Looking for a Story

The library is quiet today, too quiet… Finals are next week - surely people understand they need to study? Whatever, I’ll do well on the finals all by myself. Tomas comes barreling in. “Belle! What are you doing here?” He is panting heavily, has he run all the way here? And from where, and why? “What are you talking about, Tom? Finals are next week. Where else would I be?” I raise my eyebrow and gesture to the pile of books around me. “You forgot what today is, didn’t you?” he deadpans. “It’s Tuesday.” I pick up my book again; I need to be studying. He puts a letter on the table. “Oh, that. No, I’m choosing to ignore that.” I shove the note away. “I will pick my own destiny. Thank you very much.” Tomas catches the letter. “Belle, come on! You promised me we’d open them at the same time.” “Yeah, when we were eight.” I go back to my book. “Belle, please, I can’t do this without you.” He gives me those stupid puppy dog eyes. “You know I can’t say no to those eyes.” I roll my eyes and extend my hand. He smirks, handing me my dumb letter. I sigh. “One.” He gives me a cocky grin. “Two.” I fight the urge to roll my eyes again. “Three...” We rip into the letters. Tomas hollers with excitement. I just stare at the words on my paper. You are fated to be the hero to all. Was written in some fancy font. I check the name three times just to be sure Tomas grabbed the correct letter. “Well?” Tomas looks at me. “Is it bad?” he quickly adds. “You said none of this mattered anyway. So don’t stress.” I toss the letter towards him. “It has to be wrong.” My mind unwillingly wanders back to the last hero; he’d been cast out by the very people he’d protected for years… His letter had had the same words. Tomas picks up my letter. “Woah! Dude, that’s so cool!” “No it’s not.” I look down, trying to focus again on studying. I’m no hero. “Belle, you can’t just ignore this! You are supposed to be a hero to all!” He slams his fist on the table, hard. “No. I will not be. I’m not the hero type.” I shake my head and look back at my papers. “Belle…” He lowers his voice. “No! Tomas, end of the pointless discussion.” I quickly pack up my books and start to leave the library. “But, Belle! We need heroes! The villains are starting to regroup! We will need someone to stand up to them.” He follows after me. “And look how they treated the last one!” I snap. “I won’t be the people's next punching bag. Why don’t you go! You be the hero!” I snatch his letter from his hand. “What does yours say anyway?” You will be recognized for your greatness. “Perfect. You be the hero.” I shove both letters back at him. “And I’ll be the wallflower I always wanted to be.” I leave him looking at me with a shocked face. We never speak about the letter again. Tomas does become a great hero, probably the greatest the city has ever seen. I pretend not to recognize him and cover for him when I can. I didn’t exactly get the wallflower life I wanted; I became a scientist and help the city deal with different side effects of the villains’ inventions. One day when the attack alarm goes off, before I can make it to my safe room, Tomas speeds by, grabs my arm and somehow pulls me onto his motorbike. “What the heck?!” I scream and hold on for dear life. He says nothing, speeding through town until we get to what I assume is his lair. “What is going on?” I yell once he lets me off the bike. “I need your help.” He flips on a monitor. I see people sleeping all over the city. “What’s happening?” “The villains made a toxin, it’s causing everyone to pass out, and they started with firemen and police! I’m on my own, I need you to come up with an antitoxin to reverse the effects.” He gestures to the small lab setup. “I was able to get a sample of the vile they are using to stun everyone.” I quickly get to work, being careful not to breathe in anything. “I’ll need people to try it on.” I don’t look up, I need to work fast. “I have a passage to both the fire and police station so I’ll go collect whoever I can.” I’d never seen Tomas so defeated. I get so lost in my work that I don’t notice the number of people he has brought down to the lair. “Have anything ready to test?” I jump slightly. “I think I have the first batch ready.” I inject the antitoxin into the police chief. He instantly wakes up! “Yes! It worked!” Tomas smiles and puts a hand on my shoulder. “Guess you get to be a hero after all.” I laugh. “Don’t say that until we know we can stop these guys. We’ve got work to do, let's go.” From that day forward, I work alongside Tomas and together we keep our city safe.

I sit on the top level of the bunker, crossbow drawn. It’s my night to take the watch; keeping the fire going at night seems to be effective in keeping the beasts away. The night watch has been getting easier but it cannot be obsolete. It is too risky if the beasts got brave and tried to break into the camp - we’d have to move. I do not want to move again… It would be too hard with the group I have now; the younger ones are finally starting to recover from everything we’ve been through. I unload and lower my crossbow, walk over to the opening, and look over my little band of troops. The typical band of misfits. I’m in the middle of my headcount when - Snap! I turn and aim my crossbow, walking toward the edge of the bunker, but I see no one. There are no beasts… So what made the noise? It couldn’t be one of the traps; the teens had figured out how to set silent traps so the beasts don’t hear when we catch smaller animals. So something is out there. I put my crossbow on my back and use the rope system we have made for us older ones to get to the ground quickly. I grab one of the torches; even though carrying a torch would prevent me from using my crossbow, still, fire is as good a weapon as any. I walk along the chain fence. I’m not sure what I’m looking for but I’d rather be lectured about being overly cautious and protecting them than lose anyone else. I hear rustling in the bushes and move in closer. “Who goes there?” As if I expect some kind of answer. “Help me,” a woman's voice quietly calls out. Someone is there!? Someone else is alive in this nightmare? I have to help her; the beasts are worse at night. “You are near our