"Nice to meet you to." Ariala said, deciding to avoid the tension that was settling over them. "Shall we go in?" She asked. "I'm sure the Royals will give their permission. They're so kind its almost unnatural." She laughed quietly. "I think this is more of a formality for them."

Elinadette simply brushed off her son, still dreaming that he'll come back to the Palace and all would be forgiven now that his father had accepted the marriage and was leaving Dimitrius as his heir, making Ariala the next Queen of Winterglade.

Looping Ariala's arm though hers, Elinadette smiled at Ariala, "Of course, my dear. We're simply following protocol. We Winterglade Royals are not too picky on whom our kind marries, as long as it's within our Kingdom. However, when it comes to out of Kingdom marriages, we're a bit weary due to our climate differences, as well as our talent and seasonal differences, but if the couple has found a way to work it out, then we allow it with no qualms what so ever. With this marriage, I'm happy to say we whole-heartedly agree that you two should wed. My husband is speaking with your royals at this moment to allow you to wed before you are one-hundred-and-twenty. You see, my husband is looking to leave the Kingdom to Dimitrius in a short while, which means you two should wed as soon as possible so that you may begin learning the Queen's duties to not only her Kingdom, but her husband and King as well. We-"

"Mother. Enough. Please do not do this now, not today. I love you, but I can't take much more of it. That man is not giving me the Kingdom of Winterglade, why do you think you're pregnant right now? He's trying to get another male heir and he won't stop until he does! I will not go back to that Palace no matter how much you try and convince me to. I will never take that throne, so please stop worrying Ariala for nothing," Dimitrius whispered icily to his mother before stalking off into he gardens, Dimeria still in his arms snuggled against his chest fast asleep.

Ariala's body stiffened at the growing tension. "I'm really not sure I'll be able to live in Winterglade." She nearly whispered, looking up at Elinadette as Dimitrius walked away. "The cold is so harsh." She explained quickly.

"Would you mind if I tried to calm him down?" She asked, excusing herself though she didn't wait for an answer before unlooping their arms and turning to follow Dimitrius. "Uhm, congratulations on the pregnancy." Ariala said awkwardly, turning to curtsey politely before rushing off.

Elinadette sighed as she solemnly headed back to the Palace.

Dimitrius sighed as he stalked over towards the cherry tree and sat down beneath it, looking up a the cherry blossoms as he gently placed Dimeria beside him, still holding her close as she slept, not realizing Ariala had been following him.

Looking up at the cherry blossoms, he noticed footsteps nearing him. Sighing, he spoke agitatedly, "Mother, I'm not going to discuss this. I'll be at the Palace soon to talk of the wedding arrangements after I've calmed my temper. Please, until then, just let me be."

"Its me." Ariala said, sinking next to him on the ground. "Your mother went into the Palace. Do you want to be alone?" She asked quietly.

Taking her hand in his, bringing it to his lips to place a tender kiss upon her fingers, Dimitrius murmured, "Nah, I don't mind ye being here. Sorry about my mother, she's been trying to get me to come back to the Palace and resume my duties ever since I left. She figured she could get you onto her side and help her to convince me to go back and take my rightful place as King," he spat with disgust as he sighed and looked up at the animal life within the tree, "I'm really sorry Ari.. I didn't mean to make you go through all of this.. I had hoped it would all just blow over and go smoothly so we could resume our lives in peace.. it looks like we'll have a bumpy road ahead of us.."

"I don't mind a bumpy road." Ariala smiled, keeping Dimitrius's hadn in her own. "If it was completely peaceful our lives wouldn't be nearly as interesting." She laughed quietly. "And it will blow over, just give it time." She said. "I do wish that your parents only wished to give us their blessings, not a Kingdom. I'm afraid I'd probably make a horrible Queen." She joked. "Climbing trees all day would probably be frowned upon."

Dimitrius laughed, "Well, since it's forbidden within the Palace walls, I should say so. But other than your tom-boy tendencies, I think you'd make a lovely Queen. You're kind, reasonable, considerate, loyal, intelligent, extremely beautiful - everything a Queen generally is in Winterglade. But fear not, love, you won't have to be a Queen unless you wish it. I'll find away to get out of protocol. I suppose the reason I haven't yet is because I figured I'd end up going back at some point, Emelaide being my Queen. You see, she's fit for Palace life - she would have been able to rule in my place, leaving me to do as I choose like I've always dreamed. I'm afraid that fantasy doesn't quite work when you're put in the mix," he added with a chuckle, "I don't believe the people of Winterglade would like being ruled almost solely by someone of Elimlee origins."

