Welcome CrazyWhatIfGirl and GerceChon to my little corner of the Disney Femslash fandom! I'm so glad to hear that more people are enjoying my story and hope it continues to provide pleasure. There is much yet to come so I sincerely appreciate all of the comments - they prove that, yes, this tale is worth posting. Also, thank you to AvidReader88. Sorry I didn't personally respond. I hope you figure out your login soon. :)

Chapter 11: Upturning All Sides

Taking Ariel into town with her resulted in more of a ruckus than the rumour of a monster in Hougaard's woods. When nothing in particular interested her Ariel was as demure and pleasant as a lamb but, seeing as just about everything seemed to interest her, Belle was more often than not caught in a whirlwind of excitement and squeaks – at least that's what Belle called the nondescript bursts of sound that erupted from the woman when something caught her attention. Only Belle's relatively well-respected reputation saved them from being thrown out of the shops and streets they wandered.

Most of the townspeople liked Eric's French woman and the rest did not want to make waves with the person they suspected their Prince would eventually marry. The way this strange, red-headed girl was behaving, however, went against their notions of respectable behaviour. Belle felt the withheld displeasure around her and tried to brush off Ariel's hysterical reactions to everyday objects with an amused smile at their audience. Although she was embarrassed by her companion she also couldn't help being entertained and even caught up in some of Ariel's joy. Watching the woman's eyes grow wide as a heartening smile burst over her cheeks reminded Belle of the pleasure that could be found in simple things. Someone else's wonder at what appears to be mundane changes a person's perspective, reaffirming that point of view plays a crucial role in one's definition of the world.

Eric had heard about Ariel's antics in the village and laughed good naturedly over them at dinner, eyes sparkling in the redhead's direction. Ariel soaked up his good humour, seemingly oblivious to its cause. Belle was beginning to think that Eric was excited more by out of the ordinary events than hobbies or people. He came alive when the unexpected happened; it brought out the best in him: his sound logic and social command. The Prince would never have wished tragedy on his people and he didn't see much of it, but it was odd that a man so suited to handle such scenarios hardly ever had to deal with them. Perhaps that is part of why he's so good at handling the unexpected. Belle reasoned. He has the time to prepare and recoup between each occurrence.

The servants returned to the palace for three days of low-key maintenance activities, seemingly unconcerned by the fact that their Prince had taken in yet another sea victim. Grimsby had the most to say on the matter, reflecting that Eric was endangering his good reputation by keeping two unmarried women in his company. Having laughed off the senior man's concerns Eric proceeded to do exactly as he wished which was to continue providing shelter and protection to the two women.

Belle impressed upon Ariel the need for secrecy regarding Adam's existence. The mystery of this unusual girl appeared to run far deeper than the French woman had yet imagined since, far from understanding why such caution was necessary, Belle had to repeat her reasons several times. By the third reiteration she'd even started to feel as though she were in the wrong and that Adam should be allowed to walk freely amongst everyone. While Belle's heart was warmed by Ariel's kind nature her naivety did not sway the French woman from the planned course of action. Belle knew only too well how much destruction could be caused by people's fear of the unknown.

"We cannot take the chance that they would do him some harm." The brunette tried hard to impress this on the other woman. "It is far better to be safe than to take a chance."

An unpleasant tremor went through Ariel. The hope and joy she'd felt during her first days with humans cooled to a simmer under the seriousness of Belle's explanations. Were humans as suspicious of the unknown as her own race? Could it be true that she'd merely traded one culture's restrictions for another's? There was no doubt that Adam's appearance was frightening but a little time soon showed him to be a civil and engrossing companion. Although still slightly nervous around him Ariel found nothing to be wary of. Rather, she felt akin to him since she too was largely an outsider to the human world.

Perhaps I was too hasty in deciding to trust myself to the beings of this realm. But Ariel knew that, even if she'd been aware of the drawbacks, she would have decided to come all the same.

Belle watched as the bright, energetic face of the redhead in front of her faded to a somber look of introspection. A feeling of guilt but also respect went through her toward the odd girl. Despite Ariel's seemingly boundless innocence about the world, the woman did seem to comprehend that this was a serious matter that deserved a collected mind.

"There are no… others as Adam?" Ariel winced at the rasping noise that accompanied her words but was slowly accepting the fact that this was her new voice.

"A…" Belle paused, wondering if she should tell Ariel the truth. It's not like it'd be any more extraordinary than Beast's physical existence. "A spell made him what he is, to teach him about love." It sounded so cliché but her listener did not even bat an eye at the explanation. She must have lived a very sheltered life.

