It’s a meaning of one trying to give life reasoning.

Searching for another heart for a purpose of being.

Only together they start to feel,

Something that they both never felt so real.

And secrets of their hearts untold,

A happy beginning of their story unfold.

Our words touch
As lips, softly searching
Verses thrill the soul
Separation of One
In lonely sky blue
Until we are whole

Sorrows in stanzas
Writ with abundance
As tears frozen in time
Deep and lonely
‘Til ocean is river
And you become mine

Whose gift this is you cannot know.
My heart is in your keeping though.
You will not mind my writing here
To tell you that I love you so.
I know that you must think it queer
For me to love and not come near
But linger by some frozen lake
This most romantic time of year.

I sometimes give my head a shake
And ask if there is some mistake.
It’s lonely out here ‘mid the sweep
Of bitter wind and icy flake.

My love for you is dark and deep,
But it’s a promise I will keep
As from afar I watch and weep,
As from afar I watch and weep

“I was going to hold off proposing until you got better, but I suppose I really don’t have a choice anymore, do I?” he grinned, opening it to show her a beautiful ruby incrusted ring, the jewel carved in the shape of a rose.

He kneeled in front of her, suddenly serious. “So then, Rose, will you marry me? Will you be my wife and the mother of my child?”

Rose smiled, she thought for only a split second before coming down from the table and wrapping her arms around Ariel’s neck and kissing him, mummering against his lips, “Yes….Yes Ariel, I will.” she pulled back looking at him, tears showed in her red eyes, but they were tears of joy.

Ariel laughed in return, tightening his grip around her waist. He was relieved that she yes; it calmed the unsettling feeling that had been in his stomach ever since he decided to propose to her. And now they were going to be married—and with a child! Speaking of which…

“Don’t you worry about our kid growing up on a ship,” he started, gently touching her stomach as he remembered her previous worries, “We can handle it. It would be hard, especially since there are at least twenty other people on the ship. It’ll work out. I promise.” He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead.

Rose smiled in return, “I hope so. Shall we return to the ship. I’m sure the crew want to know what is happening.” she answered……She would also be writting a message for her father, who she knew would be happy for her. Also a letter for Krat and his new wife.

Ariel grinned and swooped her up into his arms, wedding style. Then, he turned to Natasha, the medic who stood to the side looking at the two lovebirds with a smile. “Thanks.”

Natasha waved him off, “There was nothing to it. You take care of her, though, got it?”

Ariel chuckled, “Yes ma’am.”

They were out of the tent in a matter of minutes and on the road again, but Ariel refused to let Rose down. He wanted her in his arms, right where she belonged.

Rose hand wrapped her arms once more around his neck, “You will not let me go will you?” she asked with a laugh. She knew that she would always be in his sight from now on. She leaned her head on his shoulder looking at the glitter of the engagement ring on her finger, the slight gleam from the sun.

Only a few days or a week ago she had only just met Ariel, now engaged and starting a family with the man that her father said would never love one woman.

They finally approached the docks where the ship was and where also stood several ernest crew members. When they saw the gleam in their captain’s eyes and the grin on his face as he pointed to Rose’s engagement ring, they all cheered.

“And,” Ariel said to everyone else when they were aboard, “we have even more good news.”

“Oh?” Crab asked, mirroring the curious look on the other pirates faces as well. “What’s that?”

“Rose here,” Ariel began, kissing her lovinglingly before continuing, “is pregnant.”

The ship broke into a mix of cheers and mumbles of awe and many of Ariel’s crew members crowded around the new married couple, asking several questions all at once.

Rose looked around happly as many of them asked questions from them, she tried answering all, but sometimes the words were all but slurs.

The crew then slowly dessolved away a few of them still talking about the news, Rose smiled at Ariel, and took both his hands in hers, walking backwards to the other side of the ship that was towards the sea.

“I had told you not to give up your truest of loves, the sea. And you promised you wouldn’t. I am sure we will be just fine raising a child on a ship with you aboard and in charge.” she said smiling looking over the sea waters that rippled lightly, licking at the side of the ship.

He craned his neck over her form and towards the window, surprised to see that the sky was dark, sprinkled with small stars and a thin cresent moon. Ariel scratched his chin. “Hm…some time during the night apparently.” he mused and then grinned. “My, how time flies when we’re having fun.”

“So true….” she said, in the pit of her stomach there was low sound, her stomach growling from hunger….she turned red at the sound.

