The Fish and the Chickadee A Red velvet Pancakes Story

heeeers Ollie!

"And of course we have the royal kitchens here," James said as he led him towards the large double doors, where the water was considerably hotter than most of the rest of the palace. "the water temperature is much warmer in this area due to the ovens." Matthew nodded along as James continued to speak. They had already seen the Ballrooms, throne room (which was currently empty) Library, and Gardens. He didn't want to admit it but he was starting to get tired. A lot had happened today and the day before, and everything was so overwhelming he was starting to feel a significant drain from the stress. "The kitchen is Open at all hours, and although there a three meals served throughout the day it is always open if you feel slightly puckish at any point in the day, or wish to eat earlier or latter than the scheduled meal times." The merman went on to explain. Matthew had to admit as they approached the undoubtedly bustling kitchens he was a little excited. After all it was still a rather baffling mystery how the mer managed to get appliances and all sorts of staples to function underwater, without becoming soggy or waterlogged. That and he ad always loved to cook himself maybe he could see about... no don't go there, you won't be staying that long, he admonished himself shaking his head. After all there was undoubtedly some sort of rescue coming for him.

He was unaware at James worried look in his direction. The MerKing was about to say something, when the kitchen doors burst open. James was just able to swim back, pulling his chickadee along with him to avoid a head on collision with the solid Oak doors. The next thing Matthew knew he was face to face with a pale merman, with the strangest taste in fashion, if the bubblegum pink sweater vest over the cotton candy blue dress shirt with fuchsia pink bowtie was anything to go by. "Why helloooo there!" The merman crooned, face much to close for Matthew's liking, obviously it was to close for James' liking to as he pulled the smaller male into his side protectively, growling lowly in annoyance. To his credit the new mer man simply smiled wider, blue and pink eyes (and wasn't that...unique) sparkling madly, with his razor sharp teeth on full display he looked rather frightening despite his obviously much smaller stature than James. The almost disturbing sparkle in his eyes, and rather wild strawberry blonde hair only adding to the almost unhinged appearance of the newcomer.

"Well now if it isn't the precious little princess himself! I must say James, you certainly found yourself a little cutie pie! Why I could just eat him up!" This prompted a frightened squeak from Matthew who clutched Kumajabo closer with his free arm, unconsciously pressing closer to James for protection from the newcomer. James himself growled louder, baring his fangs slightly at the perceived threat, even if he knew Oliver was simply joking. "Now now Poppets, I was only jesting." The brightly colored merman soothed, wide smile never leaving his face. "No need to get so worked up." James quieted his growling and released his Chickadee's wrist in lieu of wrapping his arm around the slim waist, enjoying the way the smaller leaned into him for protection even if it was a mostly instinctive action and the other was to out of sorts to stop himself from showing such weakness. "Why are you here Oliver." The king asked shortly. "Why James I would think it obvious why I was in the kitchens." "Don't give me that you were waiting for us." Oliver let out a pouty huff, crossing his arms in front of his chest childishly. "How rude, James, if you must know I came to inform you that there is an envoy from the southern provinces that has an audience with you that is of the utmost of importance." The strange merman explained in a huff. James went to reply paused, thought for a second then let out a furious growl of annoyance. Dragging a hand down his face in tired frustration. He had obviously forgotten all about the envoy. "Tell them I will see them tomorrow." He said. Matthew felt his eyes widen as he looked at James aghast. Matthew himself could never imagine blowing anyone off so short notice, especially when it was something of obvious importance. He was going to say something when Oliver cut him off. "We can't possibly tell them to wait, it is a matter of utmost importance and extremely time sensitive." Oliver said in frustration putting his hands on his hips and flicking his tail in annoyance.

"But what about..." "Oh don't worry about your little bride!" Oliver grinned back to being all sunshines and rainbows, giggling brightly. This Oliver fellow was awfully bipolar, Matthew noted. "I'll keep an eye on him!" "Like he'll you will!" James shouted, however when he felt Matthew flinch at the volume his voice his face softened guiltily, and he gave a comforting squeeze to his waist, although that seemed to make him even more uncomfortable. 

Oliver was smiling tightly, as he glared daggers at James. "James!" He shouted, sounding absolutely scandalized, "To use such harsh language around your bride! Swear Jar!" James growled but wouldn't dare risk getting into a fight with rollover with his chickadee right there. So aquisitioned to Oliver, putting a silver coin in the jar. "Don't worry, Oliver will take care of you, and I'll be back as soon as possible." He said looking down at Matthew, before landing a kiss on the smaller forehead quickly and swimming off, throwing a warning look towards Oliver over his shoulder.

"Well now," Oliver said when James was out of sight, snapping Matthew out of his startled shock from the rather gentle to his head. "I've been rather rude haven't I! My name is Oliver Dickenson, personal advisor!" The Merlin said excitedly holding a lightly webbed and clawed hand out to Matthew. "M..Matthew W...Williams, it's v..v..very n..nice to meet y..you." Matthew stuttered softly, shaking the others hand nervously. "Oh aren't you absolutely precious! James mad a wonderful choice!" Oliver cried excited lyrics pulling the now very uncomfortable and slightly fearful Matthew into an almost bone crushing hug.