Ariel took to riding… well… like a fish to water. Perhaps it had something to do with the old myth about horses being created from sea foam. Whatever the reason, she was soon riding as though she had done it her entire life. The feel of the powerful beast as it responded to the slightest command was very similar to her tail, a feeling that she couldn't help but miss though she had only been human for two days.
Eric's arms were behind his head and he watched her ride by the lagoon. Ariel had insisted on wearing clothing suited for riding. The ridiculously fancy "ridding gowns" Carlotta attempted to weasel her into were a failed trial. She was happily wearing boys clothing. Black pants, boots and a shirt very similar to Eric's, as she galloped over the land.
He had never seen a girl who didn't ride sidesaddle. She had been incredibly uncomfortable when they had first mounted the animal. She was wearing a pretty blue dress and had to swing her legs to the side and let Eric hold her up. Needless to say it hadn't lasted long.
She was beautiful, but despite how content he was to watch her, the looming deadline was never far from his mind. He felt like a fool for letting her get away that day. He was happier in the last two days he had spent with her than he had been in years, yet he couldn't help worrying.
He'd marry her tomorrow if it would save her. He intended to one way or another. She rode up next to him beaming.
"Thank you so much!" She said for the millionth time. She almost knocked him over when he told her he had purchased the horse.
"I like seeing you smile." He chuckled. Helping her down she tried not to take a sharp breath when her feet touched the ground. A small grimace passed over her face and Eric's grip tightened on her arm. She looked at him as thought nothing had happened.
"Now what?"
The sun was setting in the background and he knew they should get home soon.
"Now we go eat."
Her stomach growled in response. She had ridden hard and her legs were tired. It was a very odd sensation. She reached up and undid her fire red hair. She had it tied in a bun at the nape of her neck while she was riding but it fell free around her face.
Eric stared at her. She was the most beautiful thing in the world. Pulling her to him he kissed her again, passionately. Her arms circled his neck and she pulled his down to her. Laughing at her boldness her scooped her up and laid her down in the grass. Kissing her neck she seemed to fit against him perfectly. Their breathing slowed to a perfect rhythm. Just as he was brushing the hair away from her face to look her in the eyes a wave came crashing down on them. Jumping apart they looked over at the body of water.
"Did that just-"Ariel started, dripping wet.
"Yeah… It did." Eric replied. They were in a lagoon. Waves didn't happen there. Eric tried to squeeze the water out of his shirt and when Ariel took off her boots to dump the water out it was tinted red with blood. The happy feeling in his chest faded as he watched exactly how damaged her feet had become.
Ursula threw an object across the room, smashing it on the wall.
"That was close. Too close! If this keeps up he'll figure it out for sure!" Another item smashed as she blindly destroyed what was in her path.
"Flotsam! Jetsam!" She howled, "Take care of Tritons pretty little daughter. It's time I took matter into my own tentacles!"