entrance. Are you hurt, can you keep moving?” “I think my need to survive can last a bit longer.” She whispers, almost like she is trying to make a joke. “Alright, follow the light as quietly and as quickly as you can.” We creep along the fence and bush line; once we are at the gate I put the torch in its holder, carefully unlink the fence, and open the gate. “Quickly now.” She races in and falls to the ground. I quickly relink the fence. “Hey, hey,” I whisper. “I need you to stay with me a bit longer.” “Thank you,” she whispers, fighting to stay awake. She clearly is in no condition to walk anymore. “I’m going to pick you up, okay?” She nods. I pick her up, carefully grab the torch, and start walking back to the bunker. “Tell me something about yourself.” I need to keep her awake. “I miss the song that the birds used to sing.” Her voice is pained. “You and me both.” We finally get inside. I carefully set her down on my bed, then race across the room and wake up Rose. “A survivor found us. She needs to be looked over now.” Rose shoots up and I light her lantern. She walks to the bed and looks over our newest survivor. “She hasn’t been attacked. She is exhausted, starving, and in desperate need of water.” “I’ll go get her something.” Tim-o, the teenage boy who is apparently awake, lights his lantern from my torch and takes off toward the supply shed. “I brought some cloths and water, and she can use some of my clothes tonight.” This offer comes from Lady Ace, who has appeared beside us. I look at her and she shrugs. “I woke up when you came in. She’ll sleep better if she’s not covered in dirt or sweat. Jimboy and Tiny are both still fast asleep.” Rose and Lady Ace help our newest survivor wipe off the top layer of dirt. Tim-o returns and states, “I brought a fresh canteen, some dry fish and one of the fresher loaves of bread.” He places them beside her. “Eat and drink slowly, we don’t need you to make yourself sick,” I advise. She takes a few bites and a long sip of water. “Good, now the rest of you…” I look at the two teens and Rose - “...To bed with you, morning will come soon enough.” The teens head back to bed without a word. Rose looks at our guest once more. “Don’t worry deary, Big Al will take care of you, just like he does all of us.” Rose turns to me and places a hand on my cheek. “Good work, my boy.” And she lets us be. I kneel next to our newest survivor. “You think you’ll be warm enough? We have extra blankets. We’ll get you a sleeping mat in the morning.” “I’ll be fine, thank you. For everything. I didn’t think…” The tears well up in her eyes. I rest a hand on her shoulder. “Tomorrow, there will be time for that tomorrow. You're safe. I need to go keep watch.” I point to the opening in the roof. “I’ll be there, you’ll see me make my rounds. It’s why my bed is here, I can keep tabs on the kids when I can’t sleep.” I get up to leave. She catches my hand. “I’m grateful to not be alone again.” Out of an old habit, I squeeze her hand. I climb up the ladder back to the roof. I look back and see her amber eyes staring back at me; I give a wave. She waves back. I go back to my rounds, thoughts plaguing my mind. Who are you? How did you survive the last six months alone? Or were you alone? After a few laps, I make my way back to do my head count; she’s fallen asleep. *** Morning comes fast and Tiny runs up to find me like always. “Morning, Big Al! Did you see the new lady? We haven’t had new people since Lady Ace and Jimboy joined!” Tiny keeps talking; I didn’t stop her, I am grateful she found her voice again. I can hear everyone is up so I help Tiny down the ladder. Once my feet hit the ground, Tim-o walks up beside me. “She’s still out.” “Of course, Tim-o; remember how dead tired you and Rose were when you found Tiny and me? We have no idea what she’s seen. Like all of us, she needs grace as she adjusts.” I lead the kids over to the eating area we’ve set up outside. Shortly after breakfast, our newest survivor joins us outside. She’s in a set of Lady Ace’s clothes. She’s had a few scrapes and bruises but she looks beautiful. My heart skips a beat or two; Tim-o gives me a look, I shoot him one back. “Good morning, deary. We have some breakfast left.” Rose hands her a plate. The kids look at me pleadingly. “No, you can't stay and visit with her, you have chores. And I need to talk with our new survivor. But you can all finish early. Then we will all get to know each other. Alright?” I shoe them off and they all go somewhat reluctantly. Rose gets started with the cleaning. “You in charge around here?” She asks between bites of food. “Not intentionally. But Rose and I are the oldest, and Rose gives more grandmother vibes than a camp leader. So I take charge, trying to keep all of us alive as long as I can.” I look over at them. “I assume you have questions about me? I’ll tell you wh-” I cut her off. “We’ll answer them all in time. So few of us remember life before the explosion and the invasion of the beasts. There is no rush for the answers.” I reach across the table and put my hand on top of hers. “The only thing that matters is getting you healthy and helping you find a place here so we can all thrive as best we can.” I lean back, moving my hand away. “Is that why you and all the kids have such… unique names?” She looks over at them, watching us. She smiles; it looks nice on her. “The kids can’t remember their real names, only Rose and I do. But Tiny remembered me when I found her. She called me Big Al, it’s what the kids at her school used to call me. So I told her if I was gonna be Big Al, she’s got to be Tiny.” I shrug. “So did you all knew each other before?” She finishes eating and Rose takes her plate. “Tiny and I did. Rose and Tim-o met trying to survive. Not sure who was protecting whom. And Lady Ace and Jimboy are siblings.” I motion to everything around us. “Welcome to our little home…” I gesture to her, waiting for her to give me a name. “Songbird. Like the sound I miss most.” She looks up to the sky, like she’ll hear them sing. Her smile still seems to have hope. How does she still have hope? “Songbird. It suits you. I can just tell.” My heart skips another beat. Maybe there is something after the world ends, after all.

