Daphne blushed brightly when Thorn carried her in his arms towards her house but she smiled warmly and relaxed in his arms. "Well you never know Thorn, perhaps you can look around or ask your father to talk to my father about it if that's what you really want." Daphne informed. She knew her father would gladly pay Thorn to keep her safe from any danger. Once they arrived at her house, Daphne could hear Lady barking and running to the door. "Coming!" her mother called and then opened the door, smiling when she saw both Daphne and Thorn. "Hello you two. Have a fun day today?" she asked and allowed them to come in then closed the door. "Yes we did mother. We were hoping we could eat dinner with you?" she suggested. Her mother laughed softly and nodded. "Of course you two can. Dinner will be ready in a few." her mother answered and left to the kitchen to continue. Daphne then looked back at Thorn and raised an eyebrow, "We do? Well if I win you get to sleep over with me." she answered happily and pet Lady who nuzzled against their legs.

Lagordir nodded, "Yeah I'm pretty hungry. We can have dinner here in the garden or we can go to my place for dinner if you'd like." he said softly. "Hmmm, this can't be a dream because it feels much too real. If this is a dream though, I hope I never wake up either." he commented and smirked. "Well now, I don't mind a bit of teasing, nothing wrong with that. Besides, I'm not easily swayed you know. I haven't been so far anyway. If you do the teasing though I'm sure I'd be swayed instantly." he admitted and laughed softly. "Come along then Lilly, we can eat and then I shall show you around the kingdom." he listed. He was looking forward to spending time with her out under the starry sky.

Thorn blushed hearing what Candy said if she won. He smiled as he bent down and started petting Lady. " I've missed you as well beautiful Lady. " He said to Lady as he rose and looked back to Candy. " What shall we do now?" Thorn asked wondering if Candy wanted them to go help her mother or play a came of cards in the kitchen with her mother. He had no issue helping with house choirs he was there more than his own house most days. He knew Lady would follow them and would soon end up laying down some where once she was over the fact they where home. " You do have the new books. I could hold you while you do some studying in them." He offered not sure what Candy wanted to do.

Lilly smiled as she heard him and nodded. " I would love to meet your parents. Besides it would put their mind at ease to know your safe I am sure. " She said softly as she thought about what he said. " I would love to see the kingdom and learn more about it. There is a big difference from reading something in book to seeing it in person. Just like Longbow. He is a very good man. I'm sure my father will be furious with me for seeking peace. However I feel it's the right thing to do. We have been at war over something so trivial for far to long. " She said as she smiled.

"Well you mentioned a unfinished game? I would like to see if we can finish it. But maybe we should finish it later, I think me studying would be boring to you no?" she asked and thought for a bit. "We should help my mother out with dinner, I think she would appreciate the help." she commented and kissed his cheek before walking into the kitchen. "Mother do you need any help?" Daphne asked her mother. Her mother smiled and nodded. "Could you both set up the table please?" she asked. "Of course mother." Daphne answered and reached up to grab the three plates she needed but she couldn't reach. "Thorn could you please help me with the plates? I can't reach them." she explained and blushed. She hated being short sometimes but at least she could count on someone to help her.

Lagordir smiled and took her hand then started leading her to his house. He wondered what she would think when she met his parents: the blacksmith and his wife. "I'm sure my parents would be very happy to meet you Lilly." he started, "Yes, the kingdom is a lovely place no matter what time of day it is." he admitted and frowned, "Your father should not be upset with you for wanting to do the right thing. Maybe when he sees how happy it makes everyone, he'll be hapy too." Lagordir suggested and knocked on his front door before opening it slowly and walking inside. He pulled Lilly in with him and closed the door behind him, the smell of beef stew welcomed them. No one was in the living room so he looked into the kitchen and smiled when he saw his mother there. "Oh Lagordir you're home!" his mother exclaimed happily. Lagordir nodded and walked over to her and hugged her, smiling when she kissed his cheek. "I see you brought a friend over. Hello dear it's nice to see you. Please, make yourself at home. Will you be joining us for dinner?" she asked. "Sweetheart! Our boy is here and he brought a friend over!" she called out into the hallway. Thudding steps were heard as a burly man walked into the kitchen. "My boy!" the blacksmith said happily and hugged ping tightly in his arms then his eyes looked over at Lilly. "Hello there lovely lady." he said. "Mother, Father, this is princess Lilly. We were friends when we were younger...before I came here. Is it alright if she stays for dinner?" he asked. "Of course it is!" his father said and bowed slightly. "It's an honor to welcome you into our home princess." the blacksmith said. Lagordir's mother curtsied and when the food was done, she served the beef stew into three bowls and set them down on the table carefully.

Thorn smiled as he walked in the kitchen to where Candy was. He reached up and grabbed the plates for her handing them to her. While he was there he gathered three glasses and followed Candy to the table. He placed them at each person's spot. He then got Lady's special plate he had made her and put it on the table and the special seat he had got for Lady so she could have some of their food when they ate, at the table with them. He gathered the dinning wear and napkins helping Candy with the setting. He walked to the fridge and pulled out some juice for all of them knowing this was Candy's and her Mothers favorite. He pulled out Lady's chair and helped her in hers. He then pulled out Candy's chair for her and waited for he to take her seat before doing the same for her mother. He took his seat last helping Candy's mom get the food to the table. " Thank you the food smells wonderful." He said to Candy's mom as he smiled. He was never sure what to say to Candy's mom she was more like a second mother to him. He hoped she knew he loved her like a mother and would do anything to protect her just like he would his own mother.

Lilly was nervous as Ping pulled her into the strange house. She smiled and bowed to the beautiful women. She was nervous as the blacksmith appeared. He was a large man and very intimidating with his large muscular build. Lilly blushed as Ping told them who she was. She curtsied back as she smiled softly hearing the blacksmith call her lovely lady. His words made her smile as she took a seat at the table. " Thank you for your kindness. " She said as closed her eyes and enjoyed the smell of the stew. She open her eyes after saying a prayer and then looked to the lady of the house. " I would like to clean up the kitchen in return for you generous hospitality. It is the least I can do your stew is amazing. I see now why your married. Or that is what the women tell me back home. They say the way to a mans heart is through his stomach. " She said as she smiled warmly at the pair. " Sadly my cooking isn't near as good as this. But my baking is a different story. I was hoping to learn some new recipes while I was here. " She said trying to be friendly.

"Thank-you." Daphne thanked Thorn and together they started setting the table perfectly for everyone to eat comfortably. She noticed all that Thorn was doing and smiled, it was really nice of him to do all this and they really appreciated it. "Thank-you Thorn." Daphne said when he pulled out her chair for her. "Thank-you Pharom." her mother said after taking her seat and smiled. "I do hope you all like it. I thought for dinner we could all enjoy some orange chicken and rice. I was actually wanting to make this for the longest time." her mother admitted and smiled, she hoped that the children and Lady liked it. "It smells wonderful mother I can't wait to try it." Daphne commented and smiled happily as the food's scent filled the air. Lady didn't wait, she was already happily eating.

