;bottom of the deep blue sea

Jiho Talon siren. tattoo artist.

[hjxmalai]

Based on what she had heard, she didn't expect him to be so... soft. But Jiho was always like that with her. He made her feel safe. Taken care of. And, right now, desired. She kissed him back, unsure of what she was doing, but enjoying it nonetheless. She hoped the same could be said for him. Cherry had nothing else to compare it to.

Cherry forgot how to breathe until he pulled away. She felt lightheaded. She inhaled. Exhaled. Frozen in that moment. Her cheeks were now as red as her namesake. She wasn't sure how people could do this so casually. "Well... maybe a little." She was surprised by how playful she was feeling. Was it normally this way?

She slowly reached out and grabbed his hand. Somehow, this was more terrifying than the kiss. After all, she had a lot of time to think about it. "Thank you for not letting me run off." She smiled at him. "Want to join me and Sammy?"

[talonxhj]

his smile grew slightly, just looking at her when she replied back so playfully. it wasn't lost on him. the oddness of the moment. it wasn't the sort of kiss he would drag her home with. take her apart in one way and then decide if he would the other. he knew some had almost made it a sort of game. so much so, that he avoided most humans unless it was to kill them. but cherry had always been a bit different, hadn't she? he let their hands intertwine without any fanfare. instead just offering a nod before moving to walk with the two of them. little sammy looking at him slightly odd for a moment before going about her normal business. there was always something about the small one that made a part of him purr internally. she had a look in her eyes at points that would make any siren proud. one of the very reason talon was happy to let the rumors about being her father keep flying about. one, it was entertaining and two, she would fit one nicely.

"so, outside of surprising ourselves today, what do you have planned to do?" he questioned softly, doing his best not to make a big deal about of the kiss but clearly not forgetting it. "looking for anything specific?"

[hjxmalai]

It was amazing how many thoughts rushed through Cherry's head at that moment. It had been an overwhelming few weeks. But, Jiho was here. He was alright and him smiling at her made her feel at peace.

She had always been the earnest sort. Everything showed on her face, but that didn't mean she was honest. She would always do her best to hide her grief. To protect people. Jiho was different. He cared about what she wanted. About her needs.

So, when he asked her if she missed him, she forgot everything for a moment. Blacked out and moved on instinct. She grabbed him by the neck and raised herself on her toes. And she kissed him.

Her brain restarted sometime in the middle. She stared at him for a split second, red all across her cheek. She cleared her throat and in a timid voice said, "Glad you're okay."

She turned to walk away. Would've run, really, if it weren't for Sammy.

[talonxhj]

there he was, mentally droning on about how he hadn't been prepared for a hug. not one where she held him so tight. but if he had been surprised than... the kiss was something else. something else completely. the sort where she tried to walk away from him and talon found himself reaching for her gently. pulling her back towards him so he could kiss her again. this time, a little longer. a little deeper. so he could wrap his arms around her and keep her near him when he kissed her.

the moment wasn't lost on him. this wasn't a normal kiss he would participate in. only because there there was more behind. talon had been feeling it build between them for months. from there walk about to see art and eat together. to the night at triton's where she braved a predator's den to be with him in the end.

one beat, two. his heart finally told him to stop as he leaned away from her. looking at her with a smile he wasn't sure had ever graced his face before. "so you definitely missed me," he teased softly before bringing his eyes up from her lips to meet hers. "there is no way i could just let you walk away like that. i would have to be crazy."

[hjxjongsu]

jailhouse blues//jongsu and talon

date: may 30, 2023 location: hanjeong town jail @talonxhj Trigger Warnings: incarceration, sex mentions, talon, death, you know it's going to be inappropriate due to talon

Jongsu sighed dramatically. "Did you tell them this was a conjugal visit? Because they kept asking me that and giving me looks on the way here." Jongsu had looked mildly disgusted at the fact, but he had also been amused. The idea that Jongsu had a lover that would come visit him was wild. Not many of them survived a night with him. Whether emotionally or physically. "I swear some of those officers are mooning over you."

