Fear the siren’s call, sailor, all the more she that speaks true of her longing for man’s embrace.
I based this mostly off of entries in Icones animalium quadrupedum, a 16th century publication that lists a bunch of real and not so real sea creatures. It was written entirely in Latin, so forgive my clumsy google translated flavor text, which more or less reads:
“Venus Sarcophagus (Flesh-eating Venus)
The Siren who joins her lovers to her body
This siren is seen on an island in the sea far to the west. Her true form is that of a large and ugly fish, which lies hidden beneath her lure. At night the human form emits an uncanny glow, so that passing ships see and might approach her. Like the sirens of the naopolitan coast, her song drives men to madness. But those who swim to meet her are said to experience eternal bliss while melting in her flesh.”
[hey guys, author here! I hope y'all enjoy this story haha. These fancy boys are hard to write, but very fun lolol. Anyway, I'm curious actually, what sort of cake or cake replacement would you guys normally have? Because for me, I normally have jello instead of cake haha. It's just always tasted better to me! Anyway~ please enjoy this self indulgent story of mine, and as always, remember to drink some water and get some rest!]
-------------------Pomefiore-------------------
Pomefiore is working together like a well oiled machine, without a single thingbiut of place. Every dorm member is busy preparing for a very important birthday, that of the player. It wouldn't regularly matter so much about it being perfect, but this year the player will actually be arriving in twisted wonderland for the celebration.
So of course everything must be in its proper place, and the decorations must be excellent. And of course with Vil and Rook overseeing it, you should know you're getting no less than the best.
All the decorations are cohesive and well thought out, being a pairing of your favorite color, along with the dorm colors. Making for a seamless blend with the rest of the dorms regular decorations. There's no need to go overboard, too many things would just prove gaudy. But there's a fair number of decorations for today.
And only the highest quality items of course. Banners made of silk, flower vases of porcelain, and everything else also made by expert artisans. Commissioned by Vil via his connections, several months ago. But you wouldn't know just how high quality these items were, unless you were a specially trained at appraising these sorts of things.
Right now all that's being done is the last minute preparations, with the things that couldn't be put up earlier. And of course the meal preparations. Obviously being made by some of the greatest chefs in the world. Nothing less than perfection.
Everything carries a subtle elegance to it, and Vil has made sure of that. After all, most of the expenses are coming out of his own wallet. Rook insisted on paying for some, but Vil wanted to ensure everything was perfect for today.
So Vil has been wandering around the dorm, checking in on students with their decorating and giving pointers when needed. Or checking in on the chefs to see how the meal is coming along.
Rook meanwhile has been personally preparing the floral arrangements, every bouquet out together with a single flower out of place. And because this is Rook, of course he's made sure the flower languages of each make a poem. But so far only Vil has noticed that.
And Epel has been doing regular decorating, just setting things where he's told, and wishing he could be anywhere but here. He's not practiced in this! So that means he constantly has Rook breathing down his neck and correcting every little thing he does!
What do you MEAN he has to rotate the vase to have the "dazzling chrysathemum be on full display!" Why is this all so complicated! The vase is on the pedestal, that should be good!
Rok: "ah, monsieur pommette, I fear those two vases must be switched around. Truly, that is the only way they can shine to their fullest potential!"
Epel: "oh come on, these things ain't gonna get any better! And I haven't seen the difference in any of these adjustments you keep havin' me make! It's enough to drive a guy mad!"
Rook: "quell your frustrations, I implore you! I seek only to make this birthday the most beautiful occasion as I can!"
Epel: "again, can't see the difference, and I doubt anyone other than you could either! C'mon, I've been moving these stupid flowers all mornin'! At this rate I won't get the chance to get ready for 'em myself!"
Rook: "in the pursuit for beauty, no labor is too great-"
Vil: "and based on your words, it's clear you need more lessons on flower languages and meanings."
Epel: "gah! V-Vil!? Why in tarnation are you here!?"
