In the sunroom, Avaria stood atop a small rotating stage as Poppy adjusted her outfit for the upcoming ball. The room was bathed in sunlight, highlighting the intricate details of Avaria's dress. However, it lacked a mirror, preventing the girls from sneaking a peek at their attire before the ball.

As Poppy made slight adjustments to Avaria's dress, Avaria turned to Odelia, who sat nearby. "How are things at the family manor?" she inquired, her heart racing at the memory of her encounter with Kairos the previous night.

Odelia hesitated before responding, her expression saddened. "I feel like a ghost in my own home," she confessed. "Kairos returned this morning."

Avaria's heart skipped a beat as she recalled Kairos' unexpected visit. Then, a thought struck her—Kairos had been in her room late last night, but Odelia said he came home this morning. Where had he been before returning home?

As Odelia continued to express her frustrations about her family, Poppy reassured her that she was always welcome at the townhouse.

Suddenly, Avaria had a realisation. She turned to Odelia and asked, "Dels, is your healing magic celestial?"

Odelia paused to consider the question before responding, "I believe it's a subcategory of celestial magic due to its purity and rarity. Why do you ask?" She glanced at Avaria, sensing her scheming thoughts.

Avaria attempted to brush off her curiosity, claiming she had read about it in a book the previous night. Luckily, Odelia didn't press the matter in the presence of Poppy and Nanny.

With Poppy's encouragement, Avaria sat down as Odelia took her place on the stage for her dress adjustments.

Avaria couldn't resist asking another question. "Do you think rare magic runs in your family?"

Odelia looked puzzled by the sudden interest in her family's magical heritage. "Well, my parents don't possess exceptional mana beyond the generational stones. But as for Kairos..." She trailed off, unable to recall much about his magical abilities until he received the Solas stone.

Poppy grew concerned about Odelia's fidgeting, prompting her to focus on the task at hand. Meanwhile, Avaria pondered the revelation about the Solas stone and its connection to Kairos and Odelia.

Avaria realised that having two children with rare magic was not a coincidence. Typically, the stone passed to the eldest child, but in the Sessron family, it was bestowed upon the most promising member. Initially granted to Odelia for her exceptional healing skills, the stone's power was later shared with Kairos, who began to exhibit remarkable abilities after receiving half of its power. Eventually, Odelia gave him the full power, as her mana replenished at an unusually high rate, which meant she did not mind giving it to her brother, who didn't produce much mana naturally. With Kairos eventually possessing the full power of their family's stone, Avaria couldn't shake the feeling that this had something to do with how he ended up with white magic.

As Avaria, Odelia, and Poppy made their way through the bustling streets of Auran, the vibrant energy of the Spring Blossom Festival enveloped them. Despite Avaria's preference for the Autumn Equinox, she couldn't help but be captivated by the festive atmosphere.

The trio meandered along the streets, weaving through the throngs of people in search of a flower stall for the offering at the open-air temple. Poppy and Odelia gushed excitedly about the various flowers they could use, their voices blending with the melodic chatter of the crowd.

As they approached a colourful flower stall adorned with blooms of every hue, Odelia paused, her expression thoughtful. She pondered aloud whether she should get her own bouquet, considering her recent encounter with Gia's wrath when she captured the sprite. It was clear she was probably not in the goddess's good graces after that incident.

As Poppy and Odelia busied themselves selecting flowers for their bouquets, Avaria took a moment to absorb the vibrant scene unfolding around them. The bustling streets were alive with activity, adorned with colourful flowers that decorated light posts and buildings alike. Children laughed and played near stalls filled with face paints and toys, while the melody of music carried on the wind, enticing some to dance in spontaneous groups.

The Spring Blossom Festival brought together people from different faiths, with activities celebrating the shared ideals of the Celestial Harmony and Primal Elemental religions. Avaria observed the harmonious blend of celebrations, where the Celestial Harmony focused on the cycle of life and revitalization of a new life cycle, while the Elementals emphasised the balance of nature. Despite their differing perspectives, both shared a common reverence for the harmony provided by nature.

Once the flowers were purchased, they continued their journey towards the temple, where a large crowd had gathered in a line, each person ready to pay their offerings. As they approached the majestic Celestial Harmony Temple, Avaria marvelled at its grandeur. Rising majestically in the heart of the city, its towering spires reached towards the heavens, exuding an aura of ethereal beauty and serenity.

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The temple's exterior was adorned with intricate carvings of celestial beings and motifs were evident in the intricate carvings adorning the gleaming white marble facade. Delicate scrollwork adorned towering columns that framed the open entrance, beckoning worshippers inside. As they approached, the imposing statue of the main goddess, Solara, alongside her celestial dragon, stood guard, symbolising protection and divine guidance. Their presence on the exterior of the temple conveyed a sense of reverence and awe, setting the tone for the sacred space within.

Amidst the worshippers, Avaria couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. She scanned the crowd, staying vigilant, but couldn't discern anything amiss. Suddenly, the crowd erupted in excitement as a motorised carriage appeared in front of the temple. Crafted with impeccable detail, the carriage exuded an air of regal elegance, its emerald green velvet and intricate gold trimmings reflecting the prestige of its occupants. With the Royal crest of a phoenix flying high atop the carriage, it was unmistakably the Royal carriage.

