Ineffable Serendipity [JT]

Guest

[[OOC: To avoid butching up the Italian language, because I don't speak it, I'm going to underline speech that's meant to be in Italian.]]

The nod gave him some relief; he'd been hoping for that. If she hadn't agreed or been comfortable with the whole notion of being alone, Jesse would've had had to explain his ... well, inkling of an idea, not that he was even certain it would work, and that wasn't what he wanted. It was a long shot, after all, and he didn't want to give false hope. Ironic, perhaps, as a politician in the making, but there was something about Tess that made him not want to let her down.

He only got a few meters away when he glanced back to make sure she was going to be fine, and then stopped. Watching her swim among the corals brought a sense of awe to him he'd never quite felt before. She seemed so comfortable, so natural... He shook himself out of it; it would be difficult to explain why he'd been staring at her if she caught him. Instead, he ducked back into the currents and let it carry him further down and out.

He made a few more turns, exiting currents and entering others, until, a short while later, he found himself floating before a thicket of kale. Instead of approaching, though, he gave a shrill whistle -- as best he could underwater -- and waited, standing at the edge. Less than a minute later, a familiar face popped up, and Jesse waved.

While he only knew very limited Mermish -- barely enough to say hi and ask how they were -- he'd been doing his best to learn the complex language. It was, he'd found, one of the hardest ones he'd ever come across. Still, it was lucky that there was at least one of them that spoke Italian.

"Chrysí," he greeted, using the affectionate nickname he'd accidentally given her when he was young and incapable of pronouncing her name. It had stuck, and they didn't take offence with it. "How is everybody? It has been a while since my last visit."

"We are well. And you?" came the reply. There was a pause, and then, "You bring someone new to the corals."

Jesse nodded. "The world has been treating me well, as has the water." He glanced back, towards the direction of the corals, and then back to the mermaid. "I bring a friend."

He didn't need to say anything else; the merpeople were far more perceptive than anyone ever really thought. "She is different to you," Chrysí said, something akin to surprise in her tone.

Once more, Jesse nodded, but didn't say anything else; he didn't know what to add, didn't know how to begin phrasing what he was thinking.

"You trust her?"

"Fully," Jesse said, startled by the certainty and instantaneity of his answer. When had he decided that? He kept his expression neutral, though, not betraying this. "I give you my word."

There was a long pause, and then Chrysí disappeared back into the forest. Jesse waited, oddly nervous. He'd never truly felt that before, not when it came to something like this. He couldn't figure out why. What was it about Tess that made him so... different? So weird? If he'd had just a few minutes more, he might've stumbled across the answer -- but Chrysí returned, two mermaids with her.

"She won't come here," Chrysí said, and Jesse nodded in understanding, feeling a stab of disappointment. "But we have seen her, and we have looked at her. We will go with you to her."

His breath caught, and for a moment he faltered, not knowing how to respond -- and then he bowed, deeply, fighting back the grin he could feel threatening to break out. "Thank you," he said, meaning it with all he had.

Nothing more was said as Jesse turned and took the route back to Tess. As he arrived back, he swam forward, taking just a few seconds to watch her with the corals, admiring how ... at peace she looked. It was almost as though she had mermish blood in her. And then, unable to keep it to himself any longer, he swam over, waving to get her attention, and then once she was facing him, said, "I have... some friends I think you'd like to meet." Moving aside, he gave a similar whistle as before, and from the currents came Chrysí and the two others. Jesse's eyes, though, were firmly on Tess' face, not wanting to miss her expression.

Guest

The corals were beautiful and vibrant; hey oozed life and she found herself enthralled by all of it. She found the fish were so smart following her around when she wasn’t “looking” only run away as soon as she turned around. It became a silly game up to this point.

It was in the midst of swimming back when she swore she felt eyes on her. Turning immediately she frowned realizing nothing was there. A few minutes later she saw Jesse swimming forward excitement on his face. Before she could ask what he was doing his words made her freeze and turn to realize who he was talking about.

Her whole body was in shock as she took in the most beautiful sight in her life; real life mermaids. The ones on the sides had red coloring that camouflaged onto the corals and they looked nervous as they held their spears for protection. The one at the center took her breath away. She was clearly the matriarch; her scales were a golden yellow and her eyes were bright green like the sea itself. Her hands shook as she raised them to her face only to be stopped by the bubble charm. Soon her eyes filled with tears much to her embarrassment and she laughed nervously.

