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Moving along again, Ariel was pensive and silent, hardly noticing the market stalls closing for the night, the lanterns being extinguished, or the crowds they navigated through on their way to the Inn. Ariel might have remained oblivious until she reached her room if not for catching sight of a familiar face: Noah.
Standing amidst a large group of people off to the side of the Inn, he was joined by his grandfather and grandmother. His eyes met hers; he smiled slightly, blushing, before turning his attention back to his adoring company.
Ariel felt herself blush, struck by an odd sense of embarrassment. His play had been about her—what was she supposed to make of that? His very grandparents wanted them married—how was she to handle that? The very dress she wore tonight was his aunt's! These thoughts deepened her blush.
Ariel entered the Inn, hearing and seeing almost nothing until Leroy stopped her.
"Ariel, look—refreshments. Do you want any?" the monk asked, eyeing the table longingly. Pulled from her thoughts, Ariel smiled encouragingly,
"I think I'll just go to my room, but you go ahead and eat, Leroy."
He looked reluctant for a moment but then nodded after John assured him he would accompany Ariel to her hall.
John saw Ariel safely into the hall and, after hearing her assurances of making it to her room alright, wished her a warm goodnight before entering his own room. Alone again but not minding it as she only wished to sleep now, Ariel made sluggish progress towards her door.
10... 11... 12... 13...
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Ariel counted in her head until finally halting at her door: 14. Drowsily patting her sides for her key brought alarm:
My key! This dress doesn't have pockets! I've locked myself out!
This problem felt almost insurmountable in her current state and for a moment she contemplated sleeping next to her door. She looked down the hall—it was a long way back to Leroy. Resignedly, unsure if she had the strength to make it, Ariel took her first step but then noticed someone approaching—a tall figure moving down the hallway. Suddenly awake, she recognized Jasper.
He's not in his room yet? Ariel thought as she glanced at his door a few feet from hers. As he got closer she realized he hadn't noticed her or anything else; he seemed lost in thought. Automatically arriving at his door without glancing in Ariel's direction, he began searching for his keys as Ariel stood frozen in indecision.
Should I say something?
Jasper found his key and brought it to his lock.
Well, if I don’t now, I’ll miss my chance.
"Jasper..." Ariel's voice interrupted as he turned the handle and began to step inside.
"Ariel?"
Ariel averted her eyes, feeling a blush creep up her neck.
Dang it! Why does he always have to look at me like that?
Jasper stepped back from his door and studied her for a moment.
"Is there something you want to tell me?" he asked in a softer tone, stepping closer.
Ariel's eyes widened in panic—he thought she was going to confess to an encounter!
"Uh-actually, no. It's just, well; I seem to be locked out," Ariel explained, glancing from her door back to him hopefully.
Jasper froze, arms crossed. For a moment, Ariel thought he might refuse to help with the way he was eyeing her. Then he sighed and relented, brushing past her to inspect the door.
"I'm not even going to ask how you managed that," he said with a knowing look as he reached for the handle.
"Well, there aren’t exactly any pockets in this dress..." Ariel muttered defensively.
Suddenly there was a click, and the door swung open. Jasper stepped back satisfied and turned back towards his room. Ariel stared into her now open room in shock,
"Jasper, how did you...?"
But her young boss was already opening his own door again. Trying to recover from her surprise, Ariel shook her head and walked into her room. Just before she closed the door, she thought she heard,
"You looked beautiful tonight."