"I'm not actually going to have to marry one of these guys am I?" DG was anxious. You could tell by the way she wrung her hands. DG wasn't a handwringer.
"Oh no," Queen Lurline assured her with a laugh. "We don't foist arranged marriages onto people, darling."
DG sagged in relief.
The entire family including Glitch and Cain were currently in conference in the mostly bronze sitting room.
Azkadelia and Ambrose were playing chess…much to Az's chagrin Glitch was winning—again.
The queen was embroidering and Emily knitting both perched on the same sofa…DG wasn't sure whether to be relieved or worried that her mothers were getting along so well.
Ahamo was idly sketching everyone. Henry was whittling something out of wood, the shavings falling into a large silver soup tureen to avoid getting bits of wood all over the place.
Cain leaned against a wall. They'd already tried and failed to get him to sit down on a chair.
Today, the royal family was discussing the upcoming ambassadorial arrivals. Envoys from the lands of Ev, Ix, and Mo were coming. The official explanation for the visit was so that they could reestablish diplomatic ties with the O.Z. The truth was they were sending their younger sons to court Princess DG of the O.Z.
"Why can't they court Az?" DG wondered plaintively. "She's more of a proper princess then I'll ever be."
Az contemplated moving a rook, "I'm considered damaged goods, Deej. It will be awhile before any kingdom sends any of their sons my why. And that suits me just fine."
"Just…let them down easy," Lurline suggested.
Ahamo traced the curve of his eldest daughter's neck with charcoal, "All you have to do is be polite."
"If any gets fresh…" Henry grinned suddenly.
"You'll chase after them with a pitchfork," DG finished for him.
Ahamo gave his fellow father an interested look, "A pitchfork?"
"When our girl started to date I had to do something to scare the boys," Henry had a decided twinkle in his eye.
Ahamo looked far too intrigued with the idea for DG's peace of mind.
"Just avoid turning any over enthusiastic suitor into a frog, dollface and you'll do fine," Ambrose said. He could totally take Azkadelia's king in four moves.
"Ambrose!" Lurline cried out in protest.
Both princesses looked up at their mother.
"You turned someone into a frog?" DG grinned. "Wait. We can do that…turn people into frogs."
Emily curled one and hooked two, "Yes, you are able to turn people into frogs…"
"No, you may not," continued Lurline.
DG's fears were realized. Mother and Mom had teamed up.
Az just blinked. She couldn't imagine her prim and proper royal mother doing such a thing. She was really impressed.
"Organics," Henry shook his head in exasperation. "All this trouble just to find a mate." He reached out and took Emily's hand. "I'm more grateful than ever that we were made for each other."
Emily beamed at him, "Quite literally."
"Ah geeze," muttered DG. They were programmed for mushy.
"Now before the envoys get her we need to have a little talk…" Lurline began.
DG's eyes widened in panic, "No! I've already had the sex talk! Twice and that was enough."
The silence that preceded this was profound.
Glitch's head jerked up to stare at her.
Emily and Lurline exchanged exasperated glances.
Henry let escape a chuckle. Ahamo to be honest was relieved. The last time he'd attempted to give 'The Talk' it was to a possessed Azkadelia. Talk about awkward.
Cain who had been glaring at a potted plant for some reason throughout the family meeting was now staring at a now pink cheeked DG with an intent expression.
"Why twice?" Az wondered as she lost a knight.
DG shrugged, "They were programmed with embarrass-the-offspring protocols."
"How did you know?" Emily wondered. She and Henry laughed at DG's horrified expression.
"You are too easy," Henry chortled.
"Checkmate!" Glitch called out triumphantly as he took Azkadelia's king.
The procession was like a grand glittering parade that moved slowly up the road to the defrosted Mountain Palace. Each prospective groom had brought a full entourage of about fifty or so people. This didn't make Cain or the guardsmen in the Royal Protection Detail happy. In fact, Cain had been in a sour mood ever since he'd gotten the news of the royal visitors.
