frequently, they should probably have free space to grow. I do not know why they're growing or what they're growing into, but it's better to let them grow than to...

[Elias trails off.]

...and they don't need to eat. or at least, it wouldn't absorb bread like it did with water.

[Elias stands there awkwardly for a few moments, before holding his notebook out to the group.]

if you'd like to review my notes for yourselves, feel free. just stick to these last few pages, please.

((@bownes-anon))

~ Before anyone else can look, Iphigenia jumps up and grabs the notebook, studying the pages intently. She keeps flipping between the images of Feral & Icarus, seemingly more interested in those than the drawings of the cocoons. ~

Woahh…

~ After looking at the pages for a while, she brings the notebook to Scare in case they want to have a look at it. ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they take the notebook and skim the writing, shivering a tiny bit when they see the sketches of the cocoons. they're disturbed, to say the least. \|

"Are you sure that... this is normal?"

|/ they turn to Elias, motioning at the sketches. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...no. but I don't know what to do about it. they've been growing, slowly, so I think it best if we just... let them.

[Elias shrugs.]

anyone have any better ideas?

((@bownes-anon))

Unfortunately, no..

~ He’s silent for a moment, peering over at the sketches as Scare holds the notebook. ~

When it comes to watering them, is there a certain amount we should be, like, pouring on them? How would we know if we know if we’re.. overwatering them? Do you think it would help if we tried watering them with.. god this is gonna sound stupid vitamin water? Because.. you know.. vitamins and stuff will help them grow..?

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they set the notebook down on the table, sitting down on the floor. their tail flicks \|

"If we over water them, I would assume they would swell slightly.

Also, what if we lightly scorched them? That might speed up their cocooning process."

[ @dream-of-elias ]

I don't know what would happen if they're watered too much. and Bownes, vitamin water might not be a bad idea, we should consider trying that.

[Elias whips his head to face Scare directly.]

do not burn them. I don't trust you even a little bit with fire, especially not around them.

[Harsh.]

[...Fair enough, though.]

((@bownes-anon))

~ He’s more than pleased to hear his idea wasn’t that stupid after all. Upon Elias’s comment to Scare, he takes Scare’s side. ~

Yes, I agree maybe scorching them isn’t the.. best idea, I’m sure that Scare is more then capable with handling a fire.

~ Didn’t Scare cause a forest fire?? Isn’t that literally how him and Bownes met?? ~

|| @that-one-anon ||

|/ they look almost offened for a moment, but they shake that feeling off. though, they do wrap their wings around themself in a defense fashion. \|

"Yeah, I'm fine with fire. It may get out of control at times, but it isn't like I'd burn this house down! Besides, with the small area of the bedrooms in this house, I wouldn't use a flamethrower. Maybe just a hand-held electric lighter."

[ @dream-of-elias ]

...it is not comforting to know the specifics of how you would burn my kids.

[Aw, he called them his kids.]

is this how people feel when I start talking about guns?

either way, no fire. does anyone... smarter... have any ideas?

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

I read a book that said plants grow faster when you play them classical music! Maybe you could do that?

~ She turns to Bownes. ~

You have a music disc of Tchai.. Tchaikovsky, right? We could play that for them!

|| @that-one-anon ||