“I’m so sorry... I’m simply overcome by your...you’re all so beautiful”

She turned over to Jesse and gave him a wide and sincere smile one that she had not allowed to show in a long time. She truly was grateful.

Guest

"She cries," Chrysí said, slightly amusement and confusion in her tone, and Jesse held back a chuckle. He could see the joy and awe written on Tess' face, the way she took them in and admired them, and understood. While he wasn't a crier, he knew what it was like to be overwhelmed by emotions, and to see it in Tess was... Beautiful, almost. There was something raw about it that told him it wasn't often that this happened -- that he was witnessing something rare.

"She is happy," he said, as means of explanation. "She wanted to meet you." As he said this, he glanced at Tess, seeing the understanding written in her eyes, and blinked, his hand moving to the back of his neck. It hadn't crossed his mind that she would speak Italian, but it made sense; he hadn't yet met a Pureblood woman who didn't speak at least two languages.

"Thank you," Chrysí said, at the compliment. Then, she turned, saying something in Mermish that Jesse only just understood, and even then it was mostly from context; Chrysí was obviously passing on the conversation. There came a reply, words that he knew and didn't mixing together. Say... she... too...

And then Chrysí was speaking, translating it for them. "They say that you, too, are beautiful." She paused to smile, in the way Mermaids did, and then swam forward a little. "My name is," She said her name in Mermish. "But Jesseaki mou calls me Chrysí. You, too, can." She paused, turning to the others, also introducing them by their Mermish name. "But for ease, they, too, have Greek names. This is Anthea, and this is Galina." Each of them, as they were introduced, bowed slightly in greeting, and then Chrysí turned back to Tess. "I think... Yes. We will call you Kopelia. You are okay with that?"

That was a term Jesse had only heard a few times before, an apparent Greek word of affection for females, although he couldn't be a hundred percent sure. Greek wasn't a language he knew well, although he was taking lessons whenever he had time. So, he said nothing, instead allowing Tess to handle the interaction herself. It would, he knew, make it that much more special for her.

Guest

Crying. It was one of the most embarrassing weakness that she knew she had never fully gotten over. In the midst of her glee the emotions just convoluted themselves into the cornucopia that ended in tears. She wished she just could compose herself and not cry like the silly girl that she was, but the beauty was mesmerizing. It was not like the stories of the merpeople, or the music that came from the portrait. No, their beauty was something unique. Like a snowflake, so perfect and unique, or a rose with perfect symmetry.

As they swam closer, she found herself embarrassed at the few words that she picked up on. The mermaids were confused by her crying and she laughed somewhat embarrassed at the spectacle that she emitted. It was even worse when they called her beautiful in return, a small blush and shy smile was sent their way.

"You...you're more beautiful in person. When I was at school" her Italian a bit mushed with her French in nervousness. "there was a portrait that would sing to us. I would always wonder if she would be more beautiful in person and while you are not her...you're all so gorgeous"

And as they properly introduced themselves she in turned bowed her head as best she could underwater. It was mutual respect, but she did not understand how they were so civil and cordial and treat her special when she was but a child. Though when they asked to call her Kopelia, she nodded. They could have said anything and she would have agreed.

"Kopelia is just fine" and she meant it. She turned to face Jesse ocne more. "Thank you Jesse" in a mere whisper somewhat in awe as to what he brought to her. "He..."she turned to face the mermaids so very shyly. "he made my dream come true."

Guest

"All the portraits in the world could not do Chrysí justice," Jesse said, eyes glinting despite his serious tone. "She is the most beautiful merperson -- just don't tell the others I said so or I will have a swarm attacking me each time I try and swim!"

There was a laugh from Chrysí at this, before she quickly translated it for the others; they joined in the laugh. Jesse winked at them, letting them know he was only teasing.

