The Forgotten Pearl

Nash Saagar | 35 (192) | he/him Owner of Medusa’s Wreck Muse for @CalamitousHQ

[nashsaag]

(Raymond Ablack, 192, male, he/him, Mer). It’s been a while since we’ve seen Avinash ‘Nash’ Saagar. I hear they’re a Mer and they reside on the edge of the Forgotten. They’ve been known as The Forgotten Pearl, but that’s not all they are. (They’re known to associate with Mer, when they’re not busy being the owner of The Medusa’s Wreck.) Some may say they act CALLOUS & OVER-PROTECTIVE, while others claim they are OBSERVANT & PATIENT. With that being said, they’ve found the State of Calamity. ( Elizabeth, she/her, 25, PST)

Name: Avinash ‘Nash’ Saagar

Occupation: Owner of The Medusa’s Wreck

Age: 192 (looks 35)

Sexuality: Wherever the current takes me

Species: Merfolk

Intro

001. Avinash Saagar is born the third son to Payodhi Saagar, a diplomat from a neighboring sea to the Forgotten and their Father a wealthy Pearl Merchant. Nash learns early that keeping your head down and being quiet is an easy way to keep out of trouble. With eyes constantly being on the offspring Pearls of this power couple, Nash knows from watching his older brother’s example that being on the wrong side of public opinion is never the way to be. So he keeps his head down and tries to be the best Pearl he can be.

002. The keeping your head down falter’s a little bit in high fish school. The Ambassador, otherwise known as Mother, sends Nash to a preeminent boarding school. His grades are immaculate, she would expect nothing less, and he is a member of the council team and a star athlete. This angers certain people and also attracts attention.

003. Life goes on and then war hits, he is working as a secretary for his Mother but unlike some of his friends is kept mostly out of the violence aside from the diplomatic aspect. He looses friends though…good friends. The War to End it all was not kind to any soul, finned or otherwise.

004. Shortly following the war, the Saagar couple is blessed with yet another Pearl. Devaka promises to be just as glimmering as at least two of her older siblings and having a young pup around revitalizes the family a little bit. The Ambassador’s ambitions grow and Nash is a quintessential part of that plan.

005. Nash is taken while on a diplomatic mission for the Ambassador. He doesn’t know where they kept him just that its landlocked and dry, so so dry. He’s told the Ambassador won’t negotiate for him, he watches the partner he was charged with watching over be brokered for, but the Ambassador…his Mother, will not put their Sea or Forgotten resources on the line for her third Pearl. He sits, forgotten in his capture for close to three decades.

006. When he’s released its less for political leniency and more that the world has moved on, no one cares about a Pearl that lost its shine long ago. The Ambassador reaches out when she learns of his release, asks him to report back in. But the answer is no. Nash will not return to the Forgotten or any Sea, not for a long while yet. He tells the Ambassador this in so many words but includes a letter to Dev as well. She has lived her life both equally knowing and not knowing him and family should be important.

007. After drifting for a little while preforming odd jobs, he puts together both his own money and money from his trust, he buys an old wreck that straddles the shore and the sea, Medusa’s Wreck they call it. He isn’t proud, that left in the decades without water. It feels better to have something of his own, something to build.

008. The business is a success, a spot for both the land lovers and the sea farers. Nash wouldn’t say he is happy but he is content and when another roving Pearl shows up at his doorstep he wouldn’t dare refuse her entry.

Headcanons

He prefers Nash, his parents are the only people to call him by his full name and I don’t think he’s told anyone outside of the forgotten his full name he just refers to himself as “Nash”

His mother was is a Ambassador from a foreign sea. As a political figure she had very high expectations for her children and they were afforded privileges others weren’t,

Over a century ago Nash was kidnapped by land dwellers. His mother refused to negotiate for his release and left Nash in captivity for almost three decades. When he was released he refused to fully return to the forgotten instead taking up an old bar, on the outskirts of the territory he once called home

Nash is deaf in one ear after the capture so he can only hear on the one side. His bar also has a bowl of earplugs for any mer that need protection when they come to the shore. (The bar is also partly underwater. So half the bar is dry and half is wet, hence on the edge),

Nash loves to cook and experiment with new recipes and loves to hear feedback even if he presents himself as if he couldn’t care less about this passion or what people think. He also always has a new ice cream flavour and every night after shift he saves himself a scoop.

Wanted Connections

The Rival- Someone from boarding school that wanted to see Nash fail.  There reasons and motivations were there own but it put them into conflict in school and now as Nash is getting on his feet seeing people from his past life could provide different dynamics.

