Words Only the Goddess Hears

by punjabigrownbg

Tibarn's life has covered him in many scars, but the most painful are the ones you cannot see. During a time of crisis, Tibarn recalls his painful but beautiful past. Side story to my first fanfic Scattered Feathers and Silver Ash

3. Chapter 3

I don't own Fire Emblem Characters

Chapter 3

Brooding and romance aside, there was still a lot more to come before anything really came of Luna and I. It's like I was saying, I wasn't aware that I was in love. I didn't even have an inkling. There was nothing more than the buzzing in my stomach that would steadily grow and grow.

As I was following behind Rul, the buzzing was nothing more than a low murmur that I could ignore. All I was focused on was getting to the center of the forest to meet up with my king; and most importantly, to get away from Rul.

He'd been leading me on a silent and painfully awkward flight for what seemed like forever. Not that I wanted to share humorous anecdotes with him or talk about my feelings, but I would have preferred a more pleasant flying partner.

Rul was about as pleasant as a porcupine who'd been sprayed by a skunk. He never checked to see if I was still following. He looked like he just didn't want me around. Fortunately, I didn't need to focus much on him. He was easy to keep up with and I was enjoying the sights of the forest.

There aren't a lot of trees in Phoenicis, so seeing their crooked sturdy branches decorated in emerald leaves, and the smell of pines and oaks delighted me. I savored the smell of the forest; finding Rul's direct route more stimulating than Luna's tangled and difficult route from earlier.

Then the area started to change. The forest became less dense with trees and opened into rows of bushes and ferns. Pockets of red and yellow flower patches sprouted next to carpets of short grass and I started to see stone columns and archways that began to line a well-traveled path that Rul and I were flying over.

Scattered on each side of the path were small stone houses, surrounded by other shorter columns, with domed tops. Other herons were sitting on or around the houses. Blue and brown wings adorned the dainty looking birds who sat laughing and talking in the lush scenery. Above my head, in trees decorated with unlit lanterns, other birds sang a light and happy melody.

My mouth must have been open in shock as I spun because Rul decided to comment on that fact, "When you're done gaping the center dome is right over there."

Quickly I shut my mouth and glowered at Rul. He had stopped flying and had his arms folded over his chest and was looking unhappy. With a frustrated sharp breath, he blew his bangs out of his face.

I looked around his thin body to where the center dome was. It was a large circular building, supported by similar large pillars that were decorated with netted green and violet ivy. Its coloring was creamy and three steps were the lower flooring of the dome.

"Just in there?" I said pointing to the round structure.

Rul nodded tersely, not bothering to hide his irritation. "If you'll excuse me then." He said tightly.

I grinned mischievously, "Aren't you going to take me the whole way?" I mostly just wanted to tease him. His obvious disdain for me only made it more enjoyable to irk him.

Rul was less amused. His lips pursed together stiffly and I could see his tongue pushing on the inside of his cheek while he battled with civility. All I could do was chuckle, "Or not. I suppose I can make it on my own." I said with a playful shrug.

The heron's eyes slanted angrily and he offered a reluctant and insincere inclination of his head before flying off and leaving me to make the rest of the short journey on my own. Not that I was mad; he'd done what Luna had asked and had not run me into a tree branch.

Landing on the steps, I made easy movement to the wide entrance of the center building. Herons were scattered in varying places; some leaned against the columns, others perched on the steps chittering softly. Or at least they were. The moment I landed an abrupt hush swept over the birds like an invisible wave.

They all looked at me with a mixture of suspicion and fear. Pairs of brown and navy eyes followed me as I made the short assent. I tried to ignore them, though they were doing no curtesy for me. Not a bird tried to hide the fact that they were gawking at my arrival.

Faintly I could hear whispering began to travel through the groups as I passed. I could only imagine what they were saying, nothing positive I assumed, though it wouldn't have mattered if I could have heard them. It was unlikely that they were speaking in a language I would be able to understand anyway.

But I steeled my expression; refusing to give any sign that their murmuring bothered me. And mostly it didn't, it was the staring that unnerved me. Distantly I wondered if there was something on me that I couldn't see.

When I walked through the looming archway at the entrance I started to strain my neck to get a view of my wings; wondering if there was anything stuck to my back. Perhaps a clump of leaves or vines tangled in my feathers from the several times I had fallen that day.

My efforts were fruitless though, I could no more see my back than I could the inside of my mouth. "Tibarn!" I heard shouted from across the oval room.

The urgency and relief in the voice told me who was calling me without having to look. Turning away from my unsuccessful back searching, I saw Janaff flying up to me with his arms open wide. He tackled me to the ground and I landed hard against the cool marble flooring.

"What happened to you?" He said, his keen eyes scanning me thoroughly and his hands patting down my figure in search of an injury.

I swiped his hands away roughly, grunted something foul, and then shoved him off of my chest, "Get off Janaff."

He stumbled and landed on his rear and looked at me sheepishly, tugging once on his neck tie, he cleared his throat, "Sorry, I was just worried about you."

I made no reply to the morose tone in his voice as I brushed down the wrinkles now creased into my tunic. My wings stretched reluctantly, trying to work out the ache of being smashed into the ground when Janaff had jumped me.

"I thought something had happened to you." Janaff began again, settling on the ground and folding his legs beneath him, "I couldn't find you anywhere."

Dubiously I shook my head and scowled. It was hard to believe that someone with eyesight as good as his could ever lose anything. Janaff must have read my irritated expression because he stained the faintest pink, "I know what you're thinking, but it's not that easy to find people in this forest. There are so many trees; plus you're small enough-"

"Shut up!" I snapped not liking any mention of my height.

It wasn't my fault that I hadn't grown as quickly as the other hawks. My wingspan was large and was a sign that I'd certainly grow to be a tall and strong hawk; but I hadn't caught up to my wings yet and my size was a constant sore subject.

