A Human in King Triton's Court

[Aquisha]

Chapter 19

Across the room, Eric, Urchin, Gabriella and Ollie were still swapping Ariel stories and laughing over how they all involved a very loosely-conceived plan, underestimated risk, chance escapes, and the promise that it would never happen again. In the lull of one of these, when Eric looked off to watch Ariel and Triton, Urchin, Ollie, and Gabriella shared a look; a subtle but significant look.

“You know, Eric,” Urchin started. “It looks like Ariel really likes you.”

“We’ve been friends for a while,” Eric said, distracted by the dance floor.

“It’s just funny; before you and Ariel came over, Gabriella, Ollie, and I were talking about how Ariel’d never mentioned having a friend in the North Pacific. Especially one she likes as much as you.”

“Well,” Eric answered, now compelled to focus on the conversation though he still looked out at the dancers. “You know how Ariel can be; things just slip her mind.”

Gabriella looked to Ollie who said, “You mean like how she’s supposed to be in love with a human somewhere?”

“What?” Eric asked, confused.

Gabriella signed with a sly smile. Eric was at a loss. “What’d she say?” he asked.

“She said, ‘Ariel was holding your hand the entire time she was over here’,” Ollie translated.

“That human of hers must have just ‘slipped her mind’ huh?” Urchin asked sardonically.

Eric laughed it off as he looked from the octopus and the mermaid to the young merman. They all had the same looks, looks that dared him to deny what they were insinuating. This had officially become Eric’s worst case scenario. He was awful, awful at lying no matter how big or small it was. He didn’t know what about him gave it away, but any time he made an attempt to even fib, it was like a big “FALSE” was stamped on his forehead. Ariel could out maneuver anyone, even her friends and family, and he’d counted on that. But now his life preserver was gone and he was drowning.

Urchin picked up again. “You know, ‘Eric’ isn’t a very Atlantican sounding name, is it?”

“Come to think of it,” Ollie said, “I don’t think I’ve ever met an Eric in Atlantica. Have you Gabriella.”

The mermaid shook her head slowly as she crossed her arms.

“But,” Urchin continued. “I guess that’s because you’re from up north. Way…way north,” he said heavily.

Eric took a deep breath. He decided he could either attempt to lie, in which case the ballroom could end up burning to the ground (he knew he was underwater, but with his luck, somehow it would happen) or he could just cut his losses.

“Alright, guys,” Eric said quickly and quietly. “You can’t say anything.”

“Knew it,” said Urchin as Ollie smiled and Gabriella’s hands shot to her face.

“Really, it’s important,” said Eric emphatically.

“Don’t worry,” said Urchin. “We won’t say a thing…What was is it like? Defeating Ursula and everything, I mean.”

Gabriella signed and Ollie sighed. She gave him a nudge and he translated begrudgingly. “Gabriella says that it’s terribly romantic what you did for Ariel. She’s really happy for you two.”

“Well,” Eric answered surprised to suddenly be talking about all this, “it was the scariest thing I’ve ever done and thank you, Gabriella.”

“Cool” said Urchin as Gabriella nodded. After a second, Urchin looked Eric over and said, “You must really like her to come down here like this.”

“I do,” Eric answered with a pause.

Urchin smiled. “Good.”

Eric was smiling back when Ariel swam up to everyone. “Well, I’m glad to see that you all were getting along.”

“Yeah,” Urchin said easily. “We were just talking about how much you like human stuff,” he said grinning mischievously as he clapped Eric on the back.

Ariel’s eyes widened with understanding as she looked from her old friends to Eric. Her mouth was open to say something when a squeal distracted her.

“Urchin!” Adella screamed, as she swam through everyone to hug him. “I’m so glad Daddy got you to come! And you found her. Oh, I wish we could have seen you surprise her!” she said as Waverly, Andrina, and Sheldon swam up to them. “Ollie! Gabriella! It’s so good to see you!”

In seconds, everyone was laughing and talking. Ariel, who was still a little concerned, was swept up into the conversation as Flounder (who’d finally made it to the ballroom from the backstage of the concert hall), Arista, and Attina joined them in their elation over Urchin, Gabriella, and Ollie. Ariel finally made it to Eric’s side and when everyone else was engrossed in Urchin’s stories from school, she asked him calmly, “How did they find out about you?”

Eric looked at her with a combination of guilt, apology, and apprehension. “I didn’t tell them!” he answered in a fervent whisper. “Really, they just guessed! And after that happened, you know I couldn’t lie about it.”

“Yes I know,” Ariel said rolling her eyes playfully. Then she looked at her friends in the center of the conversation. “Well, if anyone was going to find out, I’d want it to be them.”

“I thought so,” Eric said putting his arm around her.

From across the room, Queen Niobi noticed the bubbling group of princesses around their friends and smiled. “Triton, it looks like your girls are enjoying themselves.”

The sea king, standing to her right, had to turn around to see what she was talking about. “Oh yes. I invited a few of the girls’ old friends to the gala. I thought it might make the night a little less formal for them and a little more fun.”

“Ariel looks as though she’d never left,” Niobi noted.

“Yes! It’s a comfort to both of us to know that Atlantica will always be home for her. I know, I know, she’ll be fine where she is, but I just want her to know that she’ll always have friends and family here. She should never have to worry about coming home to us just because she’s making a life somewhere else.”

“Triton,” she said smiling, “you’ve come such a long way! Your girls will be all the better for it. And I think Athena would be proud of all of you.”

“Thank you Niobi,” he said, taking her hand.

“Triton, there you are!” bellowed a great voice.

Triton turned to see Augustus of the Olympians in rare joviality and Apollo, the hero of the Sargasso Wars swimming towards them.

