Blackwater Islands chicken sammiches and banana bowls

@Galateia

Having spoken to the Mothers, Kalika could feel herself falling back into her normal rhythm. Her blood no longer boiled with the sight of her packmates, nor did her muscles tense when another called her name. She was beginning to feel like herself again, though she was afraid that she had done too much damage to ever take it back.

As Kalika strolled down the coast with her tail swaying happily behind her and a song bubbling in her throat, her eyes scanned over Galateia's frame, sitting where she had been since joining. The Siren gave a polite bark to give her salutations before coming up beside her and taking a seat. I am in a lovely mood today, she cooed as she curled her tail around her paws and waited for Galateia to ask why.

Galateia had risen to move into the waters, and as she did so she heard the approach of another. her head swung to peer over her shoulder and there in the near distance was Kalika, closing the distance between them. her tail swayed behind her, and a warm smile overtook her charcoal lips. the voice of Kalika inspired an immediate inquiry as she took a step into the waters, which lapped hungrily at her ankle: oh? she encouraged, her tail swaying behind her, do tell! her twinkling gaze seemed to beg.

Well, Kalika began with a coy look in her eye, I spoke with the Mothers and they helped me with some troubles I was having. I feel like everything is going to work out perfectly. A smile came over her own maw, mimicking that of Galateia's. It seemed that she too had been making progress, which pleased the young Siren greatly. You look lovely, Sister. How are you healing? she asked curiously. Have you too been speaking with the Mothers? The Nereids depended on their guidance, and she hoped that the newest of their ranks could share in that dependence.

her Sister explained, and she listened, rapt—Kalika spoke of troubles, but of the Mothers unburdening her by Their ever-listening ear. I am so glad to hear this, Galateia spoke, her voice pleased, and then, it took on a more worried tone as Galateia fret: are you troubled still, dear Kalika? I, too, am hear to listen should you ever have need, Galateia wished to be there for the pale siren, as she was there for her! 

as for her own healing, Galateia stretched out a foreleg. thank-you, she responded softly, eyes warming—she hadn't the slightest idea of how lovely she was, truly!—before responding, and you are as beautiful as ever! I am able to walk short-distances alone, now! still, I am unsteady, but I am on my way; I require escorts, still, she frowned at this, but was quite grateful for all those whom worked with her to help her recover. her legs still felt as though the muscles within had caught fire, but she felt certain that this too would end. I speak with the Mothers everyday; They give me patience, They give me hope, she breathed serenely.

I'm glad to say that I'm not, no, Kalika assured Galateia with a shake of her head, but I will keep your offer in mind. She sat and listened patiently to her Sister's words, taking in each one with a grandiose grin and a wag of her tail. That's wonderful! Maybe soon we'll be able to take walks together; really see the territory. There was so much left to be explored! Although Kalika felt as though she had a fair grip on the space, she was sure that there would never be a point where there was nothing left to be found. That was the beauty of the Sea and Her ways — when She was bored, She made for one hell of an interior designer.

That is excellent. These are virtues that I think we should all pride ourselves in, as they are some of the hardest to grasp. Heavens know Kalika had to work everyday on keeping her patience, as it seemed the world would never stop trying her.

I would enjoy that, Galateia's smile became radiant as she spoke—truly, she had only been able to see but three parts of one island, and see was not truly the proper word for it as her movements were so stunted whilst she recovered. the forests she had seen, the shoreline, and the cave she rest within (as to not expose herself to any predators in her current weakened state, where she was unable to run from them). on the subject of exploring and discovery, Galateia turned her head to face the waters and gestured to another of their claimed islands. have you explored the other islands, yet? she inquired, looking back to Kalika. 

Galateia nodded her head to Kalika's observation. indeed, they are—I am tested by my body and its limits, and I must remember Their lessons, she said, her eyes falling toward the waters that danced around her ankles. she took another two steps forward, the chilled water embracing her. she worked her muscles, flexing them, before she glanced toward Kalika. are you busy this day? do you think you could help me, with my Greek? if it is not too much trouble, she inquired. Akantha had already taught her much, and being (unknowingly) multilingual assisted in her quick learning.

I haven't really gotten a chance too, no. But it's what I plan on tackling next. There was a hint of a joke behind her words, though she assumed that Galateia wouldn't know what she was referencing. That is, unless Gabe had followed her advice in seeking out the woman as a healer. She sighed as she looked out to the Sea, taking in the vast span of the horizon, before Galateia took her attention away once more with a favor on her lips.

I would love to help you. Adjusting herself so that she stood tall and studious in appearance, Kalika cleared her throat and began with a wide grin on her maw. I'm not really sure where to start, she admitted, a bit flustered. To ónomá mou eínai Galáteia. It is how you introduce yourself. Do you wish to try it?