Days on their voyage merged together into one blur. Mornings for Ariel, Rose, and the crew were spent with steering the ship and other tasks. When afternoons drifted in, they were spent sitting around for dinner, sharing stories. At night, Rose and Ariel shared their secret moments cuddled together in bed. Overall, Ariel couldn’t remember the last time he ever felt at ease with his life.

But it came to crashing halt several days after leaving his gran-gran’s estate. Rose had gotten sick and Ariel became a wreck with worry.

They were in their room, but it was far from the clean chamber it had been a week before. Clothes were sprawled about as well as numerous bottles of herbs and healing books. Ariel was pacing back and forth, wrecking his head for a solution to Rose’s sudden ailment.

Rose had been put in bed more each day, but then it didn’t last long when she had to run somewhere to vomit. She laid now in the bed that her and Ariel shared, her hair had been pulled back into a braid, that now reached to midlegs, meaning it would have to be cut sooner or later.

At the moments she sat up in the bed, watching Ariel, trying to think other than the vomiting, in hope that she wouldn’t have to get up, for she was tired from the sickness.

He sighed, running his hand down his face and then scratching his chin. Ariel finally gave up coming with an understandable answer as to why she was sick and turned to her, looking at her sadly. His heart ached with the prospect that he might be losing her.

He sat down next to her on the bed and gently touched her cheek, smiling softly. “How are you feeling?”

Rose smiled weakly back, “I’m doing better…..but still feel tired.” she said moving to curl up on his lap. Maybe it was motion sickness, or she could be seasick….No, couldn’t be, this was about the third time she was on a ship and she hasen’t been sick like this before.

“Ariel, what is wrong with me?” she asked weakly looking up at him.

He wrapped his arms around her tightly, breathing in her scent shakily. “I…I don’t know. But hey,” he said, smiling weakly, trying to make her feel better, “don’t worry. You’ll be fine in no time. We’re a few minutes away from docking ashore. And then we’ll bring to you to a healer and she’ll patch you right again. I’m sure of it.” He murmured lovingly, kissing the top of her head. “You’ll be okay.” He assured, more to himself.

Rose nodded, falling asleep in his arms, it was awhile since she was able to sleep without having to run for a bucket or to get to the side of the ship. Her hands were pressed against him between her and him.

Ariel closed his eyes, trying to ease his dread as his hands moved in a soothing pattern on her back. He prayed that the healer would be able to rid of whatever sickness she had caught. He couldn’t afford to lose her. Ariel would mentally go insane if he did.

The ship slowed down gradually until it came to a slow stop. From through the window, he saw the town, Glozer City, they had stopped for a healer. He kissed Rose’s forehead before picking her up. She especially light now, having trouble eating those past few days.

Face creased with worry, he marched outside onto the deck. His crew were tying down the ship to the dock and looked solemly at Rose in his arms when their captain appeared in front of them.

“Crab.” Ariel ordered and the first-mate instantly appeared.

The Skull Captian did not need to say any words as Crab already knew what he was supposed to do. “Don’t worry. We’ll be here when you get back with Rose, Cap’n.”

Ariel grinned thankfully at his first-mate and crew before heading of the ship and into the city.

Rose shivered slightly when brought to the air, but she didn’t wake, she was tired. She mummbled something in her sleep, something similar to, “I love you.” one hand held onto his shirt, the other rested in her own lap.

He had heard what she had whispered and only tightened his hold on her, determind now, more than ever, to find someone who would be able to heal her. The stares from passerby in town did not matter and he ignored them as he walked down the market place, looking for a healer.

After long, painful minutes of walking unsuccesfully he was about to turn around and start again when he noticed a large tent in a dark alley. The words “Natasha’s Healing Wonders” were sewed into the flaps of the tent and Ariel slipped through, unhesitating.

Inside, it was gloomy and dark, the only means of light coming from the space of the flaps and a few candles. There was a bed in the middle of the tent, surround by several more candles and herbs.

“Welcome!” someone chirped from behind him and Ariel turned sharply to come face to face with an elderly woman with white long hair and several necklaces around her neck. She waved with a hand full of rings. “I’m Natasha. And how, dear sir, may I help you?”

Ariel, ignoring her rather odd appearance, indicated the girl in his arms with a sorrowful gaze. “She’s sick. I’m afraid she’s not getting better and…and I can’t lose her.”

Natasha stepped towards her, nodding sympathetically. “Don’t worry. I will try my best. Put her on the bed and I will get started.”

Ariel did as he was told and gently placed Rose on the bed-like table.