“Augustus! Apollo! So good to see you! And thank you for your wonderful presentations tonight.”

“Of course, of course, Triton!” Augustus laughed. “It’s a pleasure to recreate such heroic exploits!” he said clapping Apollo on the back. “Young people today need to see more of it!”

“You mean war and violence?” Niobi asked pointedly.

“Yes!” Augustus answered outright. “It builds character and strength. Just look at Apollo!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Apollo said in his even measured voice. “You really are too kind but I think my character and strength have come from the journeys I’ve taken meeting new people and working with them to create new things.”

“The same thing happens with war: you meet new people, defeat them, and then use their labor to build a new empire from the rubble. Like I said, it’s the same thing.”

“You make your point so eloquently, Augustus,” Niobi said through a smile.

“Thank you, Niobi.”

“Apollo,” Triton started, wanting to shift the subject. “I’ve heard your last trip into the Pacific was singular.”

“It was! There’s so much out there that we haven’t explored and things that we can’t begin to imagine! In fact, I really want to find Ariel and discuss it with her and her North Pacific friend. I’m sure they’ll both have plenty to say on the subject.”

“I’m sure Ariel would love to see you, Apollo. You know how highly she thinks of you.”

“Well, I’m sure by now her stories probably eclipse mine. Living with humans,” he said to himself in genuine awe. “Now that’s an adventure! You must be very proud of her bravery, Triton.”

Triton only nodded. From the corner of his eye he saw Augustus chewing on words he was struggling to hold back.

“I’d love to meet that human she saved,” Apollo continued earnestly.

“He’s a good lad. I think you’d like him Apollo.”

“Triton,” Augustus started. “Do you really believe that? He’s a human! Have you forgotten our losses at their hands? Your loss!” Apollo looked down and Niobi straightened at the allusion to Queen Athena. “I’m sorry, Your Highness, but that I will never understand.”

“That’s fine, Augustus,” Triton said evenly, with no trace of even a quickened pulse. “I haven’t forgotten our unfortunate past with humans, and trust me I don’t think I ever will. But I also haven’t forgotten Ursula who, unlike humans who know nothing of our world, knew exactly who it was she was hurting. But this ‘human’ defeated her; something even I couldn’t do. You can disagree, but I think that counts as one of those ‘heroic exploits’ that young people need to see more of.”

Augustus seemed to have shrunk after Triton spoke. But, he did manage to give his king a nod of respect and that’s all Triton needed.

“Well, thank Neptune that we’re rid of that evil,” said Niobi.

“Well said,” Apollo seconded.

Triton smiled easily and said, “Come, let’s find some refreshment. Now Augustus, I’ve heard that you’re planning a new stadium in Olympia. Is that true?”

“Yes, and it’ll rival the best stadiums in the ocean! Fully equipped for Aquabatics, Sea Chariot Racing, Spongeball; any sport you can imagine!”

And without the slightest glint of tension as they moved through the crowd, their conversation flowed on effortlessly as Apollo and Niobi followed behind.

[WickedElphie]

Love love love. The Ariel/Triton moment was so sweet and spot on, and I adored all the series cameos. Epsecially Urchin, Apollo, Gabrielle and Ollie. There was just great character interaction through-out all of it. Have I said how much I loved it?

[Aquisha]

Thanks Jess! You know, I wasn't going to give Urchin an actual scene because I thought he'd be too hard or awkward to write, but I just tried it out and ended up liking it. I guess you can't knock it til you write it...

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Chapter 20

Since Ariel was engrossed in her conversation with Apollo, it was pretty easy for Eric to sneak away from them. To be completely honest, he was kind of grateful to have a reason to leave. Apollo’s questions about the North Pacific were getting harder and harder to answer. Actually, when he’d asked Eric to give an example of colloquial Pacifican, Ariel thought they were sunk, but Eric was able to prattle off some language that she’d never heard before. Apollo was beyond impressed, Ariel was relieved, and Eric was glad that he remembered how to say “I think this year’s wheat harvest will be exquisite” in German.
After squeezing through the crowds, he eventually found the object of his search: Aquata was with Finn talking to a group of young nobles from the Caribbean.

“Aquata,” he asked, politely touching her arm. The mermaid turned to him and nodded her excuse from the group.

“What’s up, Eric? Are you going now?” she asked, anxiously taking his hand.

“No, not yet; she’s having such a great time with everyone. I think I’m going to wait and take her later, after the gala’s over. That way she won’t miss seeing anyone.”

Aquata smiled warmly, though she seemed disappointed. “Yeah, that’ll be fine. I guess I just got a little excited,” she said sheepishly.

“I can tell,” Eric said slyly.

Aquata crinkled her nose at him. “But what about you, can you wait another hour or so?”

Eric sighed deeply. “I think so, yeah.”

“Alright then,” she said squeezing his hand.

Then out of nowhere, two hands were on Eric’s shoulders. “Eric,” Ariel said swimming around to face him, “I looked up and you were gone! Apollo and I weren’t boring you, were we?”

“No,” he started nervously. His heart was in his throat, but he managed to find his voice. “I just thought that it might be easier to make me sound like a North Pacific prince if I wasn’t there to do the talking.”

“Actually, I thought you were doing really well! Oh, I’m sorry, Aquata,” she said, noticing her sister for the first time, “You two were talking.”

“No, no,” Aquata answered easily. “It wasn’t anything important. Actually,” she said swimming up to Ariel, “now that you’re both here I want to introduce you to Niobi’s son Conch. Come on.”

