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

4. Chapter 4

I don't own Fire Emblem

Chapter 4

The king was flying faster then I'd expected. By the time I had caught up to Janaff I, couldn't see the king, or my brother, or his three goons. Fortunately, I had the best eyes working for me.

Janaff wasn't even squinting as he tracked the hawks ahead of us. I followed him without hesitation; knowing that he'd lead me the right way. Even if he hadn't been directing me, I suppose it was obvious where I needed to go. The shifting black cloud swarming above the trees was where I needed to be.

According to my young friend, it was crows. Rather spooked crows, from how quickly they were racing toward us. "What were you doing back there?" Janaff questioned me; slowing down enough so that we were flying next to each other.

My gaze was directed toward the cluster ahead of me, it took me a beat to respond. "What are you talking about?" I asked distractedly.

"With that girl; who was she?"

I snapped toward him, a fresh pump of nerves shooting through me. "Just a girl named Luna." I tried to answer casually, but I could feel my own pulse dancing excitedly inside of me.

Slowly I put a hand to my neck to trace the beating in my veins. I wanted to ignore it; that physical response I couldn't control, and barely understood. Janaff was watching me curiously; his gaze only seemed to heighten my nerves.

"It's nothing, she just helped me find my way to the center." Was my rushed response. I swallowed quickly as a slow sweat dripped down from my pores.

Janaff shook his bangs from his eyes, "Oh yeah?" there was no suspicion in his question. "I'll have to meet her to thank her."

I nodded without a word knowing that the discussion would be over without further discussion. Janaff was my attendant, not my brother's. He wasn't bent on torturing me mercilessly about things involving woman that I barely understood. For that matter, Janaff was more oblivious about females than I was.

But dropping the subject wasn't enough to completely stop the fast paced rhythm jumping through me. "Let's just focus on following the king." I said with mild irritation, more at myself than him. I didn't like that my body was acting strangely.

Janaff didn't mind, or notice, or even care, his pleasant nature made him very difficult to rile. "All I can see are the birds; are you still keeping an eye on the king?"

My friend smirked as he flew backwards ahead of me with a flashy spin. He looked downright smug as he leaned back, flying with his hands behind his head and his legs crossed, "Of course. Who do you think I am?"

I liked that flippant side of Janaff; it kept everything remarkably light between the two of us. His personality brought a smile to my face and I shoved him playfully in response to his childishly cocky remark.

"I think you're a cheeky little bastard sometimes." I quipped.

He chortled and started flying in front of me, "I resent that." he said as he spat out his tongue. "Now, are we going to stay here clucking like hens, or following the king?"

Following after his tan dusted wings I shook my head with a smile, the former tremors brought on by Luna were gone. "Speak for yourself. The only clucking hen here is you." I sped ahead him, seeing him shrug casually beside me.

"Fine, one hen and one noisy rooster."

Our banter would have continued if it weren't cut off by a loud boom followed by another and then three more. Janaff and I exchanged confused looks, turned back as there was another crash, and then hurried toward the king and the others.

My king and brother were standing at the edge of the forest. The thick cluster of trees thinned into a long plain of yellow grass that my king and brother were looking down on with grim expressions. Steelle, Russell, and Jock were shifted into their hawk forms, hovering with menace.

When I was just behind my brother, ignoring the severe expression on his face, I looked down at the scenery below with interest. What I saw stirred my gut with unrest as another loud bang scared another flock of black birds.

My eyesight wasn't as good as Janaff's but I could still tell what was happening. It was a group of humans throwing wooden crates around as they yelled to each other. They were loading the wooden containers into wagons drawn by horses and mules.

"What's in those barrels and crates Janaff?" My king said tonelessly.

Janaff was quick to respond; rarely was he so jumpy, but if he was given a direct order from the king, the best idea was to follow them immediately. He shielded his eyes as he squinted, and arched to get a closer look. "I can't tell about the barrels, but I see animals in crates. Deer, rabbits, squirrels."

"Poachers?" My brother asked.

"Indeed." My king said with a grave tone.

The word sent a shock to my heart. I'd heard of humans who poached. They killed animals for clothing. Odd creatures they were, running around in animal skins to keep warm.

"But what are they doing here?" there was a hint of concern in Tal's voice.

Not that I was surprised, humans were hunting animals, to them Laguz were animals. My king crossed his arms tightly over his chest, his expression was blank but there was no doubt of his mood. I could tell by the tightening of his jaw and the way his breathing was coming in stiffly.

Upset barely covered his disposition. With I terse flick of his head he barked, "Steelle, Jock, Russell." No command was given, but the intent was obvious. I could see a wicked curl in Steelle's beak as he dove with a shriek. Jock followed after, a leisurely decent behind his leading hawk, almost lazy. Lastly was Russell, slow in mind and movement, his thick burly coat of feathers seemed almost too heavy as he flew.

"Janaff you too." The king snapped sharply.

Janaff's hazel eyes widened in brief panic before he could respond. With a jerky, rather unnecessary salute, he dove after the other hawks. I started to follow after his flat shoes, he was in too much of a hurry to transform, but I was abruptly yanked by my collar.

With a rough gagging noise I turned with a disgruntled growl. My growl of course withered to a low whimper when I realized it was my king clutching my shirt and not my brother.

"Not you." He said, his voice dispassionate but still commanding.

I protested while struggling weakly in his large and strong hands, "But Janaff is going to need help."

"Is he now?" My king asked without the slightest hint of interest. "I was under the impression that as a future king it was your job to delegate to your men."

Hanging limply in his hand I had to agree. Technically it was Janaff's job to scout ahead for the enemy. "But there's only one of him."

I said with no vigor, feeling that I had already lost the debate. "He has three other hawk soldiers with him; in what way is he alone?" was Garik's retort.

There was no point in arguing that the three stooges would probably cause Janaff more trouble than anything else. Even if the four were supposed to work as a team, the three older hawks were far from concerned about Janaff.

Garik continued after my silence, "For that matter, it was your responsibility to choose enough men to protect you and each other."

Clearly my king was missing the irony of lecturing me about how many men I'd chosen when he had barely done better than me. That would be a moot point though. Instead of arguing further, I added one more disgruntled comment under my breath, "I prefer quality over quantity.

