One year after the events of defeating Ashera, the United Bird Tribes have fallen, due to Naesala. Prince Reyson of Serenes must now find a way to revive his tribe that perished in the Massacre…
Serenes Forest
"On to plan B, brother?"
"Plan B, Rafiel? More like plan Z."
Prince Reyson put his head in his hands. He'd come to the conclusion that it was impossible to revive the heron race. And without the help of Tibarn, that made it even worse….
Tibarn. Why hadn't he thought of that earlier? Just because Naesala and he were enemies again, doesn't mean that Tibarn won't help. "Rafiel," said Reyson, elevating himself with his pure white wings, "I'm heading out to Phoenicis. I've got an idea."
"Good," said Reyson's elder brother. "Take your time."
Not far from Phoenicis Hall
Reyson flew swiftly through the sunset-streaked sky, trying not to tire himself out. The journey from Serenes to Hawk King Tibarn's island was longer than he had expected, but it was worth the journey. If Tibarn agreed to his plan, Serenes might actually be a country again.
Far off in the distance, Phoenicis Hall was able to be seen to Reyson's keen eyesight. His flying speed doubled as he raced to the highest pillar of the rugged brown castle, where Tibarn was waiting for him. He stopped only inches from Tibarn. "Good day, hawk king."
Tibarn nodded out of respect. "Same to you, heron prince. What brings you here?"
Reyson lowered himself from the skies, and landed next to Tibarn. "I was wondering how I should go about restoring my race."
Tibarn shook his head and chuckled slightly. "I was wondering when you would ask that. I expected you to beg for help after Naesala's -ahem-outburst." He winced at the thought of the black-haired raven.
Reyson rolled his eyes. "Outburst? That's an understatement. Naesala practically exploded at the fact that you, of all bird laguz, were going to take watch over his ravens, even though he's not even going to be there."
Tibarn laughed immensely. "Looks like all that hard work Nealuchi did to elevate Naesala's reputation was for nothing." He shook his head. "I wonder why Naesala can't stand me."
Reyson shrugged. "Hmph, who knows?" He stared out at the sunset before him. "At least Kilvas is doing better as a country." Reyson nervously fidgeted with his wings. "Anyway, Tibarn, about my race…"
"Ah, yes!" Tibarn said excitedly, turning to face Reyson. "What do you need? I'm open for anything."
"Um, I'm actually…" he paused, trying to get his words out correctly. "… I'm wondering if my brother and I could be some of your hawk ladies' suitors."
Tibarn looked shocked for a second, and then he smiled. "This is a last resort isn't it?"
"Yes, yes it is."
"Hm… I wonder if mating a heron with a hawk gets half-breeds."
"I've done the research. It doesn't. You either get one or the other."
Tibarn stared at the heron prince for a second, wondered how he knew that, and then realized he didn't want to know and continued. "Alright then. Maybe your brother and yourself could make your way over here tonight? I'll get some hopeful ladies rounded up fast."
Reyson nodded eagerly, happy that Tibarn was agreeing with his plan. "Tonight then. Agreed?" he held out his hand for a shake.
Tibarn gripped Reyson's hand firmly. "Agreed."
And so it was done. The heron race would finally grow in numbers. Let us fast forward to seventeen years later, where we meet our first new prince of Serenes…
