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c-rose2081 · 1 year

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Of Siren’s Deep [Chapter 1] - story concept

Just some writing thoughts. Pirate-Fantasy baby, can’t go wrong with that 🏴‍☠️🧜🏽‍♀️

To my mutuals who lurk, pls reblog and let me know what you think in the comments and tags, it really helps the process ❤️

— — —

The small island is truly a forbidden gem on the vast cerulean sea. It sits on a horizon break halfway between Velazquez Point and Spanish Bay; a lush, green paradise seemingly isolated from any known trade route. I’ve crossed this way many times before, though today was the first time a wayward squall took us off-course.

I was—naturally—thrilled to find uncharted land. It’s been months since a new discovery and my patience was beginning to fester. However, my find will have to go unpublished for now at the decision of my ship’s crew.

We, and any others who come here, must be wary of this place. It seems the island itself is determined to remain unexplored. The white sand beaches around its perimeter burn with the heat of an unrelenting sun, while the clear turquoise water reflects its golden rays like mirrors. Many of my scouting party returned with blistering sores on their necks and faces from the intensity of it all, after only quarter-of-a-tick believe it or not. Some on the deck passed out from exertion or threatened to throw themselves into the sea in madness.

A vote was cast; I lost, Captain be damned. And though it burdens my heart to leave such a wonderful treasure behind, the crew has decided not to return again, claiming the island cursed. — from Oceans & Islands: A Sailor’s Journal by Amadaex Cabrera

— — —

“Back at it again with that book, milady?”

I lifted my head from the yellowed pages of Oceans & Islands, squinting in the sunlight which now cascaded through the window above my desk. It hadn’t even been dawn when I started reading; I’d completely lost track of time.

“Amaris. I didn’t hear you come in.”

“I did call for you. Twice.” Amaris lifted two fingers as I slumped, closing the book still open under my hand.

“I’m sorry, I was just…”

“Reading? Yes, I can see that, milady. But why not a different book? You’ve read that one at least a dozen times by now. Doesn’t it get old?”

“Not to me. I’d love to be the one to discover a seemingly cursed island. It was father’s dream, too.”

At the mention of father, I briefly turned my face away from my longtime maid and friend. It had been a few months now since he passed away, but it still felt as though he’d walk in the door any second, just like he used to. I was already used to him not being around, as his work took him all over the world. He’d be gone months at a time, then would waltz back in like he’d never left. Yet knowing for sure this time that he wasn’t coming back? I squeezed my eyes shut, urging them not to burn with tears.

“Your father passed doing what he loved most.” Amaris said from where she was making the bed. “He wouldn’t want you to be cooped up in here all day.”

“I’d rather be, seeing as what Aunt Frenrise insists of me.” I replied flatly. “I feel like a prize trout when I’m with her.”

“Lady Frenrise is merely doing what Lord Pennrose asked of her.”

“I know that. I just wish things didn’t feel so…so showy all the time. I’ve dealt with it my whole life, but now that Papa is gone, she’s insufferable.”

“Lady Frenrise is a peacock amongst quail, milady. But you?” Amaris paused her work to glance at me, smiling in her matronly, sweet way. “You have the gold of sunlight in your eyes, child. Such a beautiful young woman you’ve grown up to be.”

“Hm, that’s all anyone ever says these days.” I sighed, rising from behind my desk with a stretch and leaving the warm patch of sun behind.

“It’s lucky you’re so bronzy, milady.” Amaris commented as she fluffed a pillow. “Sitting in that sun would make anyone redden like a Phoenix Fruit.”

“You know I enjoy a hot day.” I smirked, plopping onto the freshly made bed which caused Amaris to squeak in protest.

“Milady, honestly. You’re almost eighteen….”

“Please don’t make me get ready today, Amaris.” I begged, jutting out my lower lip as the woman rolled her eyes. “I just want to stay here for the rest of my life.

“Lady Aria. If I don’t get you ready, Lady Frenrise will. And we both don’t want that.”

“Hm. Point taken.” I scoffed, running a finger over the thin chain around my neck. It was still weird, wearing my father's pendant. He’d carried it for as long as I could recall—I hadn’t ever seen him take it off. I had been handed the trinket in lieu of seeing his body the day news reached Macatania of father’s death at sea. It was all the proof I needed that he was gone for good this time. His first mate had looked me straight in the eye that day, pressing the amulet into my palm with the most apologetic look an old sailor could give.

Tugging the artifact from my collar, I held it above my head and turned it between a thumb and index finger. The amulet was worn around the edges, with a center made of bluish glass like some rum bottles I’d seen. The lumpy frame was cracked and tarnished from wear, like father himself had rehammered the silver back into place several times. It puzzled me as to why he wore such an unusual, haphazard piece of jewelry. His many rings had been made of fine silver and gemstones. His earring was made of gold. He could’ve had the glass reset into something fancier; something more suited to his rank. Yet he never did.

“….milady?”

“Hm?”

I pulled my eyes from the blue glass, glancing at Amaris, “Sorry, what did you say?”

“I said Lady Frenrise is expecting you to be well dressed for today’s ceremony. Something interesting in that amulet?”

