brother breather bother

Visiting Seere had been no new task for Helvil. In fact, she'd been a number of times now, enough that she felt comfortable exploring a little further each time she now went. Well aware of all the speedy ways back to water - or a temporary water source to extend her stay.

But this time she came alone. And this time she had a purpose beyond mere exploration.

After months of research and asking around various ports and seaside villages, she'd finally been given what she sought. A name. A face. One that could, potentially, solve her long-sticking issue: being unable to breathe air like those of the world around her.

Finding him should have been easy enough - as long as she could catch him within a coastal location. While there were elves here, it seemed his demeanour would make him stand out over anything else.

As luck would have it, finding the man became even easier than expected. Water still pooled within each of her steps as she came across a quite conspicuous pair.

The winged woman spotted her first, a surprisingly knowing look in strange eyes. Vi watched as the dragon-like woman leaned closer to her target to whisper in his ear, a gentle push and gesture in her direction. From here, at the angle, Vi could not make out the words spoken.

Uncaring to dwell on this, she stopped a short distance away. Enough to see their faces well, but not feel as if she were threatening them in any way. While sometimes brash, this needed caution and care if she were to get what she desired.

I seek your aid, she signed, a hopeful glint in her eye.

Merilin frowned as Eriar shoved him forward, encouraging him to see to the aberration in front of them. He scowled over his shoulder, turning to her just in time to see her Sign.

Cetacea. What is your name? He signed fluently, unwilling to assume the creature could hear. Many of the aberrations had something missing. Sometimes more than just their hearing or their sight.

He wondered what this one would ask of him. What piece he might fix for her.

A hopeful glimmer renewed, fluttering across Hevil's features. Not only the fact that he could understand her, but could communicate in a way she best understood - it was almost exciting. Not many in her years awake had taken the time to learn or understand to Sign. Just a few key things here and there if anything at all.

Briefly her eyes wandered to the winged woman - another like her, perhaps? she'd not seen many other non-Cetaceas - as she seemed to wander off. Helvil didn't dwell on it, more concerned with conversing with the one she came specifically to see. The remaining elvhen scientist that could do what she needed.

Helvil, she answered. You are The Scientist?

Yes. He didn't mind communicating with his hands; it was quieter. Easier than talking. Talking expected eye-contact and the notion that he wanted to be there listening to the sound of voices he despised. Because truthfully, he despised everyone.

Some less than others, he supposed. Thinking about Eriar and her... strays.

My speciality was Draconics. But I dabbled with the Cetacea.

Helvil felt a bubble of excitement brewing. This could be her chance to taste some semblance of a normal life again.

Normally, she might have tried to be polite and ask after his companion who'd just left. But time for her was always short on land.

I cannot breathe as you do. As I once did. She explained hastily. She tapped her chest once before continuing. She took everything. Everything that She could. I have only gills. Vi added, gesturing toward the slits up her neck. They were slick with water now, but in time would begin to dry and leave her unable to process the air properly.

Merilin studied the aberration, humming quietly to himself. I see. You can keep to the water, follow- he began to describe instructions, on how she might arrive to his waterfall. The river really only had one end; and it ended at the waterfall.

But she could easily take the wrong turn, or get lost some other way. Come there and I will see to your needs. This poor woman was butchered; ruined. He'd fix her. Somehow. And Eriar would likely see to her comfort while she stayed with them.

There was an undeniable eagerness in her as she watched him. Hopeful as she waited for a response. A waterway to get to where she needed to go - surprisingly thoughtful for one who'd only just met her. Unable to suppress the giddy smile, she nodded. I will go now! Thank you. Thank you!

Mentally she took a few moments to process everything he'd just explained, to dump it into her mental map. Sorted, she gave a wave before heading back to the water - eager at the thought of what was to go.