By the time Yue returned the sky had gone dark purple. The food had meant despite their best efforts, minus Spark who wasted no time getting into bed, everyone had ended up asleep. Opal greeted him sleepily as he walked past. She'd dozed off but woken up when someone dropped something in the hallway. She'd panicked in the dark, thinking she was underground again and gone to the window to confirm her safety. Recently she had been watching in amazement as flying demons zipped past them. Some of them were playing tag.

"How bad was it?"

"I'd rather be back in the trench than listen to that demon tell me one more story about where he got one of those damned rocks. Or which demon has been holding dinners without another. Trivial, all of it."

"Sorry. Kait told me about your brother but don't be mad, I want to help you find him."

"I'm not mad. I was going to tell you after we found shelter and got some rest. I guess half of that will have to do." He sighed and slid down the wall and put his forehead on his knees. "I appreciate the offer but it doesn't seem like I'm going to be able to start trying to find answers anytime soon without insulting Corax."

"Maybe you don't have to go out. What's the word..." Gray had mentioned before the way to name someone who talked about everyone else. "Corax would be considered a gossip- right?"

"Perfect description. You're remembering more words."

"Thank you. So- if he's so nosy maybe he knows something?"

"That's a good thought but I don't think I could ask him directly without him wanting to help-" Yue shuddered and sat upright. "Never mind I've thought of something worse than his stories. But you're on to something."

Spark rolled over on his bed and grumbled.

"Are you up for a walk, Opal? I'd rather not wake... anyone. Corax showed me his garden they created in the center of the house. It's beautiful and unique. You'll like it."

She agreed, her curiosity surpassing her exhaustion. They pushed the massive door slowly and snuck into the hall. The light wasn't electric, it fluttered too much, but it also didn't look like fire. She glanced at Yue's weary face and decided it was a question for later.

"Corax did offer his condolences for my missing brothers so I know he's missing still."

"But- you aren't missing now..."

"There are quite a few of us, we aren't always known by name. I think he assumes I'm a different brother and I'm not going to tell him otherwise. We don't need the rest of my family involved."

Opal frowned but didn't argue. She would love to see her family, whoever they were. "You said this was territory with lots of demons just visiting right?" They stepped outside into the night air. It was scented with floral and something sweet. Fruit trees. Corax had trees heavy with dark, round fruit.

"Yes. Its very lucky we ended up here. If I could go out I would have the best hope of answers."

"Tell us what you want asked. You can try and get Corax to talk while we search the territory. I think its good luck we ran into him too- we'll have food and shelter while we search."

Yue gave her a pleading look. "Would you... still consider working quickly anyway? I'm going to go insane in here- Corax or no. I feel like... I'm regressing."

"How so? You seem more sophisticated when you were talking with Corax if anything."

"That's exactly what I mean."

She raised her eyebrows. "You really hate it that much? Seems like a very comfortable living."

Yue stared through her. "It's a very controlled living and often, empty. I know for you that seems minor compared to starving or sleeping outside. I can't explain exactly. The feeling of the encampment is similar, being forced to do work, worse, being forced to do meaningless work. Going from there right back here..." He paused and gave a small laugh. "I'm rambling."

Opal tilted her head. His eyes were so sad. "I think I get it. Its why I tried the tunnel again- even after it almost killed me, and I didn't know what was on the other side, but it wasn't safety and food."

Yue wasn't looking through her anymore. In fact, she was starting to feel nervous with how much he was looking directly at her. His eyes were so blue.

He took her hand. "Thank you, Opal."

"For what?"

"Understanding. And staying with us."

She felt too warm again and averted her eyes.

He turned to admire the vines creeping up the white stone. "Do we have a plan for tomorrow then? I'll do my best not to freeze Corax's vocal cords if you see if anyone has news about the missing ice princes. Maybe my being recognized will make it easier. It might be an expected topic of conversation."

"I'm very good at asking questions, so don't worry."

Opal went to bed feeling determined to bring back something for Yue. She needed to help him get out of his own prison.

