Trying to find myself.

Adalinde | 26 | Natrix Don't be afraid of who you're not.. Be afraid of never knowing who you are. Defend your authentic self.

[seekingadalinde-blog]

✾ Someone who you care about has been wronged. What do you do?

"Well I suppose that would depend on what happened. I wouldn’t over do it, revenge should be fair, deserving. Perhaps sometimes a bit extra but I’m not going to kill them over a coin, you know? But if I had had my way with Mal’s attacker... I would have made them wish they were dead. She might have actually done the deed... but I would have turned their friends against them. Made them wonder who they could trust. If anyone. I would have made them suffer as much as she did. Doing what that thing did... was so wrong. So much so I don’t believe it deserves a quick, perhaps messy, perhaps somewhat painful death... it deserves prolonged suffering. Suffering like Mal’s going to have to deal with the rest of her life...” She paused. “I don’t mess around when it comes to those I care about. There aren’t many to begin with.”

[seekingadalinde-blog]

waning-shadows:

Jensen raised his brow at the comment the woman gave him. He glanced at the apple in his hand and then at her again. She clearly didn’t recognise him, and maybe it was better that way. “I was actually trying to find the owner of this cart so I could pay for this”, he explained and looked around them once more before looking at the woman again. “You haven’t seen anyone, have you?”

Adalinde had no idea who this man was- then again she didn’t know who many were in Wonderland. She’d only really paid attention to people looking for Malinda- who she’d found and the curious nature of Erik. The other Natrix she’d found. “Oh- well that’s less exciting... No I haven’t see anyone around... you could always leave the coin somewhere on the cart.” She shrugged.

[seekingadalinde-blog]

waning-shadows:

Jensen didn’t really have anything to do on this specific day – he wasn’t needed at the palace and well, there really wasn’t anything to do in general – so he had ended up walking to the Woodland. He was thinking of going to the library to see how things were going there, but he got distracted when he saw a basket full of apples. He picked up one of them and took few steps forward to see was there anyone who owned the cart that had the apples so he could pay for it, but there didn’t seem to be anyone. He took few steps back, but there didn’t seem to be anyone either. Odd. Who would leave a cart full of apples unattended? 

"If you’re gonna steal something at least make it worth while... and y’know leave the area.” She smirked. It wasn’t her cart, the wasn’t really her type of occupation. At least not apples. She was more interested in the jewels and such people of this land wore. It didn’t really suit a Natrix’s snake form to enjoy jewelry so a part of her enjoyed it just because it brought her further from the more savage and wild creatures her people could be. “Not that apples aren’t great... I guess... but c’mon. That’s not worth a fight over.”

[seekingadalinde-blog]

gentlemonsterallegra:

She hadn’t been to the water in weeks. With her catching the sickness she could hardly move and when she could she couldn’t go very far, so she had been trapped on land essentially bedridden, only she didn’t have a bed. She stayed close to the town most of the time so she could get food as she needed, but other than that she couldn’t do a whole lot of walking around while she had the worst part of her sickness.

While the sickness was still affecting her, she was beginning to feel a bit better, well enough that she could handle standing for more than a few minutes at a time, but she didn’t look a whole lot better than before. Her skin was paler than her already porcelain tone, and her eyes looked dark and heavy. It was very evident that she had been affected by the sickness, so not many people wished to stay around her for very long, so she stayed out of town. A thought came to her that maybe she’d feel better if she found somewhere to swim. Mermaids derive their power from water and she hadn’t been near any in weeks, it was no wonder she felt so crummy. It may not cure her illness entirely but it would at least leave her feeling refreshed.

When she thought she had found a secluded part of the river she gave almost a sigh of relief as she sat down on the shoreline beside it, already feeling as though she were regaining strength just by being near it. She removed her shoes to dip her feet in, her eyes closing as she took in a slow breath, relief washing over her; she was about to fully dive in but when she opened her eyes and found someone else’s eyes fixed on her she gave out a little hoarse yelp, retracting her feet into herself in reaction to the fright. She watched as the woman stepped out of the water, somewhat grateful she popped out when she did and not after Allegra took a full dive and grew her tail. “Uhm uh… I don’t know… it feels a bit chilly to me.” Her sickly voice muttered in response.

