“Elder Katsaros!” Andreios sat up with a start. He was so startled that he almost dropped his fishing pole into the ocean.
“Easy there!” Niko reached out and caught the pole before it dropped. “Lukas mentioned you were looking for me?”
“Of course elder!” Andreios awkwardly shuffled back up to his hooves. “I finished my rod!”
“Baah, I can see that.” Niko gently took the fishing tool from his apprentice. He couldn’t help but inspect the craftsmanship. It was similar in construction to the training rods they gave the usual new recruits, but a bit more studier and meant for someone’s long term use. He’d adjusted the grip to suit his needs and supported the line well.
“So... what do you think?” Andreios asked. If his tail were a propeller, he’d be able to speed past the entire fleet at this point.
“This looks great Andreios,” Niko smiled. “It couldn’t have waited until tomorrow?”
“I wanted to show it to you as soon as I could!” He bleated eagerly, “I still need to test it. Do you mind if I cast now?”
“Baah, show me what you can do.” Niko nodded and stood back a respectful distance.
Andreios cast his line out into the ocean. His casting form needed a bit more tightening up, but it was solid for how eager he was. The young man watched his lure settle in the gentle waves.
So... Andreios was an apprentice fishersatyr. He didn’t seem to betray any hint of being a lost soul from another realm. Then again, Niko hadn’t exactly broken character either. Should he say something? How would that conversation even go?
“I caught something!” Andreios’ face lit up. The buck was so eager to reel the fish in he almost snagged his line, but he managed to get it out of the water without embarrassing himself any.
“Baah, that’s a nice guppy for my guppy,” Niko grinned. “We’ll have to try it out at sea proper tomorrow.”
“Baah? Does that mean I get to go out fishing with you!?” Andreios bounced on his hooves.
“I think you’ve earned it,” Niko grinned.
Baah! What was he doing? He couldn’t make plans for tomorrow, he needed to get back tonight while the painting’s portal could still open!
Andreios freed the fish from his line and gently returned it to the waves. “Baah, I’d grill that one for you, but I’ve got a nice fish stew simmering at home. Do you have any dinner plans elder? I made more than enough.”
Pan’s hoof! Dinner with satyrs turned into drinking with satyrs. Drinking with satyrs turned into getting drunk enough to pass out on someone’s couch until morning. Niko needed to be careful here.
Maybe he could stir a bit of Andrew’s memory over dinner? Or perhaps he should just try taking him to the portal now? The young satyr didn’t exactly seem in distress either. The painting’s magic was still a bit of a mystery to Niko. Could someone still visit Earth after their paint had dried? He couldn’t just leave Andreios here, could he?
“I’ve got a fresh bottle of wine?” Andreios beamed.
Niko laughed, “Andreios, are you trying to bribe your mentor?”
“Maaaaaybe? Come on, my cabin’s not far,” Andreios wagged eagerly.