[He smiles warmly at the pat on his arm, then laughs a little. It would definitely be hard to search for a portal together.]

Hmm. How about we split up and look. You search the sea and I'll search the land. We can meet back here in a little while. If I find a portal, I'll carry you there. If you find one, you make sure I don't drown getting down there.

What do you think?