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]

"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."