Fantasy Down the Rabbit Hole(Not Alice in Wonderland/Slow Long Rp)

[TatianaNyxBlack]

A once lost island in the Atlantic Ocean, it still thrives. Some parts of the city enclosed under a bubble dome to lock in air for the mortals and other land beings that venture down below. It was once said that after the island had sunk, Poseidon and his wife, Amphitrite, and son Triton, had come to live in fallen city, reviving those they could and changing them into what we now know of as mermaids. As the years wore on the sea God, he tasked one family to keep watch over him and his family as they slowly changed to living stone, sleeping till such a time came when his people would need him again. This family became known as the royal family, disciples of Poseidon, and imbued with special gifts. It took many years, but slowly the original family drifted apart and set about making their own kingdoms.
The descendants of that one family who still lived in Atlantis are beloved by all their subjects, and with great happiness of the city, they are celebrating the 13th birthday of the youngest child of the royal family, the only princess. Of all the city though, only a few select locations were very busy, and of these places, one small tavern and inn that was a special favorite of the royal family was busy as it still continued its regular business as well as preparations for the birthday party.

~*~*~*~*~*~

]Walking along the beach coastline, you listen to the soothing sound of the waves, hoping to fall asleep again when you spot someone, or something, enter the local "haunted" cave. You're curious, especially becuase of the flashing light you see inside, and you follow. Standing outside the entrance, the caves internal darkness seems to swallow all other light, except for the one bouncing orb you see overhead. Cautiously you walk inside to follow it, only to pause at the sound of music, which makes you more curious and you proceed again. It seems to stretch on forever, but you've only walked for maybe 5 minutes, when you finally see the bouncing orb, which you find isn't really an orb at all. The glowing mass is in fact a small Fae, now flitting around you in circles, shiny "dust" falling over you, befores she backs away and her light reveals a door that slowly creaks open.

You peak inside, noticing the many tables and chairs filled with people, an area filled with people just dancing near a low-set stage on the right where a group of people were playing music of some kind, to the left is a display case featuring pastries and desserts of all kind next to a bar counter with one register, laughter rising from the full bar as people sat and talked and ate. Back near the opposite entrance is a set of spiral stairs, and out the window you see a strange city filled with people, no, not people, but aquatic beings, swimming while in clear tube like arches you see normal, possibly human, beings. The interior of the cafe is set with low orange glow, and a young woman with silver hair and ruby eyes smiles at you. "Welcome to The Rabbit Hole. I hope you enjoy it here."

 

[TatianaNyxBlack]

Aria yawned, arms stretching high over her head as she walked from her personal bathroom to her closet in the nude. Ruby red eyes peered around the walk in closet as she thought about what to wear for the day. Making up her mind, she grabbed a matching lace bra and panty set then a pair of low rise black multi-pocket capri pants and a crimson v-neck spaghetti strap tank top. Picking up a pair of open-toed black lace up booties, she sat on the side of her "bed" and put them on. It had a frame like a bed in that it had a head board and foot board, but that was it. The edges were three feet from the floor, the inside was filled with sea water with a layer of sand on the bottom.

Standing, she walked over to her vanity dresser and reaching into the small bowl that she kept her jewelry in. A pair of small round ruby coral studs in each ear lobe and a necklace with a pendant in the shape of an elaborately designed trident rested in the dip between her boobs over her heart. The last item from the bowl that she grabbed was a ring. It wasn't really stunning, nothing shiny or extravagant, but a simple band of dark coral and metal with a decent sized black pearl in the center. Aria loved it though, loved the man that gave it to her. Slipping it onto her left ring finger, she walked out of her room as she gathered up her long silver tresses up in to a messy bun.

Walking down to the first floor, she moved around the main floor taking chairs down off the tables and setting them right side up around the small round tables. Humming a little tune as she walked around dusting off the tables and booths, then the main bar/counter area before walking through the swinging door into the kitchen to begin her morning batch of pastries, cookies and cakes. Luckily it was short work to get most started as she kept some of the doughs premade in the fridge, sitting only for just a single night to be used the next morning. Getting the first batch in to the two large restaurant ovens, she walked back out to the main floor and unlocked all the doors, flipping the signs to show 'OPEN'.

