Chapter 12

Day Three 6:15am

Immersed in her covers, Ariel was rooted to her bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. For over a quarter of an hour, her mind had been ensnared in a mental tug-of-war. The return to the Inn by Leroy and John's guidance had left her sinking into the uneven comfort of her mattress with the force of gravity. A peculiar sensation gnawed at her insides. Mandy – he had called her that.

With a crease in her brow, she squeezed her eyes shut. He'd wished her a sound sleep, yet slumber had eluded her; she spent the night wrestling with restless thoughts, devoid of even a fleeting dream. Darkness was all that greeted her behind closed lids, an opaque companion to her wakefulness. Unable to lie there any longer, Ariel let out a sigh laced with irritation and threw off the blankets.

Compelled by an inner urgency, even if tempered by his potential to irk her, she knew she had to confront him. Perhaps it was the oddness of last night's encounter or simply the need to set things straight – whatever it was propelled Ariel through a hasty shower, into clothes, and down the hall with determination towards his door.

Stepping out from her room, she surveyed the silent corridor – no wails from restless infants this morning. The dining room's early opening time at six and Leroy's lesson on punctuality – with cold rice as a chilling deterrent for tardiness – resonated in Ariel's mind as a cautionary note not to linger overlong with Jasper.

She fancied them taking a shared stroll to breakfast as she neared room thirteen which seemed to stand more imposing with each advancing step. Inhaling deeply, Ariel composed herself before approaching his door; she counted to ten in preparation, resetting partway through as numbers tangled in nerves.

How absurd this whole spectacle must seem – hovering at Jasper's threshold like some indecisive spirit when so often she would invade his office unannounced without much thought! But here she stood outside his private quarters wrestling with hesitation.

Chastising herself internally for the delay—just knock already!—she summoned up an unexpected burst of courage that transformed into a vigorous rap at his door that echoed louder than intended in the quiet hallway. Startled by the clamor of it all and half expecting heads to peek from rooms or an irate Jasper to appear, Ariel scampered back against the wall and sent furtive glances both ways along the deserted passage.

The continued silence seemed almost accusing; no vexed response from inside signaled Jasper likely wasn't there. Her knocking couldn't have gone unnoticed otherwise.

Saddened by this miss-step – no shared walk to breakfast or opportunity for conversation now – Ariel trudged towards the dining hall resignedly. Let cold rice be on today's menu again if fate wished; it couldn't dampen her spirit more than already done—although admit fully, almost entirely indifferent.

Contrary to anticipated chills of breakfast solitude, entering the dining area revealed Taylor and Mandy already there across from each other trapped in an unspoken standoff – not even Mr. Warner present which added mystery considering his habitual presence shadowing Mandy. Ariel barely suppressed amusement at their predicament; despite her misadventures this morning, she wasn't alone in experiencing disarray.

With intrigue hanging over why these two found themselves isolated companions sans their usual third wheel—Mr. Warner—Ariel maneuvered herself into a seat situated equidistant between medium and priestess.

"Good morning," Ariel chimed in, summoning brightness far beyond what she felt within.

With a faint murmur, Taylor acknowledged Ariel's presence, while Mandy didn't even bother with niceties, choosing instead to immerse herself in the comfort of her coffee. A warm flush crept over Ariel's cheeks; it wasn't the blatant disregard from the medium that irked her—it was the absence of common manners after such a delightful evening prior. Habitually, she sought to temper her rising irritation by reaching for a soothing cup of coffee, only to find none awaiting her. Just then, Mrs. Williams bustled in, her keen gaze locking with Ariel's for a moment of frozen time. Ariel met the surprise with composure and raised Taylor's cup as a silent plea for coffee. The woman set down her tray and darted back into the kitchen's depths. Ariel watched the cup in her hand with an air of bemusement at Mrs. Williams' unanticipated alacrity—they hadn't exactly formed the warmest of bonds...

"That's mine," Taylor interjected sharply, reclaiming her coffee.

"My apologies," Ariel retorted with a slight grumble.

Her gaze drifted towards Mandy out of sheer habit. The medium seemed unperturbed by their tension, lost in a reverie directed towards the dining room doors. Unease pricked at Ariel as she absorbed Mandy's apparent detachment from their reality. A sharp awareness dawned on Ariel—Mandy was privy to something... perhaps it was remnants of last night's events swirling in her thoughts. In a sudden curiosity,

"Hey, where is everyone? Leroy, John?" Ariel asked, peering through the doors leading to the kitchen for any sign of Mrs. Williams with her coffee, deliberately excluding Jasper from her inquiry.

