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Post by scarletbubbles on Sept 15, 2006 23:44:18 GMT -5
Aww thank you.
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Post by WickedElphie on Sept 17, 2006 0:51:24 GMT -5
A very nice start. I liked that you took the time to set up Ariel & Eric being comfortable and playful with one another. If you write angst/mystery as well as fluff/romance, you'll be in good shape.
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Post by scarletbubbles on Sept 17, 2006 14:52:10 GMT -5
Thanks. And suprisingly, I never write fluff. But I just think they are too cute to not establish that loving/playful relationship. I just find it ironic, because I'm usually a total drama/angst writer.
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Post by Random Prince on Sept 17, 2006 14:57:05 GMT -5
Hhaw!!! The fluff is great! I'm interested to see what the exciting plotline will be, but remember Ariel is a good one for looking on the bright side. I hope it's not going to be too gloomy.
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Post by scarletbubbles on Sept 17, 2006 18:21:59 GMT -5
Hhaw!!! The fluff is great! I'm interested to see what the exciting plotline will be, but remember Ariel is a good one for looking on the bright side. I hope it's not going to be too gloomy. Don't worry, it's not gonna be too gloomy, trust me. And Ariel will be her usual optimistic self during the times that don't look too good. Well I just finished chapter 3 and I'm really excited about it. Should be up soon!
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Post by scarletbubbles on Sept 22, 2006 16:12:11 GMT -5
Ok, I just finished proofing and writing, so here it is, Chapter 3. Sorry it took a while, but I was pretty swamped, and not to mention sick.
Hope that you all like it!
[glow=red,2,300]- Adela[/glow]
[glow=red,2,300]Chapter Three: The Beginning of the Storm[/glow]
"Shhh" Eric spun around and lifted his finger to his lips, begging Ariel to silence herself. "Ariel stop laughing." "I'm try..." she giggled, her hand shooting over her mouth. Slowly lifting it up off her lips, she whispered, "I'm trying." "Good." Eric turned to her and grinned, his hair plastered to his forehead with water, which was still dripping off the black ends. Tip toeing wordlessly up to the castle's back door, Eric grabbed the door handle, ever so quietly twisting the nob and opening the door. As he slowly pushed it open, the hinges squeaked. Of course! Within a second of opening the door, he could feel Ariel pressed up against his back, her small hands gripping his shoulders, and her chin nuzzled against his neck. Laughing silently, he turned around and whispered as softly as his voice would allow, "Scared?" She just crinkled her nose and shook her head, trying to act brave. Eric thought she looked so cute when she tried to be courageous. "Ok then - follow me." Taking small steps ahead into the pitch-black dark, Ariel had no clue where she was going. Reaching out in front of her, she could feel Eric, so she took her hand, and brushed it down his arm until she had a hold of his hand. "You lead." With Ariel's small hand in his, Eric began to maneuver his way through the dining hall and into the entryway. Thank goodness he knew this castle so well, after so many years of sneaking out at night to go and sit by the ocean, he had become an expert at silently exiting and reentering the pitch black halls of his home. "Eric." Ariel's voice cracked through the darkness, as she tugged on the boy's hand. "my shoes, they're making noise." She took another step forward, trying to show Eric what she meant, and sure enough, the girl's shoes lightly echoed against the marble floor. "So take 'em off." "Oh, ok." The girl replied, reaching down and pulling off her heels. Once she had them in her hand, she squeezed the hand of the boy, and they continued. Winding their way through the hallways, and trying to keep from giggling or slipping, Eric and Ariel came upon the entrance to the main wing. "Ok," Eric whispered, squeezing Ariel's hand, "I'll help you get to your room, and then I'm gonna go down to mine." She shook her head in response, causing beads of water to fling from her hair onto the boy's face. "Sorry." He smiled, pulling her hand as he led her in the direction of her bedroom. Once they had finally reached the French doors to Ariel's quarters, Eric spoke, "Alright, here we are. I'll see you in the morning." As he began to walk in the other direction, Ariel could feel her hand slipping out of his, and gripped it tightly, pulling him back to her for a kiss. Her back pressed up against the door, she could feel her heart begin to race. When, she and Eric broke apart, she lightly brushed his wet hair from his eyes, and gazed into them, "I love you." "I love you too." Smiling, Ariel opened her doors, taking one last look at Eric before walking in. She turned her head around as she entered, only to scream, "Eric!" Eric bolted into her room, grabbing a hold of her protectively, only to immediately relax with frustration. "Grimsby?" Grim stood in the center of Ariel's room, a candle in his hand, and his arms crossed. "Why good evening Eric." he tapped his foot on the floor in frustration. "And, just what are you doing?" Eric raised an eyebrow. He was more than a little shocked to see Grim in his fiancee's bedroom, wearing his night shirt and cap.