----------------

That morning they were treated to fruit from the very tree that she and Yue had stood under the night before. It turned out to be very sour but delicious when they added honey to it. Corax of course spoke non-stop but Yue seemed to be in better spirits as he nodded along.

"Corax, I was hoping to discuss improving travel between the artic territories and Lster. All of your tales have me energized to go on my own adventures. I think my friends might find it complicated and dull, do you have a suggestion for a places to visit to enjoy the local flavor?"

"Ah, you've come to the right demon. Lilyfoot- please get them one of our itineraries. I think they will find plenty on it to keep them occupied while we talk business."

The girl with the green skin disappeared and returned quickly with a small book.

"Can you read?"

"Yes." Kait said with a smile. "Very kind of you, Lilyfoot."

The girl gave a pleased smile back. "I'll help you find something better suited for an adventure."

Opal found that she really liked trying on the different clothes. After wearing the same thing as everyone else and then trash it was nice to pick. She decided she liked having her legs free and picked a flowing skirt. Kait, she noticed, always made sure she had an additional layer on. In the bath Opal saw but made sure not to stare at her left side which seemed to have a scar that dug partially into her chest and wondered if that had anything to do with the day they were all captured.

Proga and Spark were waiting for them. Again, Proga looked unlike himself. His clothing was all dark and his expression serious. Spark had chosen something that looked very human and had a hood pulled up over his head. Lilyfoot gave Kait a small green key. "You won't get lost with this. Just squeeze it twice and it will guide you home."

Kait thanked her again and then they were finally able to leave. To Opal's relief the moment they were out of hearing range of the house, Proga's shoulders relaxed.

"See, Spark? You should have gotten dressed up like them."

"Why didn't you if you care so much?"

"I have to keep up appearances now. Boring, boring appearances... I wanted to wear that orange and blue robe." Proga sighed. "You both look lovely today. Right, Spark?"

He glanced at them. "Sure."

Why was he in such a bad mood? Hopefully it improved a little before they started snooping around. No one was going to want to talk to anyone looking that irritated.

Kait pulled out the little book and Opal was pleased to see it was the language her brain knew even if she didn't understand how she did.

"I think this looks like a good place to start." She pointed to the description of an outdoor market.

They also decided to go to a park where there were music performances. Proga pointed out street musicians were likely to see quite a lot.

"Spark- what do you think?" Kait cocked her head.

"How the hell should I know? I can't read any of it anyway."

She looked surprised.

------

The walk to the park kept Opal's head on a swivel. So many demons of so many kinds. Many of them looked similar to humans overall but quite a few did not. They walked past one that stood on all fours, similar to a horse but also had a beak and a long whip like tail. One looked so human-like that Opal was starting to wonder if he was until she noticed his feet were facing the wrong direction. The buildings were just as interesting. As Yue had mentioned before, the majority of the demons here had wings which made for some oddly shaped houses. They were usually lifted about the ground and had long stone paths in front of them. Opal watched for a while and realized they used them as launching areas. Quite a few also had perches and unlike Corax's very few had horizontal doors. Many of the vertical multi-step perches had a stone crest with a massive bird, lightening exploding in its wake.

It was easy to tell when they moved away from the touristy to the local areas because more and more shops didn't even have a front door and only a rickety ladder that would allow someone access without wings.

Proga helped by pointing to particularly interesting things before she missed them. Kait seemed to be enjoying herself too, holding onto Proga's arm and noting which shops she remembered walking past as a child and which ones had changed. She watched her lean her head on him.

"Kait, Proga, how long have you known each other?"

"This dummy? I'm not sure. Feels like forever." Proga rested an arm on Kait's head and rubbed his chin.

Kait shoved him off laughing. "It was after we moved to the southern territories so I had to be at least eight. Proga's family... was... having a tough time and I believe your uncle had you stay with us awhile."

"Turned into a long time..."

"And when they came to pick him up, he decided he was interested in healing. Father agreed to take him as an apprentice."