The first suitor in line was Periphetes Tullius Scipio, nephew of the Emperor of Ix. Ix, Ahamo had explained was mostly Greco-Roman with a little Victorian England thrown in. From up in her tower bedroom, DG could see the Ixian soldiers in their little leather kilts and shiny helmets with the bristly red crests.
Next, was Prince Robin of Ev. Ev was what would have happened if the industrial revolution had take place in medieval times. DG had been told not to make fun of their fashion sense. Tights and poofy shorts were currently popular.
Then there was Shang of Mo, Prince of the Blood, third in line for the Chrysanthemum Throne. Mo was very Imperial Japan back when it was still a gated community. He was rumored to be a ninja. DG thought this was kinda cool. Cain was not at all happy with that news and tripled the guard postings.
"Is that what you're wearing?" Az's voice was chiding. She, herself was resplendent in an indigo gown.
DG looked down and scrutinized her own outfit, "I think my pants are fancy enough." Fancy they were. The seamstresses may have been forced to make pants; however, that would not stifle their artistry. Today, her pants were black velvet with gold stitching paired with a red ruffled silk shirt.
Glitch, had been right as it would happen, pants had caught on with the younger female population. The criticism for her scandalous fashion sense was quieting down.
"How's the betting pool?" DG smirked impishly.
Azkadelia tried to look scandalized thought better on it and shrugged, "I'm down five platinums for you being inadvertently responsible for the prince of Ev getting bitten by crazed rabid laboratory bunnyburies.
DG laughed, "Lets get this show on the road."
Az threaded her arm through her sister's, "Lets."
"Are you sure I can't turn him into a frog?" DG asked her mother. The princess's fists were clenched so hard that the knuckles were beginning to turn white.
DG sat with her family enthroned. The queen and prince consort in the middle with the princesses on either side. At the foot of the dais was a chair for Ambrose and a small sofa for the robo-rents. Raw had opted to sit on the dais stairs themselves.
Cain lurked somewhere just out of sight; but, DG could feel his presence.
The presentation had gone well at first. The three perspective grooms introduced. All were polite, all good looking, and they all looked at her like she was a prize mare that they were contemplating buying.
Prince Robin was a sweet seventeen year old boy with tousled blond hair who looked like he was going to trip over his own feet any minute. He was wearing green tights, with puffy gray shorts and a gray jacket with equally puffy sleeves.
Periphetes Tullius Scipio of Ix and of the long name who wore a red toga with gold edges was handsome enough in a dark beady eyed, sharp beaked kind of way. DG immediately disliked him. He leered at her, at Az, and at Queen Lurline.
Shang was in a heavily embroidered robe. He relatively gorgeous, all golden and leanly muscled, he excluded quiet like a still pool of water.
As diplomatic functions go, the event wasn't too painful. Then came the gift giving; when one travels to a foreign land it is customary to gift your host three times. And considering why the three noblemen were present you could bet they would try to outdo each other.
Shang presented DG with a pygmy albino oliphaunt, (she made a mental note to send the little creature to the Central City Zoo; cute as it was it wasn't a house pet), a dozen seedling for Mo's famous jeweled cherry trees (the blossoms glittered in the sun), and a exquisitely crafted samurai blade forged by the finest sword smith in all of Mo.
Prince Robin stumbled a bit over his presentation; his countries gifts were also quite impressive. A golden harp that sang with a voice of heartbreaking beauty, a small velvet bag of what was purported to be magic beans, and a crystal motorized carriage.
Then came Periphetes Tullius Scipio of Ix swaggered forward.
Raw let out a low menacing growl. The Family and Ambrose all turned startled glances towards the viewer who slowly clambered to his feet. Something was up.
Periphetes's gifts, dressed in white linen and silver chains were three people…three slaves.
DG's blood drained from her face. Two were children, fraternal twins, boy and girl, with dark chocolate skin and startlingly green eyes. The other was a young woman of astonishing beauty. The three of them prostrated themselves before the younger princess.
Periphetes blinked in astonishment at DG's frog comment, "Do you not like my gifts?"
