Hello All,

So sorry for the delay in posting, I want this story to be the best it can be and so, longer delays are what we are looking at. I would like to tell ya a little about myself and maybe this will give you a bit of insight as to this labor of love that is this story. I am currently working on my Master's degree and work part-time while doing so. I live in New England and I am graduating in May! Like I have said in the past, this story is a catharsis for me in that I live with what is called, Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD). This disorder is the equivalent of a gray storm cloud over my head most days. But! this story has allowed me to push back some of those dark clouds to make way for the rays of light that this movie/characters/music provides.

In this chapter, I pay homage to both Jodi Benson (Our Ariel) and Christopher D. Barnes (Our Eric) by including them as a married couple and some of the duo's land friends. This inclusion is meant to honor and pay tribute to these two great artists.

The final word I would like to include before you read is that I am trying out a minute story tangent. I think that this will preserve the characters literally, and it will come out in future chapters.

Ok, I am done rambling, here is chapter 3!

Chapter 3: Would You Like A Tour Of My Kingdom?

Later that morning, Eric had meetings with the annual budget committee, one of the obligations as King he would have to deal with. Ariel was busy talking with Carlotta about enhancing the castle with even more of an Atlantican ode, ever since the Vanessa incident Ariel wanted to make it homier. "Thank you, everyone, the plans sound great," Eric said as the committee was leaving his large conference room. It was about one thirty in the afternoon and he had nearly fallen asleep due to boredom a half dozen times. Eric returned to his study and sighed loudly, both in content and appreciation that the meeting was finally over. The only part of the meeting that was of interest to him, was the new decree being put into place that fishing would be done on the opposing side of the bay, in order to protect the citizens of Atlantica. Ariel wandered over to Eric's study where she found him sitting in his armchair facing the ocean. "It's beautiful isn't it?" He said not turning around, sensing that his other half was only inches behind him. "It sure is, and the sea is beautiful too," she said causing him to blush and a smile to creep to his face. He swiveled around in his chair and she sat on his lap. They both were anticipating going to Atlantica for two entirely different reasons. Eric couldn't wait since he had never been there before and Ariel could not wait to see her sisters and of course, Flounder. "We should get packing; I mean we'll be staying down there for the long weekend right?" Eric asked her as he peered into her beautiful ocean blue eyes with a smile. "Yes definitely, four days in Atlantica means a lot of bags." She said laughing and running her fingers through his ebony hair. "So that means one bag for me and six for you...I mean your hair" Eric said laughing as Ariel playfully swatted at him. "I know thee well as well," she said as her lips met his.

"So..." Eric said, after breaking the kiss, "Why don't we take Max on a walk into town and pick up some appetizers for dinner with Chris and Jodi tonight?" Hearing the word "walk," Max came bounding in and stuck his nose between his two best friends with tail wagging. "Yes, that sounds like a great idea. It will be nice to see Jodi and Chris again; it seems like forever since we have seen them." Ariel said. "Then let's get going. It's almost two and they will be here at six," said Eric. "I'll get Max his leash." Max barked in agreement and the trio was off.

It was a beautiful spring day as Ariel and Eric reach the town. Children and local merchants lined the streets and the community was abuzz with music, puppet shows, and livestock. They decided to pick up some locally made cheeses and loaves of bread, as well as some tapenade and spritz. After perusing the market for a good while, the duo found a bench right off of the fountain at the heart of the town. "This is perfect for this evening. Thank you" She said while pouring some water in a bowl for Max. "For the last time, you don't have to keep thanking me. Chris and Jodi are my friends too ya know" Eric said playfully as he and Ariel sat on a bench around the extravagant town fountain. Ariel was resting against Eric's shoulder with Max's leash in one hand when her phone began to ring.

"Hello," Ariel answered.

"Ariel, Hi it's Jodi how are you?"

"Ohh Hi! I am fantastic, Eric and I are just in the center of town

getting some last minute things for tonight, and Max needed a walk

so...How are you?"

"We are great, can't wait to see you guys. Well just letting you

know, we are about to leave and will be at your house in 45 minutes"

"Sounds perfect we will see you at six"

"Bye Ariel ohh and say hi to Eric for us"

"Will do see ya, Jodi"

And with that, she hung up. "Jodi?" Eric asked, "Yup, she says hi, they are leaving their house now and should be at the palace in 45 minutes." Ariel said as she packed up their bags of food and Max's bowl. Max had been lying under the pair with his head on Eric's foot. Eric looked down at his watch, "We should get going if we want to beat them" Ariel said. "Agreed," said Eric, "Come on Max." He jumped up and the pair walked hand in hand back to their beloved home.

It is about twenty-five of six when they arrive home; Ariel put the spritz, cheese, and tapenades away and then retreated upstairs to change. Ariel decided since it was a casual get together, her cerulean dress with navy corset and the matching bow would be fitting. Eric changed from his shorts and tee shirt to his trademark white shirt and blue pants with a red cummerbund and black boots. They both head back downstairs where they encounter Grimsby and Carlotta. "Oh hello, your Majesties" Carlotta said. Carlotta had been the housekeeper at the palace ever since Eric had been a young child and she simply loved her job as well as Eric and Ariel. "Hi Carlotta," They said in unison. Eric then spoke up, "Lottie, how many times have I told you, I hate titles and Ariel does too" Ariel nodded in agreement. "Oh! pish posh! you aren't that little boy I used to run around after. Besides, you are a King now, be proud of that." Eric smiled at her and the memory, she was right. But something plagued him, why has she never aged? and Grim too for that matter. He dismissed this thought for the moment. "Everything is all set for when the Barnsons arrive. Drinks and appetizers in the salon, then dinner in the dining hall and finally coffee and desserts out on the patio." Grimsby chimed in. "That sounds great Grim," Eric said as he patted Grimsby on the shoulder. As if on cue the doorbell rang and the Barnsons await on the front porch.

Until Next Time, thanks for reading!

From Here on the land and sea,

~~DisneySoul4996