“No.” I tucked the necklace back under my shirt, feeling it through the cloth as to assure myself it was there. “Just thinking about father, that’s all.”

“Your Aunt sent up a dress for you….”

“Of course she did.” I sat up, giving my friend a pointed look. “How bad is it?”

“Er…not bad, milady.” Amaris drawled, refusing to meet my gaze as I scowled. “It’s, well, a lovely shade of yellow.”

“Not yellow.” I groaned, tossing myself back amongst the sheets. “Just kill me, Amaris.”

“Don’t be dramatic, Lady Aria. It’s a lovely color for you.”

“I don’t understand why she insists on the color of Sunbam every time she gets me something. It’s gaudy and attracts flies.”

“You’ll wear it for your poor Aunt’s sake, won’t you?” Amaris made a face not dissimilar to my own. “You know she only tries her best. And if you don’t wear it, I won’t ever hear the end of it.”

“I wish she’d just listen to me for once.”

“Lady Frenrise is difficult, milady. Always has been. Now come, I’ll help you dress.”

Exhaling a deep breath again, I nodded and rolled into a standing position. As we did every morning, Amaris helped remove my nightdress. The noise of discontent she made from behind my shoulder was new to the routine.

“Something wrong?” I wondered, perturbed by my friend's silence.

“Have you been feeling unwell at all today, milady?” She asked finally, meeting my gaze over my shoulder. “Any chills?”

“No? I’m perfectly fine.” Furrowing my brows, I stiffened as Amaris ran the back of her fingers along my right shoulder blade. The itching was sudden as I twisted away from her hand in surprise, keeping a yelp behind my teeth. “Gentle, Amaris.”

“You have some rashing on your back. Does it hurt?”

“Only when you touch it.” I huffed in annoyance, walking to the bedroom mirror and craning my neck to see what Amaris was talking about. Indeed, there was a small patch of reddish skin blistering along my right shoulder. It wasn’t very big, not even the size of a fist. But now that I knew it was there, the urge to scratch at it was maddening.

“We’ll put some Sunbam oil on it.” Amaris said, “Just don’t itch it or it could get worse.”

“You know, Sunbam isn’t the remedy for everything.” I teased, receiving Amaris’s wagging finger as she headed to the washroom.

“Tell that to my Maman.” The woman chortled, returning with a small silver plate of balm. “Sunbam is nature's miracle.”

With the ointment applied, I did my best to ignore the rash’s presence as we continued the routine per usual.

Indeed, Auntie’s dress was made of a gaudy yellow silk with pale lace frills around the edges of the sleeves. It’s skirt barely touched the ground, while the waist hem sat comfortably at my hips. Normally, the dresses Frenrise picked for me were conservative in build. This one however had a surprisingly low neckline, one I felt the need to cover up with a lace shawl.

“I believe Lady Frenrise sees you as an eligible young woman now, milady.” Amaris commented as she worked with my long auburn hair, pinning half of it into place with Macatanian pearls while leaving the rest to hang down my back. “Isn’t that exciting?”

“Let’s see, my overbearing Aunt trying her damndest to find me a husband by lowering my neckline?” I recounted dryly, fiddling with Papa’s pendant as I sat before the mirror. “Yes, very exciting.”

“You could find someone that suits you,” Amaris shrugged, running her fingers through my hair just as she did when I was a girl. “Elias found someone, didn’t he?”

“It was an arranged marriage.” I corrected, rolling my eyes at the mere mention of my cousin. “Besides, he’d do anything his Mama told him.”

“He seems quite happy with his blushing bride, arranged or not.”

“Elias is a simple man. He likes guns and women—there’s not much else to him.”

“Don’t speak so harshly of your cousin, milady. Don’t forget he’s family and has just lost an Uncle.”

I grimaced, but relented to the fact with a silent head nod. As much as I disliked Elias’s coarse, boyish attitude, he and Papa had been close in the months before his death. “Now, you look beautiful. Lady Frenrise will be pleased.”

I stared at myself, hazel eyes flicking across the reflection in the mirror. The yellow of the dress made my skin seem even darker than it actually was as my throat constricted painfully tight. “Come now, child.” Amaris placed her hands on my shoulders, giving them a comforting squeeze. “Any longer and Lady Frenrise might send the Navy.”

— — —

“You look beautiful, Aria. Simply stunning.”

I smiled at Aunt Frenrise as best I could, bouncing a heel as the carriage clattered down the cobblestone road towards the harbor. My Aunt had been my primary guardian since I was born. What with how often Papa had to travel, it was a surprise we weren’t closer than we were. But Aunt Frenrise wasn’t someone I had much in common with, even after so many years of being under her care. She was a traditional sort of woman, preferring to keep the house and wear expensive fabrics and gems than pick up a book or take a late night swim.

“Thank you, Aunty.”

“I just knew this dress was for you,” she continued without missing a beat. “Yellow is such a wonderful color. Though I wish you’d show that neckline a bit more? It’s terribly hot for a shawl.”