The assembled citizens of the O.Z. gasped in horror at Periphetes gesture. Then they went quiet. Somehow it was an ugly silence.
Periphetes was beginning to feel uncomfortable from all the unquestionably hostile stares directed his way.
DG stood up and skirted around the three…gifts and strode down the dais with an expression of incoming thunder.
After a moment's hesitation, Azkadelia hurried over to the girl and the children, knelt and began to speak to them quietly.
"Periphetes Tullius Scipio of Ix, perhaps you were not aware," Queen Lurline's voice was flat and unyielding. "Slavery is not legal in the O.Z."
The Ixian just new he'd be blamed by his Imperial Uncle for this faux pa. He hadn't wanted to go this uncivilized pit anyway. The princess was comely enough; but, he wanted to wed someone less willful then she was alleged to be. "Your Majesty, I assure you that I had no wish to offend…"
"Furthermore, did you know," continued the queen, "that by Our law, any slave who sets foot on Our soil is free?"
Periphetes all but goggled, "You cannot possibly be serious." What the hells kind of place was this?
"I think you'll find she's totally serious," DG said with a small hard smile.
"He did not know, Your Majesty." A figure dressed in the gray livery of the house of Scipio ambled lazily passed Periphetes's honor guard. "However, I was entirely aware."
"Linus!" sputtered Periphetes in red-faced rage.
The slave (former) was a solidly built man with a steady blue eyes and a head of dark strawberry blond hair. "I knew that this was an opportunity that would never come again." He gave Periphetes a chiding look, "You really shouldn't have given the task of planning this trip to someone who violently dislikes you as much as I do. I couldn't arrange for the freedom of everyone in your household—unfortunately. However, all the slaves I chose for this little excursion have no real ties to Ev."
"The plot doth thicken," Glitch said gaily.
"Who are you?" Ahamo asked gravely his lips quirking up in amused approval.
"Linus Georgeakopoulos, formally this ones body servant." He gave the queen a sweeping bow.
Periphetes turned a poisonous glare in Linus's direction.
"What would you have of us?" Ahamo wondered.
"I would ask that you take us, to grant us sanctuary in your lands. I would that we be free."
Azkadelia had given up on getting the three gifts to come up for air gave Linus a considering and completely understanding look.
"Would you give your oath of featly the O.Z.?" The prince consort asked.
Linus smiled, "Gladly."
"You," hissed Periphetes "are my property.
"With all due respect," Linus returned, "not any more."
"I will drag you back in chains," Periphetes ground out. "Tribune!"
A kilted legionnaire looked at his lord inquiringly.
"Take him!"
Linus backed up as the soldier trotted forward.
"Think again." DG knocked the legionnaire back with a flash of force and light.
Periphetes made a quick motion and his honor guards unsheathed their gladiuses, the double-bladed Ixian short sword.
"I," Periphetes said with a voice rife with outraged self importance, "am leaving this gods forsaken hellshole. "And I'll be taking my property with me."
A moment later and Glitch had gracefully flipped a legionnaire over his shoulder while Raw plowed into another.
Lady Emily stood with a reproving scowl, "Is that any way to behave?" She lightly thumped on unlucky soldier on the head, he slumped down unconsciously.
"You should have let me bring my pitchfork," Henry grumbled to his wife.
Periphetes glared at DG. "This is all your fault!"
DG just smiled sweetly at him.
A moment later he found out why. Abruptly, something cold and hard was pressed against the back of his neck.
"Call off your dogs," Wyatt Cain growled.
Periphetes didn't know much about guns—he did know that they could easily kill him dead.
At a barked order from Cain, the legionnaires were rounded up by grim faced palace guards.
"Linus Georgeakopoulos," called Ahamo, to his credit he didn't stumble over the difficult surname, "we call you up.
Linus nodded his head to a smiling DG and walked up the steps to kneel before the queen. He felt as if he were in a strange dream that he'd wake up from at any moment.
