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Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Finale

All use is encouraged. You can edit. You can paywall. You can monetize. You can pray to Neptune that this script returns to you, unscathed. Go nuts! Credit SplashiestPig.

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[sound] = Optional Artificial Sound Effects

(sound) = Optional Verbal Sound Effects

{adjective} =Special Line Delivery. Applies to the next italicized section.

*sentence* = Silent context. Usually a scripted pause

Siren’s Sanctuary

{far away}

Thank you for the escort, guard. Now, I’d like to be alone.

*small pause*

(sigh)

Neptune? I’m trying my best. I’m trying to serve you. To serve my people. It’s not easy. The countless bribes. The endless horde of bureaucrats waiting to backstab me. I know ruling wasn’t meant to be easy, but, I never imagined it’d be this hard.

*small pause*

But even with all of that, I’m still trying. I’m doing everything I can to be a just ruler. And I’m hoping to ask you for a reward. Even though I don’t exactly deserve one.

*small pause*

I know I’ve asked before. I just… I don’t really know if you’re listening. So, I’ll ask again. Please, bring the Siren back to me. They’re the one thing I never got to fix. A problem of my own creation. Please, return them to me, safe. So I can make what happened right.

*listener speaks*

(yelp)

Siren! You’re…

*small pause*

How much of that did you hear?

*listener admits*

All of it? I…

*small pause*

I’m sorry. This isn’t the time for me to be embarrassed. I’m… so glad you came back.

*listener comments*

Yes, I’ve ascended the throne. A few months ago. And I do want to honor our deal! I’ve been sitting on the decree since my first week on the throne! If you’re ready then, I could have the pardoning performed as early as tonight!

*listener confirms*

Wonderful! Let me-

*small pause*

I… Well, it’s rude of me to suppose but, Siren, do you have somewhere to stay?

*listener denies*

No? That’s grea- terrible. I’m… I’m sure it must have been hard being alone and on the run for the last few years. May I… May I offer up a room at the palace?

*listener questions*

No, you aren’t formally pardoned yet, but… this should help solve that problem.

*speaker gives*

It’s my signet. It’s not exactly a pardon, but if you wear it, it should keep any guards off of you. Or at least, get them to bring you to me if there’s any issue.

*listener accepts*

Thank you for accepting my hospitality. I promise I’ll do my best to be a good host.

*pause*

[door opens]

Welcome to your room. That rope connects to the servant’s hub, so if you need anything, just pull it.

*small pause*

I’ve got to go get the ceremony ready! It’s… well I’ve got a few plans for it so… don’t eat dinner. I want to make sure your pardon is special.

*small pause*

Yes, I’ve been thinking about this for quite a while. I… Well that’s actually why I was praying at the reef. On the day of the new moon. I was… I’ve been hoping that one day you’d appear, and I’d be able to make things right.

*small pause*

I… I actually need to say something, before I go. I… You’ve helped me a lot. I know we only spent a few days together but… it really impacted me. After all, you were just about the first real person I’ve ever seen. Before you, it was just my parents and an endless supply of advisors and dignitaries who needed me to like them. You were… different. And you opened my eyes to my own prejudices.

*small pause*

I’ve been trying to do better. To fix some of the laws that have been, less than fair to sirens. And to the crab-kin and the dolphins and…

*small pause*

Well, a lot of our laws were very elitist. And, if I hadn’t met you, and spent a little time really thinking about what was right and what was wrong, I don’t think I would have ever realized that.

*small pause*

When I was thinking, something occurred to me. I realized that, even if I pardoned you, I still messed up your life. A lot. So, as selfish as my method was, I think I’ve thought of something to help me pay you back.

*listener asks*

I want to hire you. As a chief advisor. I think having someone who isn’t merfolk on my court would do us all good.

*small pause*

And um… well I have a surprise. A new position that I’d like you to fill. I had planned to announce it at your pardoning, if you’d be willing to wait.

*listener accepts*

Great! I… I can’t thank you enough, Siren. And I… I want you to know how much I appreciate this. How grateful I am for your forgiveness. I’m… I’m so glad you haven’t spent the last few years stewing in rage or anything like that.

*small pause*

I should be off. I may have most of the celebration planned, but a few things need to be overseen. I’ll see you tonight, Siren.

*pause*

Siren! You… you look amazing!

*listener comments*

I’m so glad you like the outfit. I didn’t really know your measurements so, I just had to guess.

*listener states*

Really? Perfect fit? I suppose you’ve kept your figure well over the last couple of years then!

*listener questions*

{flustered}

What? No! It’s not like I was staring at you long enough to memorize your approximate measurements! I just… have a keen eye for this sort of thing!

