Finally made it. Sorry guys i've been crazy busy recently.
Chapter 5
The cloud cover was shifting, moving along the path that Luna and I were traveling. The lamplight of the moon was showing, breaking through branches and the leaves. It brightened the once dark and cloaked path making it easier for me to travel. However, I still got caught in a mesh web of vines once or twice.
Though, I blamed that mostly on Luna. I could have flown straighter if I wasn't so focused on not staring at the gleam of her smooth skin under her thin robe. She didn't seem to be concerned, apparently herons lacked the type of shame that was making my face burn every time her flying kicked up her robe.
But herons were fundamentally different from hawks. She was thin with shorter wings that carried her quietly through the air. Her feet were bare as she used them to lightly jump from branches to maneuver in the thicker patches.
She ghosted through the air, gliding under rays of moonlight like she was dancing. Moving with the forest with each turn she made. Her home welcomed her arrival; cicadas rising in a crescendo to greet her and frogs humming lowly in serenade.
They did no such thing for my clumsy clamor over and under branches. Instead the animals scampered and scurried and fell hush in a hurry to disappear beneath stones and into hollowed trees.
As if Luna wasn't enough of a reminder; the lively forest was telling me that I was an outsider. Not that I was begging to be one of the herons, I was fine with being the hunter that I was. Rodents and small animals alike new better then to stay in my line of sight. If it scurried across the ground, it was food.
Though I wouldn't have minded her ability to move so fluidly. She wove through branches like needle through thread; seamlessly, almost artfully. The sound of her flight was a gentle whisper while mine was a dopey groan as I crashed into another tree branch after catching a glimpse of the rounded end of her rear in the moonlight.
Pausing to cradle my scratched face I growled bitterly against the burning scar a nasty twig had left me. Luna was giggling ahead of me. Her laughter was muffled, so at least she had the decency to try and hide her amusement, albeit, not very well.
I lowered my hands with an annoyed scowl. She was perched on a branch, robe draped the tree like a curtain, and an almost feline grin on her face. Her dark eyes were dancing humorously in the faint glow of the moon as she brushed away her lone braid from her face.
"Are you going to be alright back there?" she called cheerily, even tauntingly.
My pride hurt too much to answer her; even more than my face. I broodingly flew toward her, not glancing at her mocking smile as I passed. The tree creaked softly as Luna began her flight again and we passed the rest of our time in silence.
When the center dome of the forest came into view I was elated. I wanted to rest and be out of the tangle of vines, thorns, and branches as soon as possible. Though I wasn't eager to see the stooges who would undoubtedly mock my disheveled appearance. I couldn't see myself, but I could feel the warmth of welts rising on my arms and cheeks.
The closer the two of us came to the dome the more I could hear the sound of my king laughing. It was still an unfamiliar sound. He was never one to be a jolly sort of a man. We landed on the steps of the dome; Luna soundlessly, while my boots pinged against the stone ground sending a clatter of echoes into the room.
Luna was up the stairs quickly, looking over at me only once, and then entering through the archway without saying anything. I grumbled to myself, dissatisfied with the fact that she hadn't offered me any sign of gratitude, and shoved my hands into the pockets of my pants before shuffling in and letting my boots scuff against the floor.
When I reached the top step I was greeted immediately by Janaff. His young face brightened in relief and he flew over to me, draping his arm over me, "Thank goodness you made it back alive."
I rolled my eyes, shrugging him off, "Your lack of confidence is a little insulting."
He beamed back at me, "Well you don't have the best history with this forest."
I'd have tackled him right there but my king grabbed my attention, "Welcome back Tibarn." He said, his voice deep and resonating into the rounded room.
His wings beat with little effort as he hovered toward me with his arms over his chest. He landed in front of me, over six feet and scarred from battle, appraising me in his very typical intimidating way. A hand was thrust out that roughly wiped my nose clean of some mud or plant slime.
I tried to look grateful but mostly I just looked irritated. He returned my insolent expression with a scowl of his own before giving a grunt of slight approval, "Tal!" he bellowed.