Tess' next statement, though, was unexpected and brought forth emotions Jesse didn't know he had. All he'd done was ask a favour -- even if he hadn't done that, exactly -- from a few friends; they'd been the ones who agreed. She seemed so joyful and so thrilled that there were no words to fully describe it. All that Jesse knew was that he would do it all over again -- and much, much more -- to keep Tess happy. He knew not what to say, at a loss for words for probably one of the very few times, instead smiling almost shyly at Tess and moving back the let the four women converse, giving them privacy by moving towards the corals. Since he was there, he might as well do some of his duty, and he inspected them thoroughly, glancing in the direction of Tess and the mermaids every so often to watch them chatting or laughing, glad they were getting along.

It was just over an hour later when Chrysí swam over to him, telling him that they had to go, and after thanking her yet again for the trust, they said their goodbyes. He gave Tess a few moments alone to process the events -- he knew that, if it had been him, he would've wanted that -- and finished up his inspection before heading over to her.

"Would you like to spend more time here?" he asked, deciding to go that route instead of harping over the mermaid thing; no need to have her tell him things that made him feel that awkward feeling he couldn't place. Besides, it was later in the afternoon, and he didn't know about Tess, but he was getting hungry. "I was thinking I could... that is, if you wish to... I could take you to a famous restaurant in the muggle side for lunch. They make the best limoncello on the entire island -- aside from my mother -- and trust me, I've tried them all."

Guest

Something within her heart lurched at how he had done all of this just from her silly question that she couldn't help but ask. As Jesse moved to give the girl some privacy she found herself taking them in. Chrysí allowed her to touch their hands; she intertwined her hands and found the mermaids playing with her hair amused at how stringy and thin it was compared to their luscious gold strands. They also touched her legs and arms confused at how she was built a bit differently from Jesse much to her amusement.

Much to her disappointment as they left, she found herself being given a seashell from the mermaids. "It is a symbol of communication for our people. Care for it" Chrysí explained. Once they left she found herself holding it tightly as Jesse apparated them back to where they started.

She was comfortably quiet as they went back to were they went. Tess slipped on her clothes as he did the same. The offer of lunch was a surprising one; he wasn't bored of her yet? A small smile rose from her face. She went over and intertwined their hands.

"I'd like that" she murmured. "I've never had limoncello"

Guest

Apparating her back to the start, Jesse once again turned to give her privacy as he dried himself and slipped on his shirt, this time also putting on his pants; it wasn't proper to go around in his swimming trunks. As he did, he briefly thought back to the day. When he'd gotten the letter in Tibet, he had expected another boring day that ended with rejecting someone, yet again. He hadn't once thought he'd meet... Tess. Not just anyone like Tess, but the witch herself; there was, in his mind, no comparing her to anyone.

A warmth in his hand made him turn, smiling at her comment. "I think you'll like it," he said, beginning to lead her out. The restaurant was, luckily, only a fifteen-minute walk, and the weather had taken a turn for the better -- if that was even possible. A light breeze blew, cooling them, bringing in the scent of the ocean with it.

Heading back to the start, he felt the familiar tug within him that indicated they had left the protected area and was, once again, back in muggle territory. "Chrysí is an old friend," he explained, now not worried about admitting these details; she had already seen them and was now bound to them. "I knew her as a child. Her name is more complex than that, but as a boy I couldn't pronounce it and accidentally said that. Ironically -- perhaps fittingly -- it's a word on its own that means 'golden'. I've called her that ever since."

As they headed back down the path, he tilted his head at a shadow against the clear sky, smiling as he recognised it. "Peregrine," he said, nudging Tess and looking back towards the shape circling in the air. "They're my favourite animal. There's a nest nearby, I think. One day I'll have to show you, when the babies are fledgelings."

It was then and only then that it hit him that the warmth in his hand was Tess' hand, and his breath caught. How had he not felt it before? It seemed so natural, so normal, that it hadn't even registered... For just a moment, the training he'd received over his entire life kicked in and he was so very tempted to pull it out and pretend it had never happened. But no, he would never do that to Tess, and besides, there was nothing wrong with it? Nothing that felt so perfect could never be anything less than right.

And so he left it as they left the path behind and headed into the streets, passing by other people and shops until they reached the one he'd been talking about. A mere minute later, they were seated in the best seats -- being a regular was a benefit -- overlooking the ocean. Two menus were placed on the table, and Jesse handed one over to her. Instead, though, he said, "Two limoncellos, please. We'll order food later." Leaning back in his seat, he picked up his menu, pretending to study it so Tess would feel less awkward, although he already knew what he wanted.