"Here do I swear fealty and service to the O.Z. In peace or war. In living or dying. From this hour henceforth, until my lady release me... or death take me." Linus had never objected to service…he'd just prefer to choose whom he'd serve.
"And I shall not forget it. Nor fail to reward that which is given. Fealty with love, valor with honor, disloyalty with vengeance," Lurline replied. "Rise up, Linus Georgeakopoulos; you now bare both the privileges and responsibilities of a subject and citizen of the O.Z."
Linus stood up with wonder curving up his lips.
"My uncle will not let this stand!" Periphetes all but bellowed.
Ambrose grinned at him, "He will. Between us and any reprisals your uncle might think to send is the Deadly Desert. So, on behalf of the entire O.Z. don't let the door smack you on your ass when you head out."
"Bad rubbish, good riddance," added Raw.
"Sir Wyatt," Ahamo called out.
Cain snapped to attention, "Sir?"
"Will you arrange for our guests to be escorted to the harbors?" Ahamo asked. The most common way to traverse the Deadly Desert was to hire a Sand Ship to take you across.
All three suitors had taken that rout. As it was the least perilous through the ever shifting sands.
Cain smiled and holstered his gun, "Yes, sir." He clamped a hand around the back of Periphetes's neck and he twisted one of the nobleman's arms behind his back and frog marched him out of the hall.
Robin and Shang watched the proceedings in bemusement.
"This is the best diplomatic function I've ever been to!" Robin said with a bounce.
Shang rolled his eyes at his rival's exuberance, "It certainly was not boring."
"There goes bachelor number one," Glitch quipped.
Prince Robin of Ev collapsed on the picnic blanket with a groan. It wasn't even noon and he was exhausted. He'd been expecting a typical arranged outing that would formal and awkward and preferably chaperoned by a humorless maiden aunt who would only wear black.
Instead, Princess DG had led him on a merry, insane romp through Central City. First, the princess had shown im her motorbike. Robin had held onto her as she sped down the cobblestone-d street. First, they had visited the zoo where DG's oliphaunt was settling in. She'd named the little creature Barbar of all things.
Next, they toured the Museum where the O.Z.'s strange and wonderful history was laid out in elaborate dioramas.
At one point Robin had found himself apologizing to a cabbage salesman for knocking over the man's cart. The poor fellow had all but been in tears. Apparently, every time DG was in town something happened to his cabbages.
The O.Z. was a different kind of place from home. For one thing no real feudal system, they had a working class but no serfs. There were was the nobility but a person could change or improve upon the circumstances of their birth with nothing but hard work and talent.
It was a revelation of the way things could be. Ev wasn't a bad place to live…it just lacked a sense of wonder.
And of coarse there was the Princess. He'd never met anyone like her. DG was…just wonderful. Adventurous, compassionate, funny, were just some of the many adjectives he found that didn't quite do her justice. She was this weird mix of innocent and cynical that sort of grabbed your attention and didn't let go.
And she was pretty.
In all honesty, Robin didn't think he'd like her. He didn't like the majority of girls he was sent to court…but, DG was special. How often did you meet a girl who saved the world?
She may have lacked a dour chaperone but, the Head of Security for the Royal Family was way more intimidating then any maiden aunt. Wyatt Cain was something of an enigma. He was a member of a law enforcement agency called the Tin Men. Robin knew that he was one of DG's companions from her journey; but, he wasn't sure what the exact relationship that existed between them.
DG seemed to save her brightest smiles for him.
"What are they?" Robin wondered. A swarm of glittering insects were forming pictures in the air, everything from childish sketches to stunning murals in the air.
"Fuddles," DG pulled out a bundle wrapped with pink cloth. "Would you like a turkey sandwich or a ham?"
Robin, who had never had a sandwich, looked intrigued. "Ham?" It was good! It never would have occurred to him to put a bunch of things between bread.
They munched in amiable silence. "Did you really grow up on the other side like the T'witches?"
"Yep. Kansas farm girl all the way," DG said cheerfully. "T'witches…oh wait…Apolla and Artemis of Coventry…twin witches. That's clever."