Poppy, with the girls in tow, deftly navigated through the crowd, determined to catch a glimpse of the Royal family member arriving in the carriage. As they reached the front of the gathering throng, they were met with a clear path made by the guards.

Stepping out of the carriage was a striking older woman, adorned in a delicately decorated dress and a waist-length cape draped gracefully over her shoulders. Her greying hair was fashioned into an intricate braided style, befitting her regal stature. Following closely behind her was a younger woman, resembling a mirror image of the Queen, with dark brunette hair styled in an elegant half-up, half-down hairdo. Her attire matched the Queen's, equally adorned and elegant, both wearing the Royal green of the Auran family.

Poppy's call of the Queen's name rang out inappropriately, drawing stern stares from the surrounding crowd. The Queen, ever graceful, turned towards the source of the disturbance, her expression initially stern before softening as she recognized Poppy. With a scolding glance, the Queen whispered something to a nearby guard, who promptly approached the girls.

Despite the tense moment, the princess remained stoic, gracefully continuing to greet the public. The Queen, acknowledging Poppy with a smile, nodded in her direction before the guard whispered something in Poppys ear. After a fierce nod from Poppy in response, the guard departed, and Poppy motioned for the girls to follow her.

As Poppy led the girls through a side entrance, guards cleared the way for them to enter the temple, which had been reserved for the Queen and the princess to make their offering privately. Upon entering, they found the Queen and princess kneeling by the altar, their flowers prominently displayed in the center. Silently, the girls joined in prayer at the side of the altar, offering their own flowers as tribute.

"It's so serene in here," Avaria whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.

"Yes, it's like stepping into another world," Odelia agreed, her tone hushed in reverence.

Avaria glanced around, noticing the numerous guards positioned around the temple, and her gaze drifted to the Queen and princess.

"Where's the king? Shouldn't he be here too?" Avaria asked in a low voice, her curiosity piqued.

"Hush, dear. We're guests here," Poppy cautioned, her tone gentle but firm.

After a few moments of prayer, everyone rose to greet each other. Poppy bowed before the Queen, who then pulled her into a soft embrace. Avaria and Odelia followed suit, bowing respectfully.

"Poppy, my dear friend." Queen Cecile greeted warmly, her voice tinged with affection.

"Your Majesty." Poppy replied, her voice filled with sincerity.

The Queen's gaze shifted to Odelia, her expression softening with familiarity as she remarked on her beauty. Despite Odelia being the daughter of a Duke, it was noteworthy that the Duke of Sessron had earned his title as the head of the imperial army rather than being a member of the Royal family.

"And you must be the infamous Avaria. I've heard so much about you over the years," the Queen said, her tone curious yet welcoming.

"Yes, Your Majesty. It's a pleasure to finally meet you," Avaria responded politely, her words measured and respectful.

As the Queen studied Avaria's appearance, a strange expression briefly crossed her face before she smiled and made a comment about Avaria resembling her mother—a rare compliment for Avaria.

"You have your mother's grace, my dear," the Queen remarked, her tone sincere.

Grateful for the compliment, Avaria smiled in response and introduced herself to the princess Eloise, who greeted her graciously.

"It's lovely to meet you, Avaria," the princess said, her voice soft and welcoming.

The princess then excused herself, claiming she felt faint and would wait in the carriage. The Queen turned back to Poppy, seating herself for a brief chat..

The Queen inquired if the girls were excited for the ball, and Odelia eagerly expressed her love for balls and dressing up.

"Oh, yes! I can't wait to see what you've made for Her Majesty, Poppy," Odelia exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

Queen Cecile smiled gratefully before turning to Avaria, asking about the colour of her dress."And what about you, Avaria? What colour will your dress be?" the Queen inquired, her tone curious but kind.

Before Avaria could respond, Poppy interjected, informing pink.

"I think pink would suit her perfectly," Poppy suggested, her voice filled with certainty. "Emerald would complement your eyes beautifully, Avaria," the Queen remarked, her tone thoughtful. Avaria nodded in agreement, noting inwardly how her hazel eyes tended to shift depending on the colours she wore and how they complemented her features.

After a bit more chatter, the guard reminded them that people were waiting to make their offerings. The Queen hugged Poppy goodbye, nodded farewell to Odelia, then turned to Avaria.

"Do not feel like a stranger, dear. You are always welcome at the palace with your mother." the Queen said, her voice warm and reassuring.

Avaria nodded, feeling touched by the Queen's warmth and kindness.

As quickly as the Queen had entered, she departed, and the crowd erupted again. The patrons filled the church once more, paying their respects.As they made their way back into town towards the festivities, Avaria walked closely behind Odelia and Poppy, who were hand in hand. Suddenly, another letter appeared before her eyes, falling into her outstretched palm. She turned it over to see the plain black wax seal, urgent anticipation building within her as she opened the letter.

"You've been beckoned for a meeting with someone in the capital. Someone came looking for Nightwing's services - T," it read. Avaria glanced around, the memory of being watched earlier still fresh in her mind. She hadn't quite shaken off the feeling. Quickly, she pocketed the letter, hidden within the folds of her skirt. She made a mental note to read the rest of the information later when she didn't have so many people around.