A Big Mermaid #Wattys2014

Chapter 12 ~Face to face a princes' embrace <3~

Loud, crisp clapping echoed across the hollow, moon-less sky as the pair stared at each other through the dim sparkle of the stars. Each star, like a ball of faith, guided them towards each other.

No matter how little the light source was, Ariel immediately recognised him as she tumbled to the floor in awe and excitement.

Silence etched into the electrical atmosphere.

She knew he wouldn't remember her, he hadn't seen her properly the night they met... But she was willing to start over.

Hesitantly, she stood up, ignoring the deep, endless pain merciless towards her nimble limbs as she clutched the sheet draped across her closer.

"That was beautiful dancing," the prince whispered with praise, his voice smooth yet gravelly as the distance between them shortened. A mysterious, undeniably beautiful girl dancing like an angel in the pool of midnight? He almost forgot his saviour at sea as he stared into those bright, emotion-held eyes. "What are you doing out here in the night, fair maiden?" He was in a trance, not knowing what overtook him as he reached out and brushed his fingertips against her milky, smooth ones. So smooth it was almost unrealistic.

Ariel shivered with lust at the single touch and willed herself to speak. He frowned at her silence, she almost seemed disturbed. Following her luscious gaze, his eyes travelled down the length of her long, alluring legs to the sand where she seemed to be writing a message with the scuff of her toes.

I can't speak.

It read, and he pitifully gazed softly at her. "Do you want me to take you to my palace? You don't know what lurks at this time of night." So she was smart too- She could write.

A grateful, knowing smile tugged at her velvety, cherry lips. Unsure, she slowly placed her hand against the crook of his elbow, as though she were frightened at the reaction. He bit his lips to supress a moan at her touch and he kindly supported her towards his home.

With each step, Ariel had to wrench her teeth deep into her cheeks to muffle the agonising, soundless screams raking her small body. Blood tainted her pearly teeth as the pain worsened by each step, but she shielded herself from the set back, and focused purely on her arm resting at the crook of his.

Soon,the castle emerged into view, huge towers shooting across the canvas of land. A wave of homesickness washed over Ariel as she thought of home, but the thought slowly wafted away as she looked at the prince.

Suddenly, a blood-curdling, excruciating pain savagly bit the bottoms of her legs! It was too much... She couldn't handle this...

Limply, she blacked out into his arms, her feiry head resting against the centre of his heart.

"What? M'lady..." Her radiant, angelic face had a comfortable look on it. Maybe she was tired? Even more intruged, he reached his other hand out under the bend of her knees and lifted her up bridal style.

It was only then that he realised all she had around her was a mere, sodden blanket which stuck to her body like a snake skin! What if she had stayed out for too long? Who knew what could've happened?

***

Ariel awoke to a new, pleasurable sensation bathing her body and bright, gleaming rays of lights sweeping across the vast room she was in. Hang on- WHERE WAS SHE? Reflexes caused her to slap a hand over her eyes, shielding them from the luminous, dazzling light bringing burning tears to her eyes. Curious, she observed the room. It was so colorful, and a warm shade of pink,,, How did they manage to find pink stones? She silently mused to herself, whilst she took in the grand furniture which looked slightly similair to the one's underwater.

A murmur of appriciation left her lips as she shifted, realising the furry, silky sheet under her. What was it? It felt abnormaly soft and plush, unlike the scratchy coral and sand beds underwater. It all seemed mystical, and her eyes widened like a child in a candy store.

Amongst the wonder and fascination and embrace of her new bed, there was still one feeling she couldn't shrug off. Her skin felt raw and sizzling dry, as if she were sand paper being grated across a rock. The need for wet, liquidy water to calm her burning skin felt overpowering and consuming. Where could she find any?

Disturbed, she peered around again, before her eyes met with a heavenly portion by her bedside. Except, it was in a sort of container. Bewildered, she tried to peice together why it'd be inside a container. It felt out of character and abnormal, but she grabbed the 'container' of water and thrust it across her body, instant relief flooding through from merely a few drops. Water stained the sheets, darkening the colour.

However, she still didn't feel relief. For once, her mouth felt like someone had trapped a molton rock inside her lips, slowly tearing her gums apart. Realisation dawned again. Was she meant to drink? Only humans drank water... As if to comfirm her statement, her legs gave a wiggle. How was she meant to? Catious, she hastily lifted up the container to her lips. Water slided down her tongue, carassing her lips.

A new feeling washed over her, as the water tingled her drainpipe, tickling her insides. Mermaids ate food, but they never drank water. They didn't have to, they were surrounded by water which travelled into their mouths every time they spoke. Something about this water was different. It felt rich and sweet, as if coated with sugar, and made her thirst for it worst.

Knock. Knock.

The sound of knuckles rapping on the door filled her ears. She relished the last, pure drops of water before clearing her throat, "come in," she croaked as instinct, before realising she no longer had the privelage of identifying herself with words.

The timber, woody door opened, revealing two middle-aged women in frumpy uniform. Muddled, Ariel's forehead creased as she tried to understand who they were. The dull, saggging uniform... Motherly look... Breakfast tray in hand... MAIDS? Were they her maids?

"She's awake Freda, I told yer she would be," the eldest women, with silvery hair tightly yanked back into a tidy bun muttered. Her plump figure headed towards Ariel, as she placed the tray of human food in front of her, Human food... Excited, Ariel eyed it up. She recognised the sea grapes, and the fish eggs and the underwater mushroom- Each larger and jucier- but she couldn't fathom the thin, circular slab in front of her, coated with a golden liquid dripping down the sides and oozing into the plate.

"Look at the way she's staring at it, Lucy!" The second women sniffed, her uncept bun slightly slipping off her small head. "So picky! I told yer she was in it for the money!"

Apprehensive, Ariel clapped her hands, adverting their attention from the food to her. She tried to mouth the words, I am not in it for the money. Nor am I picky!

To her surprise, the eldest made a cooing motion, nudging the other with her plump elbow. "The lamb can't talk" she rasped.

The second clasped her hands together. "Poor child!!"

Startled by thier warm response, Ariel destracted herself with the food. Those grapes seemed so ripe and bright, the egg so golden and round, the mushroom so full and succulant... But that thing! The slab with golden juice on... What was it? Eager to taste, she grabbed it with both fists, the drenched liquid drizzling off and slid into her mouth. It felt soft and buttery, sweet heaven tumbling down her throat. An unlady like moan escaped her lips. Did human food taste this good? Sure it was a bit on the dry side, but so was everything out here!

"Shame her manners don't match up to her enchanting face and beauty," the eldest sniffed again, scrunching her nose disgustedly.

The second snorted, "Eats like a pig! Look at that syrup dribbling down her chin!"

Ariel hastily grabbed the cuff of her dress and dabbed it at her chin- Hang on... Dress! Did someone dress her? Heat seared through her cheeks as she eyed her new, flowing dress. The azure encanced her pale skin and brightened the sparkle in her eyes. Who dressed her? Unsure, she stared at the ladies quizically.

"Well, are you gonna continue to stare at me all day like a lovesick puppy or get out of bed so we can get you ready?"