Adelinde loved the water- she just didn’t particularly love the life she’d had when she was under the waves before. She loved swimming and was honestly hoping to have someone to join her. Knowing she couldn’t and probably shouldn’t take her other form, she was amused by swimming with arms and legs. She’d tried it before, sometime before she left for Wonderland. So she could do just this. She still tended to swim with her body more than her legs and arms but it worked well enough. She didn’t look like a child thrown in the water trying to figure out up from down

However, when her eyes connected with the girl sitting at the edge of the water-... well Adelinde wasn’t particularly fond of the idea of getting close to her. She looked miserable, beyond that she was clearly sick. Potentially the sickness that Ade had every intention of avoiding. So she backed away slightly, not too obviously... but she wasn’t terribly worried about the other’s opinion. She was clearly sick and she doubted anyone wanted to catch something. So it was reasonable she keep her distance right? Not only because of who she was, or what she was more than anything else. Just because she didn’t want to feel ill.

“Perhaps if you’re ill it might be best not... I don’t mean to assume you just look like you’re feeling under the weather.” She commented, though she did leave the water now. Finding a spot some feet away in a patch of sun and laying herself out to enjoy the warmth washing over her body. “The sun is nice though... you could enjoy that I’m sure.” She kept an eye on the girl, wishing she could get close enough to tell what she was but knowing she shouldn’t. Knowing that she could be putting herself in danger already... she just hoped she was keeping enough space between them she could be alright.

[seekingadalinde-blog]

maleficentmalinda:

Malinda couldn’t tell when last she embraced by another. She froze with her hands at her sides while Adalinde’s arms wrapped around her. While she was happy to see the other Natrix, the hug felt strange. Malinda tensed up, but didn’t push Adalinde away. “Ugh, you’re getting me wet,” she complained, though there wasn’t any sign of annoyance in her tone. “Wait,–” Malinda shook herself a little trying to get out of Adalinde’s hold. That move resulted in the mask sagging and revealing the scarring of the left side of her face and neck. A mixture of shock and concern laced her features as she studied the other. “You’re here because of me? But, why?”

"Too bad.” Was all Adelinde said in response to the ‘complaint’ from her friend. When Malinda did actually try to pull away, Ade let her. But she didn’t move far. She stayed close to her. She pulled back enough to look at Mal’s face. Concern immediately written over her features at the scarring. She knew she’d fought... but she didn’t realize how much damage had been done to Mal. “Of course I am.” She didn’t comment on the scarring, not right now, her own eyes refocusing on Mal’s. “I missed you, I was worried... I didn’t know what happened... Malinda... You’re my only friend. Obviously I’m going to follow you.”

[seekingadalinde-blog]

pierce-thefierce:

An innocent swim… He was sure the water was nice. The swimmer was even nicer… But no, he needed to stop thinking like that. He had to think what would Thea say. If he told her he went swimming with a random hot girl he met… 

Yeah, she would definitely be mad.

“Ahh…. Fuck. Sorry, I can’t. I’m sure you’re a very nice person and all but I want to live a long life and my girlfriend would definitely kill me.”

Adalinde rose a brow at him curiously. So loyal... at least in appearance. She wondered idly how susceptible he would be to a mers’ song. Luring him in, closer and closer because a pretty face and a pretty voice. Ade didn’t really get the allure of it, but knew full well she was immune due to her true race. And she was biased, she didn’t think any mer was all that alluring.

“Least you’d have fun before you died... probably a lot more fun than she sounds...” She responded. “I’m kidding, I suppose. But I do think your girlfriend needs to lighten up. You’re a grown man, you have willpower... Unless she’s just an excuse because you don’t?” She teased. Holding her hand out to him. “I’m Adalinde... assuming you’re allowed to shake my hand?” It was half playful, half her annoyance for anyone being controlled by another ‘human’ being ( a term she used loosely). Like her entire society did to her.

[seekingadalinde-blog]

maleficentmalinda:

Malinda was on her way back to her precious Tulgey Woods when a familiar scent hit her; a natrix. And not just any other Natrix, but one she knew well. To appease her curiosity, she headed off her current path and sought out the other Natrix. In her human form Malinda drew close to the river’s clearing. Keeping to the shadows, with her usual scarf over the bottom half of her face, she looked on as Adalinde spoke with another. This would not do, Malinda said to herself before devising a plan to scare the wanderer off so she could have Adalinde’s attention all to herself. 