Thinking I'd get a knuckle to my forehead, I flinched. Instead I was released gently and I turned slowly. I was edgy and nervous of the possibly delayed backlash. Where I thought I'd see Garik's cold and stern expression there was a slightly amused one instead. He reached his hand toward me, I flinched, he stopped. A question was on his face, as if he didn't know what he was doing. Neither did I for that matter.

He shook his head, the light laughter in his eyes completely gone, and the gruffness returned. "Let's go you two." He said abruptly and began slowly descending with his arm crossed tightly.

I felt dazed. When I thought I'd be swatted, I think I was almost praised. Tal nudged me back into focus and gave me a queer look as he followed after are king. I wiped the dumb look from my face and did the same.

The closer we got to ground we see more clearly the bundle of chaos unfolding. Not that I expected much, Steelle and Jock were a package of chaos and my king had let them of the chain. Humans were shouting to each other in panic as Jock dive bombed them; I could hear his gleeful cries. That lazy crow never had energy for anything except for causing trouble.

Steelle was the worst though. Jock was a terror, but Steelle was a monster. Most of the men were scrambling to collect what few supplies hadn't been toppled over or destroyed, but one poor savage was at Steelle's mercy. Steelle had him backed into a toppled over barrel, on his side, curled into a ball, as he drilled him with his foot.

With each kick the dark hawk laughed, his cackling drowning out the sound of the human's pained begging. It was brutal to watch. I didn't have a particular fondness for humans; they'd always been an especially violent species in my opinion. They hunted and killed animals and weren't very strong but that didn't mean I enjoyed watching Steelle get such enjoyment out of beating a man to a pulp.

King Garik shared my opinion. He looked displeased as he landed soundlessly in the plains. One sharp glance told both I and my brother of Garik's mood. Tal was quick to grab Steelle, "Take it easy." He warned.

Steelle was enjoying the violence too much to be so quickly calmed. He kicked the human again with a sneer and pulled his leg back again but my king had seen more than enough. He practically snarled Steelle's name, a vein pulsing on his forehead.

I think I actually saw Steelle's adam's apple wobble in fear. He had fought against my brother, but he wouldn't dare challenge the king. He wasn't an idiot, violent and obnoxious at times, but certainly no idiot.

He settled down quickly, slinking behind Tal who gave him his own withering glare for extra effect. I tried not to look happy, I was all too aware that my king's rage was easily transferable. Biting my lip I stifled the laughter.

Soon Janaff had landed behind me. His wings fluttered loudly as he struggled to stay afloat. Lodged in his talons was a hefty bounty of Beorc weapons. They clanked and clinked as their iron and steel tips rattled against one another. I wasn't surprised to see that instead of fighting, he'd collected those dangerous instruments instead. He was never the aggressive type.

Janaff dropped the pile at my feet. I stepped away in disgust as a bow and arrow clattered on the ground beside me. From a young age all bird Laguz were taught to avoid those dangerous Beorc weapons.

As Steelle begrudgingly followed the king's orders, Garik took his place, looming over the injured man. There was not a speck of sympathy in his eyes. He waited, silently, imposingly over the beaten human.

I could see that the poacher was trying to avoid that sharp gaze, but he wouldn't last for long. My king was casting an oppressive shadow over him; he wouldn't speak first. The hunter would have to concede and give Garik the control.

Finally he did; a slow and tight quivering glance turned towards my king. Though maybe quivering isn't the right word. He was shaking, though not from fear, it was absolute hatred burning like a halo around his eyes.

Garik wasn't fazed. Even if the man was at his full strength, he was no match the strongest hawk in Phoenicis. He lifted then planted his tan boot against the human's face; showing nothing but contempt.

"You have a lot of pride to look me in the eye; you must be the leader of these mongrels." There was no response from the poacher, but his eyes still flickered angrily and matched his vicious spite.

My king pressed his boot harder into the soft cheek and pulled a weak moan. "If you're not, tell me now; I don't have time to deal with rats." He seethed.

I had to hand it to the man, he was beaten and bloodied like freshly hunted game, but he was still managing to look madder than a rabid animal. He probably hated being at the mercy of someone he viewed as nothing more than game that could be hunted.

The man had his pride, or stupidity. Either way, it didn't look like he was going to be doing any talking. Garik slowly reached down, his hand set to wrap around the thin Beorc neck, when a furious scream shattered the stalemate between human and Laguz.

A rogue poacher, who must have managed to escape the attack of Steelle and Jock, was charging with a short dagger in his grasp. My king turned slowly, his expression unmoved as he watched the charging man.

I guess when you're six feet of muscle you don't scare easily; even when a foamy mouth scraggily man covered in animal skins is running at you with a knife. The Beorc didn't make it very far though.

Almost too fast for my eyes to register, Jock was hooking the human's hand, twisting the knife from his palm, and shoving it against his throat. There was a weak gurgle of surprise but it was hushed as quickly as the blade could touch the exposed skin of his neck.

"I hope you were running to answer my king." Jock mocked with a playful grin.

King Garik released the downed Beorc leisurely and walked with his arms crossed over his chest toward Jock and his wide eyed captive. This human wasn't as brave as the ravaged mess on the ground, I could see him visibly shaking and the lump he was desperately trying to swallow as the tower of my king stood over him.

"Tell me human, is that why you were running?" the mocking tone in his voice was cruel and low.

With another trembling breath the human defiantly spat on Garik's boot. It was a thick, lightly brown glob, maybe mixed with blood. I guessed that Jock had clipped him during their brief tussle.

That was the wrong move, whatever civility might have been shown by the king vanished. With a sharp flick of his head Jock sneered and took his cue. His hand moved swiftly, sweeping the blade across his neck.

The Beorc hissed; no that was probably the sound of his blood misting in an arcing shape as his body crumbled. It was gross but I didn't dare avert my eyes. I'd look weak if I couldn't stomach a "human's" death. Janaff did the same, but I saw him flinch.

"Listen very closely!" Garik shouted authoritatively to the group of scattered and injured humans.

The all turned sheepishly toward him. Jock's stealth, the king's undeniable presence, and the beating they'd already received put them at begrudging attention. "This forest is under the protection of the Phoenicis hawks." He pointed angrily toward the woods, "Expect no mercy from us if you forget this fact."

