Chapter 17

It was morning, the sun beamed through the trees with a brilliant yellow shine. Poppy and branch had already gotten ready for the day. Poppy was eager to tell her friends and her father about the engagement. But for some reason she was feeling sick to her stomach, as if she had a knot in her stomach. She just figured it was her nerves from all the news and still getting used to walking around on her own after being in recovery for so long. Being the energetic troll she is, she naturally was happy to get the day started early. Agreeing with his fiance, he followed her to the square to tell their friends the good news. The two trolls make their way to the square, enjoying seeing their fellow trolls in happy and carefree moods as they began their daily duties. Occasionally they heard a 'good morning' from various trolls, waving by and returning the remark. Poppy saw DJ and guy diamond talking in the corner of the square, they both had wide smiles on their faces, coming up to them was biggie and cooper from the west, and satin and chenille from the east. Smidge lowered herself from her pod above them. It was common for the pack to have a meeting spot in the morning to talk about their plans for the day. Seeing this, poppy hurried over to her friends, branch followed. "Good morning guys"! She said with laughter in her voice.

 The whole pack turned to see her,and happily bid her a warm 'good morning' welcome. Complimenting her on how well she is getting around now, they saw branch come up behind her, taking her hand into his. "Hiya branch"! Guy diamond said happily. The rest of the pack followed guy's statement with their own. Giving them a warm smile, he replied. "Hey guys. How's everyone doing this morning"? He asked. "well we're pretty good this morning, just trying to figure out what we should all do today. But we can't really choose. Anyway, what's up with you guys today"? DJ asked the couple. Branch and poppy looked to one another, smiling cheekily. Branch tilted his head to give her the "go ahead" gesture. She walked forward to get closer to her friends, branch walked beside her. "Well guys, we was gonna ask if you'd like to help us out with something". She finished with a hard blush. The pack was confused, why was she acting embarrassed over asking for help?

"What would that be poppy"? Biggie asked his friend, looking rather perplexed himself. Poppy looked to her fiance, giving him a light smile, he nods to her enthusiastically. "Our wedding". She said gleefully as she held up her hand to reveal the ring branch crafted for her. DJ, satin, chenille and guy diamond all shrieked loudly in excitement, almost making branch fall backwards from how loud and sudden it was. Biggie and cooper ran up to branch hugging him and telling him congratulations. Smidge hollered a loud "OH MEH GOOOOD" as she jumped up and down repeatedly. Soon after the whole pack came in for a group hug, all stammering questions and wanting to know details. Backing away from their friends, the pack were still ecstatic, but were more serious and cheerfully asked more questions. "H-how did it happen"? Asked Biggie. "Have you guys chosen a date"? Asked DJ. "Will there be a theme"? Asked satin. "Do we get to help make anything"? Asked chenille. "PLEASE tell me I get to be in charge of music for the reception"?! Demanded DJ. Neither branch nor poppy could get a word in. Finally poppy had to speak up just to get them to hear her. "Guys, guys, guys! Yes, you ALL get to help with the wedding. DJ, you should already know that you'll be in charge of music, Would it be ok if guy helped you"? She asked her. They were more than happy to work together. "Satin, chenille, can you guys will help me with the dress and the brides maids dresses"? She asked the twins. They already had their sketchbooks out making blueprints for dresses. "Smidge, could you and the boys help me with decorations and food? You guys always know how to help make a party last"! She beamed. The whole pack was overjoyed to be included. They were all so happy for the couple. "How did you ask her branch? Oh, I have to know!! Knowing you it was something sweet"!! Shrieked DJ. Branch stepped forward, taking poppy's hand again. "Well, I went to the palace gardens the last few days making her a surprise. Since it was finished two days ago, I figured I pay her father a visit. I went to talk to him at the palace".

(Flashback starts)

Branch enters the palace doors. Looking in the room for peppy, wondering if he was in or if he was still outside with the other trolls. Walking further into the great hall, he saw peppy about to walk up the stairs, he called over to him. "Peppy! King peppy! Hold on"! Branch hollered across the room. Peppy turned to see branch hurrying across to him. "Hello branch, how are you today? You need something"? He asked the young troll. "well sir....yes, I do". He said as he pulled out a smooth and clean clam shell. Peppy looked confused at first, but when branch opened it, all became clear. A wide smile gleamed over his face. "I....I want your permission to ask your daughter to marry me. I love her, peppy. More than I could ever say at this particular moment. She always stood up for me when I was being torn down. She always saw the good in me, when no one else did. She loved me, when I couldn't even love myself. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have known what it was like to truly be happy. Peppy......do I have your blessing, to marry your daughter"? Branch asked the king with a serious face. Peppy beamed proudly. "Of course, son. I couldn't have asked for a better troll to take my daughters' hand. This is a happy day indeed! We should make preparations soon! How will you ask her? Does she know yet"? Asked the king, eager to hear an answer. 

