4 The Common Village

"Somewhat true. Out of the Five, I am in charge of the Vigilante. Something like spies," explained Raiyen.

"A Vigilante, huh?"

"You know, she can't stay here for long. Time will convulse," warned Baldwin.

"I know, Baldwin. I've brought her back to keep her safe and away from the Corrupted Ones. One small trip around the next village and we would be heading off soon," explained Raiyen.

"What are we waiting for? Let's go for a walk!" yelled the upbeat princess. Ysabeau extended her left wing, blocking Nova from her track. The young lass was immediately entranced by the gleaming feathers of the wing in front of her.

"You are going nowhere in that gown of yours. Forwards or backwards, you have to dress appropriately. Come 'ere, Ma's gonna teach you how to dress for Time Frame Hopping," said Ysabeau, dragging the young princess away. Raiyen looked confused as Baldwin got up to do the dishes.

"Where's Z?" asked Raiyen.

"Out with Gillian. That girl, has no connection to us, right?" Baldwin looked at Raiyen, dead in the eyes.

"She's just a princess that I saved. This was to fulfill a promise that I made a few hundred years into the future," answered Raiyen, looking away.

"Orlaith means golden princess in Irish. Your name means little Prince in the same language, just written wrong. You can fool Mav and Ysabeau, but you can't deceive Gillian, Z and I. The truth will be unveiled soon. Be prepared for an explanation towards your partner."

"I know. It seems that she could not recognise me. The trip back might have jumbled her memories. She's just a friend that I've met before. She's important, but I've forgotten her identity." Just as Baldwin left the room, the Princess and the High Queen came back, with the young girl in a modern type of wear. A long coat and small, black, plain dress.

"Not too showy, Raiyen got this by accident, thought you try it. Never knew it would fit so perfectly."

"How can a teenage boy get hold of a dress by accident?" asked Nova. Pin drop silence overwhelmed the room as she swayed around.

"It's actually quite comfy, I prefer this over the gleaming gown." Raiyen looked amazed at Ysabeau's handiwork. She managed to turn a royal princess to a modern street girl from the future.

"Come on! Let's go sight-seeing!" cried the princess, for the umpteenth time.

The nearby village was a small settlement, with about a few hundred people living there. As such, it was quiet. But the people there were friendly.

"I've never been to a village before. I didn't know the young ones would so cute!" screeched Nova in excitement. Raiyen raised an eyebrow.

"Do you not greet your subjects?"

"I have not talked to anyone non-royal until these past few days. They wouldn't allow me."

"You missed a bunch of things. When you return, be sure to remember what it feels like to be living a proper, non-royal life. A life of bliss and happiness. Get a real taste of working, go hate or love someone. That's how you live like a human."

"Without luxury?"

"Without bounds."

"It's the town's norm for star gazing," explained Raiyen as the crowd began to gather at a small empty piece of land in the heart of the village. As soon as dusk fell, the sky changed from blue, to orange, followed by a dark shade of blue. The stars started to appear, shimmering as it tore open the night sky. Like a huge slash of stars.

"Why isn't there an attraction of people around here at my time? This could be great for guests! In fact, I don't recall this village being around here at my home," said Nova, seemingly captivated by the sight before her.

"The village here would be later destroyed, no denying it. The survivors would live on, build their lives back up in another area. That's how they lived around this time. A small settlement would be bound to fall in a couple of years. It's just the way it is," explained Raiyen, looking at the rest of the villagers.

"So that's how you live..."

"I beg your pardon?"

"You go around different times and witness so much. And there's always something wrong. You meet and greet others from different times, and then you leave. I... I don't even know you, and I trust you with my life," said Nova, eyes wide with shock.

"This is my life. Its not fun, as most people would think. Its like school; at first it looks interesting, exciting even. After awhile, it gets boring. Then, it gets painful. The stress would get to you. Same thing for us Time Mages. Our day is a normal person's month or even years. We hop through time, meeting new friends, seeing new sights. But soon, we won't feel stressed, we would feel sad. Heartbroken," explained Raiyen, gazing at the night sky.

"Then why do you still continue?"

"If I told you that I'm suffering now because of my Time Element, would you take it away from me?" As she wanted to reply, Raiyen shot a fierce look at the girl.

"The cost would be that I would've never been born," finished Raiyen. Nova looked down.

"Why? You'd just live a normal human life. A bit boring, but it would be better than suffering like this," explained Nova, tilting her head.

"You would assume that I would live a normal life without Time Element?"