The name is Sir Arthur the Wise Bear. Yes I know it’s a mouthful but my kid Jenny named me when she was like five. So I can’t really hold it against her. And she never changed it so I am Sir Arthur the Wise Bear. And I have been watching Jenny pack up my home. So when she left to hang out with some friends, I carefully snuck around the house and no other room was being packed up. So what is Jenny up to? Why is she packing up? I look around the room. What clues can I find? I’m not so young anymore, so I have to get creative to get up on the desk, which is the only space not fully packed. So if I am going to find answers, they would likely be there. The boxes might work but the first box was just a touch too high. So getting creative is a necessity. Jenny’s roller skates are still in her closet, so I do what every clever bear would do. I build up speed with the roller skates and leap up to the box. Flomp! I land hard. I sit and lean against the next box I need to climb. How did I do this when I was younger? Maybe there was something to that “child play theory" that the old doll had, whom Jenny had inherited from her mom. I slowly make my way up to the top of the desk. Then I notice it - her laptop is open to a packing list. The summer is over already? How soon is she leaving? Am I going with her? Should I just jump into a box so I could make sure I go with her? I almost do - but then I stop. What if she doesn’t want me? Maybe you didn’t bring a stuffed animal with you to college. I am in the middle of this debate when the door opens. I drop to the desk. Unfortunately, I don’t calculate where I am on the desk and I fall to the ground. Boy, am I ever grateful for my stuffing. “Oh dear, that girl.” Her mother laughs, looking at the state of chaos that is Jenny’s room. I’m not sure what’s happening, but the desk is moving and I am shoved awkwardly under the bed. I can’t really move. And of course, Jenny’s mom doesn’t notice. I hear her leave, and try to move. I can’t. I know there is no point in calling out for help - I’m the only toy left in the room. I can only hope that Jenny will notice I’m missing from my normal spot, or in the worst case someone will see me when they go to change the sheets. Jenny doesn’t notice I am missing that night or the next morning. However, somebody moves the bed just enough that I can crawl away from the bedpost. But still no one sees me. Then a throw pillow lands on me - somehow it falls off the bed. It feels heavy, heavier than it should be. It’s like all the weight of being left behind is literally on top of me. How can I stay here while my kid goes away to college? I am supposed to protect her. Then I hear it. “Mom! Where is Sir Arthur?” It’s muffled, but she is looking for me! “The Wise Bear?” Her mom hollers back. “I don’t know, Sweetheart! But if you can’t find him before tomorrow morning, I’ll personally take your room apart looking for him. And have him ready to go to college before you’re here for Thanksgiving!” I have to get out of here and into a box tonight! I listen to Jenny look everywhere in the room except behind her bed. Maybe she just couldn’t see me trapped under the pillow. She sighs and gives up. The light goes off and I hear her fall asleep. Through what I figure has to be love for my kid, I push the pillow off of myself and roll away before it lands back on me. I roll through several fields of dust bunnies, then dust myself off and look at the boxes. Not one of them is open. What can I do? I could just appear on the floor in the morning. But wouldn’t she be filled with the magic of childhood again if I just appeared in her dorm room? The door is slightly ajar. I carefully sneak out and notice an open box at the bottom of the stairs. I recognize a few things that normally sit on the desk… It would likely be the last one she’d open. I topple down a few stairs and stop slightly above the open box and jump. Flamp! That landing wasn’t great but I am in the box. I wiggle around and get as comfortable as I can and wait. The next morning, I could hear the trunk of the car open and shut - I am in! I can’t help but be reminded of all the times I sat beside Jenny in the car watching the world go by. Maybe I should have let her find me on the floor. Maybe then I could have done that again. But that’s doubtful. So I just enjoy the hum of the car. Soon the box is moving and there are so many voices. We’ve arrived! I hear Jenny introduce herself to another girl and listen while they chat and unpack. I also hear her parents say something about going to the hotel and that they will be back later. The girls talk a bit longer, then her roommate says something like that she’d be back in a bit too. “Finally some peace and quiet.” I hear her let out a heavy sigh and the bed creaks. After a beat - “Well what’s in this box again?” Light fills the box. “Sir Arthur! How? What?” She hugs me close. I’ve missed this. “I’m so glad you're here,” she whispers and plops me on a spot on the bed. “Let's get this done!” I’m sure if she is talking to me or not, but I am happy to watch. By the time her parents return, she has everything set up. “Hey, looks good, kiddo!” Her dad beams with pride. “Oh! Sweetheart, you didn’t tell me you found Sir Arthur this morning. Here I was, thinking I was gonna have to take your room apart.” Her mother picks me up. “Eh! If it isn't Mr. Wise Guy!” Her father laughs. “I really don't remember packing him… Especially not with my desk stuff.” Jenny takes me from her mom and sets me on the bed. “Maybe he knew you’d need him,” her mother suggests as the family leaves the room. I will always find a way to get to her if she needs me. After all, what else are Teddy Bears for?

Quin and Pepper had grown up on a little island together. If you'd watched the two girls growing up, you might not have guessed what close friends they would become. You see, while they were so similar, they were also so very different. They ran in different social circles; so for being in a place so small, their lives hardly overlapped at all. Expert for one place. A weekly meeting that their parents went to with kids in tow. The meeting was where they learned about the King and the ways He called his people to serve him. Over the years, Quin and Pepper grew not just in age, but also in their love for the King and their bond with each other. Even though their worlds did not revolve around one another, they were always there for each other - a place to go for encouragement, with tears, and to celebrate big moments. All too soon, it was Pepper's turn to leave the island, to go out into the world and figure out what she had been made for. Quin met her at the docks. “Are you sure you have to go?” Pepper hugged her friend tightly. “Yeah, I’m sure. It seems pretty clear.” She held up the note from the King. Quin jokingly shoved Pepper’s shoulder. “It's not fair. I should get to go first. I'm older.” Pepper’s smile faltered for a moment. “I wish you were going first, for the record. This is terrifying. This island is all I've ever known.” “Hey, you’re amazing! You’re gonna do great out there - you’ll make friends and I bet you’ll hardly ever wanna come back!” Quin did her best to cheer up her oldest friend. “Hey, I’ve got to see you, don’t I?” Pepper laughed and pulled Quin back into a hug. “Anyone would be lucky to have you as a friend, Pep. I know I am.” Quin squeezed a little tighter. “Q! Quit being such a sap on the day I’m leaving! You’ll make me cry and if I start crying, my mom will get all emotional again, and we just got her calmed down.” Pepper chuckled, blinking back her tears. “Hey, what else are best friends for?” Quin blinked back a few tears of her own. The boat pulled in and Pepper tossed her bag over her shoulder. Quin stood with Pepper's family. “I’ll miss you!” Quin called as Pepper boarded the boat. “Stay in touch! “Of course! I’ll miss you, too!” Pepper waved before disappearing into the boat. Quin watched the boat leave. She couldn’t help but feel like a small part of her had left the island with Pepper. The girls tried to stay in touch, but Pepper was busy working and trying to figure out where she was supposed to serve. Before