“It’s to keep my shoulders from burning, Aunty.” I lied simply, glancing out the window again as the buildings and shops of Macatania grew scarcer and scarcer as we approached the East Harbor. “Is Elias excited about today?”

“Simply over the moon,” the woman chirped, clapping her gloved hands together as she tossed her white gauzy scarf over her shoulder. “Imagine it. Me, the mother of a Naval Officer.”

“I never thought Elias was interested in military service.” I mused honestly. “He seemed much more keen on traveling.”

“He’s a bit of a free spirit I suppose, but Catalina has been so good for him. She’s a wonderful influence. They’ll make beautiful children together.” Aunty sighed happily, melting into her corner of the carriage. “Now that he’s ready to settle down, I can focus more on finding you a suitable match.” She drawled, staring at me with her deep blue eyes. “You know the walls talk. It won’t be hard to find someone who will absolutely ravish you.”

“Aunty.” I breathed, feeling embarrassed heat crawl up my neck to my ears.

“What? I’m just saying that there are plenty of men in Macatania who would go to the ends of the world for your attention. You’re a beauty, child. I already know at least one who has begun drafting an impressive dowry, hm?”

“If you’re referring to Officer Ambrose, I’m not interested.”

Aunt Frenrise pouted as I removed a pale silk fan from my skirt, flicking it open as a cue to halt the current topic. Unfortunately, my Aunt wasn’t keen on being brushed off.

“Oh, tush, Aria. Ambrose is a perfectly respectable man. He has a wonderful position and could build you the perfect home.”

“He’s also primitive, Aunty.” I argued unhappily. “I’m not an object to be won, nor a gem to be admired.”

“I never said that; merely implied that he could make a wonderful husband.”

“What if I don’t want a husband?” I retorted, fluttering my fan a bit faster. “I want to sail, just like Papa.”

“My child, there’s no place for us on the high seas,” Aunt Frenrise said with furrowed brows. “It’s terrible luck, you know. You belong here in Macatania, safe, sound and settled down with someone who will protect you.”

“You didn’t stop Elias from going to sea.”

“No. Because it’s traditional for men to join the Navy at his age; it’s an honor he’s chosen to take. I will not hear of my niece out gallivanting with some…some degenerates on a boat.”

“But….”

“I will not hear another word of this, Aria,” Aunt Frenrise insisted, lifting a warning brow. “You will be in the company of Officer Ambrose today at the ceremony and that is that. His offer for your hand will no doubt dwarf any others; he may just be your perfect match.”

“Father would’ve let me sail.” I muttered, slowing my fan as my head drooped. Aunt Frenrise shook her head, snapping open her own fan.

“Yes. But look where that’s gotten him.” Her eyes narrowed unhappily as I slumped even more, feeling Papa’s pendant resting against my skin. “Aria, I promised Atticus I would look after you; it was the last promise I ever made to him. The sea is no place for a young woman, I don’t want to see you end up like he did.”

“Quite.” I rasped, turning my head away from my Aunt’s attention. Refusing to look at her again lest my emotions get the better of me, I stared out at the beautiful Macatanian sea glistening in the afternoon sun. A few boats were moored off the rocks, their brilliant ivory sails shining as though illuminated.

A few months ago, one of them could’ve been Papa finally returning home from a long journey. He would stomp into the house with his big heavy boots, reeking of salt and seaweed. The man would haul me into his arms till my feet dangled off the floor, spinning me around like a windmill until I begged him to stop. He would tell stories of what he saw and show me worn journals and maps used during the trip. We would talk for hours before falling asleep sitting at the table, content and happy.

Those times, all of them, were now just memories. Papa was dead, settled at the bottom of the ocean never to return while I was expected to take a husband. To settle down as some Officer’s wife in order to raise children, keep home and never leave Macatania’s pale shores.

It felt like I’d just swallowed a rock, pursing my lips to keep from choking on it. Tears burned my eyes as the sniffles caught in my nose, causing my whole body to hurt.

“Please don’t cry, Aria.” Aunt Frenrise sighed, though I still refused to look at her past my fan which still waved out of mere habit. “It won’t be as awful as you think,” she mused, no doubt smiling as a single tear ran down my cheek. “I just know it.”

—

To those who made it to the end, thank you! Always appreciated ❤️ I like this concept a lot so I hope to explore it more :)

#Of Sirens Deep #writing #fiction #fantasy #pirates #world building #original character #oc #character building #original concept #mermaids #sirens #original writing #original story #literature #fiction writing #fantasy writing #author things

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tangentofk · 5 months

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Okay so once im financially stable (HA) im gonna get a new tattoo i think.

Thinking a pennrose tiling on my shoulder.

That’ll make me feel something

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beardedmrbean · 7 days

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Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has received campaign donations above the $6,000 maximum from at least nine contributors this election cycle, violating state campaign finance law.

Most of the problem donations, which amount to an extra $29,250, are the result of multiple contributions — some made in early 2023, before the mayoral campaign was underway, combined with others made more recently. Maryland operates on a four-year campaign cycle, and individual donors are allowed to give only $6,000 during that span. The current cycle began on Jan. 1, 2023, and will not end until Dec. 31, 2026. Political action committees are not bound by the same rule.

