I flipped the page of my book. I was reading a book called, History of Werewolves. Amethyst sat next to me reading a book called, The foxes rebellion. We were still in the library, but Chase had not reappeared yet. Amethyst was muttering something about her music producer, but otherwise she seemed to have calmed down. Chase came from behind a bookcase, carrying what looked like a stack of papers. Hi. He said, smiling. Sorry I was gone for so long, but there's a bit of a party going on. Well, more like a wedding. He handed us each, which on closer examination, was an invitation. On the invitation it read: You are invited to the harvest festival! The night we celebrate the changing of the season! Come and enjoy! In big gold letters. A harvest festival? Amethyst asked. Yes. Chase answered. We do it once a year. It's basically a huge feast, with dancing. Sounds like fun. I say, placing the invitation on the table and picking up my book. Chase chuckled. What? I ask, looking up at him. Amethyst looked amused as well. What? Is there a joke I'm not getting or something. Aria, your invited. You and Amethyst. Oh. . . I say. That's nice. Thanks. Aria, how are you not excited?! Amethyst asked, grinning. I'm barely containing my excitement! Yes, well I don't really see the excitement of dressing up and dancing around with guys. I answer. But, Aria theirs food! She bribed. Hmm. . . I do like food. I like food. I say, looking up. Chase burst out laughing. Huh? Amethyst and I look up, confused. I like you girls! Your funny. Amethyst blushed a faint red. Geez Amethyst. I think. I know these guards are cool looking, but really? Thank you for the invitation. Amethyst said. But. . . She looked down at her clothes. Is this a suitable outfit for a festival? Well. . . He looked us over. I think you look fine, but I'm not sure if it's suitable to go to the festival like that. Hold on- Dixie! He called over his shoulder. Yeah? She asked, popping up from behind a bookcase. Do you think you have any dresses that would fit these girls? He asked. Uuhhh. . . She looked us over for a few seconds. I think I do. It's been awhile since I've worn anything there size. I can take them to my house and check. Really? Thanks. Chase said, smiling. Wait, you want us to go with a stranger? Amethyst asked, alarmed. Dixie laughed. Oh, sweetie. I'm not going to do anything to you. Especially not to lord Chase's new friends! I hesitate. She seems nice. . . And she doesn't seem to be lying. . . Ok. I say. Amethyst hesitated as well for awhile, but finally agreed.

Dixie took us to her house, which was literally right across from the library. It was small, but homey, with a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom. She led us to her bedroom which had a wardrobe, bed, a screen you can change behind, and a desk. Dixie opened her wardrobe and shifted around her clothes. After awhile she pulled out two crumpled dresses. One was yarn and had colorful designs. The other was a white dress with puffed sleeves and a red overdress on top of it.

What one looked like.

What the other looked like.

I like this one. I say, pointing to the red dress. I like that one. Amethyst said, pointing to the yarn dress. Dixie nodded and handed us the dresses. Amethyst went behind the screen and came back out wearing the dress, her clothes over her arm. You look great! Dixie said happily. Thank you. Amethyst said. She handed Dixie her clothes. I'll give these back to you after the festival. She said. Amethyst nodded and then turned to me. Your turn. I sigh and walk behind the screen. What the heck? I think, pulling on the dress. What's with the laces? On the dress, below the chest was white laces. Oh well. I lace them up, throw my clothes on my arm, and walk out from behind the screen. Aw, you look cute! Amethyst exclaimed. I grunt in response. Oh come on Aria! She said. It's not that bad. I'm wearing a dress too! I give my clothes to Dixie, and thank her. She takes us back to the library. Chase is staring at the tapestry of Lady Dusk and Dawn. He wasn't blinking. He wasn't moving, he was just staring. Uh, Chase? Amethyst asked. He gave a start and turned. Oh, your back. You guys look nice. He said, giving a weak smile. You ok? I ask. He nods. Yeah, I was just spacing out. Let's get to the festival.