*listener agrees*

I… I need to go get ready for my speech! I um… I hope you’re enjoying the festivity. I need to… I need to go.

*pause*

(clear throat)

Members of the court. I’m glad you could all make it to this gathering on such short notice.

*small pause*

Tonight is a very special night for me. The night of the new moon. A time for renewal and rebirth.

*small pause*

For too long, we have been set in our old ways. For too long, we’ve been lying to the people, and to ourselves. And tonight, I say, no more.

*small pause*

Tonight, I brought a friend here with me. And for a long time, I have been complicit in their plight. No longer. In the spirit of starting anew, I have something to tell all of you. And to tell everyone in this fair kingdom.

*small pause*

Years ago, there was a story. An official story. It said that an evil, malicious siren, kidnapped a royal heir, escaped justice, and scarred me in their rage. This story has been a collection of half-truths and deceit.

*small pause*

In truth, I befriended a siren. We broke one of my father’s laws together, and when I was afraid of being caught, I threw them out to the sharks. I lied, I had them detained, and then I aided in their escape.

*small pause*

Tonight, that siren has returned. And I intend to fix what I caused, and repair this damaged system. Siren, if you would come up to the stage?

*pause*

By the power vested in me, as Neptune’s Blood, and as the monarch of this kingdom. I pardon you of the crimes that you’ve been accused of. And I formally extend an offer of employment.

*small pause*

Should this siren accept, they would not only gain a seat on my council, but they would take up the new role, of Aquatic-Terrestrial Ambassador!

[crowd gasps]

I will not be hearing objections at this time. I have decided that the separation between us and the surface dwellers is outdated. Through peace, we can pierce depths we never dreamed of. And this Siren is the logical candidate for the role.

*small pause*Siren, would you accept my offer?

*listener agrees*

Then it is decided! We are entering a new era! An era where all races will live in peace! Celebrate! Be merry! Be as one!

[crowd chatter]

Thank you, Siren. There isn’t anyone I’d rather have at my side. Now, why don’t you rejoin the party? I’m sure there’ll be plenty of people who’d love to get in your ear.

*pause*

[knock]

*small pause*

[door opens]

Did you enjoy your party, Siren?

*listener speaks*

I saw you excuse yourself. I don’t blame you. I’ve had years of practice with that type of crowd, and I can barely stand it. The fact you didn’t swim out screaming shows a lot of discipline.

*small pause*

I was hoping that we could talk? Without the prying eyes?

*listener agrees*

[door closes]

I hope you like the new role as Ambassador. I really do think you’re the most qualified candidate for the job. I don’t think there are many people in this kingdom with much of any human experience, and I certainly wouldn’t trust any of them half as much as you.

*listener thanks*

But… that isn’t what I’ve come to talk about. I… I wanted to apologize, again.

*listener insists*

I know, I’ve said it a lot but, I’m sorry. I wish that I hadn’t put you through all of this. I was scared, and foolish, and I can only pray that I’ve grown since then.

*listener forgives*

Your forgiveness means a lot to me, Siren. You’re too kind.

*small pause*

I’m glad to have you on my court. Not just because you’ll bring a new perspective but… because I like you. I think you’re the first person I could really call a friend. I hope you feel the same about me.

*listener states*

You think you do? Siren, why did you emphasize it like tha-

(kiss)

I… I didn’t know that…

*small pause*

Again?

(kiss)

*small pause*

(chuckle)

Thank you, Siren. That was my first kiss.

*listener asks*

No, I… I liked it. I like you.

*small pause*

I… I always imagined it would be you. To take my first kiss. The rouge, dashing, siren who played by their own rules. It was something of a fantasy of mine, I suppose.

*listener asks*

I… I don’t know. I’ve already pushed the court so far. I don’t even know how to identify the feelings I have for you. It’s been so long… and my only comparisons for romance have been from matchmakers so… the bar is pretty low. But… I know I feel something for you. And I definitely had a crush on you back in the day.

*listener states*

Really? Was it that obvious? And here I thought I had hidden it so well.

*small pause*

Siren, I… I’ve never tried to do anything like this before. And I’m sure my ancestors would roll in their graves if they saw me doing this with you but… I don’t care about that. I said tonight would be a night for new things. For togetherness. So… I’d like to spend tonight, with you.

*listener accepts*

I… I’ll go tell the servants that we aren’t to be disturbed. Why don’t you… get ready? I don’t exactly know how to do any of this so, you’ll have to show me.

*listener agrees*

[door opens]

Thank you, Siren. I…

*small pause*

I love you.

[door closes]