something made her eyes go cold

Lucia Demetria Frost Princess of the Arctic

[luciafrost]

what flavor is your soul?

vanilla

oh heart of ice and mind of gold, what am I to do with you? you are only good in small amounts, bittersweet fledgling, you are hard for most to swallow. your spirit is strong, your wit is potent, your biting essence drives even the most daring away. but why are you hiding your sweetness? I know within you, you are soft, but humanity has made you bitter. you mask your pain and sorrow with spite and sensibility. you say you do not care about trivial things, but don't you? sweetheart relax. you can let down your drawbridge, the waters are not poisoned. I know you have looked monsters in between the eyes and scoffed at them, but please, relax. you think your armor protects you but it is smothering you slowly. little owlet, when will you learn, words can only get you so far? feelings are what makes this world pulse. do not suppress your feelings. your heart can still thaw my dear. trust.

[luciafrost]

The idea of having bracelets supporting cleaning up the sea with each purchase had been appealing to Lucia from the moment it was mentioned by someone at the lab. The problem with the idea was that selling them out of a research center setting where usually the only visitors they had were children on school trips had been a terrible one. Which was why she had taken in into her own hands after they had been sitting around for a few weeks with no interest at all. She’d gathered them all up and brought them over to the Treasure Cove thrift shop and straight up to the counter where a brunette girl was standing. 

“I have a proposition for someone who can give permission for selling bracelets in this location,” Lucia announced the words coming out almost like a command though unintentional. Which is why she was quick to continue seeing as humans seemed to not like that way of speaking. “You see they are meant to collect money for a charity that funds keeping the ocean clean and they thought selling them down at the Marine Research Center would work but I just don’t see how that is going to achieve anything at all. Do you know who could help me?”  @amara-marino​​

[luciafrost]

Having spent much of the day in the library paging through as many books as she possibly could Lucia was packing up the ones she had checked out and headed out the door. She’d had some water throughout the day but thus far food hadn’t really been on her mind but now that evening had come she realized she was hungry. Her thoughts wandered to whether or not she would head home and find something to make herself or if this required a stop somewhere for something easy to pick up. 

It was while Lucia was thinking that she rounded a corner and came face to face with a familiar mermaid. Though not one she had expected to see on land at all. “Mina,” Lucia stated simply the name almost a question as if she was unsure of what she was seeing. It was one thing for so many leaders to end up in one place but Mina did not fit into the expected to be here category. “What in the world are you doing in this little dump of a town?” @mina-lewis​

[luciafrost]

quinndarcy​:

—-

Lucia’s insistence on thanking him gave Quinn reassurance. There are still polite people, they just don’t come around often unless you’re in Port Vale. “If you insist,” Q smiled, bowing his head slightly, “and I mean the kind that is nice and pretty, but could still knock me out if they wanted.” He chuckled at the thought of how surprised he was at her strength down at the docks. He was wrong at first when he had been reminded of the cheerleaders at his school. They didn’t have any depth to them. They were one-dimensional in a three-dimensional world. Lucia couldn’t be more different from them.

Her kindness found its way directly to his stomach as he felt the warm feeling spread throughout him. Before, his art was just a hobby, but more and more people seemed to see him in his art. He hadn’t gotten used to this and he didn’t think he ever would. “I think it was a compliment because it’s not what people expect when they think mermaid. They think of a beautiful woman with a danger behind her eyes, and lips that beckon sailors to come closer,” He smiled and made contact with her amethyst eyes, “but I wanted to show that just because things appear beautiful, it doesn’t make them beautiful on the inside.” Her recommendation to dive reminded him of the same recommendation from Steph when he first arrived here.

“That actually sounds like a great idea, I just need the gear, I left my snorkel back home,” He said half-jokingly, though he actually hadn’t brought his snorkel or goggles, “Maybe sometime I can draw a seascape, and you can tell me how accurate it is. I know you have more sea-life knowledge than anyone here.”

-

“Would it surprise you to know that you are quite possibly the only person I’ve ever known who has referred to me as nice,” Lucia questioned her voice curious but also with just the slightest hint of a challenge as if she was daring him to rethink his assessment of her. Almost like Lucia wanted to give him another chance to decide definitely how he felt about her so he could walk away with no hard feelings. “I’ve been told I’m rather cold and sometimes even cruel. I’ve been told that over and over for as long as I can recall. Nice was never really a word used to describe me,” she mused as she gazed at Quinn. 