"He must love to be human?"

Belle found herself unable to meet the woman's attentive gaze, focusing instead on the sewing in her lap. The train of this conversation was too weird to be real. "Yes, and find someone to love him." Belle began to regret telling Ariel. These details were Adam's to tell or keep to himself. He hadn't even told her until after their kidnapping and here she was revealing his secrets to a perfect stranger. Belle wondered what about this young woman made it so easy to forget social boundaries.

Ariel played with the fabric gathered in her hands, noticing how soft and dry it was. Her undersea garments were never soft; quality was in a silky texture and water dynamic design. The above world had a myriad of other materials she was curious to try her hand at but contemplating the differences also made the ache of homesickness that much worse.

"Where do you come from Ariel?"

Can she read my mind? The princess knew that was impossible, such a trait would have been immediately apparent, but the correspondence between her thoughts and Belle's inquiry was most uncanny. The princess knew she couldn't compromise the safety of her people – it was still too early to assume that all humans were as good as those she'd met thus far. At least father can't say I betrayed him in that respect.

"I do not re…remember." Ariel screwed up her face as though fighting to wade through a muddled mind. "I think there was a ship."

Belle decided not to push the matter further. If Ariel knew more than she was letting on there was no use trying to weasel it out of her. Circumstances seemed to suggest that the red head's background had been one of privilege. Her awareness of decorum in Eric's company and her amazement at every common experience suggested a confined life where there was little interaction with the greater world. And her voice? Belle wondered. Perhaps that was why she'd been so sheltered. Any well-to-do couple with a daughter as beautiful as Ariel would want to keep her close but the flawed condition of her voice, an aspect that would no doubt have subjected her to ridicule, would keep the girl on an even shorter leash. She may have been on the ship to reach some obliging husband who'd been willing to accept the woman despite her imperfect vocal capacity. Or my imagination could just be running away with me.

Prince Eric entered the sitting room and sat down across from the two ladies, one seemingly absorbed in her sewing and the other lifting her elegant head to give him a wide, sweet smile. The man felt his pulse skip a beat. Ariel had only been with them for a couple of days but her presence had already disrupted the household more than Belle's had. She was pleasing and courteous in his company but her spirit was illuminated in every glance, a wild spirit that had the prince feeling out of his depth in a not altogether unpleasant way. For the first time in many months Eric found himself thinking of a woman when his mind should have been on business. He decided he would get to know this new addition to his palace.

"Ariel," she looked up from her scrutiny of Belle's needlework, "care to join me for a game of Crocono?"

Ariel had no idea what this human game might involve but she stood up and strode confidently over to the table Eric indicated, trying to keep her curious excitement to a contained minimum. Belle observed over her work as the prince taught the girl how to play. Ariel picked up the particulars rapidly and Eric soon found himself facing a worthy opponent. Belle couldn't help noticing the interest shining in the man's eyes as he gazed at the woman before him. The inner light of Ariel's energy shone through her skin, making any outfit she wore gorgeous on her. There was no doubt in the French woman's consciousness that Eric was attracted to Ariel and she let out a slow sigh of relief.

It will be better for everyone if those two find solace in one another. Ariel will have a home, Eric a wife and me my freedom. With things taking such a positive turn on all romantic fronts that evening Belle retired content in mind, getting a deep restorative sleep.

Ariel got on well with the servants but her beauty and quiet dignity made them treat her more like Eric than Belle. As she became more comfortable in the palace this feeling of difference grew more pronounced, Ariel falling into the position of privilege as smoothly as Belle had fallen into a labourer's. Despite this divergent sense of class, Ariel shadowed Belle, insisting on helping her with whatever task she was attempting to accomplish. With the servants back and the weather confining them largely to indoor activities there was not much real work to be done so the two often kept Adam company, sewing, reading, playing games or conversing.

At the end of the week Ilse met Ariel for the first time, the farm girl's visit drawing the newcomer even closer to Belle as Ariel slowly became aware of the affection between Adam and this other female human. When Belle suggested they fix some refreshments Ariel hopped quickly from her own seat and followed the brunette down to the kitchen where chief was stuffing a bird for supper. The two women worked silently beside one another, each squeezing her own fruit juice for one of four chosen beverages. Although Ariel was bursting with questions she'd learned to contain herself until appropriate moments presented themselves. Their slow journey back up to Adam's room seemed like as good a time as any.

