#like EAT HIS HEART IN THE MARKETPLACE my beloved

[fallenrocket]

Whenever I read Much Ado about Nothing, I think about how, really, the only thing protecting Hero from Desdemona's fate is her good fortune to have been written in a comedy.

[susandsnell]

Hmmm, is there a movie you really like from 1993?

Tons, but three stand out as three of my all time favourites, all of which fundamentally are about women, and all of which feature INCREDIBLE ensemble casts:

The Age of Innocence is maybe in my top 5 favourite Scorsese films, and a pitch-perfect adaptation of a beloved book. Stunning costumes, sexy, emotionally violent. May Welland you will ALWAYS be famous.

Branagh's Much Ado About Nothing is the film that made me fall in love with Shakespeare as a child, and it is my favourite adaptation of my favourite Shakespeare play. Eat his heart out in the marketplace, Emma Thompson. I believe you. I'll stand behind you.

The Joy Luck Club is another stellar adaptation that in some ways outdoes its source material, and is one of the most beautiful films ever made. It also still wins for hardest I'll ever cry at any movie. "You have best-quality heart."

Honourable mentions to Schindler's List (which I've seen far fewer times than any other movie here because it's one of the few mainstream films I genuinely have difficulty watching for reasons of personal relation to the subject matter), one of Spielberg's finest, A Bronx Tale, Tombstone, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, and my spooky trio of perfection that always warrant a watch come every October, Addams Family Values, Nightmare Before Christmas, and Hocus Pocus!

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

20th September >> Mass Readings (USA)

Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest, and Paul Chong Hasang, and their Companions, Martyrs 

on

Wednesday, Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time.

Wednesday, Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: Red: A (1))

(Readings for the feria (Wednesday))

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Wednesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading 1 Timothy 3:14-16 Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion.

Beloved: I am writing you, although I hope to visit you soon. But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion,

Who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R/ How great are the works of the Lord!

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just. Great are the works of the LORD, exquisite in all their delights.

R/ How great are the works of the Lord!

Majesty and glory are his work, and his justice endures forever. He has won renown for his wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the LORD.

R/ How great are the works of the Lord!

He has given food to those who fear him; he will forever be mindful of his covenant. He has made known to his people the power of his works, giving them the inheritance of the nations.

R/ How great are the works of the Lord!

Gospel Acclamation cf. John 6:63c, 68c

Alleluia, alleluia. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life, you have the words of everlasting life. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 7:31-35 We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.

Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,

‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’

For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

------------------------

Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest, and Paul Chong Hasang, and their Companions, Martyrs 

(Liturgical Colour: Red: A (1))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Wednesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

Either:

First Reading Wisdom 3:1-9 As sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Or:

First Reading Romans 8:31b-39 Neither death nor life will be able to separate us from the love of God.

Brothers and sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn? It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? As it is written:

For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.

No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.

R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed.

R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.

R/ Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Gospel Acclamation 1 Peter 4:14

Alleluia, alleluia. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 9:23-26 Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

Jesus said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself? Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[x-soapbox-x]

What's really cool about this is this is the first version of this scene that I've seen where the tone doesnt whiplash wildly which is so hard to do!!! Bc it's a scene that comes directly after some rough public shaming and it is both a love confession scene and a scene where a woman asks someone to kill someone and the love confession IS funny but Beatrice's monologue is not. A lot of the other versions- even well beloved ones like the 2011 version with David Tennant and Catherine Tate- do this scene and there is emotional whiplash, audiences often laughing when Beatrice begs Benedict to kill Claudio. To see it done this way??? Oh my god the line read on "if a were a man, I would eat his heart in the marketplace" DESERVED that cheet

per anon’s request, i present to you THE best version of beatrice’s monologue in much ado about nothing. i thought about cropping this but decided this scene must be watched in its full glory

[catolinewsdailyreadings]

Wednesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Reading 1

1 TM 3:14-16

Beloved: I am writing you, although I hope to visit you soon. But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion,

Who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.

Responsorial Psalm

PS 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R./ How great are the works of the Lord!

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just. Great are the works of the LORD, exquisite in all their delights. R./ How great are the works of the Lord!

Majesty and glory are his work, and his justice endures forever. He has won renown for his wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the LORD. R./ How great are the works of the Lord!

He has given food to those who fear him; he will forever be mindful of his covenant. He has made known to his people the power of his works, giving them the inheritance of the nations. R./ How great are the works of the Lord!

Gospel

LK 7:31-35

Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.'For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, 'He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, 'Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

[seekfirst-community]

“Let not your heart be disturbed… Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything.” (Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego).

"Jesus said to the crowds:

“To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’

"For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’

"The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by her works.” (Matthew 11: 16 - 19).

Friday 9th December 2022 of the 2nd Week of Advent is the feast of St Juan Diego. (1474 - 1548). Mexican. Hermit and visionary. Our Blessed Mother appeared to this humble and simple Mexican Indian and used him to transform the nation of the Aztecs. "Behold the humble maid servant of the Lord. Be it done to me according to Your promise." God can use you and me to accomplish great things in the world. All He needs is humility and faith.

When Jesus compares us to little children in the marketplace who refuse to play the game according to rules, what is He saying? If you want to be an adult Christian, you must learn one truth and abide by it. Nobody can please the world. The world has no gold standard. It has rather arbitrary rules strung together to satisfy their selfish whims. The world controls people through Opinion Polls. Many people are terrified of adverse opinions from their neighbors, peers and from the public.

Jesus did not care what people think about Him. His greatest desire is to do the will of His Father. In His teaching in today's Gospel, Jesus is not theoretical. He gives examples:

"For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by her works.” (Matthew 11: 18 - 19).