There was no cruelty in her eyes then but no happiness either. Just a cool sort of look as she wondered about this human boy that she felt no ill will towards. Perhaps because all it had taken was someone showing her some kindness first in order for her show it back. Her thoughts went back to the drawing of the mermaid he’d done and she couldn’t help but agree with his explanation for why despite not saying it aloud. Hearing the joke about his snorkel Lucia wasn’t sure if she should react because he had just mentioned losing his home during them storm. 

“I would gladly give you a few tips to help you along if I can.”

[luciafrost]

ronandelgado​:

Remote beach just outside of town; mid morning Closed for @luciafrost

“This looks like a pretty good place to train, doesn’t it?” They were in a remote stretch of beach, just outside of town and hidden from prying eyes by the cliffs. Ronan had found the place in one of his previous visits to Port Vale, while exploring the town’s surroundings in a moment of boredom and it became his spot to come out of the water in following visits, including this current one. It wasn’t completely void of any signs of human presence, but, more often than not, it was empty.

When he’d learnt Lucia was in town, he immediately thought of the place. Down in Assyria, the mermaid princess seemed to enjoy their little sparring sessions and there was no reason for this to change while on land. Besides, Ronan was itching for a good fight and he knew Lucia could provide, even if she wasn’t used to fighting on land yet. So, one morning, he invited her to his little hiding spot for a bit of fun and there they were now.

“Shall we start, Lulu?” he asked, taking position and getting ready. “You do know how to throw a good punch on land, don’t you?” He said half teasing, half seriously. Lucia would be a good opponent nevertheless, but there was no fun in sparring someone who couldn’t fight back properly. But, if that was the case, then maybe he could show her guns, that would be something fun to do.

“It’s as good as any other place,” Lucia appraised as she took in the stretch of beach surrounding them. She’d spent plenty of time in quite a few different places practicing since she’d come to land. It had been an adjustment doing so on her own and so she’d worked hard and discovered the best spots to avoid being interrupted by nosy humans. She’d been glad for the invite from Ronan and hadn’t bothered to tell him that she’d already gotten her land legs sturdy beneath her when it came to hand to hand combat. It would be fun to surprise him.

“All bark as per usual, Roro,” Lucia retorted as her lithe form curled into formation and readied for their spar. “I know how to throw more than just a punch on land but we can save that for later,” she added as she feinted forward towards his one side before throwing her weight back and more fully to the complete opposite side. Her punch was packed with the extra strength she had been holding back since coming to land and dealing with the humans. 

Yet her control was still there and she knew full well that if Ronan were unable to take the hit she could pull her punch. He wouldn’t let her through unless he could handle what she was dishing out. They’d danced this dance before and it was familiar and oddly calming considering the not so calm nature of it.

[luciafrost]

morayblackmore​:

“You’re speakin’ to me now,” Moray countered the retort, eyeing the offered hand before his composure cracked with the slightest grin and he took it. Thanks, says every part of his expression but the mouth. “Should it?” He huffs. “Pretty sure I—” a grunt as the adjustment in his balance sends a few twigs in the mess snapping, “—checked my pride at the coat rack a while back.”

There’s not much place for the stuff here. Besides, if it mattered to him half as much as his elders, he’d be at Xander’s side in the forefront. Working late in town hall, or whatever— not, you know. Spending his nights beach-combing for a good shot or shell and getting cut up on the driftwood for it.

“Alright, I think I can slip right out the way I came if you pull while I’m at it. How ‘bout it?” He challenges.

-

There weren’t many humans Lucia found herself immediately amused by. In fact it was possible that there weren’t any at all. Something about the playful quips set her at ease in a way she hadn’t felt on land very often and she was glad she’d decided to make herself known to him. “Well if it makes you feel any better I think there’s nothing wrong with accepting my help,” Lucia teased as her grip on his hand moved to higher up instead on his arm now. 

“Oh that’s cute,” Lucia breathes as she hears the challenge in his voice and her eyes light up with excitement. Truthfully she could pull him out of this tangle with her arms underneath his armpits like he was a child but she wouldn’t do that. It would look very odd and cause too many questions but the muscles on her arms did ripple as some of the dormant strength she hid on land was exercised. “Give me your other arm. Hold onto mine at mid arm. I’ll have you out faster than you can even blink.” 