"You know that pond area I've been making the last few days? Well, it's finished. I made it for her. I was, going to bring her in since it will be dark soon. I was going to ask her there. This ring, I made this for her too. I found the opal in a pond that I camped next to while I was on that journey for the gloom blossom's. I hope she likes it.....". He said as he trailed off. As happy and anxious as he was, he was still nervous. Peppy held a reassuring hand on branch's shoulder. "This is poppy we're talking about branch. She will love it. I'm so proud of you both. I couldn't be happier for both of you". Peppy said with a smile from ear to ear. Branch smiled happily. "Thanks.....dad". Peppy nodded happily. The two trolls stand in silence for a moment, smiling widely. Poppy then trail in, seeing them in the great hall, she calls for their attention. Branch quickly stuffed the clam shell ring box in his vest, hoping she didn't see him.  

(End of flashback)

The pack and poppy all cooed in awe at his heartfelt and respectful actions with coming to peppy first. They respected him for having that much respect for both the princess and the king.

"After that, I took her to the pond I made her, once the sun had set, I started singing to her". The whole pack gasped. He sang to her? Again? They didn't think he would do it in front of her. They were surprised, but proud of him. "When I got to a section of the song I thought would be perfect for it, I presented her the ring, asking her.....to be my wife". Branch said as he looked over to his lovely fiance, face blushing redder than an apple. The whole pack showered branch with praise. This made branch feel happy and proud. "You should go talk to your dad poppy! He may want to see if you would like to talk about the wedding before creek's sentencing". Biggie claimed. Both branch and poppy wore shocked faces. They had forgotten it was creek's sentencing today. They were so wrapped up in what they were doing in the village lately that they honestly haven't thought about him. With a hard look on her face, poppy knew that her first real duty as a princess would be a difficult one. Never the less, it was a necessity that needed to be done. She agreed with her friend. "Yeah, you're right biggie, I'll go and have a talk with my dad. I'll see you guys later ok"? She asked. All agreeing, they let poppy go on her way. Branch stayed behind for a few moments to talk to biggie, cooper and guy diamond. "Hey guys, I was wondering if I could ask a favor of you"? He asked them. "Yeah branch, what's poppin' "? Cooper replied. Branch stepped forward to the pack. "Now, I know that poppy has already asked for your help with the wedding, but I wanted to ask for some help myself. Girls, I already know that poppy will want you to be her brides maids. There's no doubt about that". All the girls agreed instantly, talking amongst themselves smiling to one another. "So, I wanted to ask, if you guys would like to be my grooms men"? He asked the boys. Biggie, cooper and Guy diamond all jumped and hollered in happiness. They all agreed instantly. They loved the fact branch wanted them included in the wedding. "Alright, it's decided then! You'll all be my grooms men, and girls, you all will be her bridesmaids. This will be fun. But I need to be there for poppy during the sentencing. So I'll catch you guys later, ok"? The group of friends bid goodbye as branch quickly made his way up to the palace. 

Branch walked inside the palace. Trolls were buzzing around the great hall, preparing for the sentencing. Making chairs in large rows and leaving enough space for a pathway for creek and the guards to walk him down to the end, where bench stood for him to be seated. Looking around the great hall, he spotted poppy headed up the stairs. Trying to gently push his way through the crowd of trolls, he finally made his way to the stairs, walking up the stairway. Reaching the top, he finds her sitting on the edge of the large window sill, looking out into the village as she wore a concerned expression on her face. Branch walked over, standing beside her. "Pop? You ok"? He asked her with a weary voice. She continued to look out the window, looking down on the trolls in the square. "Branch....This is my first serious duty as princess. But....How should I punish him? I don't have the heart to kill anyone. That would bring me down to his level. And I don't want that. But his actions were despicable, and heartless. He shouldn't be let off lightly. I just....Don't know what to do". She sighed sadly, looking from the window and to her fiance's face. He understood her concern, it was her first real duty. And she didn't want to come off as soft on those who had done inexcusable acts. "Poppy, I know that this is difficult for you. But what creek did, there is no place for someone like that here. He was selfish and cowardly, taking advantage of you when you were alone, then using you as a shield when the snake attacked. I know that whatever punishment you come up with, it will be just". He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, stroking hair out of her face. She leaned into his kiss. "You'll do fine pop". Branch whispered. She looked to her fiance, concern vanished, instead, peace spread across her face. Smiling to one another, the couple was greeted by a yellow troll coming into the corridor. "Princess poppy, it's time". They braced themselves, nodding to each other with hard expressions on their faces. 

Poppy would freely admit that she was a tad bit afraid, she wasn't ready to see creek after what he tried to do to her. She stood in the main hall at the throne with her father, with branch by her side for support. Branch look over to her, he could see how uncomfortable she was, with uncertainty written all over her face. He reached over to her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Poppy, it'll be ok. You're strong, a fighter. You can do this". He whispered to her as the room began to fill with trolls for the sentencing. She smiled, knowing he was there made her feel the strength she needed to get through this. Peppy walked over to her, taking her hand into his. She looked to him, seeing him give her a reassuring smile. He pulls her hand, making her move with him. Leading her to the throne, then gestures for her to have a seat. Giving a look of light shock, she finally smiles sweetly as she takes a seat at the throne. Peppy stays by her side, as branch takes the other side next to her. She was ready. The three trolls stand ready, awaiting the first sentencing for troll village, ever. 