Lagordir's mother smiled and knew better than to fight with the princess, "If that is what you wish princess, then you may." she answered and both she and her husband laughed happily at what she said. "Well that's not the reason we got married. It might have been part of the reason, but my husband and I got married because he won me over. I wasn't very easy to court but he never gave up and I loved that about him. I still remember the time he brought me a single flower stem. It was very windy that day and all the petals had flown off but I accepted it because I thought it was still sweet of him to bring me what was left." she explained softly. My husband may look intimidating, but he's a really sweet man when you get to know him." she added and gave him a quick kiss before chuckling. "Oh dear don't worry, I'd be happy to teach you how to cook and bake new things. I get lonely when my boys are working so I'd really love the company." Lagordir's mother suggested.

Lilly smiled as she enjoyed watching Lagordir’s parents. “ Thank you I would enjoy that as well. However that will depend on the peace talks. I wish you would just call me Lilly I don’t care for the Princess tittle honestly. I tried to get Ping to stop when we where younger. I enjoy hearing about you two. I’d say you are both lucky to have one another. Thank you for being so kind to Lagordir. He is truly a amazing person. He always has been and will be. “ She said as she smiled softly at Ping forgetting that anyone else was there for a moment as she stared at him. “ I started baking as a way to get away from my father and all his spies. I found that it was enjoyable. It also was a way to help some of the locals who didn’t have much money. It’s sad to think about our home honestly and our parents. My own father is very cruel. When he feel ill the advisers fought over power. However Dragon and a few others felt I could rule. I don’t agree with them but I will try my best. It’s sad but I hope my father doesn’t recover. I along with all the people know if he does there will be hell to pay. He would rather destroy our kingdom than bow to Longbow and admit defeat. If he does I know I’ll be the first head he removes to make a example of. Our people have lost so much under his rule. When Ping left things only got worse. Our land started to die due to my fathers greed and cruelty. His nobles and advisers snatched up any resources leaving the people with nothing and to fight for their meals. It was horrid some even rounded up the people and made the fight for sport. I am ashamed to say I am the Princess.

I never asked for the tittle nor for that monster to be my father. I have tried my best to help the people even using the magic of my necklace to try and help our land. It wasn’t till the sickness that things started to change. If my father recovers I will be hunted down and punished for my crimes against the King. Law is Law he is still our King. However I can not sit and hide my face as my people beg for scraps like hose pets when I have the power and the means to fix it. Thanks to the sickness most of the corrupt people fell ill to it and have perished. It has open doors to help fix our kingdom and make it back into the kingdom it was before my father took power. Dragon hopes along with the other elders to get Longbow and the other elders to break the old laws witch bind a land to it’s king. Their grounds is because in the old laws a new ruler could be chosen if the King is proven to be evil and done harm to his land and people.” Lilly said as she thought about the meeting to come. “ Dragon believes that it’s me that the elders are going to recommend however I have already given them my answer. I am far to young to rule, and our land needs a King someone who can protect it. I may be able to rule it but I can’t protect it. I plan on renouncing my right to rule by the end of this month. I have already given my backing to Dragon as the new King. He has more than proven himself over the years. He will make a fitting king. It’s my job as Princess to find someone worthy to rule over my land and people. By Eleven law I could never be a ruler not alone. I have never liked the rules and stupid workings that comes with the tittle. I hope that Dragon will change the government to be more like Alphira’s.

I know LongBow and the Elders here will make their choice on the matter. I hope that they do indeed choose Dragon. I am tried of trying to be something I am not. “ Lilly said as she thought of everything. “ Many things have been said about Longbow and the people here but none of them where true. Longbow is a good leader for your people. Everyone here is happy and he is wise enough to welcome others and not try to rule the land by himself. However I have a feeling he and the Elders may make me the ruler and break the old Elfin rules. I honestly just don’t want to go against my father that far. But I believe that it is to late for that. If my father did get better and I had to chose between him and Longbow I would defend Longbow and let my father suffer his fate. That makes me a poor daughter but then again in his eyes I have always been that so I guess I wont disappoint him. “ Lilly said as she slowly began to eat more of her stew. She hide the worry and sadness she felt having mastered concealment over the two years she and Ping where apart. She didn’t look up from the table as she ate. It felt good to be honest for once and not have to hide the truth. She finally looked up as she knew she needed to explain her outburst. " I'm sorry for that. Ping was always the person I could be honest with. Before he left my father was just mean. It was something we all had to tolerate. But after Ping left everything went wrong. I know you think we are a great Kingdom and we have all this might. The truth is, it's a lie. We lost most of our forces fighting yours. Because of the greed and death of our land more than half our population has died. The raids where to punish at first but the later ones where for food and supplies. I was locked in prison with most of the others who dared to speak against the king. Finally I figured out I could do more good out of the prison and out helping our people. Please don't feel sorry for me. I have/had it better than most. I am happy thought in the past two years has been like a dream. Our land is almost fully recovered our people sing again and are so happy. It reminds of Alphira. I honestly never thought I would see Lagordir again. But I feel you should know we are here against the Kings will. Longbow and the council are well aware of this. My father doesn't have much power but he is obsessed enough to try and attack the kingdom with what few followers he has left. That is why I wish you wouldn't call me Princess. For my protection and your own. I don't wont anyone hurt on my behalf. I don't wish for you to feel you have to treat me differently from any of the other children. I'm aware I'm a child and that's why I have come here. Leadership is something that shouldn't be taken lightly. I know if my father went to the other Kingdom he could get support. I could rule the land but I couldn't stand a chances in battle. Dragon has military experience and could defend our kingdom. He is also aged and very wise and kind. He is my real father. He taught me enough for me to know I need help our land needs help. He told me stories of great leaders and he fits all those traits that one must have. I'm aware I'm no match for the Kings of the other kingdoms. That is why I need Longbow and the Elders here to appoint Dragon as King and give him their support and guidance. I know the people would accept him and the land would be in good hands. I also know that he will be a good King. She said as she smiled thinking of Dragon. "When I was alone or locked away for not doing as my father wanted it was Dragon who always comforted me. He was the one besides Ping that made me want to be different. He is like Longbow and your elders. He is very caring and kind. He even fought my father over allowing the students to come to the palace so I could have someone my own age. He and my father went rounds over Ping and Dragon always won. No matter what my father tried I knew with Dragon around I was safe and that my father would lose.

Thorn smiled as he enjoyed the meal. He loved the food so much that he had another plate. "This is so good. I believe I have a new favorite." He said as he smiled and laughed as lady tried to take one of his pieces of chicken. He laughed as he let a few more pieces fall on to her plate. Thorn looked to Candy as he smiled at her. " I will be happy to wash and dry the dishes it's the least I can do. I'm sure you and Lady would enjoy some down time before the others get back. You should have seen how happy Ping was to meet the Princess. The Princess thought Candy was beautiful just as I do." He said as he smiled at Candy.