"Where are any of the men?" Taylor echoed indifferently.

Ariel blinked in realization and surveyed their surroundings—a curious absence of men marked the dining hall this morning. She turned questioningly back to Mandy when she chose that moment to speak.

"They convene with Mr. Williams—a meeting," Mandy pronounced with frigid authority as if imparting insider knowledge or playing Jasper's own role—igniting anew Ariel's simmering discomfort. Beside her, Taylor also bristled at Mandy's tone.

"Well all-knowing one, do enlighten us on this convocation?" Taylor challenged with an edge in her voice.

Mandy flickered them both a glance before casually resuming her thoughtful study of the doorway,

"Oh, mere trifles—I hardly know..."

From mildly annoyed to incandescent with indignation—Ariel's eyes bore into Mandy while next to her, Taylor recovered from being taken aback by Mandy's disregard only to shoot a lethal glare. Yet infuriatingly enough, Mandy appeared blissfully unaware of their vexation.

Amidst all this commotion, it was no wonder that Ariel nearly missed Mrs. Williams approaching with her coffee—finally placing before Ariel an inviting steaming cup. But as she prepared to utter reluctant thanks (for what was certainly not speedy service), words failed her. Following close behind Mrs. Williams were the Inn's chefs each bearing trays heaped high with aromatic food so tempting it momentarily distracted all from earlier disputes.

A mix of shock and wonder painted Ariel's features as she gaped, the hustle springing forth from Mrs. Williams' triumphant smile. A single sharp clap cut through the air, and in a blur of movement that brooked no dissent, tables skidded across the floor to join theirs. The kitchen army, in swift procession, adorned the makeshift banquet hall with their culinary treasures; an unadorned bowl landed squarely before Ariel. With a clap as commanding as before, the men retreated, their mission accomplished.

A hush settled over the dining hall, each guest captivated by the whirlwind centered on Ariel. Then Mrs. Williams crafted the crescendo with a declaration so joyous it might well reach the neighboring villages: "NOAH WILLIAMS SENDS HIS COMPLIMENTS MISS KINSLEY, ENJOY." Limping off with mirthful chuckles, her exit through the kitchen doors cracks open a symphony of whispers rippling throughout the now-animated room.

There Ariel sat, dwarfed by an edifice of dishes reminiscent of Mandy's discomposed state post-Jasper's familiar address. Taylor and Mandy's stares attempted to unravel her calm but found only her fixation on an empty bowl. Ariel broke their wordless interrogation with a mouthful of rice hastily stuffed in—perhaps too ambitiously. Offering two bowls to her companions with a coy smile under observant eyes she managed to muffle out, "Hungry?"

Taylor surveyed her with skepticism creeping into her raised brow. "Something you want to tell us?" she inquired sharply.

Mandy offered nothing but a challenging stare mixed with intrigue across them. Ariel's lips tilted in an amused smirk and with an artful nonchalance, she offered, "Well... there might be one or two things."

Their curious moment was fragmented by overheard snippets from a nearby table: "...utterly unexpected...," "...the Festival of Magnolias...," "...why absent? A mystery indeed...". No magnolias graced any table, Ariel knew well why—Noah's doing—and blushed anew at her own deceit about them.

"Are you alright? You've turned quite red," remarked Taylor pointedly amidst her scrutiny.

Any snappy comeback that may have sparked within Ariel faded as an omen of change; the dining room doors swung wide revealing Jasper like a storm brewing on the horizon attended by Max, Leroy, and John. Their eyes caught the beacon of their feast-laden table in mere moments.

Ariel's confidence waned while Mandy nearly leaped from her seat to greet Jasper.

Her grin wide, she ushered in my return. "Welcome back, take a seat—surely you're starving." We drew to a standstill by the table. Leroy gazed on, eyes as vast as saucers, voicing softly, "Clearly not as ravenous as you might be..." A chuckle breezed through Mandy's lips. With a playful jab at her adversary, she exclaimed, "Thompson, you're quite the comedian! Although I can't claim the credit for this feast – maybe Ariel can explain?" All eyes swiveled to Ariel whose face flushed a fiery hue. With the medium's foot within reach, it would have met with an 'accidental' stomp.

"Me?" Ariel retorted, her glare piercing Mandy, "I'm clueless about this spread—I didn't order it." Jasper, silent until now, swept his eyes over the plenitude of plates and chimed in nonchalantly beside Ariel, "Well, let's hope not," adding with a hint of sarcasm as he settled down next to Ariel, "Since GPI is covering the tab and your debt's prominent enough..."