Janaff recoiled at my stinging words and tightened his lips to say nothing further. I was meaner than I should have been and we both knew it. It made me feel sorry that I'd spoken to a friend in such a harsh way; but only a little. I was starting to feel the fatigue of the day; hours of flying and being lost in the forest had done nothing to improve my mood. For that matter, I was clearly aware of the curious eyes all over the room that were staring at Janaff and me. We were spectacles for the herons to observe and discuss and that was starting to annoy me as well.

Roughly I blew an exasperated raspberry through my lips, making them rumble and quiver. Rolling my eyes I leaned back on my palms, trying to reign in my temper before it got the best of me. It wasn't Janaff's fault that I was lost before and definitely not that I was so small for our age.

"So is the king here?" I asked, hiding the nervous tremor in my voice but still looking anxiously around the tiled room in search of the red haired king.

I was not met with his feral glare; only the curious glances and stares from the herons in the room who looked away the moment I caught their eyes. Their small voices rustled through the room and my lips curved in a scowl as I looked back at Janaff.

He was pulling on his blonde bangs, his hair was shorter then and not tied back in the bun he uses now, as he shook his head he replied, "No, he met up with the heron king and they went talking for a while. Tal was with him too."

Briefly I wondered what the heron king must look like. All the birds in the whole forest could have been mistaken for woman. It was all long hair and soft smooth faces. Wings that flittered instead of beat, and voices that flowed instead of screeched. Watching the herons was like seeing my opposites.

"When's he coming back?" I asked casually, more than a little relieved that the king wasn't there to see me after my trek through the forest. I didn't have a mirror to see, but I could imagine the dirt and grass stains decorating my face and cloths. Thinking back I should have gone with Luna and Reyson to clean myself up with them. Garik barely tolerated tardiness; disheveled or unkempt appearances even less.

"I'm not sure. The kings seemed to be long-time friends, they might have a lot to talk about."

"And the rest?"

Janaff's eye's narrowed then rolled in annoyance as he groaned softly, "You mean the merry band of idiots? Just over there." He motioned behind me.

I snickered at my friend's comment, knowing exactly who he was referring to before I even turned around to see the group of three hawks. I hadn't missed them when they were lagging behind on our journey to the forest and I was no more eager to see them then.

All three, Steel, Jock, and Russell, were my merciless tormentors. They had little to no respect for me; and why should they? Completely assured that Tal would be king, and I know more than another hawk attendant like them, they saw no reason to feign any regard for me.

I tried to look away before I caught their eye, but I was not successful. Steel also known as squinty, my least favorite of the loud and irksome group, spotted me and a wicked grin spread over his mouth.

He laughed, smacked Jock, who was leaned against a pillar partially asleep, and pointed at me. Something was exchanged between the two dark feathered birds, Jock sleepily sneered and then Steel was bounding toward me. Just trouble on wings.

Immediately Janaff and I steeled ourselves, ready for the onslaught of insults and innuendos we wouldn't understand for a few more years. My teeth were clinched and I was ready to start the conversation with a sharp remark, poised to fight because talking with Steel was always a fight, but Janaff was there in my defense before I could even turn all the way around to face my prancing enemy.

My normally carefree friend stood and placed himself between me and Steel before I had time to even register that he had moved. His face was creased in a glower with fists locked in the crook of his hips. "What do you want?" he practically snarled.

Steel ignored my young intendant, placing a palm across Janaff's face and shoving him roughly to the side. Janaff grumbled beneath the palm, clawing at the other hawk's arm, trying to find release, but it was of little use. He stumbled from Steel's grasp, yelping as he tried to catch himself on nothing but air, and then I was in the weasel's sights.

I balled my hands into fists, thinking that my best bet was to punch him in the jaw and gain the upper hand, but Steel had seen my movements, the glint in my eyes, and had caught my hand before I could strike him. Steel was fast, and not just like all hawks were. His speed was like Janaff's eyes. Unmatched and so I was in his grasp without time to register before I felt the ache.

With a pained groan, I squirmed as my arm was wrapped behind my back and Steel's free arm put me in a head lock. "Why, hello runt." He bellowed in my ear in his coarse voice that reminded me of a waterfall made of rocks.

Struggling, I pulled against his grasp, but it was no use. He held me firm against him, close enough to feel his steamy breath in my ear; and worst of all, his smell him. All these years have passed since then and I can still remember how strong Steel always smelled. A cross between salt water and animal carcass.

The smell of the ocean I didn't mind; most hawks had the familiar scent on our wings that followed us from our Island. I assumed that a few days in the forest would diminish how much we all smelled of salt water.

However Steel had horrible cleaning and eating habits. He was loud, messy, and didn't care to clean his feathers or nails of remnants left over from his meals. Eventually the morsels of meat would start to smell when they weren't plucked or washed out in time.

I turned my nose up, catching Janaff's eye, and coughed loudly, "Let me go Steel."

He chuckled and pulled me tighter, "Not in a hugging mood today?"

"Not with you, not ever. You smell like dead game that's gone bad."

Janaff snickered but Steel squeezed my neck tighter and I gagged angrily. Fighting against his grasp and his foul odor, I cursed liberally. My temper only seemed to encourage Steel who swung me from side to side as he laughed.

I heard Janaff shout my name and then I saw him lurching toward me, tapping into the protective portion of his duties to me. His eyes had narrowed angrily and he was in mid-flight when a hand suddenly swatted him like he was nothing more than an insect.

He grunted as his slid a few inches against the smooth floor and another hawk stood to take his place. It was Russell, all beady eyes, narrow mouth, and dark wings, scratching his stomach and making some kind of gross grumbling noise.

Janaff groaned as he sat up; shooting Russell a sharp glare as he rubbed the red spot on his cheek were he'd been slapped. Russell looked uninterested, though that was how he always looked. Calling him dumb was more a fact than insult. He hardly spoke, and when he did it was never anything intelligible enough to worry about.

It didn't make since that he could be so close to the possible future king, especially on first meeting him, but that hawk was a solid block of muscles that he knew how to throw around in just the right way. In those days, Janaff and I couldn't take on Russell together.

"What took you so long to get here Rus? You know the blondie over there is scrappy." Steel said with a flick of his head toward Janaff.