He would never understand that part about humans. Jongsu preferred to live. Though, he supposed he was risking things by being friends with Talon.

He raised an eyebrow. "Now, you are sure you didn't kill him?" he whispered. Jongsu had asked before, but he felt it was best to confirm. He knew Talon certainly hadn't slept with him at least. "I thought you would have denied the torrid love affair the second you got the chance."

[talonxhj]

couldn’t stop the silent laugh at jongsu’s question. his ribs nearly hurting with how long he had been laughing for. wiping a fake tear from his eyes he shook his head, “i let them assume whatever they want. clearly, i am a crazed sex maniac that will fuck anyone and then kill them,” while the humor was the more prominent tone, to the well-trained ear for talon’s mannerisms, the annoyance ran deeper. even hearing the fact that the officers were mooning over him. of course, they were. he was a siren. worse than those vampires everyone liked to read about..

“i hope they choke on their drool,” was low, almost growled but said none the less as he leaned closer to hear the whisper that was sent his way. again, a laugh. more guttural. almost cruel in it’s follow up. “at this point i almost wish i did. then it would make all of this bullshit worth it.” he responded before leaning away to eye the room around them annoyingly. “he wasn’t my type.”

[hjxmalai]

It had been a rough few weeks for Cherry. Though the saplings were getting better and there had been no fatalities, her emotional distress had been through the roof. Then, Jiho had been arrested. If she’d been able to, she would have visited him. However, crying children in her arms had kept that from happening. Besides, she had wondered if it would be appropriate. They had been on exactly one date before. Did that count as a date? Maybe that was a normal night for him.

She felt guilty, worrying about that stuff when it paled in comparison. She sighed. Cherry wished she hadn’t given in to Sammy’s begging. She wasn’t sure if it was the girl’s siren abilities, or just how cute she was, but it was hard to say no. Though the soil hadn’t affected her, she had gone through quite a bit. Those were her friends. Then there was Osuke, who was family.

So, Cherry had agreed to go to Pride. It was one of the livelier events in town and Sammy always enjoyed ‘all the pretty colors’. Sammy was wearing a tutu and Cherry was wearing a dress Sammy had insisted Cherry should wear.

She nearly jumped as she felt someone hug her from behind. Then, she heard his voice. She spun around quickly. She tried to contain herself, but her face betrayed all the worries she had felt. She barely even registered how scantily dressed he was (though, she would make a not of it later). “You’re okay.” She engulfed him in a hug. “I’m so happy.”

[talonxhj]

honestly, he hadn’t been sure what to expect from the moment when he whispered in her ear. but the hug that he was quickly enveloped in, well, that certainly wasn’t it. still, talon wrapped his arms around her to answer the affection she was providing. pulling her close for a moment and letting her fresh scent wash over him. all of it was way better than that damn cell he had been in for days. nearly made his mouth water and he couldn’t say for which thing he found himself craving. chuckling after a minute, he nodded to pull himself away slightly so she could look in his face, “yeah. i’m good,” selfishly, he pulled her back again for another. “but this is much better than being interrogated so let me bask in it for a minute.” he murmured to the top of her head, knowing she would hear him as he caught sight of sammy staring up at him. winking in her direction, she smiled a smile that was missing a tooth or two, but he had to admit, adorable anyway.

“so tell me, did you miss me,” he questioned mischievously as he pulled away and smiled at her. “i can’t lie. i definitely missed you.”

[hjxyeongi]

bad cops only//yeongi & jiho

date: may 28, 2023 location: hanjeong town jail @talonxhj

The room was dimly lit, with a long table at its center. Two metal chairs were placed on opposite sides, facing each other. A dingy light was shinning on the culprit. It was a cliché, but Hanjeong was all about tradition. And, the police were frankly, laughable. They needed all this posturing because, at the end of the day, they had no confidence.

Of course, Yeongi was only doing this investigation in the precinct to pretend he was playing nice. Though enforcers could ignore the verdicts at town hall, even most of the enforcers said this was more of a personal vendetta for Yeongi. So, they had put in a request to interrogate the suspect. Really, they had only given in because Yeongi was a tenacious bastard. And, they were getting nothing out of this shithead.

