Spirit- So sorry for the wait! I have been on vacation for pretty much the past month! I barely had time to write until this past week. The next chapter will probably be delayed as well since I'm moving out of my parents and to a state half-way across country to live with my friends there. Big step! Anyways, enough about me. Here is the next chapter. It deals more in Jim's feelings since the last one touched on Ariel's. Let me know if it feels rushed or something. I'm not really sure how I feel about it yet, but it's the best I can do for now.
SPECIAL THANKS to Aggressively Hospitable, Alsarnia, Spottedleafpaw, AJtheWeird, and Beforethedawnbreaks for the reviews!
Please leave comments on what you like or didn't like about this chapter and I will try to correct future mistakes!
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Chapter NINE:
Dinner Guests
Day 3, Part II
When Jim and Ariel arrived back at the castle, they found only B.E.N, Morph, and Sebastian waiting for them. Erik, Ameila, and Delbert had gone out once again to search the forest. Apparently one of the farmer's families had seen something. Grimsby told Jim not to worry about joining them for they would be back soon anyways. Erik was having guests over for an early dinner tonight. A group of high ranking nobles, that had good ties to the family.
Not really caring about nobles or their statuses, Jim's group decided to spend their time left in the study. Ariel gazed in wonder at all the books and scrolls on the shelves of the large room. She had seen books before in sunken ships, but not quite so many and with the inked words still legible. The girl watched as Jim went through some of the scrolls on a high shelf until he found the one he was looking for. Pulling it out from under a few others, he climbed down the ladder and went to a cleared table. B.E.N helped him unroll the large sheet of paper and put weights on the ends. Walking over, Ariel saw it was a map of what appeared to be a portion of the kingdom and some of the sea. She was amused by the sea monster sketch at the bottom of the map in the ocean. Those had been extinct for centuries.
"Uh, Jimmy, what are we doing?" the android asked.
Jim kept his eyes on the map as he answered, "I just want to see what areas haven't been covered yet. Erik and the others have searched the woods." he said, pointing to the cluster of trees. "And we know they're not on the coast line from the woods to the castle."
"Could they still be in space?"
"We thought of that. It is a possibility, they could make trips down to save fuel then go back up when they need. Or maybe they have enough fuel stowed away to keep afloat."
Ariel didn't know much about Jim's technology, but she doubted they were still in space. She didn't know how to describe it, but she just felt they were somewhere close by. However, she didn't think that would necessarily help in their quest. Looking at the map, there weren't many places left to hide. A few clusters of sand bars and rock, like the one Silver had lived at, were scattered on the map's ocean. They could be hiding there though someone would surely have spotted them by now. There were the cliffs that housed caves, and the lagoons next to them that were hard to get to with horses and chariots. More maps were laid out, each seeming more hopeless than the last as the boys poured over them.
Breathing a sigh, Ariel walked away from the table and over to the window. The sun would be setting in a few hours, her time was running out. She had two more days to get Jim to love her and find Silver. It wasn't as important to be loved to her, as it was to find their friend. Silver was like an uncle to her. She loved him like one. Having him caged and possibly hurt by those pirates made her stomach knot. She at least needed to find him. She didn't care about becoming just another part of Ursula's collection as long as he and Jim were all safe. She could talk to her father to prevent him from doing anything drastic, like handing his kingdom or trident over for her. It seemed that this was her only option.
A hand on her shoulder made her jump and spin around. Jim, B.E.N, and Morph were looking at her worriedly. "You okay Ari?" the android asked from behind the spacer. Jim, whose hand was still on her shoulder, seemed to be searching for something in her eyes.
"You're really worried about Silver aren't you?" he asked.
Ariel fought off the tears and nodded.
Jim gave her a lopsided smile, "I am too, but we'll find him. You'll see."
Morph flew over and nuzzled her check as he cooed. The redhead gave them all a smile as she petted the transformer. B.E.N suddenly wrapped them all up in a giant hug, causing Morph and Jim to laugh, while Ariel silently giggled. When the robot let go, Jim suggested they take a break from the maps. Instead he pulled out a large red book and handed it to Ariel. The red head looked at it, then at Jim questionably.