The Past- Someone from before the war and before the capture. Someone who saw him even under the perfect façade he tried to keep for his family. This could be a friend or something more but just someone he’d be happy to see again.

The Lost and The Forgotten- Someone who was in captivity beside Nash. Someone who was taken by the same faction and they bonded through the experience.

The Captor- Someone who had motivation or reason to take someone from the Forgotten diplomatic sphere or it doesn’t have to be that pointed but someone who would’ve taken and kept a hostage.

The Traded- The person Nash’s Mother traded for when he was captured. A person of rank or influence within the Forgotten court.

The Influence- A person who works in night entertainment or bar tending who Nash met while working odd jobs after his capture. Someone who inspired him to go into hospitality.

The Diplomat- People he would’ve met and interacted with while working under his mother.

Patrons and Visitors to Medusa’s Wreck- A bar that’s half above half below sea level. All are welcome to take rest at Medusa’s Wreck.

*This is just a list of ideas I will probably add to but I am down for any and all connections.

[aylinvilliers]

It would have been an understatement to say that Ayin had not seen some pretty questionable things around Calamity — but her choice coming here was just as questionable. For a human who didn't know how to swim, coming to a bar where part of it was underwater was a prime example of stupid. Still, she wanted to see if Joshiah was around. Making a mental note to remain as far as possible from the section with water, her eyes caught sight of a bunch of basil going up in flames. Was that even allowed in here? Blinking slightly at the leaves on the surface of the water now, Aylin stayed lost in her thoughts for a moment before finally snapping out of them.

“I — uh, something sweet, please.” she finally said, turning to face him, “Nothing too strong. I promised someone to stay out of trouble, so I have to at least try.”

[nashsaag]

A small upturn in Nash’s lip was the only softness he let into his expression. He had known a fair few people who drifted about life like this new customer. Head a little in the clouds and eyes always everywhere. The stark differences in the different parts of Calamity could take a little getting used to, even at his age. Hells, his sister, new to the surface, though walked with feet that seemed surer than they probably were, was avidly consuming all the city had to offer.

He nodded slightly in way of acknowledgement, it wasn’t an uncommon request. A drink strong enough to make someone feel part of the environment without actually letting it go to their head. Sweet was also a common request. Nash reached for a giant jug of lemonade from the fridge. Such a perfect mixer though many a hardened drinker looked down on it. A single shot of vodka and a big glass of of lemonade shaken together and poured cold into a glass. He topped it off with blackberry liqueur, the purple liquid dripping and mixing with the yellow of the rest of the drink and garnished with 2 black berries and a sage leaf. The drink was fruity, relatively alcohol light, and pretty. “Here tell me if this is to your liking?” Nash slide the drink over.

[wickedxhell]

Samuel didn't want to monopolise the man's time, he was just doing his job and not there to make idle conversation with a one-off customer who was here for a business meeting. "That would be fantastic if you could. Small catch i don't know what they look like it is my first time meeting them. But I can talk to you hostess and work something out as they know my name."

[nashsaag]

Nash shook his head non-commitally “Whatever is easiest.” Both were equally easy, it was more about the customer’s convenience than his own, “Just let us know what you decide and if we can do anything else to assist you.” Nash gave the smile his sister always teased was more of a forced line than an actual upturn of his lips.

[deathbeckons]

"That means you can't enjoy the fun that the shore has to offer?" Harley questioned, not even beginning to pretend like he knew how anything worked within The Forgotten - or the politics behind it. It seemed to him that if one sibling was on the surface, one stayed within the waters. Regardless, he had missed his friend.

He smiled warmly at the mention of Zane, the bloodbender never far from his thoughts even as he explored the State alone. "We've been good, great honestly." It was hard for life to throw anything at the pair that they couldn't deal with - they were able to battle anything that came there way; though hardship rarely found them, they wouldn't let it.

[nashsaag]

Nash rolled his eyes playfully, “No it doesn’t, it just means I’m a little more occupied than I used to be. I could probably use a night out though. “ he said the last part more absentmindedly than anything. What he really wanted was a day off so he could play in his kitchen and get a handle on some new recipes.

Maybe that was a good idea….Harley and Zane knew all the new haunts, going out to dinner to find some inspiration might be nice….

He focused back in on his friend. Nash, as long lived as he would be, didn’t think he’d love to see a day where the two blood sorcerers were separated. It was nice actually, sweet, in its own way. “That’s nice to hear. One constant in this ever turning world.”

