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Aero and Flora walked to the dining hall as the smell of breakfast drifted through the air. The cool morning air was still moist with dew.

“It smells so good.” Flora sighed as she breathed it in.

“It really does.” Aero agreed. “I can’t wait to see what we’ll have.”

They opened the doors as the scent wafted in even stronger. Rook rose from across the room as they entered. The ladies in waiting approached to clear his dishes as they handed him his coat.

“You’ve already finished?” Flora asked confused.

“I’m sorry. I forgot to tell you both that I have an important engagement I have to attend today.” He explained as he walked towards them. “It’s pretty far away but I should be home this evening. If there’s a change of plans I’ll make sure to send word.”

“Oh. Where are you going?” She questioned. “Should we come, too?”

“It’s-it’s for my mother.” He explained looking down. “I think it would be best if I went alone. Is that all right with you both?”

“Oh. I understand. You don’t need to say anything more.” Flora assured him. “Right, Aero?”

“Ah, yes.” She answered slightly confused.

“Thank you.” Rook told them as he left.

The two sat at the table as their meals were brought out. The table seemed rather lonely without Rook.

“He seemed really sad.” Aero pointed out as she broke the silence.

“He did.” Flora agreed. “Rook has lived here alone since he was a kid. He’s never brought up the topic of his mother clearly before.”

“Poor Rook. I wonder what happened to his mother.”

“Me too. I didn’t want to ask him though. Maybe today was the anniversary of her death.”

“If it was something like that I hope he can think of happy memories.” Aero empathized.

“Yeah.” Flora added. “We have to make sure we don’t dwell on worrying. Rook wouldn’t want us to be sad. That’s probably why he didn’t tell us where he was going.”

The marketplace was crowded as shops reopened after the previous day’s reveling. The street was packed with citizens wandering from shop to shop.

“It’s so busy!” Aero exclaimed as they were caught in the crowd of people.

“Let’s take a look around.” Flora offered excitedly as they pushed through.

While living in the palace it was impossible to leave and see the true life of the capitol. Whenever Flora left she was greeted by bowing citizens as she passed forming an isle down the street. Today, it would be different. They had donned their old traveling clothes and slipped out of the palace. Now they were able to move about freely through the market and greet others with a casual voice.

“Ah, a ribbon shop.” Aero pointed out. “Want to have a look?”

Inside spools of ribbon hung from racks on the ceiling. There were colors and patterns ranging from plain to elaborate designs.

“Well, if it isn’t her highness.” A voice called from behind the counter as the two admired the ribbons. “Were my gowns not to your liking?” The tailor stood examining their messy gowns.

“That’s not how it is.” Flora explained quietly trying not to gain the attention of the other shoppers. “It’s just that-”

“You don’t want to be seen?” She guessed matching the soft tone.

“Yes.” Flora admitted.

“Well, you both look like a dirty mess.” She criticized. “If you want to blend in at least wear a dress that isn’t covered in dirt.” She hurried them to the back room. “You can look common and pretty at the same time, you know. There’s no need to look like a peasant.”

Continuing on their way the two headed for the main square.

“I hear music.” Aero told Flora hurrying past the shops to the square. “I think it’s Ive and the others!”

“The people you sang with the other day?”

“Yeah!”

“Wait! If they see you it will give us away.” Flora warned quietly stopping her.

Aero looked down disappointed. “Oh. I guess that’s true.”

“That face doesn’t suit you, Aero.” A voice called through the crowd.

“Ah, It’s Ive.”

“Did you come to sing with us?” He asked. “You’re friend can come, too.”

“That’s okay I don’t sing.” Flora insisted attempting to signal to Aero that they should leave.

“Then you can at least come watch.” Ive offered disappointed. “We’ve got a large crowd gathered already. I’m sure you’ll be able to meet up with some people you know.”

“We’re kind of on a tight schedule, right Aero?”

“Ah, we are. Maybe some other time?” Aero offered hopefully.

“Yeah. Join us anytime!” Ive told them heading back through the crowd. “That goes for both of you!”

“We should get going.” Flora suggested heading around the outside of the main square to avoid the crowd. The upbeat music played in the center by the large fountain.

“Get out of here! This is no place for your kind.”

“We’re as welcome here as anyone!”

An argument had broken out from inside the crowd and the music came to an abrupt stop. The surging crowd formed a ring around the groups.

“What’s going on?” Aero asked trying to look past the people.

“I’m not sure.” Flora answered. She glanced between the crowd and the street. “What should we do?”

“We should stop them!” Aero decided pushing through the crowd.

“Wait, Aero!” Flora called after her as she followed.

They pushed through until they were able to see. A fight had broken out between a group of dark faeries and light faeries. The musicians ran in and were trying to break it up.

“Stay out of this Ive!” One of the villagers demanded.

“No!” He shouted pushing him back. “There’s no reason for you to be fighting! That goes for all of you!”

“They shouldn’t be here. This is the capitol!”

“They have every right to be here, same as you. This is the Faery realm, dark and light together. We’re equal!” Ive explained. “Our music is meant to be enjoyed by everyone! That’s the reason we keep playing.”

“If you want to play for Dark scum like this then wipe your feet of them before entering the capitol!”

“Ive get out of the way.” One of the Dark Faeries placed his hand on Ive’s shoulder. “They’ve insulted us enough as it is. We hold no grudge against you or your friends but we can only withstand their ignorance for so long.”

“Wait, Kian, if you fight it will only prove their point!”

“What do you want us to do?” Kian asked angrily. “Just stand here and take what they throw at us?”

Ive didn’t get a chance to answer as he was pushed aside by one of the villagers. Ive grabbed the arm of the man. “Stop this! There’s no reason for you to fight each other!”

The man tried to shake him off but Ive stood his ground. “I’ve had enough of this!” The man shouted as he punched Ive in the face with all his strength.
Ive stumbled back releasing the man’s arm. Members of his band caught him as his legs gave way. Blood dripped through his fingers of the hand that covered his face. He tried to stand himself back up but his head throbbed with pain.

“Flora! He’s hurt!” Aero told her looking through the crowd. “We have to stop this now before it gets worse!”

“Stay here. I won’t let them turn on you, too.” Flora pushed through the crowd as the fighting continued. She headed toward Kian and his attacker. “Stop!” She shouted as she jumped between their attacks. She caught Kian’s fist with her left hand and blocked the attacker’s with her right.

“What do you think you’re-” Kian noticed the ring on her finger. “Princess?” He pulled back his fist as he dropped down to kneel. “I’m terribly sorry, your highness. Our behavior was completely out of line.”

His companions noticed and also kneeled as the villagers followed suit.

“I saw the whole thing. I don’t blame you Kian or any of your friends. You were all merely defending yourselves. As for the residents of the capitol, it was your behavior that was out of line. You should be following Ive’s example. There is no reason for fighting between the Dark and Light. We are all one peoples. I wish for peace and will not tolerate any fighting between my people!” The villagers bowed their heads even lower in shame. Flora continued. “I was hoping to hear more music but it seems you injured a key performer.”

“They can do fine without me.” Ive answered happily still covering his bloody face. “In fact I know just the person to fill in for me. Kian would you play?”

“I’d be honored to play for our Princess.” He answered. The music started once more, filling the square.

“Amazing.” Aero awed at the sound. “It didn’t seem this full and rich before. I wonder why.”

“The performers aren’t nervous anymore.” Ive answered. “They all feel the safety and balance that the Princess’s presence brings.”

“I disagree.” Flora told him as she watched the performers. “I think they’re all just happy. This is the first step they’ve made in being able to play the music they love freely with their friends.”