The invitation had instructed them to cross into Findersland and head for the capitol city of Raverra, so the Dwarfs did. Grumpy thought the journey was much better with the brothers than with Heinrich the year before. But every time they went into a city or a town, he grew antsy. His eyes saw thieves working, and he warned off every single one with subtle signals. Nobody would hurt these brothers like he had ever again. But it was exhausting, and it would only get worse.

The brothers noticed how tense Grumpy was, and they saw his fear boil even closer to the surface. Every time others were around, he seemed to prepare himself to fight. He distrusted everybody besides the brothers. That didn't stop his usual generosity toward the street urchins they met, though. He always tossed coins to them, and they always looked so grateful. Grumpy never said anything about why he did it, but his actions weren't lost on them. They knew he was very familiar with hunger, and he always did his best to alleviate it wherever they went. In fact, he very rarely spent any coin on himself. It was bizarre but so very Grumpy that they didn't think twice about it.

When they approached the town that surrounded the castle, they slowed a bit. Though walled towns were nothing new, the Dwarfs were stunned by the wall. They stopped at a rise and stared at the stones. Grumpy squinted and pointed down to the gates.

"Guards are waitin' to take us in." He turned when they didn't answer. "What's wrong with you?"

"The wall is Dwarf made," Sleepy murmured. "A hundred years ago, the Delvers were saved by the king of Findersland, and in gratitude, the clan built a fortress wall around the town and castle to protect it from invaders. The wall withstood everythin' any invaders tried, and it is said to this day that the wall is enchanted. They drove the invaders back, and they have only expanded the kingdom from there." He paused then looked around, grinning. "And Snow's marryin' the prince of this kingdom!"

"Then let's go," Bashful said, and they hefted the packs higher on their backs and headed down the road.

There was a flurry of activity before their arrival, and they were suddenly surrounded by guards and marched into the city. As they passed through the gates, Grumpy knew at once that Sleepy had been correct. Deep magic radiated from the core of the wall, and he fought back a shiver as they walked into the streets.

When they saw the crowd gathering to watch their procession go by, Doc gasped and reached over to grab Grumpy's arm. He looked startled by the size of the city and the number of people staring at them. One look in his stressed eyes and Grumpy knew he didn't want to speak at all. He patted Doc's hand, and Bashful came up on his other side, looking just as frightened. Grumpy squeezed his arm, too, and he could feel the brothers crowding close as they were escorted into the throng of people that stood watching them.

There was a lot of talking and pointing, and children peeked out at them with big eyes. Bashful couldn't bear to keep looking around, and he lowered his eyes to the street. Even Doc looked away from the crowd. Grumpy was unbothered for himself, having been given the same kinds of looks his whole life, but he didn't like that the brothers were so uncomfortable. He was just considering what he could do when there was a loud scream.

"Halt! Thief!"

A bolt of panic erupted inside of Grumpy, and he instinctively tensed to run as his eyes scanned the humans for the source of the shout. Their escort closed around them to stop anybody from stealing from them. The guard who had spotted the thief ran after him. The crowd pushed the thief toward the guard, jeering, and the man snagged what appeared to be a boy. The thief struggled to break his grip, but Grumpy noticed the struggle was suspiciously useless. The guard reached for the thief's hood to reveal who was stealing as he pulled fruitlessly against his grip. Grumpy knew what it was to be a rabbit in a snare, and he wished that feeling on nobody. And to shame somebody in front of so many people? It reminded him of his public lashing, which had been the most humiliating moment of his life.

Without conscious thought, he released Doc and Bashful and barreled over, hitting the backs of the guard's knees. The man yelped and released the thief as he collapsed, and the thief crashed to the ground. Grumpy grabbed the thief and pulled them around. Their eyes met, and Grumpy saw what he'd knew he'd find. It was a young woman, a frightened young woman. She looked at him, terrified.

"Please," she whispered.

Grumpy used a sleight of hand to pull coins from his purse then shoved them in her sweaty fingers. "Run, girlie," he muttered, and he released her.

She obeyed instantly, bolting like a frightened rabbit into the silent crowd. The guard scrambled to his feet and moved to chase her, but Grumpy sidestepped and tripped him up. He hit the ground again then pushed to his knees.

"How dare you!" he snarled. "You let that thief get away."

Grumpy held his head up high and radiated anger. "What of it?" he snapped.

"I should arrest you!"

"You won't though, 'cause we're here for Snow," Grumpy said coldly. "And maybe if you showed some compassion, there wouldn't be any need for thievin', did you ever think a that?"

"Thieves don't deserve compassion!" the guard spat. "They deserve the noose!"

Grumpy stood as still as stone, but Bashful noticed the brief glimmer of pain in his eyes before he narrowed them, glaring at the man. Doc finally nudged Bashful, who walked over.

"Come on. Let's go see Snow," he murmured, grabbing Grumpy's arm.

Grumpy gave the man one last dirty look then went back over to the brothers, who were still crowded around each other. The crowd began to murmur as the guard stood and rejoined the group. Doc pulled Grumpy in, and they began to march through the streets. Grumpy was now in the center of the brothers, and he realized they were protecting him from the guards when they wouldn't let him through. Finally they got to the foot of the stairs leading up to the palace. The guards broke off to either side of them, and a trumpet sounded.

"Announcing the princess of Germonia, Snow White!"

The Dwarfs all took off their hats, giddy with excitement to see her. The doors to the palace opened and a hush fell over the crowd when Snow appeared. The Dwarfs all grinned when they saw what she was wearing. It was the dress Sleepy had made her as a parting gift. It was made of a rich blue cloth embroidered with gold and silver thread in fantastic designs, and the skirt was studded with perfect jewels. The tiara Doc had made for her glittered on her brow, and there was a collective gasp as she walked out. She walked gracefully down the stairs, a beaming smile on her face as her eyes lingered on her friends. She stopped above them, and they bowed.

