Nearly a moon had passed since the two princesses had split from the others. In that time, Gwyneth had practiced her magic enough to create a feast, something that still drained nearly her entire reserve. Still, it was a relief to eat the delicacies of home rather than whatever animal was unlucky enough to stumble upon them. She had envied Thea those days.

Gwyneth had shared more stories of her childhood, and Cetri shared her own in turn. Her father had died when she was four and didn't have many memories of him. The only thing she could vividly recall was his mustache. His death had been considered a happy moment for the people of Cathrul. After all, they were to take their place along either Lunelle or Solus.

The Aeceria princess had thought similarly at a time not so long ago. It was said that every living being that dies takes their place in the Almighty's abode. Obviously, she knew now that that wasn't true. She wondered if Zetheria had any similar beliefs.

Before long, they reached the capital of Aquariot near the shore.

The air was fresh, and the palms seemingly danced in the wind. She wasn't sure why, but she could sense something magical about this place. Was it because of her newfound magic? But why would there be magic in Aquariot?

"Do you... feel something?" Gwyneth asked Cetri who was too focused on the sight ahead of her. The grass was far shorter than the plains of Aeceria. She wondered how many hours went into maintaining its length. In the distance silver-colored triangular roofs could be seen. It was quite different from Aeceria's architecture.

Of course, farther in the distance was the ocean. The buildings blocked their view of the sand, but Cetri could picture it in her mind from stories she had read.

"Cetri?" Gwyneth tried to bring the Cathruli's attention back to her.

"Huh? Oh, do I feel something? Yeah, it's strange. It's almost as if there's a higher presence all around us," Cetri answered.

"You probably feel the Water Spirit," Thea explained. "I'm surprised you don't recognize it considering you've been to the forest."

"You speak of the Wind Spirit?" Gwyneth asked. "I couldn't sense it at all back then."

"Really? Hm... Perhaps it was keeping its presence hidden? But for what reason?"

As fascinating as the Spirits were, they could wait. Gwyneth was eager to make her way to the shore.

Memories of her time with the prince flooded back. He mentioned how relaxing the cool water was. Gwyneth expressed disinterest and explained how she gets cold easily. The prince had assured her that while it was cool (and refreshing during the heat) at first, one would gradually adapt to its temperature. She wanted to feel this for herself.

She was halfway there and could see the sand in the distance. It was far lighter than she had expected, nearly resembling snow.

And she would reach it faster if it wasn't for Aquariot's characteristic hospitality.

She grew annoyed constantly being greeted by passersby. At first, it was charming and welcoming, but after the seventh "What brings you to Aquariot?" She didn't want to answer anymore. The sea you're preventing me from touching, she was tempted to say.

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Cetri was far more used to dealing with small talk and took kindly to the greetings. She had nearly been able to keep up with Gwyneth who breezed right by. Why was she in such a hurry to reach the ocean anyway? It's just water.

Now, if it was fire that would make so much more sense!

Reaching the sand, Gwyneth hastily (and clumsily) removed her shoes, letting her feet feel the warmth of the sand.

A little too warm.

She yelped in surprise as she quickly retreated to the grass. The prince didn't warn me about THAT, she thought to herself. She would properly scold him for searing the soles of her feet next they meet.

Cetri, on the other hand, took comfort in how warm the sand was. She was used to walking barefoot midday on the near-burning rocks of Cathrul. As much as she resented the water people, she couldn't help but take comfort in this one simple pleasure.

Gwyneth thought she was insane.

Swiping the other princess' sandals when she wasn't looking, she made her way across the scorching sand (feet now protected) to the shoreline.

She looked a little ridiculous waddling in sandals that were much too big for her.

Upon reaching the water, her toes crinkly in discomfort as the water washed the sand from beneath her feet. It was cold and wet, and she didn't like it. She tried picturing it like a giant tub which distracted her until she couldn't feel the cold on the water anymore.

"Oi!" Cetri called from behind her. "Don't taint my shoes with the enemy!"

Gwyneth narrowed her eyes at how ridiculous her friend was being. Stepping out of the too-big shoes, she flung them at the Cathruli hitting her in the face and leaving the residual of sand on her cheeks. She quickly covered her mouth with both hands. "I genuinely thought you would catch that..."

"Ha, ha. Very funny," Cetri said sarcastically. She wiped her face with the side of her arm which only accomplished spreading the sand. Now what to do about her shoes... They were wet! She couldn't wear them until they were entirely dry. She carefully inched her way away from the shoreline choosing to remain closer to the grass.

Gwyneth closed her eyes. Prince Kai was right — this was very relaxing. Curiosity got the better of her and she decided to taste the water. She immediately spat it out regretting her decision. He had warned her about how salty it was, but she foolishly ignored him.

"Welcome to Aquariot! What is your name, friend?" The voice distracted Gwyneth from her thoughts (and her disgust at the water).

She turned to her right to see an Aquariot with a sable complexion and well-kept black hair. Something about him looked vaguely familiar.

"Gwyneth," the princess answered.

"Princess Gwyneth?" The Aquariot's eyes widened. "It is you! You've hardly changed at all!

Gwyneth stumbled back in surprise trying to remember where she knew him from. Then it hit her. "Prince Kai? I'll let that last remark slide. For now." She crossed her arms.

She did not look ten.

"Ah, I'm sorry, that's not what I meant. Obviously, you're all grown up now. But you're still the same! Ah... maybe I should stop explaining."

Gwyneth giggled at his rambling. How could she be mad at him after that?

"What brings you to Aquariot?" Kai asked.

"Actually, I wanted to see you. There was something I wanted to ask." Gwyneth smiled sheepishly.

"Of course! How can I help you?"

"Has anyone ever sailed beyond the border?"

"Beyond the storm?" Kai's eyes widened. "Of course not. We've experimented in the past with different ships, but they all met the same fate. Shredded to pieces."

"Is it perhaps possible to sail far enough away so that the land cannot be seen?" Gwyneth asked, her voice becoming more desperate yet still retaining its calmness.

"Unlikely. Sailing out to the border, the shore is clearly visible. Why do you ask?"

"I had this dream — think of it as a prophecy of sorts — where I could see such a sight. Considering Aquariot is positioned so close to the ocean, I was hoping you might know more about this. Seems not." Gwyneth frowned.

"Perhaps you might try the shore closer to Zetheria? Sorry that I could not be of more help." Kai frowned in return.

"No, you were still quite helpful." The princess shook her head. "It does at least narrow down the possibilities."

Kai nodded. "You're welcome to ask anyone else what they know of the sea. We have visitors from all over Halcyone. Even the Fae like to vacation here!" He paused watching Gwyneth gasp momentarily before smiling. "If you're not in a hurry, I'd love to show you around."

"I would love that."