💥🍄🍁SCARE/BOMB💥🚫💙

"An unneeded price to pay, Athena is dead."💥🍄🍁 💥🚫💙[ooc: banner from pinterest, edited by me.]

[that-one-anon]

"Ashes ashes, dust to dust, tell me I am good enough."

"An "unneeded" price to pay, Athena is dead by my hand."

Carrd , How MushFern Died , Devastation , Replacement 1 , Replacement 2 , Self Fulfillment

💟🐚Ribs. Bownes.🐚💟

[art ref: ]

[plz note that Scare has a total of 11 eyes! not all of them are visible 24/7.]

[bownes-anon]

| there's a light tapping at Bownes's bedroom door. it's almost not there with how gentle it was...that's not too good, considering how healthy(?) the other people in this house are! |

"hello? Bownes?"

| wasn't Scare dead or something for a while??? |

— 💥🍄🍁

~ Bownes comes to the door, when he opens it his eyes light up. He embraces Scare, although he seems to be a little disheveled too. Nit unhealthy by any means, thankfully. If anything, it almost looks like he’s been stuck in time for a little bit. ~

Goodmorning my love..!

~ ..It certainly isn’t morning but alright. ~

@that-one-anon

[that-one-anon]

| Scare smiles. aw, so happy kitty! though, they do feel a bit more fragile than normal.

they tilt their head slightly to the left, their back ears flopping a bit. |

"hello, love!"

| despite their slightly ill exterior, they seem pretty happy! |

[bownes-anon]

~ He takes Scare’s paw into his hand and plants a gentle kiss on it. His dark circles were always quite prominent, but now more so than they have been in a while. He peers over his shoulder out the window, and realizes it certainly isn’t morning. ~

Hey, is today Wednesday or Thursday? I can’t quite remember.

~ It’s Tuesday soon to be Wednesday but alright dude. ~

[that-one-anon]

| they purr a little as the top of their paw is kissed. when the day is mentioned, they shrug. |

"i think its Tuesday night. basically Wednesday."

[bownes-anon]

~ He nods, holding their hands as they walk to the kitchen, pulling a chair out for Scare as he opens the fridge. ~

What’re you thinking? To eat, I mean.

[that-one-anon]

| Scare hums. it has had the hungries for a while... |

"i honestly could not care less. words cannot describe how hungry i am right now!"

| it chuckled. |

[bownes-anon]

| there's a light tapping at Bownes's bedroom door. it's almost not there with how gentle it was...that's not too good, considering how healthy(?) the other people in this house are! |

"hello? Bownes?"

| wasn't Scare dead or something for a while??? |

— 💥🍄🍁

~ Bownes comes to the door, when he opens it his eyes light up. He embraces Scare, although he seems to be a little disheveled too. Nit unhealthy by any means, thankfully. If anything, it almost looks like he’s been stuck in time for a little bit. ~

Goodmorning my love..!

~ ..It certainly isn’t morning but alright. ~

@that-one-anon

[that-one-anon]

| Scare smiles. aw, so happy kitty! though, they do feel a bit more fragile than normal.

they tilt their head slightly to the left, their back ears flopping a bit. |

"hello, love!"

| despite their slightly ill exterior, they seem pretty happy! |

[bownes-anon]

~ He takes Scare’s paw into his hand and plants a gentle kiss on it. His dark circles were always quite prominent, but now more so than they have been in a while. He peers over his shoulder out the window, and realizes it certainly isn’t morning. ~

Hey, is today Wednesday or Thursday? I can’t quite remember.

~ It’s Tuesday soon to be Wednesday but alright dude. ~

[that-one-anon]

| they purr a little as the top of their paw is kissed. when the day is mentioned, they shrug. |

"i think its Tuesday night. basically Wednesday."

[bownes-anon]

| there's a light tapping at Bownes's bedroom door. it's almost not there with how gentle it was...that's not too good, considering how healthy(?) the other people in this house are! |

"hello? Bownes?"

| wasn't Scare dead or something for a while??? |

— 💥🍄🍁

~ Bownes comes to the door, when he opens it his eyes light up. He embraces Scare, although he seems to be a little disheveled too. Nit unhealthy by any means, thankfully. If anything, it almost looks like he’s been stuck in time for a little bit. ~

Goodmorning my love..!