Russell shrugged slowly and pointed behind Steel. Steel turned and I was spun around with him, still gagged under his grasp. "You're slow too." He complained to Jock who had flew behind our group.

He was rubbing his eyes, yawning, and rubbing a hand through his hair. Smacking his lips loudly he nodded toward my captor, "You looked like you were having trouble."

Steel scoffed, "The little twerp tried to sick his pet on me and said I smelled like dead animal."

Jock sniffled as he blinked his barely opened eyes, smiling slowly, "Well you could spend more time cleaning your feathers." He commented nonchalantly, not disagreeing with my thoughts.

"And you could spend less time sleeping." He snapped.

"Both things are true." I chimed in with a rasp as I tugged at his arm.

"You're cheeky today aren't you? Well you won't be complaining soon. You can't hunt in the forest, which means no meat. Two weeks from now and you'll be begging to me just to get a whiff of meat."

Disgustedly I gagged, "I'll eat plants before I'd do that."

I could hear him sigh, "The young are so naïve. What is a hawk without meat?"

The three other hawks all laughed as if what Steel had said was some hilarious joke. Even Russell managed to lift the corners of his lips and crack the seam of his normally blank face; though there was no way of knowing if he actually understood what the joke was or if he was just imitating his friends.

In either case, the three had short laugh at my expense. Jock quieted down first, smoothing his long straight brown hair with a smile, "Well, we have to admit, we didn't come here for the food."

Steel grinned wickedly, "At least you didn't, did you?"

Jock pumped his shoulders once, acting casual, but the smirk on his lips gave him away quickly. Steel snorted loudly as he chuckled; filling the room with his laughter that sounded like a saw working through plywood. A few herons stopped to stare, others looked away and murmured again.

My noisy captor didn't mind, he was too amused by whatever he was thinking. Sniffling, he wiped his nose with his free hand and sighed as the last of his chortling simmered down. "I never will understand you Jock."

"What's not to understand about woman?" he countered.

"There's plenty of woman back at home." Steel replied, sneering all while he spoke.

I groaned and let my body go limp in his grasp. No longer determined to fight him, I let the dark winged hawk smother me with his foul smell and conversation. From a glance I could see Janaff trying to make his way toward me, ever eager to pounce on Steel while he was distracted, but Jock had my friend by the collar of his shirt before he knew what happened.

Janaff yelped and gagged as Jock tugged him roughly to the ground, no remorse or acknowledgement for my friend who was scowling, partially confused, and partially hurt on the ground. Not that I could blame him for the bewildered look on his face. Even with his good eyes he hadn't seen Jock coming. Jock was as subtle as a breeze and the best hunter in Phoenicis. That hawk could stock prey for hours without it ever knowing what was happening until they were clutched in his hungry talons.

He was a class A narcissist and a woman chaser, but the man could sneak up on his own shadow and couldn't be taken lightly. Though, honestly, all of Tal's men were. Stooges we might have called them, and several other nicknames, but each of their particular skills made them forces to be reckoned with. Steel for his speed, Russell for his strength, and Jock for his stalking abilities. They could make any king envy the entourage Tal had amassed.

Distraughtly I looked at my friend, dangling from Jock's hands like he was game that had just been caught, and I knew it was my fault. Janaff was a good hawk, and with his eyes he had potential to be an amazing right hand. But I didn't have enough aspirations to make his job any easier.

While Tal had three men at his side, I'd left Janaff alone to fight my battles because I hadn't bothered to find anyone else. Fortunately, Janaff was dutiful and never chided me for putting him in that situation. Though he did look pitiful and small in the other hawk's hand.

But I had little time to linger on those disparaging thoughts as Steel shifted above me, bringing with his movement his unappealing stench again. I wretched beneath him and he clicked his tongue, "Be quiet down there squirt. The grown-ups are talking here."

If I could have raised my head I would have rolled my eyes at him, but as it was, I couldn't, so I did it to the ground and refocused my attention. They continued their conversation that I sensed was heading somewhere it shouldn't. I wasn't completely aware of the meaning of everything the two hawks were talking about, but I gathered the gist of it.

Jock rubbed the tip of his nose with a smirk, "Yeah but hawk girls aren't-" he gestured with a smirk toward the birds all gathered around us, "herons." He finished with an impish pump of his eyebrows

With a scoff Steel shook his head, I could feel his grainy stubbly beard scratching the exposed skin on my face, "Stop acting like you're picky. You'd settle for any girl who's dumb enough to like your wise ass."

There was a shrug, but no denial of the fact. "Well I know what hawks sound like, but haven't you heard herons have beautiful voices?"

"That's got nothing to do with you."

Jock winked salaciously, "No woman's voice sounds half as good as when she's-"

Finally I'd had enough; of the smell, the roughness of his voice and hair, and the conversation that was starting to make my face red, and I only had an inkling of what they were talking about.

Angrily, and fed up with my position, I kicked my leg back, catching Steel's knee like I'd done to my brother earlier. He shoved me from his grasp and screeched as I tumbled forward, clawing at the air to steady myself.

At the same time Janaff had managed to bite Jock's hand and found his way in time to catch me. Though just barely, I'd built up enough momentum to topple us both over, filling the rounded room with our grunts and Steel's pained panting.

Quickly I turned around, using Janaff's shoulders to swivel for the retaliation I knew was coming. Steelle was already snarling at me, his back arched and legs tight and ready to lunge.

But I was ready for his counter attack. Red faced and angry I raised my fists just as he moved to grab me, "Enough!" I shouted and froze Steelle on his feet.

He wasn't afraid of me, that wasn't the reason he'd stopped. However, I'd spoken with enough force to make him pause; even Jock, who'd been on his way to swat Janaff for the teeth marks set on his arm, was waiting at attention.

Seething at my command, Steelle lifted the corner of his top lip, growling aggressively, not used to having me raise my voice at him. "You got something you want to say?" he challenged, still rubbing his knee.

With the fiercest face I could muster, no regard to the thought that Steelle could clobber me faster than I could finish my sentence, I answered "Yeah I'm sick of being stuck under your rancid armpit. It smells like a wet skunk crawled up a rat's ass and died!"