"Very well, we shall call you Lilly." Lagordir's mother started and smiled when she noticed how Lilly was looking at Ping. "Tell me Lilly, how did you meet Lagordir? How did you two become so close?" she asked curiously."Now love, no need to be so nosy. He probably met her when they went to school at the palace." The blacksmith said and smiled at Lilly and then at Ping."Well ping is a good kid, I can tell he's going to grow up to be a fine young man one day." he added with a nod. "He's so adorable too, very kind." ping's mother added happily. This all made Ping blush brightly as he took a spoonful of the stew into his mouth. However, he didn't feel any better about leaving when Lilly mentioned that things had gotten worse. I really should have stayed. he thought to himself. "Now now, no one is going to be removing your head Lilly, we won't allow it and I'm sure Lagordir won't allow it either, won't you boy?"the blacksmith asked and Lagordir nodded. "Of course not. I'm not letting anyone hurt Lilly." he said seriously.

"See? no need to worry Lilly, no harm will come to you." the blacksmith assured. "Dragon as the new king?" Lagordir replied and smiled, "I can see him doing a great job Lilly." Ping answered. "Longbow is a great leader Lilly, he knows what's right and what's wrong, and he will always make the right choice. I'm sure that if he thinks Dragon will be a great king, then he will say so himself." Ping's mother commented honestly and frowned. "Oh Lilly I'm sure you're a wonderful daughter, your father just doesn't see it is all." she added softly and ate some more. Hearing again that everything went wrong when he left, Ping frowned and looked down at his stew as he ate it silently. His father noticed this and looked at Lilly, "I'm sorry to hear that Lilly, but it will all get better now I'm sure." he reassured and looked back at Ping. "None of that is your fault son. You shouldn't blame yourself for the events that happened in your absence, you had nothing to do with it." he pointed out. "I know.." Lagordir replied quietly as he finished his food. "This Dragon fellow sounds like a very kind man and I'm sure Longbow will see that. I see no problem in having Dragon become the new king of Evana, I'm sure he'd do a great job." Ping's mother commented happily.

"I'm glad you like it Pharom." Daphne's mother said happily and smiled at him. Daphne was busy finishing up her food and went to get herself some more then sat back down at her seat and happily ate her food. "You like it too Daphne?" her mother asked. Daphne nodded and smiled. "Good I'm glad. I just hope your father and your brother like it as well." she commented. "I'm sure they will mother, all your foods are delicious so I don't see why they wouldn't like it." Daphne informed. "Alright Pharom you can wash the dishes, thank-you. Oh? Well that sounds wonderful, it must be nice to see a loved one again after so long." Daphne's mother started and chuckled. "Well that just means you both have good eyes." Daphne's mother replied and smiled. "You two are so sweet together, I can tell you both care about each other very much and that makes me happy. Too see my little girl find someone she cares about. Reminds me of when I met your father, such a nice feeling when you find that person." she said quietly.

Lilly sat quietly. She shifted her eyes to Ping as she saw him stooping again. She heard what the blacksmith said and nodded. Once she was done with her meal she waited for everyone else to finish before taking the dishes and washing them. She scrubbed them clean and left them in the rack to dry. Lilly slipped out of the side door as she made her way outside. She could see the people here had no idea about her father. She also felt bad for what she had said to Ping. It wasn't his fault she just wanted to tell someone. However it appeared once again she had burden him. His parents where ignorant of her father and his evil. She could tell she was and outsider here. Lilly gathered her courage as she walked back in. She wasn't going to run anymore. She had Ping and for now that was all that mattered. Maybe his parents where right.

Lilly smiled as she walked back in her eyes staying on Ping as she spoke up finally. " I met him the first time in his school. I had slipped away from the castle. It gets boring when your alone all the time or when people are constantly telling you how you should be. I had tried my best to hide and blend into the class taking a seat at the back of the class. Everything was fine till I gave a speech on the importance of ligature and history. Ping was the one who had answered originally. I thought at that moment my cover had been blown. However as it turned out they just thought I was a new girl in the class. That was till the royal guards burst into the classroom. That's when Dragon my own teacher/adviser/scholar came in and placed my crown on my head. He was going to take me out of the classroom but chose not to. It was there that Ping out of every person he chose to approach me with the Royal guards standing guard around me. No one have ever dared to approach me. Everyone went through my father no one had ever saw me. I'll never forget how boldly he walked up and held out a beautiful stone for me. Even to this day people don't approach me. They approach the ones around me. He is the only person I know to not be scared of the guards. " Lilly said as he smiled fondly at Ping. "He became my best friend honestly my only true friend. It's crazy now to think back about the night I took him to the forgotten city. Did you know that the accent forage accepted him as it's master or one of them? The tool even light up from him. The forage and city are from the Tri War. The city still stands. That is where I like to go to be alone. I love learning from the ones before us. That city was built on the hopes and dreams of those before us. They wanted peace and a place where everyone to live in peace. That is what I want. I want to forage a error of peace so that when people look back maybe they can find a city like that from us. " Lilly said as she smiled softly before looking at Ping. " I'm happy that he has you both. You seem like and adorable couple. " She offered as she smiled softly. " Is it true that he has ladies lined up everyday for him to fix their pots? " She asked as she looked to Ping and grinned.

Thorn blushed hearing what Candy's mom said. Though he smiled as he looked at Candy. " That it is. And I promise to always protect her." He said meaning it as he gently took her hand holding it. He then looked to Lady as he stood taking the plates that where no longer in use. " I promise to look after you too Lady." He said as he turned and headed into the kitchen. He smiled as he thought about Candy and how beautiful she looked. She was always breathtaking to him but tonight she was even more so. He finished with the dishes as he dried them and put them away. He came back to the door way as he smiled leaning in it enjoying watching Candy. He honestly was very lucky to have her.

When Lilly walked outside, Lagordir had stood up to follow after her since he didn't want to loose her this time but she had walked back in, causing him to relax. When she started speaking of how they met, he smiled and nodded in agreement to what she had said. His parents listened to her speak and chuckled at times, they were obviously very entertained to learn how these two had met. "My little boy, always so brave even as a young child." his mother praised, causing him to blush lightly as he looked down at his feet nervously. He looked up at her and smiled back softly as he crossed his arms across his back. "What stone did you give her?" his father asked. "I believe it was an Opal father." Lagordir answered easily. "Good first choice boy, start out small and work your way up to something big." his father noted. His father was very surprised to hear that the ancient forge had accepted his as his master, "Really? Well then My boy, you really are going to be a great blacksmith like me, I have no doubt about it." his father said happily. "Oh Lilly we all want a land filled with peace, and someday we will achieve it, we must not give up." his mother commented and laughed. "Yes it is very true Every morning girls line up at our door and wait for Lagordir to open the door and then start leaving him all their pots and pans for him to fix, which he does eventually." she answered. "It's a lot of work, I can't do it all in a day." Lagordir added.