~ ..It certainly isn’t morning but alright. ~

@that-one-anon

[that-one-anon]

| Scare smiles. aw, so happy kitty! though, they do feel a bit more fragile than normal.

they tilt their head slightly to the left, their back ears flopping a bit. |

"hello, love!"

| despite their slightly ill exterior, they seem pretty happy! |

[that-one-anon]

| holy moly guacamole! Scare's awake! and, jesus, he looks disheveled... |

[that-one-anon]

[ooc:

:3 haii i might have forgotten i can just sorta INTERACT with people as a STRANGE CREATURE POSSESSED BY AN AI.

anyways making this post to say that i'm chaning my texty thing from the /'s and |'s to | this |. | this will be for Bomb :3 |. okayy thats all byeee]

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

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

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

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

"Wait its your birthday?"

[dream-of-elias]

[Elias stays silent, assuming similarly to Scare.]

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"That's really interesting."

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

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

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

"Cool."

|/ they smile back at her, their tail swaying a bit behind themself. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

[He gives Iphi a small pat on the head to show he's proud of her.]

[A short moment later, he stands up, taking his own plate with Scare's, Ribs', and Iphi's to the sink to wash.]

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

Thank you, Elias!

~ He gets up himself, taking the remaining cake and, as delicately as possible, slides it into a container, which is put into the fridge. He grabs any remaining cutlery or dishes, plopping them into the sink so he can wash them later. Ribs helps him by handing him a few of the utensils on her end of the table. ~

Thank you guys. I really appreciate you all being here.

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

|/ they get a bit confused; they didn't realize everyone was finishing up. they stand, their ears a bit poofy. \|

"You're welcome, love."

|/ despite their confusion, their voice doesn't waver at all. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

[Elias turns briefly to face everyone.]

yeah, of course. nice to spend time with you all.

[He gives a small smile before turning back to the sink, starting to wash the dishes.]

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

~ He utters a final thank you to Elias, as Iphi grabs her book and runs off to her room, eager to keep reading. Ribs thanks Bownes for the meal, and Elias for washing the dishes. Bownes joins Scare’s side. ~

Wanna go watch a movie? You can pick if you’d like!

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

"No, you can pick; the only movies I've watched are Clue and Die Hard."

|/ they smile and oddly shy smile, and grabs Bownes's hand. \|

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

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

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

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

"Wait its your birthday?"

[dream-of-elias]

[Elias stays silent, assuming similarly to Scare.]

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"That's really interesting."

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

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

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

"Cool."

|/ they smile back at her, their tail swaying a bit behind themself. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

[He gives Iphi a small pat on the head to show he's proud of her.]

[A short moment later, he stands up, taking his own plate with Scare's, Ribs', and Iphi's to the sink to wash.]

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

Thank you, Elias!

~ He gets up himself, taking the remaining cake and, as delicately as possible, slides it into a container, which is put into the fridge. He grabs any remaining cutlery or dishes, plopping them into the sink so he can wash them later. Ribs helps him by handing him a few of the utensils on her end of the table. ~

Thank you guys. I really appreciate you all being here.

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

|/ they get a bit confused; they didn't realize everyone was finishing up. they stand, their ears a bit poofy. \|

"You're welcome, love."

|/ despite their confusion, their voice doesn't waver at all. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

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

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

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

"Wait its your birthday?"

[dream-of-elias]

[Elias stays silent, assuming similarly to Scare.]

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"That's really interesting."

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

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

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

"Cool."

|/ they smile back at her, their tail swaying a bit behind themself. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

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

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

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

"Wait its your birthday?"

[dream-of-elias]

[Elias stays silent, assuming similarly to Scare.]

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"That's really interesting."

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

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

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

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

"Wait its your birthday?"

[bownes-anon]

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

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

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

"And, happy birthday, love!"

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

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @dream-of-elias ||

[dream-of-elias]

hm? yeah. I would like that.

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

and happy birthday.

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

Buon appetito! I hope you guys like it.

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

How old are you now?

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@ribbons-anon))

[bownes-anon]

Oh, I’ve turned..

~ He counts on his fingers for a moment. ~

24. Been around for 6 years now.

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"Where were you before hand?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

Oh, I just..

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

I just sort, walked out of the sea.

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

Want me to cut you another piece?

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[ribbons-anon]

Omg! Twins!!