Guest

Grabbing his hand had been a reflex; she didn't mean to do anything by it other than grab his attention. Perhaps it had been the idea of him bringing her a joy she'd never experience. Perhaps it was because he was so delicate for her and allowed her to properly express herself. Somehow away from the water, and away from that moment, silence sort of loomed over the two.

Their walked was a nice one; though she was a bit surprised when she realized that she had intertwined her fingers with his. It was improper and she had relaxed her hand to allow him to get out if he was awkward at her actions. But the walk was a nice one. The sun had lowered within the sky and brought a nice pink hue into the sky. Every time the breeze hit them she closed her eyes happily taking it in.

This time around, the quietness ended as he began to explain his relationship with the mermaids. She said nothing, instead smiling softly at the idea of a young by learning about mermaids and becoming proper family. Before she could say anything, he nudged her to look up and she found the idea of learning of his favorite animal to be a good one.

"An animal that travels often and sees the world?" she murmured softly with a knowing smile. "Mine is a dolphin...they're so joyous and loving." As the comment of 'one day' caught her a bit of surprise but she found herself smiling softly.

It seemed oddly intimate to just talk about themselves. No one had ever even asked her her favorite color, let alone her favorite animal. It never once really seemed to be a conversation. It seemed silly to admit it, but as they got to the restaurant and sat down she looked out to take the horizon. She let out a happy sigh.

She had never had limoncello, but she had heard it was a specialty of the island. While she would never take alcohol from her own devices other than wine, she would not say no.

"I just...I want to thank you for today. I know I wasn't the warmest person" she looked shyly. "but you have been very kind to me today and I appreciate it."

Guest

"It's ironic," he started, keeping his gaze on the bird above them, the casual conversation something that, while used to, took him by surprise. It was a stark difference to how he felt earlier, unable to initiate conversation with Tess from fear of... something. Awkwardness or something, he wasn't sure what, but whatever the case, it was gone. It seemed the water had done what it did best and washed away all the negativity, replacing it with a comfortable atmosphere. "Because I'm afraid of heights."

It wasn't something he freely admitted to everyone. In fact, only his friends really knew it, since he didn't like sharing his weaknesses with those who he didn't trust. Tess, though, had somehow earned it, although he didn't know how. All he knew was that she wasn't just a stranger anymore. No, he'd shown her the mermaids and the corals.

The idea of her loving a dolphin made perfect sense. She had a comfort in the water that almost made it seem as though she was born of it. He could, oddly enough, picture her as one of those creatures. Somehow, it fit the image of Tess that was before him. Free, yet choosing to remain in groups; fun, but also serious when need be.

"...but you have been very kind to me today and I appreciate it."

He waved away the apology, this time managing to stop his hand from making its way to his neck. "It was my pleasure," he replied, meaning it entirely. It was probably the most fun he'd had all week -- not that Tibet wasn't fun, of course.

As the limoncellos arrived, Jesse picked his up and took a sip, enjoying the taste of it. It was home. Looking towards Tess, he smiled. "Have you decided what you want? I can offer you suggestions, if you want -- the prawn pasta is amazing, but honestly, everything here is good."

Guest

Looking at the peregrine falcon she surprised at how Jesse mentioned his fear. She looked up at him and smiled softly, not poking fun. It was a bit impressive that he managed to jump off the cliff yet had the fear. But then again she had never hear people be vocal over their fears, especially not pureblood society. As the falcon flew away she wondered just what over wildlife existed on the island.

When they relaxed and sat to drink their limoncello, Tess found herself surprised at the freshness of the drink. She was not always a drinker, but the sour flavor was enough for her to take the drink in stride. It was comforting during the sunset and she found herself relaxing.

"Have you decided what you want? I can offer you suggestions, if you want -- the prawn pasta is amazing, but honestly, everything here is good."

"I don't eat seafood" she explained sheepishly, "but the Ravioli capresi
looks delicious."

It seemed silly but she could not find herself to eat seafood. Perhaps it was her deep love of the ocean, or perhaps the fact that seafood within Paris was rare, but she did not enjoy seafood.

She found herself looking at the sunset and smiling softly. The view in Ancapri was impossible to beat, especially as the sea breeze hit the pair. It was gorgeous and she was glad she did something impulsive such as this.