[Oh good it's Oona's second or third favorite thing: Mermaid Lessons 101.
She sits up and moves so she can sit more comfortably in his lap, resting her legs against the couch as she thinks of how to answer.] Yes, and no. It is not something that has to be done anymore. It is... like tradition? Not part of a... a law, or anything, but some still do it, because it is fun, or because they like it, but it is not so serious now.
[She tries to think of something human to compare it to and comes up blank.]
Before, when there was less of us, stealing mates was problem. So, mermaids would bite their lovers hard enough to mark deep, in case they were stolen. Now it is not so serious. Like, hmm... Love bites? Heals quicker.
But, I will not make you go through traditional mermaid courting rituals anyhow. [Oona tilts her head, expression amused] It is much more varied now, there is no use for the traditional, though I do like some. But you are not suited for them anyhow. [Maybe if his hair was longer... No, she can't imagine him with hair as long as most mermen so nevermind.
Her grin turns cheeky again] Beyond that, I simply like biting. It is fun!
no subject
She sits up and moves so she can sit more comfortably in his lap, resting her legs against the couch as she thinks of how to answer.] Yes, and no. It is not something that has to be done anymore. It is... like tradition? Not part of a... a law, or anything, but some still do it, because it is fun, or because they like it, but it is not so serious now.
[She tries to think of something human to compare it to and comes up blank.]
Before, when there was less of us, stealing mates was problem. So, mermaids would bite their lovers hard enough to mark deep, in case they were stolen. Now it is not so serious. Like, hmm... Love bites? Heals quicker.
But, I will not make you go through traditional mermaid courting rituals anyhow. [Oona tilts her head, expression amused] It is much more varied now, there is no use for the traditional, though I do like some. But you are not suited for them anyhow. [Maybe if his hair was longer... No, she can't imagine him with hair as long as most mermen so nevermind.
Her grin turns cheeky again] Beyond that, I simply like biting. It is fun!