Ariel bit her tongue to keep her words at bay but distracted herself with her coffee cup instead. Leroy made himself comfortable opposite Ariel and announced his verdict on the situation while he dug into his first mouthful. He declared heartily, "It doesn't matter how it arrived but letting it go cold is out of the question—something I'm not willing to condone."

As John and Max joined them at their table—Max regarding the food tower with wide-eyed wonder—the double doors flew open yet again. Oblivious due to her scowl aimed at Mandy who was busy batting eyelashes at Jasper—Ariel was caught off guard by the newcomer's shadow looming over her. Only when Mandy's attention was drawn away did she break from her stare-down to witness the cause of distraction.

"Good morning Ariel," greeted a familiar voice calmly. Spinning around in her seat, Ariel faced Noah with surprise etched across her face. Leroy acknowledged him briefly before returning to his meal. "That's Noah Williams from yesterday," he noted casually.

Desperate to silence him before digging herself deeper into embarrassment; Ariel's foot sought hastily for Leroy's under the table—but too late; he had already sensed her intent. With a raised eyebrow and a move of leg dodging stealthily he hinted slyly, "Seems someone's conscience isn't as clear..."

Ariel mustered a forced smile for Noah while ignoring Leroy's insinuation. "Of course I remember," she said promptly without missing a beat. Noah's laughter echoed warmly—a sound Ariel found unexpectedly pleasant.

A hopeful glint flickered in Ariel's eyes as she murmured, "Surely she hasn't forgotten me, we shared a meal only a day ago."

Leroy's eyebrows arched high as he locked gazes with Ariel, a trace of surprise coloring his voice, "Is that so?"

"Ariel, won't you introduce us to your companion?" Mandy interjected with a sly grin, cloaking her sharp curiosity with a guise of sweet innocence. As Leroy and now Mandy pressed her further, Ariel's cheeks began to bloom with an ever-deepening shade of crimson.

"Oh look at that blush. Could this mean there's something more?" teased Mandy playfully, her laughter just barely contained behind her sleeve as a mischievous smirk danced on her lips. A wave of embarrassment surged within Ariel—her leg kicked out impulsively, aiming for her adversary.

"Ouch!" The exclamation burst from John who scanned the room in confusion. Ariel deflated into her chair, her face aflame with embarrassment.

"Well?" Taylor's voice was expectant when Ariel remained silent. Shooting the priestess a glare filled with wishes of drifting footwear, Ariel bit back her words.

"Let me do the honors," Leroy chimed in with barely concealed mirth, "This gentleman here is Noah Williams, the esteemed grandson of the proprietor of Williams Inn. Our paths crossed just yesterday morning and it seems Ariel had the pleasure of meeting him yet again..."

Stranded in this torrent of subtlety and jest, Ariel cast a look towards Noah for some sign of shock or denial in response to Mandy and Leroy's insinuations. Instead, there was Noah—grinning wide and infectiously at the group.

"Ariel has found quite the delightful circle," he commented warmly, his gaze softening fondly as he looked at her. Her heart did a somersault as she noticed the twinkling spark in his eyes; she helplessly felt another wave of pink wash over her.

"Thank you...Williams," she stammered out. An expression of surprised pleasure crossed Noah's face,

"It's Noah—please call me Noah," he insisted with a gentle blush blooming across his cheeks. At that moment, Ariel silently longed for an escape through the floorboards.

"Mr. Williams, is it true you're set to inherit your grandparents' inn?"

Jasper's question sliced smoothly through the mounting tension—the verbal equivalent of a cool breeze that recalled Ariel back from the brink of mortification; indeed, the blush receded from her face as if chased away by his composed delivery.

Noah turned towards Jasper, noticing him truly for the first time,

"Oh yes," he confirmed; his smile attempted to return but staggered under Jasper's piercing gaze and possessive posture close to Ariel—no smile fully returned.

Ariel glanced back at Jasper; he had moved closer to her subconsciously or otherwise; close enough that she could detect faint hints of coffee scent enveloping him—a scent that now seemed almost protective. Mandy observed this too, any hint of victory in her expression waned momentarily. Once again warmth rose in Ariel's cheeks. But after a palpable silence hung between them, Jasper eased back into his space and casually turned his attention towards his food—allowing everyone around to exhale and resume their own pretenses.

"At last," he murmured with a nod. Ariel scrutinized her boss, recognizing the contemplative furrow etching his brow—an unmistakable sign of his inner turmoil...

"Ariel..."