I could tell from the hard line that creased Steelle's forehead that I'd angered him. He wanted to say something, hell, I bet he was dying to retaliate, but the moment after he had opened his mouth he closed it quickly and tightly like he just tasted something sour.

His beady dark eyes glared briefly at me before looking behind me and Janaff. We young hawks turned to follow his gaze; wondering what on Earth could have stopped the quick hawk from attacking.

When we had turned we both gasped, sharply and loudly, unable to muffle any surprise we felt at the fare creature hovering behind us. It was a young heron woman, pale sleek pearly skin, and tight long ringlets of golden hair that framed her thin and intensely feminine face.

She watched us with disapproving emerald eyes that sat over her the equally displeased line of her light pink lips. Beating softly, her white wings sent a steady wind of cool air into mine and Janaff's faces.

Instantly I noticed that the herons in the room had suddenly gone quiet and their attention had finally been drawn away from us hawks. The birds were all facing the woman as they bowed their heads.

I saw her make a slight gesture with her hand, waving briefly and signaling the other birds that she'd seen and acknowledged them. An ease rolled over the crowd, their bodies relaxed and each went back to staring at me and my fellow hawks.

Not that we noticed them, we were focused on the faintest frown over the regal looking heron's face. Finally she spoke, her voice gentler and calmer than a spring breeze, "You must the guests of the king."

There was a question in statement and also the subtle hint of distrust, even a little contempt, like I'd heard earlier from Rul. Tilting my head I stared at her evenly, still smarting from my recent encounter with Steelle and of no mind to answer anyone who was looking down her nose at me.

Janaff was the only one to respond to the heron's comment. He nodded meekly, averting his gaze quickly. I could see him swallow a nervous lump in his throat, Janaff was never one who liked people watching him.

Satisfied by Janaff's silent compliance, though the corners of her eyes were still tilted severely, she offered a curt smile that was barely friendly. "Well, then I welcome you all to our forest, it's always a pleasure to have guests."

I cringed at the sweetness of her voice because I saw the smile that didn't even reach her cheeks. "Though," she began, pulling a golden ringlet in her hand before letting it jump back lightly, "you, my young hawk, have quite a foul mouth for someone so young. I suggest you hold your tongue until you have something kinder to say."

Clicking my teeth I crossed my arms and looked away without responding. "My thoughts exactly," Jock chimed in suddenly with a slimy grin on his face.

He clapped his hands together, rubbing them with a devilish gleam in his eye as he sized up the bird. She watched him apathetically, her eyes almost glazing over at the hawk's approach. "We've been trying to work with Tibarn recently, it's been hard you know? But I feel like you, kids shouldn't say such terrible things."

Glaring, I shook my head, disgusted that he was trying to talk so sweetly with just a few moments earlier he'd been on the verge of saying something vulgar. Janaff was making a similar sound of disbelief behind me. Glancing back I could see him rolling his eyes.

Both of us knew that Jock had a way of sweet talking females into doing whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. I could just imagine the heron falling all over him just because he had talent for coating his wasp covered tongue with honey when he wanted.

To my surprise however, the heron stared Jock down impassively. Not blinking or moving, she watched him until he had to look away in discomfort. Coughing awkwardly he took a small step back, not sure how to handle a woman who seemed immune to him.

"I find it strange that you've been working with this child. From what I've heard you talking about, I'd say it's a miracle he doesn't' say far worse things." She said coldly.

Jock cleared his throat and offered an off center smile. You could practically see the gears in his head trying to come up with something to say; Jock was never one who knew what it felt like to have a woman reject his advances. Not that I'd seen it either, but I certainly liked it.

He chuckled, "I don't know what you mean."

The heron raised a skeptical eyebrow, "Oh don't you? Tell me, when is it that a woman's voice sounds so good?"

Jock smiled ruefully, rubbing his hand through his hair but he said nothing. He obviously couldn't bring himself to speak in his usual manner when there was an actual lady listening.

The silence pleased the female, showing her that she'd made her point. "That's what I thought. Though I believe there may be hope for this little one, in your case, I believe it's best that you don't speak at all."

Janaff snickered next to me, trying but failing to completely muffle the sound. Jock looked at him, his expression savage, but he said nothing. Looking back at the white heron he gave a small nod.

He may have been a slimy weasel, but he knew when to keep his thoughts to himself. If he had any retorts for the female he wouldn't say them; not that he feared her, but he knew our king would not be pleased if behaved badly.

"You learn quickly." The heron said with a triumphant smile.

Looking over her shoulder she flicked her head forward, "Come Julin, we need to find our place before father arrives." She said to another heron who'd been standing like a shadow behind her.

The heron was a woman as well with loosely waved navy hair with wings that matched. I hadn't noticed her standing there the entire conversation. She'd come out of nowhere, silent as a ghost, like Zuke, who'd I'd met earlier that day.

She lacked the confidence that the white heron had; her gaze stayed on the ground but she nodded slightly in agreement. Soon after she followed behind as the white heron brushed past us without another word.

All of us gathered hawks watched her passing, her flowing white robe and Julin at her heels. We exchanged glances, Jock looked chagrined and Janaff and I only too pleased to finally see one of the three stooges put in his place.

The three of the gathered together, murmuring to one another about what they'd just seen and heard. Janaff and I were glad they'd been distracted enough to leave us alone. Especially me; my neck was still tender from being wrapped in Steelle's grasp.

I rubbed it tenderly as Janaff came up behind me, a queer smile on his lips. I quirked a brow, questioning the reason for his smug look. He leaned in close, a twinkle in his hazel eyes, "So…" he began, tossing his hands behind his head, "how does a skunk fit up a rat's butt?"

I snorted as I chuckled and shoved my friend playfully, "Ass, Janaff, it's a rat's ass."

He nodded, pumping his brows and made me laugh again, louder that time. I didn't know how little sense my words had made until I heard them repeated back to me. "I don't know Janaff, you'll have to ask Steelle."

Janaff scoffed, "Pass."