Then he paused, letting his heavy threat sink into the minds and the rattled and dirtied men. They were still trying to collect themselves. A few were limping; others still had their eyes glued to our large hawk king.

"If I've made myself clear enough, scatter!" he seethed.

They did with a swiftness. Injuries and all, they climbed, scrambled, and scurried out of sight. A few stopped to grab the nearest boxes of their supplies but it was mostly a panicked charge.

With a satisfied murmur Garik walked back over to the first human who was still lying by the barrel. He was looking at the body of his fallen comrade, disgust and faintly masked fear clouded his brown eyes.

He flicked his gaze back to Garik as the sound of boots crunched against the gravel. Garik offered a contempt filled smile as he looked down on the Beorc who was too injured to flee. "Seems there's no loyalty among rodents." He said, referring to the frenzy of humans leaving the beaten man behind without any regard.

A cracked and rattling voice answered with surprising venom, "If you have time to gloat, just finish me off and spare me this conversation."

The guy should have cut his losses and kept his mouth shut. He hadn't though and Garik thrust his hand out and grabbed him by a tuff of his hair. I could see him trying to stifle his pain but Garik wouldn't give him that. He jerked the limp struggling human's head back so that their eyes could meet.

Then he spoke in a dangerously calm voice, "I know you humans tend to think that we Laguz are a group of mindless merciless beasts. But you're wrong, I'm perfectly willing to forgive your insolence."

There was doubt in the man's expression; he couldn't figure what Garik was implying. Neither could I for that matter. My question was answered soon after however. Without taking his gaze from the hunter, my king ordered Jock, "Throw the knife to the human."

Jock hesitated and looked to Tal for clarification. My brother could do no more than shrug. It seemed only Garik knew what his intentions were. Finally, with an unsure pump of his shoulders, Jock tossed the knife at the human's dangling feet.

It clattered and skid and kicked up pebbles until it finally stopped. The hunter kept a defiant look as he asked, "What is that for? Are you telling me to kill myself?"

I think that was meant to be a taunt but my king only sneered. He was enjoying the futile display of bravado. With a slow wicked grin he replied, "This forest is filled with wolves, foxes, bears, and a myriad of other animals who don't have the decency to leave a dying man in peace like we Laguz do."

Fear started to register again on the man's face. He couldn't hide it as he looked into the thick cluster of trees that appeared deceptively safe. His face actually blanched and beads of sweat dotted his forehead.

His response pleased Garik who smirked and dropped him on the ground. Then, just as calm as he could be, he spoke again, "I thought I'd do you a kindness and give you something to fight them off with through the night."

The poacher struggled to grab the knife; his hands were bloodied and cut. He looked up, shamefaced, as my king chuckled, "Though I suppose your idea will work as well."

Any pride or resistance vanished from the human's face. My king knew this and turned to walk away before leaving one last message, "If you survive tonight, make sure you pass the message along that this forest is a dangerous place and they'd do best not to wander into it."

If he survived. The simple statement was heavy in the air as my king made a tight motion for us to leave. Tal and his men were quick to follow, not bothering to glance behind at the human struggling to hold himself upright.

His leg was bent underneath him; maybe it had been broken or sprained during his rough encounter with Steelle. Either way, he wasn't looking like he'd last the night. I think he knew this as well because his eyes kept darting to the dense forest.

There was a part of me that pitied him. I didn't hate Beorc back then, I just didn't trust them. But the terror on his face as he realized he would die was haunting. He caught me looking at him, saw the brief flash of sympathy but he turned away just as quickly.

His pride wouldn't allow him to take any kindness from a Laguz. 'So be it.' I thought. He could die with his pride intact and I wouldn't take that from him. So I turned away and flew without glancing back; flying toward the last streaks of the sunset as a wolf called hungrily to the rising moon.

We all left the human to his fate, a grim one we assumed, and in mostly silence. Although Jock was grumbling about wanting to keep the knife he had pilfered from the hunter he had killed.

He squabbled with Steelle a little and Russle watched them blankly. Janaff was close by me, taking in the scenery, eager as always to memorize a new landscape. I was watching my brother who was watching Garik.

The king looked deep in thought as he flew ahead of us, silent and grim looking. It wasn't hard to understand why. Beorc in the forest wasn't a good thing. Even with the threat, the poachers would be back soon enough.

My brother was the first to broach the subject. "What should we do about this my lord?"

Garik stroked the hair on his chin thoughtfully, "We'll have to keep an eye on the borders. Your men will patrol the area, turning away any curious humans. And Janaff will be on lookout, his eyes should see any danger before it comes so we can react quickly."

"What about me and Tal?" I said, ready to be active.

"You will do what was originally planned."

"What's that?" I asked, unable to hide my disappointment. Being a watchmen with Janaff was sounding like fun; I could goof around with all day. But from Garik's tone, I didn't think I was going to enjoy what was originally planned.

"You and Tal will be under the tutoring of one of the herons for the next few months"

The news shocked me; if it had done the same to Tal, he didn't show it like I did. My mouth fell open and I let out a loud embellished groan. "What does that even mean, tutored?"

Garik turned to me, angling his head so that I could only see his sharply raised eyebrow. That was enough to tell me he didn't like my unhappy tone. I took his disapproval in stride, pushing the matter further, hoping that his patience would last.

"Every future king must spend at least three months learning from the herons in the Serenes forest."

"Why? I mean, what can we even learn from the herons?"

"Plenty." He clipped, his mood leaning back towards unpleasant again.

I didn't take the hint and kept the conversation going, "But they don't fight or hunt. They're weak and half of them don't even speak the same language. What are we supposed to learn from a group of birds who needed us to scare off a group of humans?"

"Tibarn…" my brother hissed in warning, but I paid him no attention.

"If they can't even protect themselves, maybe they should be learning from us." I said confidently.

Garik stopped mid-flight and turned sharply toward me. I flinched, looked quickly to my brother who offered me no support. I hadn't known when to shut my mouth. That was the nest I'd built, I'd have to lay in it.

I could tell that my king was trying to control his temper; his jaw was closed tight as he took a long deep breath through his nose. "We can learn a lot from those who are fundamentally different from us." He responded with a strain in his voice.

