"The Moon Shines On Death..."

Lament

The Bakunawa was a gentle sea creature.

It was a giant sea serpent, with two pairs of wings. The bigger pair was located right after its gills, the smaller pair near its tail. It lived in the deepest part of the ocean. And only a handful of people have seen it upclose.

From time to time it would swim its way to the surface, either to search for food... or to visit the human he fell in  love with.

"This should last us a whole week's supply of food. Thank you again for your gift." Aria said to the giant sea creature that floated alongside her small boat.

She had come out to fish just minutes ago when the Bakunawa surfaced to greet her. The creature helped to catch the fishes in the area, and placed them all in the small boat that was now overflowing with the day's bountiful catch.

"Sit still, I will carry your boat back to the island. You must not tire yourself." Bakunawa said, gently pushing the boat.

"I am not that tired Bakunawa. My chores were light since the neighbor came over to help. I will share today's catch with the villagers. I am sure they will be happy." Aria informed the beast.

"You are so kind, and very beautiful. It is no wonder that I have fallen in love with you. Aria, I have something to ask you."

"What is it Bakunawa?" Aria said, picking up a fish that jumped on her lap.

"Will you be my wife?"

Aria was stunned, and unable to answer immediately. However, after thinking about it for a few minutes, she cleared her throat and slowly answered the question posed by the sea serpent.

"I have known you for more than two years now. You saved me once from drowning when my boat capsized in a storm. You have frequently visited to check in on how I was doing. You have been coming up to the surface twice a week to bring me fishes, oysters, and lobsters from the sea... and for all that, I am grateful to you.

"I have known you to be nothing but gentle. Kind. And generous. I have grown to love you as well Bakunawa. But... I am afraid. How can we be together? You are from the sea, and I from land. Where will we live? How can we raise a family? I am human, and you are a giant serpent." Aria explained.

"Let me worry about that. I am a magical creature, it is not impossible for me to ask the gods for help. Just tell me you agree to marry me, and I will immediately set out to find a way to become human."

"Then... my answer is yes. I will be your wife Bakunawa." Aria smiled.

"Really?" The sea creature swam circles around the small boat, making it sway from side to side. Aria was laughing as water splashed all around her.

"Careful there. You'll cause the boat to topple over." Aria cautioned.

"I am so happy! Oh, and here is something I picked up from the sea bed. I want you to have it. It was an offering from a blacksmith I helped.

"You see, his son was sick a few months ago, and needed a special seaweed for the witch doctor to make a potion as a cure. I merely gathered the said plant, and left it at his doorsteps. He gave me this sword awhile ago, as payment for my assistance." Bakunawa flicked his  left wing and a silver sword fell onto the boat.

The sword was shiny, sharp, and smooth. Its craftmanship was exquisite. The hilt was engraved to resemble scales, with Bakunawa's head as its main decoration. Two round rubies served as Bakunawa's eyes, and black onyx formed the sharp ridges of the sword on either side of its blade.

"This is beautiful! But it is too much. I cannot accept this." Aria exclaimed.

"I like giving you gifts. Please, just this once, accept more than mere fish as my present for you."