Daphne's mother smiled, "I know you will Pharom, you've protected her all this time, I have no doubt in my mind that you'll continue to do so." she answered kindly. Daphne smiled when Thorn took her hand in his. "I know he will too mother." she said quietly and looked over at Lady who wanted to be pet. Chuckling, Daphne walked to the living room with Lady and sat on the couch where she began to pet Lady who had rested her head on Candy's lap.Daphne smiled down at Lady as she continued petting her behind her floppy ears. She knew that Lady was getting old and wouldn't be around for much longer but she liked to stay hopeful either way.

Lilly sat there as she arched a brow hearing about the pots and pans all the ladies left. " I see." She said as she thought for a moment a slight grin appearing on her lips. " Maybe you just don't have the right motivation to finish all of them in one day." She said as she looked right at Ping and gave him a devilish grin. She then looked over to his mother and smiled normal as she laughed enjoying getting to pick on Ping again. " Your home is very lovely. Thank you for allowing me some of your time. " She said softly. She looked to her arm as she found her eyes resting on one of Pings first works. "Oh, here you might like to see one of the first pieces Ping made." She offered as she removed the bracelet from her arm for the first time. "He made it in the forge. I thought he did a wonderful job."

Thorn nodded as he followed Candy into the living room. He could see that she was worried about loosing lady. He honestly didn't know what to tell her. It was a fact of life that people lived and died, and even animals. But he couldn't tell that to Candy Lady was to special to Candy. He walked over and took his seat on the other side of Candy as he gently wrapped his arm around her waist smiling at the pair. "It's nice to have peace for once. I guess you wont have to worry about healing me." He said trying to make Candy smile." What shall we do?" He asked wondering if Candy wanted to do anything or just enjoy the evening on the couch.

Lagordir looked at her and smiled softly, "Motivation you say?" he repeated and noticed the devilish grin on her face, what was she planning? "It was very nice meeting you Lilly, you're more than welcome to visit us whenever you want. I am sure that Ping would enjoy the surprise visits." his mother pointed out to which her husband nodded in agreement. "Let's see this." his father said as he examined the bracelet closely. Ping looked at the bracelet and smiled."I still can't believe you kept that for two years." he said, honestly very happy to know that she obviously never forgot him. His heart fluttered at the thought and he just wanted to hold her in his arms again. "Very nice work son, you put a lot of work and effort into this bracelet." his father said and showed it to his wife. "Oh Lagordir that's beautiful. Lilly you are one lucky girl getting such a beautiful gift from Lagordir." she complimented as her husband handed the bracelet back to Lilly. "I'll be more than happy to make you one mother. Just tell me what you want it to look like." Ping answered. "Surprise me." she answered and Ping already had an idea in mind. "I will." he said with a smile.

Daphne smiled as she ran her fingers through Lady's thick and incredibly soft fur. It was always nice to spend days just like this, sitting on the couch petting Lady. What was she going to do when Lady was gone? There was no other dog that could replace her best friend. Feeling Thorn's arm around her, Daphne rested her head on his shoulder and smiled at him. "Yes it is. I enjoyed healing you though, it was nice to feel useful. Even though there will be peace, if you ever get hurt again just know that your faithful nurse will do whatever she can to make you feel better." she said and kissed his cheek. "What should we do?" she repeated and thought for a bit. "Well we can go upstairs and I can read from my book to you. Or maybe we can play a game?" she suggested.

Thorn got a devilish grin as he heard what Candy said. " I don't mind playing the game with you. Either way I feel we both win." He whispered to her as he gently kissed her cheek before pulling away. He slowly got up as he looked at Lady. " Lead the way my Lady." He said as he bowed. He smiled as Lady got up and lead the way for them up the stairs to Candies bedroom. He followed after lady where the game was left set up. He took his seat opposite Candy's as he looked at his game prices. He paused as he saw three ways he could win the game right off the bat. However he couldn't bring himself to use any of them. Instead he moved one of his pieces so that Candy could attack if she wanted. It would take another three turns but she could win if she played her pieces correctly.

Lilly smiled as she put her bracelet back on. She looked over at Ping wishing they could have some alone time. However she could tell that his parents where enjoying that very much. Lilly sat there as she smiled and let Pings parents talk back and forth for the longest time. She enjoyed hearing their stories and couldn't help but smile. However after a while she grew tired. Before she knew it she had started to drift off to sleep from the long journey to get to here. Lilly tried to stay awake however sleep won over in the end. She ended up asleep with her head down on the table. A slight smile on her face as she had wonderful dreams of her and Ping happy to have him back again. She wished she was in his arms but at least he was in her dreams.

Daphne blushed slightly and quietly followed close behind Thorn as they both followed Lady over to Daphne's bedroom. Stepping into her room, Daphne looked over at the game and knew she probably wouldn't win but it was still to play anyway. "Hey no cheating Thorn." Daphne commented and chuckled as she sat down and examined the pieces carefully. Seeing an opening, she moved her piece and attacked one of Thorn's pieces, taking it off the board. "Your turn." she said happily.

Lagordir smiled back at Lilly and held her hand in his, lovingly. Turning his attention back to his parents, the three of them spoke on about the thought of being at peace finally and Lagordir's father talked to him about other things he could make and how to make them better. "Smithing is an art, and in order to make nicer art you have to start out making plain art. You however started out making very nice things son. I'm very impressed." his father said. Ping's mother nodded and motioned over to the now sleeping princess. Lagordir and his father both looked at her and Ping chuckled. "I'll take her home." he whispered. "I'll be home right away I promise." he added quietly. When his parents nodded, Lagordir carefully stood up and picked up Lilly in his arms in a bridal carry and headed out the front door. He would run but he didn't want to wake her.

Thorn just laughed as he heard Candy. " Oh so I'm cheating am I? Well if I'm going to get accused of such a thing I better earn that reputation." He said as he quickly moved almost pulling her out of her seat as he bent down wrapping his arms around her waist giving her a kiss. He then smiled as the kiss faded as he gazed into her eyes and turned looking down at the board as he took her piece and moved it to his open tile at the back of his line of pieces. " Checkmate." He said as he turned and looked back at her giving her a soft grin. " Oh look at that I guess you won already. " He said as he chuckled and grinned at her softly kissing her forehead. " I guess I have to stay here til you fall a sleep. " He said as he tried not to laugh enjoying himself knowing she couldn't argue with him. It was her piece and she had won. "I guess I'll have to suffer through several more hours with you." he said in a playing tone before softly caressing her face. " Now to your books." He said knowing her passion was nursing. "Unless my lady wishes to do something else of course." He said.

