The Little Mermaid

Miles off the coast, and yards beyond the surface of the water, there lived an entire civilization of Mermaids. The ruler of all was Triton, grandson of the living god of the Sea, Poseidon. Triton had twelve daughters, all princesses in line to the golden throne. Of all his daughters, Ariel the eldest was by far the prettiest. She had the most passionate drive for life that everyone loved about her. She had dreams and plans of making her way to the top of the sea, to see and be among humans. This however was illegal for her age. King Triton passed the law into official status that no merman or woman was allowed up to the surface until they made it to age 20.

This was made because of his wife, Morgana. Just a year after Triton’s wife gave birth to their youngest daughter, Morgana made the decision to make her way to the top when she was only 17. She died when she was captured by pirates. Only when Triton found her body in pieces on the sea’s surface, were they allowed to be out of the kingdom’s vicinity. Mer people were not meant to be out of the water for more than a few minutes. Since then, no one younger than 20 was allowed up to the surface. Ariel was ten. She remembered her mother’s vibrancy for life, her zest, her fire. It’s what made Triton pass the creed into law. He loved his daughter’s too much for the same thing to happen to them.

Ariel was a bit of rebel after all. She took heed of her father’s words every day. She still remembered seeing her mother’s bloody fin float down to her. She would obey, on certain limits. What Triton didn’t know is that Ariel had been planning her ascent to the top for years. What happened was tragic, but Ariel knew to take precautions. She kept an old rusty knife hidden on her always. All mer people could feel when a storm was coming. It was part of their DNA. They made plans to lay on the ocean floor and watch the tides roll. It was a national event for them. This is when Ariel was making her plan to get up to the surface.

The storm would be the perfect cover. No humans would bother looking at her if they were too busy making sure they didn’t capsize their boat. When Ariel made her way up to the surface, the storm was just beginning to roll in. She could feel the wind pick up and the temperature drop. She took a deep breath in and sighed as she leaned back to float on the top. It was so peaceful. She watched as the lightning lit up the evening sky. The dark purple mixed with the bright white made a beautiful masterpiece of the angry sky.

This made Ariel think maybe she had done the wrong thing. She righted herself and was about to head back down to her kingdom when a boat came sailing by. Ariel gasped and ducked down beneath the water. Ariel watched it sail by her. “A pirate ship.” Ariel whispered. She wondered if it were the same that kidnaped and dismantled her mother. Ariel swam just below the surface to keep her out of sight of the ships members. She admired the carvings on the side of the ship and the beauty of the wood as it glistened in the moon. When the ship slowed down, Ariel caught up to it and climbed the side. She saw the crew members laughing jauntily and celebrating.

The captain, she noticed was the Prince of the Isles, the castle on the shore. Eric of the Isles, was his official title. Ariel stared in awed at his beauty. He had jet black hair, and light blue eyes. Absolutely stunning. When he rolled up his sleeves, Ariel noticed the markings on his arms and wondered what they were from. The dark ink swallowed his arms down to the wrists. They were everywhere on his body. He also had golden studs in his earlobes. Ariel was too busy admiring the prince to realize one of his crewmen saw her. “Captain! A mermaid!” He exclaimed. Ariel gasped and jumped off the side and back into the water before they could grab her. When she looked back up from under the water, she could see them staring down at her. She saw Prince Eric’s beautiful face looking down at her.

Ariel stayed in the water and watched the ship sail by, directly into the storm a mile off the shore. She gasped as she watched the ship get tossed around the waves. Crew members were being tossed off the ship by the ferocious waves. She prayed that Eric was safe. When the storm was over, she swam to where the boat lay in pieces. Eric was unconscious, lying on a piece of wreckage. Ariel put her arms around him and carried him to the shore. When they made it to the white sand beach, Ariel gently laid him down. She brushed the water from his face and straightened his body.  As Eric stirred, Ariel leaned to her side and was ready to jump back into the water.