 

[Kry]

Spoiler: Auris Profile

Owner: Kry
Character Name: Auris Felik Vinus
Age: 27
Race: Merman (Mako Shark)
Sexuality: Bi
Personality: Headstrong, tries to be charming. Cunning and can be very predatory at times.
Gifts/Powers: Communicate and persuade sharks to do his bidding, can switch between tail and human legs. Can see very well in the dark.
Weaknesses: A little clumsy with his human legs, can't communicate with other sea creatures, only sharks.
Bio: Auris is the first born of his father. Thus heir to his father's kingdom, land of the nomadic tribes, Pandoris. Auris has two siblings, twins a brother and a sister.
After many failed attempts of his father trying to marry him off, 'for the good of their kingdom and people' Auris was finally sent off to find a suitable bride on his own. Since he clearly did not like any that his father chose for him.
Appearance:

Other: Auris traded his eyes to a seawitch for magic, though once he realized he had been tricked he set out to regain his eyes. With help from a friend he succeeded in getting his eyes back.

Auris was a predator, through and through, a silent and deadly hunter. With a sleek body made for agile hunting and fast movement, he was a shark with a long tail to be proud of, but right now the sleek hunter was not wearing his tail. He was wearing his long human legs. The tail he had been born in to, the legs he had acquired a bit later in life. He did adore his human legs, found them rather fascinating, even if sometimes hard to use. He certainly could not maneuver them like his tail, and the art of using stealth to sneak up on things in this form was beyond his grasp. Human legs were just far to clumsy. Perhaps if he had been born into them, but that was not a thought Auris liked to entertain very often. He was overly fond of his shark tail. Right now the predator couldn't sneak up on a potted plant. Not that he had tried or anything and it ended in failure with him face first in the plant's pot.

With a hand on the railing, Auris made his way down the stairs. He was quieter than most normal humans with his movements, but to him, it was still loud. It was nothing like the quiet sleek movements his tail afforded him. He also couldn't figure out the whole balance thing, some days he thought he had it all figured out, but for the most part he was still a bit clumsy with these human legs of his. The gods forbid he put shoes on, he would trip all day long, he really didn't understand how they worked at all, but Aria's always seemed to look cute. Like the ones she was wearing right now. He had paused in his descent to watch her flip the sign on the door. Or rather, to admire her form. She was graceful in or out of the water. Strong and beautiful. Perfect.

Auris continued his descent, moving as quietly as this form allowed him, it was just how he was. Moving quietly was how he always moved, it was second nature, he hardly ever did it on purpose or with much thought. His barefeet finally stepped off the last step and he moved towards Aria. Today, like most days, Auris wore a black button down shirt, the buttons all undone and the sleeves rolled up past his elbows. His jeans were a matching black, and of course on his feet, he wore nothing. Shoes were just ridiculous, and uncomfortable in his opinion.

 

[Cactus Cupcakes]

The sea was a wondrous place. That was something Anja came to learn many years ago. And she found that one of it's most wondrous inhabitants were the mer that dwelt far below. Odd and intelligent, sleek and graceful. In all her years, of all she met, she couldn't recall if she had ever really met one. She wondered idly if she would recognize one if she had...

These thoughts idled through Anja's head as she walked barefoot in the sand, bathed in the growing light of morning. Each print she left was deep set and defined, filling with water as the surf lapped at her skin. Sand stuck the cuffs of her torn and dirty jeans while the wind kissed the at the bland t-shirt on her shoulders. She stopped after a while, stretching her arms of her head and opening her mouth into a yawn. She ran her tongue over her teeth as her arms dropped, bright golden eyes watching the shifting expanse of blue before her. A true feast for the senses.

Including scent. Call her crazy, but she was almost certain that the sea didn't naturally smell like baked goods.

Slowly she turned, eyes darting along the seaside cliffs behind her. As her search brought up nothing she began to move, slowly moving along as she searched for the out-of-place smell's origin. She only stopped as a cave came into view, deep inset and dark. And the smell wafting out was strong and sweet.