"Be on your guard, then, and be prudent, but without fear, because I am your Mother and, just as I said to my beloved little son Juan Diego, I hold you beneath my protecting mantle, in the crossing of my arms, close, very close to my Immaculate Heart. Trust in my protection. Yes, I am your Mother of Perpetual Help, ever ready to come to your rescue, ever ready to provide for your needs, to deliver you from danger, and to console you in sorrow. Approach me with childlike confidence and you will never be disappointed." (IN SINU JESU, Tuesday, December 9, 2008).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

[thewickedkat]

when i started watching GBBO during the early days of the pandemic (like so many other people) i immediately fell in love with it against my will. it was heartwarming to find this little show where amateur bakers stretched out of their comfort zones and helped each other and learnt new things and challenged themselves. everyone was nice. everyone was lovely. it was a fantastic break from American 'reality' shows.

but somewhere along the line it...stopped being that? it stopped being about 'hey i had this creative idea i wanted to try, new flavours i haven't worked with, i hope it's agreeable' and started being about 'oh Prue likes booze, let's gin this up,' or 'Paul doesn't like matcha, that's a no-go.' it became about tailoring their bakes to what the judges might give higher marks for...in whatever Byzantine fucking system those two have; honestly it's so confusing that even when a baker follows a brief to the letter it boils down to the judges' aesthetics.

Mary Berry was at least willing to try new things, if the baker followed the brief. and she always gave encouragement, never dismissive the way Prue is turning out to be (honestly i think Prue genuinely believes that spices are meant to be in little jars on a rack so they can be admired from afar, bah).

Paul was always a wanker but when i first started watching i was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt because he was upfront about shit not being cooked all the way through, or why something didn't pass his criteria. now his fame has gone to his head, with everyone vying for his stupid goddam handshake. why? the man tears into bread like a rabid hyena whilst swearing he is an 'expert' on bread (i want to see his fucking bread degree) and just insults someone smugly. he is no help at all. if he stepped into my kitchen to evaluate bread i was baking i would wield a wooden spoon about his head and shoulders mercilessly with all the fury of a Tasmanian devil.

Noel is fine. love Noel. Matt? eh, bit of a lump. miss Mel and Sue though, really. Sandy was cute and i loved her cheekiness.

to say nothing of the cultural insensitivity of the past couple seasons (Mexican week made me cringe into my sofa), the challenges are growing so ridiculous as to be a pastiche of what GBBO used to be. ice creams! ice creams were a challenge! i don't care if it's during Custard Week, the only baked thingy was a waffle cone! no! fuck off! it ain't called the Great British Ice Cream Social!

the show's staff--and sure as shit the judges--seem to forget that these people are amateurs. they love baking, it is a beloved hobby for them. it's something that brings them joy and gives them fulfillment, and every time i hear someone say 'there's no excuse for lack of perfection' or some such bullshit i want to eat Paul and Prue's hearts in the marketplace.

this is the first season where i genuinely feel that the bakers aren't having fun. and that's fucking sad.

[ahanenohi]

I follow you through the ages.

The Devil King always keeps his word.

ㅤ"Even if it takes 500 years, I will prove to you that I loved you."

ㅤ

or: a different take on Nobunaga's dramatic ending.

wc: ~1800

June 21, 1582

The acrid smell of burning had long been familiar to Nobunaga. The fire of war as it quickly spreads through grass, the warmth of a brazier in the coldest of winters. Nobunaga knew one thing well: fire gave life just as it destroyed it.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spots a figure approaching. Groggy as he is, he recognizes death from when he siced it upon his enemies. He recognizes it now as it comes to claim his life.

“Wake up!” A woman’s voice shouts. “There’s a man trying to kill you! Run!”

This woman is delicate, he thinks. His vision is clouded from the smoke, and he cannot see her all that well. Despite this assumption however, she is clearly both strong and fueled by panic as she navigates them through the burning temple. Nobunaga is nothing more than dead weight incapable of navigation. She helps him escape death.

“Mai,” he learns her name. Dance. The beautiful name dances across his tongue just as its meaning suggests it would. At that moment, he thinks she is nothing more than his next conquest. A woman to tease and test the wits of, to lay beside in his tenshu and win piece by piece over games of Go. He had kept many lovers such as Mai in the past. And yet, in a way he doesn’t understand, she claims his heart and swears she’ll always keep it close to her own. 

“Our days are numbered, fireball.” Nobunaga mentions, once. 3 months from June 21 to September’s same day. 92, 91, 90, 89...

Mai firmly denies this. “I’m staying with you, Nobunaga. The wormhole can eat its own rain.”

And yet, the wormhole does not care for such sentimental mortal proclamations. It takes her anyway, it demands all of his strength to pull her back from its grasp. Yet what awaits her here in this age if he keeps her? The Warring States Period took lives and livelihoods, happiness, love and family indiscriminately. This is not an age he wants his fireball to live in.

“Mai,” he whispers, the name dancing off of his tongue. “I swear to you. Even if it takes 500 years, I will prove to you that I loved you.”

“Nobunaga?”

He lets her go. Another promise, unvoiced but deeply settled in his heart is made to her at that moment: I’ll live.

ㅤ

January 27, 1601

“You cheated me once,” Death tells him. Exhaustion and tired relief taint its voice. Nobunaga thinks he can hazard a guess as to why-- 

Death has been unsuccessfully chasing him for the past 20 years. 

“I did.”

“A feat you managed to accomplish only with her help,” Nobunaga acknowledges this statement mutely and Death continues. “She isn’t here now.”

“I can live my life without her.” A lie. “I did so for 29 years.” Another lie. Looking back at those years in hindsight proves one thing to Nobunaga- he hadn’t really started living until he met Mai.

“Oh? Can you now?” Death smiles thinly, drawing the conqueror back to the conversation. It sounds vaguely like a threat.

A threat he need not acknowledge. In lieu of an answer, Nobunaga draws his sword.