Quin got her own note from the King telling her it was her turn to leave, it was easier to get in a visit every few months. But with Quin also off the island, they become literal ships passing in the night. For a spell, the only time they saw each other was during holidays, when they were expected to spend time with their families. “I feel like I never see you anymore!” Quin complained into her cup of hot cocoa during one rare holiday visit. “I miss you too, Q.” Pepper chuckled into her peppermint tea. “I’m just grateful this worked out.” “Me too. How are you doing, Pep?” Quin set her cup down and focused on her friend. “Honestly? This whole “finding your purpose thing” is driving me insane…” Pepper fidgeted with the tag of her tea bag. “Like, what if we get it wrong?” Quin reached across the table. “I’m not sure we can… The King has a plan - I mean, look at His Book. You think all those people knew what they were doing?” “Spoken like the wanna-be scholar,” Pepper teased. Quin stuck her tongue out and pulled her hand away. “Hey, I was just trying to help. But honestly, I think we’ll figure it out in due time.” “Yeah, you’re probably right.” The two girls continued visiting and laughing until their families started calling. After several jobs and who-knows-how-many hours of different classes, the girls both stood on the cusp of change. “I think I found it!” Pepper said on a phone call one day. “Found what?” Quin asked, flopping on her couch. “The place where I belong.” Pepper’s excitement could be felt through the phone. “Really, where?” Quin almost leapt out of her seat. “I'm going to join the Protector’s Guild!” Quin could feel Pepper’s smile through the phone. “Oh! My! Gosh! That's amazing, Pepper!” Quin wished she could hug her friend right then. “Did you know the Protectors do more than just fight? They also go and help people heal…?” Pepper spoke in a tone that was almost like she was lost in a daydream. “No, I didn’t know that. It sounds like a perfect fit for you.” Quin thought about her friend. “You’ve got such a heart for people, especially those who are hurting. You’re going to do great there.” “Aww! You’re so sweet!” Pepper sighed. “Any closer for you?” “Actually…” Quin paused for effect. “Q! Don’t keep me in suspense!” Pepper practically squealed. “I applied for the Storytellers Guild… I haven’t heard from them yet… but I think I want to tell the King’s stories and maybe some of my own that will help His people.” Quin waited with bated breath. What would her friend say… Did Pepper even know that Quin liked to tell stories? “Oh! My! Quin! That’s so perfect for you! You have always been good at telling stories! And you are so creative! This will be so perfect!” Pepper was overjoyed for her friend. “Maybe someday we can do something together,” Quin teased. “Oh, that would be wonderful!” Pepper and Quin sat there on the phone in silence, enjoying the peace of the moment. “I'm proud of us.” Pepper smiled. Quin picked up a photo album her mom had sent with her when she left the island. She flipped to a photo of them from when they were little, snapped a picture of the photo and sent it to Pepper’s phone. “I think they would be.” “Oh my, we were so little…” Pepper cooed. “Yeah, they’d probably think we are so cool and want to be just like us when they grow up.” Quin giggled. “And spend way too many years worrying and trying to figure out how to be that cool.” “But…” Pepper paused. “They’ll make it.” “Yeah, and they’ll do it together.” Quin set the photo aside. “Glad to be on the journey with you, Pepper.” “Right back at you, Quin. Can’t wait to see where we go next.” Pepper and Quin chatted a bit longer, daydreaming about what could be. They knew that whatever the King had in store for them, just like everything else on the journey, they would always be able to find time for each other - time to sit and visit, to talk on the phone, and to be a place to go for encouragement, with tears, and to celebrate big moments together. This story gives you the chance to do some real-world good. Pepper is based on a friend of mine and she runs a program called Makwa Dodem with the Ally Global Foundation, I'm a huge believer in what she's doing over there and would love for you to go check it out.

Larry used to be the King’s personal mage. Until she came along. If ever there was a woman who embodied a wicked stepmother, it was the king’s new bride. Larry grew up with the then prince and Larry’s father had served as the previous king’s mage. Larry was the natural choice for the young prince’s mage. Larry had helped the newly crowned king put on an amazing magical show to win his first bride's hand. The Queen was the most wonderful of women. She had been king and generous. She’d given the King two beautiful daughters, who took after their mother in grace and had their father's wisdom. Any Kingdom would be lucky to have them as their queen. The castle was a place full of life. They held public courts that the whole royal family attended, and as the princesses grew they also started giving the people of the kingdom advice, too. Everyone was looking forward to the oldest princess's reign. Then the Queen fell ill. Larry couldn’t save her. The disease was something not even magic could fix. Too quickly after the time of morning was over, the King took a new bride. Larry was sure the King - his friend - had been bewitched by a spell or potion. He’d tried to find evidence, but he’d been caught by the “queen”. She accused him of treason and tried to convince the King to have him executed. The King looked at Larry. “I doubt he meant any harm, My Love.” Larry tried to hide his disgust. “I don’t care what he meant!” the queen raged. “He was in my office without my approval! You know he dislikes me! I want him gone!” She walked towards Larry. “I want him out of the castle, out of the kingdom, out of your life!” The King looked at Larry; his face felt for a moment, then hardened. The queen almost seemed to be smirking. She was casting a spell; Larry could tell, but before he could say anything… “As the rightful heir to the throne, I remove your permission to be here.” Larry’s oath as a mage forced him to leave. On his way out he slipped three wax seals to the oldest princess so that she would be able to send him messages if she was in desperate need of help. He made a home in the woods as close to the kingdom as he could find. He worked on spells and incantations, trying to find evidence of the queen's intentions from out in the woods. It was proving to be impossible though. Everything he tried seemed to be blocked. “She has to be an enchantress! It’s the only way…” He’d been working on a cloaking spell so he could sneak back into the kingdom. But none of them would last long enough. He wasn't sure if it was his magic or if it was the rule of mages, but the cloak wouldn’t work. He was on the verge of giving up when he received a message from the oldest princess. The queen has had a son… She told me when Papa wasn’t around that she was going to make sure that my sister and I never see the throne. Papa doesn’t believe me… I know you didn’t try to commit treason. Larry stared at the note… The “queen” threatened the princesses…and the King did not care? He adored his daughters; the King had always said he saw his former wife in them. He had vowed that her children would sit on the throne. He wouldn’t take that back, would he? Larry had to get back there; he had to make sure this promise was kept. If the King was under a spell, he would regret not giving the throne to his oldest. Larry opened his book; there had to be a spell or something he could do. He spent the night scanning every spellbook, even ones he’d disregarded before. Finally, he found a spell that would enable him to reveal sights unseen. It was a gamble. It might be nothing, or it could be everything. He had to find an enhanced crystal. He set out immediately to search for the crystal. The spell stated that the crystal could only be found when “Your desperation grows too great. Go to a place where rivers flow and thunder. Seek behind the river’s flow.” Waterfall. He knew where there was one. But was he truly desperate enough? He