You are different

My heart is pierced by cupid, I disdain all glittering gold. There is nothing can console me, but my jolly sailor bold. ............................ { indie rp/ ask blog for the mermaid Syrena}

[xsyrena-archive]

this blog is officially an archive. I’m not deleting, should I ever decide to come back, but as of right now, consider this an official inactivity notice. I have other blogs/muses, and if you want urls, feel free to send me a message. if not, I thank each and every one of you for following and interacting, and I’m terribly sorry if I’ve disappointed you. all current threads (though most haven’t been active in quite some time) are being dropped as well. if you have any questions, again, send me a message!

thank you!

[arielfromatlantica-archive-blog]

❝Oh…❞

Ariel let out a sigh of defeat at the despondency of Syrena’s words, once again imagining how terrible it must be to have everyone she loved so opposed to her dreams. The only person who ever stood in the redhead’s way of becoming human was her father, but luckily, once he saw how happy she was on land and how humans weren’t barbarians after all, his objections immediately faded away. Even her sisters hadn’t protested—they always knew she did not belong under the sea. The support of her family was a blessing Syrena did not have, and Ariel was beginning to realize that there was nothing more that the brunette could do in order to convince them to accept her, when their minds were so clearly already made up. The entire situation made Ariel furious, as she desperately wished that there was something, anything, she could do to help. No one should have to be shunned for following their dreams, and she truly felt her friend’s pain for being forced into this awful predicament. 

❝Well… You shouldn’t let your family stop you from enjoying being human, with Philip! Besides, they’re really only hurting themselves by not accepting you.❞

[xsyrena-archive]

"I try not to dwell on it," she murmured in agreement. "I have Philip now, and when that changes someday, I will face the world without their burdens."

It was without callousness that she spoke of the inevitable death of her beloved missionary, but instead with the matter-of-fact sort of simplicity that came from a lifetime of experience. Mermaids- her kind, at least- lived far longer than humans did. Not so long as to be considered immortal, but a single mermaid could live to see many generations of man walk the earth. Syrena herself was nearing the age of one hundred, and she was one of the youngest of her former family. 

"Their quarrel with humanity is no longer my battle. It never truly was."

[arielfromatlantica-archive-blog]

Though Syrena agreed with her earlier statement, Ariel could still see the pain lingering behind her eyes. She may have accepted the rejection of her family, but the scars left behind by their actions would always be there, no matter how hard she tried to forget. Ariel could only commend the mermaid’s strength, as she wasn’t so sure if she could’ve handled being shunned by her family if their situations were reversed. It definitely would not have stopped her from living out her dream of being part of the human world, but it would have made it much harder to continue on without their support. 

Ariel bit down on her bottom lip, carefully pondering over her next question. She was almost certain she already knew the answer, but the former mermaid had to ask it anyway. ❝Have you ever tried going back to talk to them? To get them to understand?❞

[xsyrena-archive]

"My sisters are not to be reasoned with. Though it isn't for a lack of trying."

She had broken a rule that she had not even been aware of in her decision to stay with Philip. Indeed, there was no law that prevented a mermaid from taking to life on land, though that was probably because none had done so before. Though now, Syrena had to wonder if that was the truth. Did others of their kind walk among humans, shunned by their sisters and forgotten by the ones they called family? 

"They have spent so long seeing humans as prey that they are blind to any alternative. I cannot change their minds."

[arielfromatlantica-archive-blog]

❝Syrena… I’m so sorry.❞

Ariel suspected that the mermaid did not have as close of a relationship with her family as she did, but she never would’ve guessed that Syrena had been shunned. The redhead’s heart broke for her new friend, as she couldn’t possibly imagine how hard that must be. The two were quite similar after all, despite the fact that the brunette could switch back and forth between her fins and feet. It put everything into perspective for Ariel; she was beginning to realize just how lucky she truly was. Her father and sisters could have very easily disowned her for leaving Atlantica to join the human world, but instead they realized how much it meant to her and that she did not belong under the sea, but on land with the love of her life. The fact that her father was the one to give her  legs back once Ursula’s spell wore off showed just how much he had grown—a few days earlier, the thought would’ve never even crossed his mind in a million years. She still remembered how it felt waiting for Eric to awaken, perched on a rock a few feet from the shore, so certain that it was all over. Ariel thought she would only be able to say a brief goodbye to him before being dragged back to Atlantica and scolded for her actions, forbidden from even thinking about returning to the human world, but instead she felt her tail transform into legs within moments. Her family loved her enough to let her go. Syrena did not have that, and Ariel couldn’t imagine how difficult it must be for her to go on without their support.

