Finally, an update! Sorry to keep you all waiting so long.
A few announcements: For those who haven't read my profile since I posted the last chapter, I won Camp NaNoWriMo! I'm very proud of this achievement, as it was pretty tough going for a while there during the event. Also, on the second of July, WSoD celebrated its first birthday! I had hoped to get more work done on the fic in the first year, but I can't change that now. Speaking of birthdays, it's mine on the 27th! Reviews make lovely gifts. *hint hint*
Alright, on with the chapter!
Edit: I've tweaked this chapter since I first posted it, expanding slightly in a few places where I felt it was needed and making a few adjustments in response to a couple of constructive reviews. Hope you like the improvements. :D
Chapter 10
Chosen Course
The day was a pleasant one for Serenity. While she built their sandcastle, Joey and Noa had shared some of their brothers' secret passions with her. Seto's hidden love for the mysterious Kisara was not the only such romance that had developed over the years. Noa assured his sister that Yami was infatuated with Mana, the pretty Dark Magician Girl who had been assigned to his twin. More surprising was the supposed relationship between Alister and his bonded partner, one the redhead had frequently denied the existence of when the younger princes had asked him about it.
But you should see the way she looks at him, Noa told his sister. You'd have to be blind to miss the signs. Alister can deny it all he wants, but even if he doesn't feel anything for her, she certainly has feelings for him, and we've seen how stubborn she can be. This isn't going to just disappear.
The castle took just over two hours to be completed to their satisfaction, and once finished, it was abandoned for more exciting pursuits. They collected more shells, the swans scanning the beach from the air in search of the most magnificent ones, while Serenity ran back and forth between them. When the day grew warmer, they retreated into the shade of the forest and swam in the river—the princes had had their feathers caked in sea-salt before and had no desire to repeat the experience. Later in the afternoon, they returned to the beach, worn out but happy, and sat together, exchanging more stories while the sun dried them. Soon enough, however, the siblings fell silent, content to simply keep each other company. Serenity stroked her brothers' backs and wings, smiling gently as they leaned into her touch. Her petting soothed them, and both were on the point of dozing off when their brothers returned.
They were sensed before they were seen. To Serenity, it felt as if a part of her mind that had been stretched taut all day was finally relaxing. The same could not be said for Noa and Joey. The moment they became aware of the change, their bodies tensed and they both turned toward the forest.
What's wrong? Serenity asked in concern.
They're back early, Joey said simply. They never come back early while we're in Domino. Something must have happened.
It's not that early, Serenity protested, looking up at the sky. The sun will set in less than an hour.
It's early for us, Ren. Trust me.
The siblings watched the sky above the trees for several minutes before the familiar white birds came into view, gliding low over the treetops as they approached the shore.
At least no-one's injured, Noa observed.
Are you disappointed? Alister asked drily, startling Serenity. She had not expected communication to be possible while the flock was still so high above them.
We had a great day, Al. Thanks for asking, Noa responded sarcastically.
Alister chose to ignore his brother for the moment, instead addressing his sister.
Serenity, we need to talk.
What about? Serenity asked, suddenly a little nervous.
Your plans for the future.
That sounds ominous.
That depends upon your choice, Alister said as he began his descent, the others following his lead.
What's going on? What choice does she have to make? Joey asked, annoyed by his brother's apparent evasiveness.
Alister did not respond until he landed in front of them, and when he did he once more addressed Serenity directly.
You know that we have to leave tomorrow. We haven't been safe in Domino for ten years.
And as of today, Raphael added, alighting beside Alister, neither are you. Gozaburo's men are combing the kingdom to find you, and it's only a matter of time before they come down here.
The others had landed around them by this point, and Seto was the next to enter the conversation.
Are you going to tell us your plan now?
What plan? Noa asked, intrigued.
I thought of a way we can take Serenity with us, if she's willing, Alister explained.
Serenity's eyes lit up.
Did you seriously think you needed to ask? Of course I want to go with you! I'd hate to be left behind when we only just found each other again.
Well then, we'll need to start now if we want to be finished by dawn tomorrow, Alister said in a businesslike manner. I didn't ensure we returned early for no reason. Joey, Valon, Duke, Ryou and Raphael will need to fly upstream to where the reeds and rushes grow thickest before the sun goes down. Willow-bark wouldn't go amiss either.
What for? Valon asked in confusion.
We need good-quality materials to work with.
Willow bark and reeds? Are we going to make a giant basket to carry her in? Seto asked scathingly.