[oftheatrics]

There was a rare grin. "I'm actually surprised-so few places have these." Pom said cherishing the menu as if it was a rare book. There was a look of joy. Pom might finally find a regular place to go. There was two happy tears in her eyes. "T-thank you." She nodded. "If that isn't too much trouble of course." Pom said quickly, still feeling not so comfortable saying her needs aloud just yet. Of course she needed to care for herself but she could still here her brother's grunt of annoyance to this day.

[nashsaag]

“It’s no trouble.” Nash said as he shook his head, “Just trying to make this place welcoming to everyone.” His last job certainly hadn’t allowed him to be flexible with the people around him, so in this self made part of his life Nash felt he should make space where he could.

“Let’s see our regular specials are our Deep Blue Blazer, the Medusas Wreck Signature, a Pacific Lemonade, Grapefruit Pisco Sour, and a Sirens Sea Foam. Our Seasonal special is a Grim & Tonic. And our specialty shot of the evening is a Blue Jellyfish.” Nash listed them off with the ease of a regular salesman. Each of his regular and seasonal specials had been perfected and tested among his staff and he had confidence in each one of them. “Let me know whatever takes your fancy or if you just want something off the regular menu?”

[wickedxhell]

There was something to be said about the others' showmanship. The ability to move fluidly while pouring the correct measurements for the cocktail. Samuel gave him his undivided attention as he worked. Reminded of his sister's flames as the liquid was ignited. Samuel was eager to taste what the merfolk had made for him because he had know clue what the concoction was or what taste to expect. Amber liquid rolled past is lips as he took his first sip. He hadn't expected the bitterness that came with whiskey. His lips shrivelled as the moisture was sap from his mouth, his face becoming tight as it hit him. "Thanks..." he coughed out. "I'll just pay as I go." Tabs were dangerous, and while he wasn't short on kochba, he wasn't frivolous with his spending. He was waiting for a client, so it was another reason to not drink too heavily.

[nashsaag]

Nash moved on from this customer, but was mindful of the man’s stature as he moved to help other clients.

After mixing a couple more drinks, Nash thinking he had a read on the man circled back around. “Hey, we usually save the back booths for reservations, but it’s relatively slow tonight. If you want to give a description of your associate to our hostess, we can set you up in a more private corner of the bar?” Business was often conducted in places like these and Nash had been mindful of that when setting up the bar.

[curseaddendum]

Mireia couldn’t help giggling softly at the scene playing out in the distance. The fire flared up just as she stepped into the restaurant, gasps rippling around, but it was quickly put out. She didn’t expect less from a mer-owned business. Then came the consequent reprimand as she sat at one of the stools, eyeing the drink menu.

The whole situation reminded her of those times Jasper came by her atelier and ran away with scissors in hand. Of course, that wasn’t a workplace accident, it was just her friend being a high menace, but she understood how the manager felt.

“It seems like a bad moment to try the Deep Blue Blazer.” She tried to keep a straight face, but the corners of her lips twitched, giving her away. “So I think I’ll settle for the Medusa’s Wreck Signature.” Either sounded like an experience worth trying, and perhaps her playful jab would ease some nerves. Or maybe the opposite.

“You know, they didn’t do so bad when I had lunch here the other day, with a friend,” she said in a lower voice, almost like confessing a secret. “Great service overall.” Another giggle escaped her lips as she held his gaze, before letting her own drift back to the menu.

[nashsaag]

Nash took a deep breath as he let a slight smile touch his lips at the sight of one of his known regulars. “I have good staff. “ he admitted on a breath that sounded like it cost him something, “I just need them not to set what’s left of the Wreck on fire.” At the heart of it he knew they wouldn’t, but it was easier to keep people vigilant if he was the ever nosy boss than if he was the nice boss, easier to keep people at a distance too.

“One Medusa’s Wreck Signature coming right up though.” He nodded. His signature drink was often sometimes referred to as the Neverland. It was a relatively simple cocktail made of passion fruit liqueur, coconut rum, simple syrup, and lime juice all with a good dash of Blue Curaçao to give it that signature colour. But what Nash added to make it special was a star cut out of star fruit as a garnish. He slide the cocktail in front of the fae. “How have you been holding Mireia?”

[wxldxheart]

@nashsaag continued from here

Obi rose an amused brow when the other skipped past his recommendation and instead requested the same drink Oberyn would pick for himself. Some might say it was a smart choice considering what the specialty drinks in the Viper's Den were all laced with, each new cocktail added to the menu in changing seasons were creations of the ancient witch's own making. Their effects were all unique, some even dangerously devastating if one dared to try them.

