"Here you go. Be nice to Seungyoun, yes? If he wants you to attend classes, he means well," Seonghwa smiled at his babies. He knelt on the chilly quartz before them and his travelling dress and coat fanned out behind him. Nimble fingers adjusted their little jackets, making sure they wouldn't freeze in the morning air rushing through the open gates.

Their troupe awaited them outside, and the bears grunted as they pawed around the road. Seonghwa pressed kisses to Aodhán's and Morana's soft cheeks and, though sorrow to part from them blurred his sight, he tried his hardest to stay spirited for them.

It wouldn't be for long.

"I will miss you, Athair," Aodhán mumbled, grabbing hold of Seonghwa's hand. With a coo, Seonghwa hugged his slight frame against his chest.

"I will miss you even more. As soon as we know it's safe, you can come to visit me," Seonghwa promised. Though Seungyoun stood behind them and Seonghwa's parents waited on the sidelines to take care of the two, it was heartbreaking to leave their two lonesome little bodies behind in the grand castle. They held onto each other's hands where Morana usually squabbled with her brother, and the insecurity in their eyes was almost enough to make Seonghwa stay.

While Yunho sobbed his goodbyes and cheered up Aodhán (more so himself), Seonghwa caressed Morana's cheeks and ears.

"Don't be too rowdy while I am gone. We can play once I'm back."

Helpless, Morana clung to him. She was too young to understand why he needed to leave and regret drew her brows as she feared he punished her mischief with his absence.

Oh, they were so dear.

Kissing her forehead, Seonghwa looked up to San, who brought Mingi over. The handsome demon looked spectacular and intimidating in his fitted black riding outfit, but he became the gentlest of fathers when he sunk onto the ground before his daughter. San had given him the sheep plush and Mingi handed it to Morana to cling to. When she peered up at San, full of awe, his grin made her shy. As the demons hugged and Mingi told her they would be back soon, Seonghwa lifted his gaze to his father.

They exchanged a nod, sealing their deal. While Seonghwa was gone, his father would attend to his position. All urgent matters would reach him via message birds.

By the time the goodbyes concluded, Morana and Aodhán clutched one of Seungyoun's hands each. The servant cooed at them and smiled brightly to cheer them up. Onyx perched on his shoulder and Sunny whimpered by Aodhán's side, also upset to see Buddy go.

"We will notify you of our arrival," Seonghwa announced as he backed away with the strength of a titan. He couldn't bear looking at his babes any longer without wanting to stay.

The assembled servants bowed their heads, and Seonghwa's mother waved at him.

"Take care, my star. You will do marvellous, I'm sure of it."

Grateful for her trust, Seonghwa granted everyone an uplifting smile. Aodhán waved at him sadly, but he rightened his sunken form when he exchanged a look with Hongjoong. Though the sorcerer didn't tell him to do anything, he became an idol for Aodhán. The reliable expression of an older brother settled on his features, and he tugged at Morana to play together while Seonghwa followed his husbands outside. They climbed atop their mounts and Seonghwa looked back yearningly as the gates shut.

Soon, he would return with peace for his little ones.

"We depart," Seonghwa called over his troupe. They assembled to take him into their heart, protecting him from all sides as the head of the guard rode ahead with San by his side. A few soldiers accompanied them, sealing in Yunho and Mingi, who rode side by side with Buddy prancing in between. They gushed to each other about their babes, soothing all strained nerves.

Wooyoung had taken Mulberry along and the prideful gryphon sauntered next to the armoured white bear Seonghwa perched on. His intelligent eyes recognised the elf, and he allowed only Seonghwa to caress his beak earlier; no one else.

Behind them, Jongho and Yeosang perched on the cart with provisions and gifts. Yeosang illustrated the history of the nymphs to the invested golem and Jongho attended with all the greed for knowledge. A few times, Seonghwa crossed their gazes since they vigilantly made sure he wasn't too depressed about leaving his babies behind. Touched by their silent care, Seonghwa could gather his spirits.

Hongjoong was at the tail of the troupe, overseeing everyone. In case of an ambush, he would react the quickest.

Swaddled in safety, they travelled along the winding paths of the magical forests. The faeries waved goodbye to Seonghwa and a few gnomes emerged from their burrows beneath tree roots to stand before the carpet of yellow and red. They looked up in awe at the passing company and the forest paid them sweet wishes for safety.

Seonghwa eased his fingers on the reins the bears accepted only in case of an ambush. He sat in comfort under his white cloak and though he slept little after last night; he looked forward this adventure. As much weight as this diplomatic outcome brought, the fresh air worked wonders on the elf. He looked at his husbands, so curious to get to know new people and lands, and he cheered himself up.

Perhaps he could bring some unique gifts home for his babies. They would like that.

As the elf gradually unwound and told himself he could trust in both himself and the circle around him, Wooyoung's features brightened. He noticed when the apprehensive gloom fell off the elf and he straightened his spine to look ahead, full of determination.

There he was, their beautiful, resilient emperor.

Wooyoung steered Mulberry closer, and the folded wings of the gryphon brushed against the bear.

"Your Majesty," he grinned coyly, and Seonghwa chuckled at him.

"What is it? Something catch your eye?" Like many birds, Wooyoung liked to collect shiny things. Seonghwa was the prized jewel of his collection, captivating him time and time again. Today as well, Wooyoung appreciated the sight of him in the dreamy forest.