Yeongi walked in and stared down at the man that possibly seduced his uncle. Then, possibly murdered him. Still, he was calm. If he wasn't, the siren would get the upper hand. "Ready to talk yet?" he smirked. "We might even get you a glass of water if you promise to behave yourself."

[talonxhj]

it was laughable. thinking that a single one of the ocean folk would go for the idiot in a human suit that was the previous mayor. talon wasn’t exactly known for his pickiness when it came to eating, fucking, or killing in the life that he lived. the few that still knew he gave into his baser needs to feed, well, they new he didn’t give a fuck where the flesh came from. but even he wouldn’t touch that dumbass with a ten-foot pole.

still, the streets were filled with hearsay, and he found himself in a small little room waiting for someone to come and ask him questions. the siren had let them take him. he could have fought back. could have even killed them with a whistle or a click of his teeth. but he didn’t. not when the cuffs went around his wrists or when he was walking into the sad little police station. he could have torn them limb from limb. maybe he should have. he had been stretching his time from when he usually spent it in the ocean and found himself far enough from it to be annoyed. his eyes had been closed when the other man walked in. mentally finding ways to keep his normally relaxed self to stay that way. talon had worked hard to not lose himself to the rage that rolled through like a storm from time to time. the moment he heard yeongi’s voice, didn’t fucking help.

of course, his fucking luck…

opening his eyes slowly, he looked at the human, pirate descendant in front of him. a smirk pulling the edge of his lips but this time, there was less mischief than the others had been instead it was replaced by someone that had killed his ancestors for fun... he never liked the damn kid. his attitude always pissed him off.

“i’ll tell you the same thing i’ve told everyone else,” leaning forward like he had a secret he kept his dark eyes trained on the other man. “i had nothing to do with the poor ex-mayor. may he rest in peace...”

[talonxhj]

Fresh air

day: pride day one time: mid morning with: Cherry - @hjxmalai tw: talon is being talon, death, sorta cannibalism, sexual thoughts, murder mention..

being free of the tiny jail he had been dragged into was more welcome than he wanted to admit. it was also something talon never thought he would be seeing anytime in his life. no matter how long it was. the sirens truly terrible years were mostly behind them. there was once a trail of bodies no matter where he went for people to follow. that had long since laid to rest and now it was perhaps only a few here and there. well hidden. carefully taken apart and most certainly prepared as food for him.

but all of those thoughts were for another day. talon had decided to finally pull out his alibi to make sure he was out in time for pride. part of the delay was curiosity for the system and simple boredom. it was different then every other day. but pride celebrations were something he could always get behind. a lot of human shit still didn't make sense but pride, that shit did. so much so that he made sure to dress as scandalously as possible. shorts that were incredibly short, showing off his leanly muscles thighs. no shirt in sight, allowing his gills to be easily seen as well. he wasn't ashamed of being someone that would fuck anyone he felt like. also, wasn't bothered by being a siren and anytime he could force it down someone's throat to deal it, it pleased him. all of that being said, there was one mission he had right out the gate on the day. he had to find cherry. he was sure she would have been worried about him. after there... night together. could it have been a date? he knew humans were particular about that but he didn't truly know how dates worked. still, he hoped to ease her whatever worry she may have been holding. which was why he had been hunting for her all morning. when he finally caught sight of her, it was with sammy in toe. sneaking up was pretty easy with the people around. holding a finger up and a wink towards the little one got a grin in return and a nod before he swiftly moved and wrapped his arms around her from behind. gently bringing her against him with a smile on his face, "i hope you didn't miss me too much," he spoke softly in her ear as he practically hugged her from behind.

[isawing]

THARNTYPE 2: 7 YEARS OF LOVE  ▶ Episode 5

Tharn in that maroon colored shirt. 😍 Thanks again @dramadiaries for providing the clip!

