001 | [Voice/Action aboard the Shepherd]

[seakingbait]

[So it's been a bit of time since she and Robin have been rescued by the good people aboard the Shepherd. She had jumped overboard to save Robin, who had been knocked away by a massive storm.

That she directed the ship into.

Oops.

It's something that's been digging into her ever since it happened. Navigating wasn't exactly her expertise, but she should at least have been able to recognize that a storm was coming. Right? She's done her best to keep a brave face, especially in front of Robin. Still, the young mermaid works hard to show the crew of the Shepherd her gratitude, from making snacks to cleaning. It might take the crew a little while to get used to the sight of a green-haired mermaid floating around the ship on a giant bubble, though.

Still, when she's alone, the guilt of the storm continues to eat at her. She knows she can't allow something like that to happen again. Everyone made it out unharmed, but she might not be so lucky next time. If someone was seriously hurt because of her incompetence, she would never be able to forgive herself.]

Is there... someone out there who's really good at navigating? Could they, maybe, give some lessons to someone who really wants to learn?

[ (Backdated to before the crew arrives at Empieza) ]

Comments

[grizzly_tea]

[Maribelle can't help but let a mirthful smile play on her face, even giving Keimi a playful wink.]

This is child's play my dear, just wait until someone has a gaping chest wound and I patch it up in mere seconds.

Now then, why don't you take a seat and I'll prepare us some tea.

[seakingbait]

[She nods happily, gently transitioning from her bubble and into the chair beside her. She turns to the bubble, and with the tip of her finger, pops it. It was taking up far too much space to simply leave it floating about.]

[grizzly_tea]

[Maribelle meanwhile begins setting a small flame to boil the kettle of water for the tea, and preparing the cups of tea for them to drink once it finishes boiling. A cup of earl gray for herself, and a citrus blend for Kiemi since she always kept extra of it on her person.]

So Kiemi, as a mermaid you live under the sea and on land right? Do merfolk have any major cities above or beneath water? Or are they perhaps more nomadic?

[There's a delighted little hum from Maribelle as she finishes arranging the tea cups just right and proper.]

[seakingbait]

Well... there aren't many merfolk on land, but fishmen do travel around a little. Most of our kingdom lives on one island, deep under water. It's how we... stay safe... from humans.

[grizzly_tea]

Ah... right... sorry. I thought it might be something like that.

[There was a bit of an awkward silence from Maribelle, before the kettle started to whistle, and she began to pour out the tea.]

So! What exactly do fishmen tend to do for a living?

[She had no way of really asking if eating fish was considered cannibalism without triggering yet another awkward pause. Then again it was probably better than trying to prepare her fried fish, only to have her choke when she found out what it was...]

[seakingbait]

Mm... some are bounty hunters, or mercenaries. I know of a few that have joined up with really strong pirate crews. If there's anything a fishman is known for, it's his incredible strength.

[grizzly_tea]

What about you? I mean... no offense darling, but you don't exactly look like the bounty hunting sort.

[Maribelle gave Keimi a playful little smile, setting the piping hot cup of tea on a saucer in front of her, before taking a seat across from her.]

[seakingbait]

Oh! Um... I'm a waitress at the Mermaid Cafe. It's a really popular tourist attraction on Fishman Island.

[She isn't entirely sure why so many humans like to visit the cafe. It's certainly a great club atmosphere, but it can be exhausting after a while. It's sure to have nothing to do with the seashell bikini uniforms.]

It's good money, so I can live on my own. That way I have extra space to work on my designs.

[grizzly_tea]

Oh! How quaint! It's nice to hear that even fishmen commoners can appreciate the value of good service.

[Don't mind Maribelle, she doesn't mean to come off as snobbish.]

Although judging by what I know of cafes, I suspect the attraction is simply in the fact that young mermaids like you work there. Women tend to be quite the lure, no matter what species you are.

[Why yes, Maribelle did canonically know of a cafe where a 'pack of lovely ladies wait on you']

[seakingbait]

[She reddens.]

Th-that's not really true, is it?

[grizzly_tea]

[Well... that earns a blink of surprise from Maribelle. Now she was reminding her of Olivia. Could she really be so innocent and naive? Or was she simply just embarrassed by the idea. Still, Maribelle reaches out and gives Keimi a reassuring pat on the cheek.]

