ONE ACT PLAY SCRIPT MARTAND HOUSE.

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ONE ACT PLAY SCRIPT MARTAND HOUSE – DRAFT

Central Characters List:

1. Ariel The Mermaid – Riyan Beriwal
2. The Prince –
3. King Triton –
4. Flounder the Fish – Yog Sinojia
5. Sebastian The Crab – Rishabh Pandey
6. Ursula The Sea Witch – Arnnav Deva

Side Characters:
1. The Prince’s Assistant:
2. The Chef: Aryaman Gupta
3. Mermaid’s Grandfather: Naman Somani
Background Characters:
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 Scene 1

(Music is playing in the background. Side characters are discussing among

themselves, and suddenly one of the side characters comes up, and blares from a
shank.)
Mermaid 1: Mermans and Mermaids alike! May I present, Your Majesty!
(Loud Cheers)
King Triton enters.
Triton: Thank you Thank you! Now, to all those assembled here. Today is a special
day! I’m, of course, talking about my beloved, my caring daughter Ariel’s Concert!
Now then Ariel, the show is yours!
(An even louder cheer)
(A brief 4 seconds of silence)
Triton: Um…Ariel? Ariel? SEBASTIAN!!!
Sebastian (Runs as fast as he can): Y-Yes, your Majesty! To what service may I be to
you?
Triton: Where is my daughter?!
Sebastian: Oh my, well it seems your majesty, your daughter has…your daughter
has…
Triton: Sebastian. Finish. The. Sentence.
Sebastian: Your Daughter has decided to go near the surface again your Majesty!
Triton: THE SURFACE?! ARIEL!
(The side characters scream in fear of Triton’s rage, and all the characters run out of
the stage.)
(Ariel and Flounder enter the stage)
Flounder: Ariel! Ariel! Wait for me! *Sigh* You know I can’t swim as fast as you!
Ariel: Oh, quit making excuses, Flounder. Look! The surface is right there! Haven’t
you ever wondered., haven’t you ever thought even for a single second how the
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 you ever wondered., haven’t you ever thought even for a single second how the
world beyond looks like? Oh, when will Father ever allow me to go beyond…
Sometimes all I wish is to go with my sisters and have a concert of my own up on the
surface! A concert…wait a minute…Oh no. Father! Don’t unleash another one of
your storms!
(Ariel and Flounder swim off, as Ursula enters the scene)
Ursula: My, My. Isn’t this something to look forward to? Ah, I remember my
youthful days, how beautiful I truly was then, it is truly a PITY that Triton chose that
flimsy witch of his over me. But sometimes, it is best to move on, hmm? Oh well,
who says I cannot have a bit of fun on my own? (Sinister Laughter)
(Ursula leaves the stage)
Ariel: Father! Father! I can explain!
Triton: You! You went up to the surface again, didn’t you?! Don’t you realize you
could have been seen by one of those “barbarians”?! One of those “humans” could
have snared you by their hook and taken your life!
Flounder: It wasn’t her fault! It was…uh..yeah. It wasn’t her fault! All we did was try
to go near the surface, but then a large shark appeared, whatever could we have done
then?!
Ariel: Father! Wait!
Triton: No means NO! NOT ONCE AM I EVER GOING TO ALLOW YOU TO GO
TO THE SURFACE AGAIN!
Ariel: I... (Cries and storms off)
Triton: *Sigh*
Sebastian: Oh teenagers, what goes in their mind is something no creature can ever
truly understand…
Triton: Do you think I was perhaps too harsh to her?
Sebastian: Oh, not in the slightest! Sometimes, a bit of scolding is just what they
need!
Triton: *Sigh*, I believe I am too old for such a chore anyway. Wait! Perhaps I
should look for an assistant of mine to look after her!
Sebastian: Indeed.
Triton: Someone who watches after her all the time!
Sebastian: All the time.
Triton: Someone who makes sure she’ll be all fine.
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 Triton: Someone who makes sure she’ll be all fine.
Sebastian: All fine.
Triton: You are just the man Sebastian!
Sebastian: HUH?!
(Triton walks out)
Sebastian: Oh, how did I get myself into this mess? I should be someone who always
stays by the king himself. Not look after some hormonal teenagers! Oh, here she
comes…
(Ariel Sings a song and Flounder travels around with her, while Sebastian watches
from the corner, slowly making his way to the scene)
Ariel: Alright that’s it! I’m off to the surface!
Sebastian: Wait, wait. Ariel! You must not! Oh, my word, what will your father say
about this?!