She stayed a moment to peer at his face. When he opened his eyes, Ariel was to taken in by the blueness of them, contrasted in the morning sunlight that she didn’t realize he was awake and looking at her. “What?” He murmured. Ariel gasped and her eyes widened. She turned to jump back into the water, but Eric grabbed her arm. “No, please.” He whispered. Ariel struggled to release herself from his grasp. “Let me go!” She exclaimed. Eric sat up. “You can speak!” He said. Ariel finally managed to get lose and jumped back into the water. Eric stood and looked out to the sea. He rubbed his head and started walking back to the castle.

When Ariel made her way back to her kingdom, she noticed the palace in disarray. She could hear Triton’s voice. “Where is she?!” He screamed. “We are doing everything we can to find her, sire.” The advisor said. Ariel swam towards the throne room. “Father, what’s the matter?” She asked. Triton turned around and whipped Ariel up in his arms. “Where were you?! I was so worried!” He yelled as he hugged her. “I, uh was…” She trailed off. Triton let her go and looked at her from arm’s length. “Where?” He whispered. Ariel hesitated, knowing how mad he would be.

“Father, I am okay.” She stated. “Where, Ariel?” He asked again. “At the surface.” She whispered. Triton released her and turned away. “What?!” He yelled. Triton turned and knocked over the table behind him. “Father, I..” She started. “What possible excuse could you possibly have for breaking the law?” He asked. “I just wanted to see.” She whispered with her head down. “See what? See the same violence that your mother saw when they realized she was a mermaid? Do you know what they do to mermaids?” He shouted. “Yes! I know!” She yelled. “I know that we are an unstudied part of the sea, but you can’t keep me down here forever!” She yelled as she swam out of the castle.

Meanwhile up on the shore, Eric sat on the beach, wondering and wishing he knew more about his mystery girl. “Eric?” Said a man’s voice. Eric turned to see his first mate, Nate walking towards him. “You’ve been out here every day since the ship wreck.” He said. “I know.” He whispered. “Still can’t get over that dream huh?” He asked. “I’m telling you it was real.” He said. “I know, dreams can be awfully realistic.” Nate said. “But how did I make it to shore?” He said. “The waves carried you in, or who knows? Maybe you just don’t remember it.” He responded. Nate shook his head and smiled. “Eric, it’s time to let this dream girl go. She’s not coming. We need to prepare for our next voyage.” He said. Eric sighed. Nate stood up. “Come on, Captain, time to move on.” He said.

Eric remembered from his years of being tutored that in mythology there is an old sea which who lives in a cave in the ocean who will grant wishes and spells for the right price. Eric stood. “Nate, I have to do something before we can prepare. Give me a few days.” He said. Nate shook his head and nodded. Eric walked with Nate back up to the castle. Eric planned to ask his tutor about the myths he taught. When he got to the tutor’s room, they were in the middle of a quiz. Deacon, the tutor came out into the hallway when he saw Eric at his door.

“Your highness, this is certainly an honor. What can I do for you?” He asked. “I need your help. I remember you teaching us about the old sea witch, Ursula who would grant wishes and spells.” He said. Deacon nodded. “How do I get her attention?” He asked. Deacon looked at Eric questioningly. “Why?” He asked. “I need a favor from her.” Eric replied. “Oh, your highness, that is not a clever idea.” He replied. “Why?” He asked. “Whenever you ask Ursula for a favor, she asks for something personal.” He replied.

“Like?” Eric asked. “Like your soul.” Deacon replied. Eric sighed. “Okay, how do I get in touch with her?” He asked. “You have to throw a piece of gold out into the sea and she will ascend.” He replied. “Okay, thank you.” Eric replied before walking away. Deacon shook his head. Eric walked into the throne room. He took out his personal key to the gold room and inserted it into the lock. The door opened to reveal several groups of gold stacked neatly. Eric walked in and took a few schillings from the top and put them in his pocket. Without disturbing the meeting his father was having, he locked the door and walked out of the throne room.  

When he made it to the shoreline, Eric took a deep breath and tossed the gold as far as he could across the sea. Afterwards he sat and waited. When the water started to bubble on the surface, Eric stood. He watched in awe as the sea witch ascended above the surface. “Well hello, handsome.” Ursula hissed. Eric walked to the edge of the water. “Ursula?” He asked. “That’s me, darling. What can I do for you?” She asked. “I want to make one of the Mer-people human.” He said. Ursula puzzled at the young prince. “Why would you want to do such a thing?” She asked.  “I’m in love with one.” He said. “How’s that? They rarely come up to the surface.” She replied. “I saw one the other night when we brought returned from our voyage. She was hanging on to the side of the boat and then she saved me. I nearly drowned.” He said. “Hmm.” Ursula said.