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"Are you guys fish people..?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

...I just asked that...

but uh, yeah, what?

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

[He freezes, remembering the topic of discussion.]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

"So you don't got any parents?"

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

hey, lucky you. my dad sucked.

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

But aside from that I can’t really complain.

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

[iphigenia-thewronged]

..Yeah, that’s probably right.

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

Do you have any birthday wishes, Bownes?

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

[iphigenia-thewronged]

Oh, it’s the sixth day of Artemísios.

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

...uh, noted...

[He is befuddled amd confused.]

I understand entirely.

((@ribbons-anon))

[ribbons-anon]

Uhhhh..

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"The 6th of Artemísios?"

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

yeah, is that like... greek april?

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

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

"Eh, whatever."

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

"Who anticipation for who leaving what?"

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

...who're they?

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

"Oh, neat. I assume that those are different deities?"

|/ they seem interested. \|

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

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

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

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

"Wait its your birthday?"

[bownes-anon]

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

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

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

"And, happy birthday, love!"

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

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @dream-of-elias ||

[dream-of-elias]

hm? yeah. I would like that.

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

and happy birthday.

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

Buon appetito! I hope you guys like it.

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

How old are you now?

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@ribbons-anon))

[bownes-anon]

Oh, I’ve turned..

~ He counts on his fingers for a moment. ~

24. Been around for 6 years now.

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"Where were you before hand?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

Oh, I just..

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

I just sort, walked out of the sea.

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

Want me to cut you another piece?

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[ribbons-anon]

Omg! Twins!!

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"Are you guys fish people..?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

...I just asked that...

but uh, yeah, what?

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

[He freezes, remembering the topic of discussion.]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

"So you don't got any parents?"

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

hey, lucky you. my dad sucked.

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

But aside from that I can’t really complain.

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

[iphigenia-thewronged]

..Yeah, that’s probably right.

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

Do you have any birthday wishes, Bownes?

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

[iphigenia-thewronged]

Oh, it’s the sixth day of Artemísios.

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

...uh, noted...

[He is befuddled amd confused.]

I understand entirely.

((@ribbons-anon))

[ribbons-anon]

Uhhhh..

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"The 6th of Artemísios?"

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

yeah, is that like... greek april?

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

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

"Eh, whatever."

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

"Who anticipation for who leaving what?"

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

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

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

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

"Wait its your birthday?"

[bownes-anon]

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

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

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

"And, happy birthday, love!"

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

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @dream-of-elias ||

[dream-of-elias]

hm? yeah. I would like that.

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

and happy birthday.

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

Buon appetito! I hope you guys like it.

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

How old are you now?

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@ribbons-anon))

[bownes-anon]

Oh, I’ve turned..

~ He counts on his fingers for a moment. ~

24. Been around for 6 years now.

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"Where were you before hand?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

Oh, I just..

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

I just sort, walked out of the sea.

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

Want me to cut you another piece?

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[ribbons-anon]

Omg! Twins!!

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"Are you guys fish people..?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

...I just asked that...

but uh, yeah, what?

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

[He freezes, remembering the topic of discussion.]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

"So you don't got any parents?"

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

hey, lucky you. my dad sucked.

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

But aside from that I can’t really complain.

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

[iphigenia-thewronged]

..Yeah, that’s probably right.

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

Do you have any birthday wishes, Bownes?

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

[iphigenia-thewronged]

Oh, it’s the sixth day of Artemísios.

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

...uh, noted...

[He is befuddled amd confused.]

I understand entirely.

((@ribbons-anon))

[ribbons-anon]

Uhhhh..

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"The 6th of Artemísios?"

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

yeah, is that like... greek april?

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

((@iphigenia-thewronged))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

"Eh, whatever."

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

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

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

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

"Wait its your birthday?"

[bownes-anon]

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

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

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

"And, happy birthday, love!"

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

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @dream-of-elias ||

[dream-of-elias]

hm? yeah. I would like that.

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

and happy birthday.

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

Buon appetito! I hope you guys like it.

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

How old are you now?

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@ribbons-anon))

[bownes-anon]

Oh, I’ve turned..

~ He counts on his fingers for a moment. ~

24. Been around for 6 years now.

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"Where were you before hand?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

Oh, I just..

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

I just sort, walked out of the sea.