❝You just have to follow your heart, and go after what you want. If they don’t understand that, then it’s their problem. Not yours.❞

[xsyrena-archive]

"It is nothing to be sorry about. As you say, it is their problem, not mine. They were waiting for an excuse to reject me, I think, and I can't say that I did not anticipate the outcome."

But it was still difficult. The transition from sea to land might have been physically simple, but the mental process was harder to handle. Syrena felt out of place in Philip's world to begin with. The missionary did his best to keep her comfortable and happy, but there were some things that he just didn't understand. But now the mermaid was just as much of an outsider in her own community. She usually tried not to let it bother her, but there were times when she was alone and the thoughts started to sink in. Some days, it was all Syrena could do not to give up.

[drinkup-mehearties-yoho]

"Be mindful of your words. I am a Captain."

The shot to his ego stung more than expected. Why were her words phasing him? Why was he so upset? Clearly, the mermaid hadn’t any idea what she was speaking of, though something inside said that she might understand…. No. Foolish. Syrena couldn’t possibly have any relation to what he has experienced. 

He knew better than to trust a Siren. 

[xsyrena-archive]

"Respect must be earned through more than a title alone. You aren't my Captain."

It was almost laughable, really. Almost. Syrena could tell that the pirate was trying to patch up his wounded ego, but it meant little to the mermaid. He could have been a King for all she cared. Syrena didn't fall under his jurisdiction.

"I can leave you to your thoughts, if that would suit you. I don't wish to cause offense."

[arielfromatlantica-archive-blog]

"Of course they would, silly!”

The mere thought of her family not allowing her to visit Atlantica was so outrageous that it made Ariel giggle. She knew that Syrena was not familiar with her family, therefore, it would be easy to assume they would be opposed to the idea, since she had left them for the human world. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Although the redhead was aware that it was not an ideal situation for them, they wanted her to be happy, and they knew Ariel couldn’t be if she was forced to stay under the sea. This decision was best for everyone. 

"It was my father who gave me back my legs, after all." Ariel smiled fondly at the memory, as it was one of the happiest days of her life, complete with many varying emotions—horror as she saw Eric’s wedding ship sail away, relief as they stopped the wedding and finally defeated Ursula, anguish as the mermaid sat on a rock helplessly watching Eric from afar, which swiftly turned to joy as she felt her fins change back into legs and ran to embrace him. But she was aware that Syrena likely did not have as strong of a relationship with her family, which prompted her next question.

"Would your family not let you go back?” 

[xsyrena-archive]

"They haven't so far."

It had never occurred to the mermaid that others of her kind could be so different. Ariel's story sounded far too good to be true, the more Syrena heard of it. Mermaid who didn't reject their kin, who didn't hunt humans, and who loved each other. It was strange. And the brunette couldn't help the twinge of jealousy that clawed at her heart. How often did she wish that both halves of her life could co exist? That her sisters could see why she loved Philip, even if they themselves held no fondness for the missionary? 

If only her life could have run a course more like the redhead's.

"My sisters have always thought differently of me, because of my actions. Once I fell in love with Philip, they had a reason to shun me. I do not think I am a part of that family, now."

[drinkup-mehearties-yoho]

Jack could feel his frustration begin to boil in his rib cage, but he tried his hardest to control a calmed composure. She was trifling through business that was not hers. He could understand her ignorance toward the life of the pirates, but she should know better than to question the captain.

"I would. You know nothing of this life I’ve lived. I suggest it be left at that."

[xsyrena-archive]

"You are not as tough as you might think."

It was typical, though. Humans liked their facades, and truthfully, Syrena wasn't interested in tearing Jack's down. There was an instinct that told her to push farther, to tear and pry and find the weaknesses in her prey and exploit them, but she ignored it. The captain could feign his indifferent air as long as he liked, but she could see now the mess that lurked under his normally languid features.

She didn't need to hear his secrets to see his vulnerabilities.

[arielfromatlantica-archive-blog]

That was definitely not the answer Ariel wanted to hear.

While it was not a straightforward denial, she could tell that Syrena truly was unsure if Ariel would be able to switch back and forth between human and mermaid as well. The redhead knew it was better to not get her hopes up, but it was in her nature—she just couldn’t help it. This was an idea she was determined to investigate, even if it only led to disappointment. After all, what did she have to lose? While it would be wonderful if she could switch back and forth, she had everything she wanted right here in Denmark. She was human, with Eric, and could still see her father, sisters, and Flounder from time to time. She’d be perfectly alright if things didn’t work out. 