And in one effortless sweep, Aquata had moved Ariel and Eric into the lively conversation that had been going without interruption behind them. They were welcomed into the group with interest seeing as how Conch had heard much of Ariel from his mother and had been quite taken with her from the stories the Queen told. It was only when everyone else was fixed on Ariel, who was regaling them with her various exploits that Eric stole a thankful glance to Aquata who just returned it with a grin.

******************

It had taken some time, but at last the glorious celebration of King Triton was beginning to subside. The older guests had already retired and the younger guests, even the noblest of them, could no longer conceal the well-earned yawns of a long day’s reveling. Sebastian’s band, which had kept the party afloat for hours, was now down to the last few songs of the evening. Triton himself had made his way to the great doors of the ballroom and, with Aquata by his side, was bidding goodnight to the first few retirees of the night.

On the dance floor, Eric was upholding the last part of a promise he’d made to Andrina earlier in the evening: he had to dance with each princess, seeing as how this was potentially their last chance to do so. Surprisingly, it hadn’t been too hard of a promise to keep, it had been a very long party and even though there were six sisters to dance with (since he’d probably have more chances to dance with Ariel, she didn’t count) he’d managed to find each of them during the night and whisk them around the floor. Arista was last of course, because she loved giving Eric a hard time and had made herself illusive. But he’d finally snuck up on her while she was beaming at the gorgeously handsome (and terribly vain) Prince Reed of the Mediterranean. She was “not at all happy” about being pulled away from such a “beautiful example marine nobility” and having “the highlight” of her evening ruined, but Eric turned a deaf ear to all that and got her on the dance floor nonetheless. And since she’d been the hardest quarry that evening, pouty and all, it was his dance with Arista that Eric most enjoyed.

Ariel had made her way to the balcony and was taking in the view of the city. She really didn’t know how she’d wandered there but as soon as she found herself in the open space of the ocean she was glad she did. Everything was so peaceful and calm from this height. Looking out, Ariel could see Atlantica clear to the wilderness; the place where the sea carnival would set up in the summer, the grove where she’d found Lucky, the bad luck creature, the trench where she’d gotten her charm bracelet caught on a coral. And though she was comforted by all those memories, she wasn’t saddened by the fact that she would never make any more like them; that her time in Atlantica was coming to an end. It was one of those moments where the lack of a feeling is harder to deal with than the feeling itself. Ariel was just surprised that in this moment, when no one would see or judge her if she started to cry, she didn’t feel the need to. But, strange as it was, on that ledge that night Ariel was happier for her peace of mind than for any tears she could have shed.

“Hey…the party’s almost over.”

Ariel turned to see Urchin floating between her and the opening to the ballroom. Dancing figures swam about in a blur behind him as he swam closer to her.

“I know,” she said dreamily. “It was a good one, wasn’t it?”

“One of the best I’ve ever been to,” he answered, leaning with his back on the railing. “But, I don’t get invited to fancy things like this much.”

Ariel gave a little laugh. “Will I see you before you leave in the morning?”

“Come on, Ariel. I wouldn’t leave without saying good bye to you. Why do you keep thinking I just forgot that we were friends?”

“I’m sorry,” she said, seeing he was at least playfully offended. “It’s just that, the way I left, I wouldn’t be surprised if you did.”

“Never. Ariel,” he said nervously taking her hands, “I’m happy for you. I really am. This is what you wanted. We all knew that. And meeting Eric just makes it even better. He really likes you. I mean, a lot.” At this Ariel giggled. “I know you’re gonna be fine. Better than fine; you’re gonna be happy. I won’t say I won’t miss you. I’m gonna miss you. But I want this for you more.”

Ariel pulled him into a hug. “Thanks Urchin,” she whispered.

“Don’t mention it,” he said easily pulling away. “And, if something does happen up there, just remember, I am going to school at a military academy.”

Ariel laughed and hit him on the shoulder. Then she turned to the ballroom. She just noticed that Sebastian’s band had stopped playing. The gala was really over and it was time to help say goodnight to the guests.

“Come on,” she said, swimming a little towards the ballroom. “I have to get inside and help thank everyone.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Urchin said catching up to her. She pushed him one more time before they both swam back inside.

[Coral]

Wonderful! Ignoring Urchin wouldn't have been right and you did it beautifully.

[Aquisha]

So womp, womp for this taking so long to get up here. But real life is pausing for a second and I just had to get this part done. Hope you enjoy!

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Chapter 21

Bidding “goodnight” and “thank you” to every guest at the gala had been a daunting task. The girls didn’t know where they’d pulled the energy from (probably the watchful eye of Aquata at the slightest hint of a yawn) but they’d managed to do it. “Just be glad that we don’t have to wash the dishes,” Andrina added as they all swam out of the ballroom.

Then of course, there was saying goodnight to their escorts. The boys all thanked Triton profusely for letting them be part of the celebration and kissed the girls goodnight with the promise of returning in the morning to send Ariel and Eric off. Sebastian and Flounder seconded that as they said goodnight and swam home. Finally, the girls, Finn and Eric all thanked Triton for what had been such a wonderful evening and hoped that he’d enjoyed himself.

“Of course,” said the king cheerfully. “I don’t think anyone could have kept from having a wonderful time. But it’s late and you’ve been busy all day. I think you’ve all earned a good night’s rest. Goodnight girls, Finn, Eric.”

Everyone nodded as Aquata and Finn led the girls up to their rooms. They were all so tired that they hardly spoke at all as Aquata led them round the spiraled seaways of the palace. They reached Ariel’s room first and she and Eric stopped in front of her shell door.

“Good night, guys,” Aquata said. “Don’t stay up too late, huh? It’s going to be an early morning tomorrow if we want to get you back by the afternoon.”

