The Sailor and the Princess

[UmbrellaFish]

The Synopsis- In this universe, Eric is the sailor son of Prince Filbert's caretaker, Grimsby. When he falls in love with a mysterious maiden, he identifies as a Princess from the royal crown in her hair, he asks his father in assist him in a charade to win the affection of the Princess, and keep her away from the manipulative Prince.

P.S. Hopefully I can make up for my bad characterization of Eric in the TLM/Gargoyles cross-overs.

Chapter One: Birthday Celebration

There was a drum roll.

Eric’s father lifted the sheet covering the hulking mass.

He rolled his eyes. A statue. What a great gift, dad, he thought. But from the expression of the Prince, he was delighted.

Prince Filbert took a step forward to examine his effigy. Eric had to admit, the sculpture did resemble the plump, blond Prince. Their clothes certainly matched. Of course, they weren’t exactly the same, but Eric couldn’t tell the difference between any of those costly royal garments.

He was, in fact, wearing sensible sailor clothes. A clean shirt, fitting black trousers, and nice, sturdy boots. He looked very experienced, even though he wasn’t. He had just met his father, the Prince’s caretaker, whom without, he wouldn’t have been able to travel onboard the Prince’s Royal 18th Birthday Party.

Eric remembered the first day he met his father. Right after his mother died… Her last words were, in fact, instructions on how to locate “Mr. Grimsby”. And when Eric introduced himself! Well, was Grimsby surprised! But Grimsby took to Eric, and Eric took to Grimsby.

But what a gift!

Shooo-CRACK!

Eric raised his head to see the first of the fireworks, imported, as Grimsby was pointing out to the Prince, from China. When he looked back down, Eric spotted Filbert’s dog, Todd, a huge, slobbering sheepdog. Eric took out his harmonica and played a little tune which Todd danced to. Filbert despised the dog, and Eric now kept the dog with him, in his little apartment in the castle.

“Eric,” came the crackling voice of his father, “put that thing down.”

Eric obeyed, and with much dismay, Todd stopped dancing.

Grimsby was walking towards them. “You do have a gift of music, that for sure,” he laughed. “In fact you have that in common with the Prince. He serenades the Princess of Gloucester to sleep all the time.”

Eric groaned. He was up to it again.

“Dad… I’ve told you, hundreds of times, that I’m just not interested in anyone right now. I’m not ready to be interested.”

“Humph!” snorted Grimsby. “Well, by the time you’re my age and still a bachelor, you’ll be wishing you took my advice.” Grimsby started to walk away.

“Wait,” Eric inserted. “I promise I’ll find someone, someone out there.”

CRACK!

More fireworks, thought Eric. Once glance at Grimsby told him that there were no more fireworks. That was lightening, and, judging by the smell of smoke, the ship had gotten in its way.

Shouts of fear mingled with those of courage. Eric helped unload the life boats and filed everyone into them, including Todd. Eric then got into a boat himself, and all were safe…

Eric heard a big SPLASH and looked into the waves. Prince Filbert had jumped out of his boat. He was trying to rescue his statue, which had remained on the burning ship. His Royal Highness, however, had forgotten one major detail. He couldn’t swim. And Eric could.

So the sailor jumped out of his own boat to save the sinking heir.

Eric grabbed hold of him, but the Prince yelled, “No, no! I want the statue!” and broke free.

Filbert swam a couple feet and Eric followed until Eric saw him drown under. Eric went under the waves to try to retrieve the Prince, but he couldn’t be found. He thought he saw the faint glimmer of green scales, maybe some sea monster had eaten the Prince. And if that were true, there was no reason for Eric to stay in the water, so he swam back to his life boat.

“Did, did you find him?” chattered Grimsby.

“Uh, uh, no…” Eric was gasping for air.

“Oh heavens, no! I promised his parents I would protect him! Oh no!”

Eric sighed. The rest of the trip home would be like this. Poor Filbert. Poor Grimsby.

[WickedElphie]

Ooh. A very interesting idea. So far your Eric characterization has been more than satisfactory. Never fear though, should you stumble, I'm sure I and my fellow Eric Enthusiasts will be able to help you back on track.

A very promising beginning!

[UmbrellaFish]

We'll, I'll be very grateful for your guys help!

Glad you like the beginning so far.

[ariel101]

Thats really good. Great job.

[fridamoonbeam]

Oh, I do like this idea! It kind of gets me thinking about HCA's Little Mermaid and about the prince in that one, and how she didn't end up with him. But he treated her more like a pet than anything else. LOL Would have been interesting if Eric wasn't a prince in the movie. I want to get deeper in that, but I want to give you a chance to write it out

[toons27]

This looks interesting. I hope Eric ends up with Ariel.