"You're not going to merry me are you?" Robin watched the fuddle's created a dazzling picture of a waterfall.
"Nope," DG concurred.
Robin sat up and put on a semi-wounded expression, "Why not? I'm charming."
DG laughed. "Yes, Robin you're very charming," she ruffled his unruly hair. "I'm just not in love with you."
Robin sighed. He'd known. "Could you tell my parents that I died so I don't have to go back?"
DG's eyebrow rose, "Why would you want that?"
"Because, the next girl on the list of perspective brides is Princess Aura of Mongo! I don't want to be Ming the Merciless's son in law! Do you know why he's called that?" Robin's face was flushed and wild eyed.
"I suppose you telling your parents to shove it…is out of the question?"
"Entirely," Robin replied sourly. "I'm not even all that important politically. I'm the afterthought?"
DG frowned, "Afterthought?"
"You know— the heir and the spare. I'm the third son, the afterthought," surprisingly this was said with resignation untinged by bitterness.
"College," DG ventured.
Robin shook his head, "No good. I'm of the ruling class…what do I need with an education?"
DG snorted at that in amusement. "Wait," a smile of discovery lit her fair features. "In all the stories I've ever read, the third son goes on a journey to find his fortune."
The prince sat up, "Yes! If I went on a quest they couldn't tell me no. It's tradition!" Robin looked around cautiously for Cain before giving DG a smacking kiss on the cheek. "You've saved my life!
Linus Georgeakopoulos looked around the well appointed office with interest. It was decorated with what Linus, suspected was the traditional fashion of the O.Z. A pleasing merging both form and function. This room was decorated in shades of green and brown with rich leather furniture.
"Ah, there you are?" Princess Azkadelia swept into the room.
"Highness," Linus gave her a half bow. "You wanted to see me?"
Az perched herself on the rosewood desk, "Yes. I was put in charge to seeing to the needs of you and your people."
Linus was surprised. He'd have expected that such a duty would be given to some court factotum— not to the eldest royal daughter.
"What is to be done with us?"
Azkadelia consulted a notebook. "The children were gifted a good family just this morning."
Linus was impressed that was fast work.
"As for the others..." Az continued, "they will be given the education the law required they have before having to face the job market."
The former body servant grinned, "That's great news."
"And now what are we to do with you," Azkadelia gave him a searching glance.
"Me?" Linus twitched under her intent lavender eyes.
"You, Linus Georgeakopoulos, have impressed my mother," Az smiled.
Linus felt a light blush creep over his features. "I have?"
"You orcastrated the freedom of not just yourself but, for many people," Azkadelia bit her lip. He'd impressed her as well. "I can understand your unwavering desire to be free?"
"Not to be rude. But, highness, how could you possibly understand how a slave feels?" Linus asked skeptically.
Azkadelia gave him a sardonic look, "Try being possessed for fifteen annuals by the spirit of an insane witch who used you to destroy everything you hold dear…even to the extent of using you to kill your own little sister."
"Princess DG seems rather spry for a corpse," Linus finally managed. The rumors were true! She probably knew more what if felt like to be powerless then he did.
"She got better," Az's voice was wry. She looked down at her notebook. "It says here that before you were sold into slavery that you were a fully trained archivist."
Linus nodded, "As was my father before me."
Azkadelia nodded in satisfaction. "I have a proposition for you. The Royal Librarian, Professor Woggle, is in need of a new assistant Liberian." She looked at him expectantly.
"That's a generous offer," Linus's voice was cautious.
"The employment package has all the extra perks that come with being in royal service," Az continued. "Medical and dental benefits…combat pay…" she trailed off at his incredulous look.
"Combat pay…for librarians?" He said a hint of a laugh in his voice.
"All that knowledge in one place—bound to be dangerous," Az grinned. She held out one graceful hand. "Do we have a deal?"
Linus nodded and took her hand, "It's a deal."
