Lorelei
You see a petite woman with a trim, even athletic, figure no more than 21 years of age. Long, slightly curly, dark hair cascades, unbound, past her shoulders and down her back in contrast to the woman's smooth sandy white complexion; sea green eyes glow softly with a hint of mischievousness. At either side of her throat small slits, barely visible, serve as gills. They, like her webbed fingers and toes, betray her Atlantean heritage.
She is dressed simply in an ivory-coloured peasant style blouse and a pair of black breeches. A red sash is tied securely about her waist; a sheathed bone knife hangs in a scabbard at her side.
Nerissa
Light, almost white hair and fair skin could be a disastrous, unattractive combination-- but it works somehow on this gracefully proportioned, if diminutive, woman. Far from pallid, her complexion glows, her skin luminous as pearls and her lips and cheeks a delicate shell pink. Though she can lay no claim to conventional beauty, her features are striking. Her nose is too aquiline, perhaps, and her lips a bit over-generous, her face shaped like a heart-- wide brow punctuated by a deep widow's peak, prominent cheekbones tapering down to a small chin (with a decidedly stubborn set to it). Large eyes of an exceptionally vivid blue seem perpetually widened, fringed with long silvery lashes, and her free-flowing hair is a blend of shades ranging from lustrous mother-of-pearl to ice blue and seafoam green.
An unusual necklace encircles her slender throat, lying just beneath the lines of her gills. Thin, red-orange branches of coral extend from it to finger the demure neckline of her very short robe. Cut in the Empyrean style, the sleeveless garment is finely woven of deep purple silk, and it flows from her slender shoulders to end abruptly at mid-thigh. A pale silk cord of the same pearly color as her skin criss-crosses the amethyst fabric, laced between her breasts and around her slender waist, then tied, the ends left to dangle almost to the hem of her robe. The young woman's minimal clothing does nothing to hide the gossamer fins on her forearms and calves, nor her finger and toe webbing of iridescent silver-blue. Her long hair has been interwoven with silk ribbon, bits of coral and shells that softly chime as she moves. And despite her petite stature, she has a quiet presence that draws the eye back to her... for reasons beyond her gracefully formed, exposed limbs.
Entrance Hall - Korallion - Haven
Entering the Korallion's nautilus structure, you find yourself in a long hall with an arched ceiling. The walls and ceiling gleam pearly-white from the illumination of silver braziers, so delicately carved that they look as though a breath of air would crumple them. The floor is made of the polished coral of the courtyard, and you get the impression from looking at the far side of the room that the tunnel of the nautilus shell continues to move off to the left and rise, with wide steps made of the shell's casing.
In the center of the room are a couple of plush couches, as well as a chair surrounding a small pool and fountain, which spills water over carvings of four dolphins surrounding a tall, bearded man with a conch-shell at his lips. On the western wall, an arch has been carved to allow entrance to what looks to be a room of stone, though the light is not lit enough in it to determine. There is a consistent sound of singing or humming within the acoustic chambers of the Korallion, as if the nautilus was vibrating at specific pitches.
Late afternoon, and the Korallion's entry hall is experiencing a quiet pause in a busy day. Few people are about, though the ever-present guards are at their posts. Nerissa pads through into the embassy proper, only her feet wet this time. Her gaze drifts here and there, a small smile on her features-- Lander-style-- even as she determines that neither of the people she seeks are present. At least not here. A uniformed herald appears, pausing to 'converse' with one of the guards, and that halts her. Makes her hesitate.
Lorelei is currently relaxing upon one of the couches in the center of the room, a soft smile upon her lips as she regards the fountain, the young woman's hands clasped loosely together in her lap. It is clear that she is deep in thought, but not melancholy. Somewhat distractedly she turns to regard the newcomer, Nerissa, from her seat on the plush couch.
*Blessings of Pure Water.* The mental greeting comes only a moment after Nerissa becomes aware of the other woman's gaze on her. She seems to have given up speaking to the herald, if that indeed was being considered as an option... though she is aware of the man when he leaves, passing behind her and out into the sunshine.
