In the garden the necromancer ran right into Wati and another stranger.
"Hello, prince Wati! It's great to see you!" Nareen was happy to find him in time for an invitation.
Wati nodded in her direction. "Nareen! We are still searching for clues on the thieves' whereabouts, but sadly we've been unable to locate him so far. Can you give us some more detailed clues?"

"Oh my," Nareen gasped. "I completely forgot! Wati, you can stop searching!"
"What do you mean?" He seemed confused.
"We found the culprit. I mean...she's not really a culprit. It was all a plan of the house's owner to make a renovation. We were informed just a few hours ago."
"So you have your belongings back?"
"Yes, kind of. We recieved new things. Thank you so much for your help, Wati. We were very worried and appreciate your efforts."
"It's my duty, my lady."
"Who's this with you, by the way?"

"Oh, that's right. You haven't met him yet. This is Sol, one of my best guards."
"Hello, Sol! Nice to meet you!"
"Hello, lady Nareen."
"Oh, please! Just call me Nareen. And you too, Wati, please stop calling me lady."

"But that's..." Wati wanted to protest, but Nareen stopped him.
"Please."
"As you wish."
"We want to be friends with you, and friends don't need such formalities. Speaking of friends, I want to invite you to our Christmas party tomorrow. Can you come? And you, too?" She looked at Sol.
"A party?" Wati said. "I'm sorry, but we can't neglect our duties."
"Aw."

Nahh-Ati stormed into the garden and ran right towards Nareen.
"Hooray!" she cheered, out of breath. She didn't seem to notice the men standing beside her. "I asked my sister for permission and she said I may come to your party!"
"Oh, Nahh-Ati, that's great to hear," Nareen exclaimed.

Wati was bewildered. "Princess Nahh-Ati. You know the dollhouse ladies? What are you doing here?"
"Huh?" She looked at the guards. "Oh, hi Wati! I met Nareen a few days ago, and today she invited me to her party."
"And lady Nahh-Ato gave you permission?"

"Not just that, she even said she'll think about the invitation to come, too. I lent her some shoes. Nareen, keep your fingers crossed that she'll come!"
"Ha ha, I will!"
Wati squared his shoulders and cleared his throat. "In that case, Sol and I will attend the party too, with your permission. We have to protect the young princess."
"And catch a glimpse of my big sis, right?" Nahh-ati winked at the captain of the guard, and Sol hid a grin.
"That's not it at all!" Despite his calm voice, Wati couldn't keep from blushing.

Dolltopia Archive 35 <-- # --> Dolltopia Archive 37