Maryland State Board of Elections officials confirmed Wednesday that donations made in excess of $6,000 during that period would be a violation.

Scott’s campaign finance reports show contributions exceeding $6,000 from a mix of donors, most of them local and many regular donors to political campaigns. Developers and real estate leaders made up much of the list. Among them was Mark Sapperstein, CEO of 28 Walker Street Development; Thibault Manekin, a partner at Seawall Development; Alan Ingraham, CEO of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors; Dan Bythewood, president of La Cite Development; and Mark Caplan, president and CEO of The Time Group, a real estate equity firm.

Bythewood topped the list contributing $12,000 over the course of three donations made in January 2023, October 2023 and March 2024. His New York-based La Cite has a much-criticized deal with the city to revitalize the Poppleton neighborhood. Sapperstein donated $11,000 to the mayor spread between two donations made in January 2023 and January 2024.

James Haden, a donor associated with the Baltimore Recycling Center, also gave Scott $11,000 through two contributions made in January and August 2023. Haden and others on the list are associated with organizations that themselves have made contributions as well as other principals. The Baltimore Recycling Center has given the maximum $6,000 donation to Scott this cycle as well as his opponent former Mayor Sheila Dixon. Sapperstein, too, has donated to both Dixon and Scott. Insulator Drive LLC and Refinery Canton LLC, two businesses listed at the same address as Sapperstein’s 28 Walker Street Development, also gave Scott $6,000 donations.

Scott is facing Dixon in a competitive race to win a second term in office. The Democrat has served as mayor since December 2020. The two Democrats are also running against former prosecutor Thiru Vignarajah and businessman Bob Wallace, both Democrats. The group will compete in the May 14 Democratic primary which is likely to determine the outcome of the election in highly Democratic Baltimore.

Nick Machado, Scott’s campaign spokesman, acknowledged the excess donations calling them “administrative errors” and noted that only nine were made among approximately 7,000 donations made by more than 4,800 donors.

“In total, these corrections represented less than 1% of the $1.6 million raised thus far through the cycle,” he said.

Other donors over the limit included Brandon Wylie, co-owner of florist Fleurs D’Ave, who made $10,000 in contributions to Scott through three donations made in January 2023, August 2023 and January 2024. Pennrose, a Pennsylvania-based development company, gave $8,500 via two donations made in January 2023 and January 2024.

Jeffrey Hargrave, founder and president of commercial construction firm Mahogany Inc., donated a total of $8,500 to Scott via two donations made in January 2023 and September 2023. Hargrave was also twice a guest in the city’s suite at M&T Bank Stadium last year, records obtained by The Baltimore Sun via a Public Information Act request show. Hargrave received two tickets to the Sept. 24 game against the Indianapolis Colts and he got two suite passes to the Nov. 5 game against the Seattle Seahawks.

The donations from the nine donors totaled $83,250, $29,250 more than the contributors should have been allowed to give.

Machado said the campaign has been working to reach donors to assess corrections that may need to be made to Scott’s campaign finance report. At least three refunds will be issued on Thursday, he said, while some adjustments may be handled as amendments to the report.

#nunyas news

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sitemenoreh · 2 years

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Lenox approves $five hundred,100000 loan to own reasonable housing endeavor during the Brushwood Ranch

Lenox approves $five hundred,100000 http://onlineloanslouisiana.net loan to own reasonable housing endeavor during the Brushwood Ranch Sms A keen artist’s rendering shows this new style of one’s proposed sensible/team homes creativity within Brushwood Ranch from Pittsfield Highway in the Lenox. Pennrose offers to generate thirteen townhouse houses containing 65 affordable and you will…

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yeahdudecomics · 6 years

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Time is a mental construct

#comic #sonic the hedgehog #time #physics #theoretical physics #art #illustration #pennrose

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mayoredwardestes · 4 years

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Hunt Capital Partners and Pennrose Launch Second Phase of Affordable Housing Redevelopment in Maryland

Hunt Capital Partners, in collaboration with Pennrose, LLC, announced the closing of $4.52 million in federal low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) equity financing for the new construction of the Residences at Glenarden Hills Phase 2A, located in Lanham, Md. The development will offer 55 affordable housing units restricted to seniors age 62 years and older.

Residences at Glenarden Hills Phase…

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#affordable Housing #City of Glenarden #Glenarden Hills #Hunt Capital #Pennrose

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lady-bullfinch · 7 years

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What we have here?..My recent chibi commissions xD

I am really too lazy to publish it at a moment i finished it, so i publish it in a big batch...

Hope you, guys like it^^

DA | TH | commission prices | Patreon | ko-fi | FA

If you want to order some commission from me, feel free to send me message on [email protected]

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boredmuse · 2 years

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What's the nature of realiry

#original #Cyberpunk #Pennrose triangle #surreal memes

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tristikovart · 4 months

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Happy Christmas! May your days be merry, and bright as plasma thrusters!

#anthro #pinup #christmas #science fiction #tristikovart #pennrose #charlotte #spaceship

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avaniacomic · 1 year

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*** Attention ***

As of 11/5/23, Avania, Chapter 17 (Part 1) is now live!

