A visit with a fishy friend. ((for outpostcook))

[liverfree]

It had taken a bit of time to set up, but Prometheus is finally able to make good on his promise to introduce Kinner to Glaucus, the god of fishermen. He sends his friend a text with coordinates, and a list of instructions: bring a cooler of his best shrimp and oysters, dress cool for the summer weather, and wear lots of sunscreen!

The reason for the last direction will become apparent once Kinner teleports to the Titan's location: they are on a yacht -- nothing fancy, just large enough to be a safe vessel in the waters of the Aegean Sea. Prometheus is at the helm, steering the boat towards a small, uninhabited island in the distance. The ocean is a deep, vibrant blue around them, reflecting the sky above, not a cloud in the sky.

"Poseidon is in a good mood," he tells his friend with a smile. "We have a few minutes until landfall. Anything you want to know before we get there?"

Comments

[outpostcook]

Kinner's gotten more used to summer clothing, and it certainly made a nice change from a heavy winter coat. He'll be needing that again in the future, but for now he's going to relax and enjoy the summer heat. As promised, he has a cooler of shrimp and oysters for Glaucus.

This is going to be fun, he thinks. The climate's still hot, but not the oppressive hellscape it was back in Furiosa's world.

"So, tell me a little bit about Glaucus. Who is he, exactly? I know he's the god of fishermen, you mentioned that. What's he like, and is there anything I should expect when I talk to him?"

[liverfree]

It's hotter here than in the Nexus, but there is a nice ocean breeze that keeps the sun's rays from being overwhelming. Prometheus is dressed in his usual black shirt and jeans, although he's left the leather jacket in the cabin below.

"Well, he was once human," the Titan reminds Kinner as he keeps the boat on a steady path. "So he has far more empathy for humans than most gods. He's been known to rescue sailors and fishermen from drowning. I tried to explain the Nexus to him, but I don't think he understands. He barely knows about much outside of the Aegean Sea, he has not traveled as far as I have. He's also..." Prometheus sighs. "Well, he's had terrible luck with women, so he's rather lovelorn. Don't be surprised if he mentions it at least once."

[outpostcook]

"Ah, I know the type. I'm not one of those people myself, but it's hard to go through life without meeting a couple. I'll try not to bring up any touchy subjects." Kinner's had his share of crushes, but he's not really a romantic. "So he sounds like a good guy, lovelorn nature aside. I made sure to bring along my best wares. It's for a god, and the gods deserve my best."

Kinner hopes his food is good enough for a god to enjoy, though he can't help but feel anxious. There's some pressure here, though that isn't so bad. He's not used to bringing food outside his own world, at least not on a one-off.

[liverfree]

"Me either," Prometheus says with a small chuckle, although he does glance over at the water's horizon, briefly, as if his mind is occupied with something. "He doesn't take out his moods on anyone else, which is already a cut above most gods in my pantheon. And I'm sure he'll love what you've brought, you're an excellent fishmonger."

As the coastline of the small island grows closer, Prometheus slows the engine and gently steers the ship to a serene, sandy cove. "He can't really be on land," the Titan notes as he looks for a good place to drop anchor. "But a spot where we can sit on the sand and he can lounge at the edge of the water will work fine. He looks like a merman. You know what that is, yes?"

[outpostcook]

"You know," says Kinner, "I'm glad this'll be a nice trip. I've had enough excitement for a while, though that Coney Island carnival wasn't bad at all. I met a lot of decent folks there. Saw Cricket again, and his friends Jack and Forrest. They've been real good to me. Hermione took me on a roller coaster."

"A merman? Yeah, I know what those are. Haven't met one in real life, though -thought they only existed in stories." The same could be said of a lot of creatures in the Nexus, thinks Kinner. Including the dinosaurs and aliens, though he's had previous experience with both in his world - although the dinosaurs, at least, were only skeletons. "Fish-people, right?"

[liverfree]

"I wouldn't take you on a terrible trip," Prometheus jokes, his smile warm. "I missed the carnival, unfortunately. There's too much work to be done. I'm glad you had a good time, though."