A bouncy smile split her face as she began to move, taking a quick pace as she entered the cave. It would be natural for her feet to almost slip on moist stone as the sand transitioned over, but it was easy enough to maintain purchase. Even the dark did not last long, her eyes quickly adjusting as her pupils seem to swallow the bright gold of her eyes to adjust. A cozy building came into view only a small ways into the earth, small yet inviting with a big 'OPEN' sign in the window. A business of some sort. A business that seemed to be making sweets and pastries. Perhaps snickerdoodles?

Snickerdoodles or no, her hand soon found the knob and the door swung open.

 

[TatianaNyxBlack]

Away was her mind, that Aria never noticed her shark-mate descend the stairs. Unfortunately for her, she had been so used to having Auris around that her own instincts were used to him and therefore weren't even letting her know that a predator was nearby. Not that it mattered. She was fully capable of defending herself against anything, or at least holding them off until they gave up or she could get help. She was getting better, the mermaid knew that, she could fight out of the water just as well in the water and she was proficient in a blade and a trident, definitely thanks to Auris helping her. Nibbling her lip in a way that said something was bothering her, and something was but she just couldn't think of why. The pulse of magic that echoed her own heartbeat seemed out of rhythm and she couldn't figure out why.

Even when she had turned to go head back to the kitchen and pull out the bread and pastries, ruby eyes skipped over the form of the shark. She was almost to the swing door by the bar area when she felt something behind her just seconds before pale arms started to encircle her waist. Left hand glowing with a sickly white color, her magic formed of the same poison from the man-o-war jellyfish, her visage one of anger as she turned to confront the offender. Whatever curse that was about to pass her lips died quickly as she registered who had just pulled her into an embrace, the glow fizzing off her hand. "Auris?" A desperate sadness tinged her words, as if praying she wasn't imagining the sight of him. The same hand that was about to blast him full of poison instead reached up to cup his cheek, thumb rubbing back and forth. "It's not a dream..." Tears welled in her jewel-toned eyes before she grabbed at him in a tight hug, easily tucking her head under his chin and hiding her eyes along his neck.

 

[Kry]

Like a true predator, he had struck silently and precisely, though his strike was a harmless embrace. He knew her well enough to know how she would react from the surprise, she was a fighter and she would fight. He also knew her well enough to know that she wouldn't just strike him blindly, or at least, he hoped. He wasn't wrong. Once she realized who was reaching to ensnare her, she let the magic fizzle. There was only amusement and adoration dancing in his eyes. She grabbed him then, clutching him in a tight hug, and he breathed deeply. Taking in the scent of her. His arms encircling her, a hand resting at the small of her back while the other rested on her hip. His grip was firm, but far from tight. He held her like that for moments, chuckling softly. "A dream me would be nice, I'm sure, but I still don't think he could compare to the real me." Slowly he pulled back from her just a bit.

The hand on her hip moved up to caress the side of her face, tilting it up and back just slightly, gently, so he could peer deep into her eyes. His own still filled with that amusement, and that adoration, that love that he only held for her. His head dipped down and he pressed his lips against hers. A sweet kiss, filled with longing and love. Filled with the joy of being reunited. He lingered there for a while. Pressing her closer to himself as he deepened the kiss. It turned from sweet and loving, to needful and passionate, but without ever losing any of that loving. He was content to hold her there forever, just lip locked as they were, but it would stop if she decided to pull away.

 

[TatianaNyxBlack]

Eyes fluttered shut at the first press of his lips, she sighed in pleasure. Aria welcomed the deepening kiss with a soft moan, becoming lost in the sensation and the emotions until the shrill beep of the kitchen timer went off, jolting her back to reality. "Oh shit!" She cussed lowly, drawing away with sadness but lacing her hand in his and dragging him into the kitchen with her. Once they reached the back, she let go of him to draw out the trays of pastries and then cookies, setting the hot pans on one of many tables in the kitchen then shoving another set back into the oven and resetting the timer. "Nothing could ever compare to the real you." The mermaid turned to look at him, lips quirked in a small smile, elation sparkling in her eyes.