Updates will be every Sunday at 7:00pm EST until conclusion. Read the announcement post for more information on this upcoming chapter!

#webcomic #anthro #avian #big cast #military #issue8 #daniel #winters #charlotte #pennrose #felix #sarah #walter #blanche #macintyre #scarlet #harry #longmeadow #mayfaire #moorsley #bart #donovan

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worldofavania · 7 months

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Hi Charlotte, What was your childhood like? Have a good day, bigcathat. :D

This makes Avania Mail #100 (answered mail, anyway)! I thought it would be nice to echo the very first Avania Mail comic back in 2017--How Charlotte and Una first met. (Some other memorable moments of their childhood include sledding, snowball fights, silent nights, and cardboard boxes).

The tire swing scene was also a sketch I drew back in 2017 and started to ink long ago, but never completed, so I'm happy to have finally have finished it in some form after all these years!

Thank you to everyone for submitting your questions to Avania Mail over the years. There are still a lot more to go, including some that will need more in-depth answers, so thank you for your patience as I continue to chip away at the queue!

If YOU have a burning question to ask though, don't hesitate to submit it, since I do skip around the queue based on what I can most readily answer, not strictly chronological order.

#anthro #webcomic #friends #childhood #ask #avaniamail #charlotte #pennrose

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c-rose2081 · 11 months

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Of Sirens Deep — [Chapter 2]

—

The afternoon sun was blazing hot.

Aunt Frenrise and I sat in the front row of many wooden seats, the congregation facing to the East. We were surrounded by other members of Macatanian society, as well as the families of naval officers accompanying their varying ranks. There was no person in attendance who wasn’t sweating. Gem and silk draped women had their fans and parasols, while men kept cool under the shade of their hats. Atop the Eastern wall, practically silhouetted in the afternoon, a line of navalman blocked the view of the trade harbor with their uniform clad bodies.

Cousin Elias stood front and center, his normally scraggly appearance now combed and well tended. He even had his long pale hair done nicely, knotted into a small ponytail and tied with a silken ribbon. Despite looking his rank for once, I fought back a snort at the cocky, prideful expression which rested on his face. He hadn’t changed at all, military be damned.

Elias, unlike any other new recruit, was skipping over the basic Naval training to become a commanding Officer. With Papa’s rank on Macatania alongside Aunt Frenrise’s economic influence, Elias was much better suited to simply looking good in the uniform, rather than being of any use. Thankfully, Macatania hadn’t seen battle in years, merely defending against the occasional pirate. Hopefully it stayed that way.

Catalina, Elias’s fiancé, was easy to spot directly to his right. Her corngold hair was tucked into a swan feathered hat, while a maid held a parasol to protect her from the heat. She was dabbing meekly at her eyes, occasionally sending lovesick gazes towards her husband-to-be. Focusing on my fan rather than the ceremony, I listened with closed eyes as Macatania’s Naval Commander began to speak.

“Do you, Elias Marcus Pennrose, promise in any and all circumstances to defend, protect and honor the Isle of Macatania? To give whatever is necessary, be it your own life, to serve our homeland?”

“Yes, sir.”

I turned as Aunt Frenrise made a strangled noise beside me, tears pouring down her face as she struggled not to ruin her handkerchief. Despite the dramatic display, one which caused more than a few curious glances, I continued to fan myself with one hand and scratched mindlessly at my arm using the other. On my back, Amaris’s sunbam oil had dried up, leaving the rash to fester. It was no help that the heat today was terribly dry.

The East Harbor was practically a stone fortress on the steepest cliff Macatania had to offer. The structure blocked any pleasant sea breeze which could bring relief, while natural foliage had been removed in favor of tall, defendable walls. I fanned a bit faster, praying the ceremony would be over soon.

“…then I honor you with this saber, Officer Elias Pennrose of Macatania. May it serve you well.”

I glanced up as Elias accepted a silver sword with a golden tassel on the end. Aunt Frenrise was the first to stand, clapping in vigor for her only son. The crowd followed suit, breaking the ceremonial atmosphere into something more casual. With the noise as a cue, I slapped my fan shut and stood as well, pausing when Aunt Frenrise caught my skirt with her fingers.

“Aria? Where are you going?”

“I just need some air.” I replied. “I’ll only be a moment.”

My aunt frowned, her eyes looking this way and that. But she eventually relented and I excused myself politely from the crowd. No doubt this ceremony would be a chance for high society to mingle with each other. Something I wanted to avoid, if possible. Papa may have been a Lord in Macatania, but he was never stuffy or elegant. He didn’t find spending time with high society interesting or worth his time, either.

The man wore buckles and bracelets better than Aunt Frenrise ever did. I could still smell his big leather coat after it rained and feel the scarf he used to cover his hair. Papa always jingled with beads and metal adornments, causing a ruckus wherever he went. There were many instances he would return home smeared in oil from the docks, or soaking wet from falling into the harbor. He never cared about all the fancy stuff which came with lordship. He’d been a sailor, a good one at that, and I wished nothing more than to sink into one of his salty hugs and disappear.