Stroking Ariel's red hair, he replied, "Um...actually Grim, I should be asking you that." "And why ever so?" "Well...." Eric looked from Grim to Ariel, and then back, "For starters, you're in Ariel's room, and well, your wearing your nightgown."
Grim gave Eric an irritated look, "For the one hundredth time Eric, it is not a nightgown. Will you please stop calling it that."
"Sure thing Grim." Eric smiled deviously, before straightening his face and continuing. "So what are you doing in here?" "I am in here because you and Ariel didn't come home tonight." "Grim, we did come home - We're here." Eric retorted. Grim pulled up his sleeve and glanced at his watch, "No Eric, it is half passed one, which makes it morning." "Oh come on Grim." Eric said, placing his hand on his forehead, "We're here aren't we?" Grim stood completely still, a blank look on his wrinkled face. "Grim?" Ariel questioned, fully aware that some type of reprimanding was to follow. "Yes Eric, you are here, but you are here late." Ariel laced her fingers with Eric's and squeezed his hand reassuringly, knowing how much he hated it when Grim reprimanded him. "But Grim..." Ariel began, only to be cut off by the elderly man. "Oh no, Miss Ariel, not this time....Don't you see, Eric is the only heir to this kingdom, and whether he likes it or not, he is going to be more responsible."
"Grim..."
"No Eric - You must see how you worry us all. I mean, you were gone all night. It's our job to worry about you - and even if it wasn't, we would still worry." He wrinkled his nose, "And just look at yourself....you're soaking wet!"
"We had an accident." Ariel sighed, steeping in front of Eric. "Yes," Grim said, eyeing her up and down, "I can see that." "Grim, I'm sorry." Eric sighed, pulling Ariel a step back, "But you know, you didn't have to wait for us to get back."
Grim smiled, "Well, I do tend to worry, and poor Carlotta was also quite nervous when you two didn't come home, so I told her I would wait up."
"Well, why in my room?" Ariel asked, raising an eyebrow. "Because my dear, I knew that Eric would escort you here." "Oh." "Now please," Grim sighed, an exasperated look on his face, "Clean yourselves up, and get some sleep." "Ok." Ariel and Eric replied in unison. Ariel snuggled up against Eric as she watched Grim exit the room. "Oh, and by the way," They heard Grim's voice coming from the hallway, "you have some seaweed wrapped around your ankle, Ariel my dear." Ariel giggled and looked up at Eric, who bent down and pulled the seaweed off her leg, dropping it to the ground, where it fell with a sloppy splat.
"Arista, give me the shell band!" "Why don't you get one for yourself Adella?" "Because," The mermaid smiled, "I like that one, and it matches with my shells." Her sister gave her a glare, "Well, then why don't I just give it to you." "That would be nice." Adella smiled sarcastically. "Oh please you two," Attina interjected, "just give her the shell band, Arista. It does match with her shells," she noted, "And plus, you already did your hair." "Fine." Arista sighed, handing the shell head band to her sister. Andrina, who was sitting at the vanity glanced back at her sisters and spoke, "Alana, why don't you use the pearls today, they'd look pretty." "Ok, thanks." The young mermaid smiled, wrapping a string of pearls around her silky hair. Suddenly, the seaweed on the other side of the coral bed began to rustle, and Aquata popped through, "Girls," She exclaimed, excitedly, "Please hurry up, Father wants us outside so that we can greet Prince Kallon." Sitting just outside, the King waited, with Sebastian at his side, for the arrival of an old friend. "Sebastian, is everything ready for his arrival." "Of course Your Majesty." His most trusted crustacean replied. "Wonderful." Triton smiled, as he spotted the approaching carriage of the Arctician Prince. Once the conch had made a complete stop in front of the Sea King, an octopus swam over to the door, and unlatched it, allowing the Prince and his son to swim out. "Triton." The merman greeted happily, upon spotting his dearest friend, "How are you?" "I'm great Kallon. Just great." The Sea King replied as he hugged his friend. "You remember Sebastian?" Triton said, motioning to the crab. "Of course. Sebastian." "Good to see you again Your Highness." The crab bowed. "And you remember my son, Angelo." Kallon said, urging his son forward out of the conch.