It's nothing to be ashamed of darling. Women have been using their charm for this kind of thing for centuries. Besides, I very much doubt that any of the other members of the cafe would ever allow anything untoward to happen to you. Why, if you applied yourself, you could likely manage to wrap the entire world around your finger with your charm.

There's certainly no harm in selling a few cups of tea and coffee simply to make ends meet.

[seakingbait]

Un...toward? Around my... finger?

[She has no idea what you're talking about, but for some reason it's making her cheeks want to burst into flames.]

[grizzly_tea]

Oh dear... just what do they teach young mermaids these days? Keimi darling? How old are you? Certainly old enough that you at least have prospects for finding a husband should you wish it, am I right?

Because I fear I may have to educate you in the ways of being a woman of fine breeding. True, you're not exactly of noble blood, but that does not mean that you cannot hold yourself with the poise and bearing of a proper lady.

[Run Keimi! Run far, and run fast! Before it's too late! Actually it's probably already too late.]

[seakingbait]

H-husband? Breeding?

[She quivers into her teacup, doing her best to take a sip. It's difficult to tell whether the rising steam originated from her drink or her face.]

I-I don't... I've never... th-this is...

[grizzly_tea]

[Oh dear. She really did have her work cut out for her didn't she? She'd have to start from the bottom and work her way up. How in the world did this young woman socialize with pirates on a daily basis, yet was looking like an overheated kettle at just the thought of a husband? Although she most certainly had taken fine breeding out of context.]

Keimi... take a deep breath, count to three, breathe in, breathe out, inhale, exhale... slowly, count to 5, and breathe again.

[So much work to do, so little time.]

[seakingbait]

[Gasp!

And... slowly... regaining her breathing.

One, two...

Okay.]

I-I really don't think I'm ready to get married...

[grizzly_tea]

Well clearly not after that display. I doubt very much that you should even court anyone just yet until you've at least had some practice.

[seakingbait]

Oh, um... but how do I get practice?

[grizzly_tea]

Why you'd practice with me of course! I wouldn't just send you off to the wolves on your very first try you know. First we'll need to work on your image, then we'll need to work on your nervousness, and we'll also start having you practice some lines of dialogue to charm everyone's socks off. Before I'm done, you'll be the shining jewel of the mermaid cafe~! Men will throw themselves at your fee-err... fins, just for a chance to see you give them a disarming smile.

[Why yes, she does intend to give you some of that boa hancock power of sex appeal.]

[seakingbait]

[You are creating a very dangerous weapon, Maribelle. I hope you realize that.]

My image? Is there something wrong with the way I look...?

[grizzly_tea]

[Well given how many times she's seen Keimi in need of rescuing... a dangerous weapon may be just what she needs. Besides, as a fire emblem troubadour, Maribelle has the demoiselle skill.]

Well for starters, the way you hold yourself is hardly dignified. You have all the poise of a limp noodle. Sit up straight, with the spine forming a perfect line, keep your chin up, and your head looking straightforward. Posture is a very important first step!

[seakingbait]

O-oh!

[She does her best to shift her position in response to Maribelle's suggestions. The resulting position looks nothing short of statuesque, and very, very uncomfortable.]

H-how's... this?

[grizzly_tea]

No, no! Spine straight and certainly not at an angle when you do have it straight. Chin should be up, but not to the point where you're looking up at the ceiling. Remember to keep your neck straight, and keep your shoulders... here.

[Maribelle adjusted Keimi a bit physically to try to help her get the position a bit more properly]

Now, look at me? See a perfect example for yourself? Now, let's try again from the top.

[seakingbait]

W-well... this does feel comfier than what I was trying to do...

[But it still feels awfully... rigid. She does her best to keep her head straight, but her back is beginning to ache from maintaining such posture. When you spend the majority of your life sitting on a bubble, your posture tends to slip.]

...How does this help me find a husband, again?

[grizzly_tea]

Bup-bup-bup! That comes much later! We're starting on the basics, and you cannot be taken seriously if your posture is that of a limp noodle.

[Maribelle takes a sip of her cup of tea, her pinkie noticeably raised as she drinks.]

That is much better, but it will take you some time to master it. Once you do though, you'll find that it is much more comfortable, and less straining on your back.