King Aerin stood before the people, his eyes shining with excitement as he spoke of the most beautiful lake in the Forest Illumidoriam. He proposed a picnic and everyone eagerly agreed, eager to bask in the beauty of the forest.
Queen Safira nodded, adding that Damian needed to bond with the children and get to know King Aerin and Queen Estel better if he was to be happy living with them. Drac agreed, saying he would first check on the troops and the children, making sure they completed their tasks before joining in on the fun.
The group set out on their journey, with Queen Estel leading the way. With her long brunette hair adorned with a crown of vines and leaf-shaped clips, her bright green eyes shining, and her body adorned with green vine runes, she looked like a true forest princess. She walked barefoot, her feet adorned with vines, keeping her connected to the earth.
Queen Estel had humble beginnings, having learned to hunt and fend for herself from a young age. She and King Aerin crossed paths when they were both hunting, and though their initial meeting was rocky, with Queen Estel even shooting King Aerin with an arrow, they eventually fell in love.
After a long hike, they finally arrived at the heart of the forest, where a massive lake lay at the base of the mountains. They watched as beasts drank and grazed, the water crystal clear and the plants at the bottom illuminating it. They sat on a blanket and enjoyed a snack, chatting and laughing before the kids wanted to go for a swim.
Queen Estel smiled as she spoke to Queen Safira, "My dear, I understand that Damian holds you in high regard for saving him from the ogres. I doubt he knows how to swim, so why don't you and I teach him together? That way, he can form a connection with me as well."
Princess Aeryn pouted, "But Mom, I wanted to play with you. Brother is mean."
Queen Estel chuckled, "Aeryn, I'm trying to make sure your future brother isn't scared of us. Come on, let's give him a chance."
Aeryn's expression turned blank as she exclaimed, "What?! No, I don't want another brother. You promised me a sister first!"
King Aerin sighed, "My sweetheart, it's not like we can order you a sister. Damian is going to become a member of this family and your younger brother since technically you are older. Don't be mean to him. He's had a rough childhood. That goes for you too, Logon. Be nice to him. I know he's not a forest elf, but he's still a living young boy who has been hurt."
"But...but...bu...ah fine, dad." Princess Aeryn gritted her teeth as she spoke.
"I'll treat him like I treat my sister," he declared haughtily, a smirk on his lips.
"Like a real bully," the prince's sister retorted, sticking her tongue out at him playfully.
"I never bully you," Prince Logon shot back with a chuckle. "You're just slower than me." The siblings bantered back and forth, their laughter ringing out in the air.
Queen Safira nodded in agreement as she joined in on the conversation. "Queen Estel, I think that's a brilliant idea. Why don't you teach him how to swim? I'll be nearby so he won't be scared."
Drac cast a wary eye towards the water. "I'll pass on swimming. I think I'll meditate and see if I can pick up some skills."
Queen Safira giggled. "Drac, what skills could you possibly learn while meditating? Come on, relax and enjoy the water."
Drac rolled his eyes but said nothing. They all stripped down to their swimwear and headed towards the water's edge.
"Are there any...uh...mermaids in the water?" Drac asked hesitantly.
Queen Safira chuckled. "Hehe, still a fan of sea beauties, I see", and he received a no from King Aerin.
Drac remained quiet, avoiding her gaze. Queen Safira handed Damian over to Estel and they all slowly waded into the water.
The kids ran ahead, eager to start playing and swimming. King Aerin followed with Fenris, deep in conversation. Drac stood back, keeping an eye on Estel to make sure everything was alright.
"Queen Estel, is everything okay?" Drac called out, a worried look on his face. "He's not hurting you, right? I'm just checking to make sure his strength is in check."
Queen Estel held Damian as he struggled in the warm water.
"Everything's fine, Drac. His struggles don't match up to my strength," Queen Estel reassured him. She slowly walked deeper into the water, stopping when the water reached Damian's lower tummy.
