Ariel's head appeared above the waves, looking apprehensively at the palace.
This is a mistake she thought to herself even as she swam closer. Eric was already at the bottom of the steps. His feet were in the water as he played the song she had sung to him on his flute. When the Prince caught a glimpse of fire red in the water he knew it was her.
"Ariel?" He asked, grinning.
"Eric," She sighed. Running into the surf he didn't wait for her to respond as he scooped her up and spun around. She giggled loudly, making Eric laugh as well.
"I knew it! I knew you were real!" He said. She was still in his arms, hands behind his neck.
She blushed, "I just kept thinking 'I've gotta see him again.'"
The Prince set her back down on the steps next to him. Her eyes suddenly stopped on his legs and she tilted her head to the side, curiously. Without a word she reached out and touched his thigh. His eyes widened in surprise, "What are you doing?"
Jerking her hand away she looked ashamed, "I'm sorry. Until yesterday I'd never seen a human… this close before."
"Oh," He smiled. After a moment's hesitation he drew his legs out of the water and laid them across her lap. Eyes filled with wonder she poked and prodded at his ankles and toes. It was difficult not to laugh when she tickled him so he covered his mouth and tried not to jerk away.
"Oh my gosh." She breathed.
"Glad you like them," he teased before pulling his feet back into the water.
"Humans are fascinating," She said passionately as she leaned back on her elbows. "I'd give anything to be human."
When she spoke there was a curiosity and fire in her eyes. Eric was content to lean against the wall and watch her describe all the things she had collected and seen. He asked her questions here and there and answered any that she had. In his eyes she was simply brilliant.
Ariel had been explaining about her most recent search of a sunken ship that involved a shark when she was cut off. The Prince leaned forward and kissed her again. Suddenly whatever she was about to say didn't seem so important.