**Author's Note: Sorry I took so long. Hope you like it.

Chapter Eight: Change of Plans

I didn't sleep well at all. I kept waking up, hoping it was morning. Finally, it was. I quickly got dressed, on my own this time, in a green stylish but practical dress. I pulled the front of my hair away from my face and placed the make-up mask on. 'There' I thought, 'Perfect.' I ran down the stairs and into the kitchen. Chlorine had food laid out and she took her place at the table. She had no appetite but Chlorine made her eat.

"You have a long voyage ahead of you. You'll need your energy and the way to get energy is to eat. The only person who can do Energy spells is down in southern Xanth." I ate as quickly as possible knowing she wouldn't let me leave until I did.

"Well, I guess I will be on my way now. Goodbye Chlorine, Nimby, thank you for everything." I went to hug Chlorine goodbye but she stopped me.

"Oh, you aren't leaving now dear. Galahad will come here and get you. You have to wait until then. Now sit down." I was crestfallen and wanted to argue but Nimby shook his head. I sat down grumpily and crossed my arms. "Don't make those ugly faces dear." I plastered on a fake smile which quickly turned real as I heard a knock on the door. I jumped up to answer it. "Sit." I sat. Chlorine went and opened the door and Galahad stepped inside. "Why, Hello, Galahad. How are you feeling this morning?"

"Very fine, ma'am. How are you?"

"Oh, I'm great."

"Are you ready to go Averia?"

"Yes!" I jumped up but was once again thwarted.

"Sit!" I sat. "Now, do you two honestly think that you would be allowed to voyage alone to see the Good Magician? Averia, you are underage and engaged. Nothing may be allowed to happen until you are married. Do you both understand?" They nodded. "Good, now your chaperone will be here any minute."

"Chaperone?!" I yelled, jumping up. "What are you talking about?"

"Sit!" I sat. "Now, Grundy will be here any minute."

Galahad looked alarmed. "Not Grundy Golem."

"That would be me." The voice seemed to come from nowhere. "Got a problem with that Sasquatch?"

"Excuse me? Where are you?"

"Down here, pea-brain." I looked and there was a little man standing on the ground. "Now pick me up." I did so.

"Well, now you are ready to go. Bye dear. Take care." I kissed her on the cheek and did the same to Nimby. Then we left but suddenly I wasn't so excited.