Eric sighed deeply, "One thing for sure, it ain't Italy...the terrain is different...I should find a high spot to figure out where we are, with the sun and the stars later on but for now, you come first, Ariel.".
Ariel smiled a bit as Eric reached the first row of trees, and went a bit further into the trees, to the second row, finding a good spot as he laid Ariel down, gently and carefully laying and sitting her up against a tree, "There, plenty of shade, and plenty of cover for you to be safe from other people...in case if this place is an island or something else...".
"Thank you, Eric...", Ariel nodded, and Eric smiled, "Okay, let's do this...", grabbing leaves, "They ain't bandages, but they are the best thing since I ain't going to risk infecting you with strips of my clothes.", as his clothes are covered in all kinds of harmful bacteria, not that he knows, but he still knows that boiling water for bandages is something useful, but with no fire to build yet, and no fresh water source yet as Max's still searching for it.
"Okay.", Ariel whispered softly as Eric wrapped his hands in more leaves, and then went to look over her tail, with Eric recommending, "Small ones first, and then big ones, okay?".
Ariel nodded as she put her trust into Eric. Her father always warned her about humans, especially considering what happened to her mother, but Eric... she was putting a lot of faith in him but so far, he had done nothing to break that trust.
Eric smiled softly, "You can hold my hand if you want, Ariel.", and Ariel slowly grabbed hold of his hand, amazed to feel the callouses and rough skin from sailing and all yet still warm and incredibly fitting in hers, and Eric nodded, going to use his other hand to pull out the small pieces of glass first, "Okay, I'm going to pull out the first one. Tell me if you want to stop, okay?".
Ariel nodded before Eric grabbed a piece and quickly pulled it out, thinking it was better to be fast than slow and draw out the pain. Ariel winced hard at the first pull. "You okay?", Eric asked her as she nodded.
"It's alright... that... that didn't hurt too bad.", Ariel told him. "Alright, but I'm warning you, the larger ones probably will be worse.", Eric reminded her with a light frown.
Ariel sighed softly, "I have no doubt, but still, keep going on the small ones, okay?", and Eric nodded, carefully yet quickly pulling out the small pieces one by one, watching Ariel's face as he gently cleaned the small wounds with the leaves.
Gratefully, Ariel knew that the small wounds would heal faster than the big ones, but still, it would take a while to heal all the same. Ariel exhaled deeply upon each pull, wincing at the pain, but stubbornly refusing to cry.
Eric nodded, "Okay, that's all the small pieces out.", glancing at the pile of glass pieces on a ripped sleeve part from his shirt, shaking his head wearily as the blood of Ariel is shockingly similar to his, just more pink-ish red.
"Something wrong?", Ariel asked him as Eric shook his head. "No, just... surprised how similar we are almost.", he chuckled as she gave a small smile.
"Well, we're clearly the same from our top halves.", Ariel pointed out as Eric nodded, "How right that is...". He then took a deep breath, "Okay then... I'm going for the larger ones now, Ariel... this is going to be worse, I know, and we're going to have to quickly try to stop the bleeding.".
Ariel gulped, taking a deep breath, nodding as she tried to relax yet again, but still a bit tense, and Eric smiled reassuringly, "You got this, Ariel.", before going for the first large piece of glass.
Ariel screamed out in pain the moment Eric pulled it out. He didn't even bother giving her a count or warning her of what he was about to do in the next second; thinking it might just be better to get it done without Ariel having second thoughts since she couldn't live with them in her. "I'm sorry!", Eric apologized as he tried to quickly mend the wound as best as he could for her.
Ariel whimpered softly, tears prickling at her eyes, "It's o-okay...You warned me two times already...I'm stubborn...just like Daddy, I guess...".
Eric decided to distract Ariel, "The myths about mermaids, is it true that they sing?", and Ariel smiled warmly, "Oh, yes, we sing as it's a pleasure, but we ain't sirens, if you're thinking of men being dragged to their deaths...Sirens are the worst ones in the seas!", with a scowl.
"Really?", Eric asked, and Ariel nodded, "Oh, yeah. Think of it as you compared to a pirate. Sirens are malicious and dangerous. And...I wouldn't thank you enough for getting rid of the pirates last year...At least my mother now got some peace...", with a sigh...
Eric spoke, "Pirates hurt your mother?", and Ariel spoke, "If only, but they killed her...over 13 years ago...Daddy always said that they're barbarians...He doesn't know that I found out, but she was harpooned, and her tail was sheared off...".
"Sounds pretty much like the Barbary Pirates... cruel men that rule the north African shores... it's surprising that they haven't been more crushed by the Mediterranean states, but I guess we just prefer to fight each other over who rules what rather than take care of a threat to all. That and the Ottomans in the east still protect them." Eric sighed.
"Sounds like the surface has quite their share of troubles.", Ariel gave him a sympathetic look. "Depends on where you are.", Eric smiled back at her. "My kingdom is fairly calm thankfully.".