Alister was unperturbed.
Close, but not quite. We'll be making a net, and if it's going to be big enough for our purposes we can't waste a moment of humanity tonight.
Alright then, Raphael said, rising into the air again. We'd better get into position.
I'll come with you, Serenity said eagerly, scrambling to her feet. I'm not going to sit idle while you do all the work.
Alright, if you think you can keep up, Duke conceded.
Serenity smiled wryly.
I'll manage.
The riverbanks were thick with reeds and rushes, and willows were also plentiful. Gathering the supplies they needed was easy enough. Getting it all back to the beach was another matter, especially as they had split into two groups and the river was flowing between them, with no way across.
"So what now?" Duke asked, looking between Serenity and Ryou.
The princess smiled.
"I have an idea." She concentrated, and her mind connected with Joey's. The link was slightly strained across water, but thankfully the river was not wide enough to cause any real trouble.
Joey, how many people can Jet carry?
She could see her brother across the water, and even at such a distance, she could tell he had just facepalmed.
He could carry all of us back if we didn't have to take all this.
So he could fly us back three at a time?
Yeah, I guess so. He sounded sheepish. Why didn't I think of that?
Never mind, Serenity responded gently. Just summon him. We don't want to keep Alister waiting too long.
That's for sure, Valon chimed in, having overheard the conversation. Al's scary when he's angry.
Fifteen minutes later, Jet came into land, scattering sand everywhere. Serenity, Duke and Ryou handed their bundles down to Alister before dismounting with some relief. Barely had they done so when the dragon took off again, heading back upstream to collect the other group.
Alister untied the bundles and spread the strips of bark and reeds out on the sand in front of everyone.
"We should start plaiting these now," he said. "Each strand will need to be at least as long as I am tall. I'd measure them against Raphael instead, but he isn't back yet." He took several of the gathered plants in his hands and began deftly plaiting them together.
"Wait. We're weaving all of this by hand?" Noa asked incredulously.
"Yes," Alister replied simply.
"Alister, that will take forever! Can't we just use magic?" His hands were already wreathed in aquamarine light as he finished the question.
"No we can't," Seto said sharply, and Noa's magic faltered as he turned toward the brunette.
"Why not? We'd get the job done much faster."
Seto's eyes narrowed.
"Haven't you been paying any attention for the last ten years? Magic can't fix everything. We didn't create a net from nothing because it would need constant maintenance and we obviously couldn't do that during the day. We're using natural fibres because we want it to be strong enough to bear Serenity's wait. If we used magic to weave it, the fibres would be under too much stress and the net would very likely tear during our flight. I would rather our sister didn't fall to her death, especially when this whole undertaking is to rescue her from danger."
Noa looked a little sulky, but did not argue further. Trust Seto to remember all the instances in which magic couldn't solve a problem. The elder brunette only ever used his power when it was absolutely necessary outside of practice.
By the time Jet returned with the others, there was already a small heap of finished strands, many of which had been woven by Alister, Serenity and Ryou, who were the most efficient of the group by far. The redhead was pleased with the progress they were making, and therefore did not insist that Raphael, Joey and Valon join in the plaiting. In any case, he knew that Joey and Valon lacked the patience to do the work properly, and although Raphael was patient enough for both his younger brothers, his hands lacked the deftness required for this part of the process.
It took hours to finish the plaiting, and by then it was obvious to all of them that they had more than they needed. Valon, Raphael and Joey had taken the opportunity to sleep for a few hours, and several of the others were eager to follow their example. Alister saw the wisdom in this, but insisted the work must go on if it was to be complete by sunrise. Noa, Mokuba, Duke and Yugi were dismissed, while Raphael was roused with surprising ease—it seemed he had been sleeping lightly tonight.
The weaving of the net itself was done in two shifts, with Alister's group taking the first one. Later in the night, when the redhead finally admitted that he was growing weary, the others were roused, and set to work completing what now looked more like the net they were hoping to make. Thanks to the skills of the redhead and his younger brother and sister, who had succeeded in plaiting most of the strands earlier, the weblike structure was now closer to three-quarters done than halfway, and Duke's group had less pressure on them, although they still had to finish the project at least an hour before dawn, as per Alister's instructions. The redhead insisted he be woken when they were done, as the net would not be quite ready until he and the other mages made their own improvements to it. Serenity would have stayed awake to help her brothers, but Raphael told her firmly that she needed sleep just as much as the rest, that Noa and Joey had run her ragged during the day and it was a miracle she was still awake at this hour, given how little sleep she had managed to have the night before. Reluctantly, the princess lay down on the sand with the others of her group, and was asleep within a minute of doing so.