Rose awoke, she frowned at the new surroundings, but she saw Ariel and knew it was alright. She looked at Natasha who looked at her, “Who are you?” she asked. Rose’s stomach turned, she felt like vomiting, but tried hard not to since she didn’t know her surrounds and didn’t want to vomit in public around people she didn’t know, with the exception of Ariel.

Natasha smiled, her face full of wrinkles born from old age. She placed two fingers on Rose’s forehead, “I’m a healer. Your friend here asked me to make you feel better.” She grinned at Ariel before closing her eyes.

Ariel didn’t understand what she was doing or how it was going to help Rose but he kept his mouth shut. After a few minutes, Natasha’s eyes opened again and she tapped her chin. “Hmm…” she mumbled before lifting Rose’s dress.

Ariel snapped. “Hey! What are you doing?”

Natasha glared. “Shut up boy, and let me do my job.” Ariel ‘humphed’ and crossed his arms but stayed silent, eyes jumping between Natasha and Rose worriedly.

The healer placed a wrinkly hand on Rose’s stomach and closed her eyes again, this time for longer.

Rose watched the different movements and checking that Natasha did, almost wanted to slap her for going under her dress. “Well?”

Natasha did not say anything for a while, even after she opened her eyes. She stared at Rose and then Ariel several times before putting Rose’s dress back to how it was. “Well…” she muttered, slowly smiling. “I have good news.”

Ariel perked up. “You can heal her?”

Natasha grinned. “No, even better. She’s not sick.”

“…not sick?” Ariel blinked, surprised. “But then…how…why…”

Natasha grabbed Rose’s and Ariel’s hands, shaking them both with a large grin. “She’s pregnant!”

Rose blinked a few times, “I’m what?” she asked. She heard what Natasha had said, but didn’t know if she heard right.

Rose looked from Natasha to Ariel, then back to Natasha. How could this happen? Wait, they didn’t use any protection. So technically yea, it could happen….What would her father think?

Ariel looked like the epitome of a fish that had just accidently jumped out of the water. “Pregnant? As in with a child?”

Natasha looked at Ariel with a deadpan look. “What other kind of pregnancy is there, boy?”

Ariel gulped, running a hand through his hair. “I just–well…” he laughed, still half shocked from what happened, “I guess I’m going to be a father.”

He looked at Rose for her reaction.

Rose touched her own stomach, then looked up to Ariel, she wasen’t sure how to act, it was good news in a way, but also bad because she had promised her father something…..

“Rose promise me that you will not become like those girls. Promise me not to have a child before marrage.” her father’s voice was stern with those words as the two stood at her balcony the day before her 16th birthday.

“Yes father. I promise.” was her reply…..

Now she sat here, breaking that promise….Ariel and her had not married, but she was now with a child. She could picture her father’s angry voice and expression as he cursed her for doing such a thing, especially since it was his best friend and it broke her promise to him.

Rose jumped a bit, coming back to the present time. “Umm….I don’t know if it is such a good idea Ariel.” she said looking at him. It was written all over her face, she had doubts about it, only because of that promise, but if she had not promised, her father would have probably slapped her and called her a whore or slut.

He pulled his hand back and it swung at his side. Ariel scratched his head idly, frowning. “What isn’t such a good idea, Rose? The fact that your pregnant and that I’m the father?”

He wasn’t sure how to exactly feel, but deep down under his confusion he couldn’t help but feel prideful. Just the thought of having a son…it made him happy.

Rose didn’t know how to answer that, she pulled her hands to her lap, fiddling with the fabric. Her stomach turned again, but she held it.

“I mean, I’m happy….but I promised my father something…..and I would hate to break such a thing, especially to him and after all that I have done these past weeks or month.” she was able to say that much….

“Also how could we raise such a kid? On a ship?” she added. Having a baby or little child is a bit dangerous, then when he or she could walk and run, get in the way of the crew.

After awhile, he finally pulled back, grin etched on his face. “My turn.” And then he dove for her again, lips against her throat as he trailed downwards and over her shoulder. He gently brushed the swell of her breasts and her stomach, all the while his hands worked earnestly to release her of her last article of clothing.

Rose squirmed at his every touch, her body ached for his touch, for his fingers to touch every part of her body, every part. She breathed waiting for him to stop teasing her with such, even though she had teased him just about the same way. The last of her clothing was gone, which she took as unfair, removing his last clothing also. Rose licked at his lips as he kissed her, running her hands over his toned body as he moved his lips elsewhere.

There they stood now, panting, breathless and bare against the wall. She was warm and he was cold and he drew closer towards her, fingers sweeping over luscious curves and precious skin. He was all but teetering on his thin line of control, lost almost completely in his fury of desire. It took every restraint in his muscles from taking her right then and there.

