The royal couple sat uneasy on the spiked rocky. The merman, seemingly the leader of the group, scratched his chin. "Interesting," he said after hearing their story. "Disturbing their breathing cycle could cause a stir."
"Yes, that is why we are pleading with you," Aidan said. "Allow them to use your shores. They are such tiny creatures."
The merman looked up, still poking his chin with his claw. "Yes, tiny. And very, very delicious."
The rest murmur in confirmation, with their toothy grin saying more than words could.
"But," Aidan started.
"Never mind," Zora interrupted. "Come dear, let us go. Thank you for your hospitality."
The queen made the wire glow quicker than usual. The merman spoke. "Leaving so soon? What a shame. We were hoping you'd stay... for dinner," he added with a sly smile.
The two said their farewell, jumping in to safety.
Not long after, Zora and Aidan went to visit their forest guardian. "This is bad. Both the people and magical creatures were of no use," she told her, sad.
Viniria sighed, patting her arm. The soldiers were dragging a large chest with essentials, as nanny Eli was approaching with the child.
"Are you certain you do not mind? The search may take a while. And I do not trust anyone else but you."
"A wise decision, dear," Viniria said.
"Also... I cannot guarantee that I will come over every night," Zora added.
Viniria waved her hand, as if swaying a fly. "Do not worry yourself. I am certain we will find something to fill the time. Won't we Luka?"
The boy jumped out of the nannies embrace and wobbled his way towards his godmother. She opened her arms wide, giving him a big, loving hug. The boy started babbling, apparently telling her all that was in his little heart. Still, his speech, despite seemingly talking in sentences, was still unintelligible to most.
"That is my boy," Aidan would often say. "I, too, needed time to start speaking properly. But when I did, it was difficult to make me stop."
The nanny looked at the brought thing. There were a few warm blankets, a couple of simple dresses and enough baby clothing and food to last a week. "Your Majesty. Is this it? Will the carriage not arrive as well?" she asked her quietly.
"Yes. Viniria believes Luka would benefit from spending more time in natural surroundings," Zora explained.
Eli gulped from dread. "What for? We are not savages anymore."
Zora shrugged, turning to her husband. "We will do our best to return as soon as possible. Until then, take care of each other." The queen then looked at the guardian, who was twirling while holding her child high. "And you two. Try not to tire each other too much."
"Are you still here? I think I heard your mother, Luka. Do you hear someone whine?"
The boy squeaked with glee, yelling out a phrase no one could understand.
Zora sighed, and went to kiss Luka. Aidan opened the portal. As soon as the parents left, Eli looked in the direction of the castle. She could imagine her cozy bed and soft lights of the candles. Unlike here, where all she could feel were ants entering her fur-covered shoes.
"Ah! Get away, you nasty little!" she yelled. Viniria paid no attention, still playing with the three-year-old.
Meanwhile, the place where Zora and Aidan were supposed to go, had prepared an amazing welcome. As the portal opened, the throne room exploded in music and glistening paper stars were thrown around them. The servants cheered and dancers smiled as they circled around them. Aidan hummed, impressed and honored by this display.
"Lord Farmir, I can see you received our letter. I apologize for reaching out to you so suddenly," Zora said to the man approaching them with open arms.
"Pay no matter. Of course, I understand. Great changes are happening. We cannot expect two heros, such as yourself, to dally around our meager schedules."
"Finally, so respect," Aidan mumbled, crossing his arms.
"Now. How may I be of service," the king politely bowed.
"So as you can see, this special type of magical beings needs a clean fine sand beach so they can repopulate. We have noticed that you have such a place on one of your smaller islands." As Zora explained, sitting at the honorary seat. The entire room was dead silent, as if breathing in her every word.
The king nodded. "I see. Very important issue."
"So, you agree that we place them at the island?" Aidan asked.
"Of course. Go right ahead! It is not like we are using it anyway," he said wholeheartedly.
The couple smiled, relieved. They could not believe their mission would end this quickly.
Very soon, they had arrived at the island. The sight literally left them in shock. Not a few, a large group of people was living there. The sudden opening of the portal startled them, and they all stopped with their daily tasks to gawk at the newcomers.
Returning quickly to king Farmir, they asked him, "Forgive me, but you did say you were not using that land, correct?"
"Yes, that is correct," the king replied.
"Then you need to talk with your boarder guards. When we got there, there was a complete settlement," Zora said.
The king slowly blinked. "Oh them, Bah! Mere savages. Have you seen how they still live in huts? Wearing animal skins as clothes. How barbaric! You have my permission to get rid of them," he calmly said.
Zora and Aidan looked at each other. "Get rid of them?"
"Yes. Usher away. Eliminate. Demolish. Kill. any method will do," Farmir said.
"We cannot," Aidan uttered. "They are people."
"Oh, do not worry about that. You have my permission," the king smiled. "To be honest, you would be doing me a favor. All they ever do is pester me. Oh! These were our lands long before your kingdom! Or, oh, stop treating us like we are dirt! It is all so tiresome."
Aidan looked at his wife, who seemed utterly disgusted. "I apologize, but we cannot be responsible for such atrocities."
As she turned around to leave, the king continued. "You would not need to do it yourself. There are a few tribes on the island. Just give them a few good swords and make them fight themselves. It had worked wonderfully for me in the past," he stepped towards them.
The portal was already opened. Aidan turned to say, "Thank you for the party, but we will be going."
And with that they left. The king was left to scratch his head and the two to worry about why each royal they met was a crazed lunatic.