sticksandbones | (no subject)

Who: The Cosmic Serpent and You
What: :)
When: Towards the end of their time on the beach. But not before they leave!
Where: The beach!
Warnings: implied something got eaten by a dragonshark

At some point in the summer night, the tide does not come in and flood the caves. The sky is clear, unclouded with only the moonlight gleaming in the dark. In the distance there is a loud rumbling noise, and those familiar with the sounds of the coast can tell a lot of water is moving, churning even, towards the Cosmic Serpent's cove.

Before anything can be done, however, something shoots across the sky. The Cosmic Serpent itself seems to swim through the air as if it is the sea it was born in, glowing always with it's gold and silver and nebula-like hues. Water drips from it's body and showers the shore and the forest beneath it in a colorful rain that does not stop even after the the Serpent has flown from view, though once it is gone the colors seem to fade.

Those caught in the rain will notice that the rain water feels cool and soothing. Those suffering corruption will feel it fading, however, as if it is washing away the suffering. Maybe even some of you will find yourself cured entirely.

The rain continues through the night, and at some point past midnight the tide finally seems to come. Good luck!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Come dawn, those still awake can see the Cosmic Serpent soaring through the air once more, this time returning to the cove. Keen eyes may see blood around her maw. Will you go investigate?

[Hello we are very curious about this very sparkly sea snake. Dipper will definitely be following her back to her cove and peer inside just the entrance.]

Unlike every other time it has been visited, the Cosmic Serpent is actively swimming with it's fellow celestial ocean kin. Once he notices Dipper standing on the shore, though- which may be sooner than expected, given that it takes notice very quickly- she swims over, stopping when it means their head is resting in the shallows of the water. The blood seems to have been rinsed off.

Dipper will recognize the shape of her head and her main fins to be that of a nurse shark. This does not mean he does not have teeth.

Child. You seek me out. Why?

Clotted Cream will also be following the Serpent back to her cove! The fact that she's returning with very much visible blood around her mouth is a bit concerning - is it hers? Is it something else's? Was she feeding, or fighting? This shrimp man wants to know.

Despite this, he lingers on the edges of the water, near where it no longer turns into a cove and opens up into the sea. It's always best to ensure personal safety before jumping in, after all.

Ah. There are more. Though he seems to be swimming with his celestial kin of the sea, she does pause and give him a sidelong look as he approaches.

What have you to ask?

Oh. He's been spotted. He probably should have expected that, all things considered. Having such a large creature talking to him would be a bit intimidating, if not for his hours upon hours of practice speaking in front of a mirror and his experience with the Convocation of Elders. He straightens his back respectfully and quietly clears his throat.

"Forgive me for disturbing you. I witnessed your flight, and your return, and I couldn't help but notice what looked like blood... Are you alright?"

... Hm. It tilts its head, shifting enough to get a closer look. A shrimp mer? Interesting. Not something she has seen in a very long time.

I am unharmed. A group of mortals far beyond this forest's reach were polluting a sister sea, pouring toxins and poisons into the waters to avoid their responsibility and to further their greed.

I have slaughtered them and sent warning to their city.

Which is to say, it was not my blood.

A group of mortals beyond the forest--? Clotted Cream is glad to hear that the Serpent is unharmed, but the news of more of them out there, ones not trapped within the forest is big news. Very big. It goes into his mental notes for now, for assessing later on.

"I see. I am glad to hear that you are unharmed. Are you the guardian of all seas, then, if you are taking time to travel such a distance?"

Not... officially. Not the way the guardians of your forest were born for their roles, crafted for them. And I do not accept the title. But I am one who has consumed celestial magic- even among my kin in the cove, no other will gain the power I have, and the Silver Moon is too stricken to act. So I do as I must.

So it's because Ourania is out of commission... Even so, that knowledge gives him some hope. This is a being that might be able to help. He pulls in a breath, straightening his back. He realizes that this is a bold move, what he's about to do, but he has a long trail of bold moves behind him. He doesn't even hesitate.

"Great serpent, I must ask... The creature in the forest has been given a name. He has taken to personally tormenting those in my home, to the point of physical and mental violence in their sleep, when they are least able to defend themselves. I don't know what to do-- I cannot help them, I have no magic that can help them. I beg of you - is there anything that you can do? If you are able to help, I will do anything in my power to aid you."

The Cosmic Serpent seems to blink in surprise, tilting his head, slightly. No one has asked for protection such as this- to sink the ships of enemies, to purify the waters, to chase back those with their oil and garbage, yes. But this...?

... I do not know. But I will try. Give me a moment, I must think.

Well, it's a better response than he expected. Shoot for the stars, and maybe you'll still hit the moon, right? Clotted Cream smiles, less out of politeness and more out of relief that there is even a chance at a solution existing, and nods.

"Yes, of course. Please, take all the time you need."

After a while, she looks to him again.

How many in your house? I have not offered a blessing before. I do not know if I can do this again.

How many... Clotted Cream pauses just for a second, taking a brief mental inventory.

"Not counting myself, there are four. And there is one other who does not currently live with us that I would like to protect as well, if it is possible. He is... a very dear friend."

Six, total, then.

The Cosmic Serpent grumbles. It looks as if he is looking down in thought, before raising it's head once more.

It will... take time. I will make six blessings. But that is all. I will deliver them to the house of sugar when they are ready. I am... sorry. For the time it will take.

A solution, then. Clotted Cream breathes a soft sigh of relief, but his smile is beaming for how exhausted he feels. After the attack on Pure Vanilla and Felicity, he's been holding a lot more tension than he thought.

"Thank you. Truly, take as much time as you need. I am aware that it is a large request. And, if you need anything from me, I will gladly return the favor."

You will. I must begin my work. Pray to the Goddesses that things do not escalate before I am ready.

... Well, they will, but still.