The Forgotten Waters.

Chapter Three: Scouting

"Why did you have to interfere, Drake?" Caspian mumbled as they swam towards the open waters. The sand slowly began to fall, eventually leading to a drop off.

Here, it was forbidden for anyone to enter. Sharks enjoyed the open water as much as the Land Walkers, and they worried the ships would see them. The cove they hid away in was safe and difficult for their vessels to get through. Warriors were permitted to go this far, only because they had to ensure that no threats were close.

"Because it's my job to pick on you, and hope that you make the right decision." Drake came to a halt before looking back towards Caspian, "You ran away from him last night?" The older male crossed his arms, his brow raised as he waited for a response. Drake was always trying to guide his son. At least, give him his thoughts.

Caspian frowned as he stopped with Drake. He rolled his eyes as his slit pupils thinned. The male mumbled under his breath before holding his hands up, "I'd rather not tell you my feelings, father. I had intentions on saving those for Aiden tonight." Caspian did have strong feelings for Aiden, but other feelings lurked beneath those that made him so uncertain. The dark haired male gave a light shake of his head. He was close to both his parents, but Caspian had always had trouble expressing himself.

Drake chuckled heavily as he slapped Caspian on the back, "You cannot let fear control your life, son. Aiden is a good merperson, and your mother and I already love him. You are a tough shell to crack." The male smiled softly. He seemed to only want what was best for Caspian as well as Aiden.

"I'm not letting fear control me, Drake.  I just-"

"I know what you do, Caspian. You hide those feelings, but if you hide them to long, you could lose him. I nearly lost your mother to another because I waited around."

"Drake."

"Caspian?" The father crossed his arms. He let out a heavy chuckle before he shook his head, "You know, Father is a word." Drake had began swimming again. Caspian quickly followed behind, "Just, don't lead the little one on. He deserves love as much as you, and if you did that, then he deserves a proper apology."

Caspian didn't reply after that. He found himself rather frustrated with his father's words. Of course he loved Drake, but Caspian had put up a hardened shell. He was stubborn, and often, planned how things would go before hand. Caspian had never expected Aiden to have feelings for him. The male had been in love with Caspian since their early years, but it wasn't until recently he had really realized them. Caspian of course, was extremely confided in himself. To most, he was a asshole. Someone you wouldn't look for aid in, but the feminine merman Aiden, had always looked to the warrior for comfort, but Caspian had watched so many of his brother's fall. He often questioned if he would put that on Aiden or his children for that matter.

As the scouted the area, everything seemed to be in check. No ships had been spotted on the outer borders of their home, the skies were clear, and the water's calm. That is, until another scout swam up with news.

"Chief!" He called out as he approached; pointing towards the end of the reef, "The drop off, we found a girl."

"A girl? A merperson? Is she familiar?" Drake tilted his head to the side. The male swam forward; suddenly seeming concerned as he spoke. The chief wasn't surprised to find out that she wasn't from here, but nodded, "Bring her in, I'll speak with her."

_____

"Has he asked you yet?"

"You asked him?!"

"Aiden?!"

The male jumped; seeming a bit dazed as the mermaid's spoke to him. He smiled lightly before shaking his head, "Yes, I asked him. No, he said he wanted to meet somewhere to talk." The horizon tailed male swayed his fin a bit before lying back into the soft sand that they sat on, "Are you all done with the necklaces yet?" Aiden yawned as he stretched.

"We would be if you were helping make them!" A pink tailed mermaid swatted her tail at Aiden, "Besides, if he does ask, don't you need something to give him?" She cocked her head to the side as she stuck her tongue out.

"I already have one ready, Penelope. " Aiden stated before moving away from the girls. He shook his head stubbornly, "Besides, I've made twice as many as all of you already and I'm the one who found the clams." Aiden had been busy. Clams provided food, and he had found a large nest. They were still getting clams from that area now, and the pearls came with it. "A feast of clams and pearls to light up the sands with the full moon's light. I wanted to be prepared anyway." Aiden shrugged lightly, "Tonight will go just fine." At least, he hoped.

Everything had gone quiet for a moment. Aiden had shut out the sounds around him as everyone laughed and carried on as a sudden noise boomed. The horn. They had found something. Aiden had gotten up and swam quickly towards the sound of the horn. Unlike others who had awaited for the warriors to come over the peek, Aiden charged in. Drake and Caspian were some of the only people he had left, and he never thought twice about helping them.

"Oof!"

"You little fucker!"

"Gal!"