[hjxmalai]

the devil's den//cherry & talon

@talonxhj

The Triton's Horn was the last place in town Cherry was supposed to be in. It was nighttime, it was in the 'wrong' part of town, and she had to leave Sammy with Nan to make it here. She didn't usually drink either (she didn't exactly have the best memories of drunk people). So, really, there was no reason for her to be at a nightclub. Much less one that primarily catered to sirens and merfolk.

But, she really wanted to see him.

Jiho was trapped in her mind. As hard as she tried to resist, she had finally given into the urge to try and see him. She couldn't exactly use the excuse of a tattoo. So, this seemed like the safest bet. He had to be here, right? She was nursing her drink so much, the bartender was giving her the side eye. She took a deeper drink this time, nearly choking.

Cherry felt someone come next to her, clearly trying to get her attention. She turned towards them. "Sorry, am I in your way?"

[talonxhj]

The night had been relatively calm. A day full of tattoos and avoiding various people with all of the extra side eyes he had been getting over that damned police report. It took everything in him to not roll his eyes anytime shifted across the street when he walked. Humans were like sheep. Easily gullible, easily eaten. So, Talon needed a drink. Needed to shed that Jiho skin he wore for the humans and simply be himself.

That was the plan when he walked into Triton. Get himself a drink and curled his lip in something like a snarl when some merfolk eyed him. He would fuck them up too. Despite what others may think, there was no doubt in his mind the siren rumors and hear came from them. They usually did. But he was determined to enjoy himself a bit, and having a drink was the start.

Of course, that changed when he caught a flash of someone walking in that he was…. Certain he knew… but they wouldn’t be coming there. Right? No, no, sane person would if they were human at that time of night. But it was how the other sirens and even some merfolk perked up at their entrance that had him on alert.

Finishing his drink quickly, he moved to the bar. Just barely sliding in between the first siren that had made their way to her. It was her. Cherry. “I wouldn’t say you were in my way. But this guy looks like he is just leaving,” he let out with a laugh, eyeing the younger siren with a threat clear, forcing them away before looking at her completely.

He got in close, almost inappropriately close, clearly claiming her so there were no questions about who would be taking her out of that bar. “I’m more than a little surprised to see you here.” He started; his voice low but friendly towards her. “can’t say I am mad about it though...” even flirty towards her.

[talonxhj]

bottom of the deep blue

who: talon and @hjxzia

where: the ruins in the deep, flashback

tw: blood, death, suicidal ideation, descriptions of gore and murder

[talonxhj]

One could say that first there were screams. The waves swallowed them so they would not echo into the night. A maelstrom. A world eater. Hidden beneath the waves that held a hunger in its bones that could not be explained. Could not be ignored. As need that bounced around the mind and body leaving gashes and broken bits as it moved about. Seemingly digging deeper, wider. So, the creature ate. The creature tore each of them limb from limb. Slowly peeling flesh and sinew from bone. Dragging out the unholy sounds of those drowning on water. On their own blood.

The bodies weren’t consumed. Instead, left to rot in the sun when it rose. Each of them missing chunks of flesh. Gashes of teeth that only spoke of a beast, not of anything with rational thought. What should be crimson was black in the moonlight, erased by the waves as they rushed through. Kissing the sands with no one there to note the change of color. In the morning, there would be limbs to greet them. Half torn bodies with mouths open wide in a scream none of them heard beyond the storm that had claimed the night.

For the creature, the moment would end up meaning little to nothing. There would be no satiating the hunger that was born of rage. Rage so deep it had torn away any viscera that had been within and laid it bare for everyone to see. Beneath that rage was an aching sadness. So cold, it could be confused for the deepest and darkest of the ocean. Held within a body that still shook with rage, even as their claws tore into the being in their hands. A monstrous cross between a man and a predator of the ocean, didn’t simply feast on the body in their hands. they ravaged it. Nothing to show that it had once been a being of intelligent thought. Bones crushed between fingers. The paste that formed would clutter the ocean floor as the only reminder that the being had existed.