          “Who is she?” She asked. “I’m not sure. She had red hair and green eyes.” He said. “That, my dear is the eldest daughter of King Triton, the king of the sea.” Ursula said. “King of the sea?” He asked. “Princess Ariel is the most beautiful and sought after in the Mer-kingdom.” She said. “Princess? She could marry me and be my queen.” Eric said. Ursula laughed. “Triton would kill you without thinking. Do yourself a favor and choose a bride with legs.” She said laughingly. “She would be if you gave her legs.” Eric said. “Are you serious?” She asked. “Yes.” Eric said. “Okay but this means something big in return.” She said. “Like what? I can get you gold and fine jewelry. Anything.” Eric said.

          “It would cost you, your soul.” Ursula said. “Okay.” He said without skipping a beat. “Are you sure?” She asked. Eric nodded. As Ursula said an incantation, Eric felt his arm burn. He rolled up his sleeve to see the word, αγάπη, the Greek word for love, being burned into his forearm. When Ursula stopped speaking, she opened her eyes and looked at Eric. “Tis done. Your princess will come to you soon.” She said before diving back into the sea. Eric stood waiting, staring out into the sea, waiting for something to happen. When it got dark, Eric gave up and went back to the castle.

          Meanwhile miles blow the sea, Ariel was not feeling good at all. She was propped up by pillows on her bed with the covers up around her. The castle doctor was at her right. Everyone was puzzled. Ariel had never been in so much pain in her life. It felt like her skin was on fire. She had started shedding scales. A weird burn made its way to her arm. The doctor pulled King Triton aside and whispered. “What’s going on?” He asked. “I’m not sure. I’ve never seen anything like this, sire.” The doctor replied. “She broke the rules and went up to the surface last night. Could something up there have done this?” He asked. The doctor shook his head. “It isn’t possible.” He replied.

“We just need to make her comfortable for the time being.” The doctor said before swimming away. Triton ordered everyone out of the room and kissed Ariel’s forehead. “Feel better, my darling.” He said before swimming out of the room. Later that night, Ariel was still in tremendous pain. She had this incredible urge to go up to the surface. If she was going to die, she was going up to the surface one more time. She didn’t care if someone saw her. She swam up to the surface and took a deep breath of the night air. The stars were the most beautiful she had ever seen. Ariel had a hard time breathing and felt as if she were choking in the water. She had to keep herself above it to breathe. As she caught her breath, she realized she no longer had a tail.

          Ariel kicked her feet and wiggled her toes. She laughed as she swam on her back and kicked her feet through the water. She spent the whole night swimming laps on the water. When the sun came up, Ariel tried to go back down to the kingdom. She could only get a yard down before she had to come back up for air. She tried several times before she no longer had the strength to try. She swam to the shore and used an old blanket she found on the shore to wrap around her waist. She laid on the beach for an hour before she heard a voice behind her.

          “Well, hello gorgeous.” A male voice said. Ariel jumped up. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” He said. Ariel pulled her knife from her top and held it out in front of her. Eric put his hands up in front of her. “Whoa, I’m not here to hurt you. Are you hungry?” He asked. Ariel nodded. “I’m Eric. What’s your name?” He asked. “Ariel.” She whispered. Eric smiled and held out his hand. “Here, let me help you. I promise I don’t bite. You look unsteady on those legs.” He said. Ariel put her knife away and took his hand.

          Eric grasped her hand and her waist to help her over the rocks and help steady her. “I’m Eric. I’m the prince of the Isles.” He said. He let her go as soon as he knew she was steady enough to walk on her own. Ariel brushed her hair aside and stared up at him. “Where are you from?” He asked. Ariel turned and looked back. She pointed back out to the sea. “It’s you!” He said. Ariel backed away. “You’re the girl who saved me!” Eric exclaimed. Ariel shook her head. “I don’t…” She said before she nearly fell backwards over a rock. Eric swooped in and caught her in his arms.