The bartender looked to Oberyn, as if seeking permission from his boss to go through with the request. A simple nod from the witch was all it took to have him preparing two large glasses of very expensive cognac. "Consider this one on the house, one businessman to another." Oberyn smiled, sliding the glass down towards the other. "Ah yes, I know the place. What brings you to my humble abode Nash? Scouting out the competition?" He joked with a chuckle.

[nashsaag]

Nash took a deep whiff of the cognac placed in front of him. If he had to guess this one had been aged for a nice long time in an oaken barrel. He was picking up more spicy elements than floral. This man had taste that Nash could appreciate especially as he watched the witch twirl the glass in his hand. Cognac such as this should only be warmed by a hand.

“Less scouting and more trying to learn.” Nash stated as he nodded appreciatively at both owner and bartender, “I can’t do at my bar what many of you other faction bars can. But, as I’m sure you do, I get people from all factions entering my bar. It’s good to know what they might have become accustomed to at other places. See if I can accommodate them better in mine. I like to learn.” Nash paused, having said maybe too much already, “I’m good at what I do but I can always be better. “

[oftragxdy]

Saylor waited patiently as she sat at the bar, her human legs crossed over one another. They ached, radiating with pain that moved down from her hips all the way to her toes. But Saylor didn't mind. She was growing used to the feeling now. She hoped, though, that it would eventually be less painful. It seemed so for her husband, at least. Although, she wondered how long it had taken that to take affect. Months with human legs, or years?

She made a mental note to ask him next time they were together.

"Surprise me?" Saylor asked with a smile as she placed her elbows on the table, leaning her head on her hands. It had been a while since she'd seen Nash but he was a welcomed face. "Not too sweet please."

[nashsaag]

Nash didn’t take a very close look at the fidgeting woman before deciding that ‘Surprise me’ and ‘Not too Sweet’ meant she was getting a cucumber gimlet. It was a drink he liked, more sour than sweet and relatively easy to make if the customer decided to change their mind later. Which with a customer that wanted to be ‘surprised’ usually meant the first drink, regardless of what was made, would be sent back more often than not.

But as he placed the green drink in front of the woman, who was still fidgeting, and actually looked at her, recognition rounded his eyes, “Princ-Saylor!” He caught himself, not knowing with what capacity the new Queen, not even a princess anymore, was here in. “What finds your shore-side?” Old habits die hard and his brain frowns at him at the omission of your Majesty.

[oftheatrics]

Pom was trying to enjoy the finer things in life. With her limited resources, that wasn't always an option. Pom quietly stared straight forward waiting by the counter.

She thought for a brief moment she smelled smoke but shook her head. It did reek of propane but it wasn't near her face (she hoped).

The younger looked straight forward, her pale eyes glinting behind her sunglasses. There was a shy grin on her visage.

"Do you have a menu in braille?" She asked sincerly. "If not I'm more than happy to hear the specials." She said with a nod.

[nashsaag]

“Oh actually yeah we do,” Nash turned to the back counter to reach for his series of accessible menus, he was always hesitant to talk about the part of his senses he had lost during his captivity but he guessed his instance about having accessible menus might stem from that, “Here you go,” he extended the menu on the counter keeping a watchful eye for if he needed to assist, “I would also be willing to list out specials if that is easier. But if not I can give you a couple minutes with the menu, also let us know if you would like a table instead of the bar.” He may be accused of being surly and grumpy but he did take pride in the business he ran and making Medusa’s a comfortable place for those who entered.

[deathbeckons]

closed starter for @nashsaag

"It's been a while since you've graced me with your presence, Nash." The sorcerer chided, sipping from his drink as he looked around Medusa's Wreck. Harley hadn't been here in a while, but Nash had been back to Sinsation far less frequently. "Get your hands on your own place and suddenly you're too busy to come see me in mine, hm?" He was teasing, knowing how much time it took to run a place of your own and try to live your life; Harley was lucky enough to co-own Sinsation with his boyfriend, but it still took time and effort.

[nashsaag]

Nash had spotted Harley immediately as he had come in and made sure, he came over personally, “It’s not even that,” Nash huffed, “my sister has decided she’s going to favour the shore over the depths for a while.” Nash raised his eyebrows in an expression that asked Harley if he could believe it.  

Harley was right, though Nash never really knew where he stood with the two sorcerer’s who owned Sinsation, it had definitely been one of the places he had spent a lot of time when he had decided to make his home shore-side. But ever since Dev had surfaced his nights away from Medusa’s had been less frequent, “How have you and Zane been?”

