“I like that you are all too willing to give people’s nonsense right back at them. And you’re unapologetically over the bullshit. So, I do admire that. Obviously, you’re really persistent and as much trouble as it’s given people over the years, these days – I can respect that in the long run too.”
She smiles. “Well that can be easily arranged. I can either give you something to go, or if you’re willing to come and visit me later today, I’d be happy to make you dinner. You can also take any of my produce with you, if that’s more preferable.”
With the carrier brought over and in position, Gio carefully but firmly lowered Nero inside, shutting the door before the cat could jump back out again. He settled quickly, however very unhappily as Gio took the carrier from the other.
“Thank you so much again. I would have missed my appointment without your help.”
“Dinner sounds like a good time actually.“ There was something about having a meal with someone that deeply appealed to Saima so they were quick to take up Gio’s offer.
Although they were sympathetic to Gio’s plight, they knew it was for the best since he does have an appointment to get to.
“You’re very welcome. Glad I was able to help. Hopefully, things go well for him at the vet.“
“I have been thinking,” said slowly, halfway through with his peach and with sticky fingers, “I know where I would like to take you first.”
“I do not know the country, or really geographically what is there now but … I had a farm, and a creek, and a river in a less than a day’s walk. Though it is quite old …” Even by his standards. Neglected a thousand or two or ten years. “It would need work. I think you will like it regardless.”
The thought that Matt had been considering something was enough to fill Saima with a certain curiosity. Hearing more about what was on his mind definitely inspired a small sense of wonder in them.
“A farm, creek and a river? That sounds quite lovely. I suppose if it’s such a nice spot, it would be worth the work needed.“
“Still, I feel like I should show my thanks in some way. Even if it’s just offering you dinner or giving you a gift.” She gives a gentle shrug as they walk back into her garden and onto the porch of the villa. Gio takes a moment to shift Nero in her arms with surprising precision (she has clearly done this one too many times) as she opens the door and walks in, assuming that Saima is following her.
“Okay, so the cat carrier should be on the kitchen island.” She nodded in the direction as they entered the room. “If you could just grab it and hold it up so I can place him inside, and then you’ll need to shut the door quickly.”
“I wouldn’t refuse if you wanted to give me a gift or some food.“ Food was always a welcome payment for their assistance as far as Saima was concerned. Once at the villa, Saima enters the home behind Gio.
“The kitchen island, alright – I think I can do that.“ With that, Saima goes into the kitchen and retrieves the cat carrier, opening it so that it can be ready for Nero to be placed within it.
they’re walking coin’s doberman and borzoi, avalon and lilac, respectively. both dogs, they’ve found, tend to deter people, but if anyone knew that avalon only took orders from siri now and ignored everyone else— or that lilac laughed more than she appeared to. they’re slow to react, orange eyes focusing on the other.
❝ neither of them bite, no. ❞
Saima notices the dogs, looking like rather interesting creatures. But out of respect for the individual walking them, they maintain a comfortable space. They know better than to immediately just go up to someone’s dogs when out on a walk. “Ah good to know. Lovely dogs you have there. What are their names?”
“No- no apologies. Am bad with- language is clumsy for me. Not eloquent.” They stuttered to explain. “But your association is, good. It makes you happy?”
A sympathetic nod of understanding. “Fair enough. Language can be quite difficult to navigate.” It was something they had become all too familiar with over the years. “It does, it does. It’s weird, I ended up playing a lot of roles so I had gotten caught up in the work for so long that I hadn’t been in touch with my full self in a while. So, it’s been nice to take time to be my true self and focus on the mythical side of things.”
The stillness returned, though this time it was rooted in frustration rather than attentiveness. “No- what is? Domain. You are god of your people? Or something- not human?”
“Oh, oh sorry – I’m so sorry. I misunderstood what you were asking. I tend to be closely associated with the mythic folklore and traditions over time. I’ve served as a god of the people as well so.. deity of the people and their myths basically.” They give a little bit of an apologetic smile, embarrassed to have taken the question too literally.
As they listened they were perfectly still and unmoving which was almost as eery as their strange, jerky movements. The names meant nothing they were recorded along with their natures in his memory. “What is- you have nature? What is it?”
Saima couldn’t help but notice the complete lack of movements but..it was still worth the chance to explain. “Well, nature in this context, was about the environment, the lay of the land and how fauna and flora interact with each other. So Taara is considered someone responsible for the creation of land in stories.”
“Know very little about you- pantheon,” They explained, their head canting back and forth like a confused animal. “Know very little about others- mistake. Tell me of yours? Am curious, should learn more.”
It was fair that Saima’s pantheon would be relatively little known – it didn’t get nearly as much attention as those from others places. “It’s fine – all an opportunity to learn.” They pause thinking about how best to explain. It was still great to be able to share the names of those who they grew up among.
“A few members are Ehaema: mother twilight, Jumal: God, Kalevipoeg: ancient king of Estonia and giant hero, Linda: Kalevipoeg’s mother, Kuu: Moon. Others include Maaemä: Mother Earth, Taara: God of nature, Tooni: God of the death, Vanemuine: god of songs, art and literature. And plenty of spirits associated with the forest, the water and wind. “
Seekesotsibteadmist 