The villages are abuzz with excitement. After so many years of war and fear they feel that life is returning to their homes. Just recently the Voltron Force helped build a new school and the Yellow, Red, and Blue Lions laid the foundation for the hospital near the capital city and Voltron himself repaired the Arusian Council Chambers. Hope and joy are returning to the war ravaged world. Laugher is heard in the streets again. More and more people are emerging from the underground caves to reclaim their homes and start life over again.
The small village of Boewden is one of the villages that emerged from the caves to rebuild. With help and the protection from Voltron and the newly formed Arusian guards they are taking back their lives from the fear and savagery inflicted by planet Doom. The newest building is their school. Only in the last month was the school finished and now the Princess herself was coming to officially open it.
Everywhere in the village the refrain is heard, "The Princess is coming!" This more than a new school or repaired homes tell them they are safe. The Princess has not been able to travel throughout Arus freely since the death of the Crown Prince over ten years ago.
When the day arrives the village elders gather to meet the expected royal carriage, but no one expected an escort from Red Lion. It was decided that morning, that an air escort was prudent. The debate was raged in the control room. Nanny wanted the Princess to stay in and be safe.
"It's not safe, Princess. Those awful attacks could start again. And you would be caught outside unprotected! You must stay here!" The small, round figure of the royal governess is planted stubbornly next to the doors of the control room.
Coran is the calming voice of reason. "Nanny, Her Royal Highness, will not be alone. I am going as well. This is near my home village, you know." Coran adds, "And with the new Royal Guards the carriage will be protected. I would not have accepted the invitation, if Her Highness would be in danger," he assures her.
Nanny is not appeased. "It's too dangerous, for a Princess," she states. Nanny folds her arms and nods her head. Everyone there recognizes her final word stance.
Coran, Keith, Lance and Allura exchange resigned glances. Coran has said his piece. He steps back and fiddles with the computer schedule. A silent battle of wills take place among the three young people.
Allura takes a deep breath and speaks up. "Nanny, I am going. Nothing you can say will change my mind." She hurries on before the explosion happens. "You always taught me that the people are important. You have said I must set an example of high standards for all of Arus."
Nanny nods slowly. Those are her words, but she doesn't like where this is going.
"Well, this is setting an example for my people. Teaching them that we won't live in fear. That we must continue to live and hope and show Zarkon and Lotor that they aren't winning." Allura says. "If I hide away in the castle what example am I setting for Arus?"
Neatly trapped by her own teachings, Nanny gives in with a pout. "Fine!" She storms off in the direction of the kitchens.
"Whew." Lance sighs. "You gotta hand it to the Princess. That was brave." No one usually dares to talk back to 'Hurricane' Nanny.
Keith agrees. "But Nanny is right, about the attacks. Doom's been too quiet in the last few weeks. I'd feel better if you had more than the new recruits going along," he adds.
Lance seizes an opportunity. "Why don't you go Cap? You're the best shot on the team. And you trained most of the guards." He grins at Keith's glare.
Coran nods slowly. "The elders did request a member of the Voltron Force as well as the Princess at the ceremony."
Keith sighs. "I guess my reports will have to wait." He turns to leave. "I'll change into a more formal uniform and be back in a few minutes." The doors swish open and he steps forward. But at the last moment he stops. "Coran, how would you feel about some air support?"
"That's an excellent idea, Commander." Coran says quickly. "Protection in case of an attack. Both you and the Princess would be able to return quickly to the Castle for defense, and it's good public relations for the area." Coran nods again. "It's a very good idea," he repeats.
Keith turns to Lance. "Suit up, Lance. You and Red are our air support." He leaves the control room before Lance can voice any protest. Keith waits until he gets down the hall to chuckle at the turn of events.
In the bright early afternoon sunshine, the Princess, her advisor, and the tall, dark haired Commander of Voltron descend from the royal carriage, as Red Lion slowly circles the village for one last scan and then lands in the open field behind the newly built school.
"All clear, Commander," comes the go-ahead over the com signals. Lance sounds a bit sulky. Having to keep pace with the carriage didn't sit well with the speed loving Red Lion pilot.
