Issue 1 Downtime

It was always easy to tell when Zeryn had been in the pool. For one thing, he'd learned how to turn off the chlorine system to the pool. And for another thing, he invariably separated out the chlorine from the pool water, dumping it all into a garbage can by the door. These days, thankfully, he had the sense to cover it with something and keep it well out of the way. Still, he wasn't the most popular person with the maintenence staff.

The man himself was lying in the pool, now with clean, non-chemically enhanced water, soaking off the fight earlier.

"Greetings, Zeryn." Mariuset said formally, "May I enter?" it wasn't strictly speaking his water, but it seemed wise to be polite.

Zeryn opened his eyes, then simply nodded. "Of course," he said, his expression very guarded.

"Thank you." she said, stepping into the water "I wish to say that I regret my earlier words. I spoke in haste, I apologize."

He looked at her for a moment, considering her words. "Dolphins," he said, "Are vile creatures. Also, certain families with lands along territorial borders are both horrible gossips and utter liars. Would you not agree?"

"I would agree completely."

His expression softened a bit. "You are well, now, I hope?" he asked, motioning her over.

"I am quite well, thanks to you."

He nodded. "I simply wish I had been faster. When you seemed to not be breathing, even with assistance..." he shivered a bit.

"It was only for a moment." she replied "Truly, I am well recovered."

He studied her reaction carefully before nodding, his voice getting gentler. "Good. I know that I failed you in this case. But I would not want you to think that you could not count on me if you needed it. Or even if you wished it."

"I thank you, but truly, I was foolish. My impulsiveness is not your fault."

He managed a smile at that. "And if I perform my duties properly, you should be free to be as foolish as anyone else in this school."

"I would hope to be more sensible than the surface dwellers, but some of their ways are so strange it is difficult to judge what is wise and what is foolish."

He nodded sympathetically. "What has given you troubles?" he asked.

"Many small things." Mariuset replied "But I've started to make friends. Trev has been showing me around, and helped my buy a computer."

"Ah, of course," Zeryn said. "Those machines rarely agreed with me," he admitted, making an indicative gesture to the pool. "I'm... glad that someone was able to help you with the matter," he added diplomatically.

"They are extremely sensitive to water." Mariuset said "Which is a pity, since the games one can play on them are quite amusing."

He nodded. "I would offer to have one made for you which can operate underwater, as I am having made, but I somehow doubt you would find it a useful offer," he admitted, smiling slightly.

"I believe that you are correct." Mariuset paused for a moment "It...until very recently, I didn't realize how fully the sea is lost to me."

"All tides change," he said gently. "Though it may take more than a cycle of the moon now, still all tides might change."

"I pray that you are correct." she said, obviously trying not to cry.

Zeryn sighed, then he drifted away from the edge of the pool. "As do I," he said, reaching out to offer both his hands to her.

Mariuset took his hands "Thank you." she said again "You must think me very weak."

Zeryn smiled slightly. "Never. You endured years of isolation, mistreatment, confinement, to say nothing of how we found you." He pulled her closer to hug her. "You still stand proud and brave, as you should. I could never think you weak for feeling sorrow over a legitimate loss."

"And once again, you've saved me. You seem to be making a habit of that."

"Well, it benefitted me greatly the first time, I decided that a second time could be equally beneficial," he... joked? He squeezed her a little. "I'll do it a third time, and as many times as is necessary," he added quietly. "Unless you wish me to stop, that is..."

"I don't think that I shall ever become weary of having such a brave warrior as a protector."

"Then it would be a shame to allow you to grow used to it only to stop," he reasoned. "I suppose that this means I shall simply have to continue, yes?"

"That sounds most agreeable to me."

"I would be disappointed if you thought otherwise," he said with a small smile. Without thinking about it, he kissed her very lightly as he drew back.

"I would not want to disappoint you." she said, her smile making her words seem less formal.

He smiled at that. "Well if we're to continue not disappointing, perhaps I need to keep a closer eye on you," he said reasonably. "Perhaps dinner tomorrow?"

"I believe that the day after would suit me better." she replied "I believe I have a previous commitment."

"Ah, of course," Zeryn said, straightening and nodding formally.

"Thank you for being so understanding." she said, smiling at him.

"I could hardly ask you to upset your life on my behalf," he said evenly as he sank back into the water, drifting back toward the deeper end of the pool.

Mariuset didn't follow him, and just floated in the shallower end of the pool I would think you would be pleased that I am meeting people and making friends.

He stopped for a moment to see if she would follow, then sighed as he drifted deeper.