Risking his anger once more I spoke, too stubborn to let one last opinion go, "How can we learn…"

"Tibarn." Garik interrupted forcefully, "I received this tutoring, as did the king before me, and the king before him. It's a tradition that you will not break."

What briefly ran through my mind was that I couldn't believe a word he had said. My king's temper and lack of patience didn't seem to imply that he'd spent any time at all with the meek herons. But I didn't think I could get away with questioning the king anymore so I kept the thought to myself.

"Enough of this questioning." He said, officially ending our conversation.

That was fine, we were already back at the center dome and Garik would be looking for the heron king. We found him quickly, he was sitting at a stone table with his children and their abba. Well, all but one, but I tried to pretend that I didn't notice.

I distracted myself by watching the group of white and blue birds. They were all gathered around the table, an assortment of nuts, figs and fruits at the center. The abba were standing behind their respective princes and princesses, silently watching the exchange. There were no chairs or stools, just a woven rug, colored with cool blues and silvers in the threading, that coated the cold marble floor beneath the royal herons.

It was a stark contrast to how meal time was back in Phoenicis. That wasn't a peaceful sitting with polite conversation. It was a dead animal carcass smack in the middle of the table with a group of hungry birds gnawing on legs and flesh as they shouted and laughed.

The only disruption at the table was Reyson. His eyes were watering as he held an olive colored root in his hands. Tentatively he tested its hairy skin with his tongue and immediately wretched.

Whimpering and holding the root away from his face, he complained to his sister Lilith. She brushed one strand of her golden ringlets from her eyes before saying something sternly to Reyson. I couldn't understand her but I knew she was telling him to eat the root because the little prince took another reluctant bite but immediately pulled it away with an unhappy cry.

He pointed to it fitfully and began crying. His sister however would not change her mind. With a withering sideways glance she silenced his cries to small whimpers as he picked at the bitter plant.

"She's absolutely no fun." I whispered to Janaff who barely stifled a laugh.

"Yeah, but I don't think it's doing any good." He made a subtle gesture to Reyson who suddenly looked much happier.

I gave Janaff a confused look who smiled as he nodded toward Lillia. The young prince was sitting between his two older sisters. It was barely noticeable, but when Lilith wasn't looking, Lillia would slip her brother a small berry.

His green eyes lit up happily as he munched on the tiny red fruits that his sister was popping into his mouth. I don't know what made me happier. The fact that Reyson's face was lighting up as he munched, or the fact that it was against Lilith's wishes.

"Garik, my friend." Lorazieh said when he finally noticed us hawks grouped together at the entrance of their dining hall.

His voice was gentle as he waved us further into the room. With a pale hand he ushered us in and motioned for us to sit at the table. Garik sat down without hesitation, plopping himself down beside the king and Rafiel.

To say that he looked out of place was an understatement. He looked like a winged monster with his broad wing span and defined muscles, especially compared to the dainty looking birds with him.

"Please, enjoy the meal." Lorazieh invited.

My brother and I sat down, though our attendants stayed a polite distance back like the abba. Even the three goons new to be on their best behavior. Tal seated himself beside Rhesus, who rippled next to him in barely masked discomfort. My brother offered him a friendly smile and the heron could only give a shaky one in return. I think he was trying to hold his composure but his hands shook as he reached for a grape.

As for myself I sat next to my brother, across from Lillia and Reyson. He smiled a wide toothy grin when he saw me, nearly jumping over the table to reach me. Lilith however placed her hand firmly on his shoulder, forcing him to take his seat.

He looked questioningly at his sister; big curious eyes pleading for his release, but she shook her head slowly and continued gnawing on a similar root that she had forced on her brother. I smiled with a shrug at the little boy; it wasn't my fault his sister was less fun then a wet and angry mountain lion.

I could tell that Reyson wasn't happy with having to sit but Lillia slipped him another berry and his restlessness subsided quickly. I shot Lillia a quick glance and she blushed briefly before winking playfully at me, knowing that she'd been caught.

"So tell me my friend, what's the trouble in our forest?"

Garik grabbed an apple, turned it before settling on the right place to take his first bite, and began speaking, "Its humans invading the forest, or at least the outskirts."

The table wasn't exactly lively before but it fell to almost complete silence. You could feel the unease permeating the room like a thick fog. Lorazieh looked at his children, the worry present on all of their faces. Well, all except for Reyson, who was picking at his food with a gloomy pout.

Lorazieh cleared his throat softly, "What are they doing in the forest?"

"Poaching." Garik said as he swallowed and scowled. It was as if the word was souring the taste of his fruit.

The heron king had branch of grapes in his hand but he put them down slowly; I could see the worry churning over his forehead. He glanced nervously at my king, "By the goddess that does sound bad." He managed a shaky smile, desperate to try and show a strong face in front of his children.

They didn't look like the small gesture comforted them. There was a wave of unease circling the room. Garik sensed the tension and placed a hand reassuringly on Lorazieh's shoulder. He gave it a soft squeeze, "Don't worry my friend, my men and I will take care of it."

"How?" he asked in nearly a whisper, his eyes wide in disbelief.

Garik pointed to our hawk handlers standing against the wall, "I'll have those three patrolling the area, a deterrent for any wandering humans. And Janaff has the best sight of any hawk, he'll keep an eye on the surrounding area."

I looked quickly back at Janaff who had turned a bright red. The king didn't often give complements, especially not to our handlers. I have to admit I was a little proud.

Rafiel spoke up, quietly and calmly, "Do you really think that they will come this far into the forest? They've never come into the center."

The white birds all nodded in agreement, a low murmur to match their agreement.

"Human greed can make them unpredictable. Even after warning them today, I doubt they'll stay gone for long."

This statement stirred unrest in the royal herons again. Their white wings fluttered restlessly, anxiously, and the food at the center of the table was left undisturbed.

In an attempt to calm the situation once more Garik added, "But I'm sure they'll all leave once hunting season is over for them."

"But my friend," Lorazieh started, the doubt in his voice was obvious, "hunting season will come again, what will we do then?"

"Let's not worry about something that hasn't even happened yet. Just believe in my men and I; we won't let anything happen to our heron brothers.