          Eric smiled and helped her back up. “I just want to thank you. Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?” He asked. Ariel smiled and nodded. They walked hand and hand to the castle. When they made it up the long walk, Eric called to his man servant. “Jones, I need a dress for Ariel.” He said. Jones took one look at Ariel and smiled as he held out his arm for her. Ariel took his arm and followed Jones. Eric went to make sure breakfast was ready. When Ariel came down to eat, Jones had dressed her in a sea green corseted dress that wrapped around her shoulders.

          Eric couldn’t help but stare. The color matched her eyes and it fit her perfectly. Jones pulled out her chair for her as she reached the table. Eric smiled. “You look amazing.” He said. Ariel smiled and took a drink of her water. They spent the day walking the village, purchasing trinkets, and speaking with the locals. Everyone who met Ariel feel instantly in love with her. She spoke softly and picked her words carefully. Eric admired her beauty, the darkness of her hair, the green of her eyes.

          What Ariel didn’t know is Eric was secretly planning dinner for her on his boat. While Ariel was admiring her new treasures, Eric had the chef and servants bring dinner out to the boat. He made sure everyone was quiet and when Ariel came to the dining room, she was confused as to why it was dark and quiet. Eric came in the back entrance to the kitchen. “Are you ready for dinner?” He asked. Ariel nodded and took his extended arm. Eric walked her out the glass door off the dining room and out on the sand.

          When he realized where he was taking her, Ariel stopped and took a moment to take the details of his ship in. It was made with hand carved mahogany, with the wooden sculpture of a merwoman on the front. Ariel walked up the steps in front of Eric and stepped over the side. Eric pulled out her chair for her as she sat down. “Eric, this is beautiful.” She said. “Just wait until we take it out.” He said. Ariel turned around to look at him. “Out?” She asked. Eric signaled to his mate to throw the rope off the dock and they were on their way out to paradise.

          They were close to where Ariel had been turned into a human when Eric dropped his anchor. Eric sighed and smiled. The stars had just begun to come out. He pulled out his chair and sat down next to her. “It’s a beautiful night, wouldn’t you say?” He said. Ariel nodded as she stared down at her plate. “What was your life like down there?” He asked. Ariel stared up at the stars. “It was amazing. The kingdom was gorgeous. My father however probably thinks I’m dead. I’m still not entirely sure how I ended up human.” She said. Eric looked down at his food. “Well I’m glad you’re here.” He said.

          Ariel smiled. “Me too.” Eric grasped her arm. Ariel winched as he touched her burn. Eric rolled up her sleeve. “Where did you get this?” He asked running his fingers over the word burned in her arm. Ariel shrugged her shoulders. “I got it the night I turned into a human.” She replied. Eric pulled up his sleeve and showed his similar burn. “Love.” Ariel said. Eric smiled at her and slid closer and leaned in close. Ariel leaned in and met his lips softly. They talked through dinner and spent a good portion of the evening sailing his boat around the harbor. Ariel couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so happy. She hated being restrained. She laughed as Eric whispered in her ear. She could feel herself falling for him. They spent the next six months together, having dinner, exploring the town and getting to know each other.

Nearly everyday Eric’s crew bugged him about their next voyage. Eric knew they wanted to continue but he had no want or need to go. When Ariel and Eric were walking the beach, she could feel him tense up beside her. “What is it?” She asked. “The crew is wanting to go out. They haven’t gone anywhere since the night I met you.” He said. Ariel studied his face. She could tell he wanted to go. It was a part of him as much as the ocean was a part of her. “So why don’t you go?” She asked. Eric pulled her to him. “I don’t think I could leave you for that long.” He said. Ariel smiled up at him. “I will be just fine.” She replied. Eric sighed and hugged her. “I don’t want to leave you.” He whispered. Ariel pulled back. “It will be okay. How long do they usually last?” She asked.

          “About three months. Do you think you could be away from me for three months?” He asked. Ariel nodded. “I think I would survive. I know you really want to go. You love to be out on the water and doing whatever it is you do on your trips.” She said. Eric smiled. “Why don’t you come with me?” He said. Ariel giggled. “I love you but no.” She said. Eric laughed. “How come?” He asked. “Because the last time I was around pirates, my mother was ripped to pieces.” She said. Eric’s face dropped. “You said that, I’m sorry.” He said.