My brother was fast to respond, standing erect by my side before I even had a chance to rub my ears that were still ringing from my king's loud voice. I tried to stand as straight as him but it only emphasized the fact that I was much shorter than him. My king and Garik dwarfed me with size and muscle.
"What do you need my lord?" Tal asked.
"Organize your men, have them patrolling the area in shifts. I don't want even a cricket getting into this dome without one of them knowing."
"Yes my lord." We said in unison.
Tal was quick to respond. He whistled sharply, not even bothering to look for his men, and they came eagerly at his call. Steelle was first, still twirling around the trophy of the human knife in his hands with a sneer. Jock was slower coming, taking his time as he leered at Julin. I don't think she noticed, she was busy hiding in the shadow of Lilith who still looked as if she disapproved of us hawks being in her forest. Russel was last, his wings beat heavily as if they struggled to carry his thick and broad body.
Finally they assembled in a line, Russell following behind solemnly and Steelle elbowing Jock to get his, very, divided attention. "Listen!" Tal said, shifting from my mild brother to future king.
His voice was commanding and firm and his gaze was fixed on his three men. Then his orders were given, forcefully and succinctly, demanding respect and compliance. The effect was immediate, sending the three hawks off with Steelle cackling into the night. I guess he was hoping for trouble; he probably had some left over angst from not getting to finish off the last human.
It was my turn then; my job to organize my men. Well, I suppose it was just, man. I looked at my one hawk and Janaff looked back at me expectantly. His dusty blonde hair and wide eager eyes waited for me to offer him the same type of authority my brother had. I was, after all, training to be king just the same as my brother. Giving orders was a natural part of the process. King Garik could do it as well as Tal. I suppose they had that in born talent to take charge. I wasn't the same breed as Garik or Tal. I shuddered at the thought of giving orders; cringed just imagining people waiting for my instructions.
Averting my gaze from Janaff's expectant stare I scratched my nose uncomfortably hoping that providence would strike me and I could prattle off a list of precise and impressive commands. No surprise, nothing came except the hollow sound of my own guilt for being so terrible at my job.
My friend, graciously, didn't let me squirm for long. With a sigh that was appeasing, and just shy of disappointed, he gave me his own idea. "I'm sure the stooges will try to get the first shifts and leave me with the last leg." He shrugged in defeat, "Oh well, I'll be able to see best when dawn is breaking anyway." He added with a little more cheer.
I offered him a weak and unsure smile of my own. The thought never occurred to me. I honestly didn't know how to best use his ability. "Well if you already know what you're going to do then get to it." Garik snapped impatiently.
Janaff yelped meekly before giving a jerky bow and flying after Steelle and the rest of the gang. I frowned at my king; I didn't like that he barked at my friend that way. Even if he was the king I think he took too much pleasure in making people squirm.
Garik caught me scowling, "If you have something to say, don't hold your tongue now."
I didn't want to hold my tongue; I always had something to say whether I should or shouldn't. But I clenched my jaw and tightened my lips; there would be plenty of time to get in trouble with Garik at a later time.
Tal shared my silent thoughts. I caught him casting a tight and worrisome glance that pleaded for my silence. Begrudgingly I complied and found solace in cramming my hands tightly into the pockets of my pants. Shaking my head with the thinnest grasp on good sense I made no retort to my king.
He smirked, "I see you're choosing to keep quiet; that's smart. But your displeasure is clearly written across your face."
I cut my eyes at him, unable to control my response. "I can't help what my face looks like. I was born this way." I quipped bitterly.
My king let that remark pass; I suppose even he knew he had to choose his battles with me. It saved time and energy if he didn't respond to every snide or childish thing I said. That being the case, he still flashed me a warning look, raising his eyebrow sharply before he replied, "If you're upset with how I ordered your man around, learn to do it yourself."
Easier said than done. Yes I knew what I should do; what was expected of me, but being someone's boss wasn't easy. Especially not Janaff, he was more my friend than a servant. It didn't feel right playing games with him and then switching into this domineering commander.