The Titan nods at the question. "Yes, the upper body of a human and the lower body of a fish. Glaucus has gills, also, along his throat. Truthfully, he's a bit more fishy than some of the other sea deities. Many of them take human form without issue. Glaucus is a little stuck. Must have been the nature of his transformation."

The boat approaches the sandy coast. When it's in shallow enough water, Prometheus kills the engine entirely and drops the anchor. "You'll have to wade a bit, but it's only shin deep here," he says as he steps off the boat and into the shallow water. "Er... knee deep for you, I suppose. Would you like to hand over the cooler? I'll carry it to shore."

[outpostcook]

"That's true," says Kinner. "I trust your judgement 'bout these things. The weather's a lot better than Furiosa's world, though Ace and the rest of her people were decent sorts. The carnival was fun - I can tell you more about it later. Loads of people were there. Haven't seen so many people havin' a good time since Thor's Yule party."

Kinner's expression sobers when he thinks about Thor. It'a been a while since he heard from the Asgardian, and he knows the effects of Thanos are still felt in the Nexus. But he's not here to think about that, he reminds himself. He'll see Thor in the future.

"Sure, you can have the cooler." With a little effort, Kinner turns over the cooler and the seafood to Prometheus. "Don't mind having to wade. I've been in the water before. Deeper than this, actually - it's something that happens when you fish for a living, though I'm more used to fresh water than the ocean. There were good rivers where I grew up."

[liverfree]

So far as Prometheus is concerned, trusting his judgement should be mandatory for all mortals, but he appreciates the trust that Kinner puts in him. "I'd love to hear about it later. The Yule Party feels like it was ages ago, doesn't it?" Even to an immortal such as himself. He can't help but think about Thor and his troubles as well. He then shakes off the feeling, taking the cooler and carrying to shore.

The water is warm, as pleasant as the rest of the weather. Prometheus waits for Kinner to reach shore, then pats the sand next to him. "Have a seat. He should be here any moment, he knows we're here."

Sure enough, there is a rippling in the water about a hundred yards in the distance, like that of a dolphin or large fish breeching the surface. Then, closer to them, until finally a man with long, dark hair and a beard that rivals Prometheus pulls himself out of the water and onto an out-crop of rocks. Except only his top half is that of a man. Everything from the waist down is that of a fish, the scales gleaming green and iridescent.

"Prometheus," he says. He brushes the wet hair off his neck, revealing gills. His gaze drops to Kinner, eyeing him curiously. "This is the human?"

"This is Kinner," the Titan replies. "He's the fisherman looking to expand his market." He looks over at the cooler, then at Kinner meaningfully. Now would be a great time to offer the god some seafood, while he had his interest.

[outpostcook]

"Yeah, it does. A lot's happened since then, some good and some bad. At Cricket's party, I noticed Palmer seemed a bit happier since I last saw him. I think reopening his business did him good, though we haven't talked that much since winter. We need to get back in touch. A few old friends from my world came in, so I've been reconnecting with them."

Kinner certainly didn't expect to see McReady again, though the rugged meteorologist's presence is reassuring. It restores some sense of authority - Kinner's more a follower than a leader, though he chooses the leader he follows carefully. It's partly why he's nervous about Palmer's plan. As the man on the makeshift team with the most experience with Things, he'd end up in an advisory role.

He obeys Prometheus and sits down, eyes widening slightly when he sees the fish-man emerge. He'd have been even more surprised pre-Nexus, but he's seen a lot of strange things by now.

"Hello, Glaucus." The cook waves meekly. "I'm Joseph Kinner. Nice to see you."

Kinner takes the hint - Antarctica required communication that wasn't always verbal. He opens the cooler and offers Glaucus a couple of oysters as an initial offering. He picked out his best, out of general principle, but also because he's doing business with a god. The fisherman god almost certainly has high standards.

[liverfree]

"I've been busy on Thor's Earth," he informs Kinner, after the man catches him up a little on himself and Palmer. Even now, he's thinking about what still needs to be done in the Norweigan village of remaining Asgardians, far too few for what once was an entire civilization. Of course, he can afford to, as he doesn't expect this meeting with Glaucus to go poorly. "You'll have to let me know what I've missed."