Unbeknownst to Epel, but obviously know to Rook, Vil has walked in during their conversation. And was growing increasingly disappointed in Epel's behavior. After a certain point, he knew he had to step in.
Vil: "I was making my rounds of the dorm, and I was wondering why Rook was nowhere to be found. Now it's clear you've been keeping him busy helping you with every small aspect of this decorating process."
Epel: "that ain't true! I've been putting up a bunch o' decorations without his help!"
Vil: "and it appears your accent is back... Do you plan on speaking that way to the player?"
Epel: "tell ya the truth, I don't think they'd care! And it won't matter anyway if I can't even get some time to finish preparing their gift!"
Vil: "do you care at all about how the appearance of the dorm will reflect on you?"
Epel doesn't say anything, instead he rolls his eyes. Which Vil immediately notices, and frowns at.
Vil: "ah, but I can see you have Much more important thing to do than help your dorm. Don't you?"
Epel: "yeah! Like I said, I've gotta finish my preparations! Not just this fancy shmancy stuff!"
Vil sighs and shake his head, his frown becoming deeper as he looks directly at Epel. Before eventually relenting.
Vil: "this is utterly unproductive behavior, and if I weren't so busy, I'd give you a lesson about this right now. ...hmph, but for now you're off the hook."
Epel: "I don't need any dang lessons, I- wait, what?"
Vil: "you're off the hook, I don't need you dragging the rest of us down. And especially I need Rook to be available to help with other hung, not simply supervising you. Understand?"
Now normally Epel would be upset at such a condescending tone, but he doesn't have the time to be. So instead he nods, and smiles as he rushes off. He needs to put the finishing touches on your gift! Leaving Vil to shake his head, absolutely disappointed with his appalling manners. Rook places a hand in his shoulder in a attempt to comfort him.
Rook: "please don't despair roi du poison! That youthful passion cannot be contained sometimes, especially when about something you truly care about! But I swear I won't abandon you in this hour of need~"
Vil: "no, I understand why he's behaving like this. But still, it's immensely disappointing to see him show such an appalling lack of manners."
Rook: "yes, I understand your frustration. But please don't scowl so, such a frustrated look in unbecoming for your beautiful face~"
Vil: "...I suppose you're right, I don't want to get frown lines after all. Anyway, Rook, how have the preparations been going on your end?"
Rook: "absolutely exquisite! The students have been working hard, as you've likely seen yourself."
Vil: "yes, and at this rate I believe we'll be fully prepared when they arrive. ...they're certain to appreciate this, after all, they've already demonstrated their superb taste in beauty. Having me as one of their 'faves' haha."
Rook: "I couldn't agree more roi du poison! Ah, I already cannot wait to see their face as they arrive... I shall have to ensure I take a picture of the moment, to savor for as long as I live~"
Vil: "...I know I can't stop you, but at least ask their permission for the picture."
Rook: "naturally!"
Vil: "very good then. Anyway, we should both be off to continue working. Time is wasting, and I cannot have our dorm be unprepared for their party."
Rook: "yes! Let's make sure this is a party never to be forgotten!"
Vil nods and walks of to continue his rounds, his heels clicking against the stone floors. As Rook paused for a moment more while contemplating the changes that will arise with your arrival. But as he eventually turns and walks away, he knows they're certain to be good changes.
As Vil walks, he quietly examines everything in the hallway, making a mental note to have the room dusted again. He will make sure you have the most splendid of birthdays, and nothing less. You are his darling player after all, and he wouldn't want to make a bad first impression.
Meanwhile Rook has started helping other students set up wreaths of flowers over doorways, and along the walls. Yet the beauty of these flowers all pale in comparison to yours! Ah, he wonders the face you will make when he wishes you a happy birthday, while offering you his gift. It will surely be a most beautiful one indeed!
And Epel is still hard at work, he wishes he could've prepared this before, but it would've gone bad by the time you'd arrive. And he knows you deserve only the best! And with every passing moment, the building anticipation is getting almost too much. He can't wait for you to be there, so he can wish you a happy birthday! And y'all can celebrate together!