[ariel101]

Apr 7, 2009 19:22:10 GMT -5 toons27 said:

This looks interesting. I hope Eric ends up with Ariel.

Me too. Lol.

[UmbrellaFish]

Here's chapter two. Hopefully I can post a chapter a day.

Chapter Two: Voices

The ocean looked beautiful today… The clouds were gone, there were no waves, the sun was shining brightly… If he took a little dip, who would mind?

Grimsby would mind. The whole kingdom would mind. They were in mourning for the Prince. Everyone in their seaside kingdom was wearing black, which wasn’t a good idea in these hot summer months. Even Eric was wearing black right now. And if these clothes got wet! Everyone would know he was out in recreation while the rest of the kingdom was mourning the death of Prince Filbert. Oh well…

Arf! Arf!

Todd barked, reminding Eric that he was still there.

“Aw, good boy, good boy, stay quiet.” Todd nudged at a piece of wood lying near him, and beckoning towards the ocean.

“No, boy. We can’t play fetch out there. If you get wet, I’ll get wet!” Eric reprimanded. “And we can’t get past old Grimsby.”

Todd put his head down.

“Aoow…aooow….aoooooow….” he begged.

Eric laughed at the sad dog, and picked up the stick.

“Here!” Eric shouted, throwing the stick into the clear waters. Todd bounded off for it, as goofy as possible.

“Ra-warf! Warf!” barked the sheepdog, searching for his piece of wood.

“Ra-waf! Waf!” He found the stick.

The wet, gray and white dog came running up to Eric. He knew this would happen. Maybe Grimsby wouldn’t get too mad. Because know the huge canine had run over Eric, knocking him down, soaking him with seawater.

Eric laughed, might as well live it up, he thought. The sailor took the stick from the dog and started to throw it back into the water when he paused, hearing a strange, beautiful sound. Like angels.

The sound came from across the beach, and Eric couldn’t resist the song. He threw down the stick, and went running, faster than the wind. Todd was trailing far behind. When Eric slipped on the sand, he threw off his boots, and he ran across the sand with only his socks on.

Eric was out of breath when he finally reached the spot where the music seemed to originate. And, for a second he heard it. He was in bliss, for one whole second. One second that lasted for a thousand years. But when the animal calls of Todd arrived, they were gone. It was like the beautiful sound didn’t want any other sounds encroaching on its solo. Eric didn’t want any other sounds either.

It was like the sound emanated from the sky. It had to be angels. Only they could make such sweet sounds. Eric wanted to fly into the sky and visit those angels, and it seemed like Todd did, too, for Todd bounded off, jumping to the edge of the shore.

And then Eric saw. Todd was not looking for the angelic voice. He was greeting some poor person, lying on the hot sands next to the water.

“Ahhh! Somebody get this walking tub of saliva off of me!”

That poor survivor’s voice could only belong to one person, and Eric knew immediately who it was.

Eric ran to Prince Filbert, who was trying to push Todd off of him.

“Get off me you mutt! I’ll have you sliced for my stew!”

“Your highness!” said Eric. “Off, Todd, off!” Todd obeyed the command.

Prince Filbert managed to get to his feet. His clothes were ruined, his shoes were lost, and he only had one of his silken gloves. Eric couldn’t help but smirk to think of Filbert’s reaction when he looked into the mirror for the first time and saw his condition.

“Ah… ah… Who are you?” stuttered Filbert. “I know I’m back home because I recognize the mutt, but I don’t recognize you!” The Prince almost fell to the ground, but Eric swooped in and picked him up.

“I’m Eric, Grimsby, your caretaker’s son,” he answered.

“Oh, oh. Would you be kind enough to take me home,” Eric thought maybe the Prince had gained manners in his weak state, “NOW!”

Never mind.

Eric backed the Prince up on his shoulder as they stumbled home. It would have been unbearable had the angelic sound not been playing in his mind. When the castle was just a little bit beyond site, Eric said, “So, did you hear anything, when you washed up on the beach?”

“What, besides the wretched noises of the mutt?”

“No, no,” Eric laughed. “Something beautiful. Like angels.”

“How ridiculous! You must be out of your mind. I heard nothing of the sort,” replied the Prince.

Eric shrugged. Maybe the sound was just for his ears. Todd didn’t seem to hear it, either. After all, why would a dog run to a man that didn’t even like washed up on the beach, instead of the enticing ethereal sound? Eric thought it best to keep quiet the rest of the way.

Arf! Arf!