When there was nothing left to tear, to crush. To wipe out of existence, the creature drew into itself. Hair white and singing of the deepest waters that called to them. The creature was something of a man. Or could be confused with one. If not for the teeth like a maw over a hungry shark and eyes as dark in tandem.

Talon was little of who he played himself to be. Someone of dangerous continence but careful words. Seduction in the form closest to the creatures he tore apart. None had been safe in his hours-long rampage. Pirates were his main target. Slowly devolved into anything that could answer the call in his blood.

But when it ended. When he curled into himself in the deep dark of the ocean, he ached. A cold feeling, like ache, crawled through his veins when he was left alone. The ruins one of the only places he knew he could find solace or perhaps, death if he was lucky. A siren older than he lurked in the shadows and there was nothing more in him that didn’t quake in rage or shiver in sadness.

So consuming was it all that he did nothing when there was a shadow that swam near him, simply closing his eyes in the hopes that there would be nothing of him, when pain did not come, his eyes opened. Something akin to disappointment crawling through his body as he looked at the elder siren. Even in the ocean he was stained with blood, fragments of flesh in his claws and teeth. There was no apology in his eyes, only want… “won’t you kill me?”

[hjxmalai]

Later, Cherry walked with Jiho to the Ahn Jaewoo Art Pavillion. She had tried to be subtle as she dropped off her little sister with her grandmother (she'd be more than comfortable napping under her tree), but Nan had raised an eyebrow as Cherry used the river for a mirror. She didn't want to look obvious, but she had primped a little before meeting up with Jiho.

She used the excuse that Sammy would be bored with the art show, but God knew she was definitely doing this for selfish reasons. Her hands opened and closed repeatedly. She had never even held hands with someone, but now she kept almost reaching for his. Frankly, she was in awe of those hands. She had seen amazing artistry come to life as a result of them.

Cherry turned to him. "We should get that fish. Any vendor recommendations?" Dryads tended to recommend her more plant-based foods, hence her earlier mention of the seaweed salad. Many of them loved it, considering it "exotic" because it was different from the plants in the forest. Of course, Sammy tended to turn up her nose every time Cherry didn't include meat in a dish. Still, she ate it.

"Is there a catch of the day?" she asked. Why was she talking so much about fish? She was capable of talking about other things. Admittedly, once you took away conversations about church and Sammy, the options were limited. She really needed to get out more.

It wasn't entirely her fault though. Jiho's face was not helping matters. "How's business?" There. A question not about fish.

[talonxhj]

it was a bit of an odd situation. ages before Cherry would have even been born, there would have been no friendly actions from him. she would have been food and nothing more. humans were what he enjoyed eating. well, that would be limiting his diet... he enjoyed eating a lot of species... human the most common.

but times had changed and rather than being the overt monster he once was, he was more of a calm one in the more modern time. making note of what he would have done, compared to what he would do in the moment. Talon was self aware like that. so, instead of eating cherry in a less than enjoyable way, he invited her to eat with him. it almost made him want to laugh out loud.

truthfully, her company was enjoyable. compared to that grandmother of her's, she had no idea who or what he had been. didn't know the terrible delights he would entertain himself with. it was, refreshing.

"there is this one old man. been around for awhile. barely looks like a vendor but has some of the best galchi with all the perfect sides," he offered with an easy smile, moving to walk with her. "shrimp, abalone, octopus," he continued to explain, wondering if she would enjoy it. he made it with the spices that many seemed to enjoy since they came to the island. even Talon could admit, it was damn tasty.

he deliberately ignored the way he noticed she fluttered lightly around him. almost like she was hoping to find a topic. he was attractive, he knew that. part of the whole siren thing. "business is good. got a few commemorative pieces for the treaty. " the elder siren left out that it was many of the various species triumph ting over the others. money was money.... not to mention if he made it hurt a little.. forever.. that was his business..

"got a few idiots making terrible life choices and of course, the obligatory merfolk stare at me when i do nothing to sway their minds from terrible ideas," he chuckled lightly at the memories. he may have relaxed a little in his old age, but he had to find entertainment somewhere. "but tell me, how have you been?"