[luciafrost]

typhoonaylin​:

location: starbeach café 

time: early morning 

status: closed for @luciafrost

          Aylin was used to not sleeping much. Now that she was on land, she found it difficult to sleep when there was much to explore and learn. So the days she worked overnight, Aylin found herself staying up all night and explore the town or go home and read rather than go to bed. There was so much to do and explore and learn that she felt like she would never be able to learn it all. A part of her wondered if there was a time limit to how long she got to be on the land. When her tasks were done, when Scylla was done with them, would they just go back to sea? Or would Aylin end up doing something stupid and get herself stuck on land for the rest of her life, fur destroyed or lost to her because she refused to do what she was supposed to do. 

          Today had been one of those days when she ended up at home after her late shift, watching movies until the sun rose. Tired, but not willing to go back to sleep, she figured she would venture out and see if there was something going on. Which was how she found herself at the coffee shop at the exact time that so many others wanted to get their coffee and breakfast. There weren’t any tables free, so she scanned the tables and spotted someone in the corner. “Excuse me,” she said, putting her friendly face on. “Do you mind if I join you? There aren’t any other tables free.” 

-

Since coming to land Lucia had become much more used to the concept of humans wanting to share space with her in public places. She didn’t enjoy it by any means in most of those cases but she also learned knew the vibes of those who were less likely to drive her absolutely insane. So when the pretty brunette approached with a friendly smile she studied her for a moment like a predator would look at her prey. It was nothing personal just the way Lucia looked to all others around her. Assessing the threat level and now on land various other quirks. 

“I don’t mind at all,” Lucia agreed after only the briefest of pauses. She reached out to sweep away the books she placed on the table and tucked them back into the satchel she had hanging from her chair. The books had done their job chasing off the most boring of those who might have tried to join her so she was just fine with moving them now. “I’m Lucia. Lucia Frost. You are,” she prompted as she offered a slender hand across the tabletop once the woman had settled into her spot. 

[luciafrost]

xsophiewintersx​:

who: @luciafrost​ where: between the lighthouse and marine biologist station

It was a lonely existence being on land, she missed her waters. She missed seeing ice float down, shimmering through the light that pierced the oceans depths as if it was an iridescent crystal and she missed the humpback whales that would come to keep her company as she patrolled the borders of her Antarctic ocean. There are some citizens of Assyria that she has found on land, her dear Ivory and a new friend in the exciting Coral but it does not quell her longing to see the ice caps once again. Most days, she walks the beach. She is here to find answers for the corruption in the oceans that has taken lives but has no inkling where to start and that scares her, a weakness that she will not admit to as her desire to be a fierce protector of her kind outweighs any fear.

Her feet find her at the lighthouse, she hasn’t partaken in much conversation but she listens. Her quiet demeanor allows her to go without much notice and she has heard the townsfolk talk about how the lighthouse that never went out lost its light. She feels harmony with the old bricks and a kinship to the discord that happened within its guiding light. She continues her walk, a station made out of iron and brick meets her eye and she wonders what it is for. A new understanding of human life didn’t allow her to recognize the marine station for what it was but the waves that touched the rocks nearby called to her, pools of water gathered in the cliffside and there were starfish that spoke to her. Bending down low, she reaches out a gentle hand to stroke the bumpy exterior of the starfish as if greeting an old friend.

It’s at once that she knows she’s not alone, blue eyes skate upwards hoping to find a matching set of hues. It was her sisters eyes that she looked for in strangers but this one carried a lilac tone and she feels the disappointment in her heart again, an endless hope that had never found reprieve. It’s the necklace that sits along her collarbone that catches Sophie’s attention, it’s a Sapphire. Standing abruptly, she is full alert and the breath is caught in her lungs. “Why do you have that?” Too impatient for greetings, her search for her sister is too desperate to see anything else.

-

The experiments Lucia had been doing to try and figure out what was happening to the Assyrian waters had once brought hope and encouragement to her. Lately they were feeling more and more frustrating as they failed to heed the results she needed. She persevered despite the lack of results but she was feeling more and more alone and lost with every single day that passed. Which was why she was slowly moving about her tasks that day. Lingering more amongst the animals they were nursing back to health for inevitable release. Animals that were drawn to her as she passed by. 