“Oh, don’t remind me,” Alana said throwing her hands to her cheeks in melodramatic despair.

“It’s ok, Lana,” Ariel said warmly. “I’ll still be here in the morning.”

“Yeah,” Andrina added. “We’ll get all weepy then. Get some sleep, guys!”

“We will,” Eric answered.

“Night, guys!” Ariel said as she and Eric slipped into the room.

The first thing Ariel did was to go to her vanity, take off her tiara and let down her hair in a crimson avalanche. It really did bother her to have her hair done up and when she’d shaken it all out she felt much better. When she turned around, she was seemingly alone in her room.

“Eric?”

“I’m out here.” His voice came from the small balcony.

She swam to the opening of the little balcony and leaned on the edge as her prince turned to her. Wisps of her hair were being twirled about gently by the invisible hands the passing current. It didn’t happen often, but wearing the demure beads and pearls of her shells against her hair free and wild, she looked coquettish.

“Hi,” he said clumsily.

Even though the word was monosyllabic, Ariel still noticed the nervousness in it. “Hi,” she returned with a raised eyebrow.

There was a pause, just a heartbeat shy of being unnatural. “You have an amazing view,” Eric said quickly. “I hadn’t seen it before.”

“Yeah, I kinda lucked out on the room. Since the balcony’s not directly over the entrance to the palace, I never got caught sneaking out.”

“That would be the most important detail for you, wouldn’t it? Ease of escape.”

Ariel wrinkled her nose at him in feigned offense and then looked back to the seascape in front of them. “It is a great view. I never really thought about it before.”

There was another pause as they both looked out over the railing. Ariel tilted her head and turned to Eric, “Are you ok?”

“Yeah. No, I’m fine,” he said, turning his back to the railing with his elbows leaning on it.

Ariel didn’t blink. “Uh huh.”

Eric looked at her, took a deep breath, and let it out in a chuckle. “Right; I’m a horrible liar. I forgot.”

Ariel looked at him expectantly. “I have a question…” he started.

“I knew it!” she said victoriously. “I knew there was something. Is it bad?”

“No it’s not bad.”

“You wanna make a sea slide in the castle at home?”

“That would be amazing, but no.”

“You’ve fallen madly in love with Arista and want my permission to run away with her?”

“No!” he said outright. “I mean I love Arista, well, I mean I don’t love Arista, but…no, that’s just weird! No.”

Ariel was giggling. “I’m sorry. What is it then?”

He looked out to the city and back to her. “Don’t you miss it? After being away and coming back…”

“Not really,” she answered with an easy smile. “There was nothing for me here except unanswered questions. If I’d stayed in the grotto the night of the shipwreck, I’d probably be there right now still staring up at the moon and wondering. It was lonely; I don’t miss that.” Then she looked back to him. “Now, Eel-ectric City with my sisters: that I’ll miss.”

Eric gave a small laugh. “Well, in that case,” he said, shifting his weight to one elbow as he turned to her. “I can’t tell you what exactly we’ll do on land or where we’ll go or what we’ll find, but I can promise that up there it’ll never be boring, I’ll never stop trying to find the answers with you, and you won’t be lonely, ever. I have another question.”

Ariel was beaming. “What?”

She watched as Eric reached behind the shell of his sash and took out the ring: a small pearl enveloped in a simple silver band. “Ariel, will you marry me?”

She was in a state of shock. She looked from the ring to Eric and back, mouth agape, completely overwhelmed. Suddenly, she started laughing. She covered her mouth with both hands and the next thing Eric knew, Ariel’d thrown herself into his arms and they both almost fell over the railing.

“I’ll take that as a ‘yes’,” Eric said after Ariel had let go enough for him to speak.

“Yes! Yes! Just…yes!”

Then, Eric took her left hand and slipped the delicate band onto her ring finger.

“It’s beautiful Eric!”

"You know the first day we were here, when you’re father took me to the Tidal Tower?” Ariel’s eyes widened into understanding. “He gave it to me then. I’d asked about it before we came.”

“I can’t believe…! Oh my…” The rest was unintelligible; Ariel’d covered her face with her hands. Eric laughed.

“Oh, I love you,” she said simply, hugging him again. “I just love you.”

“I love you, too,” he said as he kissed her.

She leaned back in his arms and just stared at him, sniffling.

“Are you crying?” he asked.

“Yes,” she said, with an embarrassed giggle.

He cradled her head in his hand and tilting his chin to look in her eyes. “I can’t tell in the water.”

Ariel laughed again and finally just put her head on his shoulder as he held her.

[Aquisha]

Chapter 22

As Ariel stirred out of sleep the next morning, the first thing she noticed was that she was not alone in her room. As she rubbed her eyes with both hands, she heard a slight squeal followed by a distinctly whispered “Hush, Adella”. Ariel gave a little laugh before she opened her eyes to see all six of her sisters perched around her bed: Adella, Arista and Alana on her left and Andrina, Aquata, and Attina on her right.

“Morning, guys,” she said innocently.

Adella, who, to keep from exploding was biting her lip, just threw both hands out to Ariel. Calmly, Ariel put her left hand in both of Adella’s. The room ignited.

“Ariel, it’s gorgeous!” Adella screamed.

“Aw, Ariel,” Andrina started, “Congratulations!”

“I said I wouldn’t cry,” Alana sobbed.

“Thanks, guys,” Ariel beamed. “How did you know?”

They were all sitting on the bed now, peering over one another to get a good look. “I couldn’t keep it from them any longer,” Aquata answered.

Then Adella turned to her. “I’m still mad that you knew and didn’t tell us!” she said pouting.