Todd’s barks signaled the castle in the horizon. He could make out the figure of Grimsby, walking down the stairs, probably looking for him.

The canine went running, and so did the “exhausted” Filbert. Eric walked the rest of the way, but he got there in plenty of time to hear the conversation between Grimsby and Filbert.

“My boy! You’re here! Thank goodness, we thought you dead!” exclaimed his caretaker.

“Ah… Grimsby, it was horrible… I was taken down by a hideous monster to the depths of the ocean, but I broke free, and drifted over the sea for days.”

Eric rolled his eyes. It hadn’t even been a full day since the shipwreck. But Filbert continued his story.

“I never thought I’d be back, but I am!”

“Sea monsters, how courageous, my boy! You must tell me more!” said Grimsby. “Here, Eric, tell everyone in the castle that our Prince is home! We will make a celebration out of it!”

Everyone, even Todd, went inside, leaving Eric out all by himself.

“Hmm…” he sighed. He walked into the castle, and spread the word of the Prince’s safe arrival and the celebration to follow.

Celebration.

[WickedElphie]

OOh. The plot thickens. Poor Ariel, being mistaken for a sea monster. Twice! But I'm sure at least Eric will be changing his tune eventually.

For Filbert, make sure he's a fully realized character and not just a cliche. That doesn't mean he can't be a jerk, but he should have reasons and motives for being one.

Can't wait to see where this goes next!

[UmbrellaFish]

Apr 8, 2009 13:20:57 GMT -5 WickedElphie said:

OOh. The plot thickens. Poor Ariel, being mistaken for a sea monster. Twice! But I'm sure at least Eric will be changing his tune eventually.

For Filbert, make sure he's a fully realized character and not just a cliche. That doesn't mean he can't be a jerk, but he should have reasons and motives for being one.

Can't wait to see where this goes next!

I just finished writing the third chapter, which I'm posting tomorrow.

I was originally going to call it "And the Plot Thickens", but I might have to change that now!

Anyway, thank you for your concern about Filbert, I don't want to turn him into another Mason. Anyway, a bit of his background is explained in the next chapter, but I don't plan to really flesh him out until he meets Ariel, which happens in two or three more chapters.

[UmbrellaFish]

Here's chapter three! I really do appreciate reviews!

Chapter Three: Food For Thought

“Yesterday began as a glorious celebration of the eighteenth birthday of our prince, Filbert,” spoke Grimsby in the banquet hall where Filbert was smiling with glee.

But it took an unexpected turn when our ship caught fire,” Grimsby paused, “and we almost lost our shining heir to the throne.”

Eric was sitting near the very end of the table. His father forced him to put on some nice clothes, “Celebrate your beloved Prince’s arrival!”, and all that… It wasn’t that he wasn’t happy that the Prince was alive… He just wished that they didn’t fawn over him so. Sickening. He may be the crowned Prince, but Eric believed that being pampered and spoiled by the court couldn’t help with his ruling the kingdom someday.

But who cared about his opinions?

Eric zoned back in on the speech, “Thank heavens our Prince fought his way from the dreadful… monster...” Eric grinned. One thing Eric knew about his father is that he didn’t believe in mythical creatures. If Grimsby wasn’t so fearful of the Prince, maybe he’d say so. But he didn’t.

The room sounded with applause. He must have missed the end of speech. Absentmindedly, he began to clap along with the others. When the clapping ceased, everyone took to their plates, but Eric couldn’t.

It was nice… King Crab, Hush Puppies, a piece of fish, some bread sticks and stews… Food prepared especially for the occasion by Louie, the Chef. Food that he may never get to eat to again.

Eric planned to leave the castle, soon. Grimsby was determined that he become the caretaker to Filbert’s children, but Eric couldn’t do that. He wanted a life on the sea, far away from the kingdom on land. After all, as soon as Filbert came into power, he was sure the kingdom would erupt into some disorder, possibly a revolution, which Eric didn’t want to be around to see.

The banquet was over in less than an hour. Everyone retired to the ballroom. No dances, no music, just mingling. Boring mingling.

Eric didn’t plan on staying for more congratulations to the Prince. He slipped through, out to the beach.

It was amazing how different a shade of light made the beach. There were still no clouds, or waves… There was no sun, either, but the moon and stars filled its role adequately.

Even the beach was boring.

Somewhere, something must be going on. Something exciting.

And he was right.

Far underneath the ocean, a little red-haired mermaid was making a decision that would change forever her life, and Eric’s.

But Eric couldn’t know this. The night was still, cold, and quiet. Maybe it would be better to go back in.

