After the meal, Darryl spent time making a wooden toy in his studio. It was one of his past times these days and since he had been making such craft when he once stayed in the Loch, he kind of followed the habit. The one he did this time was a doll house and he spent all afternoon crafting one that when he went to climb in the tree house to put the toy, the sun was ready to set.

When he opened the door for the tree house, he was surprised to see Princess Lana there adoring all the toys he made.

​​

"Hero," Princess Lana made her cursty which Darryl answered with a nod. "I'm sorry I climbed here without permission, I was just lost and the path leads me to her. Didn't intend to pry,"

"It's okay," he replied and went to place the dollhouse on a counter near a window. He was busy arranging the little furniture he made together with the house that he didn't realize the princess had come to his side. And so when he turned with the intention to leave, he stumbled on her and she almost fell. Good thing Darryl was alert enough to catch her.

"I'm sorry," She said acknowledging her mishap of sneaking at his back. She was just adoring the new toy he made and couldn't bring to open up a conversation with him. Darryl had his guard up all the time and even though he was hospitable with her, he didn't really say much.

"It's okay," Darryl said and steadied her back to her feet. "Please be careful round here, unlike the palace, my place isn't that great. You might ended up hurt as all of my tools were around the property,"

"I understand," Princess Lana certainly didn't expect such a fall but Darryl's consideration and gallantry with her makes her hope for something more than his hospitality. "The toys in this room were great and the furniture.. They're really something. Different but beautiful,"

Darryl only nodded at her compliment and even before he could leave, she opened up, "I heard the Chieftain had encouraged you to make more furniture and make it as a business. He is really a fan of your craft,"

Darryl and Enoch indeed had some conversation about it. Darryl used to make furniture and sold in Hampshire town for a living when he decided to stay in the Loch previously. When Enoch learned of it and saw his work—the wooden toys and the furniture he made around his house, he was greatly impressed and wanted Darryl to continue making it as a trade. Many royals had been looking forward to it too as well as the wooden toys he makes.

"I don't have much time these days because of the Oak school," He replied to her statement. "But I'm considering the chieftain's proposition,"

"Very well. I just recently asked some of my men to cut fine trees on the east side. They were still refining it. I shall send it to you as a gift," She smiled and was relieved that she finally got to tell him about the gift she had been preparing for him. "The last time I came, I brought gifts from Princess Song to you and I was not able to send my own gifts. I hope its not yet too late for it,"

"Thank you for the generosity, princess," Darryl thanked her. Truth was he didn't want any gifts anymore because he had been loaded with many since he came back. It was rather an act of disrespect if you refused a gift from a royal so Darryl just let it be. "If you excuse me Princess, I need to leave to do other tasks. You can linger around if you want,"

"Alright. I shall not take most of your time," The Highest Princess allowed him to leave, satisfied with the fact that he had finally talked to him a bit longer than he usually does.

***

It was the day that everyone was waiting for. Baruk Tam's household was flooded with many royals from different villages and the Somer Village was lively, celebrating the gift of love and marriage. To honor their Baruk, every street of the Somer Village was filled with banners and flowers were thrown in the streets. Each family celebrated and brought offerings. The streets then were filled with people singing, dancing and endless music.

In the Baruk's household, many came to greet Maru and Baruk Tam. The couple were held in separate rooms and like every usual bride, Maru was anxious. She walked back and forth ceasely, very nervous and at the same time excited.

"Maru relax, it's going to be fine. You'll be the most lovely bride ever," Princess Song tried to calm her down.

"Is everything ready? I hadn't seen the altar yet, perhaps I should go and check," She headed to the door when princess Song stopped her.

"No you are not going anywhere, you can't leave this room already because the ceremony is going to start soon," She chided her, blocking the door. Just then, someone came and when they saw that it was the Highest Princess they both gave her a bow.

"How are you feeling Maru? You must be very happy today," Princess Lana said as she gave Maru a careful look. "I came here to bring your bowl of rice,"

"Oh thank you highest princess," She exclaimed, very honored that it was the highest princess herself who secured the bowl for her. The rice bowl was an important part of the ceremony but as per their customs, although the bride is going to offer it to her husband, she must not make it herself as it will bring bad luck. So most of the time, someone was to prepare it on behalf of the bride and Princess Lana took the initiative.

"You were the one who previously gave the healer her rice bow and since she was not here to return the favor, I made it on behalf of the Hero's household," Princess Lana narrated.

"Did the hero ask for your help to make it?" Princess Song was bewildered when the highest princess announced it was on behalf of Darryl. It was rather odd that the latter would give such a task to Princess Lana as he treats ther as a guest.