SKETCHPAGES; Installment #8!

She nodded and smiled again.

"I think I can guess the rest of your story from then on."

I grinned and walked on in silence. Every now and then she would point out some danger and beauty that sometimes I could see, sometimes I couldn't. We made small talk, normally about the metal bird or the politics of this land.

"Here, in this world, we have a queen, who is grandmother to four princesses. Each controls a small part or category of the realm. I am good friends with each of them. A king or queen rules over this land as long as they are living, or as long as the public wishes them to stay. It is a lifelong decision and they must listen to and obey the wishes of the people."

I nodded, understanding. She went on, speaking of manners, people of large status, and ranks. They had not cars, but carriages and chariots pulled by tame animals of any kind. Dresses and suits were common among the nobles, hunters, questers, and heroes wore the kind of clothes we were wearing. Hunters hunted for food or prize. Questers went around looking for quests or deeds they could do to earn a Hero status. Treasure hunters went in that category of clothing as well. Well known heroes are as respected as aristocrats. Animal Friends are rare people who can commune with the animal kingdom and go around helping the creatures of the wild and gaining trust and presents in return. They are very rare. Wizards and witches wore normal clothes and were very common. Each magical person has a special talent. Some are employed by royalty, and wear special robes. Wise women and fortune tellers are experts at their craft , are always right and give good advice. Seeing small abnormalities among the public is to be expected and does not necessarily mean magic runs through their veins. Some examples are animals ears, wings, tails, fur, and other animalistic features. Another category is that of Angel. Angels do not come from heaven or anything, they are merely people who have a special sixth sense that tells them when and where someone's life is in danger. Angels are known for being fair and very quick in traveling to their intended destination. They are to be respected. Ghosts are common and spirits, though sometimes kind, are to be careful of. I absorbed this all. The lowest rank is common. Farmers, laborers, etc are nonmagical people that live normal lives. They are treated decently, though and always paid for their services. The lowest rank, however, is the lowest of the low. Her face darkened as she spoke of this. They are called the oath breakers when a name is needed though most generally avoid speaking about them. They are the breakers of the peace. Robbers, dark magic practicers, and all the other dark spots of cities are locked up under spells and key and given therapy. If they see the err of their ways, they are set free and watched. Vandals, however are welcome as long as they use their paint for art. If they write criticism or their name, they are warned but given a private space to do art instead of the buildings. I asked about fairies, leprechauns, pixies, dragons, sphinxes, and whatnot. They all existed, and mythologists study them. There are museums, but no zoos. We continued talking as we walked through the forest. Finally, we stopped at the edge of the forest. We had made it out. I heard Jay sigh with relief. I glanced at her, amused.

"Glad to be out?"

She nodded and grinned.

"I've been through that forest more times then I can count, but each time I make it out I am thankful."

I nodded, remembering the demon flowers. A question occurred to me.

"Jay, what rank is your sister? And you? And what is my rank?"

She answered breezily

"I am a hero, my sister is an Angel, and you...."

She thought for a moment.

"I think you may be an Animal Friend."

I was surprised, but pleased. I smiled and she smiled back. We set up a lovely meal right at the edge of the forest and talked and laughed until our stomachs were full. We digested for a while, then packed everything up and moved on, now following a dirt road. My legs hurt and my feet were sore, but I was determined not to stop. Jay explained that once we got to the Castle City, we would go find an old friend of hers that could lend us good rooms. When the sun started to go down, we were still walking. A carriage pulled by winged horses came up behind us.

"Jay! Jay, is that you?"

As the carriage passed us, a blond head poked out of the window, along with a waving arm. Jay grinned broadly and waved back.

"Why, if it isn't Fauna! Fauna, where are you off to?"

Fauna, the girl laughed and said

"You daft duck, me and Flora are headed home of course! You want a ride? Your friend looks like she could use a rest!"

I laughed and followed Jay as we clambered into the carriage. Once we were in, it started up again. Inside, it was very roomy and pleasantly cool with plush velvet seats facing each other. Once we had gotten comfortable, I examined the two people sitting across from us. The blond haired girl, the one who had waved, was about my age with freckles and a slight tan, wearing the same clothes as Jay, only green. Next to her, looking a couple years younger and very shy, was a light skinned girl with long black hair half covering her face. She wore a light green dress covered in plants, birds and bugs. She had light blue eyes, and Fauna had light green. Jay introduced me.

"Fauna, this is Tweet. I found her in the forest and she's trying to get back home. Tweet, this is one of the princesses I was telling you about, Princess Fauna.”

Fauna grinned and held out a hand to shake.

“Well, I figure you must be okay if Jay’s given you a nickname. What’s your real name?”

I shook her hand. 

“I’m Emiline.”

“What region are you from? You don’t look like you come from here.”

“Tweet here came from District 101 E.”

Jay interrupted.

“Oh. Well, at least you have protection from Jay. You should be careful if you don’t know your way around.”

“Tweet kind of fell in on us, but she has regained her balance and is a natural. Fast learner, too. And she has an Aura.”

An expression of awe crossed Fauna’s face.

“An Aura? Wow! And from District 101 E! How long has she been here?”

I popped back into their conversation. 

“Last night was my first night here.”

Fauna nodded, looking more interested as she gazed at me.

“Well, if you have an Aura, let’s see it.”

I clicked the catch on my locket and Frost leaped out. He nuzzled me and I hugged him. I was surprised at how much I had missed him. The girl sitting beside Fauna let out a little ‘oh’ at seeing Frost. Frost turned and sniffed her, then licked her cheek.

Jay laughed and said

“I am sorry princess, but your silence caused me to forget my manners. Tweet, this is Princess Flora, sister to Fauna. Princess, as you know by now, this is Tweet.”

Flora nodded shyly and smiled. 

Fauna sighed.

“You never say anything! Why, last week I almost went crazy trying to find out if you wanted to order spaghetti or a salad!”

Me, Jay, and Flora laughed at this. As we rode towards the castle, we chatted about the forest, weather, and things in general. When the subject of sleep came up, Fauna refused outright to let us go stay at an inn for the night.

“The Queen and Luna would kill me if I let you guys do that! You have to come stay with us! Our sisters would love to see you again, and I haven’t had a decent slumber party in ages!”

Jay laughed and surrendered.

“OK, you win! We shall unwillingly go into your beautiful air conditioned palace, but we shall go as if lead was attached to our feet!”

I agreed, and did an impersonation of walking slow-mo. So, in this way, did we find ourselves heading towards a royal palace to meet the Queen, our original destination, and the two older sisters of the kingdom.