[hjxmalai]

"I have, though Cinderella has always been my favorite Disney princess," she said. It wasn't that Cherry wanted a man to come along and fix all her problems, but she appreciated the escapism that movie offered. She hoped that one day she would get a dose of luck. She was still waiting, but maybe she was still in the hardworking portion of her little adventure. It would be nice to have a break.

She was broken out of her thoughts. Close. He was very close. Cherry tried to remember how oxygen went into the rest of her body. Here he was, just trying to be nice and here she was thinking too much into it. She exhaled slightly.

Cherry was relieved that he didn't seem to mind the idea of going with her. She didn't want to intrude on his plans or make him feel obligated to do something he didn't want to. She smiled at his suggestion of getting a snack before heading to the art museum.

Cherry had always enjoyed cultural activities. They were an excuse to get away from home. It was another source of escapism for her growing up, like church. One of her biggest regrets about living Hanjeong was all the museums and places she would never get to see. "I'd love a snack beforehand. I haven't had a real meal all day. And I hear there are some great seaweed salads being served today by some of the vendors."

At that moment, Sammy chose to interrupt them. She was done with her picture. It was of the three of them outside of Castaways Ink. Jiho's tattoos were prominently displayed. Cherry resisted the urge to laugh. Her sister had used a different colored crayon for his hair than what he actually had. "I think you look great with blue hair."

[talonxhj]

He had never put much thought into the animations that had slowly become something over time. He remembered when there were none. They were small bits of entertainment for many people. Humans and creatures a like. Normally, he had enough imagination of his own to take care of his entertainment. But he wasn’t going to lie, he had seen one or two Disney movies. He had been curious when they first came around. Talon had to admit, he appreciated that there was a gore element to them. Or at least, the original snow white had one. Huntsman take her heart, please.

Talon nearly blanched at the idea of a seaweed salad. Right, people ate that. It was a thing. Part of him wanted to ask if she had confused him with some merfolk but he knew she hadn’t meant any disrespect by it. Even if his siren instincts were absolutely, not pleased at the thought. “I also heard they have some pretty good fish at a few stalls too,” he added in an attempt to soothe his internal thought and appease Cherry with a smile on his face. “You get the salad and I’ll get some fish. We can share.” he continued with a nod. Wishing they had a different kind of stall. But it wasn’t as if they would want sirens just... advertising that they ate people... but he could really go for a heart himself…

Before he could add anything else to his statement, they were interrupted by the little one. The drawing in her hand made him chuckle lightly. His hair was a bright blue, but he had to admit, it was a pretty good likeness of his tattoos. “Got an artist in the making,” he offered softly as he moved to stand closer to Sammy’s height. Taking the drawing gently he smiled, “how’d you know my hair is actually a different color?” he teased in a whisper, one that only Sammy and Cherry could hear. “Must be psychic too,” he added, tapping her chin gently before moving to stand.

“How about we get my herbs taken care of. I bring those back to my shop and then come back here to pick you up before we go to get some food?” he offered easily.

[hjxmalai]

Cherry handed Sammy a crayon to distract herself with. She loved her sister, but she admittedly wanted a bit of Talon's attention for herself. She tried not to blush at the thought. Thankfully, he wasn't a mind reader. At least she didn't think he was. She really hoped he wasn't. Cherry shook her head and busied her hands with organizing the toy bin, even though it was already perfect.

"It's been fine. I went to see the underwater merfolk homes," she said. "They were lovely. like nothing I had ever seen before." Cherry quickly veered away, unsure if it was a touchy subject for Talon. She didn't know where he stood on the merfolk-siren politics. A part of her itched to ask what siren homes were like. Would it be rude to ask? Make him homesick?

"I also went to mass this morning. It was nice, but one of the ushers kept going on about her son. I finally had to promise to go see his artwork at the Pavillion later." Cherry wondered what it would be like to have a parent like that, so proud of her accomplishments they would harass innocent churchgoers to get them to see their installation. Her father couldn't even sober up enough to go to any of her graduations.

