(Go see EyesOfAmethyst for her pov!)

Hey, Amethyst! Don't use all the syrup! I cry, yanking the nearly empty pitcher from her hands. Aw, but it's sssooo good!! She pouted. Girls, there's enough syrup for everyone! Dixie interjected, placing another stack of chocolate - chip pancakes on the table. Here, give me that. She took the pitcher from my hands, and walked back to the counter and began refilling the pitcher with syrup.

Amethyst and I was sitting down in front of Dixie's dining room table, devouring chocolate - chip pancakes, with syrup and milk. Dixie's dining room was small, but cozy. The table was actually in the middle of her kitchen, so guess we were technically in her kitchen instead of the dining room? Anyway, along the walls were cupboards where Dixie kept her food, and below them was a pump and some counters. On the table was a white china vase filled with magnolias. The flowers ranged from tight buds to full blooms, and perfumed the air with their scent. As we ate, I kept replaying last night in my head. Where could Chase be going? I wondered to myself as I chewed a mouthful of pancake. I washed it down with a gulp of milk and took another bite as my mind whirled with theories. Hey, Aria? I snap out of my daydream and looked at Amethyst.

Yeah? I say.

You ok? She asked, tilting her head slightly.

Uh yeah, why?

You keep spacing out.

I do?

Yeah, your eyes get all glassy and it seems like your brain went of too wonderland or something. She said, helping herself to another pancake.

Oh. I say, looking down at my mostly finished pancakes. Are you sure your ok? Amethyst asks again, looking concerned. What's going on? Dixie suddenly asked, placing down the now full pitcher of syrup. Aria keeps spacing out. Amethyst says, before I can answer. She is? Dixie said, worryingly. She puts her hand to me head to feel my temperature. Are you feeling ok? She asked, looking into my eyes, concerned. You don't feel hot. . . Is the food ok? If it's not agreeing with you I can get you something else. Or maybe we should go to the village healer? Or-Dixie, I interrupt. I'm fine, really. I insist. I feel fine, and the food is really good. I'm just thinking about something, really. I'm not sick. Dixie still looks slightly worried, but she removed her hand from my head. Ok, she said. But if you feel sick, make sure you tell me. Ok. I say, nodding. Dixie smiled, patted me and Amethyst's heads, ant then went upstairs to change. That was kinda mom-like. Amethyst commented when she left. Yeah, it kinda was. I agree. What's that all about? I think to myself. I mean. I appreciate everything she's doing for us, I really am but. . . Still that was a bit strange. I shake my head. No! Bad Aria! I scold myself. Dixie is being very kind for letting us stay here! Stop being suspicious!

Aria! Come back from wonderland!! Amethyst's loud voice and her shaking me, makes me come back to reality once again. Stop shaking me!! I say dramatically, shaking her back. No, you stop shaking me!! Amethyst cried back shaking me harder. Nnoo!!! I joke shaking her again. As we're roughhousing, I accidentally trip and fall majestically on my face. Ooh that's gotta hurt. Amethyst said, helping me up. Oww. . . I say, rubbing my head. You ok? That was a pretty good face plant. Amethyst asked, trying not to laugh. Yeah, I'm good. So like, out of a scale of one too ten, how majestic was my fall. I ask, jokingly. Amethyst rubbed her chin in mock concentration. Hhhhmmmmm. . . Well, your form was a bit stiff, so I'm going to have to deduct points for that. But I'd say the overall score is a seven. Yay! I throw up may hands in congratulation. Yay! Amethyst said, throwing up her hands too. We both look at each other and laugh. After we're done laughing like lunatics, we sit down and finish eating our breakfast.

When we're finished, Dixie came back down wearing a white shirt, green corset, and a yellow skirt with brown shoes.