So Eric traveled back into the castle. Maybe he could go back to his and Grimsby’s room, go to sleep. Ah sleep… That sounded good…

It was not easy for Eric to go to sleep that night. He tossed, and he turned. But, an hour in bed, he eyes finally stayed fixed shut, and Eric took a rest for awhile.

Awhile.

He was reawakened two hours later by Grimsby, who was just coming back from the banquet party.

“Ah, there you are,” he said. “I missed you at the party.”

“Mmmhmm…”

“Prince Filbert missed you, too. He’s very grateful that you found him.”
“Is he?”

“Don’t be so surprised,” snapped Grimsby. “I know you haven’t lived here long, but the rumors out there about him are absolutely not true…”

“Yes, yes, those stories don’t do him justice.”

Grimsby spied Eric, trying to test his sincerity. “Yes, yes…”

His parents were great rulers, I’m sure Filbert will follow suit.”

“His parents?”

“I know Filbert doesn’t like us to talk of them… But they loved him, and ruled this empire efficiently. I remember his father requesting I take care of him on his deathbed. So sad… That was twelve years ago… Filbert was never the same again after that.”

“Filbert? Not Prince Filbert?” questioned Eric.

“You’re learning much about me, tonight, aren’t you, my boy,” laughed Grimsby. “Yes, I’m very close to him… In some ways, he’s my second son.”

“My brother?” said Eric, sarcastically.

“You could say so, that would explain the sibling rivalry,”

“Sibling rivalry? What are you trying to say?”

“You just seem,” Grimsby was thinking of the right word, “jealous, of the Prince.”

Grimsby had not chosen the right word.

“You spoil him far too much! How can he rule a kingdom when-”

Grimsby stopped him.

“Eric, you’re in no position to question our Prince!” stamped Grimsby.

Eric cooled down. He messed up, big time. He told his opinion. He couldn’t do that. He shook his head and covered the sheets back over him.

“Good-night…” his father said as he left the room, blowing the candle out.

“Good-night,” returned Eric. He hoped tomorrow would be much, much better.

[toons27]

Ah, poor Eric! I agree! Filbert will not be a good king if het continues getting pampered!

[WickedElphie]

Yeah I think Filbert definitely rubs Eric the wrong way. Hmmm...Ariel's decision. I'm curious as to what the exact terms of whatever deal she made are. I'm got to admit, right now I'm hooked!

[fridamoonbeam]

I really like Eric in this. I think about him often if he weren't a prince. He just seems like of all the DP's he'd make the transition the easiest.

What I kind of see for what Eric's feeling in this part of the story is how a older sibling would feel about their younger. So I get what Grimsby's saying (not exactally! LOL) "Spoiled, gets everything, no one punishes them." -- I know this because I AM the youngest of five So I'm the "Ariel" of my family. XD

[josh89]

yes continue i want to know about ariels decision

[UmbrellaFish]

I haven't yet had enough time to work on this story. School lets out soon, so hopefully I can pump out another chapter within the next week. I have one other story I'm working on too (I just get so many ideas, I just have to write them all), and I have even more creativity bubbles. So, long story short, I should be getting back to this baby soon.


UmbrellaFish

[UmbrellaFish]

A NEW CHAPTER!!!!!!

Chapter Four: Beautiful Name

From Eric’s bedroom chamber window, the day looked much better than that of the one before. Judging from the raindrops left on his windowsill, it had showered that night. And Eric knew there was nothing nicer than the fresh scent of the beach after a summer storm.

Eric left his bed unmade, and quickly changed into a pair of trousers and a green shirt, leaving behind his boots. He grabbed his harmonica, and leaped out the door, stumbling over faithful Todd, who had stayed the night by his favorite human’s room.

“Good ol’ Todd,” praised Eric, pushing the hairy sheepdog’s face in his.

“Hey,” he asked, “what do you say about going on a little trip to the beach?”

“Arf! Arf!” barked the dog in approval.

“Okay,” smiled Eric. “Just don’t forget your stick. We can play a little fetch today.”

While Todd went searching for his favorite piece of driftwood, Eric went on to the servant’s entrance where he could leave without being detecting by anybody, especially Grimsby.

Eric loved the feel of the wet sand underneath his feet, and he took a seat on a large boulder near the water and began to play a ditty with his harmonica. He stared out into the long winding ocean. Eric didn’t see it as endless at all, he saw it as a portal, the most interesting portal at least, to all kinds of amazing places. People drabbled on about flying from place to place, and in Venice a man was working on just that. But Eric didn’t think that would be as entertaining. If you could fly, the peril would be taken out. You would be operating your own flying mechanism in clear skies, like birds. According to the Venice man you could have your own pair of wings. It’s very different being in the ocean on a massive boat. Who knows what lurks beneath the waves?