Ariel smiled softly, "You are a good prince, Eric. At least you are better than me since I am poor at being a princess, since I am always swimming off for an adventure, and Daddy thinks I am not responsible...", with a sigh, "Sometimes I think he's disappointed in me...".
"Yeah... I get that kind of fee- wait, princess!?", Eric was stunned once more about that information. "Wait, are you trying to tell me that you are royalty too?!". He honestly couldn't believe his luck there. He not only was saved by a mermaid, but said mermaid was also a princess? The idea of being sort of a solution to his marriage issues actually never even crossed his mind.
Ariel nodded with a smile, "Yep, but I am the youngest princess out of all my father's daughters. My 16th birthday had passed only a few months ago.".
Eric spluttered in amazement, "Wow...How many sisters do you have?", and Ariel giggles softly, "6 sisters, and believe me, meals at the table never gets dull.".
"I bet...wait, if you're royalty, does that mean Atlantica exists?!", Eric asked in shock, and Ariel nods, "Just not Atlantica, there's also smaller kingdoms all over the Mediterranean. I myself live in Atlantica.".
Eric exhales in shock, "Then that means...your father is the fabled King Triton...", and Ariel was surprised, "I knew that stories about my father and Atlantica got around for a long, long time, but I didn't realize how much...".
Eric shook his head, "Sorry, I don't mean to make you nervous or anything, just... it's a lot to take in that stuff I've always thought as legends and myths are true.".
"It's alright.", Ariel sighed as she winced in pain again as she touched another glass shard. "Okay, let's get the next one in a moment. But I need to ask... how's your tail... it looks pretty bad, can you move it?", Eric asked.
Ariel sighed deeply, "The shade is helping somewhat, but I need fresh water soon as I can heal easier in water, and as for my tail, it's a bit better, but I can't move without pain going everywhere. I hope your land animal comes back safely with good news...", and Eric blinks, "Land animal? Oh, you mean, Max, my dog?".
"Dog? Is that what he is?", Ariel asked curiously, and Eric nodded, "Yeah. Dogs are loyal, faithful pets to humans as long as they are treated with respect and love and trust, and I had Max ever since I was 8.".
Ariel smiled, "That's so sweet.", and Eric chuckled, "Thanks. And yeah, I hope he comes back soon. Sun's getting higher, and the shade will have to switch over to the other side of the trees. But for now, are you ready to get at least get one more piece out?".
Ariel took a deep breath as she closed her eyes and nodded. Eric took one himself before he grabbed the glass, "Okay, brace yourself.". He yanked and pulled it out, causing Ariel to scream again. "Let it out... it's alright. Just tell me if this is too much, okay?".
Ariel opened her eyes and exhaled shakily as Eric went to clean the newest wound, "Maybe distract me again...Why does your kingdom catch fish?", as Daddy often claimed that fishermen's hooks are disturbing and dangerous...
Eric felt suddenly nervous, being asked that. Last thing he wanted was for her to try and strangle him in his sleep or something. "Well, um...", he sighs. "Sustenance; plentiful food. I... I get it if you might be upset with that one, being part fish there."
Ariel blinks thoughtfully, and spoke quietly, "It is a part of living for your people?", and Eric nodded, "Yeah... Maybe when I get back there, I could compromise with the fishermen in the village...next to the winters where they are mainly stuck from fishing, I could perhaps see to something they could do, and other times, I could order them to only fish on certain days, to give the fish plenty of time to mate, breed, and all...".
Ariel sighed. "No... no... I understand... I don't want you to put your people at harm by forcing you to do something like that.", she said.
"If it makes you feel better... the fishing is more of a delicacy then a normal meal amongst my kingdom. We've got quite a number of different things to eat, vegetables, fruits, some good farming land around the coasts and valleys while bordered by much of the mountains.", Eric told her.
Ariel smiled softly, "That actually makes sense...Thank you, Eric.", and Eric nodded, "Of course...What about your people? How do you manage to make a living down there?".
Ariel sighed and rolled her eyes, "Well, I can tell you that I'm quite the outsider compared to the rest of my family in terms of living... my sisters are all the palace types practically. My father is... the stern type.". She glanced away, "He... he does care, but I think he just really doesn't know how to truly raise a daughter without the help of my mother... I... I'm so much like her, he says.".
Eric nodded softly, "I hear you...I'm a prince who loves the sea and sailing and playing music, but when it comes to palace living...My mother strived in the lifestyle, hosting balls almost every year, and my father was fair yet strict...The kingdom expects me to be like them, especially when I look like Father somewhat with Mother's features... I want to help my people, but I'm afraid that I'd mess up everything!", with a weary huff.
"I'm sorry I can't be of much help there with some advice... being the youngest, the burden of rulership was never taught to me.", Ariel explained as Eric nodded. "Must be somewhat nice to have so many siblings to take the reins in case the worst happens.", Eric sighed.
