riel had woken up to the smell of food, of course she wasn't sure what exactly was for breakfast. Smee came in and woke her and Killian, with breakfast in hand. Killian indicated that the plate featured eggs and pancakes, two things she would like.

"What's the plan for today?"

"Well, I was thinking of going back into town. There are still a few things we need before we depart tomorrow."

"Oh, okay." She was disappointed. Ariel was hoping that Hook would stay in and relax with her, or at least do work on the ship. Maybe then she'd be able to watch. But now she was stuck in this room again.

"Would you like to join me?" he asked seriously.

"Really?"

"I don't see why not."

"I'd love that! I'll go get ready!" He chuckled at her amusement and went to get ready himself. Ariel picked out a dress from the wardrobe and quickly got herself ready. She was excited at her first exploring experience. Well technically it was her second, but the first one didn't go so well.

Once the two of them were ready, they embarked on the journey for the day. Ariel took in the sight as soon as she reached the deck of the ship. The sun was shining in the sky and the water was shimmering. It took her breath away; she had never seen the water like that before, sparkling. Killian pulled her from her daze and encouraged her to follow him down to the land. They walked across the dock and as soon as they hit the land, Ariel tossed her shoes to the side. She loved the feel of the soft earth beneath her feet. Killian smiled at her childlike wonder. She managed to find beauty in the simplest, most mundane things and Killian found that refreshing.

"This way love," he called to her. She scurried to catch up with him. She was rambling on about all the different sights she saw. Killian zoned out a few minutes into it, but he didn't take his eye off of her for a second. The sunlight was reflecting off of her vivid copper hair and her green eyes sparkled with amusement. "Are we here!?" she yelped. Killian looked ahead and saw the familiar market place that he had visited yesterday.

"We are. Now where would you like to stop first?"

"It all looks good to me! Lead the way."

Killian went first, stopping at every stand there was. This was the first time Ariel had really conversed with strangers before, and her charm did not go unnoticed. The man at the fruit stand let her have a few oranges free of charge due to her sweet demeanor. Of course, she wasn't even sure she would like oranges. Killian gladly took one of the fruits and peeled it quickly with his hook. Ariel took a bite of the whole orange are her face lit up.

"I think this is my new favorite food!" she exclaimed.

"I'm glad you like it. Just a small tip, its usually a bit easier to eat if you pull the small slices apart."

"Oh…of course. Thanks."

They then looked at a cart with handmade jewelry. Ariel seemed amazed by the shine and sparkle of all the necklaces, bracelets and rings. She managed to touch every piece and she actually understood the uses of all of them. Mermaids had jewelry, though it usually wasn't made of metal. She soon grew curious about the next stand and Killian followed after her, but not before he snuck a bracelet in his pocket. The hook came in handy for thieving. After she tried on some more dresses and ensembles, they reached the last shop; an antique store. There were trinkets galore and each object seemed to have a unique story. It wasn't unlike the collection Ariel had back home in her grotto. She had no idea what the purposes of any of the objects were but she didn't care. Looking at them was enough for her. Killian found himself constantly fascinated by this girl. He couldn't help but notice he had grown very fond of her. It was potentially problematic, but he would sort out his problems later.

They were walking back to the ship when Ariel froze. Killian wasn't sure what happened but he put his hand on her waist and tried to nudge her forward. She didn't move.

"What's wrong, love?" he asked her. She wasn't looking at him. Her eyes were locked straight ahead. She looked stunned.

"It's him…" she whispered, "It's Eric." Killian looked forward and saw the prince, throwing a ball in the distance as his sheep dog went and retrieved it. Then he looked at Ariel. She was still frozen and her eyes were locked on him, but now her lips had spread into a wide smile. He could sense the longing in her face and a small blush crept to her cheeks. After watching him for a moment, he eventually tired of the game of fetch and he headed up the long pathway towards the palace.

Ariel shook her head and apologized. She still seemed stunned and on their walk back, she continued to turn around and peek at Eric, walking far in the distance.

"Killian, today was amazing. Thank you so much for letting me tag along."

"Anytime love. Glad you enjoyed yourself. I grabbed something that I thought you might like," he said, pulling the turquoise bracelet out of his pocket. It was a gold bangle covered in turquoise pieces with a few silver starfish.

"Oh my. This…this is beautiful."

"I just saw it and it made me think of you."

She smiled up at him and thanked him again, placing the bracelet around her wrist.

"Now, if you'll excuse me. I have some business to attend to."

She nodded in acceptance as he stepped out of the room. Killian walked across the deck and entered the kitchen. Smee was there, cooking dinner.

"Captain! Come to approve the menu for tonight?"

"No...well yes, but there's something else."

"And what's that?"

"It's…Ariel."

"Ah. I thought something like this might come up."

"I don't know if I can keep her here anymore."

"I've seen the way you look at her, sir. I'll support your decision either way, but a girl like that doesn't come around every day."

"I know that, Smee. But she doesn't love me. In the end, I want her to be happy. And she won't be happy with me." Killian looked down for a moment, letting his decision finally sink in. Tomorrow, he would let her go. She could go to the ball and find her true love. And they would set for the seas, going about their usual business.

He walked back to his chamber, hoping seeing her wouldn't bring him the pained feeling he had grown so accustomed to in life. But it was worse than usual. Seeing her flowing hair and glowing face was almost unbearable. He knew he would lose her forever, but it was for the best.