The black-haired woman looked concerned as she saw her beloved in her arms and standing at a distance as well. Kaela noticed and quickly took her beloved and Briar and company away. "Come, he can talk elsewhere, it's not good to have this many Celestials in one place". Kaela guided Briar and Clovis through the city backstreets, but the city was still visible. Water wheels and diamond-like droplets decorated the walls and light fixtures. It was almost blinding to see such a city. 

     They finally made it to a basin with water so clear, as if it was filled with refracted pale rainbows from the sun. With a wave of Kaela's hand, the water split and they descended. Briar saw as they were surrounded by water, sea life brimming with fish, sirens, and mermaids frolicking away. Then as they saw their Celestial, they all waved and smiled, some even dancing and smiling to get her attention. This was Briar's first time seeing a fish smile, and it was the most off-putting thing she had ever seen, she hoped to never encounter it again.       

      As they walked further in they saw the palace come into view. A structure that was made out of pearl and aquamarine, a brilliant display that could only be made underwater. The doors opened and they were let inside. Briar couldn't believe it, the shine the magnitude, to call it beautiful was not enough. 

     Kaela led them to a lounging area where servants brought out desserts of every kind. The servants had their eyes banded and kept their distance from Briar, but all still felt drawn to her. Briar kept staring at the different kinds of people in the place. From human to aquatic humanoid people, all glad to serve their Celestial who laughed and joked around with her. In contrast, Selene was giving directions on what to bring and set up, assuming a more royal attitude than the actual crown princess. 

     Briar and Clovis sat across from the couple and Kaela finally introduced the black-haired woman. "Briar, may I present the sixth heavenly child of the empire of the moon, Selene Losana. And, my dear Selene, would you believe me if I said this was a child of the Rose Celestial?", Kaela asked curiously. 

     Selene felt entranced by the the woman in front of her, it was her lovely Kaela, smiling at her, but she knew it wasnt her, "I would, but how did this come to be? Where have you been hiding", she asked in a deep low tone.            Briar kept her cold expression but didn't expect to see another Celstail so soon. It took her aback a bit but she felt it was safe enough to talk freely, "I can tell you where I came from and more if you clear out medical debt and lead us through the city". Selene was dumbfounded, "What medical debt, in this kingdom no one pays to get healed", she looked at Kaela who just gave a smile and puppy dog eyes. Selene sighed, "Honestly, what have you been up to since I've been gone? I promise you she is a very reliable monarch and her methods may be outside the box, but she does things with good intentions", Selene said with an exhausted laugh. 

     Kaela sighed in relief, her expression more serious, "Please excuse my methods, I try to place the safety of my kingdom first. So, forgive me if I was a bit alarmed when I saw another Celestial slowly dying in my beloved form. Of course, today was mainly for information on how powerful you were, even if my citizens had a veil on their eyes, your mere presence was enough to cause a riot. I underestimated that aspect, but I'm glad there were no casualties and the most note-worthy thing was a bit of bruising and scratches. However, even if you have been nothing but 'cordial', I still need definitive answers, Ms. Briar".

       Briar could feel her aura change, but she still kept her demeanor stagnant. "You will get everything you want and more if I can get what I want". Kalea, smiled, "A safe passage through the town and help for the children. I will even send you off with supplies for the rest of your journey through the Oceanic Empire. Sounds like a good deal, wouldn't you say".  

     Briar sipped her cup and looked at Clovis, "One more thing, could you show my guide a current map that you have of the fastest route from here to the Rose Kingdom?". Kaela and Selene looked at each other. Selene broke the silence with a sly smile, "I just came back, and you are already having me work, honestly, I was thinking of planning our wedding, but who would I be to pass up this opportunity", her eyes shined as she stood, "If that's all of your demands, consider them done, however, in exchange, you have to let me inside your head. When we say we want definitive and straight answers, we mean no contamination or run-around. So what do you say?".

     Briar smiled and followed suit, "Of course, pry as much as you like, I have nothing to be ashamed of". They both shook hands and a bind was made on their wrist. 

     Kaela was elated as she clapped her hands, "Perfect. Mr. Clovis, please follow me, Ms. Briar will stay with Selene". Clovis looked over to Briar, concerned to just leave her with another Celestial. He felt surrounded and it was even worse that they were underwater without the means to escape. But as he saw Briar's calm demeanor, he felt it was okay. He nodded and followed Kaela. 

     

       Selene and Briar were now alone. There was a bit of tension, but both parties proceeded with the ritual," Well why don't we start? I won't lie to you, it will be a little uncomfortable and I will be able to see everything, so you have my word that no one, not even Kaela will know what I saw". Briar felt reassured by these words and waited for instructions. Selene held out her hands and motioned Briar to set her palms facing up. As soon as Briars touched Selene, her vision went black, and she was back in that cave under the inn.