“Water was given to me by being raised in the water village. I was maybe seven when an air villager was traveling through for trade. I wasn’t paying attention I ran in front of a horse carriage I would have been killed but the villager used the air to save me. Shortly after that I could use air; of course, I had to keep it a secret so I found a place just for me to be alone so I could practice using air and water together.” Her eyes hold nostalgia as she remembers the events.

         “That must have been strange to deal with at such a young age. Keeping that big of a secret as a child I don’t think I would have been able to keep it. Well, I’ll head to my chambers now so you can get some sleep; after all we have that banquet tomorrow. They even prepared a uniform and had it sent to my chambers.” Rexen says as he stands and makes his way to the door.

         “That was nice of them to give you something to wear.” She gives him a small smile.

         “Yeah I suppose that’s true.” He says.

         “Goodnight, see you at the banquet tomorrow.” Rexen leaves. Spanx uses the air to blow out the candle on the desk. She lays in bed staring at the ceiling going over everything in her head as she slowly falls into a deep slumber.

*********

There’s a young boy smiling happily as he runs through a small village. He runs to a small house and when he opens the door he sees his mother lying on the floor. A shadow figure goes out the window and the boy runs to his mother’s side. He lifts her head into his small arms as he starts to cry.

*********

Day of the Banquet

***

Spanx sits up quickly as she takes a deep breath.

         “Oh, lady Spanx I didn’t mean to startle you; but now that you’re awake you need to come with me. We have an assortment of dresses currently waiting for you and the other ladies to choose from for the banquet.”  The Housekeeper that entered says shyly.

         “Oh, ok.” She rubs her eyes and yawns as she climbs out of bed. Following the housekeeper to the room where all the other girls are excitedly getting ready. The room is overly full of dresses.

         “Luna you should wear this lavender dress; it’s perfect for you.” Flora says as she pulls a dress out of the bunch.

         “Oh, this deep blue one is really pretty too.” Specura says as she holds the dress to herself.

         “Hey Spanx, can you believe how many dresses are here?” Syi says a wide smile on her face.

         “Spanx I have to give you a pretty flower too. Hold my hand this way your heart can choose the color.” Flora says as she holds out her hand to Spanx.

         “Ok.” She says as she takes hold of Flora’s hand.

Holding her hand Flora uses her element to grow a flower in Spanx’s hair.

         “Oh.” Flora looks at it with shock.

         “Was that supposed to happen?” Zora asks.

         “Didn’t you say that our heart chooses the color?” Specura looks worriedly at Spanx.

         “What is it; why is everyone so shocked about the flower?” Spanx looks around at everyone each of them keeping quiet. They cast their eyes down when they meet hers. She walks over to the grand mirror. The flower is a black rose with some wilted spots on it.

         “Hey, it’s still a pretty flower.” Syi says trying to be cheerful.

         “She’s right. All flowers are beautiful.” Zora says while trying to be cheerful.

         “Dead flowers are not beautiful.” Luna says while she finishes slipping into a dress.

         “Luna!” all the girls together

         “It’s ok, my heart chose a black rose, and maybe it’s telling me to wear a black dress too.” Spanx says with a smile.

         “I hope everyone has chosen and changed into a dress. I’m here to take you to the next room where you will have your hair put up nicely.” One of the Housekeepers says as she enters the room.

         Sorry I haven’t changed yet, I’m sure I’ll be able to find my way once I’m changed though.” Spanx smiles once again.

         “Very well; now if everyone else can follow me please.” The housekeeper holds the door for the girls.

Everyone leaves the room. Left alone in the room Spanx turns to face the mirror again. She lightly runs her finger over the rose’s petals; before her finger leaves them, they begin to heal. As she watches it heal a movement in the mirror catches her eye.

         “Is someone there?” she asks as she turns around. The only reply is the sound of something falling to the floor. She walks over and lying on the floor is a dress, she lifts it off the floor and looks at it. It’s a low-back dress with no straps; its heart shaped at the top the bottom flows out. It’s a light pink at the top. It gradually gets darker as it becomes black at the bottom. She puts it on and goes back to the mirror. She fixes her hair using the flower to hold it into place.

She leaves the room to find where the banquet is going to be. As she turns the corner she bumps into someone.

         “I’m really sorry.” She says regaining her footing.

         “No harm done; are you alright though?” he holds out his hand to her.

She looks up to see whom she’s bumped into she looks at him with some confusion as he looks just like Zain but the young man in front of her has long dark hair and he’s a bit shorter than Zain. Embarrassed, she quickly bows her head.

         “I’m sorry, please excuse me.”

She walks away as quickly as her feet will carry her. She calms herself as she enters the hall and starts down the stairs.

         “Oh, my Ari look at her.” Chime says as she notices her walking down the steps.

         “You were right when you said she looks just like her. That dress is the same one Myra wore to our welcoming banquet; how is it even possible they both chose the same dress to wear to the same event?” Ari says.

         “Life is truly amazing sir.” Chime says.

Ari and Chime smile to one another.

***

At the sound of a horn everyone turns their attention to the stairway the King and his Queen Rise to their feet.

         A servant speaks loudly for everyone to hear.

The two make their way down the stairs.

         “Welcome back prince Kai.” A visitor says just when Kai passes by.

         “It’s wonderful to have you back at the castle prince Kai.” One of the servants says with a bow.

         “Thank you; it’s really great to be home.” He says with a smile.

Kai goes straight to the king.

         “You are free to speak my son.” The king then takes his seat.