"My, my, it does seem very tense over here." Lorazieh said, gliding over to us. He rested his hand on Garik's shoulder.
King Garik flashed him a bemused smile, boyish even, and then laughed, "Yes, Tibarn brings out the best in me."
Lorazieh didn't miss the subtle sarcasm, he looked down at me, a humorous crinkle in the corner of his eyes scattered thin crow's feet, then back at Garik.
Watching Garik laughing was still strange. I didn't know how he could switch gears so easily. One moment he's a commander barking orders that sent hawk warriors into a panic and the next he was standing and smiling, practically beaming, next to a bird as fragile and dainty looking as a flower petal.
"You really are so critical of Tibarn."
"He needs it."
Lorazieh looked at me, a hint of sympathy flickering over his marble eyes. At least someone sympathized with me. Garik lacked that trait at all and from the corner of my vision I could see my brother shaking his head lightly, probably just praying that I wouldn't have another outburst.
"Well, regardless, I appreciate you escorting Luna safely back to us." He gestured towards her as she scooped Reyson into her arms. His white wings fluttered excitedly and he giggled as he wrapped his short arms around Luna's neck. Nuzzling her nose into his rosy cheek, Luna spun him around and increased his laughter.
Rul flew toward her and smiled shyly at her and the child. He reached for Reyson, patting the child gently on the head, and said something indistinct to Luna. Even in shadows of the night I could tell that her face was lighting up, brightening from the smile Rul brought to her lips. The three birds enjoyed the private conversation and I watched with something close to envy.
"Tibarn!" my brother hissed; nudging me sharply with his elbow.
It snapped my focus back to the group right in front of me. I gaped in a daze from
Tal to my king. Tal was kneading his brows together and Garik was scowling at me, not that, that was unordinary, but at that time I didn't know the reason.
"King Lorazieh is talking to you." Tal said urgently under his breath.
After Tal's prodding I managed to get some focus and look at the heron king. He had a soft expression as he patiently waited; the direct opposite of my king. "I'm sorry your majesty, what did you say?"
That was obviously the right response because my brother relaxed next to me and the dark line of disapproval decreased on Garik's forehead. Lorazieh put a hand on my shoulder, even through my shirt I could tell his hands were cold, and said, "When bringing Luna back you didn't see anything strange did you?"
At first I didn't know what he meant by strange. It was unlikely that he was referring to Luna's scarce amount of clothing because that, apparently, was only a concern for prudish hawks like myself. But when I looked into the heron king's eyes, past the cat-like gleam of green, I could see there was a shimmer of apprehension hiding behind his small smile.
Then I realized he was asking if I'd had a run in with any humans in the forest. "No your majesty, the forest was all clear as far as I could tell."
He stepped back, his face awash with relief and sighed, "Well that's good to hear, at least we can sleep at ease tonight."
"You really want to wait until morning?" Garik said, officially shifting the conversation away from me; much to my pleasure.
"You've flown quite a ways to get here, rest is what you need now; as do all of my brethren."
Garik looked unhappy, the first time I'd seen him that way with Lorazieh, "I don't want my boys to be lazing about while they're here. They'll need real work." He complained.
Lorazieh looked at my king as he clasped his hands together, wearing the friendliest and warmest grin a person could ever have when dealing with my surly hawk king, and replied, "They will, but there's no reason it can't wait until tomorrow."
"What's happening tomorrow?" Tal asked, for once beating me to the punch.
King Garik looked to be brooding and didn't respond but Lorazieh answered in his stead. "I believe my friend would like to keep that as a surprise; besides patience is a virtue, isn't it young Tal?" He said and the corners of his eyes lifted playfully.
My brother was taken aback. It showed on his face as his eyes widened briefly and his mouth fell open for a moment before he grabbed hold of composure and closed it. I don't think he was expecting the older heron to refuse him in such a manner.
"Well I don't mind getting some sleep." I murmured under my breath.