Resting her hands on the table behind her, she could feel her cheeks heat even as a coy smile blossomed. Not that it lasted long, the wards on the doors alerted her to a presence entering from the human portal. Grabbing an apron she hung by the swing-door, Aria wrapped it around her waist, adding an extra sway to her hips as she glided to the shark. "I know this isn't home for you, but welcome home. I want to hear everything about your trip." Pressing a gentle, emotion filled kiss to his lips, the mermaid moved to the front room to greet the guest.

 

[Cactus Cupcakes]

The place was quite quaint if Anja was to be honest. All soft wood and low light. As the door swung open and Anja took a step in, her eyes immediately slid to the pastry case. She barely even noticed the apron wearing employee that had exited out of the swinging kitchen doors. Her once face-splitting grin soon melted into a small pout when she realized the sweets case was empty. But the smell was persistent and heavy here. Perhaps they were still simply baking in the back? That thought hummed through her head as she turned, yellow eyes scanning over the counter before, finally, settling on a lovely young lady in a server's apron.

Anja blinked at her, a small smile splitting her round face. Distantly she realized she must look quite the mess, but those thoughts soon vanished as she turned to face the woman properly. "Hello," she said, voice high and almost sing song. "I didn't see you there. Say..." she paused, moving closer as her sand covered bare feet slid along the wooden floor, stopping just in front of her with a big and toothy grin, "you wouldn't happen to be baking some snickerdoodles back there would ya?"

 

[Kry]

Auris frowned when the timer went off, causing Aria to pull away from him, but she tangled her fingers in his and tugged him along. He gripped her hand gently and went willingly into the kitchen with her. When she let go, he frowned again, but he understood the necessity of it, one could hardly prepare pastries without the use of both hands. Still, couldn't she just close up shop to celebrate his return? Now that was an idea, and already he envisioned her spread out upon his bed. Auris licked his lips in an almost predatory manner, coming out of his thoughts as she spoke. He smiled at her. "The real me is the best me, oh but imagine the fun we could have if there were two of me." He had moved closer to her, but then she was moving again.

She grabbed the apron and pulled it on, swaying her hips at him, causing him to lick his lips once more as he watched her form rather appreciatively. There was no one else. There was only her, it had always only been her. She came to him, and at her words there was a flash of pain in his eyes, for only a moment. Home was far away, but being with her always felt like home too. He welcomed her kiss, wanted more, but she was moving away. Out of the kitchen and into the front room. "Home is wherever you are, my heart." Things were complicated, he had a kingdom he would need to one day claim, and the way things were going, perhaps it would be sooner than later. The shark lingered in the kitchen, pushing serious thoughts from his head.

Those predatory eyes scanned his surroundings, watching the pastries, then cookies. Like a shark stalking his prey, and Auris did so love the sweets that Aria baked. Slow and silent he went towards the pan of cookies, and quickly his hand shot out to snatch one. Cookies couldn't flit away from him like fish, but it was still good to keep his hunting instincts sharp. He began to munch on the cookie as he made his way out of the kitchen, coming to stand behind Aria as she spoke to the customer. Auris eyed the woman from over Aria's shoulder as he munched his own cookie, he swallowed his mouthful of cookie and offered a flirty smile to the woman. "It's not a snickerdoodle, but I'm more than happy to share my cookie with you." His tone a bit suggestive, as he held up the half eaten cookie. Ever the flirt, but still there was only one person for the shark, only one person he would always come running back to. For him, there was only Aria. That didn't mean he couldn't have harmless fun now and then though.

 

[poppet]