Moments later, instead of responding, the stranger staggered backward when he caught sight of Malinda. He broke into a run soon after, thereby granting Malinda the privacy she wanted. Waiting for Adalinde to catch on to her presence, she came out fully from her hiding place. “Surprise Ade!” Her smirk remained hidden behind her mask, but her voice was clear. “Did you miss me?”

Adalinda was a little taken aback and offended at the way the other person just... ran away. She didn’t think this form was that scary. Nor was the water... Huh. People were strange. Something was off though- the other’s eyes had flickered behind her immediately before they turned and ran. This was all a very quickl thought process and as Ade was turning around her eyes rested upon the figure. 

A familiar voice met her ears at that moment as well and a smile quickly took over her features. She knew that voice. She knew that face- well what of it she could see that is. She knew Malinda anywhere. She’d spent... months? Actually probably years at this point trying to find her. Sneaking off, and since the war started she hadn’t gone near the sea. There was already enough tension between their kind and mers she wasn’t going to jump into another war willingly. It didn’t matter though- none of it mattered anymore. She ran over to Malinda, and despite being soaked from the water, and wrapped her arms around her tightly. “Malinda! Yes of course I’ve missed you. Why do you think I’m here?”

[seekingadalinde-blog]

mertriix:

Onyx had been walking alongside the river, head throbbing as a punishment for the alcohol he consumed the night before. Well, that and he figured he was being punished for sneaking out whoever it was that he had woken up to. Neither was strange when it came to him, but it seemed like fate had another punishment for him; encounter with a stranger.

He came to a halt when the strange woman decided to strike up a conversation even if it wasn’t necessary. Did everyone always have to talk? He let out a deep sigh, looking the wet woman over while contemplating on walking around her and continue on his way. “Yeah, I’m good — I prefer not to smell like a dirty river.”

Adalinde sighed gently when his response was... well less than pleasant. She’d actually kind of hoped that someone would join her. Then again- humans... they didn’t seem to like the river. She was getting a strange vibe from him though... A strange scent in the air. He reminded her of her own kind, but surely there weren’t than many hiding out among Wonderland? And there was something else off about him... Curiosity peeked in her and she wanted to keep him around and talking for a bit longer.

“It’s not really that dirty, plus it’s relaxing... don’t you like swimming? It’s not like it’s the sea or anything...?” She offered. Curious. She looked him over, wondering what he was, who he was. Why she couldn’t put a finger on it. 

[seekingadalinde-blog]

pierce-thefierce:

And it was moments like this that reminded Pierce that humans were not meant to be in long term relationships.

His instinct, of course, was to go for a swim with the gorgeous brunette he spotted in the water, especially since she had essentially asked him to join her. Before he came to Wonderland, or before he met Thea, he would have jumped on that opportunity without a second thought. 

Instead, he found himself just standing there, almost dumbfounded; his masculine instincts urging him toward the water and his committment to Thea simultaneously dragging him away. He was sure if he was able to leave his body and view the situation from the outside, he would have slapped himself for looking so stupid. 

“Um… hm?”

Adalinde chuckled at the man’s apparent confusion at her remark. She stood at the water’s edge, and ran a hand through her hair. The long brown locks completely soaked and the little clothing she’d worn into the water clinging to her form. It wasn’t really her thing, but she understood why so many water creatures could easily lure men into the water and drag them down. He was staring at her, she wondered if she got up close if she’s spot the drool.

She wasn’t about to drag him to his death though. In fact, she genuinely wanted to see how the humans swam. The water was calm right now, if anyone was going to swim it might as well be in the river at a calm point. "I don’t bite...” She spoke up again as he didn’t really seem to respond. It amused her almost, she didn’t understand what was holding him back.

“The water’s really nice right now... plus... where else are you going to be able to swim? So, care to join me?” She rose a brow at him curiously. Stepping a single step back into the water. Wondering if he’d follow.