He took us to the village square, decorated with lights and colorful streamers. A large table was covered with food, and a bunch of people were talking, eating, dancing generally having a good time. A band played at the front, making happy music. Dixie walked over to the table, and Chase was approached by some people, leaving us by ourselves. I fidget with my laces. I'm not use to being at parties. Amethyst was the one who was social, not me. Amethyst, however, looked nervous as well, picking at her dress. Hey, you. A voice said. I turned and saw Evan. Hi. I say. Hello. Amethyst said. So, you girls met Chase I see? We nod. Well, welcome to Starry Night. How long are you staying? I'm not sure. Amethyst says. I shrug. Then I suppose we should make the most of our time together. He bowed and smiled. Amethyst, would you like to dance? She looked overwhelmed for a second. Then she offered her hand to him. He smiled again and swept her off too the dance floor. Well this is awkward. I think, watching them. Whatever. I'm going to get some food. I shake my head and walk to the table. Dixie was pouring herself some red punch. When she noticed me, she smiled. I go next to her and grab a slice of vanilla cake. Chewing on a mouthful, I watch as Amethyst and Evan danced. Amethyst seemed to be having a good time. That made be a bit happier. I turn and see that Dixie had went of to talk to someone. Well I'm alone again. I sigh, and eat my cake. Giggling can be heard from behind me. Looking around, I see Elias and a few girls talking. Well, they talked and he remained emotionless. Hmm, he looks less then thrilled. Then again, it's hard to tell what he's thinking. I wonder why he's like that. Everyone should feel emotions. I think, with a twinge of sadness. Even if they do hurt. . . I shake my head. Snap out of it! Amethyst has to go to New York! It's. . . Her dream. . . Hey, again. I give a shock and turn to see Clay. I groan loudly. Why?! Go away please! Shoo! I say, shooing him away with my arms. He just smiles, amused. Your very amusing. He said, looking at me up and down. Thanks, may you please go away now? He remained where he was, smiling. How about you and I dance? No thanks. I say, stiffly. How was your date? I ask, changing the subject. It was good. That's her over there. He said, nodding to a blond haired girl in a group. Why don't you dance with her then? I say, a bit confused. He smiled. Sherry is a nice girl, but she's a bit boring. No, not boring, a bit predictable. That's not very nice. I mumble. It's not. Clay agreed. But the truth hurts sometimes. And besides, he added, looking at the group of girls. I've already dated all the eligible girls in the village. It wasn't hard making them fall for me. That's great. I say, half listening, watching Amethyst dance with Evan again. They seemed to be talking. I wonder what about. I just have to change myself into there ideal. Clay continued. I looked at him, an odd feeling boiling inside me. So you lie? I ask. He looked at me, half surprised half amused. I don't lie, exactly. I just change myself. It's still dishonesty. I say. I look up at the sky. The sun was setting, dying the sky blood red. If you have to change yourself to have someone like you, then you must not like yourself. Even if you say it's just to get girls to like you, then don't you want a girl to like you for who you are? I look at him. He looked bemused, but a slight trace of shock was on his face. Such strong feelings. . . He said, quietly. I wonder what kind of guy I should become for you to like me. I feel like I'd just been slapped. What?! What's he- why is- what? My mind buzzed with confusion. Not wanting to look at him, I turn from Clay and saw that Amethyst was now dancing with Chase. Clay was still beside me, but I continue looking in the other direction. Aria Heart. An empty voice said. I looked and saw Elias. I see you've met Clay August. I nod. You've met? Clay asked. Yeah, Elias is one of the first people I met today. I answer. Really? Well that bugs me. Clay said, smiling. I wanted to be the first. Uuhh. . . I shuffle away from him, and shot a Save me! Look at Elias. He remained emotionless, but he offered his hand to me. Aria Heart, would you care for a dance? Sure. I say, relived. Bye Clay. I add, as Elias leads me away from him. Was I dreaming, or did Clay have an odd expression? I wasn't able to think about it for long, because Elias had put his hand on my waist. I yelp and pull away. My apologies. He said, flatly. He offered his hand again, and after a moments hesitation, I except again. His time he held both my hands instead of having one one my waist. I didn't really know how to dance, but Elias did. As we danced, I tried not to step on his toes. After a while I got a hang of it, and decided to try to talk to him. So Elias, I begin. How long have you lived in Starry Night? Ten years. He said. That's a long time. Yes, I suppose it is. I purse my lips, not being able to come up with anything else. Why do you. . . I mean, you talk with no emotion. Why? Emotions are useless. He answered. They only get in the way. So I decided to get rid of mine. That's all. I'm so shocked, I can't say anything. No emotions? There useless? No! That's not true! That's not true! I say, mixed emotions welling up. Sure, emotions can hurt sometimes, but they also make you happy or excited! It's important! Elias watched me with cold eyes. You may say that, He said. But even if I wanted too, I can't regain my feelings. I've lived the last ten years of my life without them. Even so. . . I say, softly. Alright! I say determined. I've decided! I'll teach you how to feel emotions again! His expression doesn't change, but he tilted his head slightly. I don't care if you say they aren't important! They are! And I promise I'll teach you how to feel again! I'll make you see! The song ends, and we stop dancing. I say thanks and quickly walk away, heading towards Amethyst at the food table. Elias watched me as I went, his eyes following my moves. Then he looks up at the sky and sighs. Aria Heart. . . He mumbled.

I think I'd like that.