Emelaide blushed as she stirred honey into her tea, "D-Do you really think so? He should have said something... He knows very well I can make it warmer for him if that's what he needs.."

-

Dimitrius nodded, "Aye, Pulan. I trust him with the house more so than I do Gawin. Gawin's known to go off blueprint, and his ideas are usually terrible. Rarely have I seen one of his 'genious ideas' turn out well."

Cindalina laughed as she placed some of the finished cookies onto a plate and brought them to the table, "You only say that because your father used Gawin to design the new wing of the Palace."

"Good enough reason for me," Dimitrius retorted with a smile as he grabbed a cookie and handed it to Dimeria, who was tugging on his shirt to hand her one.

Cindalina rolled her eyes playfully as she began placing dough onto the now empty sheet, "Dimitrius, you really must stop shunning everyone who does as your father tells them. They have no choice, he has authority as their King."

"Oh, he'll be alright." Alena said. "If he was truly uncomfortable then he would tell you." She assured the Winter Elf. "I think he'd brave a snowstorm if he could be with you. I don't know what you've done to my son, Emelaide, but I'm certainly glad you did." She said.

~~~

Ariala kept quiet when the subject turned to Dimitrius's father, still feeling slightly disgusted by what Dimitrius had told her earlier. Taking a cookie, Ariala took a bite before turning to Cindalina. "These are delicious." She said happily, taking another bite.

Emelaide blushed, "I'm afraid all I've done is make him suffer and worry about my health the past couple of weeks.. I honestly don't know how he puts up with me.."

-

Cindalina smiled over at Ariala, glad for the conversation to be dropped, "Thank you, dearie. I'm glad ye like them. Would you like me to pack a basket of them for you to take home? Also, loves, is Dimeria going home with you or staying with me?"

"I don't think Ria could bare to let us go again," said Dimitrius with a chuckle as he pried Dimeria's tightened grip from around his waist, "Not so tight, love, we won't leave you."

"Marreck completely adores you." Alena assured her. "He only wants you happy." She said, taking a sip of her tea and sighing in contentment at the taste. "Its been so long since I've had apple tea." She laughed.

~~~

Ariala smiled widely that Dimeria was going to come home with them. "I'll have to decorate the guest room them." She said happily. "I've been searching for a reason to do it and if Dimeria is staying for a while then she should at least have a room she loves." She said excitedly, looking forward to a new project.

Emelaide smiled, "I've only had it once when Lina was experimenting with the Elimlee Cookbooks she had. She thought she should have Elimlee tea with Elimlee food," she added with a chuckle as she remembered how much Cindalina hated the taste of the tea no matter what she tried in it. "I'm afraid she didn't take too well to it. I rather liked it though. Had a sweet, yet cinnamony flavor. And with the honey mixed in... Truly heaven in a cup," Emelaide said with a laugh before taking a sip of her tea.

-

Dimitrius chuckled as he placed a tender kiss upon Ariala's cheek, "Will your parents hate me more if you change their house around for our sake?"

"I love it but I'm afraid I don't have it often enough." Alena smiled. "My husband is much more partial to raspberry tea and I forget about the apple and just drink whatever he is." She laughed quietly before standing. "These chairs are going to be the death of me." She said. "Come into the living room dear before you're back turns stiff. The chairs are far more comfrotable in there." She smiled warmly as she led Emelaide into the living and sat in a well cushioned chair.

~~~

"Of course not." Ariala smiled. "My mother's been complaining about never having time to decorate it and if we're going to have a child I think they should have a nursery for when we're visiting." She smiled. "Plus I've been itching for a project to do. As if our wedding and home isn't enough." She laughed.

Setting the saucer on her lap after she had sat down opposite of Alena, Emelaide smiled, "Raspberry tea.. I've never had that before. I'm used to teas such as Earl Grey, Rosemary, Honey Lemon, and Green. I've never had any of these fruit flavors. I'm afraid our markets don't import it for fear the elves of Winterglade won't expand their horizons and buy someone other than their usual blend."

-

Dimitrius chuckled, "As long as you don't overwhelm yourself, I'll help you in any way I can with it if you wish. If not, then I wish you the best of luck and I look forward to seeing the finished room."

"As do I," chimed in Cindalina, "I have yet to see your home, and I'd like very much to see it when I meet your Parents. If you wish me to meet them, that is."

"Well then I guess you'll just have to visit more." Alena said happily. "I have so many recipes that I want to try. I might just have to use you as my food tester." She laughed.

