Yellow as the sun brightened up the high noon. People hustled in the streets of the market avenue of Lorelei. It was a comforting and familiar sight, but a bitter memory of the past. Just a few blocks away was the former clothing shop of Madame Carp - now a property of a dressmaker who was also a former seamstress for that wicked Madame. I used to work with her. My fellow quiet, sometimes timid friend, yet she always listened to my songs when we were sewing. Bittersweet times.

The waft of sweets stole my attention and I turned to the freshly baked pastries that were served on the stall beside me. My mouth watered, and it was all the more reminder for me to go to the castle to see my friend, Anneliese. She invited me for lunch after receiving news that I came home from my singing tour in Europe.

I turned around and yelped after bumping into someone. "Sorry! I didn't see you there! Gosh, I really must be hungry for lunch."