When I went to respond I could hear the sound of heavy wings coming. Tal was flying toward the entrance of the dome room. He landed close to his men and they had a brief exchange before Tal walked up to me.

"Welcome back." Janaff chirped, glad to see a more friendly face.

Tal smiled kindly, then looked at me. I blew out my cheeks, looking disinterested and he frowned before rapping me lightly on the head. Clicking my teeth I rubbed my head, stirring up my already unruly brown hair.

"You look like you two are up to no good." He didn't sound angry, mostly just concerned.

I'm sure that Jock or Steelle had told him some exaggerated story of our little tussle. Petulantly I shrugged, "What do you mean?"

Tal tilted his head and sighed, "Tibarn, really?"

"Tal, really?" I mimicked with an exaggerated drawl and then pushed passed him. In no mood to deal with a brotherly talk. My neck still smarted too much from Steelle to spend any time defending myself.

My brother called after me, that slight commanding almost parental tone, I tried to ignore it. He called me again, mildly exasperated, but when I failed to turn around he sighed. "The king is on his way." He began and I could feel his wings brush against me as he started walking passed, "you'll behave for that, won't you?"

"Sure, sure. Come on Janaff." I was still grumpy about Steelle and seeing Tal was making me more upset.

Although I admired my brother, I also blamed him for the way his men treated me. As smart as he was, he was painfully oblivious to the trouble they put Janaff and me through. Though I was probably partially to blame; my record of defiance and mischief didn't help my stories.

Even if I told Tal what had happened, he'd only believe a fraction of what I said while mostly assuming that my immature tendency to lose my temper would lend itself to most of the problem. I have to admit; at times I did egg Steelle on for fun.

In either case, I didn't want to be lectured by my brother, especially with the king coming and his patience for my mood swings was thin at best, non-existent at worst.

So begrudgingly I took my place by the stooges, in front of them as my position dictated, and Janaff behind me. Steelle flicked the back of my head, I grimaced and bit my lip, knowing that my retaliation would get me into trouble.

Janaff stirred behind me, I could hear him venomously whispering, "You better cut it out."

Without looking back I knew the three hawks wouldn't be intimidated. I could imagine them each rolling their eyes and smirking with contempt. Subtly I raised my hand to calm Janaff so that only he could see. Not that I didn't want to start another fight with those three, but I could see the light stain in the sky from Garik's wings.

Tal was settled in his spot next to me and a little ahead, taking a slightly elevated position over me because of his age. While waiting I noticed that across from us the herons were lining up in a similar way.

A row of brown herons at the back, it was the largest amount, and in front of them was a smaller group of navy herons, about half the size. In front of them was a single row, staggered to the right, of more navy herons. There were four of them, two I recognized.

At the beginning of the line was Zuke. His face was straight as he stared ahead, his hands clasped in front of him. The heron beside him, I didn't know, a sharp jawed, tall navy heron. Hair slicked back with a section of side bangs, he looked staunchly ahead, standing like Zuke.

The next heron was a male as well, with a thick mane of curly hair, it reminded me of a lion's mane. I noticed he looked different from those standing next to him. Instead of the typical stern expression of his fellow birds, there was the slightest grin on his face.

Beside him was Julin, the silent bird that was with the bossy snow colored bird. The only reason I paid extra attention to those four is because they were standing apart from the rest of the herons and they all had distinct blue robes with a gold crest that looked like a trumpet shaped flower. I didn't know what those symbols meant, but it was obvious that those four were different from the brothers standing behind them.

As I started to guess what their role could be, in front of them assembled four white herons. Rafiel was one and the bossy girl was another. The other two I didn't know. It was a boy beside Rafiel, a face flushed pink and nervous green eyes that looked down at aqua boots that dug into the ground as his hands wrung his cream colored robe.

Beside the trembling heron was another girl, she looked a lot like Rafiel. From the way her hair waved slightly to the easy and genial smile she wore. It was a stark contrast to the grave expression of the woman beside her.

I dawned on me suddenly that those four must have been the royal family. It looked strange, such a large group of princesses and princes, when the country I came from had only me and Tal. And although Tal carried himself properly more often than not, there was nothing proper about me, especially compared to the regal row of herons.

As I shifted uncomfortably, trying to stand up taller, not wanting to look to shabby as I represented my country, my king arrived. Tal stiffened next to me, alert at the arrival of our lord who was laughing as he landed.

Briefly I glanced at Janaff who looked as surprised as I did. We'd never heard the king laugh, or even smile for that matter. Yet there he was, teeth gleaming as a hearty roll of laughter filled the room and he grinned at a white bird who landed softly right behind him.

"Lorazieh my friend, I'm glad to see you still have your sense of humor." He mused as he rubbed the bird's back jovially.

The bird wasn't laughing, only grinning softly, and looking pleased as they approached our group. Garik looked at me, I flinched, not knowing how to respond to such a cheerful looking king. I thought he'd scowl at me, make that severe expression at me like he usually did.

Instead, however, he brought a hand to my head and ruffled my hair, a little too roughly, well at least enough to push me down a little. It was more affection then I'd ever received from the king. When he released me I looked at him inquiringly, even a little suspiciously.

But the king only returned my wary glance with an even bigger grin, "I'm glad to see you found your way back."

Taking the rare kindness as an opportunity I smirked, "Naturally." I responded cheekily.

Garik snorted, "Don't get cocky little one." He was scolding me, though not badly.

It seemed that his friend was having a great improvement on his normally unpleasant mood. "These are the boys I was talking about." He said as he turned from me to the heron with him.

I stepped back, still looking a little confused by what had happened, though not upset by it at all. Janaff and Tal were both looking at me, perplexed and amused as well, as I hastily ran my fingers through my hair, setting back to normal its nest like appearance.

"So these are them." I heard the heron named Lorazieh ask as he fluttered up to Tal and I.

He had the same peaceful presence as Rafiel, it reminded me of the ocean on a clear day. It was obvious that he was weaker and much smaller than my king, but he carried himself like there was no difference between the two of them.