The room went quiet as every head turned to the eldest. She was still smiling but she winced guiltily. “I promised not to tell.”

“But why did he tell you and not us?” Attina asked pitifully.

“Because,” Andrina started matter-of-factly. “If we all knew, well, if Adella knew, Ariel would have known about it the second her fin hit the water!”

Adella looked offended but the other girls laughed.

“Well,” Aquata started with a sigh, “He was going to ask you last night during the gala. If you’d left, I was going to be in charge of distracting anyone looking for you until you got back. But, since all of your friends were there, he didn’t want to take you away from them.”

“Aw,” Alana cooed.

“Ariel,” Andrina started, “when he asked you, what did you do? What did you say? …I mean, apart from ‘yes’, of course.”

“I really didn’t say anything,” she said sheepishly. “I just hugged him.”

“Ugh, you were one of those girls that didn’t say ‘yes’ at all, weren’t you?” Arista scoffed. “A proposal is a question, you know! I mean, you still have to answer it.”

“Arista, really?” Andrina asked, playfully exasperated.

Arista crossed her arms. “I’m just saying…”

Ariel didn’t mind. There was very little Arista could say today that could make her upset.

“Well,” Andrina, “it’s a great going-away present, huh?”

The girls laughed a little but it was a little too true.

“You know,” Attina began tentatively, “we’ve got the land-sea post working so well nowadays that I’m sure it wouldn’t be too hard for Eric take care of his kingdom from here.”

“It is a shame for the guys to lose their seventh player on the Spongeball team,” Adella added. “If he stayed, I bet he could be co-captain in a month.”

“And it’s not like we’re necessarily running out of room in the palace,” Arista added, moving her hair from her eyes. “Really, what’s one more to a family of seven?”

There was a pause before Ariel said, “I kind of wish we could stay too.”

“But it’s ok,” Aquata said quickly. “There’s always the beach and we can see you whenever we want.”

“And when we do,” Adella added excitedly. “You’ll be a queen!”

And is if something had given way, the girls closest to Ariel (Adella and Andrina) grabbed her into a hug while everyone else just started squealing and laughing and jumping on the bed. It went on like this for a little while before it was abruptly stopped by a knock at the door. They all turned just in time to see the enormous clam shell open.

“What is going on in here?” Eric asked with a laugh.

There was a resounding chorus of “Eric!” as he swam across the room to the edge of the bed, nervously running his fingers through his hair.

“So I guess you found out, huh?”

“Oh, congratulations, Eric,” Alana said, startling him with a hug.

“Thanks, Alana.”

“I hope you know that we’re officially your sisters now,” Adella said pertly.

“Yeah,” Arista added. “There’s no getting rid of us after this.”

“You know, it’s a risk I’m willing to take,” he answered dryly. Arista smiled as she rolled her eyes.

“Well, welcome to the family, Eric,” said Aquata.

At that, Eric smiled shyly. “Thanks, Aquata.”

“Come on, girls,” Andrina said with a sigh. “Let’s give them some privacy.”

“But you only get five minutes of it,” Aquata added matter-of-factly as the rest of the girls said good bye. “Breakfast is downstairs and waiting and there a few guests who stayed last night that we need to see off.”

“Sure Aquata,” Ariel said before the shell closed. She leaned back on her pillows and pulled her tail to her chest. “I bet you never thought you’d have six sisters, huh?”

“Never, actually. But, yours are alright.”

“Thanks,” she said playfully.

“Really, I always to know what it’d be like to have a big family. So this is kind of perfect. I’m sorry that I don’t have any brothers or sisters for you. I guess Max counts for something.”

“Yes,” Ariel laughed. “Max counts very much!”

“Good,” he said as pulled her into a kiss. Then he added, “We should get breakfast.”

Ariel tilted her head the side. “In other words, you’re hungry.”

“I’m starving.”

“Ok,” she said as he offered her his hand, helped her off the bed, and swam out of the room.

[fridamoonbeam]

Dear lord, HOW did I miss the proposal?? That was absolutely darling, I'm still giddy.

And LOVE the sister's interaction. SO typical, poor Adella xD. Everyone was pitch perfect. I always look forward to your updates.

If you have time PLEASE consider joining the rp I just started here ^^

[Aquisha]

Yay! I wanted the proposal to be a surprise but I didn't want it to be completely random. Was it completely random? I hope it wasn't completely random. There was a hint of it at the very beginning of the story (the only reason why Grim let Eric go was because he might get a royal wedding out if it) but God knows that was so long ago that no one probably remembers.

Thanks so much about the characterization! I love the girls; I'm an only child and I like the idea of such a close group of sisters. Plus, they're just adorable!

About the rp, I've never really done an rp before and I don't want to flail around messing up yours! Plus, it's taken me almost three years to write this, I'd put the rp to a grinding halt. But thanks for the invite!

[WickedElphie]

OMG Love. Love. Love. I literally can't form words right now because I'm a pile of mush on the ground.

[Coral]

That was wonderful!!!!!!!!!!! With the wedding being the end of the movie I always forget there has to be a proposal in there someplace.

[Aquisha]

So, finally an update! Oh, denouement, why are you so hard for me? But here's just a little section but I think it's pretty fun. Enjoy guys!

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Chapter 23

Downstairs everyone was waiting for them: Triton and the princesses, Sebastian and Flounder, and Urchin, Gabriella, and Ollie. The dining room was filled with the sound of everyone’s excited congratulations. Triton didn’t say much (words were never his strong suit with his youngest) but for Ariel, he didn’t have to; she knew that he was happy for her and that he was wishing her the best. The strange and wonderful thing about that particular breakfast was that even though it was one of the most normal things that had happened during Ariel and Eric’s visit, it was one moment that none of them would ever forget. After everything that had happened in the last few days, they were finally all able to sit down and just enjoy being together. Sometimes just being around all of your favorite people is enough to turn the mundane into the memorable and that’s exactly what this was.