The weavers who took the second shift succeeded in completing their task with half an hour to spare, but allowed their siblings to sleep until the appointed time. When Alister was at last roused, he checked over their work, making sure the lines they would use to carry the net were long enough to allow them all to fly unimpeded. When he pronounced their handiwork satisfactory, he gathered the mages around him and began giving them instructions. This would take a significant toll on one mage, but with all six of them concentrating it would be far less taxing. The princes focused on the net, weaving a spell of strength into the fibres that made it up. The net glowed faintly as they worked their enchantment. The casting took only a few minutes, and after they were done Alister told Serenity to lie down on the net and go back to sleep. When the princess protested weakly Joey and several of the others told her that since she was the only one who could rest as much as she needed, she should take the chance to do so. Serenity sighed as she complied, again dropping off to sleep faster than she expected she would. Alister, meanwhile, conjured a strengthening meal for himself and his brothers. It wasn't particularly appetising, but it would give them the energy they needed to carry their sister and her bundle across the ocean. They would need all the help they could get, and they all knew it, so nobody complained.
Serenity barely stirred when, just after dawn broke, ten of her brothers seized the ropes trailing from the edges of the net in their beaks, spread their wings and took off. The motion of their flight set the strange conveyance rocking, which lulled the girl into a deeper sleep. For once, she did not dream.
When Serenity awoke, she was unsure at first what was going on or where she was, but it didn't take her long to remember what had happened the previous night, and she sat up a little, holding onto the rope Alister had tied across the net level with her waist as an extra precaution. Looking up, she could see the swans flying above her, lifelines held fast in their beaks. One was flying free, however, and circling overhead. The soft breeze made by his wings cooled her skin and the wings themselves shielded her from the summer sun, which was no doubt stronger up here. Even if she could not see the black dragon around his neck, Serenity would have known it was Joey.
How's everyone holding up? She asked them all mentally.
This stuff tastes disgusting, but other than that we're fine, Noa responded.
Serenity had to laugh aloud at this.
I thought you knew that already, she said.
In theory, sure, but I've never tried eating willow bark before, and after this, I'm glad I didn't.
It's all for a good cause, dear brother, Serenity said teasingly. She turned her attention to Raphael. Be honest. Is this slowing you down too much?
We should be alright, Serenity, her eldest brother told her confidently. The island we rest on each time is more than halfway there and we usually reach it hours before sundown.
Reassured for the time being, Serenity leaned forward as far as she dared, holding onto the rope that secured her as she looked down.
The view was breathtaking. The ocean looked like a boundless sheet of blue glass from their current height, and the few ships she could make out looked no bigger than pieces on a game board. She could see clouds of varying size drifting below or beside them. Occasionally, the swans had to rise higher in order to avoid going through a larger cloud bank.
Hours passed in relative silence. The princes were well aware that their sister's life was in their hands, so to speak, and they were not about to risk losing her after so many years of waiting. They flew on steadily, but it could not be denied that Serenity's weight was slowing them down, despite the load being distributed evenly among them. The fact that most had not slept nearly as much as they would have liked during the two previous nights didn't help matters.
By mid-afternoon, the strain was starting to show, and to make matters worse, black clouds were gathering. An hour before dusk, the storm was nearly upon them, and there was still no sign of the island below. Thunder rumbled ominously in the distance.
Wonderful, Noa said darkly. You jinxed us, Raphael.
Raphael ignored this, focusing instead on what needed to be done.
We'll have to start our descent now, he told his brothers. There's no way we'll see the island through those clouds. He then addressed his sister. You'd better hold on tight, Serenity. Flying through weather like this is no picnic at the best of times.
Serenity tightened her grip upon the safety lines as they dropped lower, the storm-clouds seeming to loom over them now. The wind picked up, and the net swung sickeningly as her brothers battled to keep on course. Lightning split the clouds above them, followed almost immediately by a much louder clap of thunder, and then the rain began to fall.
Flying through driving rain with the sky concealed by a mass of dark clouds, Serenity clung to the net and offered up a silent prayer. The wind was too loud in her ears for even mental conversation to be heard over it, and she could barely see her brothers through the seemingly endless sheets of water descending around them. How were they going to find their sanctuary in the middle of all this? How would they know when the sun set? If they didn't find land in time, …No, she was not going to think like that. Her brothers might be struggling, but they were pressing on despite the storm. She only wished she could do something to help them. She tried to scan the water below for some sign of land, but the brief flashes of lightning weren't enough to see that far down.
