Let the Journey Begin

"You're the one that...!" Eric took. Breath, there was no point, "Straight down the street and to the left. Then illdrop you off unless you any me to stay."

Ariel pouted a little, she had no idea if she did anything or not.

All I did was tap his nose... She thought, looking to where he pointed.

Of course I want to you stay... I don't want to be alone here... She thought, biting her lip, before shrugging. "I could always yell your name if I need you?" She asked, looking up at him.

[[ OOC: I'm sorry I'm so lame. And I suck... ]]

Eric gave a nod.

Ariel grabbed his hand. "After I get a room, then we can part ways." She said, taking charge, as she dragged him in the direction he pointed to.

They walked into the inn and Ariel went up to the counter. "Hello, I would like a room please." Ariel said, pulling out her coin purse.

"Room for two?" The man asked, looking between her and Eric.

"Oh, no, he's just my escort." Ariel said, shrugging.

Eric tensed letting the teen pull him around like a life sized doll.

Eric just about died of laughter in the inn. He was an escort now? "I'm not a prostitute, sir. I'm merely here to make sure this little lady makes it from point a to point b. Alive."

Ariel raised an eyebrow at Eric. "That's what I said, escort. What? Have escorts changed since I was younger? Fine, he's my body guard, that better?" She asked, giving Eric a look.

"Uh-huh..." The man at the counter began, in all honesty not really caring. "How long will your stay be, madam?" He asked, writing down the room for her.

"Oh, just for the night at the moment, I'll renew it before my time is up if I feel I need to stay another night." She said, pulling out the money.

The man nodded. "Here is your room, Suite 14. Enjoy your stay." He said, after she paid for the one night. He handed her the key to the room.

She thanked him and took the key.

Eric seemed to stay a littler quieter, from where he had been an escort was another name for a hooker. He didn't have the heart to explain to her why he even knew that either. He just followed her around for the moment.

Ariel walked up to her room and found it. She unlocked the door and looked around.

"Not bad... a little bigger then my room." She stated, going over to the bed. She sat down and sunk into it, before she smiled and started bouncing on it laughing.

Eric leaned on the door, watching the teen jump around on her bed. He shook his head, giving a stupid smile, "Eh, a bit better than what I've seen in a while."

Ariel looked over at him as she bounced on the bed one last time. "Used to sleeping outside?" She asked, knowing he traveled a lot.

"You sure you don't want me to get you a room? I still have enough." She stated, not liking the idea of him being outside.

"If I wanted a room I could easily pay for myself. I just don't like being confined in... a building." Eric said, a bit lower than he meant to.

Ariel tilted her head at him. "All right then..." She said, taking note of his voice.

She stood up from the bed and stretched. "Wow, it's late." Ariel said, walking over to the window to see that night had fallen.

"So... I guess this is goodnight, then?" She asked, looking back at Eric.

Eric gave a nod, "Unless you're suddenly going to confess that you desperately want me to stay, then yes I will take my leave."

Ariel glared at him before crossing her arms and grumbling to herself. There was a tiny hint of blush on her cheeks. "Why do you do that?" She grumbled.

"Do what?" Eric asked innocently. Internally he had the biggest smirk.

Ariel glared her blue eyes at him. "You know exactly what I mean... You keep teasing me all over the place!" She said, almost pouting.

"Besides, even if I wanted you to stay, you wouldn't." Ariel stated, putting her hands on her hips. "You would be too worried about what others would think to even consider staying in a room with me."

"I'm a well known healer. I don't really think they'd get that impression from me." Eric thought about his father before blinking the thoughts away, "And if you honestly needed me, I'd stay. That's why I joined in your quest. You honestly needed me."

Well known healer...? Ariel thought before pushing it away.

"I never said I needed you..." She mumbled. "But... I do appreciate you coming along..." She told him, softly. She was being honest, she really did enjoy his company and she would have hated to be alone...

"C-can you stay?" She asked, blushing a little. "I... I've never taken to being alone very well... and this is my first time traveling without my adopted mother with me..." She admitted shyly.

"Don't worry, I understand. I used to hate traveling alone, it's a procured taste in travel. And I'll stay." Eric said, stepping into the room and shutting the door behind him. He pulled out a book from his pocket before sitting in a chair that was near by.

Ariel smiled. "Thanks..." She said, before glancing at her bag.

Guess I can't play you tonight... She thought, thinking about the images that appeared when she played her jewelry box.

She began unpacking her stuff for the night. She smiled as she picked up her jewelry box and set it on the night stand.

She looked back over at Eric."So... do you mind me asking what you're reading?" She asked, curious.

Eric looked up holding up the book, "This? It's a collection of stories from people I've managed to meet over the years. I wrote them all down... Just so I could read them later."

"Sounds fun!" Ariel said, walking over to him.

"Hey... you wouldn't happen to be writing down my story, are you?" She asked, curious if she was going to make it in his book.

Eric shook his head, "Not in this one at least. I wouldn't want to spoil what I describe you by." He laughed, shaking his head lightly. He didn't offer her the book though. Something's weren't meant for kids to read.

Ariel pouted. "Well, which book is it in? I think I should know if you're describing me right." She said, playfully flipping her hair over her shoulder.

"Can I read it? I'd like to know more about your adventures." She asked, moving to sit on the table in the room that's right by Eric's chair.

"Err... Something's you can't read. But when you're older I'll let you." Eric said, in a promising voice.