Seren led Kalyani up the grand stone steps of the library and to the return slot. Dropping their book in.

“We don’t have the time for you to peruse for a new book.” Kalyani said, Seren nodded.

“Yeah, I know. I just wanted to return the book. It wasn’t very interesting and I don’t think I’ll be reading it anymore.” Seren said, sadly. “I want to, it’s nice to learn about. Nevermind.”

“Learning about the fae part of yourself?” Kalyani asked, leading them toward the carriage.

“Yeah, seems like no one wants to talk about it, or even acknowledge it.” Seren said, out of the corner of their eye they saw people coming out of the library. It made them want to go inside and lose themself in a book. But they had other work to do. Maybe cooking could be just as fun?

“I bet that’s hard.” Kalyani sympathized, walking to the carriage. The footman opened the door and pulled the step out for the two of them. “I know how you feel. It’s hard to have secrets.”

“Secrets?” Seren asked, getting up into the seat.

“Yeah, everyone has secrets they can’t talk about. Stuff they hide.” Kalyani said, sitting across from them. The footman put the step back and shut the door. “It’s hard to hide things but it’s important. Hiding the bad is what keeps people happy. There are times when I wish I hadn’t told the truth.” Seren watched out the windows, thinking about what Kalyani had said. She looked out the opposite window, seemingly thinking deeply herself.

The carriage came to a stop in the Spring district and the footman opened the door and pulled down the step again. Seren gestured for Kalyani to go first. They stepped out and looked around the shops. Riding to places was much faster and easier than walking and Seren enjoyed it. They pondered the idea of getting their own horse to ride places instead of having to walk. Kalyani led Seren around the market, showing off what produce was needed for the dish and how to pick the best produce. Most shopkeepers squirmed when seeing Seren approaching.

“Seren, this is a surprise..” A farmer smiled nervously.

“I’m just shopping, not working today.” Seren said, trying not to show the sadness in their smile. The farmer visibly relaxed.

“That’s a change of pace isn’t it.” The farmer said, laughing nervously. “But I’ve heard the way you haggle. Think I’d rather you visit on business.” Seren shrugged.

“Fair’s fair.” They said, looking over the goods. Kalyani wandered on and Seren wandered off into the other direction. Looking for something sweet for the nest, they didn’t even realize that Kalyani had separated from them.

Seren wandered from stand to stand. Finding it harder and harder to see all the shopkeepers preparing to pay them but stopping when Seren shopped instead. Seren fell heavily into a bench near the only park in the Spring district. They were conflicted, they could imagine the pride and joy on Eric’s face if they brought back and completed the job on their own time. Picking up the slack that Wilbur had left behind. But on the other hand, they also could imagine how mad he would be instead.

“Kalyani, I think….” Seren started but when they looked up they realized Kalyani was gone. “Kalyani?” People moved about the markets. None looked like Kalyani. Seren sighed and got up to their feet. They were supposed to stay with her but they were still exactly where they said they’d be.

“Hi there, you lost?”

Seren looked around at a hooded stranger that they didn’t recognize.

“No. I’m not lost, I know exactly where I am.” Seren said.

“I mean, where’s your parent? Your guardian?” The stranger asked, getting closer.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“At home, where he’s meant to be.” Seren said, backing away with every step forward the stranger made. The stranger didn’t feel overly dangerous, just annoying.

“So you’re alone?” The stranger asked. A second walking up. Seren stopped backing up and squared up instead.

“Are you threatening me?” Seren asked. They didn’t have their rings in their pocket and that made them feel vulnerable. They weren’t wearing their body armor either.

“Not at all,” The stranger said. “We’re just worried, let us take you home.”

“Piss off. I don’t need an escort.” Seren snapped. Letting the magic lash out, it was the only real power they had on them to use. It manifested as the paint peeling off the bench they’d just been sitting on. The two strangers stepped back at the sight, but only for a moment. They put their hands together.

“You are fae?” They asked. Seren didn’t like the anticipation in their voice. It was very different from the hesitation and fear than they were used to.

“Oh, Serenity.” called one of the merchants. A butcher. They came up to Seren and took their shoulders. “Fancy seeing you, working?”

“No, not today.” Seren said, it felt much safer having someone with them on their side.

“Well, you were right about those piglets!” The butcher said,

“I know,” Seren said. “Did you get a new litter?”

“Yes! I’ll even let you pick one out to name.” The butcher began leading them toward the pig farm.

“Are they following us?” Seren asked quietly.

“No, looks like they’re talking, but they are watching us.” The butcher said. “What are you doing here? All children are supposed to have an adult with them at all times.”

“I had one, we got separated.” Seren said, “and I thought it was just a curfew.”

“Not anymore.” The butcher said. “Too many missing kids. Now you get home.”

“What about Kalyani, I have to find her first. Plus you said I’d get to name a piglet.”

“You don’t name piglets unless they’re pets and is Kalyani an adult?” The butcher asked.

“Yeah but why don’t you name-”

“Then she’ll be fine. Get home.” The butcher gave Seren a shove and went on his way. Seren rolled their eyes but went back to where the carriage was, but it wasn’t there anymore. Seren looked around but couldn’t see it. They huffed and began stomping their way on the long walk home.

Seren opened the door and shut it. Home finally. Ready to yank off their boots and maybe take a hot shower.

“Serenity!” Eric shouted and had Seren falling back and to the ground. “What were you thinking!?”

“What was I thinking?” Seren scoffed. “One minute I’m looking at produce the next? I’m by myself in the market! And once I realized I was left behind I came straight home.” Eric looked hard at Seren. Scrutinizing their honesty. Seren stood up and put their shoes to the side, crossing their arms. Finally Eric turned.

“KALYANI!” He roared before storming off toward the kitchen.

“Oh boy.” Seren sighed, and ran after. “It was a busy day at the markets! An accident! Plus I am more than capable of staying safe on my own!”

“That doesn’t change the fact that she left you alone! She was supposed to be watching you!” Eric said as he stormed into the kitchen. Kalyani’s color drained from her face.

“She’s not a babysitter!” Seren argued. “I asked to go with her!”

“Are you disputing that it’s her fault you were forgotten.” Eric turned and asked. Seren grit their teeth together.

“Why does it have to be anyone’s fault?” Seren asked. “Why can’t it just be an accident?”

“Because accidents lead to errors! Deaths! Disappearances! You think Wilbur’s disappearance was on purpose?” Eric yelled at them.

“Well someone might have!” Seren yelled back. Eric knelt down and looked at them very sternly.

“Was that person, you?” He asked in a very dark voice.

“Why are you so convinced it’s my fault!?” Seren yelled. They stomped their foot.

“Because you are being so secretive! What am I supposed to think?” he yelled, standing back up.

“That maybe I just want a little privacy?” Seren asked. “Maybe it’s just hit me that I have walls and doors that function and I have the right to use them?” Eric scoffed and rolled his eyes.

“You.” He started but then his expression changed. “Right. You didn’t have a door.” Seren shook their head and groaned in frustration.

“I’m going to my room.” They said. Stomping up the stairs. “I hate not being able to do whatever I want when I want to do it! I can go to the market by myself, I can go to the library alone!”

“Blame the fae! That’s the reason all this is happening!” Eric shouted after them. Seren’s only response was to slam their door as hard as they could.