Hello There! Here is another chapter I've been busy a little bit but I'm here now! I hope ya'll have been doing good.

Enjoy! :)

-Joyful Wild

CHAPTER 27: DOUBLE DIGIT BIRTHDAY AND WILL'S WILL

Leeli woke up to the sound of a bird chirping outside one of the windows next to her bed. She opened her eyes and smiled as excitement filled her from the tip of her toes to the top of her head. Today was a very special day today. Today was her tenth birthday! And she got to celebrate it in the wonderful land of Anniera, her home. She thought about what it would be like to travel back in time and tell her nine-year-old self that she would get to celebrate her birthday in the Shining Isle. It would have only been about a year ago that she thought she was just a little girl who loved dogs and music and lived in a little town called Glipwood. But now so much happened so quickly. It was as if she was in Glipwood, then closed her eyes, had a crazy dream, then woke up in Anniera.

She sat up and quickly jumped out of her bed and opened the curtains, that were on both sides of her bed, and soaked the warm light of the morning. Baxter lifted his head and wagged his tail. "Good morning, Baxter!" She said. Baxter jumped up and trotted to her. "Do you know what today is?" Baxter tilted his head to the side. "Today is my tenth birthday!" She exclaimed but quickly put her hands over her mouth. She was so excited that she forgot that she shared the room with Sara and Laylah or Rose. It was after Artham and Laylah went to that farm that Laylah began to refer to herself as Rose. Nobody knew if that wasreally her name but the way she said she began to remember things it's definitely possible. Leeli looked around the room and noticed that both beds were made but the other two girls weren't there. She tilted her head the way Baxter did and wondered where they would be. Sara normally woke up around the same time Leeli did but Laylah was usually the last one to wake up since she stays up later to let out her burst of energy that she gets whenever she transformed into a creature out in the palace gardens. Even Janner would do the same whenever he turned into a nocturnal animal, although that didn't happen every night just sometimes. Maybe the girls were doing something.Planning something for my birthday?! She thought as another burst of excitement overflowed her heart.

She made her bed and went to her closet where she found her first present and gasped at what she saw. A beautiful, silky, teal dress that had white lace at the bottom of the skirt, the sleeves went down to the elbows and white lace went from the elbow down to the wrist, and there was white lace that traced the neckline, hung inside of the door. On the hanger there was a little note hanging by a string. She opened the note and read:

Happy 10th Birthday Leeli!

I'm so proud of you and the little lady that you have become! You're growing up so fast Leeli Girl. You're double digits now! I hope you like your gift. And there is another little something in the library on the table that has a map carved onto it. I love you very much and you will always be my Lizard Kicker, Bat Thwacker, Strong, Brave, and Beautiful Granddaughter. Happy Birthday!

LOVE,

Grandpa

Leeli's smile grew even wider. She quickly put on her dress and looked in the mirror and twirled her skirt back and forth then turned to Baxter. "What do you think?" Baxter came up and sniffed the new dress then wagged and barked showing his approval as Leeli laughed. "Come on we got to go to the library and see what's there!" Leeli rushed out of her room and headed straight towards the library. On the way, there were a few guards and servants who wished her a Happy Birthday. Once she came up to the large double doors of the library she opened them to reveal a large room filled with bookshelves on both sides of the room (that were filled with books) and tall ladders on each bookshelf so that you could reach the top. There were many windows and chandeliers to light up the room and a long table that reached the front of the room and halfway down where another large table started and ended in the back of the room. Both tables had the map of Aerwiar carved onto them, finished with a nice smooth gloss to make it shine. And the floor was made of a soft carpet.

Leeli came up to the first table which had something that looked like a box on it wrapped in pink paper and a white bow. She gently untied the bow and unwrapped the paper to reveal a brown satchel that a dragon sown onto it, with a note on top of it. The note read:

Dear Leeli,

Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoy this book that Oskar and I picked out for you. It has songs all the way from the Second Epoch to now! There is another gift waiting for you in front of the mountain painting that's next to the window in the Great Hall. I hope you have a wonderful birthday. Happy Birthday! I love you!

Love,

JANNER

Dear Leeli Wingfeather,

In the words of Gratz Capstone (the author of this book) "May you have a wonderful, astonishing, extraordinary, amazing, incredible Birthday!" Have a wonderful young Song Maiden.

From,

Oskar N. Reteep

Leeli picked up the satchel and opened it then pulled out a book that said: SONGS FROM THE SECOND EPOCH AND BEYOND (AND THEIR HISTORIES). She flipped through the pages that had music sheets and a small history about them. She showed it to Baxter who looked just as happy as she did and put it back in the satchel then they both hurried to the Great Hall. She walked even faster and wondered where everybody was. Maybe they're in here. She thought as she opened the doors to a room that looked similar to the library except this had a marble floor and only had windows and paintings on the walls and had little drawers with vases filled with many different types of flowers beneath them. She searched the walls until she found a painting of a tall mountain with a dragon on it with its wings spread out. On the drawer was a small black box that also had a note with it.

