Heya all! So, I've been sick in bed with strep throat mixed with a bit of a summer cold, I think, so I figured I could get something done. Of the few hours I haven't been sleeping these last few days, I managed to write a new chapter. Hope ya'll enjoy!

After their adventure at the waterfall, Raz asked Opal to show her around the lair. Until her family came for her (and she was confident they would), she wanted to see where she'd be staying. All she'd seen so far was her room and the hallways. She wanted more. Raised as a pirate, she had unquenchable thirst for adventures, always curious, always wondering what was around the next corner. No matter how many times she visited an exotic place, there were new things to see. That one island in the south seas, for example. The first time, at about four years old, she got her first taste of fresh-out-of-the-hive honeycomb. The next, her big brothers introduced her to Mudslide Mountain, teaching her to 'surf' down the muddy, slippery slopes on a flat piece of wood. They'd hunted for crystals in the deep caverns. On the treetops, the constellations in the sky were clear and beautiful. Every time they went somewhere, there were new things to do. This place would be no exception, she'd make sure of it.

Opal showed her all the places she knew, the kitchen, dining room, jewel vaults, Zalim's library, indoor gardens, and, of course "The throne room, M'lady."

Raz slowly entered, looking around in awe. Bones weren't strangers to her, oh no, so they gave her no sense of nervousness or fright. To be honest, she was a bit impressed with his collection. Soon she forgot them though when her eyes rested on the gleaming jewels. She didn't know why, but most of her kind had a natural attraction to all things bright and shiny. That was precisely why she trained herself out of her naturally nocturnal ways. It often felt like she was fighting against her instincts to stay awake during the sunlight hours and sleep under the moon's watchful eye.

Anyway.

She didn't hesitate to go closer and immediately grabbed a diamond the size of a joey! She ran her finger over it, holding it up to the light, watching it sparkle. "Ooh… ok, this par' Ah could git used ta." She said, grabbing a smaller sapphire and shoving it into her pouch. Hey, she'd been kidnapped and was being forced into marriage. She thought it was only fair if she got to treat herself to a little something. Yes, that made sense, she told herself, slipping a handful of topaz's and a couple diamonds into her pouch as well.

She caught Opal staring with wide brown eyes. "Wha? What Lord Jerkface don' know won' hurt'im."

Opal blinked, shaking her head to clear her daze. No one ever dared touch any of Zalim's personal collection of gems. "I apologize, my b'loved Queen. I was just a bit, ah, surprised. You seem so very different from others here. It as if you have no fear."

"Well a'course." She tossed Opal a white pearl. "Pirates ain't scared a' nothin."

"Alright." She shifted awkwardly from foot to foot, glancing down at the smooth milky orb in her hands. "M'lady-"

"What's that?" Opal followed her gaze, watching as a large group of wolves filed through the door, all hoisting large pieces of gold and silver. Opal was at a loss.

"I haven't the slightest idea Lady Raz."

"Oh, I been meanin ta ask ya bout that." She said, leaning against the wall casually, taking the pearl from Opal's paws. "Would it kill ya ta please jus call me Raz. 'Lady' makes me sound too import'nt."

"But you are important!" Opal gasped, slapping her paws over her mouth. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to backtalk!"

"Eh, ferget it." She examined her claws. "Bu' seriously, jus call me Raz. I prefer it."

"But-" Opal bit her tongue.

"If it ain't 'propah' here or whateva, consider a… what wouldja call it if I gave ya a direct order?"

"Royal command?"

"Alrighty then. Consider it a royal command."

"Yes M- I mean, Raz."

"Ya know, ya don't hafta talk so straight an formal. Ah mean, how old are ya shorty? Eleven?"

"Twelve."

"Ah. Well, then yer almos a teenag'ah. Yer supposed ta have a lit'l sass, little rebellion, little bit a yer own style in the way ya talk."

"I…"she didn't know what to say. "This is the proper way to talk when conversing with one of the Ruling Family."

"Yeah yeah yeah." She rolled her eyes. "Jus think about it, alrigh?"

"Of course."

Raz's golden eyes drifted across the room again, watching curiously as the wolves had began stacking those numerous golden parts, fusing them together with torches. "What're they up to?"

"It appears that they are constructing your throne!" Opal exclaimed excitedly. "How lovely!"

"Wai… how in theh world am I supposed ta get up there?!" it was already a good teen feet off the ground, and it wasn't even a third done!

"Magic." Opal answered simply.

"…Ah." Her stomach suddenly growled, and Raz realized she hadn't eaten the past four days. This sense finally set in, and she suddenly felt dizzy and lightheaded. "When's suppertime 'round here?"

"Whenever you so wish."

"Well in tha case… where was the dinin hall again?"

Opal smiled and began walking toward the door. "Follow me."

Even the second time around, the dining hall stunned her. It was brightly lit, altering itself to her taste. The table was long, seeming to go on forever. At the very head was that golden throne shaped chair, studded with clear diamonds. To it's immediate left was another, slightly smaller, gold as well. This one, however, was decorated in beautiful rosy pearls, and carved with beautiful flora patterns. On it was a silk cushion for comfort. A crystal chandelier hung above, sending rainbow glimmering spots in every direction. The table was shining marble. She took her seat, plucking Opal off the ground and plunking her down in front of her. "Now wha-"

A gold platter appeared before her. It was piled high with her favorite foods, even the tedious raspberry flambé! It could take hours to put the berries into a perfect tiered form, held together with honey, then roasting it slowly. As she was admiring all the food, a voice behind her said "Ah, I see you have made yourself comfortable in your new home. Welcome, my sweet."

Tada! What didja think? Good, bad, in between? Please review. So, Raz has been shown around, her throne is nearly done, and now Zalim's made the scene. Beware…