There was much to dislike here, in the dusty bustle of the court. The sound, the smell, the lack of space. It was so utterly unnatural, all that stone carved and balanced, stacked and spiraling into the sky; yet in its unnaturalness there was something awe-inspiring. Someone once stood there on a blank expanse of grass, swaying deliriously in the wind, and they imagined something bigger. Something that would outlast not just themselves but the grass, the trees, the seasons.
It was a testament to power, and something about that stirred the kelpie at her core.
Still, Anandi would be the first to complain that the city was sometimes noisy and often stank. But the sea was always there, always close enough to be a reprieve for anyone who dared to brave the rocky shoreline. And escape she did, as often as she could. Even now: clean, dry (except for a small wet stain on her neck: Anouk, her bonded) and anointed in rose oil, lean in a little closer and you’ll find she smells of the sea.
Anandi listens quietly as the strangers introduce themselves. Mephisto carries herself with a quiet dignity, yet the emissary senses some sort of anxiety-- guilt?-- which she silently takes note of. Aoife is charmingly guileless. What a sweet little pet.
“It is a pleasure to meet you both, Mephisto and Aoife.” She dips her head courteously. “And a pleasure to have you join the court. From where do you come? Or have you been living in the swamp all your life?” Her speech is airy and cordial, but amusement shines in her green eyes. Anandi had many barely-contained opinions on those who chose to live in the Tinea.
“Regardless, I hope you find Dusk to your liking. And don’t worry,” She laughs lightly, the sound sweet as rain. “We’ll find you ways to help out. There’s always work to be done around here. Do you have any particular skills or interests?”
@Mephisto @
some say the loving and the devouring are all the same thing
☾