Triton smiled, "Why yes I do." "How nice to see you again, Your Majesty." The young merman greeted, bowing to the King. "Dad?" "Oh," The Prince replied, "and my daughter Nixie, of course." "How could I forget." Triton said as the teenager exited the conch. "How do you do?" She asked politely as she swam out. "Wonderful. Oh, well come inside and I'll get you something to eat." Triton said, ushering them through the palace doors. "You must be exhausted from the journey." "Indeed." Kallon replied as he swam through the doors. Once inside the palace, The Prince and his children went to their rooms to freshen up, and then met the Sea King and his lovely daughters in the dining hall for dinner. "It's so nice to see you again Your Highness." Adella smiled at Prince Kallon. "Why thank you my dear." The elderly man smiled at the young mermaid, "I'm so happy to be back." "Well, it is great to have you here." Triton said, taking a bite of kelp. "Yes... it's so nice here in Atlantica, I tried to convince father to come here for holiday." Nixie said as she looked up from her plate. "Yeah, I love it here." Aquata said to the other mermaid, "You should see all that we've done with the place. Father has been letting us decorate the palace a bit, and it really looks stunning." "Ah, yes," Triton laughed, "You know how girls are." "Do I ever." Kallon laughed, looking over at his daughter. "Oh come on," Nixie sighed, "I am not that bad."
Angelo choked on his kelp, "Not that bad?" "Angelo please." His sister said dramatically. "Your Majesty," the young merman began, a smile on his face, "I'm sure you can appreciate what it's like to live with nothing but girls."
Triton laughed, "I'd say I can. These girls are more than I can handle. Always getting into trouble." "Well," Angelo said, looking around the table, "You can probably understand better than anybody....I couldn't imagine living with seven girls." He looked around the table. There was his father, the Sea King, his sister Nixie, Adella, Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Attina, and Alana. No Ariel? Where was Ariel? "Um..." The merman sighed, a look of confusion on his face, "You Majesty, where's Ariel?" "Ah, that's right, I knew something was missing," Kallon laughed, "Where is the rambunctious mermaid?" Triton's expression went blank. What was he going to say? "Oh, Ariel is out for the night." He said, deciding that it was not the time to address the subject matter of his daughter and her human love. "Oh." Angelo replied, apparently satisfied with the King's answer. "So," Attina said, trying to sway the conversation away from a topic that involved humans. "How are things down in Arctica." "Awful." Nixie said with a mouth full of food. "Nixie's right," Angelo replied, actually agreeing with his sister, "The other day one of our own was snared by a human net - she was nearly killed." "No!" Alana sighed, raising her hand to her mouth. "What happened?"
Attina glared at Alana, her look saying 'I was trying to get away from the human subject.'
Catching her sister's stare, Alana mouthed "I'm sorry." "Well," Kallon begun, "A young mermaid - I'd say she was about twenty or so - in our beautiful kingdom - was swimming up by the surface a few days ago, and that's when she was snared."
Triton gave his friend a knowing glance, still not thrilled with humans himself. "How awful."
Kallon nodded, "It was awful. She was trapped for hours, and badly injured. The humans hoisted her on deck and treated her like an animal. She was able to leap off the side of the boat though." Angelo shook his head, "Those barbarians." His father sighed, "Yes, son, they are barbarians. In fact, Triton, she wasn't the only one to be taken. There are some that have been missing and haven't yet returned." Triton could feel his hatred for humans come rushing back to the surface. How could they treat the merpeople that way? This was a race of highly intelligent, thinking, breathing, living beings, who deserved to be treated as such! "It's an outrage!" "I agree completely." Kallon said. "Now the last thing I want is for something like that to happen to my children. When I heard about that young mermaid, I just pictured my Nixie....This has to stop." Triton shook his head in agreement, thinking about Ariel....and then about Eric. Why couldn't all humans be like him. That boy cared about Ariel's people, and wanted to keep them safe just as bad as she did, because he truly loved her. Once dinner had ended, Triton said goodnight to his guests, for it was growing very late, and left them for the evening. Sitting in his room, he heard a knock on his door.
