The Waters Secret

Raven's Allies: Pt. 1

Raven sighed pouting at the giggling twins. They were playing in the river, feeling perfectly refreshed. Tristan was watching over the curly blond dwarf named Opal as Raven carefully tended to the hairy one called Emerald.

They had paused for lunch a while back and Raven was ready for another break. Her legs felt heavy and tired as they continued moving forward. Simon paused to glance back over his shoulder at her, smiling when she raised an eyebrow in question.

"How well do you know Welpion? I am worried we may not find allies within this kingdom." Simon asked her, pulling the deer to a pause. Raven hesitated frowning at her hands.

"My father is friends with the king. I am sure if we can get to him, we will be safe. Or my half-sister. She might have allies that can help us." Raven told him as he gave her an unconvinced look. He folded his arms across his chest as Raven fiddled.

"Look, Rosila may not be out to get me, but I am not fully confident she'll help me either. I won't know until I talk to her. As for the king, I have never met him myself, so we are going by word of mouth here." Raven mumbled as Simon sighed rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"Don't forget the fact that Suefarlin is also cousin to the man who wants you dead. Though I doubt the king of Welpion would cause you any such harm. Suzy is a good king for his people." Emerald coughed. He nodded his thanks when Raven offered him some water.

"Family or honor, which way does he lean? I know from personal experience that family is a hard thing to reject sometimes. Even at the cost of honor. I do not know this king, I do not trust him, therefore I think we need to come up with a plan. If what you have told me is true, we should hide what we are as best as we can. To try and not draw attention to ourselves. That means mermaids need to walk. Raven, a cloak. Tristan..." Simon trailed off as he looked the stone boy over. Tristan sighed shrinking back into a cat.

"At least this way I won't be so tall, I can hide under Huxley or something. And if something does happen, I can fight." Tristan told him picking up his pants and handing them to Simon. Simon nodded putting the pants away as he glanced at the dripping wet mermaids. He was forever grateful that Whylomie had kept her gown that was both comfortable in water as it was on land. Asir had put on his pants quickly preferring to swim over walking. However, Asir would manage if that meant keeping Whylomie safe.

"So, then we are going to a city we don't trust?" Asir asked as Simon glanced at Raven who shrugged. None of them had ever been to the kingdom. The sour dwarf scoffed turning all eyes on him.

"Welpion is the safest of all the kingdoms, fish brain. However, I can honestly say I thought you were extinct, so I cannot speak for your home. Wherever that is. I can speak for the cities I have traveled. Out of the three main kingdoms, Welpion is the safest.

Suzy is a kind and forgiving King and doesn't back down to opposition. He won't help Adam try to kill you. If you aren't sure who to trust, go to the tavern and ask for Pearl. He will choose family over honor granting you aide for sparing our lives." Emerald wheezed. Raven sighed helping him drink.

"He needs medical attention. The bruising is only spreading. Herbs can only do so much." Raven explained to Simon as he nodded. She had pulled away the moss to peak at his battered rib cage. Emerald drifted in and out as Raven soaked the moss in the river to cool it. She brought it back over, covering the wound as Simon looked him over.

Opal seemed to be recovering just fine, though he was still passed out due to the blood loss, Simon assumed. Opal just needed rest. Emerald on the other hand... Simon sighed as he gazed at Ravens pleading look. He huffed, covering her head with his old cloak, smirking when she squeaked surprised.