Lilly slowly woke up as she felt herself being carried. She slowly open her eyes as she saw Ping's face. She reached out without thinking making sure he was real as a soft tear trailed down her face happy to know it wasn't a dream or one of her nightmares. She blushed feeling his arms around her as she started to wake fully. " Oh, I'm sorry. Please put me down I can walk. I don't wish to be trouble for you. " She said as she felt a little embarrassed being carried this way by Ping. " I'm sure the other girls in town wont like you carrying anyone but them like this." She said trying to figure out how to get out of his arms. Not because she honestly wished to. It was just unheard of a Princess being carried around like this. She couldn't really fight him as her eyes locked with his softly admiring him as she simply wrapped her arms around his neck. " I'm sorry for falling asleep I hope you don't think me rude. I wasn't aware of how tired I truly was. " She said as she softly caressed his check. " If this is a dream I hope you don't wake me please. I have dreamed of you and in everyone I can never tell if you are a day dream or a nightmare. " She said as she rested against him peering up at the night sky. " I thought you would have moved on by now. I thought you would have forgotten me. I didn't think you cared for me as I had for you. After that night I figured you thought I was just a spoiled selfish princess and I would be nothing more. You where so brave and stood up for yourself changing your life. I figured you would look down on me for not doing the same. You found something worth fighting for. You fought for your dreams and it looks like they are coming true here with your family. I'm happy for you and proud of you." She said softly as she looked back to him.

Daphne smiled and nodded, "Yes you are Thorn." she answered and blushed when he pulled her out of her seat and into his arms, kissing her. Daphne kissed him back softly and grinned, laughing softly at what he did. "Oh Thorn, you cheated again!" she noted and laughed happily, he was so silly sometimes. "Well yes I suppose I did win this time." Daphne agreed and wrapped her arms around him, kissing his cheek softly. "Yes I guess you do Thorn, looks like you're stuck with me for a few more hours." she replied and leaned into his touch. "Books, I feel I need to study." she explained and smiled warmly at him. He always knew how to make her smile, it was one of the many things she loved about him.

Lagordir was busy looking straight ahead as he focused on getting her home, but looked down when he felt her touch his face. "Hello there sleepyhead." he said playfully and frowned when he noticed the look on her face. "You're no trouble to me at all Lilly, you never are." he replied softly. "Are you okay?" he asked honestly worried about her. Did she have a nightmare while she was sleeping? Her comment made him chuckle and he shook his head. "Lilly, you're the only person I want to carry like this. The other girls need to understand that my heart already belongs to someone." Ping explained and leaned down to plant a soft kiss on her forehead. "You don't worry about a thing, I'll get you home and make sure you sleep well." he explained honestly. His eyes locked on hers and he smiled down at her lovingly as he continued to carry her back to her house. "I understand you are tired, it was a long day for you today." he answered and frowned slightly, "A day dream or a nightmare?" he repeated and smiled softly, "Well don't worry, I won't wake you up from your dreams. Just from your nightmares." Lagordir answered and opened the front door of her house, closing it behind him and carrying her up to her bedroom, blushing as he walked into her room with her and lay her in her bed gently. "I never forgot about you Lilly. I have always cared about you and always will, and that's never going to change. I shouldn't have left, I said I wouldn't. I said I would stay because of you...but I left any way and I apologize truly. I did not mean to hurt you by leaving...I missed you every single day. I wanted to see you but I couldn't and it was killing me inside." he whispered and tucked her in to make sure she wouldn't be cold. "I'm just happy to be able to see you again Lilly. All these years of waiting to see you have been worth it." he admitted and kissed her softly. "I'll wait here until you fall to sleep before leaving okay? Goodnight and sweet dreams Lilly, I love you." he whispered softly.

After two months Thorn had got use to spending his nights with Candy. He spent his time with her and with Ping and Lilly. Lilly had proven to be very knowledgeable and helpful to his father and the council she seemed to know every elven law and all Lore. Lilly also seemed to have quiet the eye for fashion. She had started helping some of the older women in the city with their sewing. By now she was designing most of the dresses and clothes that women and men fought over. She had made the older women of the city very wealthy with her talent. They had mad enough to make one large shop for all the elder women of the city to come and work and earn money along with the poor. Lilly had honestly become part of the city just as much as Candy was. Candy herself had only grown in beauty or that was how Thorn felt.

Lilly had promised to make a special dress for Candy. Soon enough Candy would be working with the head healers. It was a honor and Thorn felt she needed a dress that showed it. He had it made with her favorite color and had chosen Lady as Candy's symbol. Every member had a symbol that was on their clothing. It distinguished them from a ordinary professional. He had talked with Ping and Lilly along with Candy's family and his own about what her symbol should be. They all agreed on Lady. Everyone knew how much Candy loved her Lady. And everyone knew Lady and Candy where always together. Pings father had made a jeweled necklace that was shaped like Lady with a silver chain for Candy to wear. He hoped that the dress turned out as good as Lilly had drawn up for him and the others.


Lilly had spent her time getting to know the strange new place and the people. She found she had a talent for design and fashion something she would have never guessed about herself. Lilly put her time into giving back to the people and working for her own people. She also enjoyed her time with Ping. By now most girls knew he was spoken for she made sure all of them did every morning. Lilly made it a habit of waking early and heading over to Pings house and help his mother with morning choirs and fixing breakfast along with taking inventory for Ping and his father of everything and everyone who needed something fixed for the day. It was amazing how the number of pots and pans suddenly decreased. However the loss didn't really effect the business. Everyday they had more than enough work to keep them busy.

Lilly was nervous as she looked over her new dress she had made. She had put her heart and soul into this one dress for Candy. Candy was such a lovely girl and Lilly had really become found of her. Lilly had a beautiful bow in the back with two long tales that curled down behind the dress. Some of the jewels she had hand stitched herself to make Candy's dress that much more regal. Candy had worked hard for this honor and Lilly wonted her to shine. It was not uncommon for Council members to wear regal dress. She used only the best silks and fabrics to make Candy's dress. She even wove gold into some parts of the dress truly making the dress a work of art. Lilly just hoped that the others would like it along with Candy. Everyone was coming to her shop to surprise Candy with her dress.

Two months had passed very quickly and now Daphne would be working with the head of the healers which was a tremendous honor. Her parents and brother were very proud of her, and even Lady seemed to be very happy for her. Daphne enjoyed spending her nights with Thorn. The two of them often played their game or read books together. Lagordir and Lilly had become close friends of hers and Thorn's, it was nice to have such kind friends who always supported her. Lagordir was like a brother to her, he always defended her if anyone said anything to her or made a face at her. However he tried not to steal Thorn's job of protecting her since he had his own girl to protect.

Daphne was currently running around the park with Lady chasing her close behind, wanting to grab the ball from her hand. "Go get it Lady!" Daphne yelled out as she threw the ball as far as she could and watched as Lady ran after it and smiled when she had brought it back. Reaching into a small pouch, she pulled out a dog treat and gave it to her as the two of them relaxed. Tony of course was with them, sitting under a tree as he watched the two of them play together.

Ping enjoyed being able to spend time with Lilly, even though most of their time together was when he was at work fixing and making things. His father was in charge of weapons and Ping was in charge of utensils and jewelry. Overtime, the other girls learned that he was no longer available and that he didn't plan on ever being available. So the pots and pans stopped coming but jewelry always needed to be fixed or made so he was still a busy elf. He knew that today was an important day for her since apparently she had made Daphne a dress as a surprise gift. He didn't see the dress but he wanted to be there to support her, everyone was going after all. He was a sweaty mess at the moment though as he worked long and hard on the various orders that had started to stack up.