The conversation ends as he wipes the blood of a concept from his blade.

ㅤ

January 10, 1610

The Warring States period is over, but also not. The lives of this town he now lives in are peaceful, but teetering on a thin edge.

The nation of Japan is holding its breath as they wait to see whether the battles between today’s daimyo will be the bookends of a long, bloody history or the reignition of another century of war.

Nobunaga would have been holding his breath too-- if only his eternal beloved hadn’t completely spoiled him on what she knew of their country’s history. It all ends after the Siege of Osaka 5 years from now. So no, today is not a day to whisper prayers for peace to gods he doesn’t quite believe in.

Today, Nobunaga finds himself milling about the marketplace of his current city of residence, picking out and paying for necessities his present life as an inconspicuous merchant demands. Food, drink, hygienic needs and, and-- ah he’s forgetting his konpeito.

A quick glance down the street is all it takes before he spots the handcrafted candy store- well-decorated yet stuffy but with a pleasant atmosphere all the same. Nobunaga has indeed become a regular to this establishment. He exchanges the correct amount of mon for two bags of their specialty candy and leaves.

“Excuse me! Excuse me! Sir!” The words echo down the street until eventually they’re right behind him. He turns around to meet the nuisance and the words die in his throat as he takes the sight in front of him in. A woman with long almond hair curling down to her waist and wide, innocent eyes. She wore a pink-colored kimono and a familiarly determined atmosphere.

“Sir? Sir? Um… hello, sir?”

“Ah, what is it?” He has to remind himself to respond before she walks away and thinks him a “weirdo” (as she herself put it once).

She points to his bag of purchases. “That konpeito, sir. You took the last of it. Would you perhaps let me buy it off you? I’ll double the price.”

Before he knows it a warm, bubbling laugh no one but she can elicit escapes him. She stares aghast and-

That is when it sets in that she is not acting. She truly does not remember him. Perhaps this is the threat Death had given him, now enacted. Despite his mirth, he is on the brink of anger. He pushes it down- whatever was going on here was most definitely not Mai’s fault. If he got angry, she was the only person who’d get hurt.

“I apologize. This question was unexpected.” He cannot help the lopsided smirk he feels on his face right now. “I am in no need of money right now, but I would be willing to give you these konpeito bags.”

“...If?” Astute as ever.

“If you can beat me in a game of Go.”

A competitive, confident glint shines in her beautiful eyes. “I do not know how to play Go, sir. You will have to teach me.”

Teach her he does. 

Later that night, the clacking of stones sounds out throughout the inn, followed by Mai’s subsequent wails of defeat. Nobunaga gives her the konpeito anyway, on the agreement they’ll continue to play occasionally.

Mai agrees and introduces herself for the first time since they met that afternoon. All basic things he already knew about her- he “grins and bears it” as he introduces himself in turn.

Nothing romantic forms between this version of Mai and him. They meet up occasionally for rounds of Go in the evening and go out for tea some afternoons over the next 3 months. Then she moves away from the small little hamlet their daimyo called a “domain”.

ㅤ

July 16, 1740

Nobunaga has not seen a mirror in who knows how long. Despite this, there are still ways to figure out a rough estimation of his age. He is 29 years old, the same age he was in 1582.

"That's correct," a voice whispers in his ear.

He sighs.

“You were supposed to die at age 29. You’re still going to die at 29, like it or not.”

"Is that so?" A smirk tugs at his lips. Silence. "Well, if nothing else, I'd age and die with my fireball."

Death snorts, "The both of you have lived through times you were never even meant to see. Not with your own eyes. Indeed, you shall be perfectly matched-- if, and only if I do not claim you first."

Nobunaga positions his hand to draw his sword and he's alone again.

ㅤ

August 5, 1800

The Sakoku Decree has been enforced for almost 2 centuries. 

It is especially felt in this tiny village that had once been a thriving port town, back in Nobunaga's original time. Quiet now. It has not welcomed any foreign ships in quite a while. 

Not that Nobunaga cares. He has only come for safety -- Death will not find him here for a generation or two-- and to chase after rumors.

They say that there is a girl here who has recently returned from abroad, limitations on movement be damned. Those who have seen her say that her hair has lightened in a way that only the sun can do, and that she speaks with an accent not quite right for the area- an optimistic lilt in her tone.

Nobunaga can only think of one fireball who fits that description. He had to come see for himself.

It is a moonlit night when he meets her yet again. He relaxes under a tree with a book and feels the tickle of long hair falling on him.

Mai, he thinks, looking up at the familiar face. She is nearly leaning over his shoulder as she studies the text. The sheer nosiness startles a laugh out of him. 

The face when she makes when she realizes she was caught is nothing short of adorable. 

Not that he can really say that. He has to play his part.

"It's generally considered polite to introduce yourself to strangers, as opposed to sneaking up on them." He starts, teasingly.

He hadn't realized her face was capable of getting this red. Admirably, she still manages to stumble through an introduction.

"I couldn't help but notice that book you have there. It's about western inventions, isn't it?"

"It is." He confirms. "Sit beside me, let's study together."

And that's what they do for the next 3 months.

ㅤ

May 12, 1910

Death ducks under the swing of his sword.

A perfect slash-- a finishing blow had the dodge been a second too early or late.

It gives him a hard, chilling look.

"The next time you see her will be the last."

ㅤ

June 21, 20xx

It is only after a century of pondering and worrying when Nobunaga finally understands what Death meant by those last words.

They were not meant as a promise for revenge- not the way Nobunaga had heard so many times over in his long life. No. They were meant as a concession. An I surrender, you win.

Finally, after all this time being chased throughout Japan, he could have his happy ending with the woman in front of him.

The first Mai, his first lover. A lucky charm that had managed to open his heart, again, and again, and again.