I heard Lorazieh laugh, it was a hearty laugh, at least as much as one could be for a soft spoken heron, then I felt something press against my unruly hair and ruffle it. "So you shall my boy. Don't make that face at me Garik, tomorrow will come soon enough."
Glancing up I could see Garik shaking his head. He appeared mildly annoyed but mostly just amused. He rubbed his fingers through the back of his dark hair and smiled in defeat. "Fine, you win old friend, but I'd like to see Lamoria before I sleep."
I didn't know who Lamoria was but hearing her name made me look at king Garik. Something about the way he said that name struck me. I couldn't put my finger on it until I looked at Garik's face. What was usually a hardened scowling mask had fallen into something much gentler. His lips were still held in a severe straight line but the harsh and tight creases from his perpetual glare had vanished.
That's when I could name the odd sound of his statement. It was subtle, and I probably wouldn't have noticed if Garik weren't so typically gruff, but there was a sad warmth, something freakishly close to empathy. The oddness of the sincere emotion made me look at Lorazieh.
He had a small and aching smile that matched the light melancholy of my own king's words. For a moment I thought that he'd cry. Finally he spoke; his voice barely above a whisper, "Yes, I'm sure she'd like that very much."
Quickly he turned away from us, perhaps to hide his face that was suddenly tight with emotion. Tal and I exchanged uncomfortable looks; I wasn't the only one who didn't like to see people cry. But we said nothing, preferring to let the palpable emotion wash over us in silence.
After a beat I heard Lorazieh clear his throat, "Well now, let me just find someone to escort you to your room." There was a little more life in his voice, but you could still tell that he was struggling to keep his words steady.
He started walking towards a cluster of herons, calling something out to all of them in the heron tongue. A thought flashed across my mind and I hoped he would pick Luna. But then I caught myself and scowled; why should I want that?
"There you are." Lorazieh said gesturing to ledge on his right.
I saw a pair of feet dangling over, swinging gently, "Sorel." Lorazieh said in what I could only imagine was a heron's way of shouting. It, however, was just barely above my normal speaking voice.
Sorel fluttered down from the dome ledge. He had long brown hair parted in the middle and light brown wings to match. The robe he wore was similar to the other herons I'd met, though it was simpler. It lacked the piping and stitch work that any of the royal family had.
He bowed deeply to his king who reached over to pat him gently on the shoulder. The two spoke briefly and I was lost again since I couldn't understand. Fortunately I wasn't alone. Tal had the same perplexed expression. My king didn't seem phased, I wondered how much he understood, if any.
"Very good." Lorazieh said and turned to us hawks, "This is Sorel, he will take you to where you'll be sleeping."
When I heard this, I didn't show it on my face, but there was disappointment in my gut that churned like sour milk. He was far from Luna. I looked to where I had seen her last but saw that she, Reyson, and much to my dismay, Rul, were already gone.
I wondered where they were; what they were doing. I couldn't help it, my mind could only focus on the picture of Luna smiling with the snowy winged heron in her arms and Rul's bashful gaze as a stray breeze would catch the thin satin hugging Luna's thin female body.
Though imagining that only served to irritate and depress me. There was time for neither feeling as the brown winged heron dipped his head politely and motioned for Tal and I to follow him.
Garik stayed behind, presumably to see this Lamoria. The woman he had such uncharacteristic sentiment for. I looked back just once and caught sight of the two kings, a similar grim and unhappy expression was shared between the two birds. I didn't like it, the brief glimpse of emotion or the sight that showed my king was similar to the frail bird. Hawks were not like herons, therefore they should not have feelings like them either.
I couldn't turn away quickly enough to escape the unpleasant sensation in my stomach. "Keep up Tibarn." My brother called from only a short distance away in the forest. I was happy to follow and leave the bleak image behind me. It didn't take long to reach my brother or our guide. The heron, not surprisingly, wasn't a strong or fast flyer. What took my wings two easy beats took his about five. But my wing span was about a half foot long on each side.
