A more peaceful world for sure. A fool’s errand. Blake almost grew tired of his own charade, he had practiced it a lot while acting like a genuine priest.
“Perhaps not difficult then, but a lonely one?” he pressed the matter nonetheless. They still unnerved him, while less obviously so now. More like a bad feeling crawling under his skin. Familiar and yet not. Reeling in his impatience, he still seemed unsure about the other’s words.
“Of course, people are allowed to live however they want to,” Blake smiled, raising his hands briefly. “I don’t think I could however. Too much of a city person. Villages I can do, but forests?”
No. Too many other gods felt at home in those places.
“A lonely one? Sure. It’s been a rather long time to roam out and about. “ Saima gives a small shrug. “But one gets used to the loneliness after a while. And that’s why I like to do favors when I can. Maybe get a little bit of companionship here and there.“ The memories of helping people on the outskirts of the village made them wistful, reminded them of why exactly they bothered with the humans from time to time.
“Indeed – giving them the space to live as they please doesn’t seem to do much harm.“ Their eyes observe the movement, keeping a lookout for signals of something else. Something underlying that they can’t help but feel might be the case.
“Ah well. Nothing wrong with being a city person. It takes all types out here. I just like the freedom that the forest brings, and the ability to be truly at ease with nature. Couldn’t wish for anything more.“
At least they get to stay out, it’d be a shame has Saima wished to get out of the rain– he assumed so as Saima no doubt had many of the same sensitivities as humans; the touch of wet seaweed on their leg disgusted them, any bit of water from above made them scatter, they seemed to really dislike having sand on them yet continuously came to the beach…
“I have…seen some that do.” Ayumu begins, his eyes shifty and voice lowered as if it were all a secret. “There is a man who comes by the docks…he guesses your card. Says he is a…magician.” And much like a human child, Ayumu is just as easily mystified by his tricks.
If nothing else, Saima was inclined to stay out longer – all too willing to let the rain fall down, relishing the feel of the water. Instead, they just appreciate the cooling down that they had caused – not being bothered by the side effects of being out in nature.
Upon hearing about the man who guesses the card, they give a knowing grin. “Ah, those kinds of people are fun. They are really talented with a set of cards and being able to know it and follow patterns of people’s picking.”
“I can hardly believe it. I mean, in a few months I’m going to have three lil’ ones.” Though she has mixed feelings about having to raise a newborn again, she is still greatly anticipating the arrival of her son.
“Yeah, that’s going to be quite the time for you. It’s wild how fast time seems to past in situations like this. Hopefully, you’ll get the support that you need with all of them.”
Quinn could spend days out in the woods. Off the trails where no park ranger would find them, only a backpack with water and a knife and a sketchbook with them besides the clothes they wore. Perfect, really. Far enough away they couldn’t hear the city anymore, taking a break for the weekend and hoping not to be noticed by anyone or anything.
This never went exactly as planned. They’d tucked themself into a dip next to a great old tree, small as they could to sketch a blooming witch hazel, tucking a few leaves and flowers into their pocket for later.
The forests were the perfect places for Saima to roam, strolling about – away from the eyes of civilization. It was nice to be able to shed their ‘human’ appearance for a while and just be as the being that they were. This was a relaxing way to escape and besides, there was always the chance of something entertaining happening.
As they noted and admired an old tree with which they had much familiarity, they sensed someone nearby. Glancing down a bit they saw someone glancing at a witch hazel and plucking the leaves.
“Real invested in your work huh?“ They teased with an eerie tone to their voice signaling that the person had been caught, and not by any ordinary human either.
Rosemary takes their hands, and gently places them on her stomach so she can feel the kicks. “It looks like he is really in there, huh?”
With their hands placed on the stomach, Saima remains quiet for a moment feeling the motion of the kicks against Rosie. “Indeed. It really feels like he is in there too.”
“Exactly.” As if he is listening to her, she starts to feel the baby kick. “Oh! He’s at it again. Do you want to feel it Saima?”
“Oh wow. Hm, ..Sure I’d love to feel it.” It was something that felt more connected to the whole process, and was truly wonderful to be able to participate in. Maybe it’s why they liked helping mothers when they got the chance to do so.
Seekesotsibteadmist 