It had been two weeks and despite the attempt on her life Maerad was thriving in Norloch. She had become a beacon of light for the city just as Cadvan had hoped. she worked with the people to help rebuild, wether it be placing stones in a building or planting trees and flowers with the other women. She helped in the healing hoses bringing hope to those who needed it most. She had attended a few of the meetings with the council and alongside Cadvan she had garnered more votes for Elidor. Finally all their hard work had payed off.

He was searching through the healing houses for her when he heard her voice coming from behind him.

"Cavan! I thought you were supposed to be in with the council today. Aren't they going to try and make a decision on the new first bard?"

"That is why I came to see you, they have made a decision."

"That is wonderful. You can tell me about it over lunch. One of the midwifes is having me help her and I must be on my way."

She left him with a kiss and returned to what she had been doing before. It seemed to Cadvan that she was glowing with happiness and that light brightened the day of everyone she came in contact with.

As it turned out Maerad was busy helping with a birth and wasn't able to come to lunch. She had sent Hem to tell Cadvan and though he hadn't planned on staying Cadvan invited him to stay and eat. They enjoyed a pleasant conversation and as Hem was finishing his food Cadvan finally decided that now was a good time to ask. He was slightly nervous, given how Hem had initially reacted to His and Maerad's relationship but Hem had warmed up to Cadvan during there stay in Norloch and Cadvan was hoping that it would sway Hem to say yes.

"Hem, before you leave I would like to ask you something." He paused with slight apprehension and then continued when Hem's smile urged him to. "It is customary to ask a woman's father for her hand in marriage, however because yours and Maerad's father is gone, I would like to ask your permission to marry her?"

Cadvan watched as Hem stewed it over in his mind. A broad smile spread across the young mans face.

"Of course, I won't stand in the way of Maerad's happiness. Especially if that happiness includes you."

"Thank you Hem. Tell her that I love her and that I hope to see her at dinner and make sure she's eaten when you see her. And keep this a secret for now."

"I don't know how long I can keep it Cadvan. If you don't hurry she will figure it out soon enough."

"I want to take her to Lirigon first. That's where my parents wedding bands are, and that's what I want to give her."

"Then I will do my best to keep her from figuring it out."

"Thank you Hem."

He then left to go back to the healing houses. Cadvan couldn't help but chuckle to himself as the gangly young man walked away from him. He had grown taller than Cadvan and his muscles were still an awkward mess. Cadvan was relieved when Hem had said yes. He assumed that he wouldn't say no but, he had held some trepidation in his heart given their past.

"Whats so funny old man?"

"That boy used to hate me and now he's keeping secrets for me Elidor."

He turned to face the grinning bard at his side.

"Secrets? Nothing serious I hope."

"No, something happy and wonderful. I just hope he can keep it from Maerad long enough."

"Well I wish you the best with that. The council sent me to find you. It seems that we have to plan a banquet to announce the new First Bard."

"They're making you plan your own banquet?"

"Nope, I'm asking you to help me plan my banquet so that I don't screw up my first impression as the First Bard."

"Well I do suppose that I can help you with that my friend."

The friendly banter continued as they spoke of banquets and politics. Cadvan was glad that Elidor would be the one leading them out of War and hopefully into a peaceful time. He was Kind and Smart and had a good sense of Humor. Cadvan hoped that his new duties as First Bard wouldn't dim the spark that Elidor had.

They decided that the banquet should be held in a weeks time. It was enough time for the everything to be arranged but a short enough time that hopefully none of the council decided to change their mind. Until then the Council would continue ruling together. After the banquet the council would finally be free to leave and go home. Elidor asked Cadvan to stay a few more weeks to help him with the transition between the council rule and his.

If all went as planned, Cadvan hoped that He and Maerad could leave for Lirigon soon. He hadn't been there for almost two years now. He longed to go back and show his home to Maerad. He wanted to surprise her and he wanted to see his family again.

AN: Hey guys! Sorry it's been so long, I really don't have any excuses. I hope you liked this chapter, I plan on posting 15 tomorrow. Please review and let me know what you think. The next couple of chapters are pretty light so get ready for some fluff!

~MA