(Blackout) Scene Ends (7:30 mins with Part of Your World) (During Blackout
narrator says this )
Narrator: Ohh.Curiosity.It is what drives us all, isn't it? Ariel has no idea of the world
beyond. The unimaginable beauty of the world beyond the seas. Its magnificence and
its endless wonders stirred her curiosity like an irresistible siren's song. As Ariel, the
young and spirited mermaid, gazes longingly at the distant horizon. The tales she has
heard from wise old sea folk and the fragments of human objects she has collected
fuel her imagination, leaving her with an insatiable desire to unravel the secrets of
the surface world but it is all good up in this new world, This WORLD BEYOND!

Scene 2:

Prince: (Plays the Flute while enjoying the time with his dog)
Ariel: Wow, a human, I had no idea they looked so…
Prince: Alright, who’s a good boy now?
A dog barks and runs towards Ariel.
Ariel sneaks behind the boat
Ariel: Phew, that was a close one
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 Ariel: Phew, that was a close one
Sebastian: OH, ARIEL HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU NOT TO
GO TO THE SURFA---
Ariel: Shhhhhhh Sebastian! Look there, it’s a human! Can you believe it?
Sebastian: Oh, I certainly can don’t you worry! I’m sure these guys have something
to “welcome” us with if we ever meet them!
(Bell Tings)
Prince’s Assistant: *Ahem* Gentlemen. I think we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to
Prince Eric himself on this fine day, as it stands as his birthday Afterall!
(Everyone Cheers)
Eric: Alright, Alright that’s enough for one day don’t you worry.
Assist.: But sire, don’t you think it is about time you-
Prince Eric: Oh, come on, just because I didn’t fall for the Princess of Glower, did
you? Don’t you worry. I know she’s out there somewhere, I just…Haven’t found her
yet. But believe me, I’ll know when I find her. And when I do, I’ll know it, it would
hit me, just like…just like lightning!
(Thunder suddenly roars, and everyone looks around)
Sailor: Everyone, hang on tight! This is a big one!
(A fire breaks down soon, and everyone slowly falls to safety, except the dog). The
prince goes to save the dog, but after saving the dog, he gets stuck in the boat
himself. Ariel comes to the rescue and saves him.)
(Blackout)
Ariel and an unconscious Eric are at the shore of a beach, with the broken ship beside
them)
Ariel: Is he..alive?
Sebastian: Oh, I’m afraid I don’t know how humans work Princess.
Flounder: Where even are their hearts?
Ariel: Look, he’s breathing!
(2nd song plays, as Ariel lip-syncs again, Prince slowly wakes up, but the steward
and the dog located the prince, so she quickly escapes from the scene)
Asst.: Oh Prince Eric! There you are! I truly am delighted about your safety!
Eric: A girl, she saved me, and she had, the most beautiful voice of them all.
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 Eric: A girl, she saved me, and she had, the most beautiful voice of them all.
Asst.: Alright my prince, perhaps that is enough for one trip of yours, Let's head back
to the castle.
They both exit.
Sebastian: Alright then, we shall agree to none of this ever happening, Our King will
never know. You won’t tell him. I won’t tell him. And I shall remain in one piece.
Ariel: Eric, so that is your name, my prince. One day, I too wish that I will be part of
your world!
(Sweet Music Ends and Ursula makes an entry)
Ursula: Oh, what is this I am seeing? A mermaid, falling in love with a mere human
prince? Oh, and so the plot thickens, in this twisted tale of love, perhaps it is time I
make an entry myself. (Sinister Laughter)
ARIEL(Internal Monolog):ohhh.. The world beyond is what the folks call it to be.
Prince eric. I want to, no no, I need to learn more about these magnificent beings that
live beyond these seas. GRANDPAAA!

