Back at the Castle of the Crystal, Rian frantically ran to the chamber where his father was resting. He couldn't believe what he heard back there. The Chamberlain asked a bone covered Skeksis to kill Ghost. Even though it hurts to think of her as a traitor for making a secret alliance to the Arathim, he still thinks of her as a sister who just wants to make friends no matter how strange they are or what species they are. The young Stonewood warrior was soon brought back into reality as he crashed right into Gurjin.

"Ow!" Gurjin yelled. He slowly got up onto his feet. "What in Thra-Rian!" He helped his friend up. "What happened? You look like you've seen a-"

"Gurjin!" Rian said. "No time to explain! Ghost's in trouble!" He continued to run down the hall with Gurjin trailing behind him. It didn't take him long to reach Ordon's quarters. He nearly fell down again as he burst through the door. "Father!"

Ordon looked up from his latest reports. His scarred face filled with concern and age under the light of a candle. "Rian...What are you doing? You need to be back at your post." Seeing the sheer terror on his son's face made him stand up from the desk he was sitting by. "What's wrong? Does it have to do with the Arathim?"

"No." Rian gasped. His throat hurts from running around the castle like a mad Landstrider. He gulped hard. "It's Ghost! Chamberlain was talking about her and he wasn't alone." He pulled up his hand. "Dreamfast with me! Please! I know Ghost hurt us, but she's still family."

Ordon reluctantly put his hand against his son's. Gurjin joined the duo. It wasn't long until they reached the vision of where Rian had seen the conversation between SkekSil and SkekMal. The Hunter looked menacing. What troubled everyone was that Rian also saw that the Crystal of Truth was purple and cracked. Different from what they had seen before. Then, it flashed by to SkekMal leaving the room. They all gasped as the vision was over.

Rian's blue eyes glowed brighter as tears brimmed his eyes. "We've got to save her. Maybe she has an explanation of why she was in the catacombs." He rubbed his eyes. He was soon embraced by Ordon and Gurjin. He sobbed softly. As the Gelfling trio hugged, they were unaware that their conversation was listened to by a troubled scientist, a shivering collector and an angered general.

-(Deet, Ha'rar)-

After a few days of walking they finally made it to Ha'rar. Deet stared in wonder at the field of white that laid before her. "It's just like how Ghost described it." She touched the white surface. The Grotten shivered at the cold sensation. She giggled. "Even to the cold." She waved to the nearest Vapran she saw, but no response. She frowned. "Well... They certainly look quite different."

"Yeah," Hup said. "Rude!"

Deet walked around and noticed the guards were gathered at the gate. Then, noticed a royal Vapran coming out while the farmers at the other side simply stared. Deet couldn't help but notice that she's a little down. So, she went over to sit next to the young Vapran princess. Hup followed. "Hello, my name's is Hup. I'm new here. Do you know how I can see the All Maudra by any chance? I have something important."

Brea looked up. Her eyes widened in shock. "You're a Grotten! I'm afraid I can't help you. My mother is already cross with me and there's too many things going on that she might listen to you."

Deet gave a puzzled stare. "What do you-Oh! You're a princess." She got up and bowed. "My apologies. I didn't mean to be rude."

Brea smiled lightly. "No. It's fine. I'm Brea. The youngest daughter of the All Maudra. If you're going to get inside, you might need to find something that allows the guards to let you in." She turned around to make sure no one saw her. "I better go soon. I have to prepare for a journey with The Order of Lesser Service. It's my punishment for giving Nullroot to a Sifa Elder." Before Deet could say anything, the Vapran princess left.