Shang of Mo watched DG stand up and rub her dirt covered hands on the knees of her green pants. He noted that they showed off her trim figure exquisitely. She had just finished planted his gift of five jeweled cherry seedlings into a large mostly even circle on top of a small hill.
"Now, concentrate," said the royal tutor in his rich rumbling voice. "And let the light flow through you."
The princess nodded. She closed her impossibly wide blue eyes and extended both hands, fingers flayed out. Her dark hair fluttered in a rising breeze. A wave of light, suns and moon, and stars all mingled together flowed from her person.
Slowly but surly the seedling began to grow. The seedling flourished into shoulder high saplings that danced in the breeze.
DG lowered her hands and the light faded and she just stood their eyes closed and face looking up to the sun.
"Are you alright," the tutor asked.
"Mmm, just fine, Toto," DG reassured him. "It feels like my feet are going to sprout roots and my hairs going to grow leaves."
"Your Highness, it seems has a way with growing thing," Shang murmured.
DG smiled, "I should. I grew up on a farm."
"I'll see you for tomorrow lesson," Tutor said with a wave.
DG nodded. "See you tomorrow, Toto."
The prince and princess walked in silence for a moment.
"Are really a ninja?" DG asked an interested sparkle in her eye.
Shang smiled, "If I were a ninja would I tell you."
He was rewarded by a rich laugh.
----
Shang led DG in a simple beginner's kata. "Have you had any training with blades?" He asked as she pivoted on one heal with the katana he had given her slicing through the air.
"Yes. Glitch has been teaching me to fence."
It took Shang a moment to remember that Glitch was the pet name she had often called Ambrose, the queen's closest advisor. He cast his mind back. Yes, Ambrose had been given much training and was probably a master of some discipline.
"He has taught you well," Shang said at last. "It would not take much for you to become proficient with our dance of blades. Alas, as usual, Master Raidon was correct; the blade is not for you."
DG blinked at him. "Then who is it for? And who's Master Raidon?"
"Master Raidon is he who forged that weapon." Shang pulled something from his robes.
It was a piece of almond brown paper folded into thirds with a red wax seal.
DG put the sword down on the bench next to its sheath. She took the note and broke the seal. Written on it in spidery English was written:
DG of Gale, I have worked my entire life to create a weapon worthy of legend. At last I have succeeded. I have forged this blade out of steal that fell from a star into the sea; I have forged it with the breath of dragons, and cooled it with snow from the holy mountain. When it was done I knew I had done art.
A weapon knows its purpose and its place. My Masterpiece has told me its purpose and place in my dreams. Its purpose is to defend life in the hands of a champion. I had hoped its place was with you. But, the spirit I pleaded the gods to endow the sword, has not shown me you face; I see a maiden with eyes like the sea and hair of flame, a patchwork girl.
I leave this sword in your guardianship. To keep safe until a friend unknown returns to claim it.
Raidon of Mo
DG thoughtfully pocketed the note. Then she picked up the katana. She certainly wasn't a viewer to pick up the past; however, DG could sense magic and giving a sword a sprite sounded magical.
Oh. DG let out a gasp…she was given a glimpse of something fierce and good and utterly, utterly inexorable.
Shang watched as she carefully sheathed the weapon with rock steady hands. She was wise this princess.
----
They found Raw, reading a book, sitting against a huge beach tree in the courtyard. DG blanched when she saw the book. Philosophy was a subject she knew from experience that Raw could go on about for hours.
There weren't very many subjects that Raw felt the need to expound on with his poor English; philosophy was one subject he made an exception for. On that first journey she had brought up the conundrum that philosophy teachers had tortured students with for centuries, 'If a tree falls in the forest, and nobodies it there to hear it; does it make a sound.' That had been a mistake.
The fearful viewer had latched on to it and had talked for it for hours. Glitch had been amused especially when Cain had pushed Raw into a stream and threatened to shot him if he would not shut up.
"You are reading Tsu Li?" Shang with surprised wonder. Tsu Li was one of his land's most famous thinkers.