And this time, she remembered. She remembered him and all the time they had spent together.

"You- you're here..." Mai trails off, disbelieving. Teary, almost.

“I promised you, didn’t I?” He answers. A thumb with more calluses than one could reasonably gain in a regular human lifetime reached up and gently wiped away her tears.

ㅤ

“Even if it took 500 years- 

You- you’d prove to me that you loved me.”

ㅤ

He leans down to meet her, and captures her lips in a passionate kiss- one long coming after 5 centuries.

[tsuncda]

ten fave female characters tag

RULES: list your favorite female characters from ten different fandoms and tag ten people to do the same

thanks for tagging me @sunny-reys​​! your taste is superior, btw.

tagging: @onceupon-a-decembr, @musicallisto​, @destourtereaux, @ughgclden, @locke-writes, @starkeysslut​, @vixxiann​, @amourslover​, @blazogirl18​, @teaand-dreams, and anyone else who wants to do this!

in alphabetical order.....

ahsoka tano — star wars [ she’s such a cool character!!!! her strength and grit is amazing, ofc, but also, i love her development as a character! she went from the annoying sidekick to being important in her own right, then beloved by almost everyone. the journey she went on makes me both proud and immensely sad. she deserves better, but what can we possibly give? ]

beatrice — much ado about nothing [ don’t tell me you didn’t read the line(s): “oh god! that i were a man. i would eat his heart in the marketplace.” and immediately stan this woman. and already she was so much fun? her banter with bennedick was my everything and to then have her say such an iconic and frankly metal line???? i wish i were beatrice. imagine having her power,,,, ]

claudia — the vampire chronicles [ now, this one is a little different because it’s not so much that i love claudia as i respect her, am wholly terrified of her, but also empathize with her point of view. can you imagine being like, 65 years old but trapped in the body of a 5 year old? i just think her character is so compelling, and isn’t that enough? ]

cosette — les misérables [ it’s true i love both cosette and eponine but cosette just has so much goodness in her that can’t be ignored or forgotten. she’s intelligent, loyal, and kind,,,,, a soprano in the musical (*cries in alto*) and yes yes i love the lark imagery. there’s some debate to be had about her character and how Men Write Obedient Women, ofc, but i just think she’s neat. ]

elizabeth swann — pirates of the caribbean [ don’t act like it wasn’t a cultural reset when elizabeth swann became pirate king. the serotonin i got from that moment has never been achieved since. she’s such a cool character! i will never get over her story. ]

inej ghafa — grishaverse [ there’s just so much about her character to admire! her strength of character! her faith! her ability to throw knives! her friendships with others! there’s no one quite like inej. you can quote me on that. and to see her relationship with kaz is actually very important to me. “i will have you without armor” is the best romantic line i have ever read. quote on me that as well. ]

 katara — avatar: the last airbender [ there are so many amazing characters in atla, and i feel like katara couldn’t not be mentioned on this list. how she is an annoyed™ sister? how she is a caretaker and a fighter? how she mastered waterbending slowly, and grappled with feelings like jealousy and anger and loss but was able to overcome them and become one of the greatest waterbenders of all time? stop, i’m emotional. ]

nani pelekai — lilo and stitch [ lilo and stitch was so very important to me growing up, and nani is no exception. hawaiian representation!!!! we love to see it. and nani is, at the root of everything, so unbelievably good and selfless. she just tries so hard? she just loves her sister so unfailingly? don’t look at me — i’m emotional. ]

penelope — the odyssey [ a woman of faith? of wit? of smarts? of a deep and unyielding love for her husband and son? hell yeah. we need to acknowledge penelope’s strength! a traditionally feminine woman can be strong, too! plus, i am of the people who believe 1. penelope totally recognized her husband when he first showed up but was unsure of who he had become and that’s why she tested him twice, and 2. that penelope designed that archery test so that only her husband could win. ]

violet baudelaire — a series of unfortunate events [ i don’t think you understand just how much i loved (and still love) violet as a child. she was my everything. an inventor? a caretaker? kind? don’t get me started, otherwise i’ll never finish. ]

big shoutout to lady macbeth (macbeth), circe (the odyssey), nina zenik (grishaverse), and like,,,, a million other characters who i have either (1) forgotten, or (2) didn’t have room to include on this list.

[lepidopteragirl]

ohhhhhh much ado about nothing my beloved I have so many thoughts about it there are. Y'know in retrospect there are a Number of c!q lines in there. Like. "I would eat his heart in the marketplace"

Anyways my favouritest of plays, I have yet to see a bad adaptation, but my favourite will always be the Catherine Tate/David Tennant one, which involves glittery crop tops, paint shenanigans, and actors just unhinged enough to play Beatrice and Benedick fantastically. Highly recommend that one, it's very good.

I love much ado so much, is all.

I WOULD EAT HIS HEART IN THE MARKETPLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ive gotta watch this anon is that the one w the upload on youtube perhaps holdon

[melzula]

For What It’s Worth

pairing: Zuko x Princess!reader

warnings: angst

summary: in which the Princess meets Zuko’s old flame...

~ part of the fire lilies series ~

It was odd being escorted through the capital by guards whose purpose had once been to capture you the moment you set foot on Fire Nation soil but now had been assigned to look after you and your mother as you explored the marketplace. Zuko would be crowned Fire Lord in an hour and your mother was famished from her journey, so you decided to utilize the spare time to find her something to eat. Your mind was still reeling at the fact that she was actually here with you in the Fire Nation after all these years of being apart, and your heart was nearly bursting at the seams with joy. The last pieces were finally beginning to fall into place, and with Zuko crowned as Fire Lord the world could begin it’s journey of healing.