Lorelei smiles warmly in response, truly happy to be among her own people, it seems, where she can be understood. She has so much trouble communicating with the other races. It is such an impediment to be unable to speak. *Blessings of Pure Water . . . I am Lorelei . . . from the Orman Decemvirate* she says, responding in the only way she can, mentally.
*Aureus Nerissa,* comes the response, the slight woman's mental tone warm and 'quiet.' *Well met, Lorelei.* It's somewhat odd for no formal name to be given, but no Atlantean worthy of the race would question another about such a matter. It wouldn't be polite! For her part, she gives no decemvirate.
Lorelei nods politely when the other woman's name is given. It is so hard to disregard such gestures, facial expressions, hand gestures, and nods, picked up from her time among the other races. Curiously, she regards Nerissa as she repeats her fellow Atlantean's name. *Aureus Nerissa . . . a pleasure to meet you.* She smiles again, still happily, almost childishly, proud to be able to converse fluently, like a child who has just learned to talk.
Nerissa doesn't judge the other woman for those emotive abilities. It would be a case of the pot calling the kettle black, in any event. She, too, has picked up similar habits during her time in Haven. Since the other seems so pleased to be conversing-- yes, she can 'hear' that too-- she smiles again and moves forward to stand beside the couch where Lorelei is seated. Sprawled? *Your name is familiar to me from some... memory. I cannot place it, though.* Apology weaves through the words.
It seems that Lorelei is a smiler, plain and simple because yet another smile lights up Lorelei's face, sea green eyes shining with happiness, as Nerissa moves forward to stand beside the couch where Lorelei is seated, yes, but not for too much longer. She makes to stand, as is only polite or, perhaps, Nerissa would like to sit? These are Lorelei's concerns at the moment, voiced mentally to allow her fellow Atlantean to pick them up. *Familiar?* Lorelei looks simply intrigued. *How interesting . . . I am afraid your name is unknown to me until now, of course* she muses.
Neri settles on the couch as well... odd Lander furniture. Even she's not wholly used to that, though she manages well enough. *If only I could remember...* Her thoughts can be tracked, more or less, as she continues to try to figure it out.
Lorelei watches Nerissa settle upon the couch sort of distractedly, trying to recall her first brush with a coach, no pun intended. *They take some getting used to* she states matter of factly, a nod accompanying said 'fact'. She pauses, her thoughts returning to how and where Nerissa might have heard of her. *I work as a cartographer aboard the Amarada* she offers, trying to be useful.
Cartographer. *Maps.* Nerissa's shields suddenly go rock hard. She turns vivid blue eyes to regard Lorelei more closely. An image of a man in a herald's uniform, and an old, rolled up scroll are sent. Very carefully. She watches for reaction, listens for it as well.
Lorelei had been trying hard not to recall her recent employment in the Orman Decemvirate and with good reason too. Slane had warned her against even mentioning the "Reaver". And, so, she is taken aback by Nerissa's reference to it. She reacts with wide eyes, a slight gasp, and the changing of a smile into a frown. A sad, worried frown. Mentally, she seems to tighten her hold on her thoughts, trying to keep them in check. *That would have been how you would have heard of me* she states just as carefully as Nerissa.
It is perhaps understood between them that to go further might not be wise. Nerissa nods slowly, her thoughts confirmed. *Yes. The Amarada, you said?* A view of the captain, the ship, and even the first mate are allowed to surface, far safer than the previous topic.
Lorelei smiles at Nerissa gratefully, clearly relieved that she, too, understands the situation. *Yes, the Amarada.* Lorelei's smiles reflect her moods almost naturally without any premeditation. She is completely honest, completely open. That is to say she is easy to read if one knows how. Regardless, her smile takes on a sort of dreamy aspect. *Yes, we leave port soon. I look forward to it.*
Wistfulness appears in Neri's eyes. She lowers her gaze, nodding again. The ornaments in her hair chime softly. *I know. I... was to go as well.* Past tense. The shields remain strong in her mind.
Lorelei accepts Nerissa's wish for privacy as any Atlantean would. Indeed, she does not probe but she does want to do -something- for her. *Would you like . . . a message delivered, or, mayhap, something picked up for you? Please, if there is anything I can do for you, just let me know and I'll do my best.* She regards Nerissa sympathetically, meaning to help.
