As night fell, Lala proposed to her husbands that they make a bonfire for dinner on the beach. The idea of spending an evening under the stars before the rainy season began seemed irresistible to her.
"Let's go to the beach," Lala said enthusiastically as they prepared everything for the bonfire. "I want to see the stars before the rains arrive."
Yang, Teru, Liam, and Tarish nodded, sharing her enthusiasm. Noir took charge of lighting the bonfire and spreading a fur over the sand to sit more comfortably. Soon, the flames danced cheerfully, illuminating the beach with their warm light. The sound of the waves mixed with the crackling of the wood created a relaxing and magical atmosphere.
Seated around the bonfire, they began preparing dinner. They had collected fresh seafood and fish during the day, along with some tropical fruits. The aroma of the food roasting over the fire filled the air, mingling with the sea breeze.
"I've been thinking," said Lalabel as she watched the flames. "Perhaps the Ocean Guardian knows something about the black pearl we're searching for."
Her husbands looked at her with interest. The black pearl was an object of great importance, to be delivered to the statue.
"That's a good idea," Yang responded. "If the kraken is as ancient and powerful as they say, it might have valuable information."
"But first, we need to find Arana's melody," Teru added. "Without it, awakening the kraken will be impossible."
Lala nodded, her mind working on possible solutions.
Noir suggested, "We could ask the elders if they know anyone who has heard fragments of the song. Maybe someone has memories or stories that could help us."
As dinner finished cooking, Lala lay back on a fur, gazing at the stars. The night sky stretched infinitely above them, dotted with brilliant points of light that seemed to tell their own stories.
"I hope to bring a better future for everyone!" Lala whispered, caressing her belly tenderly. "I wonder if our chicks will also be curious, like me."
"We'll be here to teach and protect them," Noir responded, taking Lala's hand.
Noir, Yang, Teru, Liam, and Tarish settled around her, creating a circle of support and love. Each of them felt a deep connection with Lala, and seeing her face illuminated by the firelight and stars filled them with happiness and peace.
Lala felt overwhelmed by the love and trust of her husbands. Her heart beat strongly.
"Thank you, my loves. With you by my side, I know we'll find the black pearl and much more."
Lalabel savored a fish soup with vegetables that was delicious, enjoying every bite while the bonfire flames crackled softly around her. Teru, watching her with a satisfied smile, felt happy to see Lala enjoying the meal he had prepared.
"It's delicious, Teru," Lala said, smiling. "Thank you for this."
Teru nodded, his heart swelling with joy at seeing Lala happy and well-fed. As they continued dining, conversation flowed easily, the camaraderie and love between them creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Tarish, always attentive to details, moved a little closer to Lala, his curious eyes reflecting the bonfire flames.
"Tarish, I've been thinking," said Lalabel, her voice soft but firm. "We should mate tomorrow night."
"Are you sure, Lala?" Tarish asked, with doubts.
Lalabel nodded, her gaze full of determination.
"I want us to be a family." Lala yawned and began to fall asleep.
After a while longer, Lala fell asleep and Yang carried her back to the cabin.
The next morning, Noir, Tarish, and Liam went out to explore the village of Arán in search of clues about Aria's song. The streets were quiet, the villagers busy with their daily tasks, and the sound of the sea mixed with the murmur of life in the coastal village. The three males stopped at several cabins, conversing with the village elders, but it was in a lonely old cabin where they found a promising clue.
In the cabin, a blind old man with a long white beard sat in a corner, his gaze lost in memories of times past. Upon hearing the visitors, he raised his head with curiosity.
"What are you seeking, young ones?" the old man asked with a trembling voice.
"We're looking for information about Arana's song," Liam responded. "We were told it might help awaken the ocean guardian."
The old man nodded slowly, a melancholic smile curving his lips.
"Long ago, when I was a young triton, I heard that song," said the old man. "I don't remember all the words, but I can hum it for you."
With a soft and nostalgic voice, the old man began to hum the melody. It was a sad and beautiful song, full of longing. Liam, Noir, and Tarish listened attentively, recording every note in their memory. The melody seemed to resonate with ancient magic, transporting them to a forgotten time.
After thanking the old man, the three returned to the cabin where they were staying with Lala. Upon entering, Liam found Lala resting near the window, caressing her rounded belly.
"Lala, we found someone who remembers the song," Liam said enthusiastically. "He doesn't have the words, but he hummed the melody for us."
Lala sat up, interested. Liam began to hum the song as he had heard it from the old man. As the melody filled the cabin, Lala became deeply thoughtful. Something inside told her she had heard that song somewhere else, but she couldn't remember where.
"That melody..." Lala said, frowning as she tried to remember. "It seems so familiar, but I don't know from where."
Noir, observing Lala's expression, approached and kissed her cheek.
"Take your time, Lala."
"When you least expect it, you'll remember the song."
"Just don't pressure yourself too much," he caressed Lala's back.
