Laeto Rainforest was well known to be quite the dangerous place. The forest thrived on that word of mouth because of its poisonous plants and wild beasts. Sadly, it was far from rumors. Each step could be a death trap if you did not understand what could be around the corner and it did not matter how knowledgeable you were ok the area. Rhea had traveled through the area many times to reach one of the favorite places to hide. Not many would have tried to find her past the deadly rainforest, so it became the perfect oasis when she had first been struck with immortality. This forest was probably one of the few times that someone could see the siren outside of her normal attire, which consisted of thin fabric and a lack of shoes.

The forest caused it hard to navigate but she owned the perfect little trick. Her hand held out before her a beautiful lantern crafted from the darkest wood. The light that flickered from it shined in an unnatural way. Instead of in a round circle around the frame, it shined in a single direction directing her towards what her heart currently desired most. The small grin on her lips never faltered as she took each collected steps through the forest until the worst began to disappear and the low creaking of the forest was lost behind the rush of water.

The forest seemed to become completely different when it reached the beautiful waterfalls. Whether it was because of the Goddess’s touch or the waterfall itself, there was a strange tranquility that filled the air. It was so peaceful that even the beasts came to drink from the river’s edge but did not attack upon sight. The sight of the water brought a smile, almost childlike, to her lips and the woman was quick to pull the boots from her feet to run to the clear liquid. She rushed into the shallow part of the water forgetting to pull up the bottom of her pants letting the water soak into the dark fabric. Her cloak that had once covered her body laid forgotten in the mossy dirt and nothing but a full corset covered her torso from view.

Rhea’s hazel eyes stared lost into the water below and her fingers reached out to trace the surface of the water, watching little fish trying to nibble at the tips. It brought a peace to her being here again but also aloneness. She had disappeared from the eyes of man for so long, but part of her still missed what she once had. It was not the power or immortality she missed, but being able to watch over and help anyone she saw. She still was unsure how she could continue to help the ones around her but she would find a way. She was not raised to give up so easily.

It had almost become more of a routine for Eden to come visit this area ever since her meet with Rizka. Well, as long as her and her brother were still in the area that was. Still, it was not like she was on leash to stay with them, and often let her head out on her own to explore the area. After all, with her massive weapon in tow, she was perfectly fine fending off whatever beasts that tried to threaten her. The size alone also meant she never had to really worry about real care for the weapon: just hit stuff, and most of the time watch them break.

However, the near beginning of the evening had always been a good time for her to come over to these falls. While they roared loud, it was a peaceful spot. It helped her relax. In fact, it almost felt like a safe haven. There had even been an incident where she visited when a lioness was there, but casually let her be, despite her defensive reaction. It was as if the area around it simply had a signal against raising arms against anything and everything.

Pushing herself through the trees, she kept her ears and nose open, using her animal senses to follow the trail down through the thickness, the occasional clang of the collar against blade and the constant rattle of the couple chain links from the same collar. It did not take long for her to make her final push through into the more open region where the sun reflected on the falling water.

Not even paying attention to the surrounding area, Eden had already slammed her weapon down onto the earth, the flat end of the tip being able to have it stand upright without even needing to puncture the earth before she began to undo her kimono top, resting it upon the handle like a stand for it. it was not before she started to button down the undergarment did she turn around to see she was not alone, causing the tigerkin to pause…

The tranquil silence was interrupted. It was not suddenly or loudly, but the distant clang was enough to make her attentive ears tingle. Eyes drifted towards the sound as it became louder and clearer. A woman appeared across the way close enough for Rhea to turn her head in interest. It was almost instantly obvious that this strange had no idea the other was there as she began to strip the clothing from her skin. The view was enough to make the siren's lips curl into a curious smirk. She never turned her gaze or even blushed at the sudden encounter. Another woman's flesh, or even a man's at that, would cause her any fret. She had seen a lot in her time on this earth, while she was still a toddler in her race's eyes. She let her body shift to stand tall and turn to face the stranger more clearly.

There was a moment of sadness that hit the siren's heart when the strange finally began to turn towards the lake and took notice that she was actually not alone. There were still a few buttons left untouched as she stood there staring. Rhea stared back in response with eyes that read almost no emotion but her mind was shifting between what would be the more polite response to the situation. Sadly, she did not end up choosing the correct one as her grin became larger and a soft laughter began to echo from her lips.