But soon, it was over and Gilliam had rushed in to whisk Triton off to his duties and Aquata was outlining the next few hours into a schedule. Before she knew it, Ariel had left Eric with Urchin and Flounder while she and her sisters were back in the grand foyer sending off the last of the guests.

Ariel really didn’t know what she was saying to people and she really didn’t hear anything that they were saying to her. She was really too overwhelmed to pay attention. Not only was she in the twelfth hour of her engagement to the man that she loved but these were the last few hours she would have in Atlantica for what was sure to be years. If she wasn’t absent-mindedly playing with the band on her left hand she was staring blankly at the play of the light on the sand or the sway of the kelp in the cool current.

It wasn’t until the hammer heads pulled up to the seaway that Ariel really noticed the person coming down the receiving line. Her heart jumped up to her throat as Attina was making her goodbyes. In two princesses Thor would be in front of her again and what would she do? A deep breath was all the preparation she had and there he was.

“Good bye, Thor,” she simply. Then from out of nowhere, she took his hand. “Thor, I don’t want you to leave without knowing that I am sorry if I hurt you. You were a good friend, and I would never have done anything to ruin that.”

The prince looked down at her. A cold “Thank you,” was all he said as he turned to leave.

Ariel sighed; she was disappointed but she wasn’t upset. It was unfortunate, but apparently, it was also irreparable.

Suddenly a streak of red and yellow flashed past her. Arista tapped Thor on the shoulder and he turned around.

“You know what Thor?” she asked with a calm reserve. “My sister didn’t have to apologize to you. She didn’t do anything to you or anyone else for that matter! She did it because she’s a good friend and she cares about you. That means she shouldn’t have to apologize just to make you feel better about yourself. I wouldn’t.”

Arista turned and joined the rest of her sisters, who were trying to see around the guests they were receiving to see was had happened. They were too far away to make out what Arista had said, so they watched Thor’s reaction. With nearly belligerent anger, he watched Arista swim away. His eyes flashed to Ariel, and where he’d expected a look of haughty victory, he saw one of concern. Instantly, all of his anger shrank into guilt, and the girls could have sworn that he almost looked ashamed. In a second, Thor was in his chariot and gone.

When there was a break in the line, Ariel made her way to Arista. “Thank you for that. You really didn’t have to.”

“Yes, I did," she said earnestly. "I owe you that and probably a little more. Plus, he really did deserve it.”

Ariel giggled and threw her arms around Arista.

“Ok, ok!” the blonde said, laughing. “Come on we’ve got more guests to get through.”

Ariel beamed a smile to her sister one last time before heading back to the end of the line.

“Arista?” Aquata said, leaning behind Andrina, who was in between them.

“Yes, Aquata,” she answered with a wince.

“You know that was completely inappropriate and we could get in huge trouble for talking to the prince of Olympia like that, right?

“Right.”

“…That was also pretty amazing.”

Arista just tossed her hair out of her eye and smirked. “Right.”

[WickedElphie]

Awww yay Arista sticking up for her baby sister! Loooove. As usual.

[Aquisha]

And, after 3 years, this story is done! It's seen me through my senior year of college, my move to NYC, and my first years as a real, registered adult...that makes it sound really pathetic, but I won't dwell on that. I will say that I cannot thank you all enough for being excited and encouraging about this story for so long! You're amazing! It's been a pleasure to write this and it's kind of sad to see it go (probably why it took so long to finish) but it's good too. I can't say what'll happen next; it might just be one shots for a while but who knows. I'm open to ideas and I always seem to read or watch something and get inspiration.

But enough talk! Conclusion!

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Chapter 24

By the early afternoon, all the guests were gone, the decorations were being stored, the kingdom was settling down from its holiday, and the royal family and their friends were making their way to the shoreline.

Triton listened to the conversations going on behind him, smiling to himself. He had worried that the mood would be rather subdued given that Ariel was leaving Atlantica for the last time. But, as they always did, his girls surprised him; it seemed that everyone was laughing and talking as if they were on their way to the sea carnival rather than a sister’s farewell.

Finn and the merboys had been talking to Eric about sailing. They were trying to understand why humans, who could drown so easily, insisted upon traveling by sea. Eric first parried with a philosophical answer about the innate human desire for questing into the unknown. However, this was received with blank stares and Waverly’s retort of, “So, you all have a death wish?” The philosophical route was clearly a dead end, so Eric went with the technical argument for the soundness of shipbuilding. Another dead end; “What are ships made of?”, “Wood. What’s wood?” “What’s a tree?” His discussion of seafaring was about to turn into a lecture on botany when the girls, who’d been pestering Ariel about the wedding, decided that they would interrogate him on the subject.

“Eric,” Adella called.

“Yes, Adella,” he said with sigh, turning to her as she and Arista swam up to him.

“Ariel is absolutely no help at all. She doesn’t know anything about weddings.”

“That’s kind of a problem, you know, if you want to marry her,” Arista added with smirk.

Eric laughed. “Uh huh…”

“So we thought we’d ask you about what humans do for their weddings,” Adella beamed.

“We have a lot of questions,” said Arista.

“Well,” Waverly said quickly, “we’ll leave you to it, Eric,” swimming away with his arms up like the conversation was a burning hot fissure.

“Yeah, Eric, have fun,” said Urchin, barely containing his laughter with the rest of the boys as they left Eric to Arista and Adella.