The Titan stays quiet when Kinner greets the deity. Glaucus blinks at him, and with a small smile, mimics the wave. "Nice to see you, too," he says quietly. His voice is human-sounding, although where Prometheus's voice tends towards loud and earthy, Glaucus sounds softer and more melodic. He blinks again when presented with the oysters, then samples them, tilting the molluscs into his mouth, one at a time, then wiping the salty brine from his lips.

"You are a fisherman," he says in approval. His hair and beard drip water onto the rocks he lounges on. "Prometheus told you I was a fisherman once, too, yes? He said you were hoping to fish in these waters." He looks from human to Titan and back again. "He did not say how you met."

[outpostcook]

"Not much has happened, honestly. Blaze and Ghost are back, and she and the other Guardians are here to enforce the truce. Hopefully the Fallen won't cause trouble for us again. There was the carnival, and that was fun." Kinner smiles at the memory of the carnival. "Met Cricket and Hermione there, and they're doing well for themselves. What's been going on in Thor's world?"

To Kinner's relief, it looks like the god likes the oysters. Well, he did make sure to package his best for Glaucus. He's a little uneasy around most gods, although Prometheus earns a pass since he helped Kinner when the cook was in serious trouble. Kinner likes the Lokis with one exception, mostly due to their charisma.

"I was from a world outside this one," Kinner explains, "but I was killed by a monster called the Thing. Somehow I came to the Nexus after I died. Prometheus helped me get settled and showed me some places to eat around the Nexus - I was starved, apparently. After that, he offered to show me his world and introduce me to you, seeing as we have some shared interests."

[liverfree]

Prometheus knows about Blaze and Ghost, but he's relieved to hear it all the same. "His people have settled in a small village in Norway. There's work to be done, but they're doing well for it." His expression sobers and he lets out a quiet sigh. "His Earth is damaged. With half the population gone, many people are grieving and struggling to keep everything running. I'm amazed that everything hasn't dissolved into chaos."

Damn Thanos and his outrageous genocide. If he weren't already dead, Prometheus would be tempted to seek justice. Hopefully there's a pit in Tartarus that he's suffering in for eternity.

Glaucus, for his part, seems a little shy. It's not like the god to make himself so visible and chatty with a mortal. (Well, a male mortal, anyway...) But he does listen very curiously to Kinner's explanation, gaze flicking to Prometheus a few times as if to confirm the story. "Taking over the work of Hades, are we?" he asks the Titan a touch playfully.

Prometheus grimaces. "He's not dead, Glaucus, you can see that for yourself."

"Hmm." Glaucus peers at the cooler, leaning forward slightly. For being half fish, he balances quite well on the rocks. "You are a lucky man, Joseph Kinner, to have a deity take an interest in your well-being without ill intentions. Although Prometheus is a giant softie, so perhaps it's not that much luck."

"Hey," the Titan interjects, crossing his arms.

Glaucus smiles and ignores him, his eyes on Kinner. "Well, I'm not one to turn away a talented fisherman. How often would you be here, if I granted you permission?"

[outpostcook]

"Norway. That should be a safe place for them. I did some work for the refugees here. I'm not surprised that Thanos made a real mess outta Thor's world - hopefully something will be done about him. I'm not usually one to say folks are too dangerous to live, but I hope he's been dealt with. Can't have someone like that getting into the Nexus. As long as he's alive, there's a risk."

Genocidal behavior aside, a being of Thanos's power level would be worth keeping an eye on anyway. Kinner's careful around the more powerful beings of the Nexus, and especially the ones with more alien morality. He's deeply suspicious of the seasonal spirits in particular, though he doesn't plan to get on their bad sides.

"He was kind to me," Kinner says when Glaucus asks the question. "I'm in a much better place thanks to Prometheus. I set up my fish store partly because of the confidence he gave me."

He considers the second question for a minute before he answers. It's one that deserves some thought.

"I'd visit about once every couple months. I do business in several other worlds, too, so I wouldn't be a regular visitor. What kinds of fish do you have on offer?"

