A/N: I'm going to try to get new chapters out every week. If it doesn't happen I apologize ahead of time.

Aurora blinked her eyes open feeling the course paper underneath her cheek. I must have fallen asleep reading she thought as she gently pried her face off the now-dry parchment. Drooling has always been one of her more ghastly sleeping habits that she has desperately tried to overcome.

Looking over at the once lit candle she cursed herself for once again keeping it aflame all night, effectively wasting precious wax. Aurora would have to go to the stores soon if she wanted to continue her research into her past. Slowly she got up and took inventory of her limbs, stretching each one consecutively to get all of the kinks out from the long night and awkward sleeping position.

Aurora treaded to the window. Judging by the sun's position it must be sometime after noon that she woke. She could hear the characteristic squawk of the gulls outside as they made their way to the port a few streets over. Sighing, she supposed that she might as well change into her other dress before walking to port to get some errands completed before roaming the streets for more work. Naveen or Tiana might have something for her to do to earn some extra coin.

Once she finished sliding on her more comfortable dress, Aurora put down some food for her mischievous orange cat. Petting him gently, Aurora cooed a good-bye to Thomas O'Malley before following the smell of the sea to the shops on the port.


It was a couple hours till noon whenever the crew finally made it to their destination. They quickly traded their wares with potential buyers from the black market as well as even the government. "Every king has a price to inhibit their competition" Hook had said slyly as Hood shook his head at him with a barely concealed smile. He was always the master of more illegal trade while Hood would trade between buyers from the market, solidifying their disguises as fishermen from "across the way". Mulan's job was to help defend their wares as well as keep a look out for any other supplies they may need to continue on their journey.

Mulan nervously fussed with her short hair as she walked into the nearest diner, the trio now free and very hungry after their physical and monetary duties. It had taken them a few hours at least to unload and reload a good majority of their wares let alone negotiate agreeable prices. The diner entitled "Tiana's Place" gave off a homey feel which only aided in beckoning Mulan closer.

"Have you ever been here before?" She asked the boys.

"We don't typically frequent this particular port, at least we haven't yet. After this deal we may be coming back much more frequently." Hook said with a glint in his eyes.

Hood nudged Hook in the arm to bring him out of his daze. "They're good people with good supplies as well as a great need for food and other goods from other areas around the world. They're rather secluded for a port town." Hood explained as he opened the door for them to walk through.

"I meant have you ever been to this pla…"

"Hellooooooooooo and welcome to Tiana's Place!" A bright bouncy blonde announced as soon as they stepped over the threshold of the diner. She was dressed in a pink uniform that looked tailored just for her. The apron she wore was reminiscent of what one would consider a dress for a princess. "A table for three?" she asked latching onto Mulan's wrist before steering them to a table. Mulan nodded a little overwhelmed by the girl as the two men behind her tried to keep in their chuckles.

"My name is Charlotte and I'll be your hostess for today!" the girl said ushering them into their booth. "If you have any questions at all I'll be right over there. Any. Questions. At. All." She winked at the three patrons before leaning into Mulan's ear. "I have a pen and a pad of paper with a list of digits in my mind if you're interested too" she whispered before bouncing back to her position in the front of the store behind a podium.

Mulan proceeded to hide her face in the menu feeling her cheeks burn as the men around her laughed. "Well if you aren't going for her I'm in for a short ride before we set sail!" Hook said patting her on the back in time with his chortles.

"She's all yours…" The woman mumbled into her menu.

Hood propped his head up onto his hand with an elbow on the table. "I don't think blondes are quite Ping's type. You remember that beautiful one with the books from a couple ports away?"

"Oh yeah! That girl was a perceptive one! Saw right through your hat hair!" Hook exclaimed rubbing hear hat onto her head.

"I honestly think any girl would be able to see through this…" Mulan gestured to herself with slight disdain as she fixed her hair and hat. "I really need to come up with something a bit more manly than your old clothes, a haircut, a hat, and a new name."

"Well anything other than facial hair we've done… We only need to convince the crew at this point. We'll figure something out eventually." Hook said without concern as the waitress came over to their table.

"Hello, I'm Aurora and I'll be your waitress for today. Would you like to order some drinks while you decide on your meal?"