Wandering to the edge of the East Wall, I found myself away from the party, hidden in a small piece of shade. From this position I had a perfect view of the harbor from an old canon station, the gun either removed or fallen into the sea years ago. I was able to relish in the ocean breeze while observing the cresting whitewater swathing around the rocks below. The fall was long and treacherous—it was hard to imagine pirates once having scaled it in attempts to pillage this quarter of the island. So distracted by the view, I jumped as someone cleared their throat behind me.

“Apologies, Lady Pennrose. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Officer Ambrose.” I sighed, placing a hand on my chest to slow my heart. “I didn’t hear you coming.”

Officer Ambrose was at least five years my senior, straight and tall like any Naval Officer should be. I suppose there was a handsomeness to him, but his face was still childlike somehow, soft and unscarred by any hardship. His brown eyes were dull, while his smile was much too white. Seeing as Macatania’s Navy had very little to do besides arresting smugglers and blasting cannonballs into the ocean for no reason, it didn’t surprise me that he was always so well dressed.

“Hm. It’s dazzling, isn’t it?” He mused, taking a few steps to meet me by the wall and looking out over the harbor. “My father brought me here when I was just a boy.”

“Oh?” I removed my fan again, using it to gently air out my face which was still warm from the afternoon.

“Yes. He stood me up on this wall and said ‘Son, the sea is a cruel mistress meant to be conquered by man. One day, you’ll be the one to conquer it.’ His words struck me—it has been my dream to become a navy officer ever since.”

I hid my cringe at the word ‘conquered’ and ‘mistress’ in the same sentence. Like Aunt Frenrise, Officer Nathan Ambrose was a traditional man of society. He had expectations of a wife, expectations I knew would make me miserable. And though some girls like Catalina swooned for a man who could care for them, I was not in the majority, despite Aunt Frenrise’s wishes of me.

“How fascinating.” I said blandly, staring out at the waves to avoid meeting Ambrose’s keen gaze again. “It’s an awfully big ocean. I’m sure there is a world of things yet to be discovered. Perhaps there’s something out there man is not meant to see.”

“Doubtful. We are the most powerful force in the world. There is little we cannot claim. Though, I’ve learned that I have a duty to Macatania as much as I do the sea. Don’t you agree, Aria?”

“I suppose,” I frowned, fluttering my fan a bit faster. Being on a first name basis made me nervous—and not in a good way. “Papa always said to follow your own compass. It’s hard to do that when I’ve never even left the island.”

“My condolences about your Father.” Ambrose tilted his head, folding his arms behind his back. “Lord Pennrose was a good man.”

“Thank you.”

“Have you given any thought to your future?” He wondered aloud then, shooting me a curious glance over his shoulder. I shrugged in return, itching my arm only to wince faintly at its burn.

“It’s been brought up. Though I haven’t made any decisions.”

“And….Lady Frenrise has informed you that I’ll be making an offer soon?”

“Yes.”

“This is all a bit formal,” Ambrose complained, shuffling on his boots as he reached up to remove his hat. This revealed a head of brunette hair, shimmering with sweat from being in the sun all afternoon. “Your Aunt will be in charge of the dowry, as is traditional. But to you I offer my unending loyalty. I would take care of you, Aria. Without a father in your life, you need a man’s protection. Someone to keep you safe. I can offer that, if you’d do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

I blinked and stopped fanning as Ambrose knelt on one knee and removed a ring box from his uniform pocket. Inside was nestled a ring of the deepest red sapphire, set on a brassy band. Suddenly my Aunt’s insistence that I speak with Ambrose made a suspicious amount of sense.

“Oh Ambrose….”

Not sure what to say or do next, I rose to stand only to gasp as pain exploded behind my eyes. So focused on Ambrose’s sudden proposal, I didn’t hear the noise which had been tugging at the back of my mind. Now, it was like a thousand different voices all singing a different song. The roar was so great that my knees collapsed as my fan was whisked over the wall, vanishing from sight.

“Aria? Aria what’s wrong?” I felt two firm arms grasp my shoulders as I placed my hands over my ears, clenching my jaw hard. Boxed in by my arms, I finally noticed the red rash which had blossomed up the inside of my wrist—the same I had been picking at all afternoon. The same as on my back. Was it spreading?

“Sir!” Another guard called someplace behind me. “We have movement in the water!”

I cracked an eye open just as Ambrose left me, his figure leaning over the wall.

“Don’t just stare, you idiot.” He snarled. “Shoot it!”

There was a scramble and a few gunshots, but my brain was too fuzzy to make much sense of it. Then, as quickly as the noise began, it stopped. The dull roar was replaced with a calm, lilting sort of melody. I couldn’t help my sigh of relief, shakily removing my hands from my ears.

‘Aria.’

The new female voice was distant and faint, echoing as though in a deep cave. I felt blind as I stood, turning to the horizon where the ocean waited. ‘We finally found you.’ She whispered tenderly, ‘Come to us. Come.’

I stepped nearer the edge, only faintly aware of the guards huddled in the nearby tower, staring down into the water.