Scene 3
(Ariel has a talk with her grandfather, about the life of a mermaid)

Ariel: Grandpa, what makes us mermaids so different from humans? We look so

similar anyway, is this separation between us all that necessary?
Grandpa: *Laughs* Oh my child, you truly are a curious one aren’t you; this is not
the first time you’ve asked this after all.
Ariel: Really?
Grandpa: Really! Ah, you were just a simple toddler back then, how truly old I have
become.
Ariel: Come on…You are far from being old Grandpa!
Grandpa: Well, in Human years, you can certainly count me as a man who has lived
through it all!
Ariel: Human years? How long do they live for Grandpa?
Grandpa: Ah, it is a life far shorter than ours could ever be, but perhaps they have
something more waiting for them on the other side.
Ariel: Grandpa…
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 Ariel: Grandpa…
Grandpa: Yes?
Ariel: What happens after we die?
Grandpa: So, it is this question at last hmm? I’m afraid I have seen this coming.
Listen here my little star, our death is something faaaar awayyy, but when it does
come, it will be simple, all we do is, simply turn to foam and be one with the sea.
Ariel: Be one with the sea…
Grandpa: Now, now. Don’t you worry about such things already, you have a whole
life ahead of you! Look forward to its beauty, you have all the time in the world!
Ariel: Your right grandpa, I think I know what I should do! Alright then, I’m off! See
you soon.
Grandpa: No problem, Sweetheart.
(The Grandpa leaves)
Flounder: Ariel, there you are!
Ariel: That means, the love of my life, will die, and all I could do is watch?
Flounder: What are you talking about Ariel?
Ariel: Don’t you get it Floundy? I must find a way, so I can finally be one with him,
the man of my world…
Flounder: But you’re a mermaid, Ariel, how could you possibly do something like
this?
Ariel: I…hmmm. Wait, that’s it! Floundy, have you heard about her?
Flounder: About who?
Ariel: About the Sea Witch.
Flounder: No, Ariel, I won’t let you, I can’t let you go near someone who…who is
so…
Ariel: Floundy, you must understand, he means everything to me, I would do
anything just so I could live with him even for a single day!
Flounder: Please understand Ariel, you will sacrifice so much more in return…
Ariel: Well so be it then! Floundy, it's your wish if you wish to join me, but I’m
going. Because I need to, and I must.