Spoiler: Lilah's Profile

Owner: poppet
Character Name: Delilah Lycoris
Nicknames: Lilah
Age: 20
Race: Mermaid (& princess of Helice; the Arctic ocean)
Sexuality: Bi
Personality: Currently Delilah's personality is reserved and quiet. Only because she doesn't know anything about herself or where she's come from and why. She often seems confused, deeply thinking, trying to remember... something. Over time she'll begin to remember who she was, but be conflicted, as who she is now isn't who she used to be. The few who knew her before would recall a cold and distant mermaid with a severe distrust for others and their intentions.
Gifts/Powers: As she realizes them slowly; Delilah will have the power of cryokinesis as well as the ability to gracefully transform between her human and mermaid form. She can also manipulate shadows/darkness to her will, a gift passed down from her father.
Weaknesses: Heat, not just warmth, but real heat. The heat makes her weak, lazy and tired. It also makes her ability to freeze water weaker, and can of course undo the freezing. Being away from water for too long. It gives her a horrible headache and makes it hard to think or use her mermaid powers. Once she begins regaining her memories, she will also be very easily swayed into hate, revenge and distrust. She can't swim in her human form and knows very little about the human world.
Bio: Delilah has had a curse cast on her that prevents her from being able to transform into a mermaid, keeping her in human form and unable to remember her life previous to waking with human legs. Currently, news is beginning to spread that the beautiful and good Queen of Helice has been murdered, but no one knows by whom. If one was to realize who Delilah is, they may put together that whoever killed the Queen is also the one who cursed Lilah. But the truth is much worse than one might guess. The Arctic is quickly descending into a state of chaos without a ruler.
Appearance: Mermaid Photo Lilah is of an average-small build with pale white-blue hair that covers her butt. Her eyes are a dark icy arctic teal and her skin is pale due to lack of sunlight. In her mermaid form, her tail looks almost like ice itself, crystal-like and blue. In her human form, she stands at 5'5" on clumsy legs and poor balance. Before her memory loss, she was never seen smiling, with cold and calculating stares. Nowadays she just looks lost and confused.
Other: Though she doesn't remember yet, Delilah was highly skilled in the use of powers specific to her, and general to merfolk. She was also skilled as if part of the castle guard, though she was not and this was not public knowledge.
Job: (If applicable)

It was the steady rise of the sun over the horizon that brought Lilah to consciousness. It was too warm here. She frowned deeply as her icy eyes finally opened, something wasn't right. She was laying in the sand of a beach. The waves had already retreated away from where they'd left her in the night, but for all she knew this was something she did regularly. Was it? How had she gotten here? She sat up slowly, her head aching terribly. Pale white hair, matted and sandy, fell around her. She glanced down to see something like regular old rags wrapped around her form. This only caused her frown to deepen.

Icy blue orbs scanned her surroundings and cast out over the ocean. It looked calm enough here, but something told her it was or was about to be in great turmoil. She felt uneasy, but of course, she couldn't remember how she'd gotten here, or where she should go now. Lilah sat there for a short time longer debating what to do. Did she need some kind of help? She felt fine other than not remembering, anything.

Slowly she pushed herself from the sand, wincing as her head throbbed. She felt incredibly thirsty. Something in the distance called to her, and she began to walk towards it, very ungracefully. Lilah's legs felt like rubber, and she wasn't sure how to use them for some reason. Unsteadily and slowly, holding onto her rags, she made her way towards the cave.

 

[TatianaNyxBlack]

Aria blinked as she watched the disheveled female walk in through the door. Part of her was still blushing over the idea of having two Auris' to be with, the blush flaring even more and spreading down her neck as her mind turned to a more carnal route. Blinking again, she schooled her emotions and the redness disappeared. "I don't have any snickerdoodles yet..." The mermaid spoke as she felt the shark come up behind her, subconsciously leaning back against him as he nibbled his swiped treat and flirtatiously offer to share his treat. "I do have a selection of other cinnamon treats, mostly cinnamon rolls or sweet monkey bread, one pan being a sheet pan cinnamon swirl pancake." Aria offered as well, smiling softly.

Frowning lightly half a second later, she could feel her own magic ebb and flow like the tide, churning violently as if in a storm before suddenly falling calm again as the trident pendant she wore vibrated for a pulse with ancient oceanic power. Aria couldn't for the life of her figure out what was going on, but a niggling feeling told her that she should know. She did feel bad, the maiden knew the only reason Auris was here was her, but he needed to be in his kingdom. She needed to talk to him about setting up a portal door from his kingdom to here. Aria loved working at the Rabbit, much better than having to try to rule, but she was very well versed in that. Aria lost focus for a second, very glad that she was leaning against the shark as she went dizzy for a second.

"I apologise, I need to sit down." Placing one hand along the counter of the bar top, the silver-haired female took a couple steps to the nearest chair and set down heavily on the barstool, resting her head on her arms.