But he did not. In no time, he was at her lips again. “Bed. Now.” His words were husky and thick as velvet.

Rose’s lips curled into a smile, she nodded, “If you want.” she dared him, pushing him. Rose took his hand to her lips, licking his finger tips, them being a sensitive nerve. “I dare you.” she urged. She touched his skin, lower stomach, then slipping her fingers upward in the middle of his chest, up to his neck and around to his back, where she pulled him closer, pressing their bodies together, the slight cold from his body caught her off guard.

He grinned, pearly white canines glinting omniously in the light. “My pleasure, darling.” His arms tighted around her, bringing her so flush against him that there was barely any breathing space in between them. Then, running a hand down her thigh, he secured her legs around his own waist, balanced this new addition of weight, and turned towards the direction of the bed.

Rose had pulled her arms succured around his neck not to fall off, she watched as he was set on making it to the bed, she kissed him deeply before him arriving at the bed.

He kissed her back without a problem, dodging chairs and stools towards his journey to the bed. He knew his bedroom well and thus had no problem when they finally arrived. Without warning, he unhooked her legs and unceremoniously threw her onto the soft, plush bed, covered with several layers of blankets to soften her fall.

Rose yelped at the toss of her own body onto the soft bed, which formed to her curves, the curves of her creamy skin. “Want me? Come and get me.” she smiled, moving against the covers towards the head of the bed, she backed up so that she could look at Ariel’s expression.

Ariel gave her one hard look and then licked his lips, mouth coiled with a smile so feral that he looked like a hunter about to pounce upon his prey. He was on her within an instance, pulling her onto her back and under him.

Rose laughed, “Got me.” she said with a smiled, then pushed him over and straddled his hips. “Now I have you my dear.” she said, tracing the lines on his chest.

He smirked, arms folded under his head as he looked at her impishly. “Oh, do you now?” Ariel’s eyes crinkled with mischeif, “So what are going to do now that you have me?”

She thought about it for a moment….”This she said.” she used her legs to push her body up, the moved backwards, and sat back down on his hips, him now within her body. At first she was surprised at her own actions, but then looked at him with a smile.

He inhaled sharply, evidently surprised with her actions as well. Ariel’s fingers instantanously clamped down on her hips as he sat up, cradling her as he reached to hungrily clamp his lips against hers.

Wolfgirl424: Rose didn’t move her lower body, just putting her arms around Ariel’s neck as he sat up, kissing him back, her also hungry for him, his lips, he taste, him and his body.

He quickly flipped her over so she was under once again and he ran over the curves of her body with his hands, all the while moving in and out of her. Adrenaline buzzed in his blood and he grew faster and hungrier with his actions.

Rose bit her lip at the slight pain that was still evident that she was new at the whole situation. But her hips found a rythem that they could keep with his own. Her fingers traced over his body with hunger and need.

He slowed his pace and suddenly became gentle with his touches, trailing kisses to her neck, occasionally nipping her skin. He could feel their hearts’ fast beats and the moisture on their skin.

“I love you.” he murmured.

Rose flushed light pink, she loved hearing those words spoken to her, words her father told her that never passed Ariel’s lips, but now they did, and to her.

“I love you too.” she answered, beads of sweat formed on her body, making it shine in the light that was given to them, likewise on Ariel’s body.

Ariel smiled, content with her answer. He inhaled her scent, inscribing it into his memory. He kissed her chin, pulling her closer as he continued moving in and out.

Silently, he thanked her for loving him and being here with him because he needed her.

Rose arched her back a bit, her hips still in the rythem, a soft gasp escaped her lips, along with a moan.

Ariel panted, breaths coming out in labored exhales. He felt pressure build up in his abdomen, and he held back from releasing, clutching onto her as she arched against him.

Rose bit her bottom lip as she felt pressure building up inside her own body, then with a sudden release, the pressure was gone, her back unarched, laying against the sheets, with that release had a wimper escaped her lips mixed with a moan.

Ariel bit into the bend of her neck as he released the collected pressure as well. Out of breath, but evidently happy, he rested atop her for awhile to catch his breath before pulling out of her and rolling onto the bed. Arm and limbs spread out, he breathed deeply, feeling the cool heavy against his skin before turning to admire Rose with a smirk. He touched her cheek and twirled a lock of her hair around his fingures.

Rose smiled back to him, she breathed heavly, out of breath evidently. “Just gets better and better.” she said with a laugh, turning on her side to face him.