The confidence in his beating wings didn't waver, nor did his voice as he freely addressed Garik with a formality no one dared to try. "Only two candidates?" he questioned with a whimsical note to his voice.

My king shrugged, "I don't have time to train anymore hawks."

Lorazieh grinned playfully, "Stingy." He responded.

I think I heard every hawk around me gasp softly, myself included, because no one spoke to Garik that way. You didn't mock or tease the king, he was not a playful or joking type of hawk.

To our surprise however, he chuckled softly, his eyes wrinkling in amusement, "That hasn't changed since we spoke fifty years ago my friend."

"Apparently not." Lorazieh concluded before turning his attention to Tal and I again.

With a small gesture toward us he questioned, "May I?"

King Garik pumped his shoulders, "Be my guest." And he made a quick wave of his hand, giving permission to the heron to do what he pleased.

Lorazieh smiled at as peacefully; he put a hand on Tal's shoulder, I could see Tal stiffening again, his back as straight as I'd ever seen it and his wings folded crisply behind him.

The heron king chuckled gently, "Relax." He suggested.

My brother let out a long breath through his nose and relaxed, if only a little. Lorazieh could still sense the tension, but said nothing further. He brought his hands to Tal's cheek, bringing his face close to his.

Tal's eyes dilated as the king's nose touched the brim of his and he stared at him. Lorazieh didn't speak, he remained silent, peering into my brother like he could see through him.

I could almost feel Tal's discomfort and I saw it in the way his wings twitched and he clinched his fists and unclenched them repeatedly. Briefly I caught sight of my king, arms folded and a bemused smirk on his lips as if he was enjoying Tal's obvious unease.

After what seemed like an eternity, Lorazieh stepped back and smiled. My brother let out a long sigh in relief. Lorazieh softly patted Tal on the shoulder as he turned to Garik, "A very strong and capable hawk. You've picked a good leader with a brave heart."

"Didn't I tell you?" Garik responded haughtily.

Lorazieh nodded slowly, lifting his hand from Tal and turning toward me. I swallowed noticeably, knowing what was probably coming next. Already I was arching my back away even as he was bending and leaning toward me.

I couldn't help it; I had no desire to have any one that close to me, staring at me like an owl. "Stand up straight and hold still." Garik barked at my resistance.

No longer was my king refreshingly playful with me. Quickly I stood tall, though not unable to hide the displeased scowl on my face as Lorazieh touched my cheek like he'd done to Tal.

Then it was my turn to be stared at in silence. I breathed loudly through my nose, sweating and trying not to squirm under the awkward sensation of the heron's piercing peridot eyes. They shimmered, almost translucently, cutting into me an icy wind.

By the time he released me, I let out a gasping breath, realizing that I'd been holding it for the last twenty or so seconds. I coughed and Janaff gave my back a few quick pats. I wheezed a short thank you.

Trying to gain my composure I looked at Lorazieh, waiting for his assessment of me. Though I was sure I knew already what it would be before he said anything. Probably nothing different from what I'd heard many times before that day. I was stubborn, hard headed, precocious, and would take a lot of work, but there was probably, maybe some potential in me.

Yet the heron king said nothing like what I'd expected; in fact he didn't say anything at all. He stared at me a moment longer as he stood, then he offered me a soft smile that looked like it held secrets in its corners. Than he patted my head, a warmth and affection radiated from his hand, before returning to speak with Garik.

The two royal birds whispered to one another, Garik shooting me a brief glance, and then he laughed about something I couldn't hear. Behind me Jock and Steelle were snickering, "I think that means you failed runt." Steelle mocked.

Someone flicked my ear after that and I turned sharply, glaring, ready to finish what I'd started earlier, but Tal grabbed my arm. "Cut it out Tibarn." He scolded.

I clicked my tongue indignantly and the snickering continued. "You guys too." Tal finished and the laughter stopped soon after, to my pleasure.

I shot Jock and Russell one last withering glare and turned back around, content that Tal had at least noticed that much. Garik, too, unfortunately, had seen the small squabble, probably because I'd turned to lash out at the hawk attendants.

"What's going on over there?" he questioned sternly.

"Nothing my lord." Tal promptly responded

"Don't be so hard on them." Lorazieh admonished, "They're good boys."

To his words I wanted to add a loud affirmative 'yes' but I resisted. I'm sure I'd be in enough trouble later on for my small outburst without adding to my mistakes. My king rolled his eyes, unimpressed by his friend's advice. "Stop confusing your children with those boys. They're a lot more trouble than you know."

Lorazieh looked skeptical, but shrugged his shoulders. "You just can't be pleased."

"Indeed I can't. Now enough of this, introduce me to your children." Garik segued abruptly, "The last time I was here I only knew your first two." He motioned to Rafiel and the nervous looking heron beside him, "It seems you and the queen have been busy."

Lorazieh walked slowly to his children, "Children are a gift from the goddess. In fact isn't it time that you were married and joined me in parenthood."

"Those two are enough for me." Garik responded with a sharp flick of his thumb in Tal's and my direction.

"Ever the same." Lorazieh said in amusement. He then looked towards the line of his white feathered children, "You know my first son Rafiel, and my second son Rhesus."

Rafiel offered a small bow and a light smile. Rhesus, looked briefly panicked, then managed to bow awkwardly. "With them are their Abba, Zuke and Elis." He said pointing to the blue birds behind them; they kept their heads down as the king passed.

"Next is my first daughter, Lillia, and my second daughter Lilith." Lillia smiled brightly, warm like sunshine, and Lilith offered that same curt smile that she had earlier. I didn't know why, but she didn't seem thrilled to see us.

"And their Abba, Siren, and Julin."

Janaff leaned into my ear and whispered, "What's an Abba?"

I had to think for a moment, I was reminded of Reyson who kept calling Luna that. At first I thought that was her heron name, but that idea was making less since as Lorazieh introduced his kids.

With a shrug, knowing that my answer was little more than a guess, I responded, "I don't know, maybe they're just attendants to the royal family."

"Like me?" He whispered.

I nodded slowly, shrugging with my mouth, "I guess so."

