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The trees surrounding the Capitol turned to warm vibrant colors as the cool wind of fall blew across the Faery Realm. Ive left his house and slung his travel bag over his shoulder as he traveled down the path leading to the small village where his troop gathered to play. Leaves crunched underfoot as he went. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a deep blue and a familiar brown-feathered wing.

Aero lay sleeping in a small clearing. She held a leather bound book loosely in her hand. Ive knelt down quietly to take the book from her ink stained fingertips. Setting down his lute he sat against a tree across the clearing and turned to the first page.

“I know by starting a journal I will only be chasing my memories but that won’t stop me. I will start from the beginning of my memory. As long as I have this book I will have my memories. Even if they are lost from my mind I will be able to find them again. This time I won’t be so helpless.”

Drawn in by the mystery of Aero’s past Ive continued to read. The pages told of the life Aero had lived in the small village of the Light Realm. She spoke of the kindness that was always shone to her and the cruelty towards Tornado.

Aero stirred in her sleep instinctively closing her hand as though to grab the book. Startled she sat up scanning the ground until she saw Ive and snatched the journal out of his hands clutching it to her chest.

“Wait, what happened to him?” Ive asked worriedly reaching out for the book. Aero stared at him still clinging to the book defensively. “Ah. I’m sorry. I really shouldn’t have taken your book especially since it was your journal. I was just curious about your past is all.”

“You really want to know what happened back then?” Aero asked loosening the grip on the book a bit. “Even if it isn’t happy.”

He nodded. “I kind of guessed it wouldn’t be.”

She handed it back watching as his eyes eagerly followed the words on the page. She was amazed at the concern that appeared across his face as he read.

“Why don’t you share this story with people? It’s the perfect event to make people see the injustice between the dark and light!” Ive explained closing the book to hand back to her.

“What if they agree with my people? What if they think he got what he deserved? Not everyone cares for darkness, Ive, you know that as well as I do.”

“Even if you get one person to change their view you’ve made a difference. That’s what I have learned. You shouldn’t give up hope so easily.” A large smile spread across his face. “In fact, I have an idea.”

The halls of the palace were quiet as the sun began to set. A maid walked carrying a basket to the washroom. Something up ahead caught her eye. A small book lay in the middle of the hall with a design that shimmered even in the fading light of the archways. She placed down the basket to pick up the book and opened it to the first page.

“In these pages is a memory from the realm called ‘pure.’ Though this memory may make you question that title. If you wish to remain pleasantly unaware please drop this book and act as nothing ever happened. If this has sparked your curiosity feel free to venture further into these pages. When you finish pass it on to someone else or drop it somewhere it can be found.”

The maid looked around before tucking the book into the basket and continuing on her way.

A week passed bringing with it a cool wind. Aero stepped out into the market square wearing a hooded shawl that hung down around her elbows.

“Aero!” She heard an excited voice call.

“Ah, Ive-”

“Come with me!” He exclaimed before she could finish dragging her behind him as he ran out of the market and through the alleyways to where they couldn’t be seen.

Aero leaned against her knees and asked breathlessly. “What was that about?”

“Look what I found!” He exclaimed showing her the book.

“What’d you pick that up for? You should have left it for someone to read!”

“I’ll put it back don’t worry.” His smile came back as he continued. “You know how we left extra pages in the back? I knew it would be good. Take a look!”

Aero flipped through the pages to the last one written on. There was a small arrow on the opposite page. She looked at him confused.

“Turn the page!” He urged her.

She did and began to read small passages left by those who had read the book. They were telling her how they agreed and how reading her memory had made them feel. Some of their hearts had changed while others said they felt more strongly of the injustice. Aero turned the page feeling tears run down her cheeks. When she finished she closed the book holding it close for a minute before turning to Ive.

She flung her arms around him. “Thank you so much.” She pulled away drying off her face. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to cry on you like that.”

He laughed a little nervously. “It’s fine. I’m not going to try and steal you away or anything.”

“Oh.” She flushed slightly looking away.

“It was obvious that you loved him though reading what you wrote in that book. You don’t have to worry about that from me though. I just want to be your friend, is all.” He laughed a bit again scratching his head nervously. “Say, now that Tornado’s gone who’s protecting you?”

“Um, Rook and Flora I guess.”

“Well, that won’t do. They’re busy running the Realm.” He crossed his arms as if to emphasis the problem. “You’ll need someone who has more free time, like me.”

“Aren’t you the leader of the music troupe?” Aero laughed.

“Nah, you’ve got it all wrong. Our troupe is a team. I’m just a spokesperson at best.” He smiled. “But if you became a regular singer it would make it easier on me.”

“Alright. I’ll join the troupe.” She handed him back the book.

“Wonderful! Meet me by the fountain tomorrow and I’ll take you to where we practice.” As he took the book realization spread on his face. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of this before. I should get the troupe to read this!”

“Ah! No, that’ll be embarrassing!” She refused reaching for the book.

He held it out of her reach. “Why? I know they’ll appreciate it. Besides they’re all curious about your past.” He reassured her.

She sighed. “Fine. Do you think they’ll comment in the back?”

“Do you want them to?”

“Ah, only if they want to.” She answered looking away. “I should probably be getting back. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She hurried back to the market square.

Ive laughed a bit. “She seems a lot happier already.”



I have no idea why it took me all summer to write this short little chapter. Hopefully now that I'm not leaving for a new state every weekend I'll be able to write more consistanly. ~Aero