There was still doubt in the heron king's bright green eyes. I don't think it was because he didn't trust Garik, I think he just didn't see how we could be of permanent help. All that we could do was offer a temporary solution; but Phoenicis was still our home, we wouldn't be in the forest forever.

The herons wouldn't be able to take care of themselves once we left. Even I couldn't help but doubt what good we would be once we returned home. "Try not to look so upset; I've never broken a promise to you, have I Lorazieh."

"No, I suppose not." He said with a soft smile, "But what do you need from me and my people?"

Garik rubbed his chin, "I'd suggest always moving around in groups, never alone. And they should avoid going out late at night, and stay away from the outskirts of the forest."

The snow colored birds nodded solemnly, processing my king's instructions. All except Lilith, she looked slightly irritated, "Away from the edges." She scoffed, "We all know what that means, don't we?" she said looking at her siblings severely.

Rafiel sighed softly as he resumed eating, "Please none of this now Lilith."

"What better time than now could there be? It's bad enough that we have poachers camping so close to where we live, why shouldn't we discuss this?"

Lilith was fired up, her siblings seemed less concerned. Well, all except Rhesus who looked like he might throw up at any moment. I think he was still panicked about the human poachers.

"What are we discussing?" Garik said with mild interest.

The remaining siblings looked to their youngest sister, well not Reyson, he was busy dropping pieces of the root onto the ground instead of eating it. Lilith looked composed as she addressed my king, her eyes never wavering, "I'm speaking about Reyson's abba, Luna."

My body tensed on its own; suddenly I was intently focused. Her name shot me through me like electricity.

"Why is that?" Garik asked.

I watched Rafiel and Lilia exchanged glances, it was obvious that they were not interested in this subject. It was even more conspicuous that they had heard this same conversation too many times to be bothered with it. Apparently even the sweet and gentle herons could show annoyance.

Lilia rolled her eyes with an indulgent smile and Rafiel returned the same knowing grin as he put his head down to busy his hands with pealing an orange. Their secretive smiles made whatever Lilith was going to say even more interesting.

She cleared her throat, "You wouldn't know this of course, but Luna is often missing from our meals, not just tonight. I've brought this up to my family many times…"

Lilia's lips curled in a hidden smirk and Rafiel gave her a soft nudge with his elbow before looking back toward his younger sister. He offered her an encouraging smile but I don't think he was taking her concerns any more seriously than Lilia.

Lilith could tell, she was getting flustered and starting to pull tightly on one of her golden ringlets. She faltered in her speech and bit her lip as her face blossomed with embarrassment.

Lorazieh brought his hands up, seeking to settle his children, he waved them quickly, making a motion like patting the table. The older herons settled immediately and Lilith was able to compose herself as she spoke again, "It isn't proper for her to be out in the forest alone."

"It's Luna's right to move around when she wants. This is her forest." Rafiel responded calmly.

"I've no objection to her exploring the forest. My objection is to when she does it and where."

"What does that mean?" My king interrupted.

If he hadn't, I would have. I didn't like Lilith's tone as she spoke about Luna. That was also getting my blood boiling. Her manner of speaking like she was scolding Luna. I didn't like the fact that I was bothered so much by the trivial matter either. "What it means," Lilith continued, "Is that I don't think it's appropriate for a heron, especially one who is so closely associated with the royal family, to go out so late at night and so deep into the forest."

"Lilith," Rafiel said, shaking his head, "the Goddess has blessed this forest to be a safe haven for us herons. If Luna can't feel safe in her home where else should she?"

Garik interjected, "It's true this is a safe forest, but humans can change things dramatically. Luna should be aware and avoid going out late at night alone."

Lilith nodded, "Thank you your majesty. My siblings don't share my opinion, obviously, but I don't think she should be wandering around doing the Goddess knows what."

"No doubt something absolutely abhorrent; wicked creature that she is." Lilia said this with an ironic smile as she popped a blueberry into her mouth. She was not taking her sister seriously.

Lilith scowled and then turned sharply to her father for retribution. Lorazieh looked temporarily at a loss as he was thrust between his children's miniature quarrel. I was starting to see why my king hadn't decided to have a family of his own. The heron king wasn't making it look enjoyable; though perhaps he just had too many.

"I don't know why no one takes this seriously. Luna goes off by herself every night deep in the forest where the wolves and other wild animals live, if something were to happen to her, Reyson would be inconsolable." She gave the little boy a pat on his head, ruffling his blonde hair. He smiled at her and giggled; apparently he'd forgiven her for forcing him to eat the gross vegetables.

"We've been at peace with the animals are whole lives, I doubt that's a concern." Rafiel said.

"It doesn't matter, I've never thought it was a good idea for her to be out so late at night, she should be with Reyson."

Rafiel sighed, it wasn't overly dramatic or heavy, but you could tell that he was done with the subject his sister was clearly determined to have. It was funny how the herons showed their displeasure. Even their disputes were made in their soft voices.

If there was ever a fight in Phoenicis fists would be flying before anyone even knew what the fight was about. But hawks solved things with strength, there was no need for soft spoken discussions.

"She's allowed to have time for herself Lilith, she gives more than enough of her time, even more than our abba ever had to, because our mother is sick." The oldest heron reasoned.

Lilith made a pleading look toward the heron king, "Please father, you must reason with them."

Garik was the one to answer her however, "Regardless of what life was like previously, if humans are entering the forest that changes things. Until this situation is handled all of you need to be more careful." He looked to Lorazieh, "Please make sure that all your subjects are aware of the dangers and take the necessary precautionary measures."

The heron siblings exchanged glances, settling down at my king's firm instruction. Lorazieh smiled appreciatively at his friend, "I can do that, tomorrow at our morning gathering."

"That doesn't help us with Luna right now." Lilith said, not letting the subject go.

Lilia tossed her golden hair over her shoulder, "We can wait until we see her tomorrow."

"What if something happens to her?" She added as one last piece of her case.

"We don't even know where she is, looking for her wouldn't do much good."

I don't know what came over me but I was jumping up with my hand raised before I even knew what was happening. "I'll go find her and bring her back!"

Pairs of emerald eyes flickered as they focused on me and my fellow hawk brother's hazel and tawny eyes did the same. My king arched a brow at me as he leaned his head onto his hands, "How exactly will you do that?"