"Who is it?" "Daddy it's me." Aquata called from the opposite end of the door. "Come in dear." "Hi Daddy." She said as she swam up to her father. Triton wrapped his arms around the girl, "Oh, I just don't know what to think anymore." "I know." Aquata sighed, "but lying is definitely not going to get us anywhere." "What do you mean?" Triton asked, knowing full well, but hoping that his daughter would drop the subject. "I mean about Ariel." She said, her voice full of wisdom beyond her years. "You know that you can't hide it....why didn't you just tell them?" Triton laughed, although it was not a laugh of happiness, rather one of pressure and uncertainty, "What was I supposed to say......Oh yes, my daughter rescued a human from drowning and fell madly in love with him. Then she went to Ursula. You remember Ursula, don't you? Yes, well, she went to Ursula and traded her stunning voice for a pair of human legs. Now, needless to say I knew nothing about this, until I couldn't find my daughter. So anyway, she was living up on land, with no voice, chasing after this human, Price Eric. Well, the deal she made with Ursula entailed that Eric kiss my Ariel before the sun set on her third day as a human..... So she and Eric went through all kinds of strange happening, thanks to Ursula and her eels, and what wound up happening is very interesting, you see, Ariel was just about to kiss the Prince - who by the way was about to marry Ursula in disguise - who had hypnotized him, using my baby's voice. So Ariel and Eric were about to kiss when, wouldn't you know it, the sun set. So Ursula took her and dragged her off the ship and into the ocean. So now Ursula had Ariel, who was once again a mermaid, and had signed a contract with her, to loose her soul, should she and Eric not kiss a kiss of true love. So in order to save my daughter, I agree to switch places with her. Well, then Ursula had my Trident, and I shrunk and withered. It was then that she grew to massive size and tried to kill my Ariel. Eric also came back to save Ariel, and they wound up being separated in the raging storm that Ursula had created. So then, Ariel was at the bottom of a whirlpool, being shot at by Ursula, when Eric steered a boat into her, piercing her with its sharp pointed edge. So I was able to see just how much Ariel loved this boy, and how much he loved her, so I made her human so she could be with him. And that leaves us where we are today. Ariel is now engaged to said human, and they are going to get married.... on land." Once her father had finished his narrative, Aquata glanced up, "Daddy, I don't know how they'll react, but I do know that eventually the truth will come out....whether you tell them or not."
So.....Thoughts? Questions? Comments? I'd love to hear from everybody!
Oh, and if anybody has any suggestions also, I'd be thrilled to hear them...I always like some input from the readers.
Thanks.
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Post by grablegal on Sept 22, 2006 22:42:17 GMT -5
I just love this story. I can't wait to read more.
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Post by WickedElphie on Sept 22, 2006 23:05:50 GMT -5
Ooh Drama! I'm hooked! I like the conflicts you've set up here, and I can't wait to see how things will turn out!
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Post by scarletbubbles on Sept 23, 2006 12:25:20 GMT -5
Thanks for the kind words you guys! Oh yes, conflict established, mwahahahaha..... I needed some good drama. I'm a drama queen.
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Post by dreamer on Sept 23, 2006 15:27:15 GMT -5
I love how you portray this relationship. I love seeing peoples different opinions on how they think Ariel and Eric act around each others. I really LOVE your ideas!
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Post by scarletbubbles on Sept 23, 2006 15:32:22 GMT -5
Once again Dreamer, I just love hearing from you. You say such nice things about my work. So thank you!
Oh, and I agree, I love to see people's takes on thier relationship. Gives you a lot of diffrent POVs.
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Post by Random Prince on Sept 23, 2006 16:35:37 GMT -5
This is such an interesting and fun story!!! I kind of assumed at the end of the movie that all the merfolk and humans were united, but your idea that some merpeople had no idea is very clever! I can't wait to find out what happens.