"Do not fret on my account. There enough water for us both to share, but I am sorry to say I may be a little more dressed than thee." There was an obvious teasing tone in her voice but she smiled almost in a purely sincere way. She could not help but tease. It was not in her blood to be as grounded as her mouth. She had always been too much like her father. It was something her family loved to remind her, however where was the fun in being so polite and grounded that you had so little fun?

" I can turn if you wish? Her head tilted towards the other woman, curls of dark chocolate dancing around her with the quick motion.

Even without her weapon in hand, hse could feel the itch to be ready for whatever action, her fingers ready to pull out her claw-like nails and tear into the stranger if needed be. However, she did not make any real defensive motion. It was that same feeling she got from Rizka: one without any form of malice.  There was something small she got from the other, but nothing that actually felt threatening. However, within the short moment, she found herself shaking her head, as if to move aside the thought of danger. These waters relaxed savage beasts, and she knew the feeling of malicious intent. She had to remind herself that if she did not feel threatened, she should relax. Take the time and simply enjoy herself.

Besides, if she ever did get malicious, she could still defend herself.

With a deep breath to calm herself more than anything, Eden turned back around, undoing the last few buttons from the garment before letting it fall off her shoulders and next to her weapon, soon to be followed by her underwear. All that had remained on her was the large metal collar that rested itself around her neck and the scars of combat that laid on top of her skin.

Laying herself bare in front of the other, without any real sense of shyness (or a need to be shy), Eden paced herself over to the water, stepping down into its depths slowly, the water slowly taking out her braid the further she went in and her tail seemingly wanting to stay away for as long as it could before it had no choice but to submerge, Eden finding a simple midpoint to stop before slowing dipping herself under to her neckline, her head falling back a bit before her knees broke the water's surface as she floating in the small pool.

The stranger acted in a way that was unusual for Rhea. The silence only caused her curiosity to grow but she found her eyes watched the woman's each step. She found it almost refreshing to see someone who did not seem the least bit phased by the fact that they were actually not alone. Most people would have gone with the normal set of emotions from blushing to curses. Se had some people blame her for being there at the wrong time and place. The more time that she was out in the world watching the stranger around her, the more interesting behaviors she began to know. Maybe she had missed too much spending most her time stuck away in her mother's or aunt's temples. She never did have the childhood that other mortal kids had.

It did not take long for Rhea to follow suit, removing the rest of her clothing. She pants were already soaked at the tips and the water had been slowly creeping up the fabric. She wrung them out and laid them to try with the rest of her forgotten garments. There was no hint of hesitation or embarrassment with her own undressing, but it also did not take her long to return to the water. Her main focus, with the woman here or not, was to enjoy the water. It was her own personal energy charger. The siren was connected to water in a way some probably were not. She was a creature of the sea and could not help but be drawn to bodies of water. They made her feel comfortable and at home. The only thing that came close to that feeling was when she was singing. Sadly, it was harder for her to enjoy her own singing when it normally had a different effect on others. Her mother had taught her ways to control the power behind her voice, but there was no way to completely remove the enchanted quality of it.

Hazel eyes drifted over to look at the stranger. A single word had yet to be uttered between them. It only helped to make her more curious about what this woman was all about. Why did she not respond back? Was it on purpose or could she physically not answer back? She had knowledge of some that did not speak out loud and only in your head. She had met a few that did that very thing and she always found it rather strange. There were people in this world that choice to take a vow of silence but used their magic to go around it. Was this woman the same or different?

She swam a little closer to the woman but kept a safe distance. She could feel the tension between them enough to know that there could easily be a chance that she would attack. At first glance, most thought that Rhea was nothing but another human in this world. It was as if they sometimes forgot that just because they did not have point eyes, scales, or fangs it meant that they probably weren't special. The two types of blood that were combined to make her, made her appear no different than any other human unless something triggered her emotions. 

"I have not met someone that did not mind to be in the eyes of others. You are rather refreshing to meet." The words came out with a soft purr and the smile on her lips grew as she watched the woman curiously. "If it eases any distrust, my name is Rhea." Maybe it was a good time to exchange names when they both happen to be bare to the world. Her curious nature wanted to ask about the strange collar that remained clasped around her neck but she would remain silent about it for now.