Ariel nodded, "More or less, yes, but despite being princesses and all, they can be quite nagging on me...Don't get me wrong, I love them, but there are times when I could go off to my secret place and... marvel in my collection of things from the surface...", with a smile.
Eric looked at her, "You collect things that fall from the surface?", and Ariel giggled softly, "Next to searching through wrecked ships, yes...I always wanted to go up here, and walk on legs...But Daddy hates humans because of Mom's death...And I doubt he could ever change me into a human...", with a sigh.
"Oh...That's too bad...I would love to show you around my kingdom...", Eric smiled warmly, and Ariel giggled, "Is that an invitation?".
"I suppose so... after all, it's the least I could do for you saving my life.", Eric chuckled as he took another deep breath. "Okay, listen... we're making good progress but again, some more shards...", Eric said. "But we're getting pretty close to being finished there.".
Ariel sighed deeply, "You're right. I can't leave them in there to risk infection or worse...", before a bark sounded out, and Eric perked up, "Max? Max, is that you?!", and more barking sounded out before Max emerged out of the bushes, licking Eric and Ariel's faces happily, sniffing and whining the glass shards in the pile.
"Don't touch them, Max, or you'll get hurt, boy!", Eric warned urgently, and Max whuffed, before pouncing around, and stood where he came from, whimpering and yipping, and Ariel spoke, "I think he wants us to follow him.".
Eric nodded, "Me too. Okay, boy, just wait until I bury the pile of glass in the dirt, and pick up Ariel, okay?", and Max stood patiently, whuffing, and Eric dug a hole, burying the makeshift bag of glass pieces, nodding to himself as he patted the mound, and glanced at Ariel, "May I, once again, pick you up?".
"You've helped me so far... I trust you.", Ariel nodded as Eric took a deep breath and helped pick her up bridal style. "You know, you're lighter than you look.", he admitted to her as Ariel blushed.
"Helps with the speed under the water.", Ariel chuckled. "Either that or you're stronger than you look.".
Eric chuckled, "Well, I sailed for years, and running on the beach, and swimming in the shallows with Max doesn't hurt either.", and Ariel smiled wryly, "I guess so.", as Max barked, leading the way, occasionally looking back, smelling the slight aroma of attraction between his master and this strange fish-girl, along with the aroma of pain in her tail.
Eric carefully followed Max, holding Ariel a bit firmly occasionally while walking across rocks and such, and under 10 minutes, Max led them through a hole in the cliffs, revealing a pristine, clear cove bay of fresh water.
Ariel breathed softly, "Oh, it's perfect!", as Eric walked to the shoreline of the cove, gently laying her down in the shallow water, with Ariel sighing in relief, "That feels better...", the fresh water reviving her tail, glancing at Eric with a grateful smile.
"I'm glad to hear... hopefully we'll find some more here... after all, we're going to need some food and some way to boil water for me to drink.", Eric reminded as Ariel suddenly had the realization to their situation. "Oh, Poseidon... I... I'm lost from home...", Ariel whispered.
Eric groaned lightly, "Oh, gods, you're right...We were on the ship...It wasn't a storm...", and Ariel sighed deeply, "I hope it wasn't Daddy, but if he found that I swam off from my room only a few hours after he gave me a grounding for yesterday...He must have been really furious to change the storm into one monster water twister.".
"Water twister? Oh, you mean, hurricane.", Eric commented, and Ariel blinked, "That actually sounds better than water twister...I never got to ask Scuttle or Sebastian about those hurricanes since they are really unusual around here...".
"Yeah, those aren't really normal around the sea... but, certainly was some freak event for sure. And now we're here...", Eric sighed. "And we're both missing from our homes..."
Ariel gave him a sympathetic look, about to reach to touch his shoulder when she winced in pain, having forgotten about the remaining shards of glass in her tail, "We better finish this, Eric...It's still really painful to move my tail beyond any little twitch.".
"Right... let's take care of these ones and then we can... try to regain our bearings.", Eric said as he got himself positioned again to pull the glass out. "Okay, Ariel, here we go again... just hold on.", Eric warned as he quickly got more glass out and another scream of pain from Ariel as that one really hurt.
Max whined, laying down and scuffling over to Ariel, nudging her arm, licking her cheek, and she blinked, "Are you trying to make me feel better, Max?", and Max whuffed lowly, and Eric smiled, "Max somehow has a way to sense when something's wrong or just off, and he always finds a way to cheer me up. Hold into him if that makes you feel better, Ariel. We still got three more shards left.", as he cleaned the newest wound, sloshing fresh water, not caring about getting wet.
"Please... just let it be over soon...", Ariel teared up again as the pain was really starting to get to her. "We will, don't worry, but it needs to be done. It's not healthy to leave them alone.", Eric reminded as she nodded.
"I know... just... give me a few moments to rest, Eric.", Ariel requested. Eric nodded, "Okay...", trying to think of something to say before he remembered something. "Who's Scuttle and Sebastian?".