Ping loved to take his time, it was the reason his creations came out as works of arts. "Son we have to hurry, we don't want to be late." his father reminded. "I know father I'm almost done. You and mother get ready and I'll be right there." he assured. When his father left, Lagordir stared at the things he had made and sighed softly as he continued. Once he was done, he locked everything up and headed into the house where he went to take a shower and got dressed, ready to head out to the event.

Lilly scurried around the shop as she tried to finish the last touches on the dress. She turned as the elder ladies appeared with beautiful bowls and tons of dishes full of food. The women had taken care of the food for the occasion. Lilly blushed as some of the knights appeared and started setting up tables for the food. Thorn's friends from the army had volunteered to help because they wanted to show Thorn how much they appreciated everything he did for them. Lilly was amazed with all the people that where showing up to help get everything ready for Candy. When everyone was done the shop look like a gem it's self. It was so beautiful everything was new and decorated with only the best. They had taken the doors off and built a outside space as well for dancing and gathering. The inside was just for the food and chatting. Lilly was surprised when the elderly ladies grabbed her and pushed her in the back closing the door behind them.

She was suddenly changed into a beautiful white dress that was adorn with small gems. The women then painted her face and sprayed her with a beautiful smelling fragrance and placed lilly's in her hair making her looked stunning. Lilly stared in the mirror once they where done not sure who the women was where the girl had stood just seconds ago. She wondered when she had gotten such a figure and hoped she didn't come out of the top of her dress. The dress was form fitting and had a slit up her left leg. It left nothing to the imagination not that it made her look like she was asking for anything. It just really accented her form nicely. She blushed as she thanked the ladies who pushed her back out and stood around her keeping the young men at bay so Lilly could finish the last touches on the dress as she waited for Candy, Thorn, and Ping.

Thorn laughed as he let out a whistle knowing it would make lady come running. He bent down as he saw Lady running from the park. He held out the invitation for Lady giving her his request. Lady quickly ran back to Candy as he made his way to the entrance of the park. He was dressed up in his tux and held arm full of roses for her Candy. Each one was a different color he had picked out for her. He also held another dress with ,makeup, shoes, and jewelry for her he had picked out for her to wear to the party. He just need her and to get her in everything and to the party. He had picked only the finest things for her knowing she would be stunning in them of course having a amazing designer as a friend helps. Lilly had picked out the dress and everything else with Thorn to make sure he got something Candy would love.

Lagordir got changed into a suit he had bought with the money he had earned from working. He proceeded to brush out his long hair and left it down then walked out to the living room where his mother grinned. "Well look at you looking so handsome!" she chimed, making ping blush brightly. He wanted to look nice for the event but most importantly for Lilly. Just thinking about Lilly made his heart race in his chest. "Well then we should get going." his father commented, snapping ping out of his thoughts. The three of them headed out of their house and towards the place where the event was being held. His parents idly chatted while Ping followed them in silence, running his fingers through his hair out of habit.

When they arrived, Lagordir was amazed at how nice Lilly had decorated the place. Daphne was going to be very surprised when she saw this and he was sure that Thorn would be surprised as well. He didn't see Lilly anywhere though, so he assumed she was still getting ready since girls always took so long to get ready. That's what his father had told him one day. "This is beautiful, Lilly really did outdo herself with this!" his mother praised. His father nodded, "I agree love. This is very nicely done. I can tell a lot of work was put into it." he said.

Daphne looked up when she saw Lady run off and quickly stood up with the help of Tony. The two followed Lady when she had returned and noticed Thorn. Tony smiled, seeing the blush on his sister's cheeks. "H-hello Thorn." she said nervously as she pet Lady gently. Why was he dressed so elegantly? She didn't think it was polite so she just kept quiet. Tony knew what was going on, he had helped Thorn choose a few things for Daphne after all. Looking at the flowers, Daphne only blushed brighter and smiled as she accepted them and smelled them. "They're beautiful Thorn, and they smell lovely. Thank-you very much, this is a lovely surprise." she said happily as she smelled the roses again. She was going to make sure to put them in a vase with water when she got home. "Are we going somewhere?" Daphne asked, noticing the dress he had in his other arm with accessories. Where could they be going? She didn't remember him telling her about taking her anywhere.

Thorn grinned as he looked to Tony and laughed. " Yes the three of us are going home to get you ready for the date you have. And Lady is going to go get ready herself to join us. Why you get ready I believe Tony and I can get Lady ready. " he said as he smiled at her and lead them back to their house. He waited for Tony to open the door then went in after Candy and Lady. He held out the dress and other things to Candy's mother as he smiled softly at Candy. " Go have fun with your mother getting ready. Your father bought her a new dress for the day as well. I believe Tony and I can handle getting Lady ready." He said smiling at her trying to reassure her.

He turned as he pulled out a box for Tony. " Here is Lady's new collar curtsy of Ping and his father. It's encrusted with different jewels to make Lady stand out. Oh and they made a leash to match. I figured we could give lady a bath and blow dry her then brush her and put on her new collar and leash. Your lady friend gave me this and said Lady would like the sent and she would smell like fresh berries. She also said she couldn't wait to see you." Thorn said holding out the bottle of fragrance to Tony with a note that was sealed with a kiss the purple lip stain standing out against the white envelope.

Lilly finished the dress as she covered it up and locked it behind the glass doors of the display case. She let out a sigh as she jumped two men grabbing her arms and suddenly being attack with cameras. She did her best to smile however she didn't like all the flashing. Suddenly there where more people gathering around wanting to take pictures with her. She wasn't sure what all the fuss was about. However she did her duty and posed for each and everyone looking a regal as she could. She noticed a few of the men got a little to happy to hold her side while they where getting their pictures taken with her. Everyone was acting really weird around her. She turned to leave and saw her reflection again in the glass display case. It was because of how she looked in this dress the women had made for her. She looked like something out of a dream. Lilly wasn't sure if she liked looking like this. The attention was something she could live without. However she was a princess and it was something she was going to have to get use to. The girls just wanted her to promise to make clothing for them and to come to their parties. The guys however Lilly was sure they just where enjoying the view the dress gave them. Lilly tried to sneak off without the massive gathering of men noticing. However one of the young men yelled out her name and pointed to the others where she was.

Lilly closed her eyes as she hung her head she open her eyes as she was pushed into Lagordir arms. She looked up as she smiled happy to see him. She blushed seeing how handsome he was. However she was snapped back to her sense as the flash of Cameras blinded her again. "Princess Over here!!NO Princess over here, PICK ME , NO ME, PRINCESS" The voices where getting louder till finally Lilly had enough. " No more! " She screamed out meaning it as she peered out at the crowed. " Guards!!!!!" She yelled as her own guards appeared and quickly help to disperse the crowed. She looked at the man in charge of the media and photography very crossly. " No more of this type of behavior. Everyone here just wants Candy to have a good day. We hired you to get pictures of each guest and of the people Candy adores. If anyone else wishes to take a picture of me then they will have to go through my guards and Prince." She said as she cut her eyes to Ping smiling. " Besides I have a job to do just like most of the other famous people here. So please treat us like normal people for once and tomorrow you can go back to hounding us for pictures and stories." She said as the man nodded along with all the photographers and journalist.