He grinned, pulling her closer as he wrapped his arms around her tightly. His eyes glinted with mirth, “Exactly. Just imagine the next time.” He chuckled, rubbing her back.

Rose smiled, “I’m sure you do.” she trailed a finger up his clothed covered chest, up to his neck to his cheek, then over his lips. She dropped that hand around his neck, then the other hand around his neck on the other side. Rose had gotten used to the feeling of the ship moving against the water, which was good, but she knew that she prefered land, solid land.

“Your crew is nicer now that they know that we are together, rather than me being your hostage.” she smiled looking a bit up to him, the eyes that captured her love when they first met.

He was breathless from Rose’s trailing hands and leaned forward for more, pulling her closer and tighter against his chest. “Mmm…” he mumbled incoherently, face buried in her rose-scented hair. “They are. I suppose I was wrong to think they would retaliate against me for falling in love. Hell, they said they couldn’t have been more proud of me.” He laughed.

Rose smiled, then trailed light kisses on his neck, “It is nice that we can be alone without too much worry.” she breathed against his skin. Her fingers twined their way down from his neck to his shoulders and chest, fiddling with the buttons.

He shuddered, grinning. It hadn’t been even a whole day, and already they were going to do it again. Not that Ariel minded! That was far from what he thought.

He pressed and pushed her against the wall, lifting the skirt of her dress until it bunched between them. His cold hands touched the soft skin of her legs and he bend foward to hungrily press his lips against hers.

Rose yelped at the cold touch, her skin had been a bit warm, and the temperature change was sudden. She licked at Ariel’s upper lip, teasingly, her fingers managed to bring the bottons open on his shirt, quickly and swifly as they kissed.

Ariel chuckled, pressing against her lips in return before parting their mouths so his tongue could do some exploring. By now, a hand was feverishly working on undoing her dress’s clasps and ribbons. The mesh of cloth between them began to be a problem, especially now that he wanted to get closer.

Rose moved away a bit, the dress skirt fell over her legs, then she moved closer to him so that he could work better on her clasps, “Better?” she asked against his lips, not really waiting for an answer before kissing him deeply once more, her tongue teased at his tongue.

It was better and he was able to fully undo the top now. Slowly he tugged it over her shoulders, leaving her mouth only to trail his lips over her chin and proceed to go down in sync with the dress’s decent. Soon, the dress slipped to the floor and Ariel kissed the skin above her chest, pressing her flush against him and the wall. He growled softly, face buried in her neck.

She laughed at the sound of the low growl, “Are you a dog now?” she questioned, taking a deep breath with the wonderful kisses all over her body. Rose pulled the shirt over his shoulders, tacing his skin with finger tips, then pulling if off completly, tossing it to the floor against the wall. With his movements she moved her hands over his body, chest, back.

He shivered from her touch. “Maybe.” He breathed huskily, “Being with you like this…sort of makes me go crazy like that.” Ariel licked her neck playfully and continued to do so, alternating ocasionally with kisses while he began to undo her corset. His actions were bold and quick and hungry, there was no doubt.

Rose laughed, she was younger than him and less experienced in this, but hoped that she was better than the whores. Her fingers worked down to his belt buckle, undoing it, then on his pants, “I’m winning.” she whispered in his ear.

He chuckled, finally doing the last of the clasps that held her corset to her body undone. “I don’t mind, especially if losing to you results with this kind of treatment.” With the corset off, his hands trailed her back and chest freely.

Rose tugged at the pants over his hips, which fell around his ankles, one article of clothing was left for him, like wise with her. A sparkle shined in Rose’s red eyes, she smiled at him , she leaned to his chest, butterfly kisses, neck, shoulders, then lower on his chest.

Ariel’s room was special and beyond far the best room in the whole ship. It was settled in the front end of the ship and thus the northern part of his room was a round and with a long glass windowpane that showed the ocean ahead of them. Candles and maps and several other trinkets were spread neatly now over several table and chairs, as well a countless amount of treasures neatly stocked into piles in the corners. His bed huge as well, set in the far back behind everything else. He would be using it now, unlike how he used to.

Also in the room were Rose’s things, carefully set next to a vanity brought in from her old room. “Well,” Ariel breathed, “here it is.”

Rose nodded, “A lot better, with you in it.” she said stepping up a bit on her toes to kiss Ariel. “How long until we see land again?” she asked walking to the large window at the far side of the room, a bunch of cushions was placed there for seating.

“What’s this?” He asked, eying the boxed.