"Adam seems to really like Ilse." Ariel kept a sharp eye on Belle to gauge her reaction.

"Yes. She's the one who found him on the beach you know."

Ariel had already been informed of the events surrounding Belle and Adam's arrival under Eric's roof but there was obviously more between the cursed prince and his rescuer than anyone was letting on. "Is she the one to break his spell?"

Belle paused, one foot higher than the other on the stairs, and turned her dark eyes to look at Ariel. The princess was caught for a moment in the intensity of Belle's gaze, those beautiful eyes reaching into her very soul. "I hope so." She gave Ariel a brief smile before continuing up the staircase, the tray swaying rhythmically in her arms.

Ariel returned to those words that night as she lay looking at the ceiling. Despite her recent trials the princess still thought love to be a relatively straightforward affair. Two people needed one another so they did whatever was necessary to be together. The limited time she'd spent observing Adam and Ilse convinced her that the couple was deeply attached to one another so Ariel couldn't understand why they didn't just come out and admit it. Adam's beast-spell would be broken and they could live happily ever after back in France.

Belle and I could come and visit them there and I could meet the servants they speak so much of. But even Ariel's optimistic fantasizing could not change the fact that she still had a long way to go in becoming acquainted with Belle. Her initial perceptions were largely positive. The woman was every bit as kind and hard-working as she'd seen her to be but there was a certain… reserve about her, as though she kept people at a distance. Well, everyone except Adam. The two of them melted easily in and out of each other's company as though they were part of the same entity. If I'm to really get to know Belle, and maybe even get her to love me, I'm going to have to move through the invisible barrier she's erected. How to go about this though…. Rolling onto her side Ariel moved through every memory she had of Belle, mapping out her characteristic responses to various scenarios. She thrives on work, being productive and within a structure of some kind. To get her out of her comfort zone will be my best chance of seeing who she is beneath the surface. The irony of the water reference was not lost on Ariel who gave a melancholic smile to her pillow.

If Belle isn't the one I might as well jump from the cliffs on my last day as a human. For the first time since arriving on land, despair crept into a corner of the princess' heart. Why couldn't life be as straight forward as her imagination fancied it to be?


Neither Flounder nor Sebastian considered themselves to be skilled detectives. Like all amateur investigators they explored any potential lead that came into their awareness. The most powerful tool at their disposal was their knowledge of the missing princess' character. No one in the kingdom knew Ariel as well as those two sea-dwellers but even their experience took time to manifest into worthwhile leads. It was while organizing some of his orchestral documentation that Sebastian overheard a conversation between two merguards involving a dolphin patrol. The discussion caused him to recall that the princess had been very interested in the account of a strange creature whose appearance has coincided so conveniently with the Turning Tides ball tragedy. Hadn't gossip said that it had been that same night that Ariel first made contact with her human subjects?

Flounder pursued the crab's suspicions by meeting privately with one of the dolphin scouts who'd been part of the expedition. She commented that the princess had not seemed particularly excited about the journey but offered to take the fish over the path they'd travelled that day. The opportunity to take such a tour came when the clouds were dark with rain and a strong wind was tossing the land plants in a threatening manner. As Flounder struggled to keep up with the powerful mammal he was also straining to see anything on shore that might suggest Ariel's presence.

"There was no life out in that horrid weather Sebastian. I only saw one human habitation on the route and it's a large one. It could hold several hundred humans."

The crab tapped his claw on his chin. "It's the only clue we have as to the princess' whereabouts. We should keep watch on that place and see if we can observe anything further. I want you to alert Scuttle. That bird brain has nothing better to do and personally I hold him somewhat responsible for filling the girl's head full of fancies. Now, it will be between you and the bird to work out who watches the place when. Let's hope that our search will not have to travel beyond that place."

"And that Ariel's alright."

Sebastian didn't want to give voice to his fears so he simply nodded, trying to redirect his attention to more mundane matters.


When Eric invited her to accompany him on a stroll through the market Ariel was momentarily caught off guard. Grimsby, who was aware of the rumours flying about his kingdom, was not a bit pleased at the prince's apparent disregard for the effect another woman's presence would have on his reputation. Despite his attempts at making the young man aware of the negative consequences that could stem from such rumours it was quite apparent that Eric was too interested in the attractive red-head to be dissuaded from time spent in her company, even if that meant being seen together in public. For her part, Ariel was oblivious to the prince's attraction to her. She had not known him prior to her arrival so how could she have judged such a change? Her observations as a mermaid had largely been confined to Belle and even had she noticed his heightened attention towards her she might have considered it to stem from curiousity, the emotion she would display upon the acquaintance of a new individual.