❝Well… I guess I’ve learned to live without it.” Ariel shrugged, exhaling as she realized the truth of her words. “This was the choice I made to be human, it was my dream, what I’ve always wanted—and I would never change it. It would just be nice to be able to go back every once in a while. I really do miss it sometimes.❞

[xsyrena-archive]

"Would they allow you back? Your family, I mean."

Syrena could still remember the first time she had gone back to her sisters after Philip was fully healed. She hadn't wanted to live with them again, but they shared a close bond - the brunette at least wanted to continue on good terms. But apparently, that wasn't an option. Although Syrena could go between land and sea so easily, her sisters presented her with a clear choice. It was Philip or them. That wasn't to say they turned against her, and it she chose to live among the group for a time, no one argued. But she was shunned, outcast, and largely ignored by the mermaids that she had once called family.

Was Ariel not treated in the same manner? Or could the redhead maintain contact with the people she loved, even though she had left them behind?

[drinkup-mehearties-yoho]

Jack’s expression quickly grew solemn and melancholic. He reflected briefly on his life and his past, the violence and bloodshed that his memory held. A shiver raced his spine and he shook himself back to the present state. Syrena hadn’t the slightest idea. Perhaps she knew as little of pirates as he did of mermaids. 

"I’m afraid you wouldn’t be able to stomach it."

[xsyrena-archive]

She was expecting some sort of witty quip in response to her question, not... whatever this was. His reaction perplexed her slightly. Jack didn't seem like the type of person to be so melancholic, at least, not in front of other people.

Clearly the mermaid had touched on a nerve, and she was caught between prying further and letting the matter drop.

"You would underestimate me so quickly?"

[drinkup-mehearties-yoho]

Of all things, she was a curious creature. Jack clearly hadn’t known as much of mermaids as he thought. Of course, this was the longest he had spoken to one. Sirens could be dangerous and every pirate knew to resist that temptation. 

Of course, this one was different. She had not tried to lure him into anything or manipulate him in any way. It was an odd experience for him, completely unpredicted. With a smirk, Jack said, “You know nothing of ‘tough’, luv.”

[xsyrena-archive]

"Would you care to enlighten me, then?"

Typical human, thinking he somehow had to be... more. More tough, more cunning, more everything. Humans were constantly trying to outdo one another, and Jack hardly seemed an exception to that rule. Syrena couldn't imagine what he had endured that could possibly come close to what the mermaids dealt with.

[arielfromatlantica-archive-blog]

As the mermaid’s words confirmed Ariel’s earlier suspicion, she felt an intense longing begin to cultivate within her. Serena could switch back and forth between mermaid and human. This new discovery was monumental, and the redhead only wished it could be her reality. While she was forever grateful for her father’s decision to allow her to stay in the human world, if she was somehow able to transform from human to mermaid, she could be part of both worlds. She would stay in the human world with Eric, of course, but whenever she felt homesick, Atlantica would be just a short swim away. But surely if this was a possible feat for Ariel, her father would’ve mentioned something, wouldn’t he?

❝Oh my gosh, you’re so lucky! I mean, of course I love being human! It’s everything I’ve ever dreamt about and more. But if I could switch back and forth like you… I would be able to visit Atlantica again, and really spend time with my sisters and Daddy. Do… do you think it’s possible?❞

[xsyrena-archive]

"I'm not sure," Syrena replied, tilting her head as she thought. "I have never really met mermaids who weren't a part of my group before. I would have thought that all of our kind could change at will, but perhaps that is not the case."

She was aware that that probably wasn't what the young woman wanted to hear, but Syrena couldn't help it. Mermaids, her kind, at least, didn't usually mince words. Things were what they were, and no amount of sugar coating could change that.

Still, she knew what it was like to feel... torn. Although she was perfectly happy spending time with Philip, she still yearned to return to the sea at times. It was only natural. Yet at the same time, why was Ariel so desperate to see her home again? If she had chosen a life on land, would her family not shun her, as Syrena's had? The brunette mermaid had tried returning home after rescuing Philip. They agreed to heal him, simply as payment for the ordeal she had endured, but after that...

They hardly welcomed her home.

"Is your home so important?" she asked, no malice behind the words. It was just... genuine curiosity. 

[drinkup-mehearties-yoho]

Her answer confused him for a moment, but that wasn’t the only confusing thing about her, so he shrugged it off. He had hardly known anything of this mermaid aside from what she had stated. 

"That isn’t much fun. You must have something that keeps you awake at night. You know all about me yet here you are, a stranger."

[xsyrena-archive]

"I sleep perfectly well at night. Mermaids do not dwell on things as you humans do. Blackbeard was not lying when he said we were tough."