Oh, are you girls done eating? She asked. Amethyst and I nodded. I hope it was ok. I haven't cooked for anyone in years. It was really good! Amethyst said, smiling. Really? Yeah! I added, smiling as well. That's a relief. Dixie smiled. Anyway, what do you girls have planned today? She asked, clearing away the plates. Uuhh I'm not really sure. I say, helping her. Maybe we can talk to Chase and the guards some more? Amethyst offered, helping as well. Not alone your not! I snap giving her a glare. I'm still mad about last night! Huh? What happened last night? Dixie asked, confused. Amethyst pouted at me and groaned. Oh come on, Aria! Not another lecture! Please! Wait what? What did Amethyst do? Dixie asked again, looking back and forth between us. Amethyst ditched me to hang out with boys. I grumbled, washing the plates. Ok no! No! No, I didn't! Amethyst defended, drying the plates. Ok, so did you ditch her or not? Dixie questioned, putting away the plates. Oh! Ok, my side of the story first. Amethyst said, covering my mouth with her hand. She suddenly snatched her hand off my mouth and looked at it in disgust and then at me, shocked. Did you just lick my hand?! She demanded. Yes. Ew!!! She wiped her hand on my dress. Dixie was laughing hysterically, clutching the counter for support. When Amethyst is done cleaning her hand, and Dixie is able to breathe normally again, Amethyst began her part of the story.

Ok, so I was dancing with Evan, she began. And as we danced we talked. So we talked and danced for awhile, and then I went to get food. At the food table, I saw Chase, so I talked to Chase for awhile and then I left. After I left I found a stream so I sang a bit and it turned out Evan and Chase followed me and heard me sing. They complimented me and then told me that you already left. So then I went back to the house. The end. Amethyst said, with a flourish of her arms.

Ok, my turn! I say, jumping up. Here's my side of the story. The first thing Amethyst did when we got to the festival, was ditch me. Amethyst opened her mouth to argue, but I put my hands up in a *stop* motion. No, Amethyst. It's my turn! I say, wiggling my finger at her. She crossed her arms but didn't interrupt me. Ok, I say, continuing. Anyway, she left me and I got cornered by Clay. Clay, Amethyst! I say, giving her a glare. She just shrugs. I growl a bit, but still continued. Clay, kept talking to me and generally making me really uncomfortable, until Elias came and saved me. An image of Clay's odd expression flashed in my mind. Elias and I talked for a bit. I said, shaking the image out of my head. And we danced a bit, and then after that I went to look for you. Low and behold, you were nowhere in sight. So I waited, for like, two hours, all the while Clay giving me weird looks. After the two hours of waiting I went back to the house, when you finally came home an hour later. The end. I finished.

Dixie looked to be debating the two stories in her mind. After a few minutes she answered. Well. . . Amethyst, I wouldn't exactly say that you suddenly leaving the festival without telling anyone was a good thing. And Aria, Amethyst has the right to go dance with someone. She can't help it if he's a flirt. Now you two, make up. Dixie said, pushing me closer to Amethyst. I roll my eyes and give Amethyst a hug. Amethyst hugs me back and then pulls away. There we made up. Happy? She asked Dixie. Dixie smiled and nodded. Why don't you girls go see Chase or one of the guards? I'm sure they'd be more then happy to give you a tour. She suggested. Amethyst and I look at each other and shrug. Ok, sounds good to me. Amethyst says. Sure, why not? I also wanted to go to the library and look for a book that might be able to take us home. I say. Dixie nodded. Oh, hold on! She rushed out of the kitchen/dining room and came back carrying a brown pouch. Here, she said, handing me it. It was heavy and when I opened it I saw it was full of gold coins. Just a little something so you girls can buy yourself stuff. We can't take this! Amethyst said, shocked. We really can't! I say as well, trying to give it back. No, no, I insist! Dixie said, pushing it back into my hands. Really, if you don't take it, I'm going to end up spending it all on chocolate. Your actually doing me a favor. She laughed. I exchanged a hesitant glance with Amethyst. Are you sure? Amethyst asked. Dixie nodded. Uuhhh ok. She said. Ok. I say, putting the pouch in my pocket. Thank you. Yeah thanks. No problem. Be back in time for dinner, ok? There are a some cafés in town for lunch. Ok! I say. Ok! Amethyst repeated. We waved goodbye to Dixie and left.