The royal plaza is beautiful and full of people bustling by in preparation for the crowning of their new leader and the festivities to follow. It’s definitely different than what you were used to, but you had a feeling you’d be seeing more of the plaza in the years to come, so you pushed aside your unease and make your way through the square. You’d be more comfortable with Zuko here by your side, though you knew you couldn’t rely on him for everything; being from two different nations meant your boyfriend wouldn’t always be there to protect you like you were used to.

“Oh, I’ve always wanted to try spicy fire noodles!” Your mother exclaims gleefully, pulling you from your thoughts as she points towards the quaint noodle shop across the way. Your gaze happens to catch the flower shop just a few paces down and you smile thoughtfully, reaching into your coin purse before handing off a generous amount of gold pieces to your mother.

“You go ahead, mom. I want to get some flowers for Zuko before we go.”

“How sweet!” Your mother exclaims with a smile, thanking you for the money before you both part ways and enter your respective shops.

The flower shop is vibrant and beautiful, various displays of flora and bouquets line the countertops and shelves as a woman busily puts together a large centerpiece at the front. You assume it must be for the party afterward judging by the color and grandiosity of the display; the woman doesn’t notice you, leaving you waiting a slight frown.

“Can I help you?” A voice from behind you drawls monotonously. You turn to see a sullen looking girl standing behind the counter, her bored gaze hardening at the sight of you and causing you to swallow softly. You assumed the glare was due to you being water tribe and decided to ignore it, instead letting out a breath and approaching the counter with a friendly smile.

“I was wondering if you guys had any fire lilies?” You ask sheepishly.

“This is a flower shop, isn’t it?” She retorts sarcastically. It feels as if her golden eyes are burning deep into your soul, shifting through your feelings and memories and deciding whether or not she could take you in a fight if she wanted to.

“Yes, I suppose it is,” you huff out impatiently, your own eyes hardening as you begin a staring contest with the girl. What is her deal? You may be not be from the Fire Nation but you haven’t done anything to deserve this poor treatment; you’re a princess, the crown on your head makes it especially obvious, so you expected at least a little decency considering everyone knew Zuko’s beloved was the Southern Princess.

“We have a lovely arrangement of fire lily bouquets in the back room,” the woman from earlier calls behind her shoulder, breaking your staring contest as the two of you look towards her. “Mai, why don’t you bring out a few so she has some options to pick from.”

It’s only when the woman says her name that your eyes widen in recognition, turning to look at the girl who now has a wry smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Her attitude and treatment towards you made sense, and instead of anger you now felt guilt for coming into her flower shop. If not for you she would be at the palace with Zuko right now instead of having to arrange flowers, and you shrink under the dry laugh that leaves her.

“Can’t say I’m surprised you didn’t know who I was. I mean, you only ever think about Zuko and yourself, right?”

“I-“ you stammer, your face growing hot with embarrassment and your mind struggling to come up with the right response. Instead you shut your mouth with a sigh, looking down solemnly as Mai moves to the back room to retrieve your flowers. It’s strange, meeting the girl who had kept Zuko warm in your absence, who had kissed him and loved him and claimed him as her own the same night he’d tossed you away like trash. You swallow hard and clear your thoughts as she approaches with three bouquets, each one prettier than the last.

“You know, Zuko wouldn’t even look at a fire lily when we were together,” Mai notes thoughtfully as she touches up the arrangements. “He got all freaked out when I mentioned it.”

“Fire lilies are my favorite,” you murmur quietly. “Nothing really grows in the south, so Zuko would bring me bouquets whenever he visited.”

“I never liked flowers,” she says offhandedly. “I never liked a lot of things. Except for Zuko.”

“Listen, I’m sorry for whatever happened between you two-“

“I don’t want your apology,” Mai interrupts you. “It won’t change the fact that he chose you over me. I liked him my whole life, I was his only real friend in the Fire Nation, I got thrown in prison for him, but in the end he still chose the stuffy little Princess.”

“You don’t know anything about me or what I’ve been through,” you say fiercely, “what I gave up for him. I’m sorry you had to get hurt this way but I’m not sorry about the fact that Zuko and I love each other. Now how much are the flowers?”

“On the house,” she says quietly much to your surprise. “They’re for Zuko, aren’t they? So they’re free.”

“Thank you,” you murmur quietly, taking the prettiest bouquet she has before making your way towards the exit. You pause in the doorway then, hesitating before glancing over your shoulder at the girl with a sympathetic gaze. “For what it’s worth, it was nice meeting you.”

“I wish I could say the same.”

| tag list: @rainteslerrrr @oddment-niwit-blubber-tweak @thebluelcdy @royahllty @the-firebender-girl @coldlilheart @ilovespideyyy @yiyibetch @eridanuswave @lammello @a-monsters-love @knaite-solo @zukh03s @taeeemin @user12345321 @titaniafire @dekahg @emberislandplayers @kikaninchen-2 @lozzybowe @izzieserra @melacholy @music-geek19 @thia-aep @thyunnamed @haylaansmi @nataliahaslosthershit @idkdude776 @aangsupremacy @thirstyforsometea @ihaveaproblem98 @brown-eyed-thang @djskfkdkkf @xapham @yeetletzgetitjae @misnmatchedsox @chewymoustachio @that-bucket-hat-gal @chilifrylizard2 @kyomihann @kaylove12 @kiwihoee |

[eritvita]

😏 if you want!

@intothewildsea​

send me ‘ 😏 ’ and my muse will honestly answer the following q’s.

How physically attracted they are to your muse:

god, it’s like she physically stepped out from a painting. her hair, the shape of her body, her syrupy, delightful smile that happens every time she sees him has his blood thrumming and he has to physically stop himself from kissing her breathless before he can muster out his rhythmic “hello”s.

How romantically attracted they are to your muse:

an insane amount. if Roland were mortal and followed mortal customs, he’d ask her for a type of marriage months ago. willing to settle down into sweet domesticity within a heartbeat.