It’s as she’s making these rounds that she spots another faired haired woman like herself crouched low amongst a pool that usually houses starfish. Her eyes linger as the stranger stays and she wonders if this is another one of the mermaids or sirens come to land. She certainly looks the type. Then her eyes raise and she meets her gaze and Lucia bristles as she hears the question. Her hand goes to the heart shaped jewel and she shoves it beneath the fabric of her shirt where it won’t be seen. “That is certainly none of your business,” Lucia snapped her voice cold as ice as she glared. 

A predatory and protective surge was quickly coursing through her now and Lucia had to force herself not to reach for a hidden weapon immediately. It’s not as if this person knew of her sister or could see her sister now. Nobody could attack the concept of her twin. The feelings were entirely irrational because Lucia didn’t even know where her sister was. In fact as she was thinking just that she was taking in the other woman again and searching for something. A sign of anything that would tell her what was happening in that very moment. “Who are you,” she demanded.

[luciafrost]

blackseariddle​:

   xx

    Curious and flattered that Lucia had thought to bring her anything, Ridley turned to inspect the item brought forth. The hairpiece was, at first glance, beautiful… yet, oddly familiar, almost. Ridley had a feeling she recognized it, the way the starfish dazzled along pearls, the type of braid itself woven into each other, and looking a bit dried out. It screamed mermaid to her, and her eyes flickered up to stare at Lucia for a moment. Was she- “It’s so pretty,” Ridley said finally, accepting the loan and turning towards the mirror to inspect her hair. Her heart had quickened a pace, though she was wavering between believing her suspicion or doubting it. Perhaps some humans had very realistic looking accessories? “Do you know how to weave it in? I’ve never tried.”

-

“Well not nearly as pretty as the mermaid who is going to be wearing it tonight,” Lucia retorted softly with a gentle smile. Her hand automatically fiddled with the sapphire heart that she wore around her neck as she thought of her sister. Thoughts that felt bittersweet and were now mixed with something new to her entirely. She felt oddly fond of the other woman whom she barely even knew much of yet. “Of course I do! I’ll take care of it for you,” she agreed as she stood behind Ridley and moved to begin the process of pinning the extravagant hairpiece into place. She’d seen it done many times before so doing it herself was almost easy. “After this I will show you my costume so you can help me pick make up. I can tell you this I need to quite literally glow tonight.” 

[luciafrost]

gemmawalker​:

-

Gemma nodded in agreement - if it was possible to survive in human form without eating anything from the sea, then it made perfect sense to try. No one had outright stated to her previously that the fish had likely been sick, but that was the most logical conclusion to draw. And of course, Lucia was right that it was probably humans at fault for whatever it was. It was nice to hear a princess acknowledge that, rather than blaming sirens for something unexplained in the ocean - maybe they would be able to get along, after all.

She followed Lucia a little ways away from where they’d stood, relieved to be a little further from the humans. Vegetables were a helpful point in the right direction, if Lucia was being forthcoming. Not exactly the clearest answer, but she supposed the recommendation of a broad category was better than being recommended one specific item anyway.  “That is helpful, thank you. Out of curiosity - what is it that you’re busy with? A job in town?” It sounded like whatever she was busy with might be more than just some human job, but it seemed prudent to give Lucia an easy out if she didn’t care to answer in greater detail at the moment. They weren’t allies after all, so she couldn’t really fault the princess if she wasn’t willing to share every detail. She did hope that she might be able to glean some new information either way, though.

-

Hearing thanks from anyone outside of her own people was fairly uncommon for Lucia but hearing it from a Siren Captain was even more so. She found herself no longer bristling at the thought of speaking so openly with Gemma based on that simple gesture alone. They wouldn’t be trading any state secrets anytime soon but she didn’t feel the animosity from Gemma that most others seemed to have for her. Which was one reason why she didn’t mind being forthcoming with her answer to the next inquiry. It wasn’t as if her job was a secret anyways. 

“As soon as I came to land I acquired a job assisting a marine biologist. I already have the knowledge of life under water as we all do in a way but the equipment offered me a means to further study what could be happening in the oceans,” Lucia explained keeping her voice pitched low intentionally now. She felt comfortable enough to share but she also wasn’t showing off. Her intent was to save her people and their home and not to make a show of doing so and it felt a bit like bragging when she explained her means of attempting to do that. “Clearly the reason so many leaders of both our kinds are here is the same. I’ve spent every moment I’ve had on land just trying to find a solution.” 