"Open it up." He encouraged. She did so and found not words, but pictures inside. Pictures of land animals she had never seen, other castles that were different from Erik's, even different looking people. "I'd thought you'd like that, since you don't know much about land. Maybe after we get Silver back, I can get you a book that has pictures of space. I'm sure one of my old textbooks is back on the ship, and that one you'll be able to keep."
She clutched the book to her and nodded vigorously at him. At that, the door to the study opened and Carlotta and Grimsby walked in. "Erik and Ameila should be arriving soon, and so should be there guests. It is requested that all should be formal for this evening."
That meant more dresses, at which Ariel made a face. Jim and B.E.N tried not to laugh when they saw it, then grimaced when Erik's advisor said, they too must get dressed up. Jim was used to wearing uniforms, since he had to at school. He didn't dislike them, but he hated fancy parties where the rich showed themselves off. However, he nodded, knowing he really didn't have a choice in the matter.
"Wonderful! If you don't mind, would you be Ms. Ariel's escort tonight for the dinner Jim? It's custom I'm afraid." Grimsby asked.
"I don't mind." It meant he got to sit with her instead of some fluttery eyed, duchess or something.
"Come along then deary, I have just the dress for you." Carlotta said, taking ahold of Ariel's arm. The redhead sighed inwardly, but put on a smile for the maid, as they left the room.
Jim, B.E.N, and Morph went to their own room to prepare. Looking through his luggage, he wondered if his school uniform would do. He hadn't really brought anything fancier than that. He was here on a mission after all. Shaking out the jacket he held it up to look at it better. It was his off-white uniform that he had worn to the re-opening of her mothers inn. He had a black one too, but he felt this would be better suited. Besides, he had worn it to all the school events, so it was comfortable and a little more homely looking now.
"Hey B.E.N, can you iron this for me? I'm going to take a bath." He asked, getting off the ground and throwing the outfit onto the bed. The android said yes, and began singing something as he picked up the garments.
A bath was already awaiting Jim when he entered the room. He hopped in and let the water ease his aching muscles. The solar surfing from earlier had been a little rough on his arms. He hadn't done it in awhile, not to mention steering with extra weight onboard was no easy task. Still, it had been fun, and he was glad Ariel had enjoyed it.
He shifted around until he could rest his head in his arms on the rim of the tub. That girl was certainly different. Most girls he'd met were either stuck up, or just really girly. The ones at his school were a lot like Amelia; highly sarcastic, cold, and ruthless. All traits he didn't exactly dislike, but were sometimes a bit too much for him. Ariel liked to joke around and have fun, even if it was a little scary. She was an adventurer like him, and he admired that. Not too many girls were ready to just go off into another world in search of someone. Knowing full well there was great danger ahead of them.
Turning back around, he tried to clear his thoughts of the redhead. He was here to find Silver. Once they found him, and arrested, or killed the pirates, they would all have to go back to their own dimension. Ariel would remain here. He would never see her again... That thought saddened him. She was becoming such a good friend. Even though she couldn't speak, he felt closer to her, then he did with anyone back at the academy. He smirked at how ridiculous that was. He had only known her for, what, three days? How can someone be so close to you after such a short amount of time?
'Perhaps it's fate that you met.' A voice that sounded a lot like his mother said in his head. He didn't believe in such things. You had to make your own choices in the world. No unseen force was gonna do that for you.
Deciding that was enough, he scrubbed himself clean and got out to dry. Dwelling on all of these weird feelings now only made his head hurt. He would concentrate on finding Silver and that was it. All else would unfold in time.
Walking back into his room he found B.E.N had finished and was now sitting out on the small balcony with Morph. Both were in their original forms. Since their room faced the ocean, it was unlikely anyone would see them. Jim let them have their fun as he started on polishing his scuffed and dull boots. He decided he would take his time on getting ready as dinner wouldn't start for another couple of hours.
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Amelia, Delbert, Jim, and B.E.N waited in their hallway before going to the dinning hall. The guests and Erik would also be arriving there shortly. For now the group was waiting for Ariel to come out of her room. Carlotta had poked her head out minutes earlier to tell them they were almost done. B.E.N made a comment about how sorry he felt for the girl. All knew by now her distaste for large, complicated dresses.
