The Land of Grimney - The Illustrated Adventures of Cora Pearl, aged 12

*Philomena gently combs her hair as she sits on the island, the scales of her tail melt away and she has taken the form of a beautiful naked woman.*

They can't see us from here. The branches of the Weeper Tree cover the island like a curtain. All they can say is that I went for a swim and my loyal bodyguard went with me.

*She lies on her back and looks up at the sky with a sigh*

Maybe we can stay here forever on this tiny island.

*The mermaid shakes her head.*

It won't do. If you kill them it will prove your guilt and Darl will send his whole army to destroy you and drag me back to his bed. I endured enough at his hands before...

*She rubs the faded bruises on her ribcage*

... while you enjoyed yourself in the bed of a serving wench. Maybe you should find yourself a different playmate, one that won't cost your head or whatever part of you Darl decides the cut off.

*Philomena smiles at Vortigern sadly*

I do not think that the knights will tell on you. Raif is a soft touch, Arlan has seen nothing and Ulrich... well I shall engineer it that he accidentally sees everything of me... he will find it harder to tell Darl his suspicions when he has seen his Master's wife naked and knows he has looked to long.

*Her smiles become more mischievous*

He stares too long when he thinks I don't know... I shall use his desire against him.

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The main prize... You are as bad as Darl, if not worse! At least Darl loves me.

*She pushes Vortigern away from her but he is too strong*

I have told you repeatedly, I do not want you to kill Darl. He is my husband and I won't betray him like that.

*Philomena looks at him angrily*

And I will never marry you. We wouldn't rule the land together, you would kill me and seize power. You said that I was what mattered to you, but obviously that was a lie. I am going back to Stormrock... and you should go elsewhere and enjoy the pardon I got you... because I never want to see you again.

*She begins to cry as he continues to pin her to the ground*

I thought I could trust you... but you humans are all the same. Obsessed with power and incapable of love.

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I don't want you to die for me... I loved you... but why ask me to get Darl to sign away the kingdom so you can rule? Why speak of me as a prize instead of a person? That is not about your love for me.

*She struggles against him*

Let me go... please. I know you have never denied you are a rapist and murderer the same as mt husband but please don't degrade me in the same way Darl does, I would rather you kill me. In fact I wish you had killed me the first time you came to Stormrock.

*The mermaid gazes into Vortigern's eyes.*

You think I put Darl first? You think I want to stay with him? What do you think would happen to this land if I crossed him? It would be covered in blood. I am trapped... and you must see why I choose to remain trapped. I am trying to protect innocent people. I told you I would be yours as much as I could, but I am a protector of the people.

*She looks away*

And Kalvos... Kalvos needed my love more than you did.

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I don't know who you are Vortigern. I never thought you were as bad as everyone said... I defended you... but maybe I was wrong. Even when I asked you, when I gave you the chance to deny it, you never did. And I still loved you because I had hoped it wasn't true... It makes me a naive fool. Maybe I do still love you... but that love can sour if you continue to hurt me like this. Let me go, you're scaring me.

*She squirms beneath him*

I want to protect as many civilians as I can. I know this isn't their war. The only ones I want put to the sword are the militia, the Chaos Engine and the High Council.

*Tears roll down her face*

There are many people that need protection... If it wasn't for them I would have run from Darl and returned to the sea... but you can never see good intentions for what they are. You always have to see the worst in people.

*The mermaid closes her eyes as Vortigern kisses the tears on her cheeks*

What is it that you want from me?

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Your past has gone... but your present hasn't!

*She pushes Vortigern off her and moves away from him*

You think that scaring me like that is a good way to show me your love? Everyone in Stormrock Castle knows what Darl does to me... you just treated me in the same way he does... pinning me down so I am helpless, hurting me, threatening to violate me.... I don't need two men treating me like that. Leave me alone!

*Philomena hugs herself and trembles*

Darl is the only one with the strength and army to protect my daughter from the High Council. I have to remain his ally... but of course you are too selfish to understand that. All you ever think about is what you want.

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