‘Aria. Come to the sea. Come with us. Jump. Jump, child.’

I placed a shoe on the lowest part of the canon settlement, leaning dangerously over the side. Down below, it almost looked like someone was laid out across the rocks. I almost couldn’t see them; the skin was murky and camouflaged with the shore. But something long and transparent made the water bubble in a strange way near the edge of the bank, it’s trunk faintly glistening like sea glass.

‘Jump! Jump, Aria!’

“Aria, don’t!”

I was only falling for a second before a strong hand grabbed the hem of my bodice. I was thrown back to the ground, away from the wall as the voice faded. This left behind a horrible pulsing sensation, keeping time with my heart as I struggled to find a breath.

“Aria, darling?” I could recognize Aunt Frenrise at once, her hands coming to rest on my cheeks. “What happened?”

“Siren song.” Ambrose sounded out of breath, growling through his teeth. “I want that monster dead! Don’t let it escape….”

The man vanished as I struggled to peel my eyes open, my Aunt’s hands gently running down my face.

“You’re alright Aria,” she whispered, running a hand through my hair. “Ambrose will kill the creature that did this to you. Rest now, we’ll get you home where it’s safe.”

— — —

The sunset didn’t bring any relief from the heat.

My room was muggy from the blistering day, so much so that Amaris had to toss the window and balcony doors open to try and catch a breeze. I laid on top of my covers, staring at the ceiling and counting cracks in the plaster. Oceans & Islands sat beside me on the bedside table, open to the page I left it on this morning.

“Just hold still, milady. This may burn a touch.”

The rash had spread during the day. Where I thought it was only on my back and wrist, patches of searing red skin had cropped up across my whole body. No place was untouched, as the condition now trailed down my neck, ribs, arms, legs and even between my fingers and toes. My cheeks had gone rosy with small blisters, while the skin around my ears had gone dry. Amaris was doing what she could with the sunbam oil, but even that didn’t seem to help. I couldn’t stop myself from twitching away as she gently applied the balm, clenching my teeth hard. “I’m sorry.”

“This is torture, Amaris.”

“It spread much faster than I thought it would.”

“Do you know what it is?” I wondered honestly, exhaling a long, tired breath as Amaris took a break.

“No, milady. Some kind of illness, I suppose. I’m sure you’ll be fine again in a few days.”

I frowned, glancing at my maid and friend of almost seventeen years. She had been my caregiver ever since I was born, helping both Papa and Aunt Frenrise raise me. I knew her almost as well as I knew myself. And currently, Amaris was avoiding eye contact, focusing on applying sunbam oil to whatever she could find. She was lying to me.

“Do you know much about sirens?” I asked her finally, returning my focus to the ceiling. “I don’t…what happened today. I don’t understand.”

“I only know what I’ve heard in stories, milady. And what Lady Frenrise told me of this afternoon, of course.”

“What have you heard?”

“You know the tales as well as I. Sirens are creatures of the deep sea that lure sailors to their deaths with beautiful music.”

“That’s it?”

“As far as I know. Though, I suppose there’s not much reason a siren song couldn’t affect a female keen to sail.” Amaris lifted her brows knowingly. “Your Aunt is a terrible gossip, you know. Now hold still, please.”

Amaris was lying again, I could see it in how she focused her attention on her work and tried to deflect the conversation. But, not having the energy to badger her, I instead removed fathers pendant from my nightdress and flipped it between my fingers, watching the blue glass flicker in evening candlelight.

“I wonder if Papa ever encountered a siren.”

“The sea is a dark and mysterious place,” Amaris sighed. “I’m sure there are plenty of things Lord Pennrose saw that no one else would believe.”

“Maybe. I can’t help but think there were things he never told me.” I was saddened by that thought, tucking the amulet back where it belonged as Amaris draped a cool washcloth over my forehead.

“Don’t somber yourself, milady. Your Pa loved you very much. He would’ve come back to you if nature hadn’t intervened.”

“Ambrose said the sea is meant to be conquered by man. Do you suppose that’s true?”

“They can certainly try, but the sea is known as a cruel mistress for a reason.” Amaris’s dark eyes crinkled with humor. “She’s not a fan of men dirtying her waters. Your father knew that—he didn’t ever try to wrangle the sea.”

I couldn’t help but smile, accepting the answer with a small head tilt. Unfortunately, the quiet didn’t last long as a noise caused both of us to startle. I didn’t recognize it at first, mistaking such a rumble for thunder. Sitting up curiously, I couldn’t see much out the open balcony window.

“Was that thunder?”

“I don’t know, milady.” Amaris admitted, rising to her feet and going to the balcony. She was only there for a second before her arms rapidly slammed the doors shut, locking them in haste.

“Amaris?”

“We have to go.” She said breathlessly, moving to the open window and shutting it as well. “Get up, child. Quickly.”

“What’s going on?”

“Pirates.”

“Pirates?” I blinked owlishly, furrowing my brows as my friend practically ran around the room, looking for something though I had no idea what. “But Macatania is a fortress. No pirates are foolish enough to plunder here.”