As I opened the door to the guard tower, I immediately wished I hadn't. Inside Clay, Liam, Evan, and Lael were hanging out. Evan and Liam were sword fighting, while Clay and Lael watched. This was all well and good, but what really shocked me was that Evan and Liam weren't wearing shirts. Oh My- WHY?!?! I screamed, and covered my eyes. Aaaahh!!! I heard Amethyst yelp and hide her face into my arm. There were some startled cries from the boys and a lot of movement. After a minute or two I hear Liam's voice. La- I mean, Aria? You can look now. I resentfully remove my hands from my eyes and see a very embarrassed Liam. He and Evan were both very red from embarrassment, but they both had their uniform shirts on. I looked down at Amethyst and saw that her face was red as well. Please tell me you didn't. I plead to her. Her eyes widened and she frantically shook her head no. I'm very sorry! Liam said, bowing in apology towards us. I'm sorry too. Evan said, rubbing the back of his neck. Meanwhile, Clay was watching with an amused smirk, and Lael was watching, wide eyed. Uuhhh it's ok, Evan. Amethyst said, still clutching my arm. Yeah. . . I say. You didn't know we were coming, so it's not your fault. I tap the back of Liam's head as I finish my sentence. Liam stands back up, still slightly embarrassed. Well, Clay said, speaking up for the first time. That was interesting. Wouldn't you agree, Lael? Lael began nodding energetically. I've never seen brother Liam so red!! He laughed. Shut up! Evan yelled at them. Lael tried to cover his mouth to muffle the laughter, but ultimately failed. Clay began laughing too. Please stop, Clay! Liam said, redding again. I was getting ready to grab Amethyst and bolt, when a voice suddenly made them all stop.

What's going on down here? Elias said icily, walking downstairs. Lael and Clay immediately stopped laughing, and their faces grew slightly worried. Elias's emotionless eyes swept through the room and landed on Amethyst and I. What's going on here? He asked again. I shall not repeat myself. Evan and Liam stepped up in front of Elias. He studied them coldly. I'm sorry, Elias. Liam said. Evan and I were practicing sword fighting, when Lady Amethyst and la- Aria, walked in. They were surprised by us and we were surprised by them. But everything is ok now. Again, I'm sorry. Evan nodded in agreement with him. Elias gazed at them a few moments longer, until he answered. Very well. He turned his gaze to us. Aria Heart and Amethyst Firethef. What are you doing here?

Oh, uh, I wanted too- Obviously their here to see me. Clay interrupted me. He walked over to me and smiled. Isn't that right? Uuh no. I said, crossing my arms. Yeah, that wasn't exactly what we're here for. Amethyst added. Aw, so mean. He sighed, fake deject. Clay, cut it out. Evan said, annoyed. Seriously, you need to stop flirting with every girl you see. Oh he does that? Amethyst asked. Uh yeah. Seriously, it doesn't matter how long he's known them, if it's female, he'll flirt with it. Liam and Lael nodded. Brother Clay gets all the girls! Lael said, throwing his arms out for emphasis. You guys know I'm right here, right? Clay asked. Yeah we know. Liam said. You guys are the worst. Clay sighed. Oh come on, as if anything we say can stop you. Evan scoffed. Did they forget we're here? I think to myself. True, Clay admitted. But you don't have to say it right in front of the girl I'm flirting with. Yep, they totally forgot about us. I confirmed. I glanced over at Amethyst and saw her staring at all of them, cheeks slightly red. Amethyst! I hiss, elbowing her. Ow! What? She whispered back. You better stop staring at them or I swear I'll leave you here. Huh?!? Amethyst surprised cry reminded the boys we were still there. I repeat, Elias said emotionless. What are you doing here? We wanted to see if one of you can show us around. I say quickly, casting a frown at Clay. I'll show you around! Clay said immediately. Ugh, anyone else? I beg looking around. Liam shook his head. I'm sorry, but I have to help Lael with his sword fighting. He said. Evan shrugged. I'm on guard duty. He explained. I have work to do. Elias said flatly. Great. I think moodily. So the only person available to show us around, is the one person I want to stay away from most. I feel Amethyst squeeze my hand. I give Clay a frown. He smiles. Well, let's go! He exclaimed.

Why do I have the feeling I'm going to regret this?