set out anyway. The waterfall was within sight when another letter arrived. “Father has fallen ill, the queen is trying to get Father to make her queen regent until her son is of age! She’ll send my sister and me away to marry some of the most wicked of princes! Help!” Larry stared at the message. “No!” The queen had to be poisoning the King. He raced to the falls. “Oh, great rivers, flow.” He started the spell, but stopped. “Please show me the crystal. I must save my friend. And the vow he made to his love.” The waterfall parted and a cave revealed itself. Larry entered the cave and saw the crystals; he picked them up. “Please be enough to save my friend.” Another note arrived. “I saw her! She poisoned him! I don’t think she saw me. But I need you to save Papa. As the rightful heir to the throne, I grant you permission to return.” Larry cast a spell on the crystal shard. “Show me the King!” He saw the King lying in bed, weak and frail. “Show me what can’t be seen.” The queen entered the room, darkness emanated from her, and the drink in her hand was the colour of blood. A sign - it was draining the King's life. “I use the invitation of the rightful heir of the throne to grant me permission to teleport to where I can save the King’s life.” With a flash, he was in the King’s chambers. He heard the queen shriek. “Your Majesty.” He bowed. “Brother, in my time of need you have come to me.” The King reached out to him. “Husband,” the queen said sharply. “He committed treason.” “He is the only one who can heal me.” The king looked at him. “If I can be healed.” “You’re speaking madness. Guards!” the queen yelled, but no sooner had the guards entered the room than so had the oldest daughter. “I granted him permission to be here! You can’t touch him!” The princess stood between Larry and stared at the queen. “You wicked girl! You see, My Love, this is why you need to send her away.” She fell to the floor next to the King's bed. “No! You need to leave!” Larry held up the crystal shard. “She is an enchantress and is poisoning the King.” “How dare you!” The queen shot a black lightning bolt toward Larry. He shot it back and she stood frozen. Larry raced to the King. “Your Highness, please let me be allowed back in the Kingdom again.” “I missed you, my friend. I want you to come home.” The King looked over to his daughter. “You will be queen. Your brother will not take your place.” His daughter beamed. “Thank you.” Larry spent weeks healing the King and removing the lingering dark magic caused by the queen. “You saved my life again, old friend. Thank you for not giving up on me.” The King sat out on his balcony looking like his old self again. “I promised to serve you until your rule ended.” Larry stood beside him. “You proved yourself more than worthy.” The king beamed at his friend.

Walking through the market, Theo stopped to listen to a performer sing the song of Lady Adria, the King’s greatest warrior. Born to a family poor and distended to die as no one. She enters the King’s army to give her brothers and sisters food on their plates. Graceful on horseback, her sword like an extension of her hand. Saved the King's life not once but three times in battle. Made to be part of the royal bodyguards. Where she has saved the children of the King over 30 times The children who were listening to the performer cheered. The performer did a little jig. Theo clapped along to the rhythm. The next part of this song was his favourite. She was offered to be a wife to one of the princes. From born to nothing to a princess - who could ask for anything more? But our lady said no… And to this day, she serves the King and everyone wonders why. Theo left the performer a tip and collected what he needed from the market. He heard the murmurs of the market, as they shared theories about Lady Adria's choice: “I heard she was cursed in a battle and can’t marry.” “I bet she is waiting to be offered the hand of the crowned prince.” “She must be taken with another soldier.” Theo couldn’t help but smirk as he listened to the whispers; he knew the truth. He was one of the few who knew. Lady Adria was already married and had been before she entered the King’s service… “I’m leaving for training camp tomorrow.” Adria skipped a rock on the river. “And you’re spending your last free afternoon with me. I feel so honoured,” Theo teased and tossed his own rock. “You should be.” She winked and then ran her hand through her hair. “Okay, come on - tell me.” Theo stopped throwing rocks and sat on a fallen branch. “Tell you what?” She fixed her hair. “You keep running your hands through your hair. You only do that when you are worried. So tell me what is worrying you.” “You mean, besides the fact that I’m leaving for the army tomorrow,” she countered. “Yes, there is something else going on, isn't there?” He tapped the spot next to him. She reluctantly sat down. “What if I serve in battle and - don't make it, and the army doesn’t take care of my family? My siblings might not count as my children. What if I do all this and they still st-” Adria lifted her hand to run it through her hair again, but Theo caught her hand. “Not if you're married; then your husband could claim them as dependants.” He interlocked their hands. “Let me marry you. I’ll keep your family fed.” “But that's not fair to you.” Adira looked down at their hands. “You really would do that for me?” “Always. If I’d known you were signing up, I would have married you and signed up for you!” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I care for you Adi, maybe even love you. Let me help you. We can keep it quiet, then we can easily get divorced if that’s what you want.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “You make it sound so easy.” She lifted her head to look at him. “You’ve always been safe, and I think between battles I’d like to come home to you.” “That settles it. Let’s get married.” He took her hand and off they raced. Theo sighed happily at the memory. They’d thrown together a quick wedding with just their families. The next morning he joined her family to wave her off with the rest of the recruits. After Adria was stationed in the Palace, he offered to end their marriage. After all, her risk of death was lower in the Palace, and surely as a hero, they would take care of her family if something did happen. Especially after she was offered to be the prince's wife. “Why would I want to marry a prince? Theo, I married you.” He opened his mouth to argue. “I know it wasn’t because we were hopelessly in love, and it wasn’t to help our parents but…” She walked towards him. “Now that I’m not running off into battle all the time, I want to see what this…” she wrapped her arms around him “...can be like if we give it a try.” Theo never forgot that kiss. It wasn’t their first - that had been on their quick wedding day - but this one was different. So Theo left his life in their childhood village for the home Adira had been given in the Kingdom’s capital. It took time for them to figure out what their marriage would look like, but they were happy. And thanks to the pay she’d been given, he was able to work on his art. His greatest piece was going to be a painting that he had been commissioned to paint of her; the King wanted a painting of her in the halls of heroes. Adria wasn’t due home until tomorrow, so he could go work on the painting without her seeing it. Just as he was about to enter the studio, Adi rushed in, panting. Panic edged on her face. “Problem at the Palace. Will be another week before I can take my leave.” He watched as she gathered clean clothes and a couple of other things; she was about to dash out again when Theo caught her in his arms. “Hey, take a moment to breathe.” She relaxed in his arms. “You’ve got this.” Her pounding heart slowed. “And I’ll be here when you can land.” He leaned down and kissed her goodbye. After he pulled away, she touched his face. “You’re amazing.” He poked her nose. “Not as amazing as you.” She caught his hand. “No. I mean it, this -” she gestured around her. “You made this home; you're my hero” “The hero’s hero.” He smiled. “I like the sound of that. Now go, be everyone’s hero.”