Lady Monette smiled, “A parting gift for Rose. I’m sure she will need a few good dresses for the trip across see, as well as some jewelry and other things.”

Rose looks at the boxes, “Thank you Lady Monette, but you really did not need to do such things or give me such things.” she said standing next to Ariel, and hand linked to his.

Lady Monette shook her head. “Of course I do. Ariel that rotten boy he is probably doesn’t have anything really noble in that damned ship of his. And plus, these were sitting here going to waste anyway. They need a pretty girl like you to wear them.” She winked and Ariel laughed loudly.

“Thanks gran-gran. I’ll get Crab to put’em into our room.” Ariel said.

“Our room?” Lady Monette piped up. Ariel only smirked, tightening his hold around Rose. “Yes, gran-gran, our room. Rose is moving in with me into my room. There’s no reason for her to hide now.”

“Thank you.” she said again. “When should we be leaving Ariel?” she asked turning to him, bringing her hand with his up to her lips with a kiss and a smile.

Rose smiled and bowed her head at Lady Monette, at the same time walking with Ariel as he ordered the crew to do different tasks for leaving land. ‘The sea….not as if I have not already been, but I will not have to hide. I will be free to be with Ariel.’

The crew dispersed and Ariel turned to Rose, wrapping an arm around her waist and then leading them out of the room. “Good news is that the ship is ready to launch. Bad knews? The weather may be a bit rough, but nothing my wonderful ship and I can’t handle.” They walked through the streets of the town with ease. Everyone one here knew that Ariel was Lady Monette’s adoptive grandson.

A few glares were tossed at Rose as she had not changed her hair color and they more than likely knew who she was, but then again, the news of the wedding cancelation had spread to different lands also. “I’m sure with all the experience you have the weather should be of no trouble for you and your crew.” she said with a smile to him.

Ariel chuckled as the walked down the main road until finally reaching the bustling docks upon which his ship was docked in all of its glory. He grinned at the familiar sight and hummed happily. “Let’s go.”

They glided aboard within seconds and the familiar sight of the crew working out the cranks of the ship was upon them.

“Crab!” Ariel shouted and the first mate appeared from atop the crow’s nest, “We ready for some sailing?”

Crab grinned. “As good as we’ll ever be, Cap’n!”

Ariel smiled back, adjusting his pirate’s hat before cupping his mouth. “Alright you landlovers! Pull down the sails! Pull up the anchor! Let’s set this beauty into the wind!”

A roar of cheers ran throughout the crew and Ariel laughed along.

Rose laughed, “Your happy to be back on the move I see.” she knew that the answer would be something along the lines of yes, or of course. She watched amazed at how fast the crew men worked.

They were soon upon the sea, sailing away from the docks and Ariel sighed at the familiar current of wind. “I am. But I’m even more happy to have you with me.” He leaned down and gently kissed her on the forehead. “Your stuff has been moved into my room. Would you like to see it?”

Rose nodded to that, she had wanted to know where it was so that she would not make the mistake and walk into another room. She sniffed the air, filled with the salty smell and the taste of the sea.

A smile formed on Rose’s lips, she took her dress out from the wardrobe, replaced it with the wedding dress and got dressed. This white and red dress brought back memories of when she and Ariel had first met in the balcony of the ball room. Another memory to make her smile as she viewed herself in the mirror.

Ariel strolled in without knocking–there was no need for him to, for he had seen her undressed now (and just the thought of last night made him grin)—, whistling a rather chipper tune infamous out in sea. Hands stuffed in his pocket, he cracked a yawn, running a hand through his already messy black hair.

Ariel gave her a look up and down, observing her in the dress, smirk evidently showing his satisfaction with the dress she chose. “Ready to go?”

Rose turned with a nodd, “You kept my dress?” she was a bit surprised to have found her dress in the wardrobe, but rather happy to have it back on her body again instead of all the other dresses.

He grinned, twirling a lock of her hair in between his fingers. “Of course I did. Why wouldn’t I have?” he replied, an affectionate arm wrapped firmly around her waist.

“I don’t know, thought you would have forgotten about it…..Shall we?” she said opening the bedroom door with the golden handle.

He nodded and then steered them across the room and to the exit where they travelled through several hallways before reaching their destination. Already now, the dining room was packed with his crewmen, waiting impatiently for the two late guests.

Lady Monette sipped her tea idly, “So glad of you to finally join us.”

Ariel grinned sheepishly, “Sorry, gran-gran. We must’ve overslept or something.”