How often they would like to have sex with yours:

every day, every hour, with healthy breaks to eat and hydrate inbetween.

Where they would most likely have sex with yours:

outside, completely. ideally near a river with soft moss and the background sounds of birds and with the gurgle of that nearby stream, with frogs and crickets aside their panting and moans. he has an idea to have sex by the shore of the sea, where the sand is wet and the tide laps up against them during.

Whether they think yours would be  “good”  in bed:

she’s like a dream, and he’s made private sonnets and bits of poetry that dictates the cadence of his cries during climax, and how they mix symphonically with hers.

What titles / nicknames my muse would like to call yours during sex:

“beloved”, “selkie of my heart”, “moonlit goddess”, “tease of the sea”.

Up to 3 kinks they would like to explore with yours  ( with consent of course ):

bondage, with Roland tied down and loose in its grip. is facesitting considered a kink? also public sex, maybe in a secluded corner of a marketplace?

What sort of sex they’d prefer to have with yours  ( slow & sensual, quickie, etc. ):

all of the above, but body worship and constant praise is a must.

What type of relationship my muse would like to form with yours. ( typical couple, friends with benefits, etc. ):

[lookninjas]

Never in my life have I been so incensed by a customer’s behavior.

So the store where I work sells guns.  One of the most important, absolute must-follow rules is that we will not sell you a gun if you say it’s for another person (unless it’s for a minor child of whom you are the legal guardian, in which case you can buy a long rifle but not a handgun because the rules around handguns are...  very specific).  It’s Christmas and you want to buy your buddy/brother/boss/wife/ex-husband’s old roommate a new .308?  Sucks to suck, my darling.  You can lay the money down; that’s fine.  But if it’s their gun?  It’s their paperwork.  Them’s the rules.  And when it comes to guns, corporate will not take the customer’s side, because the consequences are way too huge.  No recourse, no appeal, no fucking gun. 

As you might imagine, I get in an assload of screaming fights at the gun counter.  But this guy.  Oh, this guy.  Starts out pretty standard -- wants a gun we don’t have, begrudgingly settles for the one we do have, asks about ammo (as if, son, there’s been a shortage on since June), and accidentally lets it slip that it’s for his wife.  I inform him that he can put it on layaway and have her come pick it up whenever, but she has to do the paperwork.  Okay, fine, now the gun’s for him.  Except he’s already said it’s not, so no, dude, stop nudging and winking at me, ‘cause now you’re pissing me off.  It’s her gun?  It’s her paperwork.  Put it on layaway.  

So far, so standard.  But then.  Before he says he knows the law.  Before he pulls the old “I have a CPL” or “I have an FFL” or whatever.  He says, “Well, you’re going to make an exception for me” and whips out a badge.

When I say incandescent with rage.  I mean I glow in the dark right now just thinking about it. 

I yanked his driver’s license out of the case (not getting his name, like an idiot), slammed the case shut, slapped the license down in front of him (still not getting his name or badge number, like an idiot), and told him if that was how he was going to behave under no circumstances was he getting a gun from me,  not now, not ever.

Reader.  Beloved Reader.

He kept arguing. 

The argument went on for -- I mean, it felt like five years but probably a good minute or two -- encompassing everyone at the gun counter and touching on the finer points of gun law, the rights and responsibilities of FFL holders, and, naturally, whether you can carry your wife’s handgun if you both have CPLs.  (In Michigan, actually, yes, but that still doesn’t mean I have to sell you shit), until I told him flat-out I was not losing my job or my health insurance over a damn Savage Axis and he stomped out in a huff, telling my cashier I needed to be educated as he went out.

I need to be educated, motherfucker?

Anyway, the story spread as stories do, and my ASM thankfully has better sense in a crisis than me because he checked the cameras, got a good description, and called the other nearby stores, one of whom got the motherfucker’s name, so there’s education for you motherfucker, but holy shit you guys.

Flashed the damn badge at me, in front of witnesses, over a cheap .308 he could’ve just put on layaway.

If I ever eat a heart in the marketplace, you’ll know whose it was.

[yandere--stuck]

Yandere!Fujimoto x Reader x Granmamare Headcanons

🌊 Fujimoto was certain of many a thing in his very long, well-traveled life - one of the most important being that humans were all inherently selfish, disgusting, wasteful, and useless wastes of space! And that was coming from a former human who, thankfully, had seen the error of his ways! He despised all humans, and the planet would be better off without them…! Well, save for a few - Ponyo, that Sosuke boy, his mother, those old ladies… But, that was it! No other human deserved his favor or sentimentality!

🌺 Or so he thought. It was just after one of his visits to Ponyo and her… "new family." He had brought his water-spritzing gadget with him, of course, as Ponyo and Sosuke led him about town and caught up. He… He had probably seen you out of the corner of his eye without even knowing… The children bid him goodbye, and he had turned to walk off into the ocean - and that's when he saw you, REALLY saw you. Something in his chest tightened, his heart fluttering, his mouth going dry. It… It was like how he felt every time he saw his beloved Granmamare… No! This- this was foolish! What was he thinking?! He was a married, faithful man! He would not be swayed by the temptations of a human!... No matter how... wondrous they may look… Fujomoto shook the thoughts off and returned to his ship. Certainly, he'd forget about you by the end of the day!

🌊 Days afterward, Fujimoto found himself sat at his desk, hands running through his hair, thinking about YOU. He just… He HAD to see you again. He didn't know why, something just drew him to you! You weren't like the others, he could feel it - he could feel it in his very bones! You weren't dirty like the other humans, no, no, not you! You were pure, untouched, perfect… He didn't know how or why, but that didn't matter! You- You were PERFECT! Fujimoto wonders… Was this what Granmamare felt when she had first laid eyes on him…? A pang of guilt struck him. How could he betray his beloved like this? Thinking about another when he had sworn himself to The Goddess of Mercy? This… This was ridiculous! He was a grown, ancient, married man and needed to get over this ridiculous infatuation!