Happy Birthday Leeli!

I love you very much and I think you'll make this present look beautiful! You have grown a lot and I hope you have a great birthday! You're next present will be in the art room sitting on an easel.

Love,

Kalmar

Leeli opened the box to show a silver necklace that has purple beads and a silver heart with a blue gem in it. Leeli put around her neck and put the box in the satchel. "Okay now to the art room." Baxter barked again and hurried off out of the door. The art room wasn't far and was filled paintings of all different styles and blank canvases waiting to be turned into something beautiful. And in the middle of the room was an easel with a small canvas that was covered by a white cloth and a note was placed in front of it.

Dear Leeli,

Lately I've learning to paint so I thought that I should paint you a gift. Your brothers told me of a great, BIG, friend you had for a long time and I hope you like this painting of your first dog, Nugget the Brave. And your next gift will be in the music room next to a harp. Happy Birthday!

-Amrah

Leeli stared at the cloth for a couple of seconds before reaching out and slowly lifted the cloth to reveal a painting of a dog that was as big as a horse standing triumphantly next to a waterfall that reflected the sunlight making him almost glow. In the bottom right corner Amrah wrote "Nugget the Brave". Leeli smiled as she wiped a tear from her eye. Baxter sat next to her and whined wondering why she was sad on her birthday. Leeli took the canvas and showed it to Baxter.
"This is Nugget." She said with a smile. "He was my first dog. He protected us from getting hurt by the Fangs. One time I thought he had died but Uncle Artham gave him a little bit to much of the First Well which healed him but also made him really big. Then one day when we were on the run we came across a bridge with trolls close behind. He was able to make them fall off the bridge but it had cost him his life. He was very brave. I think you would love him if you met him." Baxter came up to Leeli and licked the tears of of hers cheeks which made her giggle. She rubbed his head and said, "Thanks Baxter." She gently picked up the canvas and held close to her then they both went to the music room.

It was just as big as the art room but instead of paintings, canvases and art supplies there many, many instruments that sat on the floor on stands, hung on the wall or had legs so that they could be in their own spot. She went towards a harp and on the stool next to it sat a note, a drawing, and a bracelet with flower charms on it.

Happy Birthday Leeli!

I was able to thread together a bracelet for you and Rose wanted to draw something for you. We hope you like our gifts and that you have fun today. Happy Birthday!

Love

Sara

Rose

Sara was the one who wrote the letter but Rose had signed her name in a sloppy handwriting but it was still readable. Leeli looked at the bracelet and took note of the fine detail of the flower petals and put it on her wrist then unfolded the second piece of paper that had a drawing of her holding a whistleharp and Baxter next to her with her name and Baxter's above them and the words "Happy Birthday! Look in the Dinning Hall" written below it. Leeli and Baxter went to the Dinning Hall where big tables in the shape of circles were scattered across the room and looked a lot like the Great Hall. She went to the closest table which had what looked like a blue music box. On the side was ship on the dock where the buildings looked like they were made of sand. She opened the note that was in front of it.

Happy Birthday Leeli Bird!

We hope you enjoy this music box that came from the Woes of Shreve. The song that it plays is a well known lullaby that was passed down from generation to generation of the people of Shreve. We hope you like it and your last present will be in the garden out back. Happy Birthday!

Love,

Artham and Arundelle

Leeli twisted the bottom of the music box and bent down to show Baxter what it was. They both looked at it in awe as the box opened up to reveal a small ship with even smaller figurine sailors going up and down waves and slowly spinning in circles as the music played then the box closed once the song was done. Baxter barked wanting to do it again. "That was great but we got to get to the garden Artham and Arundelle said there is one last present to find." Leeli said. She gently put the music box in her satchel and they were off. Finally they got to the garden where flowers, bushes and trees lined the walkway that led to a large circular table with a light blue table cloth and plates and cups with utensils next to them and chairs all around the table. Blue and white streamers hung across the trees and a large banner that said: HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEELI hung in between two trees straight ahead. Her jaw dropped at the site and went to the table where another box with another note sat.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEEET LEELI!

You're ten years old now! You have grown so much and are learning a lot. We are blessed to have you as our daughter and Anniera is blessed to have such a sweet Song Maiden making such beautiful music. Remember to trust in the Maker even when it seems tough. You are such a strong princess and we love you very much. Happy Birthday!

Love,

Mamma & Papa

Leeli opened up the box to reveal a silver tiara with blue gems on it. She carefully put onto her head and looked at Baxter and smiled. "What do you think?" She asked. Baxter barked and wagged his tail again as she laughed. Then suddenly the whole family jumped out and yelled, "SURPRISE!" Leeli looked around and laughed. "Aaaww thank you all!" She said. They all gave her hugs and kisses before sitting down to eat breakfast.