Several members of his crew snickered, well aware from Ariel’s muddled appearance as to what Rose and he were doing last night.

Rose turned a light shade of pink, but not too bad for she had gotten a bit used to their comments. They were better than the ones from when they didn’t know about Ariel and Rose being together. She took a seat in her normal seat and turned to Lady Monette, “Good morning.” she said with a smile.

Lady Monette smiled, lips forming an amiable expression. “Good morning, dear. How are you feeling? I hope my grandson wasn’t being too much of a monster.”

Ariel groaned, stuffing a spoonful of mashed potatoes into his mouth, “Gran-gran! Can we please not talk about my sex-life at the table?”

Lady Monette smirked and shook her head, chuckling.

Rose laughed, “I’m feeling fine.” she said taking a fork of food into her mouth as the man that had went to get Ariel and Rose laughed, rather snikered.

Ariel pouted, stabbing at the food in his plate. Lady Monette looked at her grandson intently. “So,” she started, “what’s on the agenda for today?”

The infamous Skull Pirate sighed. “To get supplies stocked and ready. As much as I enjoyed our stay here gran-gran, I think we’ve overcome our welcome.”

Lady Monette snorted, “Of course you haven’t. But I suppose that you do have to leave eventually. When are you going?”

“By noon, at the most.” He replied. The crew began eating faster, eager to get back on the sea.

Rose had stopped eating at Ariel’s words, leaving? ‘We are leaving? We? Including me? With him, out to sea?’ many thoughts flooded in her mind….Mostly of how things would go while she was there, if Ariel allowed her to go aboard with all the men and him.

Within several minutes, his crew had already dispersed with Ariel’s orders of getting the boat ready. They all bowed at Lady Monette—the almost mother they never had and secretly always wanted—and left. The remained three—Ariel, Rose, and Lady Monette herself—talked about the ventures ahead.

“As of now? I’m thinking we could head up towards the southern kingdoms a bit. They’re neutral territory and with fairly good weather. A good as any place to start our occupation again.” He grinned.

Lady Monette nodded at her grandson and then turned to Rose. “So, dear, what do you think about this?”

Rose had just sat there listening to the conversation when Lady Monette spoke to her….”Me? Umm….I think its a great idea, but what is this occupation of which you speak, Ariel?” she asked, choosing her words so that she didn’t sound as if she didn’t know if she was going with them….Which she was not sure of in the first place.

Ariel shrugged. “Crab mentioned some time ago about a new noble settling in the southern hemisphere. He’s rather young and will be weak and so I’m guessing raiding his loot will be fairly easy. It’ll take us a few weeks to get there if we stop along ports on the way, but I think a little long adventure wouldn’t be too bad.”

All she did was nodd to his comment, “May I be excused?” she asked standing from the table and standing behind her chair, ‘I wonder……’ her mind had left into another state as Rose stood there focused on other things.

Ariel’s face fell slightly into a frown of puzzlement. He instantly stood up, afraid because the last time she had wanted to be excuse was when she was kidnapped. “I’ll go too–”

“No you wont.” Lady Monette snapped. Ariel’s eyes narrowed slightly as his grandmother ushered him back into his seat. “Don’t worry boy. She wont be kidnapped this time around.”

Ariel slowly nodded. Lady Monette turned to Rose. “Yes. You may be excused, dear.”

Rose smiled and nodded, leaving the room. She took a left and walked the hallway, then remembered that she should have taken a right to get to the rooms, but she had taken a few more turns and ended up a bit confused to where she had gone. Then she saw what appeared to be a library, so she went through the oak doors entering a vastly large room, rows of books lined the walls and the room. Tables to the side with small lamps.

“Wow…..Have not picked up a book in a while.” Rose said walking down a row of books and picking one from the shelf. It’s leather cover empty of any writing on the outside. She turned it over, nothing on the back, or the spine of the book. Then opening the book, yellow pages with writing came to her. Writing of a different language. Rose turned the page to see a picture of her tattoos on her body….exactly how she had them on her body, every curve and dot.

Ariel sat impatiently at the table, tapping his fingers a sour expression on his face. “Can I go now?”

Lady Monette sipped her tea ruefully. “No.”

A few seconds of silence passed and Ariel continued his antics, now adding a tapping foot and an ever more sour expression. “How about now?”

“…No.” was his grandmother’s simple reply and Ariel sighed, slamming his head against the table.

Rose touched the picture, not understanding what it ment, then heard a sound and turned a bit to hide, seeing a few men pass by and exit out of another door on the other side of the library.