If you would have told teenage Jessica that a box of letters would be the most important thing on her wedding day, she would have said “no way” - it would be totally her mom's veil. And yet here she stood, holding a box of letters in her hand and wearing a completely different veil. Teenage her would be freaking out. On top of the box sat one more letter with My Wife written on top in his perfectly imperfect writing. She thought back to the first letter he wrote her. Eric had been the odd kid at school; he kept to himself and always was writing in a leather-bound notebook. She and her friends had been playing truth or dare at lunch, and they dared her to write him a “love” note and stick it in his locker. She didn’t want to make him feel bad so she talked them down to just a note. The next morning, there was a note in her locker. It was short and the printing was hard to read: Thanks for the note, don’t tell anyone I wrote you back, But it was nice to find a note in my locker. And for some reason, she wrote back. They didn’t share a class, and they hardly shared friends. But there was something about the guy - she wanted to get to know him. She learned he was a songwriter and he played in a band and played bass. In one letter there was a handmade VIP ticket for his gig that Friday night. Her mom let her go and even offered her a later curfew, saying something about reminding her of her own youth. Eric met her at the door and brought her backstage to watch. It was a good show - his band sounded good, and she discovered he hadn’t told her that he sang, too! As he played, he looked over at her with a smirk like he had wanted to surprise her. It made her heart skip a beat. When the show was over he walked toward Jessica. She punched him on the shoulder. “You never told me you could sing!” She handed him a rose. “My dad gets me roses after my stage plays, so I had mom stop by the flower shop on my way here.” She held out the flower. His cheeks were tinged pink as he took the flower and set it on the case for his base. “Thanks. And you never asked.” They both laughed, and then an awkward moment settled in. Jessica started panicking; how did they talk in person? Could they talk in person? What if whatever this was only worked on paper? “The band is almost done packing up, and there is a coffee shop next door…” he looked down and trailed off. “My mom gave me a later curfew, so yeah I have time.” She watched him pack up and pretended not to notice his bandmates teasing him. They must go to different schools; she didn't recognize them. It was odd to see him joking with friends; he was quiet at school. They sat in the coffee shop, drinking hot chocolate and sharing a donut. It took a moment but eventually, they found the groove of conversation and soon her mom was there to pick her up. She became the band's official groupie, even helping them design t-shirts. But Eric and Jessica still didn’t hang out at school, they just slipped notes into each other’s lockers. Jessica shook her head to bring herself back to the present, smoothing her veil with one hand. She peaked through the window of the room she had been getting ready in. She could see that rose, dried and sitting in a vase. His friends never let him live it down that she had gotten him flowers first. After four years of high school, so many handwritten notes were tucked in lockers, binders and school textbooks. Jessica couldn’t help but laugh at the fact that they both had phones and yet they both preferred writing notes. *** Eric looked at the box of letters that Jessica had written him. He picked up the letter on top of the box. My Husband was written in her perfect writing. “I can’t believe you wrote notes to her and we never knew.” His best man and former bandmate nudged him. “Well yeah, I didn’t need to give you guys even more of a reason to give me a hard time about her.” Eric rolled his eyes. “Didn't you ask her out in a note?” His best man leaned against the door. “Not exactly…” When Eric had left on the one and only tour he went on, he and Jessica still wrote to each other. But Then they sent photos of the handwritten notes via text. Was it strange? Yes, but it made him smile. They were the opener for a small but more popular band. A small radio show offered to interview with them. And of course, as all boy bands do, they were asked if any special ladies had inspired the songs. His bandmates admitted that Eric did most of the songwriting. Eric, without much thought, said that he had written one song for his girlfriend. However, the truth was he hadn’t asked Jessica to be his girlfriend yet. So as soon as he had time that night, he wrote her a note. So today I did that interview I was telling you about, and well…. They asked about the song Little Line, you know the one for your birthday? Well, I said I wrote it for my girlfriend… He sent the photo of the note and waited… Ding! She texted back a single sentence: “I’m okay with being your girlfriend. ❤️” Her friends gave her a hard time about not making him ask properly. So when he proposed, he had pulled out all the stops. After that, her friends finally agreed that he had made up for it. And now, from across the church, they both opened letters they’d been all morning to read.