"Are you going?" she asked.

[talonxhj]

Mmm, merfolk homes? He supposed he could understand her curiosity. When there were things, humans didn’t know or see every day, they were often curious. Truthfully, it wasn’t just humans with the habit. Most creatures had curiosity in their veins. If she asked Talon what they looked like, he would try to soften his annoyance with them. No reason to take out their lack of originality and try to copy things they saw on land under the ocean waves. They weren’t humans. Simple as that. He didn’t understand why some of the folk seemed to believe they needed to try to emulate them. Gross.

“Seen the little mermaid,” he questioned instead, mirth in his eyes that he didn’t even try to hide. Personally, he preferred his home. The darker recesses below the waves. Using natural structures as they were meant to be shaped. No need for doors or any other such thing. Then again, many sirens were territorial and didn’t tend to both others unless planned. Merfolk was always a little more... nosy? Friendly? Annoying. Or so he could remember them.

Not wishing to push his own rhetoric any further, Talon focused on the next part of the conversation instead. Mass was something he never understood. Strange religions for strange humans. But he was reluctant to loop Cherry in with the strange… maybe a little misguided. Stubbornly he was going to stick with that. When she brought up art, however, he understood.

Art was art. No matter the species that created it. It meant something to them, the artist which in turn they tried to share with the world. Not that he ever really wanted to share anything but he understood the concept. So, there was. But her question was interesting. Did she wish for him to come with her? Or was it simply a kind question like her kind heart…

“Truthfully, I hadn’t planned on going but I’m not against it,” replied while he leaned, not a tense muscle in his body. “Do you think it would be worth going?” he questioned in turn, trying to see what she thought. Idly taking in her features while she looked toward him. before she answered he found himself thinking out loud, “Could grab a snack before going in that direction..”

[isawing]

MEW SUPPASIT ⁝⁝ 01.25.2021 molymakeup’s instagram

[hjxmalai]

Cherry still wasn't sure how she was capable of making eye contact with Jiho. Frankly, she still didn't most of the time. It was a good way to make her flush and her heart skip a beat. Maybe he should have been scary, but he had been so kind to her that it was difficult to take anyone's warnings seriously. Especially when she saw him with Sammy. No one would could be that nice to her little sister and be as monstrous as everyone claimed.

She attempted to calm Sammy. This happened sometimes. Her sister decided that she wanted a particular doll or one of the saplings picked a fight with her. Cherry then had to make sure her sister didn't accidentally become a murderer. She was (fairly) sure her sister was unaware of what she was doing. At least she was finally learning self-control.

"She's eight and a handful." Thankfully, she seemed to be aging like a human. This would give her some time before Cherry would have to come clean about her sister's ancestry. Though, if she was lucky, maybe Sammy would at least pass for a mermaid. The prejudice was intense towards sirens. Even if almost everyone was also currently looking at her with envy and at Jiho like a piece of meat. "Don't worry though. I have some herbs for you though. The nymphs were generous. I just wish they sometimes dealt with cash."

Sammy seemed to calm immediately when she saw Jiho. Not for the first time, Cherry wondered if it was because she could sense they were of the same kind. She tried not to sweat it. "Oh look. She's happy to see you."

[talonxhj]

cherry was.. simple. not in a disparaging way, but the sort where you could trust her smiles. if they were hiding anything it would be an inner pain. a turmoil she didn't know how to asses. of the times Talon had known her, she wasn't often hiding things. well, not anything with true malice behind it. it made it easy for his smile to be more real than any others. when he leaned and watched her with the little girl. nodding along when she mentioned the herbs they both knew he would be going for.

"ha, well, you know the creatures that live too long," he said slightly conspiratorially, as if he wasn't one of them.. "some don't adapt to time as well as others," was added as he offered a gentle wider smile to the little girl that as looking towards him. there was something about the little pup. something that piqued his interest but part of him didn't want to dig into why. she was tiny still. no reason to get belligerent about it.