The Great hall was finally full of trolls. All clamoring over one another, talking about the sentencing. King peppy steps forward, calming the large crowd of trolls, calling for their attention. "Everyone, your attention please". It quickly went silent. Satisfied, peppy called to the guard. "Bring out the prisoner". He hollered across the room. Moments later, two guards brought out creek from the far end corridor. In chains, and looking worse for ware. Skin scuffed slightly from the last brawl he encountered with branch, but the bruises were gone. The guards led him to the edge of the walkway to the bench, where they seating him for him sentence. Looking up to the throne, he saw poppy, sitting in the throne looking down on him with a light scowl. He looked to her pitifully, even so, it did not work on her. Looking to her left, he saw peppy, also scowling at him. And to her right, he saw branch, glaring at him with a blood curdling stare. He could practically feel him boring holes into him from a distance. 

"Creek, you stand before us accused of heinous crimes against the crown. Attacking me with ..... attempted rape, assault, and using me as a shield against a full grown frostmouth snake, leaving me to die. Have you anything to say for yourself"? She asked fiercely, eyes filled with fire. Creek stammered for a few moments, trying to find the words to say that will help him get an easy sentence. "I-I didn't mean to lose control poppy! I swear on my life. I was just upset. My heart was broken and I was angry. As for the snake, I just....Panicked....Please poppy.....". Creek pleaded. Anger flared in all three of the trolls around the throne, as well as booing from the crowd of trolls in the hall all angrily howling at creek. More particularly, branch grit his teeth tightly, refraining himself from giving creek another beating. "Creek, that is NO excuse. There are MANY ways to deal with heartbreak, trying to RAPE me and leaving me to die in the forest is no way shape or form excusable. These crimes are serious offenses. And I will make sure you get exactly what you deserve". She stated firmly. The whole room went quiet. Creek shuttered at her tone, what could she have in store for him? She wouldn't.....sentence him to death...would she? 

"You.....you wouldn't...KILL me, will you poppy"? He asked the princess, voice quivering. The whole room murmured quietly, anxious to hear her answer. She looked to creek, hard expression on her face, she sat silently for a few moments. Branch looked over to her, wondering what she would say himself. "No creek, I will not kill you. That would bring me down to your level of cowardice. No, I have another idea in mind for you. I hereby banish you from troll  village for life, but if you EVER step foot in this village again, I'll have you castrated". She said with almost a growl in her tone. Creek shuttered at the thought. Where would he go? Where would he live? "B-banishment?! But...to WHERE?! I have nowhere to go"! Creek shouted. Branch finally hit his limit, angrily growling as he marched his way towards creek, who cowered before him. "You should be thankful that she didn't leave your punishment to ME creek! You wouldn't be able to walk for a year after I would have been done with you". He growled. Creek grit his teeth, trying his hardest to keep his composure. 

"We will escort you to the the edge of the village grounds, after that, we will remove your shackles and you will be officially banished. But remember what I said, if you EVER come back, You'll be castrated and I'll toss you in the dungeon for good measure. Take him away". She ordered to the guards. Poppy stood as she watched the guards walk creek to the edge of the room, waiting by the door to the great hall. Branch looked to her, making sure she was alright. She kept her hard demeanor, but he knew better. She was frazzled inside. "Pop, are you ok"? He asked her quietly. "I...I don't trust him branch. He actually tried being benevolent, most likely just for show. He may try to do something in the future, or he may not. We may never know. As long as he is here, I won't feel safe. We have no room for a....person like him here. If I would have sentenced him to death, I would have been no better than who he is. I couldn't live with that. So, exile it is". She finished with a deep sigh. Branch took her hand, kissing it gently as he held it. "Don't worry pop, I made a promise didn't I? That I would always keep you safe? I Will die before I let him touch you, ever again". She smiled at his kind words. Feeling both strength and comfort swell inside her. Soon after she began to feel queezy again. She brushed it off. Thinking it may just be her nerves getting to her. Peppy holds his hand out for his daughters'. She took it happily, standing still for a moment. "Poppy, you did exceptionally well. I've so proud of you". He smiled. "Thanks dad...". She said with an almost shaky voice. "Well....We better continue escorting him to the edge of the village".

 All three trolls agreed. Soon making their way after the accused, they all walked together, being sure to keep poppy as comfortable as possible. She still felt nauseous, The pit of her stomach churning. She was still afraid, but she didn't have any reason to be. She had her people, her father, and she had branch. She had all the support she could possibly need. This, made her proud to be their princess. She vowed to be the best soon-to-be queen they could have.

End of Chapter 17