Lilly let out a breath as she watched the crowed head outside and music turn on. " Phew I didn't expect this much of a turn out. Poor Candy is going to be so nervous when she figures out it's all for her. However I am happy so many people care about her. She is a really nice girl." Lilly said as she smiled and looked up at Ping then to his parents. " I'm so sorry for running into you like this. I think the guys here are a little nutty to act this way because of a dress and outward appearance. Just because I'm a princess doesn't mean I'll be the right girl for them nor does it mean I"ll be kind either. I wish some of these guys would learn that. They miss out on perfectly beautiful women because they only care whats on the outside. " She said as she looked down at her dress. " However I can't blame them to much the real culprits are the elderly women. They are determined to get me married off I swear. I don't believe this dress is appropriate for any setting. It's beautiful but I feel like it accents the wrong things. You should be loved for your heart and yourself not your body only." Lilly said as she shook her head and looked up in time to see the group of Elderly women just grinning and giving her the thumbs up for Lagordir.
The women suddenly appeared in front of the pair as the Guards where over taken by the large group and pushed outside. The women looked Lagordir over then Lilly as they started fixing her hair and her dress again making her looked like a dream. They fixed Lagordir and when they where done he looked like a dream as well. They dragged the pair over to the dress and left them there. Some of the elderly women gave Lagordir a passing squeeze on the rear as they left. Each one had a wicked grin on their face that made Lilly giggle and blush.

Daphne was confused but when she looked at Tony, he only nodded. "Very well then." she said and walked back to her hose with them. When they arrived, her mother took her to the room and started helping her get dressed. She applied the chosen makeup and helped her with the jewelry then worked on her hair, making sure that her daughter looked like a princess. "You look lovely Daphne." her mother said as she herself got dressed. Daphne's father was already dressed for the occasion, he was currently drinking some coffee and reading a paper to pass the time while everyone else got ready.

"That is beautiful Pharom, I'm sure Lady will love it. I agree, she needs a bath. Come along Lady." he said and took her to the bathroom. Lady happily jumped into the bathtub while Tony got everything ready for her bath. He took the bottle and envelope, blushing softly. "She's going to be there too?" he asked and smiled. "Well I can't wait to see her either, I'm really looking forward to it." Tony admitted. He had really started to like this girl, They didn't see much of each other due to their jobs but when they did spend time together it was very enjoyable.

Lagordir looked around at the decor appreciating it and looked down when he felt someone bump into hi. Seeing it was girl, he immediately pulled away to look at her. "Sorry miss, are you okay?" he asked and then noticed it was Lilly. "Lilly?" he said, honestly surprised to see her like this. She looked beautiful as always but this time it was just more than he was used to. When she screamed, he protectively wrapped his arms around her and frowned. Why were people attacking her like this? Ping smiled and nodded at her words, she was right in what she said. "I'm just glad you didn't get hurt." he said and nodded. "Yes, everyone is looking forward to this you know. It was very nice of you to do this for Daphne." he commented.

"No need to be sorry Lilly, everyone is just excited for today is all. It is a very important day." Lagordir's mother explained. Ping noticed just how revealing that dress was and he wasn't sure how to feel about that. It looked great on her, but he didn't like other men looking at her the way they were. "Well I think the dress looks lovely on you Lilly. I do agree that it is perhaps too revealing and I do not like the way these men are looking at you, but I still think it looks perfect on you." Lagordir explained. He was about to speak again when he and Lilly were suddenly bombarded by the elderly women and taken to a room to be alone. When he felt some of them squeeze his rear while they left, he quickly jumped away from them and looked shocked that they would do that. "Hey!" he called and backed up against a wall. Hearing Lilly giggle, he raised an eyebrow. "You find it amusing Lilly?" he asked and smiled. At least now he had time to really look at her, and she looked like something straight out of a magazine. "Lilly...you look...just wow. I can't think of the proper words to describe how amazing you look right now." Ping commented and reached out for her hand, pulling her close to him and then kissed her hand softly. "So I'm your prince?" he asked and chuckled.

Lilly couldn’t help but laugh at the older women. She tried hold back her laughter knowing it was not helping her case. Lilly finally got control of herself as she simple smiled at him instead. “I’m sorry but I do find it funny. The elder ladies know a good looking man when they see it. I can’t fault them. You are very handsome. Besides you have to watch older women they are very devious. “ Lilly said as she smiled at Ping and blushed softly hearing his last comments. “Thank you very much.” Lilly said as she blushed a little brighter hearing the tone he spoke in. She looked him over as she soon forgot about her own blush. “You don’t look so bad yourself. Of course you’re my prince! I want have anything except perfection. You are perfection and if I had known you looked this good in suits...” She said as she trailed off enjoying the view. She blushed brightly as she finally looked away trying her best not to think about the ideas she had about him just moments before.


“In all honesty you look very handsome. You really do look amazing I think your only competing will be Thorn himself. But in my opinion you always look better. “ She said as she gently reached for his tie and started to fix it again. However she paused for a moment looking out of the corner of her eyes making sure no one was looking. She leaned in and kissed him suddenly still holding onto his tie not allowing him to run off from her. Lilly smiled as the kiss ended and then went back to fixing his tie. Once it was done she took her placed beside him placing her hand in his ready for their friends to appear. She smiled more as she thought about what she had done. It wasn’t behavior of a lady much less a princess but for once she didn’t care.


Thorn smiled as he heard what Tony said along with his day. Thorn helped the guys give Lady a bath and get her ready to go. Once they where done Thorn waited for Candy and her mother in the livingroom. He paced back and forth waiting. He felt nervous and scared not really sure why. Candy was the only female that made him feel this way. She was breath taking to him. He knew she would look beautiful in the dress that the others had helped pick out for her. He honestly just hoped she loved it. He also thought about what Candy had said to him about her father always looking for protection for her. Surly Candy’s father knew that he wouldn’t allow anything to happen to Candy as long as he breathed. He loved Candy he always had and would.

Lagordir narrowed his eyes, seeing that Lilly was laughing at what had just happened. "It is not amusing in the least Lilly." he said but smiled and blushed at her words. "Well yes, a point well made Lilly." he agreed and nodded. Older women were quite the mischievous kind so he would have to keep his guard up around them whenever he came across them. "You don't need to thank me for telling you the truth." he said softly and smirked at her words. Lagordir raised an eyebrow when Lilly stopped in mid sentence. "I'm not perfection, you are. Tell me though, what happen if you knew I looked good in suits?" he asked honestly very curious to know what it was she was thinking about.