 

[Cactus Cupcakes]

The lovely girl was soon accompanied by an equally lovely man. A man, Anja noticed, was munching quite happily on a cookie. A pang sprung up in Anja's chest, a deep set longing that sat on the bottom of her ribs like a nightmare from days of old. As her eyes lingered on the cookie she realized he uncomfortable twang was, in fact, a sort of childish envy. She actually entertained it for a moment, thinking on taking the sweet, and really the rest that were still baking, by complete force. That carnal train of thought quickly screeched away as the man held out the pastry, offering what was left. How kind.

She didn't even realize her smile had faltered until it widened again, plucking the sugary treat and tossing it in her mouth in the same motion. She didn't seem to notice his flirtatious tone, only really acknowledging it after swallowing. She licked her lips of any crumbs before giving him a quick wink. Message received, message sent.

Her attention returned to the woman soon after, contemplating the many cinnamony treats that were just described. The cinnamon roll stuck out more than the other and she found herself and she found herself craving the soft treat. Particularly with raisins.

"Mmm....a cinnamon roll sounds lovely," she hummed. "I'd love one whenever...you get the time...." She trailed off as the aproned woman seemed to falter, excusing herself to sit at the bar and rest her head. "My dear, are you alright?"

 

[poppet]

It was that light, and the pull of the sea magic that drew Lilah to the cave. It was a strangely familiar feeling. As she placed her hand on the door, she paused. What would she say to whoever was inside? Why was she clutching these rags? What was her name? Lilah was frowning deeply before the burning in her legs brought her back to her surroundings. Human legs weren't nearly as strong as her tail, and being that she'd never used them before, they were rubbery.

Lilah made her decision and opened the door, stepping inside. She remained there at the door, looking around and at those who were inside. Icy eyes fell on a stout girl with unkempt hair, then an auburn haired man who hovered near a silver haired woman on a barstool. There was something that felt familiar about this. Not necessarily this place, or these people though.

Taking a deep breath Lilah spoke, "Hi," she breathed, taking a step forward. But as she did, her rubbery leg decided not to cooperate and before she knew it, she was sitting on the floor. She blinked owlishly for a moment, not quite understanding how she'd gotten so short before her rear-end gave away what had happened. She rubbed at it. "Ouch," she mumbled, "That hurts...".

The pale haired girl was already trying to figure out how to get her rubbery appendages to cooperate and stand again, clumsily as it was. "I, um..." she was also trying to explain herself, but honestly didn't know what to say. "My legs, they aren't... very good, I think." She was frowning again, clutching the rags in one hand and clutching at things with the other.

 

[Kry]

Auris was watching the odd female, blinking with surprise when she actually took his offered cookie, then he was all bright smiles. "Cookies are the best.." His attention shifted rather quickly, a hand moving almost instinctually to support Aria. He wasn't sure what had happened, one moment she was fine, the next she was leaning against him a bit too much to be normal, and then she was moving to sit on a barstool. Her head resting on her arms. Concern was the only emotion visible on the shark's face and in his eyes. Immediately he was hovering very close and protectively over Aria, one hand moving to touch her back gently. "My love..?" He didn't ask if she was alright, the other woman had already done that, but his voice was heavy with concern, the question was unspoken but clearly there. Then the door was opening, and Auris sighed softly, he would rather all his attention be on Aria at the moment.

He turned to watch the other enter, she seemed clumsier on legs than he was, Auris was torn, the hero heart in him wanted to go to the person that just entered and help her, but he also needed to stay by Aria's side. She needed him. The shark wasn't sure what to do, but he flashed a smile at the clumsy girl. "I still fall down too, my legs get in their own way a lot." Hesitantly he moved from Aria's side to the clumsy girl. "Let me help you, darling." Once he got to her, he would reach out to grab her gently, and if she allowed, he would guide her to a barstool still some two or three apart from Aria. His eyes almost constantly going to watch Aria the whole time he was away from her side.

 

[RoseSparrow]

The gentle waves scattered the evening sun like the seashells that lay scattered on the ocean floors. The woman was now nothing more than a black dot on the blue-green horizon, escaping to freedom of the next island. Her legs kicked furiously at the fathoms deep salty brine, but she had not gotten this far on muscle power alone. Every wave seemed to be making enthusiastic, eager haste to the shore, with long, irised tresses streaming from its tops.

