Lake Rodney Sailor Song

Machi's eyes slid to her's, and it was not without a spark of satisfaction that he noticed her smile. Something within him stirred, a blooming of warmth that dulled the layers of frost that had built over him in weeks past. Perhaps, he mused quietly to himself, there was still space within his heart for someone new. The thought was not entirely comfortable, but he allowed himself a moment to dwell upon it. He had never had a true friend before.

His ears perked from beneath the waves as he paddled after her, tail dragging in slow wags that gave a rather serpentine effect. She’d called him Machi, and he found himself strangely pleased. Yes—Machi—that was him.

Sesh? he echoed, rolling onto his back to float beside her, eyes half-lidded against the soft light glinting off the rippling surface. Surely that is a title best left to your lady love, is it not? Machi asked, turning his face to look at her. I fear my expertise skews toward plants of the more… nefarious variety. Poisons, toxins, the sort of knowledge that rarely makes one popular at dinner parties. He laughed, opaline gaze flicking skyward once more as he traced patterns in the stars.

He fell silent for a moment, letting the gentle rhythm of the lake carry him before his voice emerged again, quieter, contemplative, Tell me—is that the role that would best serve your vision of Muat-Riya? A doctor?