🌺 Fujimoto found himself on land once again, following you about town - through the marketplace, waiting for you outside buildings, following your every step a reasonable distance away (or, more than reasonable. His water-spritzer could be rather noisy and eye-catching.) He just couldn't help himself! Watching you, following you,  just being near you - it was addicting! He needed more, needed to be closer, needed to finally take you away from the other humans and make you all his and Granmamare's and-! He stopped in his tracks. This… This was getting out of hand. As much as he didn't want to admit his weakness, he needed to speak with his beloved. She was who he could turn to for anything, after all.

🌊 He's nervous as he stood on the bow of his ship - though, he's always nervous whenever he thinks of seeing his beloved once again. She makes quite the entrance as usual, her glow lighting up the night and her waves rocking his boat. He can hardly bear to look at her, his guilt eating him up inside. Her melodic voice is just another reminder of his sin. He broke down then and there, confessing his heinous crimes - falling for you, a human, betraying his beloved by falling for another! He was awful, terrible, a monster, irredeemable-! Granmamare shushed him, holding her husband in her hand for a moment, calming him. She then shrunk down to his size, taking his hand in hers. How wonderful it was that her Fujimoto had enough love in his heart for not only her, but for others, as well. Fujimoto froze up, feeling tears build up in his eyes in relief. His beloved wasn't mad, not at all! The Goddess of Mercy cooed that she was more than willing to share, to have another lover in her life. She would often grow so worried for her husband when she was out at sea, it was comforting to think her Fujimoto would have another to watch out for him when she was away. But, the object of Fujimoto's affection must want him back. Love should not be forced.

🌺 Want?! Oh, he would make you want to love him, him and his Granmamre, he would! But… Oh, the standard route would take too much time and he needed you with him NOW! So many outside factors, you were surrounded by so many vile, unworthy humans. No! This couldn't wait, he needed you now! Fujimoto… Fujimoto needed control. He didn't trust his daughter to stay put or do as they were told when outside their bubble. He didn't trust the sea life, no matter how superior they were, to keep away from what would harm them or cause detriment to the balance of nature. The only one he trusted and didn't feel the need to control was Granmamare. He… He needed to make sure you would join him, love him and his beloved wife. He… He needed to have control over you. Just to make sure. Just in case. He NEEDED it.

🌊 He digs through his vials and bottle of mana, just to be sure he had enough power and magic to make this work… He directs his boat to the beach, hiding it from the shore by a rock formation,  and he waits. He waits for you. He knew you went to the beach often, from whenever he watched you from afar. Every nerve in his body felt shot, tense as a wound spring. He jerks, breathing catching in his lungs when he spots you make your way to the shore. He tries his best not to run or seem to anxious as he steps onto land. He didn't need his spritzer now, he was far too powerful. You don't even notice as he approaches, and by the time he grabs your forearm, it's far too late.

🌺 "Hello, my darling," He whispers into your ear. "It's so wonderful to finally meet you…" He introduces himself, tells you all about how he's been watching you, how he knows you and he and his wife were made for each other, how he'll take you away from the land and from all the filthy, disgusting humans and make sure you'll be clean and pure forever, with him! He sees the fear in your eyes, but thankfully, his magic doesn't allow you to resist him. He guides you to his ship, caressing you soothingly and whispering praises to you. Oh, his daughters would be so happy to have another parent! And Fujimoto certainly didn't mind having more children, either…

🌊 He'll slowly let you gain free will back, as long as you behave and don't try to leave. Fujimoto knows that those humans have confused you, tried to make you as unclean as them, made you think that you didn't belong to him and his Goddess. But, don't fret! He understands. He's more than patient for you. You'll see. You'll love him and Granmamare as much as they love you…! You just need time, is all. In the meantime, he waits for his wife to arrive so that the two most perfect people in the world can meet, and he works on a way to make you like him - formerly human, and now something more - so that you can be even more perfect than you already are… His beloved.

[butchhamlet]

33 and 43 for the shakespeare asks!!

33. favorite Shakespeare quote(s)?

wait. oh no. this is hard if i busted out the folger paperbacks for this no i didn’t

in terms of sheer badassery. “o that i were a man, i would eat his heart in the marketplace” DOES something to me. lines that i want to SCREAM out. same with “the laws are thine, not mine” like fucking GET HIS ASS!!! and of course “now gods stand up for bastards” makes me do a motion blur

in terms of lines that Get me... “there’s a divinity that shapes our ends;” “now cracks a noble heart;” and of course “but edmund was beloved” like... all of these Ruin me...

but my absolute favorite i think would have to be “o god, i could be bounded in a nutshell and call myself a king of infinite space, were it not that i have bad dreams” for, you know, normal and neurotypical and mentally healthy reasons, is why i like that one, for normal reasons, yeah,

43. funniest line from a tragedy?

did this one over here but SOMEHOW i forgot the funniest fucking line in all of shakespeare which is, of course, kent’s RIDICULOUS diss track i want it tattooed on my forehead </3

(shakespeare asks!)

[oohh-honey-honey]

Siren’s Song

Roman’s always had an affinity towards those sirens he was warned about. Perhaps dangerously so. 

Characters: Roman, Eden (Deceit), Virgil

Ships: Roceit, Platonic Prinxiety

Warnings: Possibly unsyp!Deceit? Could be read as toxic/possessive, mention of almost drowning, one mention of Remus

Word Count: 1,195

~~

A.N. This idea wouldn’t leave my head until I wrote it. 

