Hey my beloved readers! Thank you for all of the comments!!! Enjoy the new chapter =)

*

Lora was busy pounding the dough as her mother tasted the stew. Kala turned to Lora, "Tobias seems to be a nice young man. What's his background?"

Lora looked up covered in flour, "That is his own story to tell."

Kala shrugged knowing not to bother Lora twice about such things, "Well he and Nem seem to be fast friends."

Lora peeked out from the kitchen to see Tobias teaching Nem some fighting moves. She giggled as she saw Nem trip Tobias to the ground accidentally.

"Sorry Tobias!" Nem said as Tobias sat up.

Tobias chuckled, "No need you are an excellent fighter!"

Nem sat down next to Tobias, "You want to know a secret?"

Tobias bent closer to Nem, "About what?"

Nem cupped his hands around Tobias's ear, "Lora kissed a boy once."

"Oh really? And who was this boy?"

Nem whispered again into Tobias's ear, "Jun, the one who ran away with our myrrh last year."

Tobias was surprised. Lora had never told him that. He suspected she had a lover at one point but he hadn't expected that. Now he knew why Lora wasn't too keen on sharing. He looked down at Nem, "Why are you telling me this?"

Nem whispered to Tobias again, "Lora doesn't let me talk about it, but I know you can keep a secret."

Tobias nodded, "Well then Nem, I won't tell a soul."

"Good!"

Tobias stood up and dusted off his pants, "Now how about another lesson?"

Kala called out through the kitchen, "No more for today! Come along for dinner boys everyone is here waiting!"

The Li house was as crowded as ever with Tobias, Trista's family, Puck's family and Kima's family. Dinner was loud and full of laughter. Lora couldn't remember the last time she had such a wonderful meal. After dinner, the men went out to the garden to smoke and talk business. The ladies cleaned up and chatted in the kitchen. Nem, Killy, and all of Kima's younger siblings were busy playing hide and seek. As Lora took the wash basin outside to dump, she felt someone tug on her sleeve. She turned to see Kima. Kima whispered quickly, "I need to talk to you!"

Lora nodded and dumped the basin. She turned back to Kima, "We can talk in my room upstairs."

The two girls quickly snuck up to Lora's room. Trista watched them sneak up, but decided not to say anything judging by the look on Kima's face. Lora motioned for Kima to sit on her bed with her, "So what is it Kima?"

"I lied Lora."

Lora was baffled, "What do you mean?"

Kima looked up with tears in her eyes, "It actually wasn't easy getting here. I wasn't sure we were going to make it if Tobias hadn't shown up. I just didn't want you to think of us that way when we met at the bridge."

Lora was surprised by what Kima had said, "But you did make it here Kima. Be thankful for that."

Tears began to trickle down Kima's face, "It was a nightmare Lora! There were so many monsters and to see our crystal smash like that….I don't want anyone to go through what I have seen."

Lora hugged Kima as she began to cry. It was all she could do. She had no idea the images in Kima's head. Once Kima had calmed down she looked at Lora, "I don't want Cedon to end up like Pora. We have only been here for a day but I feel as if I've always lived here. There are monsters moving towards here. We saw them as we raced to Cedon."

Lora looked down and nodded, "I fear it is only a matter of time." She then looked up with an idea, "Maybe you and Jasper can help me persuade the elders! We need to take some defensive measures to protect Cedon."

Kima nodded in agreement, "Jasper and I are willing to do anything at this time."

"Alright then it's decided. We will talk to the elders tomorrow. Let Jasper and Tobias know."

Kima wiped her eyes and smiled, "I think they already do."

Lora turned around to see four faces caught in the act of spying, "How long have you all been here!?"

Trista smiled, "Long enough. I tried to resist Lora, but you know me. Puck just happened to notice me sneak upstairs."

Puck puffed up his chest, "I thought it was for caravan planning. Then these two followed me."

Jasper smiled, "I have a right to see my sister, but I have no idea why Tobias is here."

Tobias laughed nervously, "I just wanted to see Lora's room."

Kima began to laugh. Lora was trying not to join in, "Alright well since you are all standing by my door you might as well come in."

The rest of the evening was spent in Lora's room with her friends old and new. Everyone stayed up late into the evening telling caravan stories and planning on what to tell the elders. Soon enough though, they began to go find their beds for the night, either down the road or in their wagon.

Tobias was the last to leave and picked up the lit candle so he could see as he walked downstairs to his makeshift bed. So much had happened today. Lora was so happy to have everyone safe and happy in Cedon. "Goodnight Tobias."

Tobias turned back to Lora before he headed downstairs and winked at her, "Goodnight."

*

Ooh what is going to happen during Lora's stay in Cedon??? Find out soon!

FYI: I'm going to apologize in advance but I am moving across the country via car so it will probably be a couple weeks before I can post again because of my job. I hope you guys understand!