Distracted from her own musings by Noah's voice, Ariel lifted her gaze to meet his, bestowing upon him a radiant yet somewhat feigned grin,

"Ah, Williams? Or should I say... Noah?" she faltered slightly with his name, her cheeks warming at the slip. His expression wavered but quickly rebounded at her prompt recovery,

"I should be on my way; there's plenty to prepare for today's festival kickoff. I trust your meal is to your satisfaction? Should you require anything at all—"

Interrupting without an ounce of guilt while savoring his second helping of waffles, Leroy jumped in with a question,

"This feast here - was it your doing?" he queried absent-mindedly as he eyed a third waffle while glancing towards Noah.

Caught off guard, Noah's features momentarily clouded over and he shot a puzzled look toward the kitchen doors, "I... wasn't this already discussed?"

Observing the morning drama with sheer amusement, Mandy spoke up to soothe the confusion,

"Indeed it was mentioned, and how thoughtful it was of you to arrange such a sumptuous breakfast for Ariel," chimed in the medium, with a beaming smile that lit up her face.

Seething inside but masked by poise, Ariel feigned dropping her napkin beneath the table, ready to pinpoint Mandy's stance... Yet before she could plot any mischief, Noah swiftly retrieved the napkin and placed it back on the table with grace,

"Take this," he offered with tenderness.

Robbed of retribution, Ariel's thanks were tinged with insincerity,

"I appreciate it," she uttered through gritted teeth.

"So you're behind this delightful spread...for Ariel?" Jasper redirected their focus. Noah recoiled slightly, flustered by the repetition of queries,

"Yes, that was my doing. I thought it would be nice for Ariel to start her day with a sumptuous breakfast. It is delightful, isn't it? You do approve, right?"

Ariel squirmed under scrutiny but melted under Noah's gaze of earnest worry. Despite herself, she returned his concern with warmth,

"It's truly wonderful, thank you," she asserted as calmly as possible. Then her attention drifted from Noah and their table companions; it struck her that once again she captivated everyone's interest.

Silence enveloped the room as all eyes were trained on their exchange; hardly anyone made pretense of eating their now lukewarm meals. Casting them a stern glance elicited reactions of discomfort—their cheeks flushed as their guilt compelled them to return to their tables and hastily consume the neglected plates.

Satisfied at their discomfiture, Ariel internally gloated,

Serve yourselves right with chilled fare.

Suddenly a resonant cry cut through the quietude,

"NOAH!"

Jolted from her reverie, Ariel's heart skipped a beat. The sound that startled her echoed from the corridor just outside the dining area, most likely belonging to Noah's grandfather. Collecting himself with a touch of sheepishness, Noah peered down at Ariel, his grin tinged with embarrassment,

"Seems that my grandfather requires my attention; might I have the pleasure of your company at tonight's festivities?"

Ariel's gaze locked with his earnest plea, her lips parting in silent indecision—was she to attend?

Before Ariel could muster a response, Mandy interjected with her characteristic poise,

"Undoubtedly you will; we're all making an appearance."

A flicker of relief crossed Noah's face as he nodded in approval,

"Marvelous, see you then," he affirmed. Offering Ariel a look brimming with unspoken words, he exited with a lingering wave.

Rooted to her chair, Ariel cursed the morning that drew her from the sanctuary of her sheets. All fell quiet momentarily until the room burst into life as animated conversations resumed. Reluctantly, Ariel became an unwilling audience to the rumors swirling around,

"...Rumor has it he's quite taken with her..."

"Taken? I'd say it's outright adoration!"

"Their affection must be true; word is they've been courting for weeks..."

"A courtship? My sources whisper of an impending proposal—with a ring at his disposal!"

"You're behind on the news; they're betrothed already—"

"Betrothed? My informant confided that they secretly exchanged vows—can you imagine?"

"Ah, what clandestine romance!"

With that, Ariel leapt up so abruptly she nearly overturned the table. Leroy scowled disapprovingly as she disrupted his banquet, yet she remained oblivious. A flush crept across her cheeks, and the walls seemed to inch closer; she yearned for breath—for escape.

"I-I must excuse myself," her voice was barely audible as she sidestepped away. An abrupt entrance cut her retreat short.

"Ariel!"

The resonance of Daniel Warner's voice sliced through the murmurings like a blade. In that moment, relief swept over Ariel like a soothing balm; Warner's timely arrival was more welcome than ever before. His reassuring touch on her shoulder was received with utmost gratitude,

"Wonderful to catch sight of you," he beamed, scanning their table and instantly locking eyes with Mandy,

"Surely you weren't departing?" he inquired eagerly while refocusing on Ariel. Her internal debate was fleeting as optimism took root once more,

"No, no departure here. Was merely stretching my limbs—do join us...Mandy has reserved your place."