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Post by dreamer on Sept 23, 2006 19:30:10 GMT -5
Awww. Thanks (blushing) again, i repeat, you deserve it.
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Post by ariel7angel on Sept 23, 2006 21:16:56 GMT -5
Yeah it is really good, i like to see how the undersea world is still doing without Ariel - and i cant wait to learn more about the story and what happens next!!!!!
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Post by Jazzy on Sept 23, 2006 23:03:13 GMT -5
Ooo! This is a good story I just started reading it tonight. I absolutely love how great you are with dialogue. You've really nailed the characters well and you can completely visualize every bit of your story. I love the whole interaction with Grimsby, Ariel, & Eric that was too funny. I'm really interested to see how this story is going to connect. Great work, I'm enjoying it.
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Post by scarletbubbles on Sept 24, 2006 10:02:29 GMT -5
This is such an interesting and fun story!!! I kind of assumed at the end of the movie that all the merfolk and humans were united, but your idea that some merpeople had no idea is very clever! I can't wait to find out what happens. Yeah, I wanted to do something different, with some of the mer people not knowing about Eric and Ariel. Thanks for reading, I'm glad you like it! Yeah it is really good, i like to see how the undersea world is still doing without Ariel - and i cant wait to learn more about the story and what happens next!!!!! Yeah, I wanted everybody to see how everybody under the sea is reacting to her not being there, because after all, Ariel is hard to miss. *That personality and vibrant red hair* Ooo! This is a good story I just started reading it tonight. I absolutely love how great you are with dialogue. You've really nailed the characters well and you can completely visualize every bit of your story. I love the whole interaction with Grimsby, Ariel, & Eric that was too funny. I'm really interested to see how this story is going to connect. Great work, I'm enjoying it. I can't tell you how happy I am that you like it! Glad you started reading it. And thank you so much on the dialog, that's one of the areas that I really concentrate on. Ha, and I wanted to have a scene in there with Grimsby, because I always thought his uptight persona was really funny, so glad you liked it.
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Post by beautyariel on Sept 25, 2006 18:48:13 GMT -5
This is a very cool way to go with human/merfolk relations! Ariel would be hard to miss. Nice take!!!!
Looking foward to more!
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Post by scarletbubbles on Sept 27, 2006 17:03:37 GMT -5
Thanks, glad you like it, and I'm so happy to see that everybody finds the way I established the human/merfolk relationship interesting.
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Post by scarletbubbles on Sept 30, 2006 17:32:02 GMT -5
Alright, I just finished Chapter Four - Yay! So in this chapter I will introduce some new characters that will be very important in futiure chapters..
And NOTE: Just so you all know, the information from the previous chapter, with the characters, Kallon, Nixie, and Angelo, is very important. They will be returning in the next chapter (which will have some under sea scenes), because all these storylines will come together very soon. I have a neat idea for a human/merfolk story.
[glow=red,2,300]- Adela[/glow]
[glow=red,2,300]Chapter Four: Land Princess [/glow]
"No, no, no." Arabella sighed breathily as she watched the servants attempt to hang the portrait that her father had recently commissioned. "That's not straight." She complained, tilting her head to the side as she looked at the face staring back at her.
The girl in the portrait was breathtakingly beautiful, not just your average beauty, but a vision of elegance and youthful vigor. She was more than lovely, she was stunning. Her hair laid over her shoulders in a gentle wave that reached her lower back. The color was mahogany brown with an amber sheen. Her slender body was draped in a champagne colored gown that accentuated her lovely figure, and the low cut v-neck revealed her skin to be pale as porcelain, and flawless as a diamond. Her chocolate eyes sparkled, and her plum painted lips curled into a small grin that lit up her lovely face.
"Miss," one of the female servants called, interrupting her from behind with a tap on the shoulder, "Your father requests you presence."
"Oh," Arabella sighed, taking one last look at the portrait before turning on her heels and following the elderly woman.
"That sure is a lovely picture Princess." The woman commented with a smile, as she continued to guide the young girl down the hall.
"Thank you, father thinks so too." She responded with a smile of her own.
The woman placed a hand on Arabella's shoulder, "It sure does bring out your features, that portrait." She sighed, "I just can't believe you've really grown up that much - You look like a real woman."
Arabella stopped and turned to the woman, "Thank you Amelia."