[liverfree]

"He's already dead," he says, in regards to Thanos. "You're right, he would have remained a risk while alive. Unfortunately, he had already destroyed the infinity stones. The damage he caused can't be undone." Which, generally, is the natural order of things. The Fates don't appreciate their tapestry being unwoven. Still, he had thought the idea to undo the genocide with the inivity stones was a good one. "That was generous of you to help the refugees, Kinner. On behalf of Thor's people, thank you."

Glaucus smiles a little at that, but otherwise doesn't comment. "It is something that he and I have in common," he tells Kinner. "Helping humans. Which is why I am not opposed to you fishing here. The sardines are plentiful, as are mackerel and smelts. Any sea mammals are off limits, especially the dolphins. They are descended from sailors, you know."

The god pauses, toying with an empty oyster shell. "I wouldn't mind a small tribute when you visit. Some oysters would be fine. And... ah... if you have any female friends you'd like to bring along with you --"

"Glaucus," Prometheus interrupts.

"What?" The god flips his hair and pouts. "Maybe he knows someone nice!"

[outpostcook]

"That's just as well. At least the risk of him coming here is out of the way." Perhaps not completely, there are other universes out there and the dead have appeared in the Nexus before - as Kinner himself should know - but he refuses to even consider that possibility. It's not as if anything can be done about that, but he doubts any version of Thanos who came to the Nexus would meet a warm welcome.

He smiles when Prometheus thanks him for helping the refugees. It was the right thing to do, even though he didn't know Thor and the Asgardians as well as some others in the Nexus. They need all the help they can get.

It was bad luck that the Nexus as a community suffered two harsh blows as of late, one from within and one from outside. But things are looking up again, even if the damage can't all be fixed. Hermione's words at the carnival stay with him.

"Nah, I don't know any female friends back where I came from." The majority of Kinner's social circle is male, he realizes, both in the Nexus and back home, with the exception of his siblings. "Sorry to disappoint you." There's Yaya, but he doubts she's Glaucus's type. "But thank you for letting me fish here, and I'll see to providing the tribute."

[liverfree]

Glaucus looks disappointed by the news, but perhaps he was expecting that as an answer, because he seems to get over it quickly. "Well, if things change..."

Prometheus sighs. Well, he did warn Kinner about this god's fixation on finding a girlfriend. The Titan would have a good long laugh over the idea of suggesting Yaya. Although knowing the little old lady as well as he does, he suspects she wouldn't mind fussing over a lovelorn merman. He really should help set up a tinder account for Glaucus, maybe he'd have better luck online.

"The tribute will be sufficient. Say a prayer in my name when you bring them to this island." Glaucus pushes off the rocks and bobs partway out of the sea. "Thank you for bringing him, Prometheus. You always have good taste in humans."

"Don't mention it." Prometheus replies. Especially not phrased like that.

[outpostcook]

"I can do that. Prayer and a tribute - that's easy enough." Kinner smiles at Glaucus's remark - it doesn't bother him too much. Honestly, he's used to worse from Alastor and Venom, and Glaucus doesn't have any ill intent. "I wish you luck."

Not that Kinner can offer much meaningful advice on relationships. He could try, but he couldn't really help Glaucus.

"I guess we should be on our way then." Kinner offers Prometheus a warm smile. "Thank you for bringing me here. And thanks for letting me fish here, Glaucus. I hope to see you again sometime, and I'm happy you liked my oysters. People back in the Nexus like them, too. A literal god's sign of approval brightens my day."

[liverfree]

Glaucus is a little less patronizing of humans than other gods in his pantheon, having been one once, but that was a long time ago. He seems satisfied by Kinner's words. A little flattered, too. "Stay safe on your travels," he instructs the fishmonger before turning his luminous eyes on Prometheus. "You as well, Titan."

And then the god is gone, diving back into the sea and disappearing into the blue water.

Prometheus smiles at Kinner and pats him on the back. "Great job! You know how to handle yourself around a deity, I'm very impressed." He nods his head toward the cooler. "You want to pack up? I'll take us back to the mainland."