Jim looked at the robot in his human, young teen disguise. He was dressed up as well, but not too fancy. The maids had managed to find a dress shirt and navy breeches for him. His fluffy, stuck up hair was comb down to the best of their abilities. Really, he looked like a farmers boy dressed in his Sunday best, but it would do. Having refused the dress she was offered, Amelia was once again wearing a very fine, and feminine uniform. This time it was red and gold. The coat tails wrapped a little more around her to appear more dress like and her trimmings were more lace like fabric. Delbert was dressed in brown and gold to match his wife, though his attire still appeared a bit scholarly.
'To bad Carlotta likes dressing up Ariel so much. Otherwise she might've been able to wear something more like the captain's clothes.' Jim thought.
"Here we are!" rang out the maids voice as she opened the door and guided the redhead out.
"My dear girl, you look simply stunning!" Amelia chided, walking over to her.
It was true. Instead of the pastel pink she had on at their first dinner, her dress was now a sea-foam green with pale blue trimmings. It's structure was alike that of the pink dress with a few changes. Her sleeves were short and not as puffy, and the bottom half was a little slimmer as well. Ariel's hair had been curled loosely and most of it was pinned up at the back, while a few wavy strands hung down to frame her face. A white flower made of cloth with pearls was clipped onto the right side of her head.
She smiled shyly at Amelia in thanks. The captain then turned to Jim, "Well Mr. Hawkins? You are her escort for this evening, come take her to the hall."
Jim felt like a robot at that moment. He obeyed Amelia's order and went over and took Ariel's arm to wrap it around his. Other than that he said nothing, nor did anything other than walk with the others. For some reason his brain felt like someone had fried it. One quick glance to the girl and he realized it was her fault. Why did she have to look so damn gorgeous and make him feel so strange? He thought she had looked nice in her other dinner dress, now she almost looked unearthly.
He noticed Ariel had turned to look at him, so he turned to look at her. She gave him a smile that made his ears and neck suddenly feel very hot. He quickly looked away, and hoped his whole head wasn't going red. Why? Why did this girl do such odd things to him?
'Just remember your job here. You came here to find Silver, and that's it! Nothing else matters!' he glanced over when Ariel had placed her other hand on his upper arm. as she stumbled Just this simple new touch made him blush again. 'Crap!' This was going to be a long evening.
The group made it to the large room, where the others were waiting to sit down. After a long list of introductions, in which Jim sort of zoned out of, they were all able to take their seats. The table was full of guests. All dressed very richly, and buzzing with gossip. Unlike in the past, Jim, Ariel, and B.E.N were seated at the opposite end of the table then the prince. The spacer knew it had everything to do with ranking, and the fact that they were the youngest. He didn't hold it against Erik though. The man looked like he'd rather be seated with them, then the Lord and his wife on his right. Luckily Amelia and Delbert were stationed on his left. Jim and Ariel's company consisted of a young nobleman and his fiance, as well as the boys parents. All were old money, and looked to be the snootiest people Jim had ever seen.
Ariel fidgeted awkwardly in her seat next to the spacer. She was worried she would do something silly again like her first dinner at the castle with the fork. It made her feel worse that Sebastian and Morph had to be left in their rooms. She could really have used them to ease her nerves right about now. B.E.N was told he was not to speak unless spoken to, and would go where ever Jim went. This left the group feeling tense and unnerved as they went through the dinner courses and listened to the chatter.
Something one of Lords said, caught everyone's attention, "It is entirely improper for a woman to be a captain!"
Silence followed. Obviously the remark had been made towards Amelia who did not seem phased in the least. She eyed the man, taking in his bulky stomach, powdered wig, and frilly attire. He looked like he hadn't done an ounce of real work a in his life. Jim knew Amelia hated his type. "Well, we can't leave everything to the men now can we?" she asked, directing the question to the man's pretty petite wife.
The woman looked uncomfortable at the question, and meekly responded, "I agree with my husband. It is a woman's job to stay at home and raise the children."
The older woman seated next to Ariel sniffed, "Quite right! Being on a ship with nothing but men around you is scandalous. Not to mention, it is ludicrous for women to wear he garbs of men."
"On the contrary, if her work entitles such attire, then it would be more proper for her to wear them, instead of musing a dress." Said the young girl that was to be the older woman's daughter-in-law.
"Hold your tongue Danielle!" The woman snapped.
"Mother!" the boy whispered angrily.