Queen Safira suggested, "Try pointing to the kids and saying their names." Queen Estel followed the advice and pointed to the other kids who were swimming and splashing each other, laughing and having a great time.
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Damian followed suit, blowing water in Queen Estel's face, and making everyone laugh.
"Do you think that's funny?" Queen Estel playfully blew the water back at Damian.
The two continued to play for a while before Queen Safira suggested teaching Damian to swim.
Drac jokingly suggested just throwing him in like the dragon kids but was met with a hit from Queen Safira's tail. "Can you show him first, Safira?" Queen Estel asked.
Queen Safira took a deep breath and slowly descended into the water, showing Damian how it was done. Queen Estel pointed to Damian, "Your turn." She lowered him into the water, watching his face carefully.
Damian gripped tightly at first, but soon relaxed and opened his eyes to look around. He accidentally tried to talk and breathe at the same time, which led to coughing. But he quickly learned from his mistake.
Queen Estel and Queen Safira continued to teach Damian how to swim, pointing from one to the other and giving him gentle pushes. After a bit of splashing and kicking, Damian finally made it to Queen Safira.
Queen Safira also tried to teach Damian how to swim, but he turned and went back to her right away. Frustrated, she decided to hand him over to Queen Estel.
20 minutes passed, and to everyone's surprise, Damian had already mastered the art of swimming. He swam from Queen Safira to Queen Estel and even went under the water.
Drac watched in awe, thinking to himself, "This boy is not just any ordinary child. He seems to learn things fast. Could he be a reincarnate? No, that's just silly. It's just swimming and words."
As the sun began to set, the queens decided to call it a day.
The group took a 40-minute walk back to their home, and as the darkness descended, the beauty of the Forest Illumidoriam came to life.
The plants and trees glowed with vibrant colours, and even the animals started to emit light. The newcomers were in awe of the stunning display.
Queen Safira looked at Damian, pointing to the glowing surroundings, "Bright and beautiful."
Damian replied, "Safira, bright…beautiful," making her smile and earning him a kiss on the cheek.
Fenris laughed, "I see a lady killer in the making. He already has the heart-melting charm down."
Drac chuckled, "Darn it, this kid is already better at the game than I was at his age."
"You don't come close, old man," Queen Safira jokingly teased Drac, causing everyone to burst into laughter, except for the children.
Drac playfully retorted, "You all laugh, but I was a lady killer back in my day."
Queen Safira playfully responded with a wink, "Please, they liked your money more, for sure."
Drac simply chuckled and observed the environment.
After a 30-minute walk, the group arrived back at the palace and changed into casual dinner attire.
While the dragon squads were either out training or babysitting the younger children, only Squad S and the Royal Guard were staying in the palace. Currently, only Kiron was at the palace, with the other members keeping a watchful eye over the children in their light.
As everyone arrived for dinner, Queen Safira chose to sit close to Queen Estel, and she decided to let Damian sit on Queen Estel's lap so he could play and not get sad from being too far away.
The group chatted about old stories and adventures they had shared and even discussed the Immortal World and its various races.
The children were particularly curious, constantly asking questions about the Immortal World, including its existence, race, strength compared to gods, and if they had met any gods.
Prince Logon, in particular, had a specific question for Queen Safira and Drac, "Queen Safira and Uncle Drac, how long will you be here for?"
Drac smiled and replied, "Another 2 weeks and a bit. Why do you ask, Prince Logon?"
Prince Logon beamed with excitement, "Yay! I got what I wanted. Queen Safira, please come to my Úplairis in a week...ish."
AN:" Úplairis is a Forest Elf's coming of age, it's when their powers get a jump. Different species go through it at different ages. Forest Elf are 10 years old when it happens."
Queen Safira replied, "Of course, we'll be attending your Úplairis. I was planning to surprise you at your party, but I guess fate had other plans."
Prince Logon's eyes lit up as he exclaimed, "I can't wait for my party now...sheee...I'm so excited now!"
Queen Safira raised an eyebrow, confused by the prince's use of the pronoun 'she'. She asked, "Prince Logon, where are you having your Úplairis?"