I had certainly jumped up to quickly. I didn't have a plan, not even the inkling of an idea of how I was going to find Luna. The last time I'd been flying around in the forest I was hopelessly lost.

It was too late to back out of what I had said, however. Everyone was looking at me and I had to come up with an idea quick and a reason. There was none, I just acted on impulse.

Janaff was there to save me, doing his job, as always. He jumped up right next to me, standing straight at attention, "I'll help him find her. I've got the best eyes to look through the forest."

I flashed him a grateful smile. His timely offer of assistance had made my random outburst seem more natural. Though I was still feeling hot around my face. "You won't get lost again will you?" Garik asked almost teasingly.

Initially I hesitated, he'd spoken what my actual fear was. Getting lost wasn't a far journey for me. Again Janaff was there to rescue my tail feathers, "I've memorized the basic layout of the forest, I'll deliver Tibarn back safe and sound not a problem at all your majesty." He said cheerily.

My king paused to mull over the suggestion of the two young hawks in front of him. I bet he was weighing the possible good or bad outcomes of letting the two of us run around in the forest at night. The way I was avoiding eye contact probably wasn't boosting his confidence.

Surprisingly though he grunted softly and nodded, giving us the signal to head out. Janaff and I exchanged perplexed looks but didn't linger long enough for him to change his mind. I was too eager to get out and find Luna.

Janaff, I suppose was just excited to get away from the three stooges. We scurried away from the table of politely sitting herons, avoiding the snickering faces of Jock and Steelle, and were on our way.

We ran out and hit the cooler summer air, though there was still a touch of humidity. The forest seemed to hold in moisture under its thick thatches of branches. I was racing ahead of Janaff, beating my wings faster than I should have in such a dense forest, trying to let the wind cool my heated cheeks.

Serenes forest was completely different at night. What once was a vibrant and colorful landscape had turned to a maze of shadowing trees. Below, the ground was a deep violet of swaying darkened grass and above was a bundle of black leaves that blocked the sky like a column of ebony clouds.

A branch was hanging low, I grabbed it as I was flying and swung myself around it, needing more speed and movement to focus myself. Though I was focused enough, it wasn't long until I realized I had no idea where I was going or any plan to actually find Luna. Not to mention Janaff, my eyes that I would be relying on, was trailing behind me.

"Tibarn!" I heard desperately being called.

I didn't want to stop, I wanted to keep moving to release all the excess energy I had buzzing inside of me. Instead I turned and flew on my back and waved Janaff forward. His wings were beating heavily as he struggled to catch up with me.

With ease that I envied, he breezed through the crooked tree arms and vines, catching the tip of his tan feathers only once. "What's the hurry?" he asked as he weaved over a branch as I took the path below it.

"No hurry, I just want to find her."

"Her? What kind of girl is this Luna? You sure seem excited to find her." He hadn't said that with any ill intent; nor was he trying to tease me. It was simply a true observation; I was going out of my way to see a girl neither one of us really knew.

I didn't handle his neutral comment very well. Wrapping my arm around his neck I pulled him under my armpit and ruffled his hair with my knuckles. His arms flailed as he groaned, unable to break free from my grasp. I wasn't the strongest hawk in our group, in fact I was remarkably weaker than most, but I had Janaff beat with ease. At least when I could catch him.

"Hey, let me go." He complained before managing to wiggle from my clutch.

I went to deck him but he stopped me in my place as he shouted and pointed to trees to my left, "I see her!"

His words stopped me from reaming him across the face in a childish outburst. "Really?" I questioned skeptically, wondering if he had only said that he saw her to avoid my knuckles being lodged into his skull.

"I do, I can see her she's just over there in a clearing by a small lake."

Following the direction of his pointed finger I squinted through the dark forest. It was to no avail, I certainly couldn't see through all the tangled vines and trees, especially not at night.

"Let's hurry and get her." He said excitedly, partially because he'd escaped me, and also because he was eager to finish our task.

I stopped him before he flew off too far by grabbing him by the handkerchief tied around his neck. He gagged and I could see the frown over his face. "Go back and tell the king."

I said, desperate to get rid of him for two reasons. The only one I was fully aware of was the fact that Luna had a knack for embarrassing me and I had no intention of looking foolish in front of Janaff. My energetic friend wasn't immediate in his compliance. It was easy to understand why. I'm sure he was wondering what the point would be for him to return to the king alone. It wouldn't make sense to fly all the way back when we could easily pick up Luna and take her with us.

But I wasn't at a reasoning stage; I just wanted to see her, and to be alone when I did. For that reason I tried to think of the most sensible explanation for him to go ahead without me. What came to mind first wasn't spectacular, but I wasn't as quick witted as I would have liked to have been, "I don't know how long it will take to convince Luna to come with us. You should go back and tell our king that I'm alright and that we found her."

There were plenty of holes in my plan. It probably wouldn't take long to convince Luna, there was no need to tell King Garik we'd found her when we'd be returning to the center dome soon enough, and about a few other small details that didn't quite make sense. I could see Janaff working this out in his mind as he pushed his lip out and questioned me, "Are you sure you want me to go ahead? We are pretty deep in the forest." He was concerned that I couldn't find my way back to the king and the herons; his worries were of course reasonable.

"If she can get herself here then she can certainly get us back." I reasoned.

Janaff looked unimpressed as he mumbled under his breath, "That didn't' work for you."

"Cheeky bastard." I murmured right back but with slight humor."

I saw his sharp eyes twinkle briefly, loving the fact that he could get away with a snarky comment every now and then. "Just go." I insisted with a playful shove. This time he did listen, though not until after giving me a short fight as he flew against my pushing.

With a quick short salute, it was more in joke than serious, he was off into the night, following my ridiculous orders.

Then I was alone in the forest; flying above the grassy fields that were alive with the song of crickets. Cicadas hummed on trees where I couldn't see them as I flew in the direction of Janaff's instructions.

It wasn't far off, but farther than I thought it would be and I started to get nervous when a few minutes had passed and I hadn't seen any sign of Luna. I worried that maybe I'd gone slightly off course and had already flown by the blue heron without realizing.

Fortunately that wasn't the case, Janaff's eyesight had just exceeded my expectations and she was just farther down than I had anticipated. Finally though, after ducking under a dangerously low branch, I had my first sign that I was indeed close to Luna.