Flounder: Ariel, wait! Where are you going?! Sebastian! Are you seeing this?!
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 Flounder: Ariel, wait! Where are you going?! Sebastian! Are you seeing this?!
(Swims away with Sebastian behind him)
Sebastian: Oh, what now?!
(Blackout)
(Ariel in a gloomy background)
Ariel: Where, where am I? The air, is so suffocating, so thin, is this the right place?
Am I supposed to be here?
Ursula: Ah, so there you are, alas. It seems this little plan of mine needed no
execution... You’ve come right to me! So, tell me, darling, what can I do for you?
Ariel: Are you…the one?
Ursula: Ah do not be afraid; Ursula already knows what you want.
Ariel: Huh?
Ursula: You want him don’t you, that prince charming of yours.
Ariel: You…knew? But I can’t…
Ursula: Oh, and why is that?
Ariel: I don’t have-
Ursula: Oh, my sweet little princess, don’t you worry about having legs. You want to
meet your true love after all don’t you? Ah, teenage love, how pure it truly is(Facing
the audience). Very well then, my child! I shall give you your beloved human legs
you so desire!
Ariel: R-really?!
Ursula: Of course! But in return… you must sacrifice what is your most precious of
yours.
Ariel: A-and, what could that be?
Ursula: Why my dove, I’m of course talking about, YOUR VOICE!
Ariel: My, my voice?
Ursula: So then! What shall it be?
Ariel (Internal Monologue): My, my voice. It’s the very thing that people love about
me. Am I ready, am I truly ready to sacrifice not only my voice but also all that is
down here? Father, my sisters, can I ever truly see you again if I make this choice?
Ursula: Awww I’m afraid this princess simply cannot be with her love. What a pity, I
guess he’ll have to find a woman who will stand by him when he needs it.
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 guess he’ll have to find a woman who will stand by him when he needs it.
Ariel: Wait! Wait!
Ursula: Oh?
Ariel: I will…Fine. I accept the deal. Make it happen.
Ursula: AND THE PRINCESS HAS MADE HER CHOICE! (Sinister Laughter, as
the background starts blinking rapidly, and Ariel slowly loses her voice after as she
tries to sing, and passes out as it is over)
(Ursula Disappears, Sebastian and Flounder appear, stunned, and pull her to the
surface)
Sebastian and Flounder: Ariel, please you have to wake up right now!
Sebastian: Oh no, did she survive? I mean we pulled her out of the water in time, but
were we quick enough?
Flounder: Take it easy buddy, I know where their hearts are now! Look! She’s
breathing! Ah! Ariel! You’re awake!
Sebastian: Oh, this is a catastrophe! That Sea Witch deal worked after all! Look at
her Flounder! She’s on Human Legs! Oh, what would her father say if he found out
about all this, this cannot happen, this cannot happen I must go and say to him this
instant, and don’t you dare nod your head in disapproval right now Young Lady!
Maybe we can still go back to that witch and get those fins and Cail of yours back,
and then you can back to the ocean where you belong - (Sudden shift to a sad tone)
Oh please don’t give that face to me Ariel…*Sigh* alright, alright, I’ll help you find
that Prince…Oh, what a soft shell I am after all. ( keeps whispering into the mic
about what has happened and panicked.)
Floundy: All right! Now then, how about we get you ready to see the prince?
The scene cuts to Prince:
Eric: I just don’t get it Buzz, who was it, who was the one who came into my life that
day and went away just as quickly?
Buzz Barks and leads Eric to the princess.
Eric: Hey Buzz! Get back here-
Eric: Woaahhhhhh.
Eric: You…I feel as though…I have seen you somewhere. No, could it be…You’re
the one, aren’t you?! My true love, you are the beautiful voice I’ve been searching
for all along, aren’t you? I knew it! (Sudden Realization) Oh, you cannot speak?
Oh…Perhaps you are not the one I am looking for…
(Both Ariel and Buzz look at the audience in disappointment)
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 (Both Ariel and Buzz look at the audience in disappointment)
Buzz barks more and more at Eric.
Eric: Alright Alright, take it easy now buddy. Hey, you don’t seem to have a place to
stay right now. Ah! I know! Do you see that castle over there? That’s where I live!
Come on then! We don’t want you to catch a cold.
Ariel squeaks in excitement, and they head to the castle. (11:30)
(Scene Ends)
During the blackout{
Chef: Mamamia!Today I shall prepare the best dishes of them all. A fish! Hehe
Sebastian: Oh where am I? OH no, the atrocities.
Chef:ohh what do we have here?Biggest crab of them all.Change of
plans.MAMAMIA cortar.
(Chef starts running behind Sebastian and exits the stage.)
}
The SCENE starts.
Narrator: The love of my life is right in front of me but…. I could not make out. Her
love was beyond this world and her beauty was not of it. Someone could even call it
unimaginable. Human behaviour is something so peculiar. Everything we want is
right in front of us but we still fail to see it until it is too late.