It's not... well. It's the voyage itself that Nerissa will miss. That much is obvious in her thoughts, shielded as they are. Gratitude forms as well, twining among the regret. *No, but thank you. That is very kind of you.* If only... she goes no further, clamping down hard on the thoughts.
Lorelei is an explorer by nature like her father before her. She loves to explore. Her curiousity sees to that. Vaguely, these thoughts drift through her mind. Mayhap, Nerissa is the same? She continues to regard her sympathetically. *It is nothing* she answers dismissively. *Surely, anyone would do the same for a . . . * Friend. She had meant to say that but, quickly, she thinks, instead, *. . . for anyone else.* She takes a moment, repeating *I do mean it. If there is anything I can do to help, I will do it.* She falls silent at this, awaiting a reply.
Wanderer. Nerissa is a wanderer. The assignment on the Amarada would've been perfect. But now... something else must be done first. Something else that will most likely keep her from going along, and that may be... stop. No, no more. She clamps down on her thoughts. *Thank you.* It's sincere, but there's no hiding her distress.
Lorelei slowly nods, long, dark hair moving ever so slightly as she does so, picking up on the information that Nerissa offers but, still, respecting her need for privacy. It seems there is nothing Lorelei can do to ease Nerissa's distress so she remains quiet, saddened by the emotions she picks up from her fellow Atlantean, wishing there was something she could do to ease her fellow Atlantean's pain but, it appears, she is just going to have to accept that there is not a lot she can do, if anything.
After a moment, Nerissa looks up again, slanting a small, wistful smile in Lorelei's direction. Her gaze remains solemn. *Some things have to be done first.* And that's all there is to it.
Lorelei ponders Nerissa's statement, relieved to see she is feeling somewhat better. She must be to be smiling, even if just slightly. Lorelei, at least, hopes so. *Maybe it won't take as long as you think* she responds, at length, although she knows nothing of what it is that Nerissa needs to do. She is just being an optimist, as is her way, trying to make Nerissa feel better.
*Maybe.* Neri is noncommittal now, the soft smile lingering but never reaching the sad, grim look in her eyes. She won't think the rest. Won't let herself. Time for a subject change yet again. *Have you... have you been on the Amarada for long?*
Lorelei is easily diverted to another subject, one, hopefully, less painful to Nerissa and so she allows herself to recall the Amarada and, of course, Captain Demetrius. *Yes, a long time. I've been aboard the Amarada ever since I was a young girl* she tells Nerissa. *Tis where I grew up.* This is said quite cheerfully altough there is a lingering sense of regret, pushed to the back of her mind.
*Beautiful ship.* Nerissa is in control of her thoughts now, thoughts which seem to pulse with the slow rhythm of the waves rolling onto shore. *I enjoyed being aboard.* It was odd and yet, she really did. Calmly, her mind stays in that slow wave, regret there in small part but acknowledged and allowed to flow onward.
Lorelei nods eagerly, her love of the ship obvious. Indeed, she seems to take a certain pride in it. *Unfortunately, I have spent less time aboard in recent years* she freely admits. *Haven is diverting.* This she says with a rueful smile. She says no more about the upcoming voyage, not wishing to cause Nerissa further distress.
Neri chuckles softly at that. Haven... diverting. *It can be,* she agrees, though her own thoughts stay on the sea. The open sea, far beyond Haven's harbor, far beyond sight of land. *I'm sure your voyages in the past have been interesting.*
Random memories drift through Lorelei's mind at the thought of the open sea, at the thought of past voyages. *Yes, interesting* she takes the time to reply, although perhaps her reply is unnecessary. There is no doubting that statement. She recalls exploring the depths of the sea with her father as a wee girl and then, later, voyaging to far away lands aboard the Amarada, hours spent staring out at the sea, her first trip to Haven. She sighs softly, content in remembering these things.
The memories are eagerly shared and enjoyed. Only when Neri realizes that it's getting late does she startle and jump up, her already wide eyes going all the more round. *Oh. I... please forgive me, Lorelei. I need to find someone,* her thoughts all murmur one word, 'Llyr.' *Before I have to go back to Delphi. I very much enjoyed meeting you.* Apology continues to weave through her thoughts.