If only we had more light, just enough to find our way, she thought desperately.
As if in response to her silent plea, a shaft of dawn-red light became visible through the rain just ahead of them. It blazed brightly, illuminating the ocean far below, and by its light, Serenity saw the island they were bound for. Her brothers had seen it too, and dived suddenly and steeply, their speed increasing as they neared their goal. Serenity screwed her eyes shut and hoped they would not arrive too late. Now she could hear the waves below as well as the rain and wind, and her heart raced with fear. At last, however, her feet touched solid rock, and she collapsed in relief as the light above them winked out. It was another moment before she dared open her eyes.
Her brothers stood around her, once again human. They had landed just in time, it seemed. One of the princes shouted something, but the thunder, wind and rain combined made it impossible for Serenity to even tell who had spoken. Then there was a flash of silver magic, and near silence fell around them. The rain also seemed to have been blocked by whatever spell had been cast, for Serenity could see it sliding down the sides of what seemed to be an invisible dome.
"Thanks, Alister," Raphael said, sounding as relieved as Serenity felt. "We're all wet enough as it is." He grimaced. "I hate flying through storms. I hope we won't be stranded here for three days again."
"Summer storms don't usually last that long around here," Alister said. "If it hasn't moved on by morning, I'll shift it myself. I learned a few useful techniques from Elma after last time."
"And not all of them involved magic," Noa said cheekily.
Alister glared at him. "Don't start that again."
Noa opened his mouth to respond, but a stern look from Raphael silenced him.
Joey came to Serenity's side and helped her up.
"Are you alright?" he asked anxiously.
Serenity smiled weakly.
"I'm fine, Joey, just cold."
"We'd better find the cave," said Yugi. "Alister's barrier won't stay up forever and we need to get somewhere dry."
"Agreed," Duke said. "A fire wouldn't be unwelcome either. It's cold out here, and I'd rather not get sick. That's the last thing we need."
It didn't take them long to find the cave where the princes usually spent their nights on the island. It was thankfully dry, and once a mage-fire had been lit, it warmed up quickly. They all huddled close around the fire, steam rising from their hair and clothing. The net was hung from a hook-like protrusion on the wall behind the fire to dry, while Serenity's bundle had been spread out on the cave floor so that everything was exposed to the heated air. Luckily, nothing had been permanently damaged.
Alister was watching his sister closely. She seemed tired, more tired than anyone who had slept until almost midday had any right to be. No-one had brought up the mysterious red light that had saved them at dusk, but the elder redhead had been thinking about it and he had his suspicions. He couldn't be sure of his theory, however. He had not been the only one to sense her potential, but that proved nothing. He decided he would keep his thoughts to himself for the time being. His brothers were all too exhausted to take in any new information right now. The night would be spent recuperating. They would need all the rest they could get for the flight tomorrow.
"Alister?" Mokuba's voice startled the redhead out of his reverie. He recovered quickly, however, and his expression was once more calm as he turned toward his youngest brother.
"Yes, Mokuba?"
"I was wondering if you could sing something," Mokuba said quietly.
Serenity seemed to perk up a little at the suggestion.
"I haven't heard you sing in years," she said. "I wish you had your harp with you—you always played so well."
Alister's expression softened a little as his gaze shifted back to his sister.
"I'm a mage, remember," he said. "I don't need a physical harp to have musical accompaniment." He raised one hand and performed several graceful gestures. A slight breeze stirred the air around him, and from somewhere above his head, soft music began to play. "Let's start with an old favourite of yours," he said, smiling at Serenity before beginning to sing.
By the time he had finished the ballad, nearly all of his siblings were asleep.
They woke an hour before dawn, and were relieved to find that the storm had abated, and the air was as still outside the cave as it had been within. After eating the meal Alister provided, they gathered Serenity's things together and prepared to leave. At sunrise, the flock flew away from the island, once more carrying their sister beneath them.
The second day of travel was as uneventful as the first had been before the storm, and they made good time. Serenity amused herself by watching the clouds. It was much more interesting seeing them up close, she thought.
It was nearly noon when she saw the most fantastic formation of clouds yet. It looked so intricate, in fact, that the princess gasped in surprise. Before her, a castle seemed to float in the air, banners flying from its towers and gardens surrounding the majestic building.