Lagordir laughed softly and lovingly caressed her cheek with his knuckles. He loved her, there was no doubt in his mind that she was the only girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. "Thank-you." he whispered and smiled. "Well yes, I would hope you find me better looking than Thorn. I would be very heart broken if you found him better looking than me." Lagordir commented and pouted sadly. He blushed slightly when she started to fix his tie again and blushed even more when she kissed him. His hands rested on her hips and he held her close to him as he kissed him back tenderly. When the kiss was broken, he kissed her forehead and took her hand in his softly. "That was a nice surprise Lilly." he said softly and kissed the back of her hand once. "I love you." he whispered and couldn't wait for their friends to show up; he hoped that Daphne liked this surprise.

Tony smiled at Lady who looked as beautiful as ever. She looked very elegant and happy. "Be sure to behave Lady okay?" he said to her and walked out with her to the living room where he noticed Thorn waiting nervously. Daphne and her mother walked down to the living room. Daphne blushed and smiled at Thorn who looked very nervous. "Hello." she said and stood still as her mother took a close look at her, making sure she looked perfect. Her husband looked up from what he was doing and walked over to her, kissing her cheek. "You look lovely as always dear." he said, causing his wife to blush. Daphne walked over to Thorn and raised an eyebrow. "Is something wrong Thorn?" she asked.

Thorn turned suddenly as he heard Candy. He froze in place from awe of her as she approached him. For the first time he was speechless as he could only stare at Candy. Candy took his breath away she was always breathtaking to him but seeing her like this made realize how special Candy truly was to him. He stood there for what felt like eternity just admiring her beauty. However he managed to get back to his senses. "Oh, there is nothing wrong. You just took my breath away. I was afraid you wouldn't like the dress that was chosen for you. You are breathtaking with your beauty. You always are but dressed as you are you could put any Queen or princess to shame with your beauty and grace." He said meaning it as he bowed and gently took her hand and kissed it softly before rising and smiling at her. "I'm a very lucky man to get to escort you for tonight's events." He said as he smiled at Candy lovingly. He smiled at her as he gently reached out and pulled her to him. Thorn wrapped his arms around her waist lovingly as he whispered so only she could hear. " You are the most beautiful women I have ever seen. I hope you know that I love you Candy. " He whispered to her as he gently stroked the back of her head closing his eyes as he held her enjoying having her back in his arms. " I promise to always protect you." He whisper to her as he finally let her go. He kept his hand with hers however knowing that her family was there. " We should get going." He said as he looked out the window hearing the sound of horses. "It looks like your carriage a waits my lady. " Thorn said as he lead Candy to the front door opening it for her. He smiled as he looked at the white and gold carriage. It was pulled by a team of white horses with white mains. The driver had already got down and open the door for them and was bowing waiting for them to get in. Thorn smiled as he looked to Candy. " I told you that you where my princess. " He said to her softly. Being the son of the head elder did come with some perks. Being able to make Candy feel like a Princess was one of those perks and he was very thankful that he could. Candy was a Princess in his eyes and he would always try and treat her like one. "My Lady your people are waiting for you. We shouldn't keep them waiting should we?" He asked as he smiled to Candy. He lead Candy to the carriage and helped her in. He then helped Lady as he turned seeing three other carriage appear for Candy's parents and a special surprise for Tony. Thorn smiled as he looked to Tony. " I think you might want to head to the last carriage." Thorn said as he smiled looking to Candy as he climbed in. " I thought your brother could use some help with his lady friend. I hope he loves the dress that Lilly made for her. Ping made a bracelet and necklace for her. And I got the flowers and one of Tony's friends to deliver it all to his lady friend. The carriage was my idea. Your brother works so hard I thought he deserved some help. I also arranged for dinner for him and his date in the garden where Lilly is living. I thought it would sweep his date off her feet. " Thorn said as he smiled at her taking a seat beside her. Thorn smiled as he pulled out a large black box from his jacket. He smiled softly as he opened it and revealed a tiara that Thorn had specially made for Candy. " Every princess has to have her crown." He said softly hoping that Candy would like it.


Lilly blushed as she smiled at him. " I'm glad you enjoyed it. And your wrong you are perfect. As for your question l don't believe this is the time nor the place for such things. Besides your nothing but a big tease. You tell a girl one thing and only give kisses. " She said giving him a devilish grin. She had picked up a few things from some of the elder women. "Though I wouldn't mind seeing you blush." She said as she faced him only inches away from his face. " If I had known how good you looked in suits you wouldn't be in them long sir." She said as she grinned at him gently reaching for his tie and pulling him to her as she kissed him again. Lilly let him go after hearing Pings parents entering along with the other elders. She simply smiled as she greeted the others still holding on to Ping's hand lovingly as she could tell that everyone wanted to peek at the dress. "Sorry guys you have to wait till Candy gets here for the unavailing. " She said as her eyes lite up seeing Dragon appear as he walked over and hugged him looking down at Ping's hand and hers. He arched a brow but said nothing as he took his place along with the other Elders and Council members waiting on Candy to arrive.

Daphne stared at Thorn and blushed. "Thorn I love the dress, why would I not like it?" she asked and laughed softly, her blush getting much brighter at his words. "Oh you are much too kind Thorn." she said and curtsied. "I am very excited, I wonder what sort of event it is." she said, obvious not knowing the event was for her. Daphne squealed in surprise when Thorn pulled her towards him, her arms wrapped around his neck gently as she listened to him. "Oh Thorn, you are the sweetest man I have ever met.'" she whispered back to him and smiled. Thorn was such a sweetheart, he always did everything he could to make her happy, he even did more that he was required to do. She would always be his Candy, no matter what anyone said she belonged to him and she didn't plan on changing that ever. "Yes we should." her mother said and followed them out of the house while her husband made sure the house was locked properly. He then walked over to his wife and took her hand in his.

Seeing the carriage, Daphne's eyes widened. "Oh Thorn!" she gasped and looked back at him. "Thorn you didn't have to do any of this." she said and smiled. "Thank-you so much!" she whispered and hugged him happily carefully stepped into the carriage which was very comfy and cozy. Tony raised an eyebrow at what Thorn said but didn't say anything and walked over to the last carriage while his parents stepped into the second one. Daphne smiled and pet gently Lady who sat up and looked around happily. Daphne looked over at Thorn and kissed him sweetly before pulling away, blushing brightly. "That's my way of thanking you for all of this. You really didn't have to do this you know." she said softly. "You are just amazing Thorn, helping out everyone you can even though you don't have to." she noted happily. Looking at him, she gasped at the beautiful tiara he presented to and hugged him tightly. "Oh Thorn it's beautiful! Thank-you so much I love it!" she squealed.

Lagordir listened to Lilly and raised an eyebrow. "I'm a big tease? What proof do you have of this?" he asked and kissed her softly. "My kisses are never enough are they?" he whispered and blushed brightly at what she said. Was she serious? Did he just hear correctly? "Oh really Lilly?" he asked and smirked. "Well then, that can be arranged." he whispered into her ear and kissed her ear before just holding her hand in his lovingly. It seemed to him that she was the one teasing now. "I'm sure Daphne will arrive soon." Lagordir commented. He could tell the people were getting impatient.