Janaff seemed content with that answer, and leaned back into line with the other attendants.

Lorazieh continued speaking, "And lastly." He paused, looked up and down the row of his children and frowned.

Counting the children one-by-one, then stopping again, looking more confused as time passed. He placed a finger to his chin and turned to Rafiel, "Where's that little one?"

Faintly I wondered if he was talking about Reyson. I knew that the little bird was a prince and he was the only missing from the group of children. The last three herons exchanged glances then turned to their oldest brother who looked as calm and serene as ever.

"I believe he was with Luna this afternoon."

Lorazieh made a low throaty sound and nodded, "And where are they now?"

Rafiel started to open his mouth to speak but was interrupted by the abrupt call from the entrance of the dome. All turned swiftly, heron and hawk alike, as Luna and Reyson stumbled into the room.

Luna had Reyson by the hand as she ushered him forward; he seemed reluctant as he pulled at his turquoise frock, whining slightly. She stopped briefly, pulled down the tunic that was bunching in the back, and kept walking with him.

At one point Reyson slipped and fell forward ingloriously. Luna held him tightly though and he dangled diagonally for a moment, suspended in her grasp. Swaying lightly, delighted, the little prince giggled and swung himself.

"Reyson." Luna lightly scolded as she pulled him up with a quick yank.

He yelped and resisted her urging by digging his heels into the smooth ground. It didn't work very well, he slid with a short wine until Luna, with an exasperated sigh, picked up the prince and hurried to the line of white herons.

She bowed hurriedly, "I'm sorry your majesty. I didn't mean to come so late."

Her face noticeably reddened as she brushed her hair down in a rush. It had probably set that way from having to hurry with Reyson. Watching her, my chest tightened in pity for her, remembering times when I'd been late to meet my king. It had not ended well, only with lumps on my forehead.

But as I would realize, the king of Serenes was far different from the king of Phoenicis. Without raising his voice once he placed a hand on her shoulder, "Calm down child, you're here now." He gestured to the row of his kids, "I'd like you to meet my guests."

Luna nodded, ashen, before scuttling into line; setting Reyson down in front of her as she stood next to the other Abba. She bowed slightly as she ducked past the four other siblings. Rafiel and Lilia looked mostly amused. He smiled softly, even indulgently at his little brother who was still tugging fitfully at the color of his tunic. Lilia just giggled slightly, bringing a thin pale hand demurely to her lips to muffle her amusement.

Lilith however, looked displeased. Her gaze followed Luna and rested briefly and unhappily on the blue bird, who did her best to avoid eye contact. Probably a good idea, I thought, that bird could shoot daggers with her eyes.

Reyson didn't seem to mind or notice his older sister's displeasure. He seemed to only be able to focus on the irritation his cloths were causing him. His small hands were rubbing insistently on his back as he whimpered. Finally losing his patience he softly cried out, "Abba."

Luna's eyes widened and she bent quickly, still hiding her face from the even stare of Lilith. She ducked down and whispered something to Reyson as her hands began searching around his cloths. He whimpered in slight protest but went still anyway. Finally Luna made a short sound of discovery as she pulled a small bur from inside his clothes. It had probably gotten stuck in the cloth during the flight.

Happily Reyson wiggled freely in his bur free tunic, a content grin on his face. Luna looked pleased as well. She smoothed his rumpled cloths again and put her hands on his shoulders to face him towards myself and the other hawks.

As she stepped back Reyson frowned immediately. He turned suddenly, his hand out stretched, with a demand more clearly written on his face then even his own words. "Abba." He said imperiously, stomping little foot against the ground.

Luna shook her head subtly, looking uncomfortable while trying to ward off the child's oncoming tantrum. However his will proved stronger than hers. He stomped his foot again and called her louder, shaking his palm in front of her again.

The herons in the room all began to watch the small spectacle, child against Abba. Lillia giggled again and Rafiel shook his head, though I could still see the bemused grin on his face.

Finally, after staring at Reyson for a short time, seeing that the small prince was in no way going to stop what he was doing until he got what he wanted, Luna sighed in defeat. Taking a small step forward, just enough to be in reach of the prince, but not next to him, she took his small hand in hers.

Reyson, seemingly satisfied, turned back to face us hawks, a victorious and smug grin wide between his cheeks.

Lorazieh cleared his throat, drawing the attention from Reyson, and couldn't contain a small chuckle, "And this child, is my youngest, Reyson, and his Abba Luna."

King Garik gave Reyson a quick look over, "Quite a spirited one, that one."

Lorazieh shrugged, "Not so my friend. He's the youngest with four older siblings, he's just spoiled."

His words however held no bite and I could tell by the crinkle in the corner of his eyes that he too was a culprit of spoiling his son.

He then turned back to face me and the rest. With a warm smile he gestured to us, "Now my brothers and sisters, please welcome our guests. King Garik is a dear friend of mine, as you know, but with him, this time, he's brought some new faces. His trainees, Tal and Tibarn."

When he said my name I found myself looking toward Luna, wondering if she was watching me. She, however, wasn't looking at me at all. Her head had remained down since she taken her place in line behind the prince. Seeing this, I couldn't help feeling a short twinge of disappointment.

The herons all bowed at their kings introduction; though I'm not sure if it was done out of respect for us, or for their king who spoke so highly of Garik. In either case, my king nodded back cordially to them and then motioned toward me and my brother. We took that as our cue to respond in kind.

Tal and I stepped forward and mimicked the short bows of the other herons before stepping back again. Garik appraised us, seemingly alright with our short introduction, before turning to Lorazieh, "I know it's nothing compared to your five, but there you have it."

Lorazieh's lips curled, "There's always time for your own."

Garik rolled his eyes, "It's time to give that old speech a rest old friend, I…" but the king stopped mid-sentence.

His eyes slanted as he turned sharply toward the west, following the rise of a loud booming in the forest. All the rest followed his actions, staring suspiciously in the direction of the disturbance.

I squinted too, noticing a dark cloud rising from the distant tree tops. I couldn't make out what had made the cloud and I feared that it could have been a fire. Janaff flew ahead of me, leaning forward as he peered toward the moving ominous black cloud.

