Most RPers I've met feel that their posts are not up to par - it's that whole "You're your worst critic" thing. If it helps any, I found nothing wrong with either of your posts, so they can't be that bad :P I'd even dare say, that concerning post length, more is not always better, but that's a very debatable opinion.
And, changing subjects abruptly, I kind of wish I could think of a way to force Diamond to meet Ariel, just for the shock value of it. Seems like the slave thinks she belongs in the party, though, so there's no way for the statue to know she shouldn't be there... yet!