…

Esben helped Nia bring the dishes into the kitchen while he looked out the window and saw the children playing games. He still couldn't believe it. It felt like only yesterday his youngest and only daughter was a tiny little baby whose hand could wrap around his fingertip and whose feet could fit inside his hand. But now she was ten years old and running around and laughing and playing. "What are you thinking about?" Nia asked. Esben blinked and looked at her, "Oh, just…" He looked out the window again, "She's grown so much. And there was so much that I wish I got see but couldn't." Nia came over and on his back and looked up at him as went on. " I got to see the boys take their first steps and speak their first words and get their first tooth. But I didn't get to see Leeli do any of that. And so many times I wish I was there to see it."

They were both silent before Nia spoke. "Do you want to know what her first word was?"

Esben turned to her, "What was it?"

"Her first word was 'Dada'. Even though she was still a baby but think she remembered a little bit then."

"Really?"

"Yes. I know there was a lot that you didn't get to see but think of all the things you do get to see now. She still has a lot of firsts to go through and you'll be there with her still." She put a hand on the side of his face and he leaned into her hand. "How about you go play with kids I got the dishes from here."

"You sure?"

"Yes, I am now go have fun with your daughter."

Esben smiled before giving Nia a kiss on her forehead and went outside. Nia watched Esben play with the kids. The boys were able to tackle him and pin him down as Leeli jumped in to tickle him. Of course Esben would make it dramatic and beg the princess to tell her "minions" to let him go but she gave no mercy and tickled him even more. But soon he was able to tickle her back then pick her up and spin in circles as she laughed harder. But pretty soon he got to dizzy and they fell down while Janner and Kalmar fell on the ground from laughing and Baxter jumped and barked next to them. She couldn't help but smile as well. Then Arundelle walked into the room, "Nia, Artham told me that Rudric is almost here with the O'Sally family!"

"Really? That was quicker than I thought."

"And he said that Gammon and Maraly are close too!"

"That's good. She's going to be very surprised."

"Did you tell Esben about Leeli and Thorn. Since you know, Thorn wants to marry her when they become of age."

"Yes I did tell him."

"And how did he take it?"

"Very good actually. I told him about Thorn and his family and he said that he's actually happy to meet him."

"That's great!"

Then about thirty minutes later while everyone was outside Artham came down and announced that Rudric, Gammon, Maraly, and the O' Sally family have arrived which made Leeli squeal. They all went down to the docks and waited for the ships to come which meant a couple of minutes of Kalmar teasing a little bit. "You excited to see your "boyfriend"?

"For the last time he's NOT my boyfriend. He is a boy that I am friends with." Leeli said."

"Then what about the whole…" Kalmar took Leeli's hand in one, the other went on his chest as he went to one knee and did an impression of Thorn, "Oh, Leeli whenever we become of age we shall have a wedding and it will be great!" Then Janner slapped him on the back of the head, "Come on Kal, we all know he would say 'it will be REAL great.'"

Kalmar stood up, "Yeah, probably."

"Oh, you two be nice." Leeli said, "Besides I think that's another reason to like him."

"Oooooohhhh." Kalmar said.

"As a friend!" Leeli said as she blushed. Pretty soon the ships were at the docks and Leeli was practically jumping. First came Gammon and Maraly off of one ship then came Rudric with the O' Sally family. "Thorn!" Leeli exclaimed as she gave him a great big hug while everyone smiled at them. Once everyone was introduced they all headed back to the castle and began the party games. And it made Leeli even more happy to see that Esben got along with Biggin and his sons very well. They all played and played until it was lunch time and everyone was on their way to the Dinning Hall. Artham was walking in the back when someone called his name from behind him. It was Tommy McJoe who was holding an envelope. "Tommy?"

"Hello…Artham." He panted.

"Are you okay?" Artham asked. Tommy looked very out of breath and tired.

"Oh yeah I just… saw you… so I ran up the stairs…so that I can give you this." He held out the envelope.

"What's this?" Artham asked as he took the envelope.

"I believe…it's William's will." Tommy said finally catching his breath.

"His will?!" Artham opened it and pulled out a piece of paper

"Yeah, I found it in the attic and I read it and it turns out that I would've inherited his farm anyway if he passed but look at the last paragraph." Tommy pointed to the bottom of the page. Artham read it very carefully and gasped at what he read then looked up Tommy who looked at him with the same surprised expression.

"Crazy right?" Tommy asked.

"Yeah. I'm going to have tell Arundelle about this."

"Good idea. Well, I should probably head back and also wish the princess a Happy Birthday for me would you?"

"I will thank you."

"You're welcome."

Artham looked down at the paper again read it over and over again. The will was asking him to do something that he never thought he would do. But it seems that the Maker had put everything into place for it to work.