Duck did not know where she was. She was lying in a bed, and... and... The girl threw off the covers to look at her legs: long, ending in human feet. She leapt from the bed, in her excitement tripping over the blankets and falling to the floor. The room was filled with exquisite and expensive-looking furniture, the carpet covering the floor was plush and thick, and the walls were painted in a brilliant array of colors and designs. Duck slid to a stop in front of a full-length mirror.

She was human! She twirled around a few times, giggling with a glee that bubble up from deep in her stomach, then paused, spotting a beautiful dress that was draped over the end of the bed. Duck stepped slowly up to it before picking it up and holding it against her. It seemed like it was just her size.

Seeing as there weren't any other clothes lying around the room, she decided to try it on, just for good measure. It was a perfect fit, and the gold and deep blue that made the swirling, graceful designs on it complemented her hair and eyes. Her hair wasn't in its usual braid, but instead hung down her back and cascaded over her shoulders in nice waves.

Duck spun again in front of the mirror, feeling very feminine and pretty. She looked around the room again. There was a single door in the wall, and she went to it and tried the handle experimentally. It was open. Against the wall next to the door was a pair of gorgeous and delicate-looking slippers, adorned in the same swirling gold and blue design that covered her dress. Duck smiled and tried them on, and they, too, fit her perfectly.

Cautiously, the girl pulled the door open and poked her head out. There was a long hallway, lined with various doors. The decor matched that of the room she'd awoken in, and everything still looked expensive. The bright, striking colors from in her room seemed to continue on the walls of the hallway, perhaps even as a sort of theme for the manor. She stepped outside and walked quietly down the hall, curious.

The mansion (for that was what it seemed to be) was empty, but somewhere, a pleasant waltz echoed. Duck tried to follow the music, but found herself lost in some wing or other. Across the walls, painted in that beautifully design and style, was a story. Duck couldn't quite tell what it was, but it struck her somehow as familiar.

"Excuse me," said a polite voice, and Duck turned to see an older gentleman, dressed in the traditional garb for a butler. "Miss Duck, would you please come with me?"

"Oh, um, alright. Sir, could you tell me where I am?" she asked, embarrassed. "I think I'm lost."

"You're in the east wing of the mansion, Miss," he replied, turning and leading Duck through the house and toward the music. "Master Fakir has requested I bring you to the ballroom."

Duck blinked in surprise. "Master... Fakir?" she mumbled to herself.

The butler led her to two large, double doors, then opened them and bowed, gesturing for her to step inside. She did, and found herself in an enormous ballroom. The same bright colors splashed across the walls and ceiling, depicting an epic battle between a knight and a raven. She heard herself let out a breath in awe, captivated by the sheer beauty of the room. She heard someone clear their throat next to her, and she half-turned to see who it was. There stood Fakir, holding his hand out in a polite request for a dance to the music that still played. He gave her an encouraging smile.

Fakir was wearing a fine suit of navy and silver that matched her dress quite well, complete with a swirling pattern that mirrored hers. At his hip was a sword on a belt, and both her also decorated to match his clothing.

He's so handsome, Duck thought to herself with a blush, taking his hand in hers. He led her out on the dance floor and then gently spun her out so she would come back to him, then he turned her around and rested a hand on her waist, holding her hand with his other, and they danced.

Fakir was very good at ballroom dancing, Duck soon found. He took just few enough steps that she could keep up and spun her so she could watch the room spin. That was her favorite part of the dance, besides the dips. He would lower her as she leaned backward, and then she was upright again and they were dancing across the room once more. He never once took his eyes off of her, his expression a constant smile or smirk as they spun around the room.

It was like a dream come true.


Duck was drowsy and her head was still muddled with dreamy thoughts when she woke. It was late in the night, and she was curled up in Fakir's lap. They were in the study and he was slumped over on his desk. A lantern still burned by his elbow. The little bird slowly blinked a few times, and considered turning over and falling asleep again. Her dream had been so pleasant, after all.

But the window was open, letting in a gentle but chilly breeze. Coming to a decision, Duck got up and stretched, then hopped down and went to the living room. Her feathers would keep her warm, but Fakir might not be so fortunate. She picked up a blanket, then made her way back into the study and tossed it onto his lap. She clambered up the chair, then stepped onto the desk. She put his inkwell away, lest it get bumped and spill over the story he'd been writing, then blew out the lantern. She grabbed the blanket from his lap and draped it over his back and shoulders as well as she could.

Satisfied with her work, she hopped over his arm and settled against his neck and shoulder so his arm wrapped loosely around her. He was so nice and warm. As she lay there, starting to drift off, she felt his arm tighten slightly around her, holding her against him. Sleep well, Fakir, she thought. The little bird smiled to herself, then fell asleep once more.


Anything that you liked? Anything you didn't? Tell me about it! I'll try to make good use of your advice. :)