Though, I didn't see her, I heard her. I'd only heard her singing once before, but the soft bubble of her voice was etched in my memory like I'd heard it as a melody my whole childhood.

My flying slowed down to where I was basically gliding through trees; following the vocalizing that mixed with the insects' active humming. As the song grew louder I started to notice that the forest was getting brighter as well.

Feeling almost dazed I continued after the smooth rhythm and pushed through a curtain of ivy, noticing that soft white light was peeking through slightly. When I pealed back the leafy wall, I had to squint as moonlight struck the forest like a thick beam.

The rest of the sky had been clouded, but in this clearing there was a wide enough break in the clouds to form a sphere of gentle moonshine. It shone over a small lake that was bright from the stars reflections and the striking magenta colored lilies that spun, almost dancing, on the water's surface.

At the center was the source of melody and the end of my search. Luna was knee deep in the water, her back turned to me as she lost herself in her own song. She barely disturbed the calm lake as she slowly and steadily walked to a tree on the bank opposite of me.

A cloak was what she wore, it was cream colored and luminous in the moonshine as it floated smoothly over the water; gently displacing lilies that twirled around Luna like a halo.

Never halting her song she raised a hand to one of the trees, seemingly calling to someone or something. I waited, frozen on the other side of the lake from her, as a large owl answered her silent summons. It let out a low screech as it took flight, vaulting from the tree branch and climbing into the night sky.

It cried out as it flew into the circle of the moon and I caught the silhouette of its rounded face and what looked like horns. Luna kept singing and turned steadily as the large bird of prey circled her, dipping down at every peak in her voice.

Her hand was still lifted toward the bird, a friendly offering it seemed, as the two looked to be locked in a slow dance. Her voice was lovely and sweet, like a gentle serenade. The bird was circling closer, close enough to hover just in Luna's reach.

She'd lean forward and the bird would retreat, chirping in its flight as it began another flight around the lone heron. The owl didn't quite trust Luna, I knew what wary animals looked like, but it didn't seem like it could completely resist her melody.

Standing in the night, somehow suddenly ankle deep in the lake, I realized that I was no different. There was much that I didn't know about Luna, even things I wasn't sure that I liked, yet there I was locked in a daze, motionless, in tepid water. Thinking back, the owl and I were much the same. Wary little animals caught in the allure of a song that was sang in a language neither of us understood.

My trance didn't last forever though; I was shaken from my daze by the sound of the owl shrieking in my direction. I barely came to as the horned bird flew passed me. There was no danger, mostly I was just startled by the loud sound.

Unfortunately my reaction didn't show that I was only mildly surprised. I yelped and stepped back, catching a loose pebble under my boot. My foot twisted then flew out from under me as I fell into the water with a loud and disruptive splash.

If the churning water hadn't caught Luna's attention, which it had, my train of obscenities would have. On my way down I'd caught my palm on a jagged rock below the water when I tried to break my fall.

I brought it up to my face and looked at the dark liquid that flickered eerily in the moonlight. I was more embarrassed than hurt and the swearing made me feel a little better.

Finally I managed to look at Luna, I was sure that she was staring at me since I'd disturbed her singing. She was of course staring me down with a curious look in her eyes with her head tilted.

I looked around uncomfortably, trying to avoid her gaze, but found that there wasn't much to see. The owl was gone and I'd displaced all the lilies with my clumsiness. Even the noisy forest had fallen silent as if to observe me.

Again, in front of Luna, I looked goofy and ridiculous. Though neither time was her fault, I wasn't happy with the odds. Looking back toward her I watched as she began walking my direction. The train of her creamy cloak skidded over the water and her gentle footsteps barely disturbed the calm lake.

My heart started to pound and I began to squirm away, dredging up water with each clumsy and sloppy movement I made. Catching my injured hand and ankle again I winced and had to stay still as Luna finally reached me.

She stood over me, hair wet and clinging to her face and cloths and she was smiling down at me. Not with her mouth mind you, only with her eyes. Those dark deep navy irises had a way grinning on their own. That was my Luna, a whole arsenal of expressions marched just under her eyebrows.

At first she said nothing, just bent down in the water as I flinched. Wordlessly she put a hand to my twisted foot; it ached like it had been jarred. She fingered the bruised bone and bowed her head as she began to sing again.

A different song, almost softer than a whisper. I could barely hear it but I could see the affect. The sweet whistling of her galdar sent the still water around us whirling in a slow circle. Gold light began to curl around her, swarming like fine powder that flew from her body to my foot.

It encased my foot, warming the tender areas and stopping the pain. I wiggled it excitedly in shock but Luna continued vocalizing. She traveled from my foot, passed my legs, up my stomach, then down my arm, all the while her hands ghosted over my body like the song itself.

She made brief eye contact with me as she lifted my injured hand. Her face was close enough to mine that if I leaned forward our noses would have touched. Raising my hand to her forehead she sang until the wound on my hand began to tingle and warm and finally it healed.

Then her voice began to fade and she stopped singing; my hand was still in her hand. It was cold, probably from being in the water, but I hardly noticed. I was holding my breath, almost for too long, until Luna broke our silence.

"What are you doing here? Didn't get lost in the forest again did you?" where I thought there would be concern, after taking the time to heal my injuries, there was sarcasm.

I looked in her eyes, saw them laughing at me again, and finally gathered my composure. "Not at all, Janaff and I were looking for you, I know where I am." I didn't know where I was, but the first half of my statement was true.

Finally the smile reached Luna's lips as she stood, water pinged as it dripped from her cloak and back into the mouth of the lake. "Really, then why are you here?"

I stayed in the water on my butt, letting the mildly disturbed water lap against my cloths. The mockery in her voice put me on the defense, "I'm here to take you back to the center dome, it isn't safe here."

"Safe? This is the Serenes forest, what's not safe? Unless you're worried about something here."

There was challenge in her sentence, "Not at all." I denied adamantly, "There's nothing in this forest that I can't handle."

"Except for trees and pond rocks." She countered.

"Listen it wasn't my idea." I defended.

"Then whose was it?"

"King Lorazieh." My answer made Luna pause to take my words in silently. She may not have respected me completely, but she was a dutiful servant who didn't question her king.