"Roger, Lance," replies Keith. "Keep your scanners peeled." Keith doesn't need to eloborate for what.
"Acknowledged." The crackle of static comes over the com and is silenced as the line closes. Lance definitely sounds sulky. Keith chuckles again. "That should teach him to meddle." Lance has been ordered to remain on alert and patrol the area every two hours. No hero worship and adoration for him today.
The village elders have approached Allura and Coran and are offering their thanks for the visit. Keith is standing behind them scanning the crowd.
The crowd is torn between wanting to meet their Princess and the Commander of the Voltron Force or examining the Red Lion.
All the children are staring at the Red Lion. None of them have been this close to a Voltron lion and are more excited about one being in their midst than meeting the Princess. Laughter and their high pitched voices drift over to the group. One elder sighs and remarks, "It's been a long time since we heard that sound here."
The Princess agrees. "It's been a long time, since it was heard on Arus. Thanks to Voltron we are making progress." The children's voices and laughter rise in excitement as they are joined by Keith. Half heard questions about Voltron and Black Lion drift over to the adults. The Princess glances over and smiles. "We are teaching them not to be afraid anymore," she adds.
The elders nod. "And that is a lesson they learn everyday, even without the school." One says. Another rushes to add, "We are grateful for the school, of course, Your Highness."
Allura laughs. "I understand what you meant."
Keith spends time talking and playing with the children before he joins Allura, Coran and the elders on the village tour. The children ask questions about the lions, Voltron, and the battles.
When they reach the school the children are lined up in front of their classrooms. The Princess meets and shakes the hand of every child at the school.
She, too, spends time in the classrooms talking with the teachers and playing with the children.
As the tour ends, she thanks each teacher and gives a short speech in the new assembly hall. A little girl was chosen to present the Princess with flowers as a thank you.
In the middle of the bouquet is nestled a mountain lily. The little girl curtesies and hands over the bouquet. The Princess kneels down and gives the child a hug.
Shyly the child gives the Princess a note as well. "The man asked me to give this to you, when he gave me the pretty flower." Cheyla points to the lily. She whispers, "He said I could have it, but I wanted to give it you instead."
Allura recognizes the pale blue paper and scans the crowd. She sees a sea of faces, but any one of them could have been 'the man'. Taking the bouquet from the girl she removes the lily. "I have enough flowers," She hands the lily to the little girl, and is startled when the child nearly topples her over with a hug. "Besides it was your gift," Allura whispers in the little girl's ear.
"Thank you! It's my favorite!" she cried out.
Allura laughs and hugs the girl back. "Mine too." She kneels down to the little girl's level. "So we both got our favorite flower. You just get to keep it longer."
The assembled masses are awed at the open caring and generosity of the Princess Allura. Some are brushing away tears and others laugh at the joy she is showing. No one is unmoved by her visit.
Coran escorts her back to the carriage and helps her into it. He excuses himself to speak to the driver about the trip home. Keith is checking with Lance about the route. Alone for a brief moment, she takes the opportunity to read her note. "I love you for your true sincerity," it says. She blushes with pleasure.
Keith steps into the carriage and sits across from her. "That was a nice gesture, Princess," he remarks.
"Pardon?" Allura is confused at what he means.
"With Cheyla," he answers. "The little girl and the flower? Aren't lilies your favorite?" Keith looks out at the crowd, scanning for threats.
She smiles remembering the impulsive gift and the hug. "I meant it. She was so sweet and a little scared. I wanted to make her smile."
He smiles back at her. "I know. And so do they." Outside of the royal carriage the village is lined up. They are all waving and bowing and cheering. "It's what they love about you. They know you care. And you've suffered the same as they have."
Coran has heard Keith's final sentence. "It is true, Princess. They will fight all the more for you now, if needed."
"I hope that's not going to happen, Coran," she answers.
The carriage jerks forward and the cheers of the village follow it to the end of the road. Allura waves to the people until the round the corner and the village fades from sight.