"It's always so quiet. The earth rests under my care. Not like you, Solis. The earth comes to life under your watchful eyes. They get up early to watch you rise and stay up late to watch you go," she calls to her love whom she hardly sees. "That may be true, my Luna, but they trust you to guard them while they dream. You move their tides. They stay up late to tell stories under your light," he calls back. Just as her time on this side of the globe comes to an end, she catches a glimpse of Solis standing tall in his glowing flame. His light glows stronger when he sees her. Solis waits for Luna, just to catch a sliver of her beauty. Her glimmer is the best thing in the depth of space; nothing else that he can see from his spot in space compares. "How much longer, My Love?" she reaches out for him as if to bring them closer together. “Soon." He reaches out, even though he knows it's pointless. Their time together is always brief, never long enough. “It's always soon." Luna sighs as she loses sight of him. This is the dance they are unwillingly playing a part in. For all of eternity, so close yet always so far. No matter their love's strength, they can never be together. There are days when Luna shares Solis’s sky. The children ooh and ahh at the sight of her in the daylight. Solis beams with pride. She is never close enough to hold him. It is a cruel fate only to watch the one you love. However, every so often they get to dance together. Luna’s light blocks his or Solis’s light making hers glow orange. He holds her close and spins her around their Milky Way ballroom. Her laughter fills the space. He revels in this moment. For Luna, there is nothing better than being safely in Solis's arms. "I know it would do the humans no good, but I wish I could stay in your arms forever." She lays her head on his chest as they dance. “I know, my sweet Luna, but we have been given the most important jobs - I to guard the day..." He lifts her head to him. "And I to guard the night.” She looks down. "I know they are important jobs. I just spend so much time missing you." She reaches up and touches his face. He catches her hand and feels her being pulled away. "No, not yet! I'm not ready to go!" Her grip tightens. "I know, Love, but it is time!” He leans down and kisses her quickly. "I will see you again.” They hold hands until they have to let go.

To whomever finds this letter, I hope you are from outside my world. My name is Princess Stardust, the youngest daughter of King Rainstorm, ruler of The Element Kingdom. I am training to become the kingdom's next Mistress of Magic to help my brother rule. I am hoping to reach worlds beyond our own to seek wisdom. Even if you are unwilling to help, please write back so I ensure my plan can work! Please - I must prove myself to my family. High Lady, Stardust Age 18. P.S. I have sent magic paper for you to write back on. I've been rereading your letter for the last three hours, trying to decide if this is one elaborate prank from my little brother or if this is somehow real. But if this is real... It challenges everything I know. So assuming I believe you, Stardust (I'm not calling you princess or anything like that. Too embarrassing) how did your letter come to me? It literally came together like Pixie Dust in front of me. Which is the only reason I can't believe this is a prank. Why do you need wisdom and why would you pick earth of all places? We can't even help each other, let alone another planet! Oh, my name is Sara. Ironic - my name means princess in my language. If this is real I guess I wouldn't mind if you wrote back. Sceptical Lady, Sara Age I8 Hello Sara! This is most amazing! I had no idea my magic could do this! I am so happy. This will show Father and Brother I have what it takes! Thank you for replying, Sara! But I must confess, I lied. Our Kingdom needs no wisdom. But I wanted and needed a friend. A real one. Not one that works for Father. They aren't real. They tell Father everything! I have no one I can be real with. So I asked the magic to find me someone who was a kindred spirit to mine. Can we write to each other, Sara? Would you be my friend? Also, I'd rather you didn't call me princess. Everyone around here does... By the way, what is Pixie Dust? Hopefully your friend, Stardust Oh, Stardust! That sounds horrible! Yes, I will be your friend, or at least as best a one as I can be from far away. I can't imagine what that must be like. Oh, Pixie Dust is from a story in my world about a boy who never grows up. It was one of my favourite stories when I was little. I used to dream that I was the girl in the story and that the boy would take me away to a land where I would never have to grow up. It was just a dream. I don't have time for a dream now. High school sucks. The only great thing now is getting ready for college. Do you have a favourite story from when you were a kid? Your new friend, Sara Sara! Oh, thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You have made me so happy! Your story reminds me of one we have here, but that little boy was evil... Yours sounds nicer. My favourite story was about a prince who was turned into a swan for being ungrateful and he is cured by a village girl who takes care of him. Father used to read it to me until he decided I was too old for stories. I guess in different ways we both had to grow up. Ever wish you hadn't? Or that you could stop it? Your friend, Stardust Stardust, Your story reminds me of a few we have here. How funny. Sorry that your dad told you he wouldn’t read to you anymore. I told my dad I was too old for that the last time he tried. Maybe I should ask him to read the same book as me... He might like that. I mean there is a part of me that hates growing up, but soon I’ll go to college! Then I won't live with Mom and Dad anymore. I'll be freer than ever! But I bet it's different for you, bringing a princess and all. Do you have much say in your life? Your friend, Sara Your life sounds so amazing, Sara. Let me know if you read with your dad. I'd love to know how that goes. I have some say, kinda. When my brother takes the throne, I will try to prove I can be the next Mistress of Magic. And if I can't, well… My brother will have me married off to either another prince or a noble who is no threat to his rule. Thankfully I have a few years until he takes the throne. The Elements forbid anything should happen to Father. It would seem our lives are very different. But our hearts seem to be similar. Sincerely yours, Stardust Married off?! Stardust, what? You mean, if you can't prove you should be the master of magic or whatever, you have to get married to someone your brother chooses? That’s ridiculous! You should have a say in who you marry! What about love? What about your voice? Always your friend, Sara I didn’t think this would be so surprising to you, Sara. It is what happens, it is better than being killed - in theory anyway. People don't marry for love... Love is rare here. Even in families... Everyone has a role and you follow it. No questions asked. Maybe that's why I like talking to you so much. No rules. Just us. Yours, Stardust What a dreadful fate. Wish I could bring you to my world, Stardust. Then you'd have all the choices you want! With your magic, I bet we could even get ya into my college! We could go on all kinds of adventures together. You've given me dreams again, what do you know? I know we've only been writing for a short time but your letters have become a highlight of my day. Always your friend, Sara Dearest Sara, Sorry, I took so long to write to you again. I have terrible news. My father died in a small battle near the Kingdom's edge. I wish that was the worst of it. I couldn't prove to my brother that I was the best choice for the role of Mistress of Magic, so Brother offered me to the king whom we lost to, as a bride for his son. So I am to be married into a family that killed my father. And to add salt to the wound, I must give up my magic. So this is my last letter. Don't stop dreaming, Sara. Dream enough for both of us. Go on all the adventures you wish you could go on with me. I shall try to earn the prince's favour and maybe be able to write to you again, and I want to hear what you have done. Okay? Promise me! It's the only way I can survive this. Faithfully yours, Stardust.