~~~

"Of course." Ariala said to Cindalina as she finished her cookie and took another. "But I'd like my father to warm up to our marriage beforehand. But of course your welcome to my home anytime you wish." She smiled, taking a bite out of her new cookie.

Emelaide laughed as she nodded, "I'd love that! It'll be fun tasting foods from here, I've hardly had the chance."

-

Cindalina smiled, "Whenever you wish me to visit, I'll visit, how does that sound, love?"

"Perfect." Alena said happily, setting her tea on the coffee table and reclining back into the chair.

"Emelaide? Mom?" Marreck asked as he entered the door before reaching the living room. "Hello, beautiful." He said quietly to Emelaide as he kissed her cheek gently. "I found a house in town. Its very nice, especially for the price." He smiled proudly before settling into the couch.

~~~

"That sounds perfect." Ariala said happily. "Of course I'll have to clean up some so I don't embaress myself by showing you a dirty house." She laughed as she finished her cookie. "Plus I'd like a woman's insight when I decorate the guest room to make it a nursery."

Slipping out of the chair, Emelaide curled up on Marreck's lap and wrapped her arms around his neck, "You did? Oh Marreck! You have to show me," Emelaide said happily as she placed a tender kiss upon his lips. "Is it very far away? What's it like? How much is it? If we pool our money, will we have enough to buy it and redecorate if we need to?"

-

In mock shock, Dimitrius teased Ariala, "Did my cleaning go unnoticed? I bet you didn't even notice the cupboards were stocked too."

Cindalina smiled at Ariala warmly, after rolling her eyes playfully at Dimitrius, "Of course, love. I'll be happy to help you if you. Have you thought about color? Yellow and green are pretty neutral colors, no matter what Kingdom your in as far as I know. Does it still hold true in Elimlee?"

"Its definetely in our price range." Marreck smiled as he cradled Emelaide to his chest. "Its somewhat far from the market but I think you'll like it." He smiled, kissing her temple gently. "Assuming that my mother hasn't scared you off." He teased.

~~~

"Yes." Ariala said, sticking her tongue out at Dimitrius. "And thank you for the groceries." She added quietly, giving Dimitrius a small kiss before turning back to Cindalina. "I was thinking of a green color." She said. "I still have the crib from when I was a child and a matching drawer. So I figured I'd use those as well." She added.

Emelaide grinned as she placed a tender kiss upon his lips, "I adore your mother. I think we'll become very close friends throughout our marraige. As for the market, I'm not too worried about that. I enjoy the long walks. Besides, it'll take less time to get the Elimlee groceries than it will the Winterglade ones. It's a good thing my specialty is temperature, dearest, of they'd never make it home," she added with a chuckle before placing a tender kiss upon his lips.

Slipping from his lap, Emelaide linked her fingers through his and pulled lightly for just a moment to show she wanted him to rise, "May we see the house?"

-

Cindalina smiled at Ariala as she spoke, "That's perfect! Is there anything you need? I know a wonderful woodcarver in the Autumn Kingdom. And I have Dimitrius', as well as Dimeria's, cribs and toys from when they were small as well, if you'd like me to get anything from the attic?"

"Of course." Marreck smiled warmly, standing beside Emelaide. "I'll see you later, mother." He said to Alena who simply waved for the couple to leave, a smile on her lips.

Marreck led Emelaide through the maze of treehouses to a somewhat remote house that looked much like his own. "Here it is." He smiled as he opened the door for her. "I know it looks like my own house but there's a thrid bedroom and the kitchen is designed differently." He said, gesturing around the kitchen. "I'm afraid that Spring Elves don't vary our houses much. What do you think, love?" He asked.

~~~

"That's alright, Cindalina." Ariala smiled. "Unless Dimeria wants to bring any of her toys." She said, looking at Dimeria. "I have some of my old toys as well."

"When can we move?" Emelaide asked excitedly as she jumped up and crossed her ankles around is waist, her arms wrapping around his neck and she placed a tender kiss upon his lips. "I love it almost as much as I love you," she whispered against his lips before placing a long, tender kiss upon them.

-

Dimitrius smiled as he answered for Dimeria, for her mouth was too full of cookie to speak, "As long as she has her teddy and a tea set, she's perfectly alright, aren't you love?"

Dimeria smiled as she nodded, continuing to shove cookies into her mouth.

"Whenever you're ready, love." Marreck laughed as he wrapped his arms around Emelaide so that he wouldn't drop her. "I've talked to the owner and as soon as we give him a down payment then the house is as good as our's." He smiled as he returned her kisses eagerly. "Should we talk to your parents first about you moving out. I don't want them to think I'm stealing you away from them. Especially when they've just gotten back." He said, resting his forehead against Emelaide's.

