Chapter 3 New World

Walking proved to be far more challenging than Ariel had anticipated. Each step on the soft sand sent shooting pains up her legs a sensation her mother had warned her about but for which no warning could have adequately prepared her. It felt as though she were treading on thousands of tiny sea urchins, their spines penetrating her tender new feet.

You must persevere, Princess," Sebastian urged, his voice low as he supported her along the shoreline. "We cannot linger here in the open.

According to their hastily constructed plan, Sebastian would guide her to the nearby town of Tidemere where they would secure lodging. However, Ariel's difficulty with walking was significantly slowing their progress. Each step was deliberate, wobbly, and accompanied by a wince that Sebastian pretended not to notice out of respect for her dignity.

Where are we going exactly?" Ariel asked, her voice sounding strange in her own ears without the muffling effect of water. Speaking in air required different control of her vocal cords, making her words come out breathier than intended.

There is a path ahead that leads to the main road into town," Sebastian explained. "Once there, we will"

His words were cut short by a sudden gust of wind that brought with it the distant rumble of thunder. Both looked up to see dark clouds gathering on the horizon, approaching with alarming speed.

A storm," Sebastian muttered. We must hurry."

But hurrying was impossible for Ariel. As the first fat raindrops began to fall, her new legs buckled beneath her, sending her sprawling onto the wet sand. Sebastian attempted to help her up, but his human form lacked the strength to properly support her. The wind intensified, whipping Ariel's hair across her face as rain began to fall in earnest.

Can you transform back?" Sebastian shouted over the howling wind. "Return to the sea until the storm passes?"

Ariel clutched her pearl pendant. She could, but something told her she shouldn't. This challenge this storm felt like a test. If she retreated at the first sign of difficulty, how would she ever succeed in her greater mission?

No," she called back. "We continue."

With renewed determination, she forced herself to stand, ignoring the pain. The rain had soaked through her simple dress, making the fabric cling uncomfortably to her skin. Another new sensation to add to the overwhelming catalog of experiences her human body was processing.

They had just reached the stone path leading away from the beach when Ariel's legs gave out entirely. The transformation, the pain, the effort of walking it had all drained her completely. As darkness edged her vision, she became aware of a new sound cutting through the storm: the creak of wheels and the clop of hooves.

Hello there! Are you in need of assistance?" A woman's voice, weathered but kind, reached them.

Through the curtain of rain, Ariel made out the shape of a small wooden cart pulled by a dappled gray horse. Holding the reins was an elderly woman, her silver hair tucked beneath a practical hood, her face lined with age but animated by bright, alert eyes.

Sebastian stepped forward, immediately adopting the role they had rehearsed. "Thank heavens! Yes, my sister and I were caught in the storm. She's unwell, as you can see."

The woman climbed down from her cart with surprising agility for her age. She knelt beside Ariel, pushing back wet strands of hair from the princess's face. "Poor dear, you're chilled to the bone." She looked up at Sebastian. "What's happened to her?"

Sebastian hesitated only briefly. We were shipwrecked two nights ago. My sister... she hit her head. Hasn't been quite right since. Can't remember much.

The woman's gaze was shrew dassessing. For a moment, Ariel feared she saw through the lie. But then her expression softened. "Well, you both need shelter and warm food. My cottage is just up the road. I'm Ruth. Ruth Marlowe."

I'm Sebastian," he replied, using his real name as they'd decided was safest. "And this is Ariel."

Can you help me get her into the cart?" Ruth asked.

Together, they managed to lift Ariel onto the wooden platform. Ruth covered her with a rough woolen blanket that smelled of herbs and woodsmoke unfamiliar scents that made Ariel's nose twitch.

As the cart bumped along the path, Ariel fought to stay conscious. The rocking motion reminded her of ocean currents, a comforting familiarity in this strange new world. Through half-lidded eyes, she watched the landscape change from sandy dunes to grassy hills dotted with strange structures.

Houses," Sebastian whispered, noticing her curious gaze. "Human dwellings."

Eventually, the cart turned onto a narrower path that led to a small stone cottage perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Despite her exhaustion, Ariel couldn't help but admire its picturesque position close enough to hear the comforting sound of waves, yet firmly rooted in the human world.

"Here we are," Ruth announced. "It's not much, but it's home."

The interior of Ruth's cottage was a wonderland of fascinating objects. Dried herbs hung from ceiling beams, filling the air with earthy fragrances. A fire crackled in a stone hearth, casting dancing shadows on walls decorated with colorful tapestries. Shelves lined with jars of mysterious contents and stacks of bound paper objects books, Ariel recalled from her studies occupied one entire wall.

Ruth and Sebastian helped Ariel to a chair near the fire, where she sank gratefully into its unexpected softness.