Deet and Hup looked on, confused for a moment. "Well...At least she was nice to talk to me." Deet walked over to a nearby cart and stared at her reflection. She saw her dark eyes staring back at a small mirror. "Maybe I should tidy up a bit. Change my hair…"

Hup sighed. He turned and saw a nearby boutique. The stand had many colorful dresses. Ribbons and sashes. All them that could make any Gelfling woman look like royalty. Then, the Podling paladin had a great idea. He leaned back and whispered, "Be right back." He ran over to the boutique silently. Hup grabbed everything he could get his hands on like a thief in the night. Before the owner could spot them, he quickly ran back to Deet and had her put on the dress before anyone noticed. He smiled, satisfied with his work.

Deet looked down at herself. Her eyes widened in amazement. She wore a light blue dress that had several yellow butterflies darting around her bodice. A light blue veil hides her face well. In her hand was a fan. She looked at Hup. "How do I look, Hup?"

"Deet. Alway Be-utiful."

With that, the duo walked up to the gate. Hup began to weave his story about Deet being a grand lady. His movements are heroic and effortless. His stance commands to be of a real paladin. Deet just simply stood silently, waving her fan gently. The silence was so great it would be cut with a knife. Then, the guard allowed them to enter the palace.

It didn't take them long until they finally arrived in the throne room. It was just as they had expected. Grand and powerful. Sitting on the throne was the All Maudra herself. Looking exhausted after a long day. She looked up, her eyes staring hard at her paladin. "What is the meaning of this?"

The paladin bowed. Hup followed along."Forgive me, All Maudra. This Podling and his mistress have come to give you some urgent news."

The All Maudra was silent. Her eyes focused on her unannounced guests. Then looked at her daughters. "Seladon, Tavra, Leave us." She also waved away the paladin and the protests from her daughters. "I would like to have a word alone with this visitor."

With that, everyone but Hup and Deet were left with the All Maudra. Deet waved the fan in front of her face. The heat on her face became unbearable. Her mouth went dry. Even Hup was starting to look nervous and excited. The young Grotten nearly jumped as the mighty Vapran Queen spoke. "You can come out of that outfit now."

Deet looked up at her. "I-I don't know what you mean. I'm just a mere Vapran noble."

All Muadra shook her head. "I've seen nobles before. They don't have skin like that. Nice try though. Reveal yourself or I'll kick you out."

Deet held up her hands. "Please don't do that! I merely was sent here by Maudra Argot." She removed her dress to reveal her Grotten clothing. Her hands daintily wrapped it in a neat ball. "My name's Deet and this is my Podling friend, Hup." It didn't take long for Deet to start telling her story. Her run in with a mad Nurloc. The Sentry Tree. A strange creature that nearly killed her. Her journey from Stonewood and meeting with Ghost (though she noticed the All-Maudra's face turn somber). Finally her arrival here.

Silence hung there for a moment. The All Maudra didn't seem to think of it as a total lie. "I've recently heard something a little similar from the farmers around here." She said. "Stories of crops with purple veins and just recently there have been reports of Landstriders going crazy. Just recently, I had to investigate a broken fence of a large herd." All Maudra thought for a moment. "I'll look into it. However, I'm also looking into a search for the servant, Ghost. Just recently, the Lords caught her being with the Arathim. We'll need to catch her. Be cautious." She then looked at Hup. "When the time comes, I'll have you made as paladin. For now, please escort Deet back home."

Hup smile. "Hup!" He bowed. With that, Deet and Hup left with a few castle guards to escort them back.

Sometime later, the duo was making their way back to Stonewood through the Endless Forest. Deet had a soft smile on her face. She never felt so assured before. The sun on her face made her skin a brighter green. "Well she was nice wasn't she, Hup?"

Hup nodded. He raised his spoon in a mighty fashion. Suddenly, he heard a snap. He raised his spoon and got close to Deet. He darted his gaze along the brush. A shadow jumping from bush to bush effortlessly. The Podling leaned against her. "Deet. Not safe. Need to go." Hup gently pushed her. The duo ran from their unknown foe. Unaware that they were running straight to where Ghost was.

Yep! This is where things get real! Thought to include Deet and Rian because those two deserve love. T.T