"What is it Janaff?" my king barked, his formally easy tone gone.

"It's crows sir, I think somethings spooked them."

He turned to the king and shrugged, "But the trees are too thick, I can't see what."

My king's expression was harsh and tight as he started flying toward the entrance. Lorazieh called after him, his wings taking him a short distance away from my, then, feral looking king. "Don't look so spooked, I'm sure it's just a bear disturbing their nest." He reasoned.

"Even still, I think I'll have a look." He said as he turned to me and Tal, "Well, look alive lads and make yourselves useful."

There wasn't a very clear order in his words, but Tal and I knew well enough to follow him before he had to ask us again. We started flying after him, but I paused to look back at the herons.

Despite their king's insistence that everything was fine, their expressions told a different story. There was a ripple of worry going through the crowd like a wave. Lorazieh probably saw it even better than me and he flew above his murmuring people.

"Settle down everyone. King Garik will look into the disturbance. In the meantime, you may all go back to your business."

The fair birds hesitated before scattering from their lines. Some leaving the dome, others clumping into small groups around the room.

I started to fly away and heard my name called. Turning, I couldn't stop my smile that was both from excitement and embarrassment. Luna was flying up to me, Reyson pulling her forward, beaming at me as they landed.

I tried to act casually, ignoring the pounding in my chest like it was normal. Luna smiled at me, "So I see you made it safely." She observed, that playful mocking note in her voice again.

"Did you doubt I would?" my answering smile was smug.

Her brow arched at my faux confidence, "Well, I was skeptical."

With a cocky laugh, I folded my arms over my chest that I puffed out proudly. I was barely aware of how I was caring myself. Suddenly I had this need to prove myself to her; a girl I barely knew, and over something hardly important. "It was no problem."

"If it was no problem, you wouldn't have needed Rul to guide you." She retorted.

Not wanting to be outdone by her, and still remembering the small victory I'd had earlier that day, I said, "You could have done it if you were worried about me."

Luna's eyes widened; I'd surprised her again, but not for long, "I wasn't worried about you." She said coolly.

"So you didn't come over here to check on me?" I asked with a smirk.

She shook her head calmly and looked down at the boy who was beaming at me. "He wanted to say hi to you."

Part of me didn't believe her, or at least didn't want to believe. I wanted to think that she'd made a particular trip just to talk to me. That was the only way that I could justify how badly I wanted to talk with her.

But, at that time I couldn't admit that, so I played it off like I was more interested in Reyson than her. I bent towards Reyson and ruffled his hair, hiding my small disappointment with my smile and his childish laughter. "I'm glad to see you got your clothes changed."

Then it was Luna's turn to laugh, "It wasn't easy, just so you know."

"Oh really." I said feigning disinterest.

"Yep, maybe I should have been your guide, that would have been less trouble." Then she paused and to that she added an intentionally drawn out, "Maybe."

I stood slowly, ready to meet her typical impish grin, that I'd already started to get accustomed to, but I stopped when something the color of scarlet caught my eye.

Nestled between Luna's blue locks was a bright flower. It clung her hair, winking at me through dark tendrils. It made me smile; I could only imagine what she had to fly through with that little prince as she rushed to not be late.

What I did next, I barely remember, all I'm sure of is that before I realized it, my hand was plucking the flower free. I'd pulled the nestled crimson from her dark sea of hair without knowing.

Only after I heard Reyson call his Abba did I understand that I'd done something strange. His small voice made me freeze. My hand just inches from her face, the tiny petals in my hand, and gossamer deep blue attached.

Though, I don't recall what possessed me to reach out and touch the girl, the image of her face is as clear as any memory ever could be to me. Her cheeks, blossomed to the color of the flower I held.

She was watching me, motionless, and eyes dilated so wide I could no longer see the rich blue color. There was a distinct surprise and also fear. I didn't know why she was afraid, but I knew she was. She looked the way a startled animal did, wary, and unsure.

I drew my hand back, chuckling awkwardly, and showed her the small flower, "You had something in your hair." I explained.

Warily she studied it as if she'd never seen one in her life. When she kept staring, and I could bare her silence no longer, I spoke again, "Maybe it got stuck when you were coming here."

This seemed to snap her out of her trance. She blinked quickly, and ran her fingers through her hair, making it messier than it was earlier. "Well, we were in a rush." She offered, biting her lip.

Feeling a weird lull raining over our conversation I thought of something to ease the mood. Twisting the flower in my fingers I smirked, "I guess I'm not the only one the trees have it out for, am I?"

Luna paused as she looked at me. I waited expectantly, giving my eyebrows a quick pump. She attempted to look annoyed at my statement but her efforts diffused into soft laughter, "Fair enough." She said good-naturedly.

I wanted to continue my teasing but before I could my attention was drawn away abruptly. "Tibarn hurry up, the king is waiting." Janaff called to me.

He was hovering at the entrance, waving me on with a broad gesture and slight panic in his voice. For good reason, Garik wouldn't be one who would wait, and I couldn't afford to get lost again. I nodded to him and started flying.

Pausing I looked back at Luna. She seemed to have recovered from the temporary panic from earlier. I saw her lean towards Reyson and whisper something. His teeth showed as he grinned and waved at me, Luna mirroring him.

I gave a short wave and turned, not wanting Luna or Reyson to see my sudden embarrassment. I'd never been one to be bashful. From behind I could faintly hear Luna say, "Be careful."

The words made my face hot, but when I turned to see her, she and Reyson were already flying away, making me doubt I'd really heard her at all. But Janaff interrupted my wondering, calling me more urgently.

I complied, reaching him in just a few short wing beats. He frowned impatiently, "You're going to get in trouble. Now focus." He cautioned and took off, leaving me to follow.

I'd love to say that I followed his advice, but my mind was far to occupied as I flew after Janaff. Heading towards the west, red streaked clouds filled my mind with only one thing. The distinct memory of Luna's pearly skin flushed bright crimson like the burning sunset before me.

Thanks for reading see you next time!

PG