It was nice to have her attention and a semblance of control finally. I still had to take a deep breath as the momentum of the conversation was turning in my favor. Luna's attention was focused on me as I spoke, "Humans have been seen around the forest. They're the ones that startled the crows."

She kept listening quietly, so I continued talking, "Your king would like everyone to be back in their homes and away from the deeper parts of the forest after dark; for safety reasons." I fingered some rocks below the water, "But you were gone when King Garik and your king had the discussion, so I came to get you and take you back."

After processing the information she gave a single nod and turned away from me and started wading the other direction in the water. My mouth dropped as I shifted to stand up in the shallow lake.

"Where are you going?" I said trudging through the waters after Luna. I thought she'd listened to me, but watching her retreating back made me think otherwise. "Luna!" I called back in frustration.

She looked over her shoulder at me, there was a lone vine that dangled in front of her. Lifting her hand towards a branch stretched over the water she grabbed what looked like a bundle of white cloth. "I'm getting my cloths before we leave."

"Your cloths…" I began curiously. As far as I knew she was wearing something. But when I looked close enough I found that my assumption was wrong.

I guess I hadn't paid enough attention when I first came upon her in the clearing. The white material around appeared sufficient but on further examination I was mortified. Her cloak was little more than a shear blanket draped over her loosely like a second layer of skin.

It was tied in the front, crimson tassels dangled from around her neck to tie it closed and from there the cloak began to open. Against the bright background of the moonlight the thin material was practically see through. Her pale heron skin seemed to blend and I could only make out the subtle curve of her feminine figure from our distance. It was enough to send blood to my face and widen my eyes.

I covered my face with an exasperated groan, trying to mask my embarrassment. "Why don't you have cloths on!?"

As she pulled her pearl tunic from the tree she shook her head passively, "I was planning on bathing." Was her cool reply as she faced me.

It was hard to look at her once I realized how little she was wearing. What was worse was that she didn't seem to be bothered by the fact that she was nearly naked in front of me. Then for a brief moment I was offended because I don't think she saw me as a man. At least not one she needed to feel ashamed in front of.

"Even still," I began, turning away from Luna as she glided passed me, "how could you just walk around like that in front of me?"

I started following behind her and I heard her chuckle, "Don't be such a prude, heron's bathe together all the time."

"Well hawks don't." I said broodingly, because she was teasing me.

"I'm sorry, perhaps it's your first time…" she trailed off but the intent of her sentence was clear. I snapped back immediately, "Of course it's not my first time, your small heron body is just so different it startled me."

Luna paused, she looked thoughtfully and placed her thin hands over her chest lightly, "Yes I suppose I can't compare to bulky hawk women."

My lip curled in a bitter snarl. There was that subtle dig against the hawk tribe. Though I'd just done the same thing to her heron tribe. "It doesn't matter, let's just head back."

I sped up to walk beside Luna, kicking up waves of water grumpily, but I didn't make eye contact with her. I didn't want to look at her when I felt so off center. "What's the hurry, you're not afraid of something in the forest. I promise you it's quite safe."

"I'm not afraid." I retorted.

"But what about before?" she cast me a sideways glance, "what had you so startled earlier?"

Immediately on the defensive, and desperate to defend my ego, I replied quickly and sharply, "What are you talking about? Nothing had me startled." Right after saying that, and feeling childish for shouting like a nestling, Luna stopped walking.

I looked back, partially because I was curious, but also because without Luna leading me I wouldn't be able to find my way back to the king and the rest of my brethren. She had her head tilted to the side and I could see the whites of her eyes as I managed to keep my gaze on her, ignoring her thin cloak.

"Weren't you though? When I had my hand on your chest earlier your heart was beating so fast I thought it might burst." Her tone was sweet and impish.

My response was little more than a weak whimper. I remembered that my heart had been racing, pounding against my skin when she was close to me. "I wasn't." I murmured and went to turn around again.

"Wait." She called to me, sweeter than I expected and it made me stop and look over my shoulder.

Luna was smiling at me, walking slowly as she reached for me. I suddenly got anxious watching her hand that was just about to touch my face. And she was close, very close, and she touched my cheek and I flinched. Then I began to panic briefly. I was sweating and my heart was tapping away like a stampeded as I tried to focus on her face and not the thin cloak of material that separated her from me.

That wasn't much better. In my limited experience with women, she had a rather nice face. Tiny round lips, big eyes, and long hair were moving closer to me. I didn't know what to expect but I started to sweat as she broke through any personal space I could have wanted.

I began to wonder what she'd do. Touch me? Slap me? Kiss me? Then I wondered if I wanted her to kiss me. Thinking that made it worse, why would I want to be kissed or touched by a girl? But I thought that outcome was unavoidable as she leaned closer to my face, her lips parted slightly. Closing my eyes, I waited for the inevitable.

But I felt neither the sting of her hand or the touch of her mouth, I only heard her tittering laughter. In confusion I slowly opened my eyes and relaxed my overly tense body to see what Luna was doing.

Her hand covered her face to muffle her giggling and it was then that I knew I was at the end of her personal joke again. Sometimes she really irked me and I scowled at her. She didn't appear to care, "Not startled?" she asked coyly and brushed passed me; her eyes were twinkling again, that playful smirk that I could never forget, "And now"

Then she pulled ahead, glancing back to add one more comment with a grin, no doubt because I was gaping at her, red faced and annoyed. I was too flustered to make a retort; she'd set me up and I had nothing to show but my embarrassment and racing pulse.

Finally, after realizing that I hadn't managed to follow her since he short game, she turned and smiled softly. The minx like trickster was gone from her expression, "I was only teasing, let's hurry before you freeze out here in those wet clothes."

I was still a little bitter, but she was right, I was starting to get cold. Hopefully there would be a warm fire when we made it back to the center. That was enough to get me following her again; plus, her tone had changed, it was gentler, not tricks.

Luna was pleased when I started walking again, "Come it's this way."

"How can you tell," I said in a grumbling tone, "It all looks the same at night."

Luna laughed softly, "Don't worry hawk prince, I'll fly slow."

I guess she could resist one more quip as I caught sight of her playful grin before she took off into the forest. I could only smile back in defeat as I followed after her, chasing her dark wings and impish smile.