It was the truth, really. Mermaids did not feel guilt or shame in the same way that other creatures did. Syrena hardly understood why. She felt awfully about what had happened to Philip, enough to save his life, but that feeling didn't stick once he was healed. For the life of her, the mermaid could not understand why the missionary regarded her with such a sad gaze at times. He claimed it was because he still felt responsible about her capture.

But why continue harping on things that had passed? It seemed foolish.

[xsyrena-archive]

Cliched? Yes. Fun? Most definitely. Syrena has never experienced this holiday, and the custom of "dressing up" is completely foreign to her. Still, some pirates don't have awful fashion sense.

image sources: [x] [x] [x] [x] [x]

[arielfromatlantica-archive-blog]

"Oh, well that’s great! Really great!” Ariel exhaled a sigh of relief, more than happy to be moving on to a lighter topic of conversation. She couldn’t be more ecstatic to hear that Syrena was still with Phillip, as after all the two of them had been through, they certainly deserved their very own happy ending. 

"Wait… hard to be on land for so long?" The redhead repeated, the mermaid’s words finally sinking in a moment too late. Unless Ariel was mistaken, Syrena had just stated that it was hard for her to be on land for too long, meaning that she had been on land before. But surely that was impossible, because she was a mermaid… right? Ariel stole a quick downward glance to where Syrena’s tail was submerged underneath the waves, confirming that she was indeed a mermaid, and that she had not been previously mistaken. Now that she had ruled that possibility out, it could only mean one thing—Syrena could change back and forth. “You-ve… you’ve been on land before? How’s that possible?” 

[xsyrena-archive]

Syrena was perplexed at the redhead's surprise for a moment, until she remembered the rest of the monarch's story. She had always assumed that the bargain to live on land was an exaggeration, considering she and her sisters were able to walk on the shore at will. But perhaps it had been the truth, after all.

"My sisters and I can change forms when the need arises. It's always been important for our survival," she explained. "Sometimes the little ones get trapped on the rocks when the tide goes out, or the sailors leave a mermaid on the shore. Without legs, they might never get back to the sea."

The dark haired mermaid glanced at Ariel's legs, and a sudden pang of sadness struck her. Did that mean that she could never return to the sea? Syrena could barely tolerate long stints on the land, let alone consider staying there forever. It struck her just how much the Queen had to sacrifice to be with the man she loved, and Syrena was humbled by the thought.

[amostpeculiarmadamoiselle]

"Now just hold still, boy." Belle held onto the saddle as she got up on her horse’s back. "Ready? Here we go." With a light tap of her foot, they began practicing their routine. As she hung over the side, she almost lost her grip and was about to fall, but grabbed the reins and pulled herself back up. She was slightly startled by the sound of clapping. "Oh, um, thank you." 

[xsyrena-archive]

She hadn't realized she'd been heard, and for a brief moment, the mermaid looked startled at having been addressed. But then she gave a small smile, and nodded her head politely. Despite her distaste for the circus, she could admit that the girl's routine was impressive. And it was often that she actually got to see the acts, considering she was never in the big tent. So it was nice, in a way, to know what went on. 

[anakinskywalker-vader]

"Oh, I can be. I just find that too much effort," he smiled back at her question. Anakin couldn’t help but enjoy how different she was from everyone else here. Smiling, he nodded at her name. "Suits you."

For the next few minutes, Anakin found himself just smiling at her, watching her tail and just the way she moved. It was intriguing to say the least. At a new thought, he straightened up, and the smile disappeared. “You didn’t come here on your own did you?” he asked. That may have been obvious for some, but he wanted to make sure before he stuck his foot in his mouth.

[xsyrena-archive]

"Do you think I am trapped here by my own choice?" she responded sharply. Her conditions were obviously not ideal, if the small space afforded by her tank was any indication. It was barely enough room to house the mermaid. Nothing at all like the wide open sea she so desperately missed.

Syrena turned her gaze away, partly out of anger, and partly because she didn't want the man to see how upset she was. Looking weak was foolish, especially in her situation.

[anakinskywalker-vader]

Anakin let out a chuckle. She was certainly fiesty and extremely sarcastic. He couldn’t deny that he actually found that combination rather attractive. “The name’s Anakin, and can I ask who you are?” he retorted with a smirk. “You could always not tell me, but then I’m liable to just call you The Fish,” he smiled. She was just too easy to tease. Anakin liked a good challenge.

[xsyrena-archive]

"Not very creative, are you?" she quipped dryly. It was easy to tell that he was trying to get a reaction out of the mermaid, and she wasn't much in the mood to entertain. It was getting uncomfortably warm, even in the shade where her tank rested. And the heat made her uncomfortable and unhappy. 

"Syrena."

She didn't care what he called her, but the mermaid hoped he'd at least go away if he got the information he wanted.