Crystaline Origins

The first rays of sunlight started to stream through the castle windows, casting a soft glow on the stone floors. The stillness of the morning was broken by the sound of footsteps approaching, and soon enough, a maid appeared, her voice warm and polite.

Maid: "Princess Jasmine. Miss Grace. You're up early."

Jasmine glanced over at Grace, who still looked slightly confused from the events of the night before. Her expression was calm but determined, clearly having already made up her mind about their plans for the morning.

Jasmine: *smiling* "Yes, Charlotte. We are. In fact, Grace and I were just going to wake up Linda so we can go down to the village and do some shopping."

Grace blinked in surprise, clearly having missed the memo on this plan.

Grace: *raises an eyebrow* "We are?"

Charlotte: *politely* "Well, I would hope you don't mind if I came along. It's been a while since I've been to the village market."

Jasmine: "I don't see why not."

Grace felt a mix of emotions, mostly surprise but also a growing curiosity. She had never been to the village purely for fun, and the idea of spending the day with Jasmine, Linda and Charlotte was starting to sound more appealing than she expected.

Jasmine: "Come on, let's go wake Linda and get moving before the shops get too crowded."

Charlotte smiled warmly, clasping her hands together, clearly excited for the unexpected adventure.

Charlotte: "Oh, the markets are lovely this time of year. Fresh fruits, handmade goods... it'll be a nice change of pace."

As they made their way down the hall to Linda's room, Grace's mind wandered back to the events of the previous night. The eerie flute, the blade, the guards under Blair's spell-it all felt like a strange dream now that the morning light had arrived. But there was still a lingering sense of unease that she couldn't quite shake.

Grace: *quietly to Jasmine* "Do you think we should tell Linda about... last night? The flute and the blade?"

Jasmine: *whispering* "I'm not sure. Linda has a lot on her plate already. Maybe we wait and see if it was just a one-time thing before worrying her?"

Grace nodded slowly, though she still felt uncertain. There was something about the way the events unfolded that felt too deliberate to be brushed off. But for now, she would trust Jasmine's judgment.

Soon, they reached Linda's room, and Charlotte knocked lightly on the door, her grin returning.

Charlotte: "Rise and shine, Princess Linda!"

Inside, they could hear a groan followed by the rustling of blankets.

Linda: "It's too early! Leave me alone!"

Jasmine: "You're next in line to be queen Linda I suggest you get used to waking up early!"

Linda groaned louder, burying her face in the pillows in protest.

Jasmine: *sternly* "Linda, you can't hide under the blankets forever."

Linda: *muffled from the pillows* "I'll rule from bed. That's what queens do, right?"

Jasmine: *sarcastically* "Sure, why not? You can issue royal decrees while wrapped in a quilt. Sounds like a great leadership strategy."

Linda peeked out from under the covers, glaring at the door.

Linda: *grumbles* "Why do you always have to ruin my fun?"

Jasmine: *sigh* "Because ruling isn't about fun, it's about responsibility. Now get up, or I'm dragging you out of bed myself."

There was a long pause before Linda finally sat up, her hair a messy tangle and her expression still half-asleep.

Linda: *reluctantly* "Fine... but I'm not happy about it."

Jasmine: *crosses her arms* "Noted. Now hurry up and get dressed. We've got shopping to do, and I don't plan on waiting around all morning."

Linda's mood shifted immediately at the mention of shopping. She tossed the covers off and got to her feet, her energy suddenly renewed.

Linda: *grinning* "Why didn't you lead with that? Now I'm excited!"

Jasmine: *dryly* "I figured the chance to get out of bed and actually contribute to society might be motivation enough, but clearly, I underestimated your priorities."

Linda stuck her tongue out at Jasmine, then hurried to her wardrobe to pick out an outfit. Charlotte chuckled softly, leaning against the doorframe.

Charlotte: "Shopping works wonders, doesn't it? Even the sleepiest princess can't resist the allure of the market."

Linda emerged from her wardrobe, now dressed in a flowing peach dress that matched her amber eyes. Her hair was still a bit tousled, but she looked far more awake than before.

Linda: "Well? How do I look?"

Jasmine: *smirks* "Like someone who finally decided to join the land of the living."

Linda: *cheerfully* "Alrighty then, let's go! I'm ready for some fresh air and new things to buy."

Jasmine: "If only you could be this efficient when it came to your lessons."

Linda: *playfully* "Lessons don't involve adorable trinkets and fresh pastries, Jasmine. Priorities."

Charlotte: *claps her hands together* "Shall we? The market waits for no one, not even princesses."

Linda grabbed her bag of gems and the four of them made their way through the castle. As the group descended the stone steps leading into the bustling village, the air filled with the lively hum of chatter, laughter, and the occasional bark of a merchant advertising their wares. The market stretched out before them, vibrant and colorful, with stalls overflowing with goods: ripe fruits, fragrant flowers, intricate jewelry, and handmade crafts. The crisp morning breeze carried the scent of fresh bread and roasted nuts.

Linda: *spins in place with a gleeful smile* "Oh, it's just as magical as I remember! Where should we start? Pastries? Jewelry? Maybe some new fabric for dresses?"

Jasmine: *raises an eyebrow* "How about necessities first, Linda? We're not here to empty the treasury on trinkets."

Linda: *pouts* "You're no fun, Jasmine. Where's your sense of adventure?"

Charlotte: *steps between them with a gentle laugh* "How about a compromise? We'll browse a little, then focus on the essentials. That way, everyone's happy."

Linda: "Deal! Let's go!"