While Tal and I coasted with ease through the forest the heron beat his wings in earnest to stay ahead of us. The steady flight might have been more enjoyable if it were day time. We'd left the dome that's white marble pillars and walls reflected the moons light. Now, as we flew deep into the mesh of trees, I couldn't help but feel a tremor of dread at having to brave that maze again. Yet as the faint light faded a distinct pattern of spotted yellow started to come into my line of vision.
Tal and I flew after the dark winged bird, noticing a flattening in the grass below us. It bowed down into what looked like a well-traveled path. Lining the grassy path were specs of spinning yellow lights. I dipped down to get a closer look, making sure to keep a close eye on Sorel so I didn't get lost.
Hanging from the branches of the trees I saw small orbs dancing with golden lights. Swirling around like a shimmering tango, was a small horde of fireflies. Some clung to the leafy walls of the handmade lanterns as I peered down at the shinning insects. Raising my head I could see that there many more lamps that were starting to shine and mark the path.
But it wasn't just the forest that I started to see; homes were coming into view. Small stone huts tucked behind and in between thick bushes. Pockets of thinner trees popped up and embedded in their wiry and twisted branches were wooden houses. They sat perched between the leaves, some small with maybe only a room, others were larger with balconies and multiple windows.
I could see herons in their homes; hanging lanterns around roofs or perched on branches extended from their windows or doors. They spoke softly in the humid summer night, mixing their voices with the hum of their forest.
"Tibarn, keep up." Tal called as he and Sorel pulled ahead of me.
I left the fireflies to their own devices and caught up with my brother and our heron guide where they'd stopped. I of course didn't know where I was supposed to be sleeping but the building in front of me seemed the most likely.
There was a large tree in the center, its trunk was broad and thick. It dwarfed the other trees in height and in width. Stairs were carved into its base, wrapping around like a banister. The branches at the top spread wide like outstretched arms and each end was like a hand decorated by the lamps I'd seen earlier.
Inside the tree, practically merged with massive trunk, was an equally large house. A domed top and large arch ways made this house no different from any of the architecture of the forest. But still it stood out from what I'd seen so far.
The house was old, noticeably old, but not dilapidated or falling apart. Just obviously older than most of the buildings. Sorel had landed and motioned for the entrance with a deep bow. Tal acknowledged him with a small tip of his head and passed the bird who wouldn't be following us into the house.
As I got closer I could see there were dings and scratches against the marble from time and wear. The large tree branches hung low, masking and shading parts of the house and hiding the full extent of its size. Ahead of me Tal pushed open the two wooden doors that opened inward like wings. He disturbed a tangle of vines that had over grown the doors and wrapped themselves around the handles like delicate fingers, and crawled up the face of the house. They draped around the face of the aged building like curtains.
The house was divided into an upper and lower level but it was open in the middle. NO ceiling separated the bottom and top half. There weren't many hallways, maybe four, that lead off in opposite directions. But the main room I was in seemed to be the bulk of the house. It had the beds in it. From what I could observe, the herons didn't need their own bedrooms. Unlike us hawks, though that was probably because we would just fight and wrestle instead of going to sleep.
Circling the room were medium sized rectangular cubbies, ten of them. Five were at the bottom level while the others were above them, separated by a hallway bordered by a wooden guardrail that circled around each side and lead into stairs that reached the bottom floor. It seemed unnecessary to have stairs, at least that's what I thought, but it was decorative, I suppose.
The middle of the room was illuminated as the moon shown through a glass ceiling that was stained with the colors violet, blue, and gold. As the moon hit the clear opening, trickling through the leaves above, it cast colorful shadows and lights that moved slowly with every shifting breeze or drifting cloud.
I flew to stand under it and held my hand under a purple panel as the moon slipped behind a darkened cloud, taking with it the light. "On a clear night this whole room is brightened."
Turning to the voice addressing me I saw it was Rafiel. He was sitting in a cubby closest to the door and he had his legs slung over the side with his hands cupped neatly in his lap. I noticed the thicker and heavier robe with tassels was hanging on a hook near his bed. Instead of that he wore a simpler light gray tunic that fell just beneath his ankles but didn't drag on the floor.
