unknownballad | ❝ Let you play me like an instrument ❞

Travel between dimensions and worlds isn't something Nagare can explain. He's sure there's some part physics and some part magic to it all. It's not common anywhere he's been to (or else everyone would just up and leave shitty places, exactly as he did). It took some doing and more than a few 'favors' to get his own little, completely autonomous pocket dimension set up. Why did he bother? Because moving his ever-growing collection was getting harder and harder. And finding places where they could exist without the dangers of social mores and politics getting in the way was also getting harder. So, Nagare built a place where he called all the shots and if you didn't play by his rules, you couldn't ever return.

Walking through the portal was somewhat like passing under a sudden, cool mist. Almost immediately, it sealed up behind them. Where it once was now stands a solid wall with a large, ornate mirror. The mirror, of course, has nothing to do with their passage; it's just a convenient landmark that Nagare uses to navigate his way back home. Nagare barely spares a curious look when Aqua wraps himself around his arm. Instead, he simply leads him down the hall, each archway they passed draped with sheer fabrics, mostly in reds and golds, but other jewel-tones as well.

"This place is called The Red Tent. It's a secret world for only me and my lovely creatures."

At a crossing, Nagare makes a single turn and the room opens up. Were it out of doors, one could've called it a courtyard. More of the colored cloth draped over the ceiling giving it a tent-like atmosphere, something Nagare wonders if Aqua will recognize being so new to the land. The room is a large a banquet hall, full of low tables and colored cushions. Every table is adorned with flower petals along the radius and a hookah positioned in the center. Incense censers dangle from the canopy above them, filling the large room with a warm, welcoming scent. There are even a few people milling about — some appearing human and some obviously now. Some seem to be busying themselves with arranging the tables and cushions just so, while others recline against those cushions, picking apart fresh fruits and taking long drafts from the hookahs.

At some point, Aqua releases the death grip he has on Nagare's arm, instead opting to take his hand and just remain incredibly close. So he's not exactly glued to the man's side now, but he's still not giving him any space either. This is his temporary comfort human, which is necessary for a strange place with no familiar sights or smells. He needs Nagare right now. Oh how that'll change in time.

"Pretty," Aqua muses to himself as he looks around at the beautiful fabrics, reaching out to touch them whenever they get near enough for him to do so without having to move too far from Nagare's side. Those fabrics are such beautiful colours and so flowy, almost like if they were a barely solid water. They look like they'd be nice to wrap himself in.

When Nagare speaks, Aqua tears his attention away from the draped fabrics to listen carefully. He's trying to take in everything about this place so it stops being so unfamiliar. The Red Tent (what's a tent?). A secret world. Just the human and his creatures (does he know that Aqua is a creature too?). Creatures Aqua waves to as he sees them, even if they're not looking at him. He's trying to be friendly!

This whole place is incredible though. It seems so cozy and inviting. Though the onslaught of new smells is a little overwhelming and the lack of ocean smell is still distressing. "Is there more that we can see?"

Everyone's reaction is different. Of course, not many came here by their own choice. That difference alone makes Aqua's introduction to his new home a unique one, for him and for Nagare. Typically, his creatures are not conscious when they arrive here. When they wake, it's in a strange room, in a strange place they never agreed to go. Nagare rarely gets the option to tour one of them like this.

Many of those present take note of their master and his companion. Some look surprised, others merely wave and smile in turn, some of both groups remain curiously watching. It's as rare for them to see Nagare walking someone through who isn't a potential client. The only giveaway that Aqua isn't one is the way he clings fast to Nagare. Nagare wouldn't tolerate that from a potential client.

"There is much more. There are several buildings on the compound. Many creatures and many things to see. Shall I show you a place to swim?"

Aqua came here of his own choice, but he had no idea where 'here' was or what it was going to mean for him. He didn't know that he was agreeing to stay here, almost like he was agreeing to his own kidnapping. Had he had even half an idea of what was happening, he would never have come along with Nagare, curiosity be damned. Then he would've been no different than many of the others. Brought here by force, unconscious.

For now, though, this is actually nice. It's a nice alternative to a situation he didn't even know could've happened.

His smile brightens and his waving grows more enthusiastic and vigorous when some of the others smile and wave back. So far, this seems like a decent place with good people. He'd like to get to know some of them sometime. Maybe ask some of them why they're looking at him with such shocked faces.

Aqua is about to ask about the other building and the many creatures, but all of that is pushed aside when he hears the word 'swim'. He's like a sleeper agent finally hearing his activation word. He practically vibrates with excitement and that nervous energy he was feeling is momentarily gone. Gently, he tugs at Nagare's hand. "Yes please! I would like it see!"

Oh, there is a very specific demographic that this little one will appeal to. Nagare will have to keep an eye on some of them, of that he's sure. While they may not have exhibited any untoward behavior in the past, there's always the possibility. There are some who prefer to break nice toys like this. Nagare won't have it.

"Now, keep in mind it's no ocean and manage your expectations. It's only a pool." A very large pool, but a pool none the less.

He leads them through an open-air walkway that leads outside the building proper. It seems to be the back of the building, but stretching out very far just behind it is a shimmering clear pool. The main body is somewhat round, like a small lake or pond, but in two directions, river-like tendrils sprout and vanish into the distance.

"One leads to a cave like structure our siren prefers. The other stays in the open air like this."

❝ Let you play me like an instrument ❞

oh yes, totally temporary. aqua's not stuck here 5ever now

just a quick tour and then he's going home right? RIGHT??

Hahahahahaha... hahaha... haaa...

STOP LAUGHING AND SAY 'RIGHT'!! D:

Okay, okay. (ahem) Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.