Opal sighed. "It must be nice."

Kait's grin flickered. "Oh, Opal..."

"I'm ok. I meant it. It seems nice."

Kait took her hand. "After we find Yue's brother we'll help you find your family too. I promise."

"Unless she doesn't have one." Spark said.

"Ignore him. He's just grumpy today. Did you not get enough sleep or something?" Kait frowned at him.

Spark just looked away.

The market was full of stalls selling everything a person- or a demon- could need. She saw stones for building or decorating, water buckets, furniture, lots of strange jewelry, books, cooking utensils, what looked like a stall full of small multi-colored birds, clothing in every color and so much delicious food that even though she'd had breakfast her mouth was watering.

They paused in front of a place selling long swatches of beautiful fabric not unlike what they wore last night. One of the shop owners was discussing how this was the only territory everyone, even Royals could show up without warning. Kait nudged Proga to continue on. He dragged Spark, quite literally, along with him.

"So pretty! Do you think one of the girls could make another dress?" Kait asked, admiring some fabric.

"Probably. What do you think of this one?" Opal didn't have to feign interest. The fabric was made out of downy blue feathers interlaid with shiny white ones yet it felt very strong.

"Oooo I like it even more."

The shopkeeper came over with a smile. She had a reptilian body and wings attached to both her arms and legs. A measuring tape hung around her scaly shoulders. "Let me know if you need any help. We take all sorts of favors here."

"So," Opal said a little louder than needed. "I heard that a prince showed up last night." She glanced at Kait.

"I heard that too. I was surprised, honestly. I thought they'd gone missing?"

The shop keeper laughed and turned to join in the conversation. "Oh, no, love, there are more than two of them."

Opal saw Kait try and keep herself from looking too interested. "Really? How many?"

"Eight. I also know about the Wet and Dry forest princes and all of the silliness they get up to- not from the paper gossip either. Lots of demons come past here, you know. I even heard the eldest from the High desert isn't standing up to his training nearly as well as the kings want us to think."

Kait dropped her voice. "What do you think happened to the missing princes? Do you think they are dead?"

The demon folded one of the swatches. "I doubt that. If they were someone would have claimed responsibility by now. I heard all about that attack too- one of the security, well, obviously not a good one, even came through here afterwards looking to get a message back. He was pretty tight lipped but if you ask me, it's a little convenient that it happened so close to a territory that can send messages so fast."

"You think he knew they would go missing?"

The shopkeeper shrugged. "I couldn't speak on that. But I do know that it was an odd place for an attack and if you ask me, odd that only he managed to escape when he wasn't but a twig of a thing. Do you like the blue one, dear?"

"Oh yes," Kait smiled.

"Wonderful! I don't have any pre-sewn options for two-leggers but, my friend down by the candy store will create a beautiful piece for you by the end of the day tomorrow. I just need your measurements."

"I unfortunately do not have much on me currently but," Kait brushed her hair forwards. "I can offering you safety from two nights of sickness. Would that be fair?"

Apparently it was because the shopkeeper agreed and nodded to her repeatedly afterwards.

"So we were right." Kait dropped her voice. "It didn't feel random at the time, either."

They shared the information with the boys once they caught up.

"We didn't learn anything. Someone is terrible at remembering his cues..."

"Your cues are stupid! How is pretending to poke yourself in the eye supposed to mean say hello?? Anyway..." Spark shrugged. "I don't see why we can't just ask directly."

"Because if it gets out we are looking and a prince showed up here it might alert the wrong demons."

He crossed his arms. "Isn't that what we want? If anyone is worried about us asking questions that's good thing. I think we want them to know. Make 'em come to us."

"We lost last time we tangled with them though..." Kait chewed her lip. "But you're right- it would be faster to get them to come for us rather than chasing them."

Opal perked up. Faster was what Yue requested. "I'm with Spark."

Spark jerked his head towards her. "Really?"

"Yeah. Let's make it clear there are demons looking for them and make sure they know just where to find us."