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Lightning cracked across the sky and thunder rumbled in the clouds, as if the gods were upset. Rain started to pitter patter across the waters of a river called Neda. A satyr stood alone in the brush, watching the water crash down the side of the cliff that the river fell from, creating a pool at the bottom of a waterfall. The Satyr’s focus was on the surface of the water, waiting for any break not caused by the rain, any sign of the one he had been searching for for many years. His heart ached for her, he yearned to be with her again, but every time he thought he was close, any sign that he had finally found her, would vanish and he would be left heart broken, doomed to start his search for his beloved anew. Andromeda sat in her bedroom, trying to tune out her mother as she gushed about her daughters beauty, more beautiful than even the Nereids of the sea, claiming that her daughter even surpassed the beauty of Poseidon’s wife, the goddess of the sea. this made Andromeda nervous, since the gods were well known for there fury and retribution, and all she wanted to do was marry the love of her life. Perseus was what every Princess wanted, but never allowed to have, but he had won over her family and saved her from having to wed her dreadful uncle Phineus. It had taken a lot of wooing on Perseus’ part since Andromeda was an independent woman, who hadn't wanted to be wed to begin with, but he had torn down her defenses and made her fall for him, hard. they had been courting each other for months now and were finally ready to get married, Gods willing. They were all set to tie the knot on the cliff over looking the sea in their city, the area all set with chairs and garlands of flowers, and it all looked like it belonged in a fairy tale. She knew that Perseus was vibrating with nervous excitement, because he kept trying to talk to her through her door, but her mother refused to let him in, as it was bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, everyone knew that, but he was so determined, and she could see him peeking at her through the door. she didn't say anything to her mother but she smiled and winked at him, turning back to the mirror to finish putting her hair up in pins. her hair was put up in an elaborate twist of curls and flowers. the wedding would be starting in ten minutes and she needed to focus on her makeup, she wanted to be stunning for her groom. she wore a white dress, beads adorning the fabric under the bust, and an attached cape that had ties around her middle fingers on either side so that it flowed when she moved. it fell like silk down her body, even the slightest wind sending it rippling at her sides. she knew she looked stunning and her groom would be able to keep his eyes off of her. “are you ready, daughter? this wedding will be the talk of he town, everyone will be saying that you’ve been blessed by Aphrodite herself” Her mother said to her, tears sparkling in her eyes. she glided over to her and held her hands in her own in between them. she kissed her daughters cheeks and squeezed her hands, guiding her out the doors and towards the aisle, where her father the king, waited to walk her down to her future husband. Poseidon was minding his his own business, playing chess with a very cheeky angelfish, when he heard a furious screech coming from the other room, making him jump and scatter the board, leaving it floating around him. he glanced at his annoyed companion and shrugged, turning back around to swim in the direction of his screeching wife, Amphitrite. “what in Hades’ underpants are you screaming about, woman?” he snapped. she whirled around to face him, her graceful purple and gold tail swishing in the water in irritation. “Those pathetic mortals think they can slander my family! The disgusting queen of a pitiful kingdom dares spout that her daughter is more beautiful than my sisters, than me! how dare they spew such lies! no Mortal is more beautiful than any Nereid! They must be punished!” she demanded. If Poseidon was being honest with himself, this news kind of irritated him, as he had always prided himself on snagging the most beautiful creature. “you are right, my dear. i shall demand this moral child be sacrificed, or the city shall fall and be swallowed by Cetus". Amphitrite smiled wickedly at him and swam closer to pull him into a sloppy, passionate kiss, and Poseidon felt a rush of satisfaction. Andromeda was just preparing to find her position at the end of the aisle, having just come around the corner, when the wind started whistling and the ocean began raging. a thundering voice could be heard above the noise and their words turned her blood to ice. “YOU DARE OFFEND THE GODS? we give you bounty and in turn you dare compare your mortal beauty to our immortal splendor and power?! You shall be punished for your ignorance! I demand the life of the mortal you so eagerly compare to my Queen! She will be Sacrificed to me on the full moon, in three days time, or i shall unleash my beast Cetus, and he will raze your kingdom to the ground!" Andromeda's heart seemed to stop beating, her wedding guests turning to look at her in fear and worry. she looked at her mother and saw only regret. if she had just kept her thoughts to herself, none of this would've happened, and she would be married to the love of her life already. instead, she took a step forward, head held high and spoke. " I will not let this city fall to ruin because of some careless words spoken out of turn. they want me, not this city. i will gladly give myself up, if it means the rest of you are safe." Andromeda looks towards her groom, tears in her eyes.