"Arise," she said sweetly. "Welcome to Findersland, my brave Dwarfs. You are my honored guests."

Grumpy, knowing the brothers were too frightened to speak, took the initiative. "Honor's ours," he grunted. "About time for the weddin', Snow. What happen, that boy get cold feet for a year?"

There was a burst of shocked laughter from quite a few men in the crowd, but everybody else was stunned into silence. Doc looked utterly horrified, and he elbowed Grumpy's ribs. The rest of the brothers struggled not to burst out laughing at the whole situation. Snow took it all in stride, throwing her head back as her tinkling laughter rang out.

"We have plenty of time to discuss what's been happening since I left. If you will follow me, we shall get you settled. Come along!"

Grumpy didn't hesitate, and the brothers had to scramble to catch up once they realized they were going inside.

"Wait! Princess!"

The Dwarfs turned to see the guard Grumpy had tripped up twice. The brothers stiffened.

"Yes, Reuben?" Snow asked.

The guard looked surprised then unsure. "I must report some misbehavior from one of your guests."

Snow peered at him then turned to Grumpy. "What did you do?" she asked, looking amused.

"Who says it was me?" Grumpy retorted.

"Was it you?"

"Yep," Grumpy replied. "But that ain't the point."

Snow shook her head then turned to the guard. "What did he do?"

"We caught a thief and were going to arrest him, but this… Dwarf let him get away." He caught himself before he insulted her guest.

Snow raised her eyebrows, and Doc grabbed Grumpy again, suddenly wary. Grumpy was unconcerned.

"Oh. I see." Snow turned to Grumpy. "And did you give him something so that he can buy food?"

"Yep."

"Then what is the problem?" Snow asked the guard.

He looked bewildered. "He let the thief get away…"

"A little mercy goes a long way," Snow said in a clear voice. "I see nothing wrong with what my friend did. I only wonder if you were in a similar position, who would you rather catch you? Somebody who wishes to arrest you, or somebody who is willing to give up his hard-earned money so a thief can have a meal? Consider that, Reuben." She turned to the Dwarfs. "Come along."

The Dwarfs hurried up the stairs behind her. As soon as the massive doors shut behind them, they sagged in relief, and Snow turned to them. For a moment, she stared at them, a picture of beauty and grace. Then a wicked grin spread over her face, and she shook her head.

"What's so funny, Snow?" Happy asked.

"I should have known Grumpy would get into trouble," she laughed. "Oh how I've missed you all!"

With that, she plucked up Grumpy's hat and planted a kiss on his head. He yelped and swatted at her. "Dadgum it, woman!"

She laughed again then turned to give each of the brothers a kiss on the head. They all looked very pleased as they blushed.

"You're wearin' the dress I made you," Sleepy said fondly. "You look so pretty."

"Your hair is longer, too," Happy said. "Looks real nice."

"Oh, thank you," Snow said, brushing her fingers through her shoulder-length hair. "I've always wanted long hair. But my stepmother…" She trailed off and swallowed, and for a moment, she looked like a scared little girl again.

"May she rot in pieces," Grumpy said solemnly.

Doc turned and shoved him. "That's enough out of you! It was bad enough what you said out there! I thought you had more tense, erm, sense than that! You did the same blasted thing with Florián last fear, um, year!"

Grumpy gazed at him and shrugged. "What's the point of actin' different than we would any ol' time? They're gonna hate us anyhow."

"Now that's a little extreme," Doc began, but he snapped his mouth shut when he saw two well-dressed people coming toward them. Almost subconsciously, he stepped behind Grumpy and ducked. Bashful flushed up to his ears and the others looked frightened again. They huddled behind Grumpy as if seeking protection. Grumpy gazed at the humans dispassionately.

"Who're they?" he asked Snow.

She turned and stood up straighter then smiled. "May I present Florián's parents, the king and queen of Findersland. This is Ferdinand and Isabela."

Grumpy bowed, and the brothers followed suit. There was a long pause, and the brothers began to fidget. Grumpy didn't move, unwilling to give the queen the satisfaction of making him squirm. She finally spoke.

"You may rise, Dwarfs."

They did so, and they immediately saw disdain on the her face. The king looked interested.

"So you're the Dwarfs who protected Snow White?" Ferdinand asked, a sparkle in his eyes.

"Yep," Grumpy said. "Long story. Sleepy should tell it sometime."

Sleepy let out an undignified squeak, ducking his head. Grumpy was amused, and judging by the expression on Snow's face, she was, too.

"I would love to hear it. What do you say, dear?" the king asked, turning to his wife.

"I can't think of anything but how filthy these Dwarfs are." Isabela turned to Snow. "Please make sure they are presentable the next time they see us."

Grumpy was about to ask her how she'd look after traveling for two weeks, but Doc grabbed his hand and squeezed. Grumpy settled down. As much as he wanted to lash out, he knew Doc was already humiliated by what he'd said on the steps. Besides, she was the queen. As fun as it was, there was a limit, so he tamped it down and simply crossed his arms defiantly.

"Of course, Isabela," Snow said, curtsying. "I was just about to take them to their rooms."

"Certainly a servant would be better suited for that task," Isabela said.

"It would be my honor." Snow turned to them before the queen could respond. "If you please, come this way."

Grumpy scanned the king and queen as the brothers hurried down the hallway after Snow. He made no comment as the king peered at him with interest and the queen glared. Snorting, he finally turned and went after the group. He could feel the royals watching him just like all humans did, and he couldn't help the bitter thoughts swirling in his mind, sounding exactly like Calida.

'Welcome back, Ivan,' she said sweetly. 'Nothing's changed.'