“This is different,” Amaris gasped, turning to me again. “Get up, tie your hair back. We don’t have much time.”

“But why are we leaving?” I wondered, being sure to grab Oceans & Islands from the bedside table. “The Navy will handle it.”

“Aria listen to me,” Amaris took my shoulders, holding them tight as she gave me a small shake. “Since the beginning of time, wherever there are sirens, there are pirates that follow. Not scraggly, unorganized pirates looking for quick loot, but massive armadas with the power to destroy everything in their path. It’s not safe here.”

“But Aunt Frenrise….”

“She knows what to do; she’ll be fine. Aria, please. You must trust me.”

Staring into Amaris’s eyes—someone who had only ever cared for me—I nodded as she cradled my cheek. “Good girl. Now get your coat on.”

Swallowing thickly and my previous pain forgotten, I quickly shrugged into my leather coat and kicked on a pair of boots which sat near the door. I made sure to put Oceans & Islands in the deepest pocket, as to not lose it. Amaris was better prepared, a satchel of packed clothing shoved into my arms. I stared at it for a moment, gaping as the woman opened a trap door leading straight down.

“Did…did you expect something like this to happen?” I wondered, passing the satchel back to her as she began to descend a ladder.

“I don’t have time to explain now, Aria….”

BANG!

The walls rattled as something slammed into the downstairs doors.

BANG! BANG!

“Someone’s trying to break in.”

“Then we needn’t waste any more time.”

“But my aunt….”

“Already gone by now,” Amaris gasped, extending her hand. “Come on.”

Frowning, I followed my friend down into the darkness, closing the door behind me just as the sound of splintering wood and footsteps reached my ears. I couldn’t necessarily see where we were going, but Amaris did, keeping a tight grip on my hand as we weaved through a tunnel. She didn’t say a word, not even as we reached a door at the end and were spat out into the alley not far from the house. “Not a word.” She hissed in my ear. “Stay close, don’t slow down and don’t stop for anything. Ok?”

“O-ok.”

Amaris tugged my arm, beginning a run through Macatania’s streets. The air was filled with screaming and cannon fire—the same sound I’d heard earlier. Fires caused low clouds to glow orange and red, while an ashy haze descended the further we got from home. I wanted to ask where the military was, but kept my jaw shut. A few times, Amaris forcefully pulled me to one side as dark silhouettes ran by us, only their wild dark hair and gleaming swords visible in pale firelight.

To say I was afraid was an understatement. Papa told me stories about his encounters with Pirates—their ruthlessness and wolfish nature. If what Amaris said was true, these pirates were especially dangerous. But why and for what , I didn’t quite understand. Could the presence of one siren really bring hellfire down on an entire island? What could siren’s offer to pirates anyway?

Shaking out of my thoughts as we ducked and weaved in and out of dark alleyways and under eaves, my chest felt like it would explode from exertion by the time we reached a grassy knoll overlooking the southeast part of the island. Though not as steep and treacherous as the eastern part, the ocean swelled dangerously at the bottom. I hadn’t thought about how to escape when we lived on an island.

“Why didn’t we go to the harbor?” I gasped as Amaris looked out to the horizon. The moon was fully obscured by ash-haze now, while much of Macatania was ablaze. “What are we doing?”

“Do you still trust me?” She asked, passing the satchel back into my arms. I hesitantly nodded, only to squeak as something loud cracked through the air. Amaris shrieked in pain, grasping at her arm as I took a wide step back. Undefined figures were running up the hill towards us, their outlines illuminated by the blazing buildings and smoky sky. One of them had a pistol aimed right at us.

I didn’t have time to think before I felt a firm hand on my back. With a single hard shove I was suddenly falling. The wind whipped past my hair as I stared up at the cliff, Amaris’s dark shadow looking down. She had pushed me over the edge, only to vanish as hands grabbed her from behind.

“Amaris!”

The name was stolen from my throat as my back hit the cold water. Salt flooded my lungs, the satchel still slung across my chest weighing me down as I sank. Each wave pulled my body further out to sea as I clawed wildly with my hands, unable to tell which way was up or down. With each second, the orange glow of the sky faded further and further away.

Then, it all stopped.

I heard my father’s voice in my mind. ‘If you ever find yourself drowning, stop fighting. You’re more likely to survive by letting the ocean take you, rather than trying to control it.’

So I stopped. I stopped fighting, thrashing and clawing. Instead, I let the waves surge and pull as they pleased, rocking my body as it continued to sink. It was peaceful, away from the fear and confusion. Opening my lips, a column of bubbles ascended towards the distant surface. The last of my precious air. I didn’t know why Amaris had pushed me over the edge of a cliff, nor why she asked me to trust her. But there was one thing I was certain of.

I was probably going to die here.

—

Thank you for all those who read the first chapter :) I’ll be sure to link these together at some point when Tumblr doesn’t be stupid about links in posts. Until then, cheers 🏴‍☠️🧜🏽‍♀️

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#Of Sirens Deep #writing #literature #fiction #fantasy #pirate #mermaid #siren #original story #original concept #world building #original character #oc #pirates #story

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