[outpostcook]

"I've had some experience, to be fair. I met you, the Lokis, and Thor. Unless you count Reynard - talked to him a couple of times. I'm told he's not a god exactly, even though he's powerful and dangerous. Thor seems to think the seasonal spirits don't like gods very much, and mortal lives ain't as important to them. Seems pretty godlike to me, but I dunno much about gods or spirits or what the difference is."

Kinner watches the water where Glaucus disappeared. That conversation went very well.

"You and Thor are the nicest of the lot, though, between you and me. Cricket's Loki is decent, too, and the other Loki does his best with a rough hand." Kinner packs up the cooler and stands once it's ready. "I'm ready to go when you are."

[liverfree]

"I agree with Thor's assessment, at least when it comes to nature spirits on my world. Most are indifferent to humanity. They usually aren't intentionally cruel unless they feel as though their territory is being violated. And no, they don't like most gods, although that is likely out of fear. Nature spirits embody their season or aspect, but gods can often command nature to do their own bidding. It causes a lot of conflict." He shrugs and spreads his hands. "But that is only my experience. I wouldn't assume anything when it comes to spirits in the Nexus."

Prometheus thinks that Kinner has learned some valuable lessons in the Nexus. He's glad that the man approaches the supernatural with caution and an even temper.

"Ah, well, even I have buttons that can get pushed, but thank you." He makes his way to the boat, gesturing for Kinner to follow. "I'll pass along a map to you of the waters here when we get back. This island is uncharted, but I'll mark it down."

[outpostcook]

"That sounds like what Thor said about Reynard and Hazel. Their values ain't human and they don't see things the way we do, so it's impossible to know what they're thinking. Can't imagine Reynard especially is too popular right now. He upset a lot of people in the line of duty. Between us, I just hope he goes easier on us next winter. There's no point in holding a grudge against him."

Kinner figures there's no point in battles that can't be won. Preparing for winter would be a better use of his time than cursing it. He follows Prometheus along to the boat.

"So do I." Kinner's never seen Prometheus truly angry, but he guesses it would be an imposing sight. "The map will be very helpful. I'm guessing this is a hidden island?"

[liverfree]

"Gods," Prometheus says quietly, "At least have a connection to uphold with the humans who worship them. Nature spirits are not bound in this way. I would prepare yourself for the winter as best you can. That's all we can do, unless Reynard is given a good reason to not repeat his actions."

At his full size, Prometheus can be quite intimidating. It takes a lot to make him truly angry, but he is a Titan. That sort of thing is in their blood.

Prometheus steps onto the boat, then offers Kinner a hand with the cooler so that he can board more easily. "Eh, not so much hidden as too small to be worth noting." He turns to start the boats engines and prepare it for leaving shore. "There's no Atlantis out there, in case you're wondering. Plato made that up for one of his essays."

[outpostcook]

"Most of the advice I've gotten about spirits is to stay out of their way. I'm gonna take that."

Kinner nods grimly, taking the Titan's advice to heart. After what happened, he may not be angry at Reynard but he certainly doesn't trust him. He'll be making preparations this autumn to make sure he isn't caught up again. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

"I kind of figured Atlantis ain't a real place," he says as he boards the boat, accepting Prometheus's hand. "Your world doesn't seem so bad, though I'm guessing I've seen one of the nicer bits. Don't have to worry 'bout any monsters, hopefully. Furiosa's world is harsher, though she says it's better than it used to be."

[liverfree]

The problem, Prometheus thinks to himself, is that spirits don't always allow humans to stay out of their way. But he doesn't want to stress Kinner out, the man is already doing the best he can to stay out of trouble.

"Not real here," Prometheus says with a laugh. "You never know who you'll meet in the Nexus." After assisting Kinner, he pulls up anchor and carefully steers the boat out of the cove. "The time of monsters is long past here, you don't have to worry about that. Any monsters who weren't killed by heroes lurk in places that humans rarely can reach. I think your biggest issue around here will be the occasional storm. Just don't come fishing on those days and you'll be fine."