Steward: Oh my prince, lovely ladies don’t just swim around and rescue in the ocean,
and then flutter off into-
Eric: I’m telling you Grim she was real! And I will find her without a doubt, and
when I do. I shall marry her.
Maid: Hohoho come on then darling, don’t be shy.
Ariel walks in.
Eric: Uhm, wow you look absolutely uh…gorgeous.
Maid: I told you my dear it would work! Hey Grim, don’t you think this is the first
time Eric has smiled in weeks?
Grimsby: Oh, my it certainly is. Well then, shall we take our seats?
Eric: Uh yes, of course.
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 Grimsby: Well then, my prince as I was saying, oh please would you just turn your
eye here for one second? Ah! That’s it! Tomorrow my prince, why don’t you take our
beloved guest on an adventure into the town?
Eric: Huhhhh…Huh? Oh yes of course! Well then, would you like to go to the town
with us tomorrow?
Ariel nods approvingly.
Eric: Alright then! Our date is set!
Ariel jumps and hops back to her room and on her bed.
Ariel (Internal Monologue): This is it; this is all I’ve ever asked for! The prince, he’ll
take me on his date, and we can have the most wonderful of times! Ah, I can’t wait
till tomorrow comes!
Ariel waves Good Night to Sebastian who was beside him and goes to sleep.
Spotlight on Sebastian and his internal monologue.
Sebastian (Internal Monologue): Ah, you truly are a hopeless child, I truly hope you
find what you are looking for Princess. But, I wonder, is this the right call? Shall I
inform The King about this? Oh, the thought makes me sick, but…is that not my
duty?
Sebastian leaves the stage. Spotlight is still on Ariel. Ariel wakes up and opens the
door, Prince greets him, they explore the town outside, enjoy the scenery, and slowly
make their way to the small boat nearby.
Eric: Well, isn’t this comfy? Haha…
Sebastian whispers outside the stage to Eric: Oh please will you both just kiss
already?
Eric: Huh? Did you hear that?
Ariel looks in confusion.
Eric: Oh uh, never mind. Listen, I have something to tell you. I-
Ariel looks in excitement.
Eric: I…
More tension.
Eric: I cannot be with you.
Ariel looks stunned.
Eric: You see, there was a special person who saved me a while back. She saved me
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 Eric: You see, there was a special person who saved me a while back. She saved me
from a falling boat, can you believe that? And she had the most beautiful voice of all.
If it wasn’t for her, and her voice, I don’t think I would be here right now.
Ariel looks in excitement and points to herself.
Eric: I wished it was you, but the truth is, you simply cannot speak, and so, I don’t
think you’re the one. And so, I must go on a voyage tomorrow, to find that lady once
and for all. I hope you understand.
Ariel froze and looked down depressingly. All the characters freeze, and she slowly
makes her way back to the bedroom, where she goes to sleep.
Ariel (Internal Monologue): I cannot believe it, the very man who I saved, the love of
my life, knows his true love is the one who saved him, but he does not know it was
me, how could he ever know?
Sebastian: Oh Ariel, please don’t feel so upset, there’s so much more to it all! Ariel?
Oh…she is fast asleep.
Sebastian (Internal Monologue): I, I am sorry Ariel, But I cannot do this to myself
anymore. I am loyal to the king, and I must tell him the truth. But I shall assure you,
Ariel, you aren’t in the wrong here, and I will assure the king of that. Till then,
farewell my princess.

Finale:
Narrator: A loyal subject to the king. Does this loyalty come at a
cost? The princess had failed in convincing the idiot(emphasis on it
coz he considered himself guilty of not knowing) prince that it was
her. My true love.

Triton: A HUMAN?! HOW COULD YOU ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN

SEBASTIAN?!
Sebastian: My King, you must understand, there was not a lot I could do in
such a situation.
Triton: HOW DARE YOU?! HOW DARE YOU LET MY DAUGHTER
FALL IN LOVE WITH A MERE HUMAN?! I CAN’T LET THIS
HAPPEN. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN! ARIELLLLLLLLL!!!!
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 HAPPEN. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN! ARIELLLLLLLLL!!!!
(Triton unleashes a storm on the surface, and the boat carrying the crew is
struggling)
Sailor: Everyone! Hold on tight!
(But the storm was too fierce, and the boat came crashing down, leaving the
entire crew underwater, and dead, for there was no rescue for them this time,
as the mermaid who once saved them, could only watch in horror at the sheer
velocity of the storm.)
3 days have passed. Ariel sits idly by the seashore for that long, hoping even
in the slightest that the prince comes back to her. He does, but not alive. His
body is found near the shore, and Ariel drags him out of the water. She tries
waking him up, but to no avail, she has no voice this time Afterall.
Ursula Comes out of the river: My oh my, isn’t this just a sad sight to see?
The beloved princess has lost her love, whatever shall we do?
Ariel pleads to the witch.
Ursula: Well, if you wish, there is still one possibility.
Ariel’s face lights up.
Ursula: The grand sacrifice, the purest display of love, a soul for a soul. You
must sacrifice yourself.
Ariel looks at the audience, (Internal Monologue begins): My life, for his?
What about Sebastian? Floundy? My sisters? Father? I…can never see their
face ever again. I…No. I cannot let myself be selfish again if this is the last
act I ever do. It should be one where at least, the love of my life, lives to see
another day. I’m sorry, my friends and family, I’m sorry Eric, I wished we
could have spent more time. I do, but don’t you worry my heart, it will
always belong to you no matter what.
(Internal Monologue Ends) Ariel nods to Ursula.
Ursula: So, be it young princess, you’ve truly given me a fun watch in this
prisoned life of mine, now then, shall we begin?
Ariel nods.
Ursula: Well then, say your final goodbyes, as your life slowly dissipates and
his will come back.
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 Ariel goes to Eric one last time, and with a hug, she makes her way to the
ocean. Ariel slowly starts limping as she goes more through the ocean.
Eric slowly wakes up: W-what happened…Wait. No! Where are you going?
It’s you isn’t it, the one I’ve been looking for this entire time! I’m sorry!
Please, don’t leave me once again. Come back, I beg you.
Ariel slowly dissipates as disappears into the ocean.
Eric: No, please. Don’t leave me. Oh, what have I done? Why couldn’t I?
Why couldn’t I see you for who you truly are? Not once, but twice you saved
me, and yet, I rejected you, but you’re love, you gave it all for me, oh how
can I ever give it back to you? Only if, only if I at least knew your name…

The scene blacks out, focus on Triton as he comes on stage:

Narrator: A father's love has no limits. It might sound like something to
admire but in Tritions case his affection and worry for his daughter cost her
someone worth more to her than even herself.
Triton: Oh, what sin have I committed! My youngest, my most beloved daughter…
Died by my own doing, the rage that blinded me from seeing the truth…Oh what
if…what if I simply accepted her love for another man, whether it be a human or one
of our own? Could I have…Could I have saved…Could I have saved this spark of
my life from diminishing by its own will?
Ursula appears.
Ursula: Oh? It seems that in the end, you truly can feel the emotions of love after all
eh Triton?
Triton: You…Ursula. Are you alive? How could that be… It was I after all who with
my own hands-
Ursula: Enough Chit-Chat my beloved king, let us get to the point.
Triton: Do you mean to say?
Ursula: Of course, now then, tell me (Kneels down and looks towards Triton) would
you like your daughter back?
Triton: Yes! Anything! I’m prepared to sacrifice my life! If it means she can live for
another day!
Ursula: Well then, it seems my job has become far easier. Very well then! O Triton,
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 Ursula: Well then, it seems my job has become far easier. Very well then! O Triton,
the king of the sea. Sacrifice your life, and your daughter shall be brought back!
Triton: I…very well then. If I must, then let this be the way.
Ursula: Then all I ask is, for you to drink this potion.
Triton drinks it.
Triton: Is the deed done?
Ursula: Hmmm? Oh yes, don’t you worry!
Triton starts feeling weak.
Triton: You…what was…what was in this potion of yours?!
Ursula (Sinister Laughter): Oh Triton, did you think, even for a single second, that I
shall ever do you a favour?!
Triton: You! I knew it! How could you?! Don’t you realize what is on the hue?! You
should know better than anyone else!
Ursula: Of course, I realize that! But you see…
Triton is on the floor.
Ursula: You have been a bad father to our daughter haven’t you?
Triton dies.
Ursula laughs in a sinister tone, as the blackout happens one last time, and even
during the blackout, the laughter echoes throughout( the halls of the chamber).

Narrator: The world under the seas has since been so quiet. Every day I wake
I feel excruciating pain. Every time I go on a boat I feel as if I am drowning.
Every time I roam these markets I feel suffocated. If only I had accepted her.
If I had seen beyond her voice.If only I had known. Every time I sleep I
dream of her.
Child: But King Eric this is a fictional story.
Eric: Of course it is. Now go play with the other children.
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