"Your welcome, Miss. I just, I can't believe sometimes that you've gotten so big. I remember when you were a baby." Amelia laughed at the memory of Arabella crawling around the floor as a toddler.
"I know, me too."
When they had finally reached the King's study, Amelia smiled at her young benefactress and politely dismissed herself.
"Daddy?" The girl spoke, her voice a hoarse whisper.
The older man turned around with a smile, "Come in, come in." He waved her to enter.
"Amelia told me that you wanted to see me." She announced as she stepped forward into the study.
"Yes, yes, yes." The King said happily as he picked up some maps and tucked them beneath his arm, quickly scurrying over to his desk. "I just got news today from Cerulean Cove."
Arabella's heart skipped a beat. "Cerulean Cove." She echoed her father's words, hardly able to believe that she was even speaking them. The name was so familiar, but yet so distant. It seemed like forever since she had spoken the seaside Kingdom's name.
"That's right!" Her father exclaimed happily, banging his hand down on his desk.
"What did it say!?" Arabella questioned, filled with excitement.
Her father simply gave her a smile, "Well, it says that we're going to have some company."
Eric ran down the stairs, shaking off sleep with a wobble of his head. He rubbed his eyes as he walked, narrowly hitting Carlotta, who was bustling upstairs with a basket full of Ariel's clean clothes.
"Morning dear." Carlotta greeted, ruffling Eric's hair.
"Hey Carlotta." He smiled, hopping off the stairwell and heading towards the kitchen, hoping to find Ariel there. She had made it a customary routine to help Louie with breakfast whenever she could.
Eric slowly opened the door, and smiled, when he saw Ariel, sitting on the cooking counter, with a spatula in her hand, leaning over and watching Louie make muffins. Both of them seemed to be so enrapt with the muffin making, that they didn't even notice Eric had entered.
Ariel leaned her head down near the bowl, as Louie continued to stir the batter, both of them humming together as he worked. Ariel smiled and lifted the spatula to her lips, taking a small lick of batter. "That's fabulous." She laughed, patting Louie on the back.
"Vous remercier Ariel mon cher." He smiled up at her, locating Eric out of the corner of his eye. "Eric."
Ariel's head shot up when she heard his name. "Eric!" She laughed, hopping off the counter and running up to the boy. She embraced him warmly and hugged him tight.
"Good morning." Eric chuckled. "Why are you so happy?"
Ariel smiled, "You mean other than because you're here?"
Eric gave her a suspicious look, "Well - yes, other than that."
"Well, I'm happy because today you are going to teach me how to swim." She beamed up at him, a pleading look in her eyes. "Please."
Eric just laughed, "Ok, I guess that I'm teaching you to swim then."
Ariel flung her arms around Eric's neck and pecked his cheek. "Oh, Eric - thank you!"
Eric stumbled backwards from the force with which the girl had launched herself at him, and once he regained his breath, he replied, "Your welcome, now go get dressed."
Ariel emerged from the castle in a lovely, one-piece, white bathing suit, with her flaming red hair tied back in a loose French braid. She was so excited to learn how to swim with her legs. When she was a mermaid, she had taken swimming for granted, but she learned quickly that swimming in the human world was much different than swimming as a mermaid.
She had begged Eric many a time to take her out and teach her to swim, but each and every time, she was unsuccessful. Today, she was going to do it. She knew somehow that today was the day she would regain her swimming ability.
Eric sat outside on the sand in his usual attire. He was tracing small circles in it, when Max bounded back towards him with the stick he had just retrieved.
"Good boy, Max." Eric praised the dog as he rubbed the back of its ears. "Ok," the boy laughed as Max slobbered all over his face, "Go get it." He launched the stick out into the water once more.
Turning his head towards the castle, Eric could see Ariel running towards him, her vibrant hair blowing in the wind. She was absolutely gorgeous! Eric just smiled, admiring her beauty as she drew nearer.
"Eric!" He could hear her shout as a huge smile spread across her face, and she waved frantically at him.
Once Ariel had finally reached Eric, she fell down in the sand next to him giggling as he wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her closer to him and gave her a kiss.
Once they had broken apart, Ariel looked up into Eric's eyes, "You ready?"
"I guess so." he replied smiling back, ".....I still don't see how a former mermaid can't swim."
