Eventually, as Danerik got used to the swaying of the elephant, he began to enjoy the view he had of the city and the entourage around him. However, what he didn't get used to was Desiree's constant reminders, disciplining him in what she called "princely" protocol.

"And Danny-you don't mind if I call you Danny, right?-you absolutely must not-are you even listening anymore?"

"Umm…honestly, no."

"Danny! You have to-"

"Danerik? Danerik!" A confused voice from below caught Danerik's attention. Desiree reacted somewhat differently.

"What the flaming Tarsharat is that? Or who? Danerik-"

"Danerik? Danerik, is that you?"

"Valerie! Quick, uh, manservants, help me down. Desiree, this is a friend of mine, from…well, it doesn't matter, but she's a friend! We can trust her."

"Wait! Danerik…" Desiree drew closer and dropped to a whisper. "You may be able to explain all this-and myself-with the djinn story, but don't tell her about your 'changes'. Besides the fact that it is way too complicated to explain twice, it may be advantageous to keep your abilities secret."

"Advantageous?"

"Ah…helpful. Now get down there and confront your very confused friend!"

As he slid down the side of the elephant, he landed with a slight "whoof" and dusted himself off. Despite his magnificent clothing, he rushed toward the rag-clothed Valerie and hugged her, surprising both Valerie and Desiree.

"Danerik, what is this? I was on the city gate when I thought I saw you at the head of this…circus-"

"Valerie, meet Desiree. She's…well, I guess she's a djinn. And I'm a prince now. Prince Danerik."

"Oh-" A slightly dejected look came over Valerie's face. "Should I go?"

"Nonsense, girl! Uh, Valerie!" Desiree grinned. "There's plenty of room for a royal confidant in Danerik's procession."

"You mean…what will I have to do?"

"That's the best part. Absolutely nothing. All you need is a fancy title and some-no offence-cleaner clothes, and you'll absolutely look the part. Now, let me see here.." Desiree frowned as magic/spectral energy swirled around her hands, but finally a triumphant smile crossed her face.

"And-poof!-Presto!" In the customary puff of smoke, Valerie received a light red dress, edged with rubies and perfectly sized to fit her. Resembling the saris of India, it was threaded with gold, like Danerik's robes, and as she felt a weight on her forehead, she discovered a simple headdress with another large ruby set in the center.

"Wow…Desiree, this is-"

"Amazing? Yes, yes, isn't it just. Now, you and Danerik better get back up on that stinking elephant before the sun sets. Up, up!"

Smiling, Danerik flashed into ghost form, his robes momentarily replaced by scruffy-looking black clothes, and he pulled on Valerie's arm to lift her to the carriage waiting atop the elephant. As Valerie blinked in disbelief, he reverted to human form and shrugged. She simply smiled dazedly before facing the front of the elephant, trying not to laugh at the expressions of the people as they entered the city gate.

In case you haven't notice, Valerie sort of takes the place of Abu, while Tuck makes a very poor substitute for Raja. Let me know what you think of Danny's ghost costume, and if anyone wants to draw it….let the creativity begin!