[luciafrost]

gabidrake​:

The silence was… uncomfortable. Gabi had been about to leave and find some other solution to the seating problem when the other woman finally spoke. Well, all right, that was something. “Ouch, that’s a little harsh. I can respect that.” The brutality was impressive, but Gabi was not that easily put off. It wasn’t a no. Gestures meant something, even though words would have been more helpful up here on land. The important things usually needed to be said. She slid into the seat (sitting was still a foreign experience to someone not used to land gravity), and did her best to make herself feel comfortable. She found that difficult because of the dynamic being so different than what she was used to; in most other situations, it would be Gabi who was the cold and unforgiving one. “The intended effect was to get a seat, so I’ve been very successful.”

-

The appreciation of her demeanor was noted but Lucia didn’t bother to react or respond to that. She’d said what she meant and the other woman had accepted it which seemed reason enough to move on. Her eyes flicked over as the brunette sat down and she took her in more fully as she spoke once more. “In that case congrats on your menial success,” Lucia intoned blankly as just the slightest smirk curled the corner of her lips upward. “Do you often find yourself celebrating the tiniest of tasks that you manage to achieve?” 

[luciafrost]

morayblackmore​:

where: the beach when: early into the night with: open to all!

A swollen moon hung above, bright enough to make the black surf look as though it churned with glass. The lighthouse keeper was far from his usual territory and picking his way along the stretch of beach that footed the town’s main strip, out for a stroll or the like. Wood-carved pipe in hand for the occasional pull and harmonica sitting heavy in his pocket, begging for practice.

Driftwood was a fixture of their beaches, and once in a while, Moray found himself picking his way along the larger trunks like the balance beams he’d made of them as a kid. Still got it. He trekked his way along one such limb now, one foot in front of the other, until— snap! Alright, Maybe he doesn’t.

Now, the effort expended keeping his balance right on the branches was instead focused on detangling his pant leg from the fork of the one he’d broken and snagged on. “Aw,” he muttered, “come on, now.” Another soft snap up the beach, toward the main access path, snagged his attention in turn. Whoever his company was, he couldn’t make it out quite yet— their shape backlit by the town’s hazy yellow streetlights. Feeling like a netted fish, he huffs to the figure, “you better not say a word of this.”

-

Sometimes the dark coolness of night reminded her more of the ocean home she was missing so Lucia found herself out along the beach. Either she was investigating as she did so often these days or merely cleaning up the beach as she walked. That night it had been a little bit of both. A small reusable bag hung across her body and she had been placing things inside as she found them here and there to throw away once she returned to the place she was staying at. 

Hearing the sound of someone struggling up ahead she went from her usual light soundless steps and began to walk in a bit louder of a manner to alert whomever that she was also there. It was a human thing apparently to be loud like the prey she was used to hunting underwater and thus she adapted to fit in when she needed to. Hearing him called out she very nearly scoffed at the mere idea of the words. 

“Clearly we haven’t met because if we had you’d know I don’t speak to many people much less about them,” Lucia retorted with a slight smirk as she offered her hand to help balance him once she had reached his side. “Which means I also won’t tell anyone a small girl helped you either if that’s something that would hurt your pride as well.” 

[luciafrost]

gemmawalker​:

-

Lucia was avoiding shopping for anything from the water? That was interesting. Isidore had mentioned something to her recently about having read in the newspaper that dead fish washing ashore… maybe that had something to do with it? “I see. Is there any particular reason for the omission?” She figured asking whether there was a reason was more innocuous than asking what the reason was, though she did hope for answers to both.

“Not really,” she admitted. She’d tried some human food already, but none of it had been particularly impressive. “You’ve been around here for longer, though - is there anything you’ve found to be particularly good, here?” If Lucia wasn’t eating the fish or anything else from the ocean, then she was extremely curious about what the woman was eating. 

-

“Well I kept seeing dead fish washing up on shore and they seem to have been sick from something I’m not familiar with. I’d say it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Lucia offered simply with a shrug. It was just enough information that seemed to be flowing around town anyways so what could it hurt to add her opinion. “I can’t say how deep this sickness goes but the local fish are certainly at risk so humankind has done something wrong again. My experiments haven’t been conclusive yet on what but they are rather good at killing sea life.” 

She strolled forward a bit to make sure they kept away from the prying ears. Lucia had been sure to say humankind instead of humans to keep from sounding odd but it was best to avoid them entirely. “Well the vegetables remind me a bit of some of the plants we have on the bottom of the ocean so I’ve tended to lean towards those myself. I’m not exactly adventurous by any means with the food here. Technically I can cook seeing as it’s a science but I’ve been busy with other things.” 

