Chapter Text
The polished coral cabochon of the bracelet shines brightly against Valrika's dusky skin, a stark contrast that inevitably draws the eye.
Zinikr studies her intently, a hand to his chin, and finally nods, clearly satisfied with what he sees. "Aye, it suits you," he says at length, reaches out to touch it with his very fingertips, taking a bit of silent delight from the faint flush that darkens her cheeks to a twilight shade. "Been holdin' onto that little thing for ages now - figured I'd never find someone who'd be worth givin' it to. Always thought it'd be a shame just to let it sit in a box, though." Withdrawing his hand, he looks her up and down, smiles when her blush deepens and politely averts his eyes to let her regain her composure, pretending to straighten the tangle of items in the chest he's been picking through. "Heck of a story how I came across all this, too. You interested in hearin' it?"
"I," Valrika begins, uncertain, her own hand resting over the filigreed bangle now; it seems to pulse with warmth, a soft distraction, and it's all she can do to pull her racing mind away from what-ifs and why-fors to the present again. "...If you wish to tell it, then I will listen."
"Right--" Zinikr straightens one more tray of oddments, closes the chest and gestures for her to have a seat, a hand coming up to his chin, absently stroking his beard as he begins to pace. "Y'know how I've been captain of the Uzra for...gods, longer'n I can even
remember
. Seems like it's been an entire lifetime by now. But, point is, people are always tryin' to give me things - whether it's gifts, bribes, or tips about somethin' of interest. That last option's how I found all this." A wry smile, and he shrugs, like it's really no big deal. "Sold most of it, kept a few things - like that bracelet there - just in case I ever found some lovely lass who'd be worthy of it. Seemed only fair; when you go an' sneak a whole boatload of treasure outta some gorgeous mermaid's cave, you gotta give it to someone just as good-lookin', aye? So that's why I--"
Valrika puts a hand up to stop him, giving a measured blink, one that gives away that she's just as surprised at interrupting him as he is to be interrupted. "A mermaid," she says, as if she's not certain whether she ought to believe him or not. "I was...under the impression such things existed only in stories that humans tell their children. Yet you would have me believe otherwise? Truly?"
Zinikr can't help himself; he barks a laugh and promptly looks sheepish at his own reaction, rubbing the back of his neck. "Aye, you got me, you're right - no such thing as mermaids," he admits, pretends he doesn't notice her look of mild disapproval, ceasing to pace. "Nah, the
real
story ain't anywhere near that interestin' in the end. There was a cave, an' we
did
sneak the treasure out, but that's it. No mermaids, no pirates, none of that baloney." He shrugs, seems to deflate a little, like he's expecting disappointment or anger of some sort. "But when I said I kept that around for someone worthwhile, that wasn't a lie. I didn't want to just up an' give my hard-won spoils to anyone who wouldn't appreciate 'em. You, though - I think you're just the right person to have that. Presumin' you still want it, of course."
Her cheeks flush again, and Valrika has to take a moment to consider
how
she'll answer - of course she doesn't mind the gift, but how to properly convey her feelings about it? "I do want it," she responds finally, brushes her fingers across the polished stone, its smooth chill against her skin a most pleasant sensation. "And I very much appreciate that you think me worthy of this gift. Few would want to gift anything to a non-human, and fewer still would do so with such enthusiasm and effusive compliments - I find myself...a bit lost for words. My apologies, I..."
"Valrika," the interruption is gentle and affectionate, and Zinikr's smiling like he's heard some kind of private joke no one else has. "You
can
just say 'thank you'. No need to overthink it."
"I - yes, of course." The simplicity of it all only makes more colour flood Valrika's cheeks, embarrassment warring with self-exasperation, and she takes a slow breath. "Thank you, then. I just wish I had something to give you in return."
Zinikr rubs his chin, eyes her, then nods decisively once and opens his arms to her. "How 'bout this, then? C'mere - I think the both of us could use a hug."
Surprised, Valrika hesitates a moment before stepping forward, letting him take her by the shoulders and pull her close, her arms awkwardly encircling his torso as his slip round her waist. "You humans are...very strange," she murmurs, finding herself leaning into him without really being sure why, her head tilting in to rest against his shoulder. "I believe you may be the only race I am aware of who makes it a habit of putting their arms around each other on a regular basis."
"But do you mind it?" Zinikr's smiling again, like he already knows the answer.
"..." Valrika closes her eyes, finally lets herself smile as well. "No. Not at all."
On her wrist, the coral dimly shines, reflecting the glare of the overhead lights.