[seekingadalinde-blog]

It was a weird sensation- swimming in her human form. Many more arms and legs than she was used to in the water. Usually it was a silent, deadly gliding. Moving through the water with an ease that only two creatures really seemed to have the ability to do. Her kind, and merfolk. Maybe it was a bad idea to be in the water. Maybe it was a bad idea to even be anywhere near water. But she’d picked the picked the river at least. Seeming to come at a time when it was calmer. Not truly afraid of being pulled off. 

She stayed under the water’s surface for a little while. Not too long, should anyone be watching- she didn’t want them to catch on to her secret because she stayed under water too long. The people of Wonderland didn’t seem to have the ability to breath underwater. So she mimicked them and came up for a breath. Seeing someone had spotted er she grinned. “It’s not so bad, the water’s nice.” She stepped out of the river. Popping up from shoulder level to waist in a few steps. And then stepping out of the water entirely.

[seekingadalinde-blog]

Growing Weary

[seekingadalinde-blog]

justafteryourjules:

“Good luck on that, then, sweetheart. Maybe I’ll see you around.” Julieta was certainly sure she’d recognize her if she did. The gardencat wasn’t necessarily the type to remember every face she encountered, which got her into quite a bit of trouble with the people she stole from, but there was definitely something fishy about this girl. Ah, well. She seemed harmless enough.

"Thank you, Perhaps you will. I always come back anyway... at least until I find her.” She nodded, admittedly she wasn’t sure if she did or didn’t want to see the talking cat again... she seemed friendly but she was worried about spending too much time around the same people. What if they found her out? Natrix weren’t exactly... well- beloved, among Wonderlanders.

[seekingadalinde-blog]

callme-commander:

“I suppose we’re on similar grounds then. My family while not strict was…. interesting. My brother was a terror however. Compared to that, well I suppose I shouldn’t be complaining.” She replied, finishing off the sandwich with a quick last bite. 

"Somewhat, yes.” She agreed. “Really? I never had any siblings... I believe most think their siblings are terrors though? Unless perhaps you mean outside of the norm...?” She questioned with a curious, though not too pressing tone to her voice. Hoping it was clear she wasn’t going to push too much and it was the woman’s choice to answer her or not.

[seekingadalinde-blog]

Growing Weary

[seekingadalinde-blog]

justafteryourjules:

Julieta let a purr vibrate through her as she stretched, enjoying the affection but becoming bored with the conversation. The girl didn’t seem to be carrying anything valuable from what she could tell, either, so she figured there was nothing left for her to do here.

As she straightened up and took a few steps away from the girl, she said “Well, in that case I hope you don’t find them. There’s nothing wrong with a long vacation.”

Ade couldn’t help but smile genuinely at the purr- that wasn’t a noise she’d heard in a very long time. She had never considered the fact that such were creatures could make noises like purring, even though she knew their counterparts could.

She watched the little furry creature and laughed slightly. “I would have to return home anyway... my family would come search for me eventually as well... And I should like to know my friend is okay. However, I don’t mind the search so much right now.” Except she did a little bit, she wanted to find Malinda. She wanted to know she was alive. And she was slightly concerned to how much she was enjoying her time in Wonderland.

[seekingadalinde-blog]

callme-commander:

Fianna smiled ruefully at her response before taking another bite. It was almost time to get back to work, she half considered giving the guard a day off and finishing her sandwich in peace, but that was hardly a good reason so she’d just have to keep scarfing it down and move on from there. “You have no idea.”

"I have a bit of an idea... I have a... strict family.” She admitted- it wasn’t untrue... it just wasn’t the entirety of the true. She’d been raised by parents who had expectations of her, in a society that implanted those expectations on pretty much everyone. Many rebelled, many more simply thought that was all there was. She was glad to know other such life existed.

[seekingadalinde-blog]

Curiosity Killed the... Snake?

[seekingadalinde-blog]

erikdiggory :

The smallest of grins was beginning to take form on Erik’s lips as the woman seemed to keep up with him with ease. People often commented on how fast of a walker he was, some even screaming at him to slow down. But not her. She barely grunted a complaint and instead did her best to follow him. They were out of the palace now and although the forest wasn’t particularly Erik’s favorite place to be, it would have to do because they couldn’t walk all day. 

When she had begun to complain, Erik stopped dead in his tracks and turned towards her. “Of course I have a goal. One doesn’t decide to do something unless they have inkling as to what the outcome will be.” Erik was precise in his actions, the stark opposite of what this woman was doing. “Now, what is it you want? I don’t have all day.”

