Author's Note: Over a year is a very long time between updates. I'm so sorry. If anyone is still reading you have my apologies and some fluff before a proper chapter tomorrow!

'Previously in The Light'- DG ran away from her life in the palace. Cain found her and brought her back because of a mystery illness called the 'Turning Malady' which was killing people in Central City. After returning to the Palace DG and Cain finally have to talk about a kiss they shared before DG ran away. But then Cain sets off after some renegade long coats that have seriously injured Jeb. DG, of course, follows. They come across the trail of the long coats and their magician who are causing the Malady.
DG was captured by the two magicians responsible for the Malady. Cain, Glitch, Day and Cook set off chasing them across the O.Z. DG escaped the Magicians despite being caught in magic proof shackles. She headed into the Reed Lands and was found by the Gypsies, who have never been known as friends of the Crown. DG and Cain share another tender moment before DG was dragged off to speak with the leaders of the Ishlar-Nari leaving Cain and the others prisoners.
The Islar-Nari offered DG the magicians and a cure for the Turning Malady in exchange for the Reed Lands. In conversation with her mother DG learns this is unacceptable. Lavender also makes it clear that she will never let DG and Cain be together.
Determined to do what is right DG made the deal anyway and also proposed and married the Tin-Man.

Chapter Thirty: The Edge of the Water

It was fully day now. Dawn had broken over the Islar-Nari camp whilst the violin music had been playing. DG had been surprised by it but apparent, Sisara had told her, it was traditional for the Gypsies to play in the new day at a wedding. Immediately after the couple were wed it seemed. She and Cain had danced. Then they had watched the others dance. The pretty young girl Lea and Cook had been seen spinning each other in circles.

There had been food, simple bread and sweet cakes. Wine of course… and then after a few hours of celebration there had been silence. The party and the music faded almost as quickly as it had begun. Then one by one the Islar-Nari disappeared into the huts or out in boats onto the placid water.

'Tobias showed me where we are staying.' Cain said taking her hand and leading DG across the pier. There was a tiny boat at its edge with silver bells hung at its bows. Lifting her down first Cain jumped into the boat shoving them away from the pier.

'Where are we going?' DG asked her eyes scanning the Reed Lands and the city. It was so odd for it to be so quiet so early in the day.

'There's a hut out on the edge of the city. Only reachable by boat. It's where we can stay. It's called 'Killan-Illiaria.' I think…' The Tin Man told her gesturing out to a small building half concealed by the tallest reeds.

'Sisara told me Illiaria means Edge of Water. It's the name of this city.' The sunlight was playing on the water as they moved through it. The gentle breeze made the bells jingle slightly.

'Killan means Home.' Cain told her with a smile. Home. DG thought studying the Tin Man's face as he moved the boat through the water with a staff, like a gondola. I wonder if that word will ever mean the same thing again… she thought. Can a person be home?

'You're happy?' He asked without turning to look at her. They were scant yards from the building now.

'Of course.' DG told him firmly. 'You?'

'Never more so.' He replied reaching out and tugging the tiny boat into a position alongside the hut. Then he heaved himself out and onto the jetty. DG climbed up, still in her wedding dress, beside him. She went to move into the building as the jetty was barely big enough for them both to stand side by side. However before she could her husband grabbed her arms holding her fast and facing him.

'I know it's hard. Your sister being absent. Knowing your mother is on her way.' Cain said his voice gentle. 'But that's the future right now. Now is what matters today. Today is not tomorrow…' he trailed studying her with intense blue eyes. She met his gaze. Today is not tomorrow. She turned the phrase over in her mind. he was right. She couldn't worry about tomorrow. It would happen anyway.

'Today is today.' She said nodding. Then she leaned in and Cain kissed her gently. Before she realised he had lifted her into his arms and made his way towards the hut.