"Yes. Raw likes Tsu Li. Even if Tsu Li needs to mature," Raw said thoughtfully.
Shang's face fell, "You think Tsu Li is immature!"
"Does not ask right questions," Raw said rubbing under his beard.
DG sighed. This was going to take hours.
A few hours later, Shang had finally stopped arguing with Raw. "He has a most remarkable mind…"
DG narrowed her eyes at him, "You sound surprised."
Shang shrugged, "In the past my people would have taken joy in the differences between Mo's peoples. But, now to be different is to be shunned and ostracized.
"Racism is an ugly thing. I'm disappointed that it's over here." DG rubbed her hands together.
"It is indeed," Shang agreed with her.
----
"I could easily love you," Shang said after they had seated themselves into the opera seats.
DG didn't like the Opera on Earth and she wasn't all that impressed with the O.Z.'s version; however, Ahamo had presented her with the tickets so she couldn't very well say no.
"What!" DG blinked.
"You are kind, intelligent and brave." Shang's smile was a little self mocking. "DG, you saved the world, extraordinary does not do you justice."
DG felt a flush creep over her pale cheeks, it wasn't everyday that ridiculously attractive men heaped compliments on her.
"I would try and win your heart—if I thought it was still yours to give," Shang's voice was regretful.
DG's eyes widened. What did that mean?
"But, I would not want you to forget me. So…" At that he kissed her. It was a nice kiss, a very thorough kiss given by someone who knew how to do it correctly.
It just wasn't completely right.
Shang smiled wistfully, "If he does not treasure you as he should—I will make him regret it."
"Why have you been avoiding me?" DG demanded.
Wyatt Cain sat up straight. It was three in the morning, his off shift, and DG was in his room… In her pajamas.
"What?" Cain. "Do you know what time it is, kiddo?"
DG scowled at him. "Don't change the subject. Ever since the envoys arrived you've been avoiding me! They left three days ago and I still haven't seen you."
"I've been busy. Besides, you wouldn't have wanted me hanging around you and your suitors," Wyatt began. He hated it when she was upset with him.
"I let them court me to be polite! Not because I actually intended to marry any of them," DG was beyond exasperated.
"I know…but I thought…" Cain said weakly.
"You thought wrong," DG folded her arms across her middle and pouted.
Wyatt groaned. He was helpless against her pout.
"Look, I'm sorry…things have just been hectic," Cain said rubbing sleep from his eyes.
A sly smile scuttled across the Tin Man's features.
DG rolled her eyes. He only got that look when he was going to tease her.
"I hear you got friendly with those two princes," Wyatt stretched, a movement that gave the princess a good view of his bare chest.
"Hmmm? Oh. Robin was a nice kid," DG said looking firmly at something over his shoulder.
"And for the record Shang kissed me. Not the other way around."
"What?!" Cain's voice went up an octave. His staff, having a good sense of self preservation, had left that out of their reports.
"Look at the time! I didn't realize it was so late," with that DG bolted from the room.
Ev, Ix, and Mo were countries in the Oz books.
Oliphaunt is how they spelt elephant in LOTR.
A golden singing harp is one of the treasures that Jack steals from the giant.
Magic beans…see above.
Linus's oath and Lurline's response is adapted from is adapted from the LOTR where Pippin swears service to Denethor, Steward of Gondor.
Yes, the cabbage salesman is from Avatar: the last airbender.
In the land of Oz, the fuddles were anthropomorphic puzzles.
In the Oz books, the Woogle-bug is a very large, very well educated bug.
Raidon is the god of thunder from Mortal Combat.
The patchwork girl is a character in the Oz books…the scarecrow's girlfriend if you're interested.
Guest Staring:
Ed Westwick (Chuck from Gossip Girl) as Periphetes Tullius Scipio of Ix.
Lucas Grabeel (Ryan from HSM) as Prince Robin of Ev
Will Yun Lee (Jae Kim on Bionic Women) as Shang of Mo
And…
Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee) as Linus Georgeakopoulos