As the sun was slowly peeking from the hills, its orange shimmer caressed Vinria's face. She sat on the grass, solemn and tired, holding the statue of the little boy.
"I am so sorry, Luka," she whispered, engulfing the ever-needed rays. Her hair gently patted the boy's head. "I will be more careful next time."
The statue, lifeless and gray, had its colors returned. The once rosy cheeks turned pink again, and with that the boy started moving.
"Vi-vi," he called out, rubbing his eyes, as if groggy.
Viniria smiled. "Yes, I am here. How are you, little one?"
The boy moaned and yawned. "Hun-gi."
"Alright then," Vinria took her in her arms. "Let's get you something to eat."
Looking in the direction of their kingdom, she sighed. "Hope Zora won't be too upset with me."
Back at her home, Eli was struggling herself. The good thing was, she had packed and on her way to the port. The bad part was that her bag was so heavy now, that she barely made it to the edge of the known woods, pulling it.
The sound of long wings startled her, and she looked up to see what it is. Her face beamed into a grin. "You're back!" she yelled, overjoyed. Viniria landed, using her seagull wings.
"Of course we did. Why would you think otherwise?" the forest guardian retorted, as the boy ran up to hug his nanny. He was babbling and talking about something excitedly.
"But, where have you been? I was worried sick. I even... I was on my way to find you," the nanny replied.
"I can see that," Vinria glanced at the comically large bag of things from the courts.
The boy continued on babbling, imitating horse noises and explaining how he was running.
"Did his parents come over last night?"
"Yes, her Majesty, the queen. But I covered for you. You are welcome, by the way," Eli said annoyed.
"Oh, so you are useful after all," Vinira said, pleased.
"Pardon?"
"Never mind," the forest guardian placed her hands on the girl's shoulder. "Now, let us align our stories. We do not want this little misunderstanding to get us both into trouble, do we?"
Nanny pouted, but she had no other choice but to agree. "Good, I'll get your bags," the guardian said as they walked back, and Luka was still retelling his adventures. "Horsys fast. Horsys angi. The' like Vi-vi and bear cub oni."
They returned just in time for the royal couple visit. Luka rushed over and jumped into their embrace as soon as he saw them. "How are you, my little hero? Father missed you so!" Aidan said, lifting him in the air.
"Have you finished?" Viniria asked.
Zora shook her head. "Not yet. But the prospects seem hopeful. We now only need to deliver some cheese and we are done."
"Cheese for a turtle home," Eli commented. "What an interesting trade!"
After playing for a while, Aidan joined them. "What an unbelievable imagination, Luka has. I could swear he just told me about being chased around by unicorns," he said with a smile.
The godmother looked down, uneasy.
"We should be going now. Aidan, dear, do you have the bag?" Zora asked.
"Of course. I have it right here!" he said, proudly holding the bag. Upon a second look, something seemed wrong. It was much greasier than before, dripping a bit on the edges.
All looked at it stunned, wondering if it was supposed to do that. Aidan opened the bag. To his shock, the cheese has melted into a big blob.
"How did this happen?" Zora's face turned pale.
"I do not know," he stuttered. "It must have overheated while I was in my werewolf form."
"Oh, no. What now? How are we supposed to get another batch. We cannot go back. The villagers have probably branded us witches by now!" Zora grabbed her head and started to pace.
"Come now, dear. Surely they will be reasonable. We saved their children after all," he said. Her icy cold stare, made him lower his head. "Maybe not."
While they argued, Eli gingerly took the bag.
"I cannot believe this. We were so close! Now, how are we going to fulfill our tasks? There are no more places we could have searched."
As Zora was rumbling anxiously, Eli was enjoying a light snack. "Actually, this is not ruined. It tastes perfectly fine."
The couple looked at her, as if she kicked their puppy.
"What do you mean, it tastes fine?" Aidan asked.
"Your Majesty, the taste is good. It is just as I remember it," she replied.
Aidan turned to his wife. "My brother's and I always had the first share of all the food in the court. I do not remember I have eater it a single time," he whispered.
Sensing something was wrong, Eli observed them cautiously. "I would be happy to help you get another serving. This time, you can even get that special wooden box they put it in for long travels."
The royal couple were stunned. They looked at each other and knew exactly what to do. "Actually, dear, we would like to talk to you first."
The girl gulped, completely baffled.
That very same day, back at the Chiefdom, the ruler was stunned by the sudden visit.
"Have you brought what I asked for?"
The royal couple bowed politely. "We have. And so much more," Zora said.
The chief frowned. "What do you mean? Let me warn you, I do not like surprises."
The couple moved, revealing a third person. The girl, about 20 years old, stepped forward with a wooden box in hand.
"Your Lordship," the girl spoke with her hand low. "I would like to present you with this humble gift." She knelt down, holding the box up.
The old man leaned forward. His mouth wide open, with tears forming in his eyes. "You look, so familiar. Who are you?"
The girl looked back at Aidan.
"This is our nanny Eli, but you may know her by another name," he calmly said.
The chief stood up. His son took notice as well.
"Is this a cruel joke! Have you come to laugh at a pitiful old man? I warn you, I will not be messed with. Who is this girl and why did you bring her!" the chief furiously pointed at them.