After spending their remaining time cuddled up on the floor Zack escorted her to the way station. Vanessa seemed a little down to be leaving his side, but it also fed the desire to return. The two kissed passionately before she walked upon the array disappearing.
'I hope they let her return.'
Zack was leaving the station and walking back into Eden when Mero began waving him down. Seeing Mero walking on the land in a dress meant she was searching for him. The two embraced as she gave Zack love bites along his neck.
"You always look so stunning in a dress. I have a surprise for everyone by the way," Zack told Mero.
"Thank you. What is it?" Mero asked while nuzzling against him.
"You know that swordfish everyone's been hunting?" Zack said with a smile.
"You tagged him?" Mero asked filled with excitement.
"Better than that," Zack said while retrieving a ring.
Mero had a large smile across her face and dragged him towards Lydia's. Their teams spent so long hunting that beast and always came up short. Zack was able to seize it by himself, and the others would want to know. Walking into Lydia's establishment it was already busy. The mermaids were in full attendance to mingle with several visitors from the festivities.
On the backend of the room was a doorway leading straight from the water, and it led to two narrow waterways in corners of the room. They led to long tables in the shallows that extended to the doorway for land dwellers.
Through the center of the room between the two shallows were dining booths for humans, and towards the aquatic entrance was Lydia's bar. Lydia was currently cutting up some fresh catches from today's hunt while pouring drinks with her tentacles. There was a large smile on her face as she conversed with the customers, and prepared the grill.
'I love watching her work.' Zack smiled in her direction.
As Zack glanced around the room he saw Cameron talking with some mermaids at the bar. King Cameron was using this as a research trip for their kingdom. They would welcome other species, but they would only visit the market, and be gone by nightfall. He wanted to explore the city more and try to find ways to be more accommodating to other species.
"Are you enjoying the city so far?" Zack asked.
Cameron saw Zack and rapidly stood up to shake his hand. The royal guards were getting used to the rules of the city, but still politely bowed towards Zack. It was a habit to greet members of royalty this way, and seeing them do so made Mero chuckle.
"It's been a wonderful experience. Who's the architect responsible for this city?" Cameron inquired.
"That will be him." Mero smiled as she clung tightly to his arm.
"I did a lot of the altering, but the designs come from everyone's input," Zack replied.
While the two were discussing the city word spread of Zack's appearance in the restaurant. Being used as an area to scope mates for the aquatic species they noticed Zack before he passed the threshold. By now the leaders of each tribe were aware, and it presented them an opportunity to catch his eye.
"I can help with some alterations if you need it." Zack offered as he approached Lydia.
"That's a lot to ask when I can't offer much in return," Cameron replied.
"Why make the alterations now?" Zack asked.
"Being along the border, and a coastal city we see our fair share of interactions with nonhumans. Our people have always held a firm belief in not instigating conflict in order to keep a balance, but that's not always possible. Because of this we generally stuck to ourselves, but my grandfather changed that. Even with the changes to policies we only get the occasional visitors to the market. It would seem they still have doubts about coexisting." Cameron explained.
"You think stories from here, and alterations to your city will convince them?" Harvey asked.
"I'm hoping so," Cameron said while motioning his guards to return to their leisurely activities.
"They are welcome to come to visit themselves and speak with our citizens. The orientation is brief, but it does serve a purpose. After last night's disturbance, I'm sure you see why we do this." Zack told Cameron as he smiled at Lydia.
"You should come in more often," Lydia said while placing her hand over Zack's.
"I will I promise. Helena was curious to visit today, but she's trying on clothes for tomorrow." Zack replied while handing Lydia a ring.
"What's this?" Lydia asked preparing to open it.
"I would do that on the counter," Zack suggested.
Lydia finished the drinks she was pouring and turned to her prep table. She clicked the first button to unload the first storage area, and a series of precut steaks piled onto the counter. The aroma caught the attention of Rowan and the other mersharks. Lydia clicked the other button as a large slab of swordfish covered the counter.
"When did you get this?" Lydia asked.
"Last night, and that's only one of the slabs," Zack replied.
"Want to save it for the feast?" Lydia asked as she prepped her utensils.
"That can be used right now for those interested. There is no shortage so have as much as you desire." Zack announced.
Hearing this a line was rapidly forming at the bar, and standing at the front of it was Mero. Typical swordfish was already difficult to obtain, but no one ever caught a colossal one before. They only attempted such things recently after the aquatic forces were well equipped.
The way the colossal manipulated the currents in the ocean made it difficult for them to pursue it efficiently, and when it turned to attack they had to retreat. Their armor may have been artifacts, but the blade along its jaw was not to be underestimated.
"When you recruited us you mentioned the delicacies to be found, but I never expected someone to pull this off," Anaya told Harvey.
"Neither did we. I never heard of hunting parties going out last night either." Harvey replied.
"That's cause he did it alone." Mero bragged while taking his hand.
It was the first time a surface dweller accomplished such a hunt, and alone no less. Mero already received a lot of respect from others for her actions in the navy, and her former status in the hunting grounds. To most of the observers, it was only natural that Mero's mate would be a hunter capable of such a feat.
"You know I'm a good hunter myself and know of several locations to find similar prey. Maybe we could go together. If you don't mind sharing." Anaya smiled at Mero as she approached the couple.
"If you can keep up I have no complaints," Mero replied.
"She says that, but I would be cautious. This one can get very primal when in the mood." Lydia told Anaya.