          “It’s okay. It happened a long time ago.” She said. Eric kissed her forehead. “It’ll be fun. It’s only three months.” She said. Ariel giggled as Eric picked her up and twirled her around. They ran and chased each other along the beach and picked out sea glass. They enjoyed dinner and spent the night gazing up at the stars. When morning came around, they hugged and said their goodbyes at the ship. Eric hugged her tight and kissed her softly. “It’s only three months.” She said. Eric nodded and looked down at her. “I know, just going to be hard. I just found you.” He said. “And I’ll be here when you get back.” She said as she hugged him. Eric let her go and kissed her forehead. Ariel stayed to watch them board and only left the dock when she could no longer see the boat.

For the next three months, Ariel kept herself busy during the day with the castle’s tutors, walking to town, walking the shore line. When the stars came out, she laid out on a blanket and gazed up at the constellations. On the day Eric was to return, Ariel spent the morning at the dock waiting for them. While she was waiting, she dipped her toes into the water. She took a deep breath and swished her toes as she stared down at the water beneath her. It felt like it had been years since she had been in the water.

          When she looked up, she saw the ship approaching the shore line. Ariel jumped up and waved. She could see Eric waving back with a broad smile on his face. When the boat docked, Eric leaped off and wrapped Ariel up in his arms. “Oh, I missed you!” He exclaimed. Ariel giggled as Eric twirled her around. “I missed you too.” She said before she kissed him. When he had all his things off the boat, they walked hand and hand to the castle. At dinner, Eric told Ariel about all his adventures and all the things that happened on his voyage.

After dinner, they took a walk along the beach. As the stars started to come out, Eric grabbed Ariel’s hand and sat down beside her. “Are you happy here, Ariel?” He asked. Ariel looked down at her hand in his. “I am.” She said quietly. “Are you telling me the truth?” Eric asked. Ariel looked up at him. “I am happy, Eric but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss my home.” She said. Eric rubbed her back. “I know you do. I wish I could do something for you.” He said. Ariel smiled. “I know. But I am happy to be here with you.” She said. Eric pulled her close into his arms and held her tight.

Over the next month, Ariel began to feel weak and tired even though she was getting plenty of sleep. She saw the castle doctor every day and he was confused as much as Eric was. Every day she felt worse. As if her skin were peeling off. She wasn’t sleeping, eating or getting any relief. Eric was by her side every moment. One day when Ariel didn’t feel so bad, she asked Eric to take her out to the beach. Against his wishes and because she begged him, he picked her up and carried her out to the beach.

When they got to the shore, Ariel asked Eric to put her down with her toes in the water. As soon as he did, Ariel almost felt better. “Oh, that’s amazing.” She said. Eric sat down next to her and put his arms around her. “Are you okay?” He asked. “I’m not sure what it is, the water just made me feel better.” She said. As they sat on the beach, the sun turned into night. They fell asleep in each other’s arms. Ariel was startled awake by a stinging sensation in her legs.

She looked down to see her tail had grown back. She shook Eric awake. “Eric!” She exclaimed. He groggily opened his eyes and slid back from Ariel. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “What’s going on?” She said shakily. “Oh no. This can’t be happening.” Eric said. Ariel slid down into the water. “Ariel!” Eric yelled. She took a huge breath under water and smiled. She felt so much better. She popped her head back up to see Eric lying on the beach.

She swam up as fast as she could. She slid up on to the beach and put her hands on his face. He was pale and coming in and out of conciousness. “Eric?” She asked. “What’s happening?” She said. Eric opened his eyes and looked up at Ariel and closed his eyes again. Ariel heard the water slosh behind her. She looked around to see the sea witch behind her. “He’s dying.” She said. Ariel felt the tears drip from her eyes. “How can I save him?” She asked. “Well that my dear, is the golden question.” She said slyly. “Just tell me!” She said.  