[luciafrost]

quinndarcy​:

—

Quinn could tell she was just as happy to see him as he was to see her, after all, it felt like they had been strangers for the past couple months. He rarely had the pleasure of getting a glimpse of her, but being in her presence now was a joy. Like two old friends who haven’t seen each other in years. Now he knew how his parents felt at high school reunions. “You don’t have to thank me,” Q smiled, cheeks flushing, “I was always taught to be polite around young women, especially ones like you.” Maybe he was being a little forward, but life was short, and snakes were long. He would rather enjoy his short life than get bitten by a snake. 

Q thought about the storm and all that had happened during, remembering that as the first time he had been genuinely fearful since coming to Port Vale. “Well, I lost a lot of things,” he opened himself up to her, offering her a part of him that very few people experienced, “and I was pretty beat up trying to seek shelter. Luckily I found help and got to safety.” When he talked about the storm, he always relived the pain of the cuts and bruises he sustained. She seemed delighted at his drawing of the harbor. Knowing that she liked it gave him a warm feeling in his torso, from his gut to his chest. “Well, if someone who sees this sight everyday can be just as awestruck by seeing a drawing of it, I guess I did something right,” he grinned ear to ear, “and nah, don’t sweat it, calling it an abomination was the biggest compliment you could have given that drawing, believe it or not.” 

He wanted to reassure her that he felt no hard feelings about that day. In fact, so much good came out of it, he didn’t mind a bit. He was sitting here with her now, smiling rather than snarling. It was something special.

-

“Manners dictate I should and I will. And ones like me? I’m not sure I know what you mean,” Lucia intoned curiously her voice soft as she titled her head just a bit. She’d never really been grouped into anything with other people. She wasn’t often considered to be like other women. That’s very much why she stood out as a leader not that he would know that. As they spoke her face remained mostly cool and soft. Nothing too excited but also not the usual cold scowling manner that others may be used to seeing. Her face did flicker down at bit at the mention of his loss during the storm. She hadn’t thought much of how that would cause problems for others and it was odd to think of it as negative to someone she was finding to be a nice human. 

The thoughts didn’t have time to consume her as she wondered why he felt the sudden change about his first drawing she had seen. Lucia wasn’t sure how to ask about that without revealing anything. “Well I’m not entirely sure how that became a compliment but I will say that drawing shows that you’d do fantastic drawing any realistic sea life as well you know. You should try doing some diving sometime and then drawing a bit of what you saw once you are back on land afterwards. Then you’ll have the horizon from above and below.”

[luciafrost]

gabidrake​:

@luciafrost​

The only other person at the cafe sitting alone was glamorous in an untouchable way, which Gabi had to admire. In her reinvigorated mission to make the acquaintances of as many people in Port Vale as possible, this one seemed to be next on her list. Most of these, she imagined, were not going to be the ‘friend’ variety of friend that Gabi had left behind in the Caribbean, but she had more than her share of reasons for talking to so many people that she would not otherwise give the time of day. She needed to make a ‘speedrun’ (she did not know what this word meant out of context but understood what it meant) of friendships to set the foundation for as many allies as possible. Also she needed to stop feeling so lonely. A horrible balancing act, really.

“I’ll accept if you want me to go away, but I’m here alone, and you’re here alone.” Gabi wasn’t flirting- only stating facts. She wasn’t whatsoever looking for anything romantic at the moment, and wouldn’t go about that sort of situation in a manner remotely close to this. Here was a negotiation of space and conversation time. “There are no other available tables, and I’d like to sit down. Would you agree to this? Otherwise, i will have to stand nearby, and it will be awkward for everyone.”

-

Nobody had bothered her when she was alone at the Cafe before. Lucia wasn’t one that gave off an open and inviting vibe and yet she found herself bothered as she gazed up at the brunette who had spoken up rather suddenly. Her cold lilac eyes narrowed as the other spoke too much. Lips pursed she waved her hands towards the seat in acceptance of the aforementioned offer. “If the intended effect was to avoid being awkward I can assure you that was very unsuccessful,” Lucia offered after letting a few moments of silence stretch between the two of them just for the hell of it. Her face remained rather cool and unemotional as she gave the minimum amount of attention to the conversation at hand for the moment.