Smiling at her as he pulled her close, placing a tender kiss upon her lips, "But I must say, if it came right down to it - having a life of ease and not worry about trying to change the ways of the court by being with Emelaide only to appease my parents and the court, or find away around protocol and living a life full of bumps with the woman I'm madly in love with - I'm positive I'd rather travel a bumpy road with you, for there's nothing on this planet that could tear us apart. I'm just afraid you'll grow to hate me due to all of these bumps my family will cause.. it's not going to be easy to get them off of our backs and allow us to live the life we wish.. Are you really sure you're ready for this? I mean, you'll have a lot to deal with - slander from the courts, rumors spread, constant hints from my mother.."

Ariala's eyes snapped wide open at what Dimitrius had just said. "You think I would ever be able to hate you?" She asked, her voice soft. "I mean, I know its not going to be easy for us but I'd never hate you." She said, sinking into the crook of Dimitrius's arm. "I want to be with you Dimitrius. I don't care about courts or rumors or any of that nonsense. I'm not going to leave you until you ask me to do so. I'm here to stay." She said, resting her head on his chest and feeling comforted by the way that she seemed to fit perfectly against him as if they were pieces of a puzzle.

Gently caressing her back, Dimitrius rested his chin softly against her head, "You don't know how much it means to me to hear you say that..
I know how Palace life is.. it's wretched and you can't trust a soul in there. Everyone will take what you say and warp it to benefit them if they believe it will get them into a higher ranking position. I know there are a few decent people in there, but it's very hard to come by. I just.. I'm afraid...
I just don't want their ways to effect us and our life together.. I want to grow old with you and have lots of little ones running around who are as beautiful as their beloved mother... I want to know that you and our children are safe from the torments of the court..
I don't want our children growing up in that environment.. I want our children to be free to live their own lives, unsheltered and uncorrupted. And you, my sweet Ariala, I want you to be able to live with me and not have to deal with the court and the people in it - lying and scheming their way into your favor in hopes of being rewarded simply because you are royalty and married to me.. I don't want to put you and our future family through it all.."

Blushing, Dimitrius sighed, "Sorry.. now I'm rambling like an idiot and talking in circles.."

"No you're not." Ariala disagreed, her body more relaxed from hearing Dimitrius's words. "I want the same things for us. I just like hearing you say it." She confessed, her hand snaking around Dimitrius's stomach to wrap around his waist and hold him against her. "I love you Dimitrius and I want nothing more then to be happy with you forever. I know its not going to be easy but I'm more than willing to brave it." She said.

Gently running his fingers through Ariala's long, golden locks, Dimitrius placed a tender kiss upon her head as he whispered, "I love you too Ariala, so very very much. I'm really sorry you'll have to go through all of this in order to be with me.. I'll try to keep you from it and focus it all on me as much as I can.. I'm used to it, so it won't have as big of an effect on me as it will you until you get used to it and find ways to avoid it and ignore it."

Slinking his arm around her and gently caressing her side, Dimitrius smiled and placed a tender kiss upon her forehead, murmuring softly against her skin, "And thank you.. you don't know how much it means to me that you'll stay with me through all of this.. Promise me you'll come to me if it gets out of hand.."

"I promise." Ariala murmured against Dimitrius's chest. "I love you Dimitrius." She said quietly, stretching her neck to give him a small kiss on the lips before returning to rest her head on his cheek. "This moment would be perfect if the walls weren't blocking the view." Ariala smirked as she looked ahead of her. "The fields are really pretty when they're not covered up by giant stone walls."

Dimitrius chuckled softly as he gave her a small hug, "Then I suppose we'll have to make sure we have no stone walls on our land, won't we. Though I'll definitely agree, the vibrant colors of the landscapes definitely beat a plain stone wall covered in ivy."

As the two conversed, Dimeria started to squirm and snuggle closer to Dimitrius, accidently putting her arm over Ariala's hand.