"I must be dreaming," she murmured aloud.
You aren't, Alister told her mentally. I can see it too. That's the castle of Spiria.
Who? Serenity asked, intrigued by this new piece of information.
Spiria is Ishizu's emissary. She lives in Darthania's skies and sometimes her castle can be seen in this world, although it isn't physically here. The vision never lasts long—it's already collapsing.
So it was. As Serenity watched, the image of the castle seemed to melt away, leaving behind an ordinary bank of white clouds.
Why didn't I see it? Joey asked, sounding slightly disappointed.
Spiria doesn't allow just anyone to glimpse her castle, Alister told him.
I didn't see it either, Duke sent.
Nor did I, Ryou chimed in. I wouldn't worry about it. Serenity and Alister can share the memory with us later.
It wouldn't be the same, Joey said almost wistfully, but he made no further comment on the subject.
Another hour passed, and then Serenity caught her first glimpse of the land her brothers had settled in. She could make out three towering mountains in the south, capped with snow. On the shore, she saw a prosperous-looking town with a swathe of forest behind it.
Quite the view, isn't it? Raphael said casually.
It's beautiful, Serenity responded immediately, sighing aloud in wonder.
You haven't seen anything yet, Ren, Valon told her. That town down there's got nothing on the capital.
You'll have to show me sometime, Serenity said.
I'm sure we could arrange something, Duke said warmly.
They flew for another hour, leaving the coastline and the first town behind them. The forest was nowhere near as large as the one Serenity had traveled through while in Domino, and they had soon passed over that as well. Far to the west, the lights of a large city were visible, but Serenity could not pick out any details. Her brothers turned slightly south, toward the mountains, and the distant city was lost to sight.
The swans began a leisurely descent as they passed over a circle of hills, finally coming to rest on one of them. The slope was gradual, and the turf was soft enough to sleep on. Not far uphill from them, a dark opening was visible.
Well, this is it, Joey said, landing beside his sister as his brothers released the net and collapsed on the grass. They were not nearly as tired as they had been the night before, but they were still relieved the journey was over.
Is that the cave you live in? Serenity asked, pointing toward the hole in the hillside.
Yeah, and it's way bigger than the one on the island. We—well, Alister and the other mages have made it into a real home. I'll show you when we're human again. No real point going in until after sunset.
Why? Serenity asked.
It was Yugi who answered.
The cave looks ordinary at first glance unless you're one of us. The entrance to our real living space is concealed by magic, and our curse prevents us from using our magic while we're swans.
Gozaburo planned for everything, Yami added bitterly.
Well then, we'll find a way to pass the time, Serenity said brightly, not eager to discuss their stepfather any longer than she had to.
Valon raised his head to look at her, his eyes sparkling.
I think I can arrange something.
This will not end well, Alister said to nobody in particular.
Despite his brother's pessimism, Valon's display of aerobatics went off without a hitch. He had been practising for almost as long as he had been enchanted, and it showed. It wasn't long before Joey and Noa joined their brother in the air and the performance became even more impressive. Their daring inspired the others, and one by one, they took to the sky and showed off some of their most spectacular aerial maneuvers. Some of the princes were more reserved than others, but by the time the sun began to set, they had all contributed to the show.
After her brothers resumed their human forms, Serenity's tour of the enchanted cave began. A number of hidden passages branched off from the otherwise normal-looking cave, each leading to several chambers. All of the rooms had been expertly carved by magic, mostly by Seto, who apparently had a gift with stonework. Each of the princes had his own private bedchamber, and there were also several rooms where magic was practised, a small library containing a number of books borrowed from the Guardians, a dining-room, and a dozen other chambers with various uses.
After their evening meal, the other princes retired to their own rooms, but Joey led his sister down the last passage and into a small, neat chamber with several bright rugs on the floor and a neat bed waiting for her.
"I know it's not much, but we've always had a place prepared for you here," he said, smiling down at her.
Serenity looked around the simple room, then back up at her brother.
"It's perfect," she said, hugging him tightly. "I like things simple." She crossed to the bed and sat down on it. "Let me guess. Swan-feathers?"
Joey grinned.
"Well, we molt every night, so we had to do something with them, and they're used for stuffing mattresses and pillows anyway."
"And where did you get the fabric?"
"The twins conjured it. It's mostly thanks to them we still have clothes that fit."
Serenity sighed and leaned back against her home-made feather pillows. The last few days had been full of surprises, and now everything seemed to be settling down. Joey came up beside her and brushed a strand of hair out of her face.