[luciafrost]

blackseariddle​:

   xx

    If she wasn’t so excited, Ridley may have taken special notice of Lucia’s reaction to her braiding; but instead, she saw it only as a compliment, and beamed under the pride of it. She wouldn’t mention how long it had taken her to get it just right… that could be left secret. “Well, whatever you’re going to be, it’ll be great,” Ridley promised, as sure of that as she was of her own costume, painstakingly chosen and curated for the contest and the night on the town. She may have never felt more human than she did in this moment, despite the excessive mermaid themes. “Oh, I sort of taught myself, it wasn’t hard-” A lie. “But I used to see people wear their hair like this a lot back home. So pretty, right?” More information than she should have safely given, but, hey, holidays were too fun not to be careless. “So, the bathroom is there,” Ridley pointed down the short hall. “But I have a mirror set up by my couch because the lighting is better in here, but you can set up shop wherever! And, oh, please let me help you if you need it. I absolute adore this stuff, like, more than I should probably. You have to show me what you’re doing!” 

-

“And it will be the perfect compliment to your costume,” Lucia tacked on assuredly even though Ridley already seemed thrilled by the idea of just about anything. The jellyfish costume would be fun with the mermaid thing. A side character to Ridley’s center stage for the night which she was more than happy to allow her. Hearing the answer about the braid really gave Lucia pause and she turned to one of the boxes she had brought in and pulled out a woven hair piece from it that she wasn’t sure if she was going to offer until that moment. “I will of course allow you to help but first I wasn’t sure but this is something from my home and I think it would look really nice for tonight in your hair now that I see what you’ve done with it,” Lucia explained feeling weirdly breathless as she did so. It felt like a moment that might be one shared with her sister in another life and it brought on a tidal wave of emotions. Still in that wave of emotion only a flicker managed to show in the lilac of her eyes while the rest of her face stayed still. 

[luciafrost]

gemmawalker​:

Seeing the smarmy look on the man’s face after she questioned his proximity, Gemma shot him a glare and opened her mouth to tell the guy off. Before she could get a word in edgewise though, Lucia was there… coming to her defense? Weird. And kind of overkill, especially when they were trying to lay low - though she couldn’t really blame Lucia for reacting that way to someone who had nearly knocked the blonde over. 

“Fair enough,” she decided with a shrug. She certainly wasn’t going to thank the woman for handling the situation, especially considering she hadn’t needed help in the first place. But it was nice, having the guy out of her way. Unfortunately, Lucia’s presence also made another thought pop  into her mind - should she tell the princess about what her messenger had said? On the one hand, Gemma genuinely did feel like the leaders of Assyria all did deserve to know what was going on in their domain… but on the other, she really wasn’t sure how the mermaids would react to being told something like that by a siren. Would they even believe her? She really didn’t know any of them well enough to know the answer to that question, and certainly not one who lived so far away from the Coral Sea as Lucia did. 

It was even possible that a mermaid princess could take news of the illness as a sign that the sirens were in a weak position and vulnerable to attacks - and while she didn’t think that was the most likely option, she certainly couldn’t risk allowing it to come to fruition. For now, that meant the best she could do was try to gather information about Lucia that could help her form an information-sharing plan that wouldn’t lead her people to ruin. Unfortunately, she was also fairly limited on what she could talk about by way of the fact that they were currently at a human farmer’s market. “What brings you here - shopping for anything in particular?” She hated how much that sounded like human small talk, but there wasn’t really much she could do about it.

-

Knowing full well that Gemma wouldn’t have needed the help she was perfectly fine with the simple acceptance of what she had done to make the man go away. Lucia wasn’t trying to show off in front of someone she only had begrudging respect for. Maybe a tiny part of her craved the company of others from the waters but she wasn’t about to admit that at all. Not to a siren of all people. The rather normal question that followed almost made Lucia crack a smile but she managed to hold back the urge to laugh. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t displayed a mask of emotion before so she kept a straight face with ease.

“Specifically avoiding shopping for anything from the water for the moment actually,” Lucia admitted glad to be able to say the thoughts she had been circling aloud to someone. It wasn’t as if she could talk about fish being sick and how she wondered if that meant her people would become sick to humans. Humans didn’t even know they existed. She wasn’t even sure she was willing to speak to Gemma on all of it but the sickness in the fish themselves seemed innocent enough to bring up. “And yourself? Any favorites you’ve found yourself coming back for that the locals are known for?”