[deathbeckons]

closed starter for @nashsaag

Feeling attuned to nature was something Christy loved deeply; being able to feel the life around her and make it bloom, being in touch with the elements. It extended past her own remit, and she loved it all, especially the water. The water was her second favourite after the Earth, considering that it always provided, but all were needed for life to really bloom. It was for that reason she found herself often at Medusa's Wreck; sat where dry land met sea, feet submerged and relaxed breath escaping the fae. "I know you're closing up soon, Nash. Just... Five more minutes? Please?"

[nashsaag]

Nash let out an amused huff at the fae’s plea. He was shaking his head but they both knew the answer, “Of course Christie, you are welcome to stay as we close up, but no longer.” And he fixed her with a look that promised he had a backbone. Though between Christie and Dev being back in town he wasn’t sure how much longer people would believe that. “Also remember if you want anything from the kitchen or the bar to get it in the next five minutes.” He might be indulgent, but he wouldn’t expect his staff to have to stay later.

It had been patrons like Christie who had persuaded him to open the section of the stairs she was currently sitting in to customers. While the half under water, half on shore concept had been meant to accommodate both land and sea dwellers it had quickly become apparent that there were several patrons who preferred to take their libations while halfway in between. He had to admit. It hadn’t been a bad idea.

[wickedxhell]

Everyone needed cursed objects, right? Trap or even embarrass their enemies, even the merfolk could have use of them if they so desired. But if questioned, he had no idea about that conch shell that could steal a siren's song.

The mention of a flammable objects to a staff member had caught Samuel's attention. A drink that was set on fire was the last thing he expected to see here, of all places. It would be a missed opportunity if he didn't enquire what concoction required the flame. "I'll have what needs the use of that blowtorch."

[nashsaag]

Nash nodded, “That I can do.” He set up the whisky, water, and sugar as well as the two metal mugs that were required to make the drink. He went through the steps of the process quickly though mindful of the showman ship that came with the drink. As the mix was comfortably in one mug, he took the blowtorch, mindful of the wetted surface and clear of any flammable objects and ignited the liquid. He then mixed it by pouring the drink a few times between the two metal mugs allowing the customer to watch the site of the ignited blue and brown liquor burn between the two mugs before finally depositing the liquid in a third heatproof glass mug, the flame slowly extinguishing as he put the final lemon garnish on top.

Sliding the glass over to the newcomer, Nash again nodded satisfied, “I hope you enjoy. Would you like to start a tab?”

[wxldxheart]

location: Viper's Den

open/closed: open to all

caveats: feel free to assume connections/prior knowledge of each other. obi is very old and well established with a reputation so he can easily know characters/they know him!

Like most nights, Obi revelled in the familiar chaos of his establishment. The Viper's Den always did bring in the most interesting of clientele, people looking for something different than the usual night of drinks and dancing, and the ancient witch never disappointed. He walked through the sprawling nightclub like a king in his domain, a simple twitch of his fingers changing the enchanted ceiling from a dull clouded sky to the endless starry night. "Try the Liquid Amber, it goes down smooth." He smirked before signalling to one of the bartenders for his usual.

[nashsaag]

As two owners of bars and lounges in Calamitous, this was not the first time Nash had visited the Viper’s Den but it was the first time he had been acknowledged by the Viper himself. Nash wasn’t fool enough to think he was important enough to register on the man’s radar. Maybe before, maybe in his previous life but not know.

Nash found it interesting the man recommended a drink he wasn’t having himself, as a fellow bar tender, he was more curious what the purveyor’s drink of choice was than something he offhandedly recommended to customers. So as he flagged the bartender, “I’ll have one of whatever he is having.” Nash nodded then turned to the owner, “Nash, I work down the shore on the Medusa’s Wreck.”

[nashsaag]

Who: Open

Where: Medusa’s Wreck

For a bar that was half underwater it was surprising how many fires still happened.

Nash could take responsibility for this one, he probably should but as he lifted up the bunch of basil the new bartender he had just hired had decided was a good resting ground for a blow torch and summarily tossed it into the watery side of the bar, he sure didn’t feel very responsible.

He leveled an overly neutral gaze at the new hire. “Blow torches here.” He smoothed over so he was standing in front of the blow torch holder that he had made specifically so things like this didn’t happen. “Objects capable of catching fire anywhere but here. Ok?” He then side scooted back to his selected station for the night.

He quite liked the Deep Blue Blazer which was the cocktail that required the blowtorch but the additional training it required might make it not worth it. He then recentered his attention half back on the new customer seated in front of him, “What can I get you?”