Ivy and Flint landed on the floor to thunderous applause. Ivy front flipped off Flint's back, and then they stood together and bowed. Ivy led Flint over to the front-row seats. "Oh! My gosh! It's Ivy and the dragon Flint!" The fan gripped her mother's arm. Ivy offered her a signed poster. The girl's knees buckled. Ivy moved on quickly. Flint was distracted by people giving him treats. She let it slide this time; Uncle hadn't fed them enough yesterday. So let him indulge. After a few minutes of letting fans bask in their presence, she whistled for Flint to start their big farewell to the crowd. Flint raced toward her. The crowd took a collective breath. Just as Flint was about to run into her he leapt into the air and caught her in his claws. They did a lap around the tent with her dangling from his claws. He tossed her in the air and caught her on his back. The crowd rose to their feet. The cheers made the tent rattle. They flew out the hatch of the tent. Ivy longed to fly away, far from the circus, but she knew better. She and Flint landed and she led him to his cage. Uncle never let Flint mingle with the crowds other than in the tent. She’d learned long ago that they both felt better when they stayed together, so she often stayed in the cage with him. After all, her uncle made Flint seem like he couldn’t be trusted, so the circus folk didn’t want to mess with the dragon's prize. She could hear her uncle saying farewell from here and knew that meant the crowds would be stopping to stare. Sometimes her uncle would bring a few brave souls by the cage to gawk at the girl and her dragon. "No, we can't let the beast roam free, he could go crazy and do a lot of damage." Her uncle chuckled. The scales on Flint's back stood up and he grew as her uncle approached. "Easy there, Boy." Ivy patted his nose. "I know. I'm here!” He pressed his scaly forehead into hers. She hummed him a song she remembered her mother singing. “See, only the girl can calm him," her uncle boasted. “Is that why she is locked in there with him?" A woman, whom Ivy assumed was the mother of one of the kids in the group, approached her. Her uncle put a hand on the woman's shoulder. "You know what hoarders dragons are." He waved his hand dismissively. "Wouldn’t want to know what would happen if we tried to separate them." The women didn't look convinced. "Don't worry, we take excellent care of our little star. The beast is used to the rest of us circus folk. He doesn't see us as a threat to her safety." Ivy resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She quickly glanced at the women. "I feel quite safe in the cage, ma’am." Ivy stood so she could get a better look at her. She hoped the bruises, which couldn’t be explained by an accident in rehearsal, were hidden. The women looked her up and down. "May I approach?" Ivy looked at her uncle. "You may.” Her uncle sighed. The woman took Ivy’s hand and slipped a note into it. "You put on quite a show, dear girl. Best of luck." Ivy locked eyes with this woman. It was as if she knew her. No sooner had the woman arrived than she left. Ivy slid the note into her pocket as she watched the woman walk away. Her uncle stood guarding her. Once the crowds were gone, Ivy climbed out of the cage. "How come you never let anyone know I'm your niece?" "Would you want people to think you're the star of my show because I took pity on my orphaned niece?” "No..." she muttered. "Do you think your sister would want you to treat her only child this way?" "What did you say, girl?" Her uncle grabbed her by the shoulders and squeezed them so tight. "You’re hurting me, Uncle!" Ivy felt the tears prick at her eyes. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of making her cry. "Your pathetic look won't work on me anymore." He pushed her to the ground. "You are the same age as my foolish sister was when she ran off with your father. And look where it got her - 6 feet underground in an unmarked grave. Your father, half dead, arrived at my circus on the back of his beast.” He pointed to Flint, who was pacing in his cage. “With you and that thing in a basket." Her uncle picked her up like she weighed nothing and tossed her back in the cage. Flint flared up and roared so loud that the whole camp shook. "Flint!" Ivy quickly stood in front of him. "Please," she said weakly, falling into him. Flint relaxed and cradled her. His warmth soothed her pain. "You will stay there till morning!" Her uncle locked the cage and left Ivy to her silent tears. She knew the real reason no one knew she was his niece; how could he treat his own family that way? Flint nudged at her pocket. “Oh! The note!” Ivy slowly opened it. It read, Are you happy? Safe? If not, meet me at the edge of the forest near your camp after night falls. I'll stay till the moon is high in the sky. Run away from the circus? She looked at Flint; he always knew what she was thinking. He pressed his head into her arm. "You think we should? But we don't even know her!" she whispered. Flint circled his head as if to say, Look around you. "You're right... It can't be any worse than it is now. If only I hadn't made Uncle so angry. Then he might not have locked the cage." Ivy felt defeat wash over her as she watched the rest of the cast head to bed. Her stomach growled. She sighed as the moon lit up the sky. Maybe the lady would come back. "Pst!" Ivy looked around. "Lewis?" she whispered. Lewis was one of the few people her age in the show, and he had earned Flint's trust and become one of her few friends. "Yes, I brought you some food. I bribed one of the kitchen ladies. I'm doing dishes for a week!” He sighed. "But you hadn’t had a real meal in days." He slid the tray into the cage. She reached for it and their hands touched. They both blushed. Flint snorted. In between bites of food, Ivy explained. "Lewis, I need to leave. Ring Master will kill Flint if he has another outburst like that!" “I know." Lewis showed her the key. "I stole it during supper. I'm gonna sneak it back after you’re out of sight." He unlocked the cage. Ivy and Flint carefully stepped out. "Lewis." She kissed his cheek. "I'll come back for you, I promise." Lewis helped her onto Flint's back and kissed her hand. "See that you do. The circus won't shine as bright without you, Ivy." Flint took off as gracefully as Ivy had ever seen. She looked back to see Lewis locking the cage. She hoped he could sneak the key back safely. She would come back for him. But tonight, she would fly for freedom.