Ineffable Serendipity [Tess]

Posts : 33 Join date : 2017-10-20

He grinned at her comment, dipping his head in a mocking bow. "Thanks!" There wasn't much else to say; he wasn't going to do that whole mock modesty 'I'm not, really' speech. He knew he was good at it, after all, so why lie? There was nothing wrong with admitting it. Swimming every day since he was a child would do that, and often Jesse would use that to his advantage when he swam with friends, jokingly showing off whenever he got the chance.

The question brought a slow nod from him, but he didn't say anything just yet. Could Tess be trusted? Yes, his mind supplied, but that didn't mean anything; many people could be, with little things. There was a difference between trusting someone with your life, and the life of someone else, after all, and Jesse wasn't going to make a stupid mistake like that. The stories were true. There were sirens and merfolk and selkies in the area -- perhaps not where Jesse was taking here, but there nevertheless.

The island was a haven for them, with coves and sanctuaries scattered around the island that were inaccessible by muggles, and had their own protections around it. Jesse knew these places by heart, often visited to just watch them from the shore or see if they needed anything, on behalf of his father. The Valentinos had always had good relations with them, after all, and this carried forward to Jesse. One day, his children would do the same, adding yet again to the list of those favoured by the Capri merfolk and others.

"Yes," he said, simply. "We don't see them often, for they prefer to stay hidden and only truly socialise among themselves, and they travel, but occasionally we do play host to them."

Letting out a laugh at her comment, Jesse smirked at her. "It's simple, really. Just relax and let the current guide you. Don't fight it and don't try to get out. Head in first, let your body follow, and let the water do the rest; respect it and you'll be fine," he said. "If you want, we can go in at the same time so we're side by side. The first time you ride this current it can be daunting, but I don't doubt you're more than capable."

Posts : 41 Join date : 2017-10-04

She could have been okay had he said nothing in regards to the sirens; but would she have been disappointed? Yes. As far as she could remember, Mermaids, sirens and selkies were always in all of the fairytales she chose to read. She always found them so be so gorgeous, intelligent and luring in every way possible. For her, beauty was embodied by the sirens. Her family was too fond of the merpeople simply because they had an finite connection with her founder and matriarch, Vivienne. So when he was quiet, she found herself swimming closer, eyes brighter than usual hoping to find out it was real.

But for the pause, she held her breath before she smiled brightly at his confession. Before she could even say anything more, she found herself reaching forward and grabbing his hand. "Are you serious? Would we...I know it'd be impossible...but would we be even near their habitat?" she was whispering.

Her hand clasped him firmer and her eyes even rounder showing her hope. "Are they as beautiful as the stories?" She knew she was keeping them from going, but could she even concentrate on the current with the idea of merpeople around them? Probably not no.

Posts : 33 Join date : 2017-10-20

The grabbing of his hand made him stiffen for just a moment, wondering what Tess was doing, until he heard her questions and broke into a smile, not moving to remove her hand. Instead, he took in her words, already beginning to mull over it.

On one hand, he wanted to show her. There was something about Tess that captivated him, from the way she conducted herself to the way she spoke so easily about things most others wouldn't dare to talk about -- politics, for starters. He would, if he had the choice, show her everything he possibly could, from the new baby the merfolk had that he'd visited the last round, to their favourite kale forest, just north of where they currently were. The way her eyes had lit up, and the way she seemed to comfortable in the water was refreshing; it wasn't often he met visitors to Capri who respected the ocean as much as a local would.

But at the same time, he knew the dangers. He would never bring someone to visit the merfolk without their express permission -- it was, after all, their secret sanctuary, and there was a sacredness about that Jesse would rather die than break, literally -- and they'd never given permission to anyone before, not for as long as Jesse had been alive. Nineteen years of them turning down people; what was going to change if he asked for Tess?

And yet... And yet there was something about the hope in Tess' eyes and the childlike glee and excitement and innocence in her tone that Jesse could not bear to let down. What's wrong with me? he wondered, briefly, a tiny voice among the others arguing in his mind. He'd never had a problem saying no to someone before, never wanted to say yes so easily and freely... But that voice was lost in the dilemma he faced, and he forget about the question split seconds after it was asked.

Gently, he smiled at her. "Yes," he said, simply, unable to bring himself to lie. "Yes to all three of your questions." He paused to let out a soft sigh. "I am afraid, however, the chances of you seeing them are impossible. The corals we are going to, do not play host to them." And it was true, although twisted; they often played there, admiring the corals much like Tess was going to, but when they heard someone coming, they left for their proper home.

But Jesse wasn't about to disappoint. He had, somehow, decided that he would help Tess meet them if it were the last thing he did. He said nothing, though, instead giving her another smiled and, taking her hand, gently guided her out, towards the currents. "Come," he said, hoping to change the subject. "The corals are this way."

Together, they caught the current, and Jesse relaxed as he let the waters carry him and Tess, not saying anything or moving, except to point out a turtle in the distance, twice, as they were dragged along. Five minutes later, when he saw the landmark etched into one of the walls, he gave her a sharp tug, kicking as he did, and pulled them out. Motioning to the stunning array of corals below them, with schools of fish going about life, he grinned. "Would you possibly be alright here by yourself for ten or so minutes? If you stay within the boundaries-" He pointed to a faint rope on the seabed, placed there years ago as a means to mark out the safe zone, "-you will be fine. I have something... important to do."

Posts : 41 Join date : 2017-10-04

Was it silly for her to be so excited over being so excited over something so little? Yes, yes it was. Yet she could not explain the connection she felt for them. They lived their lives within the sea, bringing people chaos, beauty and peace. For those that killed the men in their song, there were others that saved people with their large hearts. She remembered just loving the portrait at Beauxbatons that would sing to them.

It was even in her excitement that she failed to notice her improper actions. She should have never touched someone without their consent; she should never allow herself to touch the opposite sex unless under supervision or in dance. But she failed to realize this. And as he mentioned that there was a possibility of just seeing them, her hands tightened.

She said nothing as he lead her towards the entrance, and even allowed him to pull her towards the location she needed. Holding her breathe (out of reflex),she held onto him tightly as they went towards the decided entrance.

"Would you possibly be alright here by yourself for ten or so minutes? If you stay within the boundaries-" He pointed to a faint rope on the seabed, placed there years ago as a means to mark out the safe zone, "-you will be fine. I have something... important to do."

Looking up at him she smiled and nodded. Yes she could be here, her distraction was already moving towards the coral reefs. As he disappeared to wherever he was going, she in turn dove under to take a better look into the corals. The bubble charm worked wonders and she caressed the red coral lightly, only to be surprised by the fishes that sprung out. They were beautiful and she laughed as they swam in a large school towards her. This is all she asked for, to simply be one with the ocean.

Posts : 33 Join date : 2017-10-20

[[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.

Posts : 41 Join date : 2017-10-04

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.

Posts : 33 Join date : 2017-10-20

"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.

Posts : 41 Join date : 2017-10-04

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."

Posts : 33 Join date : 2017-10-20

"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."

Posts : 41 Join date : 2017-10-04

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"

Posts : 33 Join date : 2017-10-20

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.

Posts : 41 Join date : 2017-10-04

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."

» Tess Holmes
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