"My beautiful, beautiful husband, who takes care of everyone so well," Wooyoung purred back, charming in his speech. He spent too much time with Hongjoong, got eloquent in a way that brought so much joy to Seonghwa.

"Did our goodbyes stir envy in you?" Seonghwa smiled, and the light danced over the partial braid of his long hair. It shone on his jewellery and San's armour, dancing through the patterns of the last leaves shrouding the trees.

Wooyoung shrugged it off, knowing more of Seonghwa's attention would be dedicated to him now. And he learned to ask so nicely.

"I envy them for the way you dote on them, but you do the same for me without of one of these goofballs attached." Wooyoung rolled his eyes at Yunho and Mingi; such proud fathers, even when they were so young.

"How mature of you," Seonghwa snickered back. They all learned to share in their arrangement, and Wooyoung softened with time when he understood the two little ones didn't want to take Seonghwa away; they simply needed him as their parent.

That, and he had become very fond of Morana.

"Mark my words. Now that I have more freedom to spend time with you, I will charm you in every way possible. And pay you all the compliments. You are so lovely, Seonghwa," Wooyoung bluntly declared. It made San throw Seonghwa a glance only the two of them understood, and the elf played down his blush.

A triumphant smirk spread across Wooyoung's lips, which were so greedy for his prey, but his gaze was soft.

"I can also help you clean... something. I'm sure you will find something."

"The nymphs live partly underwater," Seonghwa used the moment to warn him. Wooyoung got upset in caves where he lost his connection to the skies, so the suppressing surroundings of the Singing Swamps may stifle him as well.

Of course, Seonghwa was there to alleviate his distress, but Wooyoung's frown meant it was best to inform him ahead of time.

"Really? How do they breathe? Where do they put their gryphons?"

Chuckling, Seonghwa relished the forest and the fresh air, as their conversation was so easy compared to all those burdensome topics in the past few weeks.

"They can breathe underwater and travel to the surface only if there is a need to. You will see. If you are curious to explore the depths of the ocean that are as endless as the skies, you can do it there. They have mounts like gryphons, only that these are water-born."

Since Wooyoung was used to the stormy waves crashing against the Cliffs of Zephyr that could rip apart a mortal body within seconds, he pursed his lips in doubt. Though he liked launching from great heights, landing in the water wasn't part of that joy.

With his eyes trained on San's spectacular wings, Seonghwa continued.

"Your wings won't help you down there; that much is true. But their folk aren't so different from yours in their adoration for endless freedom."

"I will assess whether they would make suitable friends for the gryphon-borns. Their teeth look as if they eat people," Wooyoung grumbled to himself.

With a bright smile, Seonghwa didn't tell him they did. The nymphs' diet of humans shouldn't extend to Wooyoung, and their hospitality forbade them from threatening their guests.

Instead, the elf nodded wisely.

"Tell me of your deductions once we have arrived. If you are uncomfortable, you can always come to me." It was unspoken in their relationship, but hearing it said out loud reassured the gryphon-born. He ruffled his wings in pride, and Mulberry did the same.

They matched each other so well.

"I will. This time, the others can fight to get past me if they want you. Although I'd say Yunho and Mingi get to shut up for a while. They hoard you most since your hatchlings showed up. Maybe they should spend time with one another, bond as fathers," Wooyoung shared his petty opinion. He sat at ease in his saddle, not holding on to Mulberry, who matched the patient pace of the bears. Once all their excess energy accumulated, they would soar through the skies again.

"Check in with San in case you get anxious; he might have some advice for you. Apart from that, if you want to learn about nymphs, I assume Jongho and Yeosang are most likely to be near me."

"Perfect." Wooyoung rubbed his hands. "They don't cuddle you as much. Hey, do you think the nymphs have a team of raiders? I want to challenge their speed underwater. Bet I am still faster."

Seonghwa indulged his babbles and his boasting, praising him, until Wooyoung sunk into his saddle, hiding his shyness behind his hair. He was eager to learn and Seonghwa loved sharing his optimism even if it was partly for show to cheer up Seonghwa.

Soon, the paths split and they took the left one. At Wooyoung's curious gaze, Seonghwa nodded his chin into the lightening forests of the Crystal Sphere.

"We will round the mountains covering the Caverns of Nightfall and cross through the Kingdom of Man straight south. This is your chance to learn about Yunho's people." At least one night in a human settlement would be necessary. Perhaps two, depending on the culture of the nymphs. Seonghwa would send Wooyoung and San ahead to scour out their facilities.

"Yes please, I have way too little information about their regular daily habits and which to bully him for. Thanks, Hwa." As Wooyoung took off to launch Mulberry into the sky so he could watch his people from above, Seonghwa snickered at his energy. He looked forward to being among humans. As peculiar as their more private sides could be, their food was delicious, and they treated elves with respect and even awe.

Curious to see them react to his husbands and vice versa, Seonghwa enjoyed a few moments of silence before he would confer with Yunho and his scouts about the safest place nearby. Too small a town and their oddness would grant them unwanted attention.

Overhead, Wooyoung giddily forged his plans of mischief and conquering the husband who long belonged to him.

Seonghwa smiled after him, grateful for the distraction and his kind words.

"You're welcome."