Ariel laughed, "you did say former mermaid."
"Yes."
"Well, that's all going to change today." Ariel announced with pride.
Eric raised an eyebrow, "You sure?"
Ariel looked at him with false frustration, "Of course I'm sure - Why, do you doubt my swimming abilities?"
"Never." The boy laughed, "but I do doubt your ability not to be so stubborn."
Ariel crossed her arms and pursed her lips, "I'm not talking to you."
Eric stroked her arm reassuringly, "Oh, come on."
She turned to him and broke out into laugher, unable to keep a straight face any longer. "I am not that stubborn - Why do you always call me stubborn?"
"What!?" Eric laughed hysterically, "Why do I call you stubborn? - are you kidding?"
Ariel grimaced.
"Maybe because you are!" Eric spat.
"I am not!"
"Yes you are!"
"No I'm not!"
"Yes - You are!"
"Give me one example!" Ariel said in the heat of her frustration, regretting her decision to ask the second after the words had flown from her mouth.
"Hmph...." Eric pretended to contemplate, "Oh yes - How about last time I tried to teach you to swim. You wanted to prove to me so bad that you could do it, so you swam out into the water, and attempted to stay a float. - You nearly drowned yourself to prove a point. - And this was all after I had told you not to, remember?"
Ariel looked confused, "No, no I don't remember." She stared at Eric blankly.
He responded by giving her an equally blank stare, until a smile began to tug at the end of her lips. "You don't remember?"
"No." She responded quickly, trying to suppress laughter.
"Really?"
"No....no I don't." She couldn't take his look any longer, and broke out laughing, burying her head in Eric's shoulder. "I don't." She laughed one last time.
"I know - Sure you don't." Eric responded, laughing as well as he stroked the girls hair.
After calming themselves down, Eric and Ariel had resolved to get in the water. Eric stood in the water, waist deep, as Ariel stood on the shore, looking directly at him.
"It's not going to bite you, Ariel." Eric laughed as he waved for her to get into the ocean.
"I know that, silly." Ariel shook her head as she placed one foot in the water. Somehow, when you were human, the water always seemed colder.
Once she had actually entered the water, she could feel the waves gently lift her body up and down. She really did love the ocean. Standing the water, and looking down as the turquoise waves lapped up against her small waist, she felt at ease. Standing in the ocean felt like being with an old friend, every wave seemed to hug her body with welcome and warmth.
Reaching out, Ariel grabbed Eric's hand, and he looked at her with a loving gaze. "You can do this."
"I know I can." She smiled.
"Good afternoon Grimsby, my dear fellow." A portly man greeted the bean pole of an advisor with a smack on the back.
Grim stumbled forward, and adopted his usual tone of calm bore. "Yes it is. How may I help you Desmond?"
"Well," The man rubbed his mustache, "You can give this to Eric." His thick Scottish accent finished the thought.
Grim reached his had out and grabbed the envelope that the stout man had just produced. "Thank you."
"Of course." The man smiled, releasing the envelope.
Grim looked at him with puzzlement, "So this is from King Albert then?"
"That it is." Desmond announced. "I believe that he wants to have the Prince over for the signing of that treaty they been talking about over in the West."
"Ah," Grim said, familiar with the subject Desmond spoke of, "Well, when Eric gets back, you may give him your message. Until then, perhaps you should stay here."
"That's a mighty fine idea Grimsby."
Once Desmond had settled himself in, he and Grim walked into the dining hall, each taking a seat at the large table.
"Ah, this place is just as lovely as I remember." Desmonod's thick Scottish voice boomed.
"Yes," Grim said, "How long has it been? - A while I do believe."
Desmond sat in thought, "Why, it's been a good two years, Grim my friend."
"Ah, so it has." Grim said, adopting a more pleasant tone. "Far too long." His mind began to overflow with memories of the last time Desmond had been at the castle.
"Aye, I think so too."
Grim smiled at Desmond and continued, "So, what has been going on over at Greyhaven?"
"Oi," Desmond laughed as he choked down one of Louie's muffins, "Too much. The King has been going on a trade rampage. I swear he wants to establish trade with every kingdom in these here parts."
"Sounds busy." Grim remarked, taking a sip of tea.