Eric gave a small wince as he ran his fingers through his hair. Then he took a deep breath and smiled at both of them, “Sure, guys, what do you want to know?”

Since the girls had found Ariel useless in terms of matrimonial conversation, Flounder seized his moment to talk to his friend.

“Ariel?”

She looked to her right to see Flounder, paddling hard to keep up with her. “What is it, Flounder?”

“You’re going to be a queen now, right?”

“Right.”

“So you’re going to be really busy ruling a kingdom, right?”

Ariel sighed. “Right.”

Flounder looked down and thought to himself for a moment. “Do human queens ever go swimming?”

Ariel stifled a giggle. “If they have someone worth swimming with, I think they make time for it.”

“Good!” he answered, elated. But in a second, he looked at her quizzically and asked, “…that means you’ll go swimming with me sometime, right?”

“Right, Flounder.”

He nodded, sure of himself. “Good.”

Ariel beamed and scooped the little fish in her arms in a flash. “Oh, Flounder you’re such a guppy!”

Though he was laughing, Flounder still got an “I am not!” out in protest.

“Can I tag along on those swims?” Urchin asked.

“As long as you’re not missing any school to do it,” Ariel said in true older sister fashion.

Urchin rolled his eyes and Ariel mussed his hair.

King Triton had been throwing his ear to the group behind him. He’d been so entertained by their conversations that he hadn’t noticed how close they were getting to the surface. He was looking over his shoulder at his youngest when Sebastian swam to his side.

“Your Majesty, we’ve arrived, sire.”

“Ah, yes,” Triton said, looking to the crustacean. “Thank you, Sebastian.” He stopped and turned to the group. “We’re here, everyone.”

Ariel looked up to see her sisters and friends between her father and the shallows. In a matter of moments, though they’d all underplayed the “farewell” aspect of this little trip, everyone’s gaze had fallen on her. Ariel had avoided direct goodbyes the first time she’d left but she wouldn’t be that lucky this time.

Ariel took a deep breath into a bracing smile but before she could say anything, Andrina was in her arms. One by one, the other princesses went to them and Ariel was passed wordlessly from one sister to another. It was their way of making this easier for her and she couldn’t have been more grateful. Arista was last: she held Ariel tighter than anyone else had but then, she let go and swam past her without looking or saying a thing.

Finally, Aquata took Ariel at arms’ length by the shoulders and looked down into her eyes and said, very practically, “We know you’re going to be fine. We already know you’re happy. We’ll just miss you a little.”

“I’ll miss you, too,” was her bleary eyed reply. She gave her eldest sister one last hug before Waverly had scooped her up. “We’re gonna miss you, too!”

“Yeah!” River exclaimed.

“We want hugs!” Rip shouted as the boys playfully pummeled her with their goodbye hugs.

Ariel laughed and barely managed to see over Waverly’s shoulder, where her sisters had descended on Eric with hugs, kisses, and threats of bodily harm should anything happen to Ariel.

Triton watched Ariel as she made her way through her sisters and friends, noting how collected she was. So much had changed in a year, and it had happened without his supervision. Ariel was starting to come into her own on her own; that had always been his hope but still, it was amazing to see it in fruition. And it took away the sadness of this goodbye: he was amazed at the woman his youngest daughter was becoming and on land she would only grow more. That was more than enough reason to send her off with his blessing.

“Daddy?”

Triton looked down to see Ariel taking his hand. She cast a glance at the delicate ring on her left hand, and then she looked up at him. “I can’t ever thank you for this.”

“You don’t have to,” he said, pulling her into a hug. They parted and Triton touched her cheek. Then, he put his arm around Ariel’s shoulder and looked out to everyone else. “Now, Eric…”

Eric, who had been shaking hands with Urchin, turned at his name and quickly swam over to the king. “Yes, your Majesty.”

“I don’t have to tell you what this young lady means to all of us. She won’t make it easy for you, but take care of her. And remember that we’re all here for both of you, when you need us.”

“I will, and thank you, sir,” Eric said earnestly.

“Of course,” Triton said, clapping the young man on the back. “Well then, are you ready?”

Eric held his right hand out for Ariel, who took it with her left. “We’re ready.”

Triton simply smiled as he turned away from the shallows, flanked by the princesses, the boys, and everyone else behind him, and lowered his trident which was starting to glow and soon its light was blinding and all the smiling faces were outshone by it.

Eric opened his eyes and immediately raised his hand to shield them from the bright afternoon sun. He looked down and there were his legs standing in the ankle deep water, complete with the pants and boots he’d worn when they’d left.

“You ok?” Ariel asked, still holding his hand.

“Yeah, I think so,” he said, bending his knees a few times, just to make sure.

Ariel gave a little laugh. “Good.”

The sound of water splashing grabbed their attention. Farther out in the water were Ariel’s family and friends, waving and the girls blowing kisses. Triton raised the trident as his farewell and with that everyone turned to return to Atlantica.

Ariel waved until the last fin disappeared from the surface. Eric leaned to her, “Are you ok?”

Ariel stared at the open ocean and then looked back to Eric and nodded, “Yeah, I think so.”

He took her hand, still enlaced in his, and kissed it. “Good.”

They turned and made their way to the beach. Eric looked down at Ariel’s hand in his. He’d seen for himself the extraordinary places and people she had given up for a life on land with him. He didn’t take that lightly and he promised himself that he’d never forget it.

They were almost to the stairs that led up to the castle when Eric stopped short, pulling on Ariel’s hand. “Eric,” she asked, “what is it?”

“I just remembered,” he said flatly. “We’re going to have to tell them when we go in there.”