Jim decided to speak up at this point. "No offense to anyone here, but Captain Amelia is the best captain I've ever been under the command of. She's strict, and fair with her crew. Like any leader should be."
All turned towards him. The older woman sniffed again, "you? You're still green boy. You can't have sailed under many captains yet. And what about you girl? Do you think it is decent of a woman to parade around like a man?" she asked, looking at Ariel.
"Lady Adalia, Ms. Ariel is mute I'm afraid." Erik stated, trying to come to the girl's rescue. It didn't work.
"Hmph, that doesn't mean the girl doesn't have an opinion." She rounded back onto the redhead. "Well?"
Ariel fidgeted under all the stares but then pointed to Amelia and smiled sweetly. She would take the feline's side any day. Amelia had been kind to her, and was a very respectful woman. Her choice did not seem to please Lady Adalia though, nor a few others at the table. They all gave her looks that made her feel like an ignorant child. However, all her friends gave her a smile back. They were all that really mattered to her.
Grimsby cleared his throat and tried to change the subject, "What do you all think about the rumor of these new pirates?"
The boy, Conal, replied, "Haven't heard nor seen much about them, but we do live more inland then you and your highness."
The conversation droned on. Lady Adalia had traded seats with her daughter-in-law. Danielle now sat next to Ariel and smiled warmly at her. "It is nice to meet you Ms. Ariel and Mr. Hawkins. I'm Danielle. I'm sorry for my mother-to-be's forwardness. She just doesn't like change all that much. Not many of the older nobles here do."
"It's fine. Amelia's heard it before, and she'll probably hear it again." Jim said before sipping his wine.
Ariel looked more closely at the girl. She had light brown hair that was braided around her head. Her chocolate eyes were outlined with a green powder to match her green dress. Though she didn't like the things, she admired how it looked on Danielle, and vaguely wondered if she looked that pretty. A light dusting of freckles littered the girls nose and cheeks.
'She seems nice. She might be around Aquata's age.' Ariel thought as she returned the smile.
"Where are you from Ariel? It's alright if I call you that right?"
The redhead nodded, then pointed out the window to the sea before thinking of what she was doing. Inwardly she cringed. Others weren't supposed to know what she actually was. Thankfully, Danielle didn't seem to get the literal meaning of her indication though.
"From across the sea? How lovely!"
"Yeah, she, uh, came with me and Captain Amelia." Jim quickly explained.
"Captain Amelia and I." the lady corrected.
"Whatever."
A sudden pain shot up his leg. Ariel had kicked him under the table for his rudeness. When he looked over at her, which was now easier to do, he saw she was giving him a dirty look before turning back to Danielle and smiling sweetly. The girl had covered her mouth to try and suppress her giggle. She had guessed what had transpired between the two and found it amusing. Jim held back his grumble, but did apologize. He had, after all, been taught better.
"It's alright." Danielle said, still holding back from giggling. "You two must be pretty close. Are you courting each other?"
Jim went red while Ariel looked quizzically at the girl, not understanding. It was now B.E.N's turn to hold in a laugh... which he failed miserably at. Thankfully he wasn't so loud as to draw the rest of the party's attention. The spacer shot him a look before replying.
"No, we're not. We're just friends." It didn't seem right saying that, but he ignored the feeling.
Ariel had suddenly found her glass very interesting. Though Jim missed the slight crestfallen look in her eyes, it had not gone unnoticed by Danielle. She gave the redhead a sorrowful look, knowing that the girl didn't feel the same way as Jim apparently.
Music reached their ears and they all turned to see a small band of musicians. They must have appeared just as everyone was getting done with their second course. The music was so soft and elegant that some of the guests began to sway to it. An idea struck the brunette and she looked over at Jim with a grin. "Jim, why don't you ask Ariel to dance?"
"... Huh? Wait, what?" He asked, at first not hearing her, then not believing her.
"You heard me. Be a gentleman and ask her. You are her escort this evening are you not?" She asked, quirking an eyebrow.
Both girls were now looking at him. He looked at Ariel and her shy, but hopeful expression. She hadn't had the chance to try dancing with her new legs yet, and was yearning to. He knew how to dance thanks to his etiquette classes, but had never truly danced so formally with anyone other than his classmates. Not to mention the prospect of dancing right now, in this room, with these people watching, was doing nothing for his nerves.