"It is - and you should see Arabella. My has she grown up." Desmond smiled, thinking of the lovely young woman.
"Has she now?" Grim asked, growing more interested in the conversation.
"Aye, she has." Desmond affirmed, looking over at the older man before continuing. "She's just lovely - and every Prince near and far wants her hand."
"Do they?" Grim asked, bringing the cup to his lips once again.
"You betcha they do. She's the fairest, most beautiful lady in all the land"
"So," Grim asked, "Has she chosen a suitor?"
Desmond shook his head, "Nah, she won't have any of them, all she wants is Eric."
"No." Grim remarked, unable to believe that the girl still held her fascination with the young Prince of Cerulean Cove.
"Aye, it's the truth. She won't have any of them, all she wants is him. She talks about him all the time."
"You don't say."
"Yeah, she meets all these Princes, all great men, who would love and care for her, and treat her like the Queen she deserves to be treated like, but she finds flaw with every one - every single one, except that boy."
"Eric?" Grim asked, well aware of the fact.
"Aye, Eric."
A moment after Desmond had spoken his last words, the castle door burst open, and giggling traveled through all the hallways. Grim smacked himself on the forehead - not again!
"What's that?" Desmond asked.
"Eric!!!" Ariel's voice shouted, reaching Grim and Desmond within a second, and at a very high pitch.
Just then, Desmond and Grim spotted a blur of firery red pass the door way, followed by one of black. Grim knew that it was Ariel and Eric, gallivanting around like children - again.
"Eric!" Grim shouted, hoping to stop the young couple before they tore the castle apart.
Ariel darted past one of the servants, who stared at her with amusement. Ariel smiled at her before taking off in a hurry, with Eric right behind her.
"Get back here!" Desmond and Grim heard Eric cry from the other room.
"What's going on?" Desmond asked, a look of confusion spread across his face.
Before Grim could respond, he was hit by a bubbly red-headed girl. They both fell onto the ground with great force. The girl's wet form was spread across the floor, soaking the old man.
Ariel pushed the hair out of her eyes, and looked up at Grim apologetically. "Grim...." She began, but was interrupted by Eric.
"Grim, we are so sorry....this is all my fault, I was chasing her."
Grim glanced up at Eric, annoyance present in his stare, "Eric - please - for the one hundredth time, be careful."
Eric looked down at the floor, "I'm sorry - Grim are you alright?"
"I'm fine." The old man replied as the boy gave him his hand. He took it happily as Eric pulled him to his feet.
Eric glanced back down at the floor. Ariel was sprawled on the ground, soaking wet. "What about you - are you alright, Ariel?"
The girl stared up at him, her blue eyes sparkling, "I think so."
Eric smiled at her as he reached down and took her in his arms. He stroked her back, and then stared at the man standing next to Grim. His eyes went wide, and his mouth dropped, "Desmond!?"
"Aye lad, nice to see you." Desmond laughed heartily, wrapping his arms around the boy and girl.
"And who is this lovely lady?" Desmond asked, pointing to the girl in Eric's arms.
"This...." Eric stated proudly "is my fiancee, Ariel."
"You don't say!" Desmond beamed. "She is just a beauty."
Ariel blushed, "Nice to meet you."
"And you, Missy." Desmond replied, taking her hand and giving it a kiss, "That just might be the prettiest face I ever seen."
Ariel giggled, "Thank you."
"Well Eric, you done good. - The ruler of a kingdom, and this fine lass. I'd say you did a right good job."
Eric smiled looking down at Ariel, "I agree. I am very lucky. This girl means the world to me." He kissed her lovingly.
Desmond laughed, "I can see that."
"Well," Eric said, looking from Grim to Desmond, "I'll meet you down here later - I have to get her upstairs." With that, Eric turned Ariel over and flung her over his shoulder. She laughed vigorously as Eric carried her up the stairs.
Lifting her head up, she took one last look at Grim and Desmond, waving at the both. In a shaky voice, she giggled, "Ni..ce...to...meet...you." As she swayed up the stairs.
I hope that you all liked it. I would love you to hear what you all thought!
Thanks for reading!
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Post by grablegal on Sept 30, 2006 21:49:39 GMT -5
This story is absolutely wonderful! I can't wait to read more! : )
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