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

Want me to cut you another piece?

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[ribbons-anon]

Omg! Twins!!

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"Are you guys fish people..?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

...I just asked that...

but uh, yeah, what?

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

[He freezes, remembering the topic of discussion.]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

"So you don't got any parents?"

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

hey, lucky you. my dad sucked.

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

But aside from that I can’t really complain.

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

[iphigenia-thewronged]

..Yeah, that’s probably right.

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

Do you have any birthday wishes, Bownes?

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

[iphigenia-thewronged]

Oh, it’s the sixth day of Artemísios.

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

...uh, noted...

[He is befuddled amd confused.]

I understand entirely.

((@ribbons-anon))

[ribbons-anon]

Uhhhh..

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"The 6th of Artemísios?"

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

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

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

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

"Wait its your birthday?"

[bownes-anon]

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

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

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

"And, happy birthday, love!"

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

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @dream-of-elias ||

[dream-of-elias]

hm? yeah. I would like that.

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

and happy birthday.

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

Buon appetito! I hope you guys like it.

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

How old are you now?

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@ribbons-anon))

[bownes-anon]

Oh, I’ve turned..

~ He counts on his fingers for a moment. ~

24. Been around for 6 years now.

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"Where were you before hand?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

Oh, I just..

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

I just sort, walked out of the sea.

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

Want me to cut you another piece?

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[ribbons-anon]

Omg! Twins!!

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"Are you guys fish people..?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

...I just asked that...

but uh, yeah, what?

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

[He freezes, remembering the topic of discussion.]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

"So you don't got any parents?"

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

hey, lucky you. my dad sucked.

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

But aside from that I can’t really complain.

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

[iphigenia-thewronged]

..Yeah, that’s probably right.

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

Do you have any birthday wishes, Bownes?

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

[iphigenia-thewronged]

Oh, it’s the sixth day of Artemísios.

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

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

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

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

"Wait its your birthday?"

[bownes-anon]

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

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

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

"And, happy birthday, love!"

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

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @dream-of-elias ||

[dream-of-elias]

hm? yeah. I would like that.

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

and happy birthday.

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

Buon appetito! I hope you guys like it.

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

How old are you now?

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@ribbons-anon))

[bownes-anon]

Oh, I’ve turned..

~ He counts on his fingers for a moment. ~

24. Been around for 6 years now.

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"Where were you before hand?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

Oh, I just..

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

I just sort, walked out of the sea.

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

Want me to cut you another piece?

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[ribbons-anon]

Omg! Twins!!

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"Are you guys fish people..?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

...I just asked that...

but uh, yeah, what?

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

[He freezes, remembering the topic of discussion.]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

"So you don't got any parents?"

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

hey, lucky you. my dad sucked.

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

But aside from that I can’t really complain.

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

[iphigenia-thewronged]

..Yeah, that’s probably right.

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

Do you have any birthday wishes, Bownes?

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

- 🦷🎀 @bownes-anon

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

"Oh, yeah yeah yeah!!"

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

"Wait its your birthday?"

[bownes-anon]

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

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

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

"And, happy birthday, love!"

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

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @dream-of-elias ||

[dream-of-elias]

hm? yeah. I would like that.

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

and happy birthday.

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

Buon appetito! I hope you guys like it.

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

How old are you now?

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@ribbons-anon))

[bownes-anon]

Oh, I’ve turned..

~ He counts on his fingers for a moment. ~

24. Been around for 6 years now.

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"Where were you before hand?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

Oh, I just..

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

I just sort, walked out of the sea.

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

Want me to cut you another piece?

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

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

((@bownes-anon))

[ribbons-anon]

Omg! Twins!!

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

"Are you guys fish people..?"

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

...I just asked that...

but uh, yeah, what?

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

[He freezes, remembering the topic of discussion.]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

"So you don't got any parents?"

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

hey, lucky you. my dad sucked.

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

((@bownes-anon))

[bownes-anon]

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

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

But aside from that I can’t really complain.

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

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

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

((@bownes-anon))

[iphigenia-thewronged]

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

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

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

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]

[dream-of-elias]

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

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

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

[iphigenia-thewronged]

..Yeah, that’s probably right.

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

Do you have any birthday wishes, Bownes?

|| @that-one-anon ||

[that-one-anon]

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

[ @dream-of-elias ]