Aiden smiled. "Glad that's settled. After breakfast, we really should get going."
Meryn nodded absently, then looked over at Oron narrowing her eyes. "Did he say walk a couple miles?"
Izzy sipped her mocha. This should be fun.
CHAPTER FIVE
"I've changed my mind! I lurves unofficial portals! I lurves, lurves, lurves them!" Meryn complained as they walked in the beautiful spring-like weather.
"Just a bit further baby, I promise," Aiden said a concerned expression on his face.
Serenity shook her head. "The walking is good for you."
Meryn glared at her evilly. "M
eryn two-point-oh doesn't like exercise or sweating."
Izzy kinda agreed with Meryn. The weather was on the cool side, but the sun was warm and they had been walking for at least half an hour. She wasn't that much taller than Meryn and her legs were getting a workout trying to match stride with her seven-plus foot tall mate.
"Okay, break time," Izzy said, dropping her backpack.
Aiden turned to her. "Seriously?"
Meryn exhaled. "Thank god." She lifted her to-go sippy cup and began sucking down her de-caf treat.
"Yes, seriously, Bigfoot! Meryn and I are having to practically run to keep up with you giants. Have mercy on us short folk," Izzy pointed down to her legs. "I can only go so fast."
Aiden looked down at his mate. "I am so sorry baby, I wasn't thinking."
Meryn waved off his apologies. "Just give me a minute to catch my breath."
Oron picked up her backpack. "Commander."
Aiden looked over at him. Grinning Oron swept her up in his arms. "We won't have to worry about their little legs if we carry them."
Aiden brightened. "Good man!" Aiden scooped Meryn up in his arms and they resumed their stroll.
Meryn peeked out over her mate's shoulder. "I could get used to this. Giddy up, mannequin!"
Aiden simply leaned down and began to nip and nuzzle at Meryn's neck making her laugh.
Izzy yawned and snuggled into Oron's chest. She had the best mate ever.
After about another twenty minutes, Oron kissed her forehead. "We're here." She opened her eyes as he was setting her down.
Izzy looked around, expecting to see golden gates or something. There was nothing there. "Ummm?"
Oron pointed to where Darian stood holding his hands in front of him. Seconds later, a broad glowing gate appeared anchored between the two large white marble bases. He turned back to them. "Welcome to the official entrance to Éire Danu."
Oron took her hand. "Ready to see the land of the fae?"
"Absolutely!" They were about to step forward when the air around Meryn shimmered and she gave a startled yelp before her clothes morphed into a set of long dress robes in brilliant shades of gold.
Aiden looked down at her. "I'm proud of you baby. I didn't think you'd care about first impressions."
Meryn scowled. "I don't. Evidently, my gown does."
Ryuu smiled. "Well, if we're going to be fancy." He closed his eyes and his clothes also changed. He now wore formal Japanese attire.