~~

The oceans water lulled gently across Roman's skin. It held quite whispers, drowned out by the sirens song that the merman next to him hummed into his ear. The stone pillars near the pair held cracks of age and war. Roman was acutely aware he shouldn't be able to see these cracks in the pillars. He shouldn't be able to see at all. He shouldn't be here. But here he was, and it wasn't half bad. Oh, Roman had been warned of sirens and sea monsters all his life, but at this moment all the warnings seemed so far away. So unimportant.

"You're stupid," Virgil had said one sunny day, just as he had every day before "You're being rather kind, aren't you, Panic! at the everywhere?" Roman shot back, just as he had every day before. "I really mean it. You know, sirens aren't known for their courtmanship, Ro" Romans head rolled back, "I figured one might take me out to dinner." "Yeah, but you'd probably be the meal. Those little stories of yours aren't real. You'd have your arm bitten off before you had the chance to flourish your sword," Virgil rolled his eyes, "Or whatever people like you do," "People like me?" "Dumbasses."

Those creatures of the deep had always fascinated Roman. He could recall the storybooks where the mighty warrior had slain the wretched siren. Later in life, Roman went on to write love stories, where the mighty warrior did not slay the siren, but instead fell in love with it. They would meet at the dock each day and night until the siren convinced his beloved to be with him. Funny how that seemed to become a reality for Roman.

Roman left first thing the next morning. The ship was small; only one person needed to man it.

He first saw the creature on his third day at sea. Just a flicker. a flash at the edge of his sight. but it had been there. Roman set anchor on the ship. The next few days were spent chasing it along the waters. This merman had an advantage, sure. He had lived here. He knew the waters and how to bargain with them. But Roman had a purpose, and he'd sooner die than give that up. It wasn't long until he jumped into the relentless waters. At first it was cold. Of course it was cold. Waves pounded against Roman's head and the saltwater burned his eyes. His indicators for where to swim were simply the quiet song sung by his siren. It was a beautiful one. Almost like his mother would sing to Roman as a child when he and Remus couldn't sleep. Roman relaxed in the water. Something pulled him down. Down, down, down, deeper into the depths until Roman couldn't tell which direction he was moving anymore. And then they stopped. Roman's eyes tried to adjust to the darkness, with little success. His lungs were screaming from the lack of air, headache pounding at this deep of water, and eyes in agony at the burning salt. Hands that were gripped on Roman's ankles trailed up his body until scaled arms wrapped playfully around his neck. A long, smooth tail curled around Roman as a faint chuckle sounded behind him. "Well aren't you such a treat, darling," His sultry voice sent a shiver down Roman’s spine. Roman choked. A grin on the siren's face was replaced with a scowl, "Of course," He snapped his fingers and the air returned to Roman's lungs. He looked around in the dim light, provided only by dying plants at their feet. Coiled around him was a man. A fish. Both. Roman stared deeply into him, mismatched eyes staring back. A deep brown clashing with a vibrant yellow, looking through Roman and into his soul. He was beautiful.   "Run before you forget how to."

"You're alive?" Virgil had yelled the first day Roman trudged ashore. His eyes held an unsure glaze over them and the smell of fish never really left. A hesitant glaze washed over Roman's eyes. He seemed less to walk, but instead ramble aimlessly over the land. It was almost haunting to see Roman like this. Virgil stopped walking a moment, "Are you.. alive?" "Regretfully." "You're sounding like--" He paused, "Did you, uh, find a siren?" Roman looked up to Virgil, "He let me go." "That's..." Virgil glanced to the side, unsure exactly what reaction Roman wanted, "Good?" "Bad," He shook his head, "I have to go back to him." Something like horror and awe plastered Virgil's face. He shook his head violently, "Wh- No! You are /not/ going out there again." Roman responded by turning around and head to the village. Virgil followed after, "You're going to die"

"This is an awful idea, Roman!"

"What if you get hurt? Or drown? You can't do that to me,"

"Why is this so important to you?" "Because I love him!" Roman yelled back to Virgil, just before reaching the market. A hushed whisper fell over both of them. ".. He's a siren! You don't really lo--" A glare shut Virgil up. He couldn't stop Roman. Virgil winced, "I don't want you to get hurt, Ro." Roman had begun to peruse the marketplace. He gathered a variety of items. Fish, elixirs, all the like. Thirty-two silver coins later he looked back to Virgil, "I'm just following my heart."

A week later Roman sound him again. The siren's shimmering tail glittering just below the water alerted Roman to stop the ship. He grabbed a small bag and jumped in, waiting to be pulled down. It happened instantaneously. The smile that had tugged at Roman's lips now turned into a grin. The merman snapped a thin veil of air around Roman, "Back again, sailor? I could have sworn I would have scared you off," He mused, wrapping his tail around Roman's torso. The sailor smiled, "With a handsome face like yours? Never," The siren chuckled, "Even still, don't your people tell stories of how we'll lure you to your death?" "On occasion. Though I never was a fan of those." Roman shimmied out from the siren's tail, "I brought you something," He reached into the soaked bag, pulling out a bundle of fish. The monster's ears perked up, "Oh, those look just ravishing, darling. Though, I'm afraid I don't eat that kind," "Oh.." Roman looked down, "Then.. what sort of things do you eat?" He didn't answer the question.

It kept happening. Roman would come back days, weeks, after leaving, only to sail off again at dusk. Virgil would try talking him out of it. It never worked.

A month passed.

"You know, I don't think you ever gave me your name," "You never asked." "I am now, aren't I?" The monster hummed without answer, nearly asleep around Roman's warmth.

And then another.

"It's Eden," "Hm?" "My name." "I like it. Eden." Roman smiled.

And another.

"Eden," "Yes, my dear?" "How long has it been?" Silence, "Since I was on the surface? How long?"

Another.

"I think I should go," "Go where?" "Home," Eden's blood froze. His eyes flitted over to Roman.

Another. Roman never came back.