"On the top of the mountain, in the massive stargazing hall," he replied, his eyes sparkling. "Under the 2 moons, it's going to be so beautiful!"
Queen Safira smiled at the prince's excitement. "Can't wait to see it. It's going to be the birthday party of the century, I know it."
Drac chimed in, "I hope so because that Phoenix party was so epic." He fondly remembered that wild night.
Queen Safira shook her head at Drac's comments. "Honestly, such a pervert. I thought you were growing up, but you never stop, do you?"
Drac chuckled, "Hey, I've grown up. I don't do as much stupid stuff as I did when I was a young adult."
Prince Logon asked, "Like what?"
King Aerin interrupted, "Drac if you answer that, it better be age appropriate."
Drac hesitated, but then decided to spin a tale…
Prince Logon listened in amazement as his Uncle Drac told him a tale of his daring feat in his youth. His friend had dared him to sneak into the Immortal Queen of Vampires' palace and steal her sword. Young and foolish, Drac had accepted the challenge and was shocked at the lax security. He successfully stole the sword and showed it to his friend, but soon regretted it as the Queen herself came with an army of guards to retrieve her sword.
But Drac was quick-witted, and he spun a tale of having taken the sword from a thief, with his friend backing him up. The Queen was pleased and thanked them for their bravery, and Drac went home with a double big smile on his face.
The adults just shake their heads.
Prince Logon was curious about Drac's friend who had lost the bet. But Drac's expression became sad, and he told Logon that she was no longer with them. He advised the prince to cherish his friends and family, as they are the most precious gifts in life.
Queen Safira apologized to Drac silently, and he just nodded his head with a smile.
Prince Logon promised to follow Drac's advice and consider him family. Drac was happy and proud to be considered family by Logon, and he jokingly told him to listen to Aunt Safira instead of himself.
Drac asked Prince Logon about the upcoming royal gathering, and the prince excitedly told him about the different races that would be attending, including the Royal Vamprins and the Royal Water Elf clan, along with some Royal Wizards.
King Aerin explained that the Fire Elf clan was still holding a grudge against the Vamprins and the Water Elf, but they were trying to extend their hands in peace. Drac was glad to hear that they were making progress in resolving their differences.
Queen Safira, who had noticed Prince Logon blushing earlier, asked him which vampire clan would be attending the gathering. The prince hesitated, but the queen's knowing smile and Drac's curious gaze made it clear that they suspected something was going on.
Prince Logon shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his thumbs twitching beneath the table. "It's, umm, it's the Twilight Moon Clan," he mumbled, trying to play it off nonchalantly.
Queen Safira giggled. "Hehe, I can't wait to meet them, Prince Logon."
"Alright kids, it's bedtime now," interjected Queen Estel. "You both have classes and training tomorrow."
"No, please, can't we stay a little longer?" begged Prince Logon and Princess Aeryn.
"No, it's late and it's been a long day," replied Queen Estel firmly.
With a sigh, the two young royals said their goodnights and went to bed, their faces showing their disappointment.
Queen Safira turned to King Aerin. "So why is your son so excited about the Twilight Moon Clan coming?"
King Aerin chuckled. "Well, he has a bit of a crush on their daughter, Princess Esme."
"And what do you all think?" asked Queen Safira.
Queen Estel nodded towards King Aerin. "We're not sure if it's just a crush or something more. If it is more, we might talk with the King and Queen of the Twilight Moon Clan about arranging a marriage, if the feelings are mutual."
Drac leaned forward, intrigued. "Are the feelings mutual?"
"Yes, we're sure," replied King Aerin. "The King and Queen of the Twilight Moon Clan have already spoken with us, but we've all agreed to give them time."
Queen Safira clapped her hands together in excitement. "I can't wait for a wedding!"
And with that, the conversation continued for another hour before everyone retired to bed, with Queen Estel already having arranged for a tutor to come and help Damian with his studies the next day.