'This is stupid! So what if you don't dance as well as these rich snobs? Not like you're ever going to see them again. And Ariel's never danced before, so she won't know if you miss a step.' he inwardly fought with himself. Looking back at Ariel, he felt even more unsure.
"... Uh..." was all his genius-self could come up with.
"Well if you won't dance with her, then I hope she will do me the honor?" came a voice behind them. Erik had walked over and was now offering his hand to the girl. She nodded as she excepted it and the prince glided her out to the center so they would have more room. Amelia and Delbert soon joined them, as did a few other couples.
Danielle looked over and saw Jim now had a sour look on his face. Again she had to hide her smile behind her hand as she mentally thought, 'The early bird gets the worm, Jim.'
Boy, did he know it now. Mentally he was kicking himself for missing his chance to make Ariel happy. Erik was now doing that, and the worst thing was, they both looked great together. The dance was a simple waltz. All couples had enough space between them to twirl their partners around and move about. Ariel fumbled every now and then, but Erik didn't seem to mind and only helped her as he lead on. She looked like she was having a lot of fun.
Jim turned back to his plate. He had a sinking feeling in his stomach. Perhaps Erik would get his mystery woman after all. Once Jim left, Ariel and him could start a life together, that is if Ariel remained human. They would be wonderful leaders for this country. The redhead would certainly liven things up though.
The music ended, and a knew song played, but all guests went back to their seats for the main course. The spacer put a smile on for Ariel when she sat back down next to him. She was practically beaming at him, causing him to chuckle. Even if it wasn't him that made her this happy, he was glad she was. Her earlier mood when they had returned to the castle had worried him, but she seemed fine now.
The main course was presented, and the two were relieved it was roasted duck. Ariel only knew seagulls and pelicans, so she didn't mind trying this dish out. It was easier to eat then fish, even if she hadn't personally known them.
The talk at the table was light now. Varying from he weather, to neighboring kingdoms, and other such topics. The two youngest members engaged in a chat with Danielle and Conal. It was a good distraction for Jim from his earlier thoughts. Conal told them about their part of the country and how he and his fiance met. They were due to marry in two months. Danielle invited Ariel and Jim, but both sadly declined. Neither really knew where they would be in that time. Jim was hoping it wouldn't take that long to find Silver, and Ariel knew she'd either be in Ursula's clutches, back in Atlantica, or in space. When the couple asked more about the two's homes, it got a little uncomfortable. For one, Ariel didn't like lying to these nice people, and Jim wasn't too sure how much he should say.
Thankfully dessert arrived and the subject changed to that, as Ariel had never had custard before. Jim was worried about that, but the couple didn't seem surprised. Apparently it wasn't a vastly known dish, or one easily attainable on this planet. The redhead couldn't finish it as it was too rich for her, but hid the rest in her napkin. She slowly mouthed the words, "For Morph" to Jim. He thought it sweet of her, but knew such a squishy food would not last well wrapped up in a napkin. Still, he let her try.
"Well, ladies and gentlemen, it has been a pleasure having you all here this evening. Dinner has now come to an end. Those of you staying the night will be shown to your guest rooms. For the rest of you, your carriages have been prepared and are waiting." Grimsby announced as he rose from his seat.
Everyone else got up as well. Unfortunately, Conal and Danielle would be leaving to stay at Conal's parent's summer home a few miles away. They said good-bye to them, and hoped to see them again before they sailed home. The two weren't sure how likely that would be, but hoped so too. Finally they headed to their rooms. The remaining guests were staying in a separate wing then the spacers and Ariel. Mostly this was so Amelia, Delbert, and B.E.N could walk around their area without their disguises.
"That was a lovely evening, wasnt it?" the doctor asked, straightening his jacket.
"All but that moment of thick-headed-ness about women, I would say so." Amelia agreed.
B.E.N threw his arm around the captain. "Don't sweat the small stuff Captain. We all know you can kick any man's butt any day!"
Amelia gave him a look to remove his arm, which he did so, laughing nervously. "I don't know about any man, but certainly those particular men I could do in."
"It wasn't so much the men as the women though. Especially that Lady Adalia." Delbert pointed out.
"Hm, yes. Though that Danielle girl was charming enough." Amelia turned to the younger members of their party. "Wouldn't you say?"