Outside the sound of the roaring falls, the region was quite somber and peaceful, holding back the threatful nature just a few more feet into the wilderness. As her head seeped deeper into the water backwards, the sounds of even the falls began to mull down, turning into a dull murr. There, she simply laid on the surface of the water, floating on as she look in the warm sunlight. This smooth feeling… How different would she had been if she was able to enjoy this feeling every day and not just when she had to prioritize her life?

As she laid there, though, her ears were able to pick up the sound of the water shifting and coming closer, though at no real rush. With her eyes opening up from her relaxed trance, she turned her head and eyes just enough to see the other from before making a careful move forward. Was she being careful because of Eden's defensive nature? Whatever it was, it seemed her curiousness had more power over her caution, seeing she did make her move closer. It was like the Rizka: this girl was curious about her as well.

Readjusting herself back to float upwards, she found her drifting had led her a bit deeper, causing her to hop a bit on her toes to stay upright as she struggled to move forward. With the distraction of staying afloat and the water in her ear fluffs (which began flicking, as if to naturally clear them up), nearly all the words the other tried to speak escaped her. it was only about when she was closer to her to get proper footing did she even have the attention to hear the last few words: "name is Rhea."

"Name." That was one word Rikza made sure she understood it. It was one used to create identity. Pointing to her underneath the water, she tried to make the connection to the sound she made to her person, before pointing at herself, though pausing for a moment before glancing back at her weapon.

It was there that her name was marked. Marked differently than the way it used to have been on her collar, the region now a bit melted and re-solidified to remove the Orcish etchings and ownership symbol, the warping of the area near the couple chain links that dangled at her neck. For a moment, she simply stared away at the weapon before turning over back to Rhea and lifting her hand out of the water, though touching it's surface.

From there, she drew on the surface a line towards her before making it take a sharp right, lifting her hand to about the middle and making another right line, and a third on the top. After that, she went back and made another line towards her, but then moved back to the top with a curved line on the right side. Then, another set of the three right lines with that downward line,  before doing that toward lines again, though this time making a diagonal line from the top to the right towards, and a final towards line to that diagonal's end… at least that was what she attempted. If things went well, she should have mimicked the name that was carved upon her blade that reflected her name…

There was a disconnection that slowly was becoming more and more obvious the longer Rhea tried to communicate with the silent strange. The strange had yet to speak a single word to her and the clear reaction to her recent words began to make clearer for her. She had the suspicion that her new companion could not or would not speak. She was not about to put a claim on why the other would not speak because the answer could be either very simple or very convoluted. Her mother had once spoken about when she was young. Her mother had been cursed by a God and could no longer use her voice to communicate or fight. She had to learn how useful her voice really was, but how important everything else was as well. Her mother was always a very silent individual so Rhea could barely understand why someone would want to make her mute. She could only assume there was still a lot to her mother that she just did not understand, but it taught her never to assume things of others. It was far more fun to let them show her who they really were deep inside. She wanted to know what made everyone tick.

The stranger began to take motions to try to answer Rhea. Her eyes drifted to the shore and back at her a couple times before a plan began to take shape. Rhea enjoyed watching the thoughts pass through her eyes. There was little tells that everyone had to show what they were thinking in the feature of their face. It told more than any words ever could. Rhea was beginning to suspect that her companion did not completely understand a lot that was being said to her but was being faced with the issue that she did seem to understand the idea of a name. She did a lot of pointing before giving up on that idea. Rhea was doing her best to hold back any laughter that was attempting to escape the woman’s display. She enjoyed the effort that was being taken to answer her back.

The next plan was a little easier for Rhea to follow. The stranger began to trace against the surface of the water with her fingers, writing out one letter at a time. Rhea could not help but softly smile because she knew that the woman was probably hoping she could make out what she was writing. Little did she know that she selected the perfect way to communicate with the siren. When the woman finished the last letter, Rhea closed her eyes softly muttering out something under her breath. When her eyes opened again, hazel iris were magically replaced with bright green and the water that she had just written upon took life around them. Before them the letters took shape out of water in the air, Rhea looked at the word curiously before finally looking at the stranger once again.

