I got off the horse and walked up to the man out front greeting the guests. He wore a red coat with black pants.

"Can I help you?" He asked.

"I’m here for the ball." I simply said.

He smiled and held back a laugh, "Excuse me? You want to come in?" He took out a piece of paper and read it over, "Hmm… No, I’m sorry. ‘Street Urchin’ isn’t on here."

"I’m am Mr. Arthur." I said coldly, trying to sound as serious as possible.

His face showed a little fear, "Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Arthur. I’ll announce you right away. Please come this way."

"No need to announce me. I’ll just sneak in." I dipped my hand in to a pouch and pulled out a shinny gold coin. "Here," I said handing him the coin, "all is forgiven."

"Yes, of course. Just let me open the doors for you, sir." The man out front walked to the huge double doors and pushed one open enough for me to get in. I quietly slipped in and took a look around as the door closed behind me.

There were all sorts of rich people here. They were sitting at tables and dancing on the main floor. There was a long table near the back to the center. There, sitting in the two biggest chairs were the King and Queen. I spotted the well-known cleric, Jon Andrews dancing with someone who was in a bride’s gown. I took another look around and I notice that this was a wedding ball. Jon Andrews must have gotten married to that woman. I looked around some more and I spotted Antarlas the dark elf talking with who I knew to be Rose Bafford, and old acquaintance of mine.

Then I saw Lily with her child in her arms just moving slowly like she was dancing. The child was now two years old. But due to his heritage, he wasn’t growing quite as fast as a human. Lily looked very beautiful in her yellow and white dress. I crept down the stairs and made my way to Lily on the other side of the room.

On the way I took a trinket here and there. Dipped my hand in a pocket or two and took some souvenirs. I walked in back of Lily and tapped her on the shoulder.

With a slight gasp and jump she turned around. Just for fun I kept my face hidden in my hood.

"Can I help you?" She asked.

"But you already have, Lily. And I thank you for it." I was smiling.

"Huh? Who are you?"

I pulled back the hood and brushed some of my brown hair out of my face and said, "It’s an old friend."

She smiled and gave me a hug with one arm while the other held the child. I hugged her back and held her close. It has been two years since I’ve talked to her. I have grown much since then. I was now five inches taller than her.

We broke the hug and looked at each other. "How’d you get in here, Nork?" She asked.

"I have my ways." I said with a smile.

"Oh, I don’t care how you got. I’m just glad you’re here. How have you been? I thought I’d never see you again. And look at you; you’ve grown so much. You are very handsome. Are you an adventurer now?"

"No, not really. These weapons are part of my job." I smiled. "For the first time in my life I am looking down on you."

"Yes, I remember when I found you. You were just a baby, barley able to walk. I took care of you for so long."

"And you were only ten." I said, "And you’re what, twenty-three now?"