Rose soon found her couriousity getting the better of her and she took the book in her hand and walked also through the door, thinking maybe it would lead to the rooms.

Ariel got up suddenly. “That’s it. I’m going.”

Lady Monette scowled. “I wont be able to stop you I suppose. So go ahead.”

Ariel grinned and then shot towards the exit he had seen Rose exit minutes ago, praying that Rose was not kidnapped like last time. He passed the gardens just to make sure and was releaved to see that she was not there.

But…where was she then?

Rose found herself in a dark hallway, right? Or left? She took right and walked down the darkness, no way of knowing what might be at the end of the hall…..

Until she ran into a wall, then found a knob for a door, opening it to reveal a bust of light. Rose stepped through the door to find herself on a balcony, a high balcony that over looked the garden….”Wow….That is beautiful…Now I just don’t remember going up any stairs.” which was true, she had not gone up any stairs.

Ariel who had been looking through several rooms, ran through a hallway and burst into a passageway with light at the end. When he reached the end, he emerged through a balconey as well, and with a sigh or relief, spotted Rose.

“Oh good.” He breathed, “You’re okay. Where were you? I checked everywhere.”

Rose moved the book behind her, “Sorry to have worried you….I had ment to go the rooms, but took so many wrong turns and found myself lost.” she said to him with a soft smile.

Ariel smiled, running a hand through his hair. “Well, at least you weren’t kidnapped.” He reached forward and touched her cheek, just to make sure she was really there.

Rose laughed, “Shall we find the right way then? Assuming you know the way?” she asked.

Ariel huffed, striking a pose, “Of course I do! This castle’s been practically my home.” And then he deflated, scratching the back of his neck. “Oddly enough though, I still manage to get lost…I swear the castle get’s bigger every time I come to visit.” He laughed, eyes twinkling.

“Well, I think my ship’s probably ready now. Shall we go and begin our voyage?”

Her head looked up at that, “Our voyage?” she questioned stepping back into the dark hallway, remembering that she had came from a door on the left, so would make sure to feel for a knob that would lead them to the libarary and then back to where she had first gotten lost….hopefully Ariel would know the way from there.

Ariel looked down at her, grinning. “Well of course—our voyage. I’m not really good when it comes to mushy stuff…but from here on, it IS our voyage. Our relationship.” He shrugged, pulling her close as they menuvered through the dark hallway and emerged back into the normal passageways.

Rose was happy again to hear that, she had to move the book a bit so that he wouldn’t take it from her. She wanted to try to read it and find out what it said about her tattoos.

His fingers made idle designs on her stomach. “That’s good,” he hummed. “So, for your first time,” he grinned, “how was it?”

Rose laughed, “First time? Painful, after a while, the second best thing to being with you.” she smiled.

He chuckled, kissing a spot on her neck, inhaling her famous scent that always drove him crazy. “Good. Because we’re definitly doing it again.”

She laughed again, “As long as it was better than the whores that you have slept with?” she made it a question, lifting his chin up to look at her with her finger.

“By far,” he murmured, kissing her affectionately on the lips. “We have something I never had before. It’s love.”

Rose nodded, “Likewise.” she said hearing a knock at the door. “You awake Captin?” shouted one of the crew men.

Ariel grumbled under his breath. “There goes my peaceful time.” With a sigh he got up, stretching his limbs before hopping onto his feet. “Damnit. Where are my pants?”

Rose laughed, “Those are over there.” she said pulling the covers over her bare skin. She had pointed to the chair that had his pants flung against it.

Another knock at the door, “Breakfast is done!” the same man called to the shut door.

“Ah yeah, yeah…” he grunted again and then quickly slipped into his pair of pants. Then, he cracked open the door and glared at his crew member. “Whaddya want?” He glared, not happy with being rushed in the morning.

The crew man was able to see a bit of Rose clutching to the covers, he smiled, “Lady Monette sent me to get you and Princess Rose for breakfast.” he said moving his eyes from Rose to Ariel.

Ariel’s glare darkened when he noticed the other pirate look at Rose and frowned. “Is that so?” he gruffly replied. “Well, we’ll be on our way, okay? Okay.” And then Ariel slammed the door shut.

The man had gulped from the slam in his face and ran away from the door. “Is everything alright?” Rose asked.

Ariel sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Nah. Nothing really. Just hoped we could have some time to ourselves before talking to gran-gran. But oh well. It can’t be helped.” He rummaged through their pile of clothing for his shirt, though when he found it, he did not put it on. Instead he leaned over the bed and kissed her quickly on the lips and then proceeded to dress.