Dimitrius chuckled as he whispered softly to Ariala, "It seems you'll have to fight to keep me; I think Dimeria might just try and take me if you're not careful. She's clung to me like glue now that she's been able to meet me. Hard to believe her head wasn't filled with harsh things about me.. After all, she did live her entire life inside the Palace walls after I left.. I think she may just try and live with us if she keeps this up," he added with a laugh as he placed a tender kiss upon Ariala's head, "Imagine what she'll do once we have children of our own! Won't that be a battle for attention!"

Ariala laughed as she felt the small elf's arm on her hand. "She'll be older by then, used to not being the youngest once your mother has her baby." She smiled. "We should be heading inside soon though. Are you feeling up to it?" Ariala asked as she shifted to sit upwards and face Dimitrius.

"Don't remind me how she's pregnant again.. I still hate the man for doing it once again to her," Dimitrius groaned as he gently caressed Ariala's cheek. Noticing Ariala's confused expression, he sighed and explained, "If you knew what went on in that Palace, you'd know why I hate him so much and hate seeing her pregnant; even if it does produce a darling child like Dimeria.. And do I really have to introduce you to that wretch of a man unfortunately known as my father? Can't we come back to your Royals once he's on vacation?"

"You're going to have to face him sometime." Ariala sighed, resting her face in his palm. "It'll be fine. I promise." Araila said, reaching her hand up to entwine her fingers in his. Standing up, Araila pulled Dimitrius up with her. Standing on her toes, Araila gave him a quick kiss before turning to Dimeria. "Would you like to go inside now?" She asked the younger elf.

Dimeria nodded as she clung sleepily to Dimitrius' side. Rubbing her eyes, Dimeria shuffled over to Ariala and raised her hands, signaling that she wanted to be held.

Dimitrius laughed, "Ria, love, don't make Ari carry you! You've only just met her, don't cling to her so."

Dimeria simply stomped her foot at Dimitrius as she gave him a glare over her shoulder, signaling that she wasn't happy with what Dimitrius said.

Dimitrius simply laughed as he ruffled Dimeria's hair, "Ria, don't get angry with me. It's not my fault you're tired from the heat and you're becoming clingy, it's your father's fault for dragging you and Mama here. Now come here, love, I'll carry you."

Dimeria shook her head and looked back up at Ariala, "Please?"

"Don't be such a pain." Ariala teased Dimitrius as she lifted up Dimeria. "Of course I don't mind carrying her." She smiled. "Its better then her hating me. Besides, she's to cute to resist." Ariala smiled, looking at Dimeria.

Dimeria smiled at Ariala and placed a light kiss on her cheek to show her thanks before sticking her tongue out at Dimitrius.

Dimitrius couldn't help but laugh as Dimeria snuggled right into Ariala's arms, wrapping her own arms aroun Ariala's neck and resting her head on her upper arm, "Ari, I think you've just gained a sibling."

"I grew up an only child." Ariala said as she started to walk in the direction of the Palace doors. "Its about time I got one." She smiled down at Dimeria before asking the guards to open the doors for them.

Dimitrius chuckled as he slipped his arm around Ariala's waist, gently caressing her hip as he smiled and placed a kiss upon her cheek, "Aye, but now she probably won't let you go.

"Fine by me." Ariala said as she leaned closer to Dimitrius. "She's adorable." She said as they entered the large Palace. She mvoed through the halls to the Throne Room where two guards stood on opposite sides of the doorway. "We've come to see the Lord." Ariala said formally, curtseying as bes to her ability with Dimeria in her arms. The guards simply nodded, opening the doors to the room where the Lord sat on his throne and Ariala glanced nervously around room to find Dimitrius's father.

The King of Winterglade hid a scowl as he glanced Ariala over, noticing that she at least had a pleasing figure and was rather beautiful - exotic even.

Dimitrius pulled Ariala closer as he stared his father down, knowing perfectly well was was running through his mind. "Father," Dimitrius began icily, "this is Ariala, my fiancee."

"Ah, yes! Pleased to meet you, my dear," Joenarthene replied in a cheerful tone, a tone that was fake to only those who knew him best, "How are you? Is my son treating you well?"

"Its a pleasure to meet you as well." Ariala said politely, taken back by how nice he seemed to be. "Of course Dimitrius is treating me well." She smiled, glancing back at Dimitrius. "You have a wonderful son. Have you put any thought into letting us marry?" She asked, masking the concern in her voice.