Practically jogging after him had her thinking of Malinda, her reason for being here. Her best friend. Who was missing. She’d chased her across the expanse of Egle Isle a few times, trying to look like they weren’t hurrying but trying to hurry. So a half jog-half run was Malinda’s choice. Adalinde wasn’t the tallest, be she was quick, it was better when not chasing after someone. Speed in a fight was handy. She was surprised he chose the forest but she shrugged it off.

When he stopped she very nearly ran into him. Then, he turned. And she drew herself up to stand up straight and look at him, dead in the eyes. “Well, you and my best friend seem to have very differing opinions on that.” She said rather pointedly. Standing her ground and staring at him with curious eyes. She wasn’t angry, not really even annoyed any longer. She was amuse, curious and refusing to back down. “I’m not sure I believe your logic for bringing us out in a more open space... but at least now the fault is yours should you get in trouble.” She pointed out with a brow quirked. “I simply was hoping you could... well help me find my friend I mentioned. There can’t be many of our kind up here... with two of us looking we could find more ground. I’ve been doing it alone for... years.” Which, roughly translated to she’d been alone for years. She had gone home in between looking but that didn’t mean she had any friends there. Especially not with how often she went to Wonderland. 

[seekingadalinde-blog]

callme-commander:

“You aren’t missing anything interesting I assure you. I find it a rather annoying waste of time.” Fancy etiquette was for the royals after all, but that didn’t mean she didn’t see the looks the people of the court shot her whenever they saw her scarfing down a quick lunch. She considering throwing a knife or two after them the next time it happened. But then again, that too may be frowned upon. “I agree with you on that one, which is why I am delighting the outdoor world at present away from the annoying looks of know-it-alls.” 

"Never thought I was. Thanks though.” It wasn’t sarcastic, though the tone was a bit amused. She didn’t care about etiquette or fancy things aside from perhaps a nice dress here or there. Maybe attend an event... but she’d be just as happy to shed that skin by the end of the night as she is when she sheds her other and the expectations that come with it. “Must be nice to have a break if you have to deal with that so often...” As if she didn’t know full well what leaving something like that behind felt like.

[seekingadalinde-blog]

Growing Weary

[seekingadalinde-blog]

sweetmemoriesoflavender:

Liliana developed a thirst for knowledge right around the time her mothers started to keep her hidden. They couldn’t risk excessive amounts of play time with children in court - if the parents allowed servants around - nor could they tuck her away in the nursery area where the tired and ever working members inside the castle raised their infants. She turned to books, but those were also limited. No servant child could simply walk out with a book from the vast library and expect not to be questioned. That, at least, was what her mothers warned her. Any opportunity that was presented for her to grow intellectually was taken. “Wonderland is full of cases of people breaking the stereotype. I doubt all Natrix are bad. They probably look out for their own, like anyone does. And focus on survival? I’m guessing. Anyone that’s too nice, too accepting, will be crushed.” Lil could feel a slight change in the air, possibly just her heart sinking as she was now closer to the Palace. “We should be at the Palace soon. It’s quite a maze, but Erik’s easy to find.”

Adalinde listened, she let her parents teach her as they wanted... but she kept her own head. Her own heart. She wasn’t about to just follow blindly like some others did. If being friends with Malinda showed her nothing else, it taught her that you did have to be your own person sometimes. She wasn’t ever going to be as reckless as Malinda... but she wasn’t going to just attack senselessly, or start fights with the Mers. “I’m sure they’re not... Never met an entire race that’s exactly the same.... as far as I know.” She shrugged, almost laughed. She didn’t have a high opinion of mers, but she didn’t hate them. And clearly there were some rebels from their group as well. If Wonderland’s current state of war was anything to judge by. “I suppose, when you’re hunted by multiple races on multiple sides you can’t be too careful... I’ve heard there are lots of fights between the water sorts and pirates.” She gave a little shrug. As if she hadn’t made sure to stay out of sight of the pirate ship she saw occasionally, or swam away quickly if she noticed a humanoid shadow near the water’s edge. She wasn’t afraid she just didn’t want to deal with the impending battle. “Oh, that’s good. I suppose with a job like his you have to be.”