One can’t save someone from their fate, from what they have done in the past; what one can do is make it easier for them, being more joy and less pain. One can walk some of their path with them, one can even try and protect them from their demons. So, the lesson here, above all, be a friend, be kind and love all the stronger when it hurts to do so ... for in those moments is the measure of who one truly is, the key to one’s own mission and the answer to whom one serves.

Ayaka Tategami dragged herself onto the shore while the ebbing and flowing tides washed over her koi-fish tail. Once on the sandy shore Ayaka transformed, naked, she grabbed her seaweed and bamboo woven bag over her shoulders. Spilling the contents out onto the beach, which included a light blue kimono, a brush, hunting knife and some seashell clips. Ayaka has spent weeks if not months tracking down Delilah Lycoris. Delilah Lycoris, Princess of Helice, a previously cold and distant mermaid who had a severe distrust of others. Ayaka readjusted the ribbon and robes of her kimono before walking, of slowly, towards the cave with music. It had the pull of the sea but also the curse that Ayaka had cast sent off a magical trail that could be tracked which lead to ... The Rabbit Hole?

The Rabbit Hole was full. Ayaka looked around at the busy tables. An old couple eating side by side, one glass of wine each, studiously bent over their meals. A group of young, aquatic, women collapsing with helpless giggles as a stern woman dining alone nearby looked on and frowned. That’s when Ayaka saw her.
Pale,snowy hair, tattered rags and unforgettable icy eyes. Ayaka sharply drew in a breath, her chest rising with the action. Delilah. The poor girl. Ayaka felt a pang if guilt for cursing her to forget her mermaid half. Delilah was sitting at a barstool looking lost and confused. Introductions. How would Ayaka introduce herself? Quietly Ayaka walked over and sat one barstool apart from Delilah.

“Hello. I’m sorry to bother you, but you look like you could use a bit of guidance. My name is Ayaka Tategami. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Ayaka smiles sweetly, pulling out the brush from her bag and the ornate sea shell clips, then offering both items for Delilah to use.

poppet

 

[poppet]

"I think... I've got it," Lilah said to the man, still too confused to even know to be embarrassed by her lack of grace or her appearance. She accepted the help none the less and sat atop the stool. "Thank you," she said quietly, following the male's gaze to the woman on the barstool just a seat over. There was another there, too, and they seemed to be worried about the female.

Lilah's eyebrows drew together slightly and icy orbs watched the trio. Did she have anyone who cared about her like that? She looked down at the bar top trying to remember. Her frown was only deepening and she was lost in thought when she heard someone speak to her. Icy eyes blinked owlishly at the woman who introduced herself, and then down at the brush and clips, and back at the woman. Did Lilah look so disheveled? In her previous life, that would absolutely never have been the case. At least not in the public's eye. But she couldn't remember that.

Slowly, she took the offerings with a small, unsure smile. "Thank you Ayaka, I'm-,"... right, she couldn't remember that bit. Her eyebrows drew together again. It was incredibly frustrating. Without noticing, Delilah was clutching the brush hard enough to make her knuckles turn white. Why couldn't she remember!?

 

[Cactus Cupcakes]

Things seemed to pick up incredibly fast. Almost immediately after the storekeeper seemed to collapse from some unknown ailment, another girl came stumbling through. She was wearing rags and Anja could swear she smelt of salt and ice. It made her eyes narrow. Another followed soon after and took an....interest in the clumsy one. Almost seeking her out. An amused snort left Anja before glancing at the exhausted woman at her side.

If Anja was to be perfectly honest, she found it inconvenient. Anja was hungry and the smell of baking treats and pastries was driving her batty. The increased ruckus of concerned voices for the clumsy and ragged one certainly didn't help the tension headache slowly forming in her head like a widening smile. The whole situation was beginning to drive her up the wall and she soon brushed past the storekeeper to slide behind the counter and push past the swinging doors into the kitchen. She would get her own food. Everyone else was preoccupied.

And if she were entirely honest, she wouldn't deny the whole situation didn't tempt her to just eat the lot of them.