"How long has it been since you slept in a real bed?"
She chuckled.
"Since the palace, and that was for one night. My bed at Merilyn's wasn't this comfortable."
"I'll leave you to rest, then," Joey said gently, turning toward the door. "Tell us if you have another of those weird dreams."
"I'm not sure I will now that I've found you," she responded with a smile.
"You never know," Joey said. He leaned over and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "Night, Ren."
"Goodnight," she murmured in response.
Long after Joey had left, Serenity lay awake, thinking of Gozaburo and the curse he had laid on her family. She felt content now, but she and her brothers could never remain so while their lives were tainted by their stepfather's spite, even though they had been reunited.
If I do have another dream, she thought as she gazed up at the ceiling, from which soft mage-light descended, I hope I find out how to release you all.
She was flying through the sky again, but she knew that this time, she was alone. The cloudy castle of Spiria loomed before her, and she flew towards it, landing lightly in the gardens beside a fountain. She could hear faint music in the distance, and the scent of flowers hung in the air. This was the most vivid dream she could remember having.
It was not long before a stately woman in sky-blue robes came to meet her. The newcomer had mint-green skin, long dark hair and ageless sapphire eyes. White wings spread from her shoulders.
"Welcome, Daughter of Light," she said in a low, musical voice. "I did not introduce myself when last we met. I am Spiria."
Serenity was surprised by the comment, but on closer inspection, she realised she had indeed met this being before.
"You're the woman I met in the forest!" she exclaimed in astonishment. "You told me about the swans!"
"Indeed," Spiria responded. "I did not wish for you to miss your chance to reunite with your brothers, so I helped things along." Her expression grew solemn. "But that is not why you are here now. I know what you desire most at this time. Your request was still foremost in your thoughts when you fell asleep, and I heard it, though I imagine you did not expect it to be granted."
Serenity's eyes widened.
"You mean you know how to undo Gozaburo's curse?"
"Yes, child, but it is no easy task," Spiria told her. "You need not choose to complete it, but be aware that no-one else has the power to do what must be done."
Serenity felt a shiver run down her back, but set her shoulders and met the fairy's gaze.
"Tell me."
Spiria nodded.
"Very well. Listen and remember." She raised her left hand, and seemed to pluck a stinging nettle out of thin air. "This plant grows in abundance in the valley below the cave where you are now sleeping. To save your brothers, you must gather these, though handling them will cause you pain. Crush them beneath your bare feet, and spin the fibres into yarn. You must fashion eleven long-sleeved tunics from this thread alone. When you have finished, throw the garments over your brothers while they are in their swan forms, and the curse will be broken. However, your goal will only be achieved if you remain completely silent from the moment you pluck the first nettle to the moment your brothers are freed. If you utter so much as a cry of pain before the task is complete, the sound will stab your brothers to the heart, and they will die in that moment. Your life depended on them during your journey to this land. Now their lives depend on you. You can still choose not to follow these instructions if you feel the risk is too great."
Serenity thought for only a moment before coming to a decision. There was only one choice she felt right making.
"My brothers never deserved this fate," she said quietly. "If this is the only way to deliver them from it, then I won't be the one to deny them the chance."
Spiria smiled.
"Good fortune, then," she said softly, and the scene dissolved around them.
"Thank you," Serenity whispered just before she awoke.
End Notes: Like with the wedding chapter, I feel like parts of this were a bit rushed, but that's not entirely my fault. Although this is one of my favourite sections of the original fairytale, there isn't really much to expand upon, and you can hardly expect the swans to keep up a conversation when they're making sure they're flying fast enough and in the right direction. I hope I didn't disappoint you with the lack of detail at certain points.
Fun fact: Swans have teeth. Well, the so-called "mute swan" does, anyway, and that's the species the princes were turned into. Therefore, carrying the net with their beaks is theoretically possible, although we may never know if ten of them could really carry a human girl over long distances without breaking their necks. Let's just say they can and move on. :D
I was going to save the dream until the beginning of the next chapter, but since it took me so long to update, and since I felt the chapter was not quite long enough, I decided to add the dream to the end. I really want this story to get to the good part already. There are several characters that are getting tired of waiting for me. I'll get to some of them next chapter.
Finally, if you haven't already done so, I have a poll on my profile that needs to be voted on. I would appreciate as many unique votes as possible.
Reviews make me smile, and constructive criticism helps me improve.
Seeya next chapter!