Ariel shook her head in confusion. “Tell them what?”

Eric let go of her hand and held it up with his left.

Ariel’s vision narrowed. “Oh…right…”

“It’s going to be a massacre. You’re sisters were tame compared to what this is going to be.”

Ariel sighed. “Maybe it won’t be that bad.”

Eric stared at her. “The engagement of the kingdom’s only prince to a girl everyone adores and wishes he’d have just married at birth? I don’t think so. I mean just think of Carlotta! There’ll be crying, for hours, and plans and protocol and…”

“Ok, ok,” Ariel laughed, cutting him off. “So…maybe we can take an afternoon to have the news to ourselves before we let them know?”

“You know,” he said, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her into him, “that sounds like a really good plan.”

“I know,” she answered coyly, putting her arms around his neck. She lifted onto her toes to meet Eric in a kiss, holding him to her.

When they parted, Eric put his around Ariel’s waist as they walked farther down the beach: that place between the land and the sea.




































The previous night…

James leaned over the bow of the massive naval ship, trying to use what better judgment he had not to hijack a life raft and sail home. He was recovering from dinner with Charlotte, her admiral father and three older brothers (two lieutenants and one captain). To say the evening had lacked James’ usual panache was an understatement. Charlotte’s father and brothers were disciplined, humorless people, expecting in a partner for their dearest Charlotte no less than a disciplined, humorless addition to the family. Needless to say they loved James.

They were always hard, these pleasant family get-togethers. James couldn’t relax; having to mind his manners and language (even a pun would get a violent harrumph from the Admiral). Charlotte was good at this little game, having lived her life with these regimented men. James had learned over years of glares that the best thing to do was stay quiet. He couldn’t tell why the same stoic, guileless air that so intrigued him in Charlotte could be so terrifying in the males of her family. Well, it may be because Charlotte’s air didn’t come with a military saber. Yeah…it was probably the saber.

The Admiral had dismissed James so that he could speak with his daughter (probably yet another attempt to dissuade her from spending any more of her youth with “the fop”) and her brothers were discussing trade routes over port in the captain’s quarters. So there James sighed, looking over at the water, wondering how on earth he could stand another minute on the Admiral’s “pleasure cruise”. Suddenly there was a knock. James took a step away from the bow and stared at it quizzically. It sounded like it came from the hull of the ship, and not from inside either. It came again and James leaned over the bow.

There, beaming at him from the water, were Ariel and Eric. Ariel waved.

“Hi,” Eric said easily.

“Hi, James,” Ariel added.

James was shocked. No, beyond shocked. He could feel the axis of his reality tilting dangerously off kilter. He could only mouth the beginning of the word “what” over and over.

“Guess what?” Eric asked as Ariel looked from him to James and held up her left hand.

“No!” James exclaimed.

Ariel nodded jubilantly. “We remembered you were with The Admiral,” she said, wincing at the last part.

“Thought you could use a surprise,” Eric said with a half smile.

Something like “chyeah” was all James could get out.

Ariel turned to Eric and put her hand on his chest, which James was just realizing was bare along with Ariel’s…purple sea shells? “We’ve gotta go.”

Eric looked from Ariel to James and gave a reassuring smile. “See ya later, buddy. Hang in there.”

“Bye,” Ariel said, blowing a kiss.

James watched dumbly as they turned away from the ship and into the water. And then, he saw their tails. It was like it was happening in slow motion. He could even see their scales as they glittered in the moonlight. SCALES!

“HOHMYGOD!” James yelled clutching the bow.

“Something wrong, Sommerset?”

James jumped and turned at his name, staring with wild eyes. He was nearly face to face with Charlotte’s middle brother Ernest. James let out a pathetic laugh and looked back overboard: nothing but ocean. He looked back to Ernest whose expression was a bust of impatience. James’ laughed teetered out, leaving an awkward silence in its wake.

“No, thank you Ernest,” James said quickly walking away from the man. He didn’t even notice Ernest’s declaration of “fop” as he left.

[WickedElphie]

Aww the ending was perfect. All the family interaction was so warm and fuzzy and then Flouuunder. And then Ariel and Eric still going strong and happy. And top top it all off James' cameo was made me laugh out loud. It was a lovely ending touch. I still have a smile on my face.

[Zavi]

I second everything Jess said! This was just lovely and the conversation with Flounder made me melt. I really don't think words can describe the level of squee produced just from this chapter. Sad to see this fic go, but I'm so looking forward to what you have in the future!

[fridamoonbeam]

*stands up and claps for Paige*

That was wonderful, Dear! I really like how well you write Ariel's family. They're funny and adorable without reading like a cheesey 80's sitcom where issues are solved in 23 minutes. Triton's such a sweet daddy too. I also really love your Eric and Ariel, they balance each other out so well and again, they're very sweet without being completely unrealistic.
It was a fantastic ending and I thoroughly enjoyed the story, as well as your other stories.

Bravo, girl. Bravo

[Aquisha]

THANKS GUYS! I'm so glad you all liked it! It has been such a ridiculous blast to write! I highly suggest doing a story where you can kind of make fun of the series because it's a lot of fun. I feel like this story has been the culmination of everything that I and the characters have learned from my other stories and so it's been a really easy ride. We'll see what happens next; I still owe Jess a post-kiss on the beach one shot (but I was able to get James' cameo into this one!). But there were a lot of barely started stories put on the back burner for Court so it's just a coin flip to see which one I choose to finish!

[Coral]

Perfect ending!! James's cameo is the perfect rose on the top layer of the best TLM fan fic cake I've ever read.

And yes, I'm mixing my metaphors. My boss would kill me...