“You have to give your soul up for his. That’s the only way he can live.” She said. “No.” Eric said weakly. He grabbed Ariel’s arm and shook it. “Don’t.” He said. Ariel looked down at his pale, sweaty skin and brushed the hair out of his eyes. “I can’t watch you die.” She said. Eric shook his head and grabbed her face. “Don’t do this.” He repeated. “I have to.” She said as the tears dripped down her face. Ariel kissed his lips and turned to face Ursula. “How long would I have?” She asked. “Three months.” Ursula replied.

Ariel nodded and held out her hand. “It’s a deal.” She said. “No.” Eric said. Ursula shook her hand. Ariel felt a surge of energy pull out of her body and her legs return to normal. Ursula had fled back into the sea.  Ariel gathered her tattered dress around her and rushed to Eric. “Eric, are you alright?” She asked. “You shouldn’t have done that.” He said as he sat up. “I did it for you.” She said. Eric hugged her tight. “You shouldn’t have. The same thing will happen to you.” He said. Ariel pulled back. “We have three months.” She said.

Ariel helped Eric up and back to the castle. The spent the next two and a half months together. They did everything together. Eric proposed within the first month.  Within the last couple weeks, they were planning their wedding. The night before, Ariel was pale and not feeling good. “Are you sure you want to do this tomorrow?” Eric asked. Ariel nodded. “Nothing would make me happier.” She said.

The next morning, Ariel was so weak that she could hardly get out of bed. Her hand maidens had to help her with every aspect of dressing. They dressed her in a white, strapless gown that had a full tulle skirt and left her curly dark waves down around her shoulders and donned her with a tiara and veil. Eric dressed in his formal colors by Jones. Once they were dressed Eric picked her up off the bed and carried her out to the shoreline and down the aisle.  As the minister spoke, Ariel stared up at Eric. He was so handsome and she was going to miss him. She didn’t really know what heaven would be like. She didn’t care. She had a few days left with him and she was going to enjoy it. She was marrying the man of her dreams. When it came time to say her vows, Ariel was stunned for a moment. By how beautiful he was and how perfect the day turned out to be.

For a moment, she didn’t feel any pain, she wasn’t weak and she wasn’t tired. She smiled as she started her vows. “My dearest Eric, although I’ve only known you for a year, I feel like I’ve known you my entire life. You are the moon to my stars and the rays to my sun. You’ve been the light of my life and you’ve accepted me for who I really am. There’s nothing that could speak more to me than how you have this past year.” She said. “I love you.” Eric replied. After the I do’s, Eric swept Ariel up and kissed her softly. Everyone applauded and stood. Ariel, felt she could no longer stand and she fainted in Eric’s arms. When she woke, Eric was holding her on the shore. She was still in her wedding dress.

She looked to see Ursula again. “What’s going on?” Ariel asked. “Your husband is trying to change the rules.” She replied. “I’m asking you to have a heart.” Eric said. “That wasn’t the deal. The deal was for me to change her into a human, let you guys have your time together and then to save you, using her sacrifice.” She replied. “So, what now?” He asked. “It’s not going to happen young prince.” She said. “You won’t save her? We were supposed to have more time! Please save her!” He said. “I can’t. I’m sorry. Spend your last hours together. She’s going to need you.” She said before sinking back into the water.

Eric stayed with Ariel throughout her last moments. He held her close, spoke softly and kissed her carefully. They talked about what would have been, what they would’ve named their kids, and how happy they would’ve been. As the morning rays came up, Ariel began to fade. Her eyes closed and her breath became shallow. Eric knew it was her time. Her father, King Triton came up to the shore along with what he assumed were Ariel’s sisters.

“Thank you for making her happy and comfortable. She was never happier than when she was on land. I owe you a debt of gratitude. Would you mind walking her to me?” He asked. With tears streaming down his face, Eric stood and walked through the water out to where the King floated in the water. After he handed her to the King, Eric bent and kissed her softly. “I love you my sweet angel. Be free.” He whispered. “I love you.” He heard Ariel whisper back. King Triton patted Eric on the shoulder and swam with his daughter out until Eric could barely make their shape. He sobbed and walked out farther into the water until he could no longer walk. Eric let himself drop down into the water. The last thing he saw before he closed his eyes for the last time, was Ariel’s face.