Ariel nodded her head vigorously while Jim replied with a simple, "yeah."
"Well, we'll see you all tomorrow morning. Good night everyone." Delbert said when they reached his and Amelia's room. Everyone wished each other a good night before entering their own quarters as well.
Jim was practically attacked by Morph when he and B.E.N opened the door to their room. The pink blob zoomed over and began licking Jim's face fiercely. The boy laughed and pet the little transformer, in hopes of calming him done. He even gave the little guy Ariel's left over custard, which was starting to soak through the napkin. The little guy gobbled it up, but was still much to hyper for them to go to sleep.
Deciding he needed to let Morph get some air and burn all that energy, Jim took him down and out to the courtyard after he changed into more comfortable clothing. The little blob whirled around him, chuckling and chirping happily. The night air was cool and the sea breeze felt nice. It brought the salty smell of brine over the cliff and to them. Jim inhaled deeply. He enjoyed the smell. Sitting up on the three foot wall he looked out over the dark ocean that was lit only by the light of the waxing moon. Vaguely, he wondered what it was really like to live in the sea. He had only seen some of it's occupants by night, but it must be a very colorful sight in the daytime.
He thought about asking Ariel, and looked up towards the castle. In a window, facing the courtyard he saw the girl was already in her pink nightgown and was brushing the curls out of her hair with a fork again. He smiled when he saw that. She was so weird, but in an amusing way. He wondered when she had managed to sneak a fork away, and how long she been brushing her hair with it.
"You look happy." came a voice that surprised both Morph and Jim. They turned to see Erik, with his dog Max, come into the yard. He too had changed clothes.
"Hey your highness." Jim said in a mocking tone with a smirk.
Erik made a face at him, but then rolled his eyes and smiled. "I guess I deserved that. Sorry for not talking with you much at dinner."
"You have obligations just like the rest of us." Jim said with a shrug. "Must suck though."
"It does, but not always. It means people actually listen to me and my ideas. They wouldn't give me the time of day if I was anyone else." he pointed out as she joined Jim at the wall. Max and Morph were now playing with each other in the grass. The little blob had turned into a mini version of the dog.
"Guess that's true." Jim replied.
Erik looked up and saw Ariel in the window as well. A knowing smile grew on his face as he turned back to his friend. "You and Ariel seem to be getting along really well."
Jim snapped his head towards the prince with a look that said, "don't start."
This only caused Erik to laugh, "I'm not really teasing you... Well a little, but in all seriousness is there something going on there?"
'No.' "I don't know." Damn his traitor mouth!
"She seems to like you."
'I doubt it.' "You think so?"
"Sure. You can tell when she looks at you... do you like her?"
'Of course not!' ... "I'm not sure." Jim confessed, as he turned back to stare at the ocean. "But even if I did, I couldn't be with her. I'm from a different world, heck, a different dimension even!"
"How do you know she isn't willing to go with you?" Erik asked.
Jim sighed, "I would never ask her to leave her home world. Especially if I'm not 100 percent sure of my feelings."
Erik nodded in understanding. It was a lot to ask of someone even if you did truly love them. To the prince, and everyone else he had asked though, Jim did have feelings for the redhead. He was just so fixed on the fact that it Might be a doomed relationship, that he refused to allow himself to fall in love with her. There was that, and Delbert had mentioned that his father had walked out on him and his mother when he was young. This didn't help the young spacer's view on love at all.
Turning from his leaning position on the wall, Erik looked out at the ocean. He had pretty much given up on finding his mystery woman for now. What with these social events and those pirates, he just hadn't the time to continue his quest. However, he didn't want Jim to miss out on his chance at getting the girl too. He wondered if there was anything he could do to push the younger boy in the right direction. A plan began to form in his head as he thought about it.
He smiled, then whistled for Max. Jim looked over at him unexpectedly. "I think I'll turn in for the night. There's something I need to work on. Don't stay up too late Jim!"
"Okay?" Jim responded, not really sure what the prince meant by that. Said man and his dog soon disappeared from view. Jim sighed again and jumped off the wall. Erik was up to something, but it appeared he would have to wait to find out what. He hated that.
Taking one last look at the sea, he then called out to his pet. "Come on Morph. I'm getting tired." The blob cooed sadly, but followed his owner back inside the castle.
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Chow!