The day was a dull, disagreeable creature that blew the individuals out in it about without regard for their well-being. Ariel began to understand why her people called the wind brother to the sea. Both had moods that could build or destroy on a whim, their movements as predictable as a startled guppy. The two had to cut short their excursion due to the inclimate weather for which Ariel was silently thankful. Eric was a charming companion but he reminded her of too many tedious social gatherings. He was all business and did an exceedingly good job at everything he set his mind to. His subjects appeared to hold him in high regard and there did not seem to be a bad bone in his body. In short, an extremely good man but not one that Ariel was terribly interested in spending time with. She was far happier in the more engaging company of Belle and Adam whose conversations were always stimulating and whose backgrounds leant them a depth that privileged persons could never imitate.

The servants had gone home by the time Ariel and Eric returned from their failed stroll. It was impossible to tell how low the sun was but, having learned that dinner would not be served for several more hours, Ariel assumed that she and her male escort would join the others in the sitting room. Eric, however, was determined to not be completely cheated out of some one-on-one time with his pleasing lady friend and proceeded to conduct her in a historical tour of the palace. The young princess' interest in humans made the experience more enjoyable than it would otherwise have been but, compared to interactions with real people who were weaving stories in the present, Ariel felt as though her time could have been better spent.

She'd followed her guide around the second level with an earnest smile and the odd comment but when they reached the top of the grand staircase and heard laughter rising up from the ground floor a joyful expression broke across Ariel's features. In his own perception Eric saw it as the culmination of pleasure at being in his company, his heart expanding to fill his chest. She is such a sweet and gentle woman. He raced like a boy a couple of steps down the stairs before turning to offer her his hand. With a squeak of laughter the princess took it, her own heart already in the next room.

Belle was left without any doubt that whatever attraction Eric might have held for her had been transferred to Ariel. His movements were energized, his eyes lit with intensity and a focus that never left the vibrant red-head. She smiled to herself as the prince went out of his way to be courteous while Ariel, in her innocent goodness, unknowingly added fuel to his flame. Adam and Belle exchanged knowing glances, silently planning ways to encourage the courtship. As she continued to observe their interactions over the weekend Belle discovered, somewhat to her surprise that, while Ariel was always kind and attentive in Eric's company she did not seek him out or try to catch his attention at every opportunity.

If the young woman sought anyone out on a regular basis Belle determined that she was that person. Despite their obvious difference in station Ariel was happy to sit or stand at her side, learning whatever task Belle was undertaking. That Ariel should care so much about her occupations puzzled Belle more than the fact that she was not making more of an effort to engage Eric. Perhaps she feels indebted to me for finding her on the beach.

The industrious French woman did not mind the company. Once Ariel's overwhelming enthusiasm had cooled to a more temperate level of curiousity she was a good companion, though neither of them dove much deeper than surface discussion. Belle decided that she sincerely liked the woman but had no desire to enter into any more lasting attachment. Her future hung like an anchor around her neck, indecision and aimlessness sapping any interest Belle might have had in the present. Adam was the only person she allowed herself to be more fully open with but even he could offer no answers about her prospects. Belle had once dreamt of a handsome prince whisking her away to a life of ease but she now found marriage to no longer be an ideal reality. Yet how far could a woman get alone in this world? I wouldn't feel right living on charity. Maybe I could teach.

Adam had excelled under her tutelage but then he'd been willing to sit at her side for days going over each word and phrase. Would average folk care enough about literacy to pay her for hours of eyestrain?

"A governess." Adam clapped his mighty hands together, an expression of pleased excitement on his imposing features. "Wealthy families pay to have their children taught languages and the arts. I could vouch for your character and you could travel all of Europe tutoring. So long as I never have to show my face my name is still useful for something."

"Teach well-to-do children how to read, write, draw… I suppose I could do that." Belle felt the stirrings of inspiration. "But I must learn several more languages to really be adept and I need to brush up on my arts. I played a little piano while my father and I were in the capital. I've never played since but, I'm sure I could pick it up again."

"This is a perfect place to study up on all the skills you will need." The sparkle in Adam's eyes instilled her with confidence. He really thinks I can. I know I can.

Ariel and Eric, returning from a sojourn in the cold garden, were met with the exuberant spectacle of Belle and Beast circling the room in fluid arcs of rhythm, one majestic despite his immensity, the other plainly dressed but with a face made beautiful by unbridled joy.