You both need dry clothes," Ruth declared, disappearing into another room. She returned with simple garments a nightdress for Ariel and a shirt and trousers for Sebastian. "These belonged to my late husband and daughter. They should fit well enough."

While Sebastian stepped outside to change, Ruth helped Ariel out of her wet dress. The elderly woman clucked her tongue sympathetically at the sight of Ariel's reddened feet.

Walking barefoot on those rocks no wonder you're in pain, child." She gently patted Ariel dry with a soft cloth before helping her into the nightdress. "Let's have a look at those feet."

Ruth retrieved a ceramic basin, filling it with warm water and adding a handful of dried flowers that released a pleasant aroma when they made contact with the liquid.

Chamomile and lavender," she explained, guiding Ariel's feet into the basin. "Good for soothing pain."

The warm water was heaven on Ariel's aching feet. She sighed involuntarily, earning a smile from Ruth.

"Better?" the woman asked.

Ariel nodded, finding her voice. Thank you for your kindness."

Shipwrecked and injured," Ruth murmured, shaking her head. What a terrible ordeal you've been through."

Sebastian returned, now dressed in dry clothes that hung somewhat loosely on his frame. We're extremely grateful for your help," he said. "We can try to continue to the town tomorrow if the weather clears."

Ruth waved a dismissive hand. Nonsense. Your sister is in no condition to travel, and the festival's accommodations are likely full by now anyway. You're welcome to stay here while she recovers.

Ariel and Sebastian exchanged a quick glance. This unexpected development could work in their favor. Being hosted by a local would provide valuable insights into human customs that might otherwise take weeks to learn.

"That's very generous," Sebastian said carefully. "But we wouldn't want to impose..."

"It's no imposition," Ruth insisted. "I've lived alone since my husband passed five years ago. My daughter visits from the capital occasionally, but it's a long journey." She smiled at Ariel. "It would be nice to have company, especially with the Tide mere Festival underway. I rarely attend the festivities myself these days too much commotion for these old bones but I could help you prepare for when you're strong enough to join in."

As Ruth busied herself preparing a simple meal of fish stew the familiar smell both comforting and disconcerting to Ariel, who had never eaten fish before Sebastian leaned closer to the princess.

"This could be advantageous," he whispered. "We can use this time to prepare you properly for court interactions."

Ariel nodded, watching Ruth move about her kitchen with practiced ease. There was something comforting about the elderly woman, a gentle strength that reminded her of the wise elder mermaids who served as her tutors in Oceania.

"Here we are," Ruth said, placing wooden bowls of steaming stew before them. "Eat up. Food heals the body and spirit."

Ariel stared at the spoon Ruth had provided, recognizing it from her collection of human artifacts but uncertain of its proper use. She glanced at Sebastian, who subtly demonstrated by scooping a small amount of stew and bringing it to his mouth.

With trembling fingers, Ariel mimicked his actions. The explosion of flavors on her tongue was overwhelming salty, rich, complex in a way that underwater food never was. She gasped in surprise, then smiled at Ruth's concerned expression.

"It's delicious," she assured her host. "I've never tasted anything quite like it."

"Family recipe," Ruth said with obvious pride. "The secret is the sea herbs I gather from the cliffs."

As they ate, Ruth asked gentle questions about their supposed background. Sebastian handled most of the conversation, crafting a careful story of a merchant vessel caught in a storm, a narrative vague enough to avoid specific details that might contradict local knowledge.

And you really don't remember anything, dear?" Ruth asked Ariel directly.

Ariel lowered her eyes. "Just... fragments. Faces without names. It's frustrating."

Ruth patted her hand sympathetically. "Memory is a funny thing. Sometimes it needs time and peace to return. Other times..." She paused, her expression thoughtful. "Other times, what we forget is as important as what we remember. Perhaps this is a chance for you to start anew."

Later, as Ruth showed them to a small room with two narrow beds, Ariel marveled at how quickly their circumstances had changed. From the depths of Oceania to a human cottage in less than a day.

"Rest now," Ruth said from the doorway. "Tomorrow is a new day in a new world for you both."

As the door closed behind their host, Ariel whispered, "She's kind."

Sebastian nodded cautiously. "Yes, but remember our purpose here, Princess. In three months, you must return to Oceania with a human husband of noble blood. Getting comfortable in a fisherman's widow's cottage won't accomplish that goal."

Ariel gazed out the small window at the moonlight reflecting off the distant sea her home, so close yet suddenly so far away.

"I know," she said softly. "But perhaps Ruth can teach me what I need to know about being human before I attempt to win a prince's heart."

Outside, the storm had passed, leaving behind a sky full of stars that looked strangely brighter and more distant from this side of the water's surface. Ariel's first day as a human was ending. Her quest to save Oceania had only just begun.