Galen entered the hall as the king prepared to announce the news. What a happy occasion, but what strange timing. In a way, he supposed, it should balance things out. Some good news to counter the dark atmosphere. He just hoped that whatever was giving off the aura wouldn't show itself until much, much later.

He looked around and saw the king, queen, princess, and a witch who looked much older than her aura said she was. She was adept at changing her appearance, yes, but she had some room to grow before she could change her aura as well. There were, of course, many other guests. Most were families of nobility or entertainers or knights who were in charge of security. He picked out one guard, Isaiah, who seemed to have upgraded his equipment. His armor was so well forged and made of such high quality materials that even Galen had a hard time reading his aura through it. For some reason, he sensed a profound sadness and... a resignation to die? That wouldn't do... sending a small stream of magic, he cast a mild spirit boosting spell to lift the man's spirits. It seemed like he needed it.

What interested him most, however, was the princess, Lorelai. Her aura had been steadily darkening... as if the citywide aura somehow was affecting hers... and every day it became just a tinge darker. He worried for the princess, but knew it was not his right to interfere with her personal life.