The small group of people flocked outside, except Pepper who claimed her soup was going to burn. Thump after thump, step after step, they ran to the gates. The King and his brood were already there, waiting for their entertainers to arrive.

Twelve-year old Lavinia held her hands together and bounced up and down excitedly. Fourteen- year old Cuthbert stood silently beside his father. A heavily pregnant Queen Gwendoline had one arm hooked in her husbands while the other rubbed her swollen belly.

Jester's skin was the only thing keeping him from going everywhere and it was barely doing that. He was bouncing so much that his hat was making more racket than Dragon as he landed behind the group. Jane grabbed his hand and dragged him down to the solid earth. Jester immediately stopped and blushed. He gripped his friend's hand. Even though Jane had gotten Jester to calm down slightly, she did not let go. Dragon saw this and jealously enveloped him and he glared. He coughed loudly.

Everyone whirled around and stared at him.

"What?" They all turned back around. Jane did not however and let go of Jester's hand to walk over to her best friend.

"Dragon? You came?" Jane questioned suspiciously as she took a spot next to him.

"I thought I would be mature and give them a chance before I go making assumptions."

"Good for you. I think. What are you planning?" The ground started to rumble very quietly.

"Nothing. Am I not ever allowed to have good intentions around here?"

"It is not that-"

"They are here!" Caradoc announced. Sure enough, down the road, a huge colorful caravan was pulling its way closer to the castle gates. Everyone held their breath. The first wagon came to a halt. Puffs of dirt and dust blew up. The silence that hung in the air could nearly be cut with a knife. The driver of the first wagon leaped off his seat.

He bowed to King Caradoc and kissed Gwendoline's hand.

"I am Langley. Mighty pleased to be here your majesties." He was a goofy character, tall and skinny, but toned from acrobatics. He had wild blonde curly hair and large teeth that gleamed white when he smiled, which he never stopped doing. He had on plum breeches and a cream tunic that was tucked in.

He opened the door to his wagon. Dainty bare feet with a golden anklet around the left ankle appeared out of the door and onto the steps. Followed by the feet were legs hidden by layers of long, flowing green skirts. An airy white tunic was tucked into the top of the skirt and tied at the collarbone. A maroon sash was tied tightly around her waist. She was extremely tan, with golden curls. With lime green eyes that were soft and full of life. Once she was fully out of the wagon Dragon gasped.

"She is practically a spitting image of Aurore." He had lowered his head and whispered to Jane.

"Maybe they are related."

Dragon silenced. A knot formed in his throat and tightened with every step that she took.

The other wagons unloaded until there were about twenty people that were introducing themselves to Caradoc. The youngest looking about eight and the oldest about sixty.

"Thank you all for coming. Our castle-" Caradoc was giving them the welcoming speech. All were obviously paying attention except "Aurore." She stared at Dragon. Without being noticed she weaved her way through the crowd to Dragon.

"Hello, Dragon. I have heard so much about you."

"And you are?" Jane intruded folding her arms.

"Esme. I am the distant granddaughter of your friend Aurore." She said as calmly as she possibly could.

"See! I am very glad to meet you Esme." Jane bowed slightly, and properly. Dragon remained as silent as stone. The only difference between him and the castle walls was that he was blinking incessantly.

"*Cough* Nice to meet you."

"Maybe we could talk more together later at a better time?" Esme asked. "Alone?"

"Um, well, uhh, yeah." Dragon could not seem to gracefully speak. Esme had him so flustered.

Esme gave him a smirk and returned to her spot. King Caradoc finished his speech of welcome. Then Jester immediately burst in, shaking Langley's hand vigorously. He said asked something to Langley. Jane could not quite make out what they were saying. Dragon, of course knew exactly what was going on. Langley nodded. Jester's smile grew to ear to ear. Then Jester asked another question rather intently. Langley replied, placing a hand on Jester. Jester's expression fell and he started off to his room silently. Jane tried to stop him.

"What happened?" Jester shook his head silently and continued to walk.

"Jester!" She started after him.

Dragon put a claw on Jane's shoulder. He shook his large head. "Leave him."

"Why? What happened?" Jane looked up at Dragon with wide eyes.

"His parents are dead."