After lunch together in the cabin, Yang, Teru, and Tarish headed to the residence of the triton patriarch, Lamar, to continue their search for information. Lamar's house was situated in the center of the village, a robust construction made of planks, decorated with shells and marine amulets.
Lamar, a triton of imposing appearance with long green hair and penetrating blue eyes, received them kindly.
"What brings you here, strangers?" he asked, his voice resonating with authority and kindness.
Yang, speaking on behalf of the group, explained their interest in pearls.
"We'd like to know more about pearls and their properties. Especially, we're interested in any information about the black pearl."
Lamar nodded, understanding the importance of their question.
"Pearls are highly valued in our culture, and each color has a specific meaning and purpose," Lamar began. "Golden pearls can extend life up to twenty years. Pink pearls increase fertility, and white pearls accelerate the healing of small wounds. The red pearl is almost as rare to find, but it has the property of restoring lost blood in the body."
"When they come into contact with saliva, they dissolve easily."
Lamar smiled enigmatically.
"Each triton, dolphin, and shark offers pearls as a courtship gift to the mermaid who synchronizes with their song."
Teru's eyes lit up with interest.
"And the black pearl?" he asked.
Lamar paused, his eyes reflecting wisdom.
"The black pearl is the rarest and most powerful of all. It's said to have the power to purify curses. It's believed that the black pearl is in the custody of the ocean guardian," Lamar explained.
Lamar smiled enigmatically.
"Each triton, dolphin, and shark offers pearls as a courtship gift to the mermaid who synchronizes with their song."
Back at the cabin, they shared the new information with Noir and Liam.
Night fell softly over the village of Arán, enveloping everything in a mantle of stars and the silvery light of the moon. The air was fresh, and the sound of waves breaking on the shore provided a calming symphony. Yang, with his usual calm and care, took Lala outside the village to find a river where she could bathe. The nocturnal jungle was full of whispers and songs of night creatures, creating an atmosphere of mystery and serenity.
They walked slowly, enjoying each other's company and the tranquility of the night. Lala felt safe beside Yang, whose presence always transmitted a feeling of protection and comfort. They arrived at a small crystalline river that shone under the moonlight, and Lala smiled upon seeing the clear and tempting water.
"This seems perfect," Lala said, releasing a sigh of relief.
Yang nodded, helping her undress carefully. She slipped into the cold water, feeling how the fatigue and worries of the day dissolved in the river's freshness. Yang stayed close, vigilant, making sure Lala was safe while she bathed.
Meanwhile, back at the cabin, Teru was busy preparing grilled fish. The delicious aroma spread through the air, making Liam and Noir, who were nearby, look on with anticipation. The fire crackled softly, illuminating their faces with a warm glow. Teru, with his culinary skill, was determined to offer a dinner that would not only satisfy hunger but also provide a moment of joy and unity for everyone.
"This fish is going to be incredible," Liam said, smiling as he watched Teru work.
"I trust you, Teru. Your cooking skill has improved a lot," Noir added, giving him a friendly pat on the back.
After dinner, Lala and Tarish decided to take a walk along the beach shore. The night was serene, and the full moon reflected its silvery light on the sea, creating an almost surreal landscape. The waves broke softly on the shore, and the sea breeze carried with it the salty aroma of the ocean.
They walked slowly, enjoying the sound of the sea and the silence shared between them. Tarish, always attentive and affectionate, moved a little closer to Lala, feeling the need to be even closer to her. His hand gently slid through Lala's hair, caressing it tenderly.
"I've admired your kindness and bravery, Lala," Tarish said, his voice soft and full of sincerity. "I'm very grateful to be by your side and be part of your life."
Lala stopped for a moment, her cheek blushing as she looked into Tarish's eyes, feeling a wave of emotion. She could see the love and devotion in his gaze, and it filled her with deep warmth.
Lala responded with a soft kiss on his lips, and took a couple of steps forward to show him a smile.
Lalabel took a fur from her dimensional space and spread it over the sand. She sat on the fur. "Come, my Tarish!" Lala patted the fur to invite him to sit.
We sat very close together. I approached Tarish's neck and found the special characteristic scent of my husbands. "He smells like vanilla." My lips landed on his neck and I caressed his hair.
Tarish's POV
My hands slide down Lala's back and caress her more romantically. My breathing remains heavy, but my expression becomes softer.
"You're so beautiful... I can't believe we're going to mate."
My breathing becomes faster, my lips seek the sweet and warm lips of my beloved Lalabel. As the minutes pass, the kiss becomes more intense. My hands trace Lala's figure until reaching her waist.
Lalabel grants me permission to the interior of her mouth. Our tongues made contact, dancing passionately. My hands squeeze Lala's waist to bring her closer. Lala's sensual caresses threaten my mental control. My ears and tail appear in view.
We separate momentarily to catch our breath. Lala's soft hand caresses my ears. I feel her fingers play with the tufts of black hair. I can't help but blush and become sensitive.