Stupid Feelings
Chapter 2
Eris looked at herself, frowning as she turned this way and that. If being near Marina made her black heart thump, then maybe she should go down to earth to learn more about what was making her feel this way. Maybe Marina had put a spell on her. Yeah, that must be it. But, there was a slight problem to her diabolical plan. She was a goddess. That made it a tad difficult to blend in. She'd worn other people as disguises before, but this felt different. If she wanted to be close to Marina to investigate these odd feelings, she couldn't go as another person. But she couldn't go as herself either. Narrowing her red and gold eyes, her body began to glow. Cetus and the other constellations watched as their mistress began to change.
Marina and her second in command swaggered through a port town, looking at wares and collecting food. Marina still shuddered every time she thought of Sinbad's diet when she'd been on his ship. Eggs and pickles, hardly a filling meal. But, most importantly, she was looking for more crew members. A few had decided to retire and now she was shorthanded. She knew from experience that a shorthanded crew wouldn't stand a chance if they encountered an enemy vessel. It had been a long day though, and so far, Marina was not impressed with the applicants. Her senses tingled and she spun to see a woman about to tap her shoulder. The woman laughed self consciously and took a step back, her amber eyes crinkling at the corners. "Marina of the Melusine? I heard you were looking for sailors for your crew. I'd like to apply." The woman said as Marina looked her up and down with a calculating eye. Long black hair with braids woven in, amber eyes that seemed almost familiar, a purple shirt tied above the stomach, muscles that made Marina shiver slightly, a weapons belt loaded with knives and a cutlass, worn black breeches, well cared for black boots with a knife tucked into one.
"What's your name and have you ever sailed before?" Marina asked, leaning against a post, an eyebrow arched.
"My name is Eri, and I know a little bit, but I'd need a crash course. If you're willing to teach me." Eri said with a polite smile, her eyes glinting with poorly concealed mischief. Marina had a feeling she'd need to watch this one, but for more than one reason.
"You're hired. Grab that bag and meet us back at the Melusine. Unless you're in the mood to walk with us." Marina said and Eri winked cheekily and took the bag of food, leaning in close to take Marina's as well, her arm brushing against Marina's.
"Lead the way, m'lady." Eri said with a grin and Marina blushed. There was something about that look on Eri's face that reminded her of Eris. Marina shook her head as she walked. It must have been her imagination. Besides, Eris wasn't human, and Eri obviously was, Marina thought, her blush deepening. She couldn't shake the feeling that Eri looked familiar to her though and it bothered her a little bit. Oh well, she'd figure it out sooner or later.
Eri smiled when she saw the Melusine, an awed look in her eyes and Marina smiled. Since she'd taken it from Syracuse soldiers, she'd changed it up a bit. From light blue to a dark blue that seemed to change to purple and then back to blue. She'd even changed the figure on the ship's prow to a double tailed mermaid, a Melusine. Her hands and arms had ached for days after, but it was worth it. Judging from the look on Eri's face, Marina felt that same rush of pride she felt when the modifications were done. "Like it?" she asked as she showed Eri where to put the food.
"I love it, it feels like home already." Eri said with a smile.