But Eric was far more interested with what lurked beyond the waves, not underneath them. Faraway countries like China and Japan, and places as exotic as Egypt. Oh, to explore new worlds, on a ship like that!

Arf! Arf!

Eric recognized that animal sound immediately and smiled. His companion was catching up. In no less than two seconds did the royal mutt race from the entrance staircase to Eric’s feet. The first thing Todd did was to offer the sailor his stick of wood. Eric gladly accepted it, then hurled it out to sea. Todd was delighted, and he jerked away into the water.

It took him a second or so to uncover the plaything, but he did, and then raced back towards Eric. When Eric received the half saliva-half salt water soaked stick, he thought to toss it back out, but Todd didn’t seem interested. His attention must have diverted to something, which proved true when Eric saw the sheepdog go bounding off to the west.

Curious to see what the dog had discovered, Eric ran after him. He was surprised to see a beautiful woman with hair the color of fire, dressed in some piece of wreckage, clutching a large brown rock.

“Ahhh! Ahhh!”

The girl was screaming, frightened of the barking Todd.

“Todd! Stop!” he commanded. The dog was good, and followed his master’s command, falling behind. Eric moved closer to the maiden, who was shivering.

“Who… who’s there?” she asked.

“Um… just me. Eric.”

“Thank you, Eric, for saving my life!” The girl’s face was extremely animated, so much so that Eric couldn’t quite get a good look at her.

“What?” he said. “From this thing here? He’s harmless, miss. It was no problem.”

“Really? Can I touch him?” she asked.

“Of course, he won’t harm you. Come here Todd.” Eric led the sheepdog towards the pretty girl, whose arm was outstretched, waiting to feel the beast.

“Wow! Whatever’s covering him feels just like my hair,” she declared. The girl pushed her face into the dog’s, just like Eric had done earlier. “Ohh! He’s so wet!” she said as she let Todd lick her. “Ha, ha,” she giggled.

Todd moved away towards the Eric, and he walked closer to the girl.

“Are you okay?”

“How do I look?”

“Wha…”

“Do… Do I have legs… and um, feet?” she asked, stumbling.

“Yes, can’t you see, you’re perfectly…”

For the first time the maiden was not bobbing her head back and forth and he got a good look at the girl. She had naturally red lips, a cute little nose, and beautiful, shimmering blue eyes… That were scarred.

“Oh my god… What happened?”

“I was, um, shipwrecked,” she explained, “and something terrible happened, and um, as you can tell, this happened.”

“I’m so sorry…”

“Don’t be sorry, I’m happy to be alive, here! With legs! I can’t wait to explore this place!”

“You like to explore?” Eric questioned. “Oh, what am I saying… You need to get into the palace. We’ll have a physician examine you at the palace.” He took the girl’s arms and tried to lift her off the rock. When she got up she wobbled a little bit on her legs. It made perfect sense, thinking about what she had just gone through. Poor girl.

When the girl stood up from the rock, something fell behind her. It was a shining piece of coral, fashioned like a tiara. When Eric picked it up, he realized it was a tiara.

“What’s this?”
“What’s what?” the stranger asked.

“This tiara. Is it yours?” Eric didn’t think that was possible. The girl was much too nice to belong to the same type of title as Filbert.

“Tiara? Oh, yes!”

“Then you’re a Princess,” replied Eric, bewildered.

“Mmhmm. And you’re a Prince, aren’t you? You do live in a palace, correct?”

What was Eric to say? He had a feeling he’d like this girl, she was optimistic, and she was an explorer like him, and she was beautiful. He couldn’t live if the girl rejected him, for not being a blue-blood like her. He made up his mind.

“Sure, yes, I do, I am!” Eric felt an unnatural pride at being something more than a servant boy. But that wasn’t Eric… He was already feeling unsure about this. But he was sure he loved the girl, and as he led her to the palace, with Todd behind, he didn’t think of himself as a sell-out. He just thought he was one of those unlucky people who fell in love.

“By the way, what’s your name?” he asked.

“Ariel.”

Ariel. What a beautiful name.

[UmbrellaFish]

Anyone who wants to follow this story can follow it here- www.fanfiction.net/s/4975997/1/The_Sailor_and_the_Princess

I put up a brand new chapter yesterday.

[toons27]

I like your story a lot! I wish I can write like you!

[UmbrellaFish]

A late thank-you, but thanks toons27!

Finally, after a LONG hiatus this story has been picked up again, so be sure to follow it on fanfiction.net!