”Eden? So, your name is Eden? Beautiful name.” Rhea’s lips curled excitedly as she reached her hand up and ran it through the letters. The color of her irises faded away until they were back to the normal rich hazel and the water fell back into the lake below. She was probably showing off a little bit but she had always been more of a visual learner. There was a mysteriousness to Eden that Rhea was loving completely. The more they did not talk, the more she wanted to know about her.

“I am assuming you do not speak? Is that willing or unwilling, I wonder?” Her head tilted a little as she watched Eden. Only time would help her understand how she was going to communicate with her new companion. She would crack the case some way.

Eden's eyes watched Rhea close her eyes before lightly muttering to herself. Did it not work? Would… would it have been better if she kept the carvings on the collar itself? Her hands moved over to the warped area of the metal band as she thought about her request. She always had her weapon on hand… and yet, right now she didn't… and it made sharing that name harder. She couldn't simply show the carvings if her weapon was no where near them, and bringing it to the water would have been a terrible idea, even with her strength. Was… was it bad that she removed it from here?

She had little time to consider her thoughts anymore as Rhea's eyes opened once more, her hazel complexion taken over by an enchanting green light before the water between them stirred and lifted off of the surface. She had no mind to even pay attention to was was being formed. Her survival instincts once again awoken, leaping back to add distance as her nails sharpened into claws. She made to make sure she was ready fro any–

"Au–blr" Her gasp was quickly filled with water as the step back once again sent her deeper into the pool of water, arms flailing, as her feet kicked around, trying to find the bottom once again, but it seemed useless. The more she kicked, the more it seemed like the floor went away, as well as the image of Rhea pulled back before the struggle turned into exhaustion and everything around her fell into a blue hue… her body slowly sinking downwards…

It was easy to say that this was not the reaction that she had been expecting. The whole show went on without a hitch, but the ending fell rather flat. Her eyes shifted back to her companion with a cheerful grin on her lips, however, was terrified to find that Eden slowly sinking into the water. There was a moment of confusion, as her eyes watched the struggling creature before she sprang into action. Why was the woman in the lake if she could not swim? It seemed like a really foolish thing to do if you could not swim. She could not help but wonder if her magic had been the cause of this predicament, but she let all thoughts disappear into the back of her mind. She would save Eden first and think more about everything later.

The siren quickly ducked under the water. The water was not too deep to cause her any issue and her hair still rested on the top of the water when her feet touched the bottom of the lake. It had just been deep enough that someone who did not know how to swim was stuck with a very difficult situation. Rhea was not about to try and communicate to the other woman. She could see the sharp claws draw on the woman’s fingers but that did not stop her from grabbing her about the waist. She could try to tear her limb from limb but she would not stop Rhea from getting her back to the surface quickly. She fairly doubted that she could hold her breath as long as Rhea could.

She quickly rushed to the surface, pushing the woman’s head above the water. There was a loud gasp for air as Rhea realized that she almost forgot to breathe herself. She could have switched to breathing underwater if it had been necessary, however, things were alright for now. She was above the water with a slightly deadly beast. Her eyes darted around the area to find that they were now resting deeper in the lake. Eden must have pushed herself further into the lake with her struggling to stay above the water.

”Are you awake?” Rhea spoke out her eyes looking at the woman in her arms. She was unsure what she would need to do next. The woman would both start coughing now and be slightly alright or Rhea would be pulling the dead weight to the beach as quickly as possible. She had not thought about pressing her lips on the stranger’s just yet but that may actually be in their future.

It did not take too long for Eden's feet to reach the bottom, but at that point, she wasted away her energy to try and kick herself back up. In mere moments, her stamina was sapped, which felt so strange, considering her fighting experience. Maybe it was more because of the water itself. It felt so thick trying to move around, that she ate up a lot more of her energy to move within it. Add in the kicking and struggling… it was no wonder she found herself within that predicament.

As her vision slowly faded, bubbles of air falling from her mouth, she felt something curl around her waist, and while her claws still threatened with a dangerous sharpness, there was no effort to fight whatever grasped her. She was tired as it was, and moving in the water was too sluggish to even be a threat. She simply accepted fate as it was before things went dark…

…

"You thought you could get away with it…" she could hear within the midst of her own darkness. "You thought you could get away with killing me? Taking my blood for your freedom? Never forget that you are mine, even if it is here in the pits of hell!"