"also, sammy knows which elders happen to be the best or more interesting when compared to others," he teased as he deliberately waggled his eyebrows. Talon had no children, but he wasn't a complete monster... most days.

"other than that," he turned his attention to cherry's face, "how has your festival night been?"

[archiveinmeyo]

@talonxhj​

People said that the sea witch had almost supernatural luck at betting the winners of the games on sports day. While the games were more about having a good time and togetherness, a small group of people liked betting on the winners, and Nari always left such events with a small fortune. Of course, her luck was really based on tampering with the environment with her magic. This year rumors floated around about the organizers installing anti cheating magic devices around the field as a way of making the competition fairer. Oh well, Nari always loved a challenge. 

Rolling up the sleeves of her shirt, Nari focused on the energy in her hands causing some vines crawling out of her hand. She knelt down to place the vines of the filed when she overheard someone approaching her. Had she been busted? The young woman rose to her feet, a brilliant smile gracing her features. “I was just blessing the ground. You know, there’s rumors about people cheating during the game, and these fines were supposed to stop people from trying to break into the sporting arena.” It was a poor excuse, but at least she could spin a more convincing story from the small nuggets of truth laced in her words.

[talonxhj]

the entire night, was something Talon didn’t really care about. the treaty was bullshit. the fake smiles on everyone’s faces, were bullshit. acting like there was any real peace between them all was something he was completely over but at the same time.. he just didn’t care enough to fight about it either. the elder siren had noticed that some people were fine as they aged. kept a young edge about them all the way through... but for him, it didn’t seem that way. he wasn’t ancient. there were nymphs older than he was but many of the elder siren’s were down in the deep. 

pushing the thoughts from his mind, he caught sight of one nymph he knew of in particular. a naiad that had annoyed him greatly at first. acting as if the ocean was her home and she deserved any of the secrets with in it. but, that had been hundreds of years ago and now, he had to admit, her brand of shenanigans was usually pretty hilarious. it helped that she knew his true name, made it feel like someone knew him just a little.. chuckling he shook his head.. “you know i don’t care what you are up to,” he replied with a smile. “but i am curious...”

[hjxmalai]

mother of flowers//open

Date: April 9, 2023; Cultural Exchange Day

Location: Saplings Sanctuary;

Malai was happy to have visitors to the daycare, as donations kept the entire process running. Many dryads, like her grandmother, didn't believe in money, so she was often left to barter herbs and purified water for it. That was the only way they could pay the bills. At least not having it in cash made it more difficult for her father to trade it for liquor.

"Welcome to our Open House. Please, feel free to talk to the children. They really want to share their art." Cherry suddenly flinched as she heard the beginnings of a scream. "Excuse me... I have to take care of that." She rushed to her sister, knowing if she didn't stop this soon, another accident would happen. Her smile was quickly going from happy to deranged.

[talonxhj]

silently, talon walked through the throngs of people. despite many of them knowing exactly what he was, they couldn't seem to stop themselves from looking a little too long when he passed. could it have been the sprawling tattoos over his visible skin? the pure lazy predatorily way he walked or the way he looked at them over his sunglasses? any of them could have been the reason, but it was the smirk of smile he provided in response that had the blushing and looking away.

it had a chuckle on his lips as he walked into the sanctuary. commonly, he a siren, would not be looking for land herbs for healing but some of his clientele were those of the land. had to make sure his walking art pieces didn't end up getting an infection and dying on him. not enough money for that.

catching sight of cherry when he walked in, he pushed his glasses up and offered a smile. what a blessing it was to see her. pretty sure she would know what he was there for. it was his usual after all. of course, that was until he heard the build-up of a scream. ah, yes, sammy. there was something about that girl that piqued his interest but he kept it to himself. "take your time," he offered easily, humor-laced his words as he pulled out his wallet to leave a donation of his own. "how old is she, again?" he questioned once he was finished and looked to the little one and her handler.

[isawing]

MEW SUPPASIT X KIRINATU HAUTE FRAGRANCE

Thank you to @dramadiaries for providing the clip for this scene.