"Apologies, your Lordship," Viniria said politely. "We were having a disagreement. Luckily, it was resolved."
"I see," the elf ruler turned to the saddened unicorns. "Will there be any more disturbances?"
"No," Viniria declared. But after a brief pause, she added. "May I ask something of you?"
The elf king tilted his head, surprised.
Back in Viniria's forest, Eli was losing her mind. After checking every tree, bush and even the entirety of the garden arranged by the former king, there were still no traces of them. "Oh no. Endangering a royal child is the heaviest offense. I could not only lose my job. I could lose my head," she repeated to herself while frantically searching. She tried to calm herself down by reminding herself that the forest guardian is a powerful creature. "She would never harm the little prince. Probably took him for a stroll and lost the sense of time."
Still, evening came without them returning. That's when her panic hit the hardest. "Oh no! Oh, no! The queen will be here any minute now. What should I do? Should I tell her the truth?" the girl looked around anxious.
Not long after, Zora arrived. She seemed tired, exhausted from a long day. She looked around and called out for Luka. The nanny shushed her from her make-shift tent. "He is asleep, your Majesty," she whispered.
"Oh," the queen whispered back. "And Vinria?"
The nanny pointed to her favorite flat rock. A figure in her shape could be seen in the dark.
"Sleeping also. The two had a very active day. Must have tired each other out," Eli said quietly.
Zora smiled. "That is nice to know. Hopefully this will solve her insomnia problem."
"Yes," the girl stuttered.
"Well, I'll be going now. Still a lot to do, I am afraid. Kiss Luka for me, when he wakes up."
"Will do," the nanny said.
With that, the queen sighed and used her magical circle. The gasp of relief Eli let out made her entire body relax. She went into the little lump of vines Vinira made. The nanny used the same material to create her figure on the flat rock. "Oh, you foul creature. You owe me one," she frowned. "Just come back with Luka."
Unknown to her, the forest guardian was tending to her wounds. The elf maidens carried over elegantly shaped golden jugs and let each unicorn take a sip. The elf king was observing, deep in contemplation. "Were you truly going to just trap them there? What if they could not fall asleep on their own?"
Viniria ripped the end of the leaf-like bandages. "I'm sorry, but they have spent the entire day attacking and spearing me. I was not thinking straight."
The unicorns started yawning. A good signal that they were ready.
"In such circumstances, it is a good thing that we are here," the elf king said.
"Yes. It is even better that you brought your famous dreamland wine with you," the forest guardian added.
The elf smiled. "Never leave home without it. Now, if there is no more requirement for us, we would like to continue with our slumber. This new world is... quite tiring for us."
"That would be all. Thank you for your assistance," Viniria bowed courtly.
The elves did the same. As elegantly as they came, they formed a line, lighting their way back. The forest guardian waved, watching their glow disappear deep into the woods. Checking on the unicorns, she could clearly see they were all sound asleep. Using her powers, Viniria dropped heavy boulders from the nearby mountain, sealing their entrance. As an additional measure, she used her trusty vegetation to tighten their hold. "That would do." She solemnly sighed.
The royal couple did not have better luck. Going together through a portal, they were surprised how dark everything was. As they walked further, it as clear that this was some sort of dungeon. With the light of a torch, they found their way around what seemed catacombs for fallen warriors. Rows upon rows of stone graves stood with carved sleeping figures. Each one in armor, holding a sword. The stone graves were placed in a circle with a young woman sitting on top of one. Her back was arched forward, with her long hair covered in dust and cobwebs. She sat there motionless and solemn, making them believe she was a statue. That is, until she spoke.
"It has been a long time. Long time have these worthy souls waited for the time of the awakening. And I too with them. Finally! We are ready to see our destiny come to fruition," the girl spoke, her voice gravely and dry, just like her surroundings.
"Um, I beg your pardon," Aidan started nervously. "What exactly is this?"
The girl looked at him confused. "Are you not here to sound the bells?"
Zora checked her notes. "Um, no. No bells mentioned here."
The girl turned her gaze towards her. "Then, why are you here?"
"We are actually looking for something else."
The girl slowly blinked.
"Is this the Upper East Chiefdom?" Aidan asked.
"No, this is the Lower East Chiefdom. The Upper East Chiefdom is one hill away," the mystery girl replied.
"Oh, thank you," Zora added, a little awkward. "We should be going now. Sorry?"
The portal opened again. Stepping in, the strangers were gone again. The girl watched the portal disappear before lowering her head again.
The next attempt lead them to the right place. Zora could see the castle on the hill. She turned as if thinking about something.
"Anything wrong, dear?" Aidan asked.
"I was just thinking about that girl. I wonder what she was talking about?"
Aidan groaned. "And I suppose you want to learn more?"
"Well. It seemed important. With those waiting dead warriors and all."
"We are already swamped, dear. And it is not like they are uncomfortable. Underwater, for example, or anything like that."
"Would you help if they were?" Zora asked.
"You heard the girl. They do not need us."
She shrugged, indecisive. Aidan turned, slightly irritated. "This looks like the right place. I can feel it. Now, remember. When we get there, let me do the talking this time."
"You still on about what happened at the duchy? I told you I was sorry," she said.
"I know. I know. But still," the king said, taking confident steps. Slightly angry, she followed him towards the castle.