~~~

"Alright then." Ariala smiled, clapping her hands together. Taking a third cookie, Ariala took a few bites before resting one of her hands over Dimitrius's. "I can't wait until our home is built." She said happily. "How long do you think until the construction crews will be done?" She asked.

"They should be home for lunch soon, would you like to see them? Or would you rather wait? I'm afraid they won't be home often except for meals and at night. They've resumed their duties in the Palace so it'll be hit or miss trying to catch them both together to tell them," explained Emelaide with a sigh, "So I honestly don't think they'd miss me much if we moved soon."

-

"If they worked diligently, it wouldn't take them more than two, three weeks tops to finish painting, putting in the floors, building the frame, putting in the windows and doors, the whole works. Depending on if we buy premade furniture, or if we have it made, it may take longer to actually move in," said Dimitrius as he linked their fingers and lightly caressed her hand with his thumb.

"I'm sure they'd miss you." Marreck said softly, giving her a quick kiss. "How about I give the owner a down payment and then we'll go to your parent's home." He suggested, setting her down as he dug in the back of his pants for a wallet.

~~~

"As long as its done by the wedding." Ariala smiled before turning back to Cindalina. "I truly don't know how to thank you for all you've done for us." She said with a blush.

"Sounds good to me," Emelaide smiled as she placed a tender kiss upon his lips and promised, "I'll pay the rest of it when we get back."

-

Cindalina smiled as she took the last batch of cookies out of the oven, "Of course, love. I'm happy to help you! If you ever need anything, no matter what it is, feel free to ask me. I'll always help you if I am able."

"Thank you, Auntie, we really appreciate it," Dimitrius said with a warm smile over at his Aunt.

Marreck gave Emelaide a last kiss before taking her hand and leading her towards the home of the owner. "Hello, Kalian." He said politely.

"Hey there Marreck." Kalian said politely, looking over at Emelaide. "I'm guessing that she liked it then?" He asked.

"Yeah." Marreck laughed. "Here's the down payment." He said to Kalian, handing the elf a few bills. "Thanks for letting us buy it." He said.

~~~

"Especially for helping me cool down when your nephew gets out of control." Ariala teased, giving Dimitrius's hand a light squeeze.

Emelaide smiled at Kalian, "I love it, it's so cozy and small. It's a lot different than I'm used to in Winterglade, and I love every inch of it. Thank you so much for selling it to us, it really means a lot to me. And I promise, when we return, I'll have the rest of the money for you."

-

Dimitrius rolled his eyes playfully at Ariala, "Why whatever do you mean, love? I've always had the perfect behavior."

"Yes, and my name is Jorlina," said Cindalina with a laugh.

Dimitrius grinned at his Aunt as he replied saucily, "You changed your name? I'm afraid I like your old one best. You should get second opinions before you do something so life changing."

Cindalina laughed as she rolled her eyes playfully, "You really are terrible, Trius love. You should set a better example fer yer sister."

"Well enjoy the house." Kalian smiled before shutting the door and leaving the couple alone.

"To your house then?" Marreck asked as he wrapped his arm around Emelaide's waist.

~~~

"She's right." Ariala laughed. "But I think I'll keep you around anyways." She said as she stuck her tongue out playfully before finishing her cookie.

Placing a tender kiss upon his lips, Emelaide nodded, "If you wish." Bursting with happiness from getting a house and getting engaged, Emelaide laughed as she suggested, "Race you?"

-

Dimitrius laughed as he bit into a cookie, "Sure, gang up on the male. You women are all the same."

"Only if you want to lose." Marreck teased, giving her hand a light squeeze as he ushered her down the rope ladder. "Ready? Go." He laughed as he sprinted off for the meadow.

~~~

"Poor Dimitrius." Ariala smiled innocently. "Still love me?" She asked playfully, looking up at him as she batted her eyelashes playfully.

Darting after him, Emelaide caught up to him and exclaimed, "No fair! You got a head start!" Inching past him she teased, "Who was going to lose again?"

-

Leaning in and placing a tender kiss upon her lips, Dimitrius smiled, "Always."