He pointed to the ceiling, "It was my mother's idea to build this house here. In the middle of the night the moon will sit directly in the center."
"It sounds breathtaking." My brother chimed in.
Rafiel nodded but I had nothing to add and looked away from the white prince. He smiled too much, too gently, and too knowingly. Where my typical tacit and brooding personality would annoy people, I think he took a small delight in it.
"You may pick any of the beds that aren't taken yet, my father told me you'd be staying with us tonight." He gestured to the wall opposite of him. It seemed that the other beds nearest him were taken. Likely the children filed in and filled the beds after his in order.
Rhesus was in the bed just above Rafiel. He was trying to observe us but was terrible at hiding. When I looked up, I caught sight of him watching my brother and I with suspicion illuminated in the faint light from the stars; he quickly pulled a curtain over the cubby and didn't come out from it again. It made me smirk. Even behind the maroon material I could still imagine him shaking.
The room carried sounds well. Sounds of softly fluttering wings traveled through the open dome and I turned to the opening. Lilith and her abba were entering, chittering softly in the heron language until the princess caught sight of my brother and I.
She stared us down, no malice apparent on her pale face, but there was no mistaking that she didn't want us there. Lilith had far better manners than I would have had. Whatever issue or opinion of us she had she kept to herself.
Tal was the first to break her icy stare, "Good evening. We're sorry to intrude. Your king suggested that we turn in for the night."
Lilith bit her lip and I could see her working through what she should say. The gears in her brain were practically visible as she fought to be civil. She pulled on one of her ringlets, it sprang back tightly, rebelliously, and then finally the princess smiled.
I don't know if it could have been considered a friendly smile but she did it none the less. "Welcome to our home." That was all she said, or all she could muster before she turned to Julin and said something further.
The navy blue heron bowed and excused herself before flying down the hallway on her left. Lilith passed my brother and I, gave us a curt silent nod, and flew up the bed next to Rhesus. She removed her heavy robe as had Rafiel and then followed the example of Rhesus and pulled the curtains closed.
"That upper level sure is a talkative bunch aren't they?" I said. Tal shushed me,
"Your voice carries." He warned with a hiss.
I rolled my eyes but couldn't say much else because he was right. Just after saying that I heard the approach of more birds. Lilia entered next, she was already stripping off her robe as she whispered and laughed to her very tall abba.
Siren grinned smoothly at her, bending over slightly to whisper something to her. Lilia let out a sudden sharp laugh but quickly covered her mouth and muffled her laughter in her hands. After a beat she sighed happily and handed Siren the robe. He took it with a smile and bowed his head, letting his shaggy and curly blue hair fall. Lilia put a hand on his shoulder. He touched it briefly and raised his head and winked before excusing himself.
Lilia beamed sweetly at him. There was a darkening around her cheeks that was easy to see; it darkened further when she saw my brother and I staring at her. Her light eyes flickered in surprise and she put a hand daintily over her mouth to muffle the small gasp.
"My goodness I didn't see you two there."
"Excuse the intrusion, we'll be sleeping here for the time being." Tal explained
"Nonsense." She said genially as she glided passed my brother and I to the cubby next to Rafiel.
Scooping up the short train of her robe she sat on the stone edge and grabbed hold of the edge of her deep red curtain. She messed with some of the bedding behind her as she spoke, "It really is our pleasure to have you both here."
I'm not sure if all the herons felt that way; the very fact that her brother and sister had closed themselves off behind maroon curtains showed there were herons who felt the exact opposite of pleasure. But I didn't feel that she was lying either or putting up a pretense of kindness. When she looked back at Tal and I there was nothing but sincerity in the arch of her smiling lips.
She was much like Rafiel in this respect. If either of them had any reservations or concerns about the sudden invasion of hawks, they had the decency to hide it. I believe that they found more good in the situation than bad.
"Lilia, weren't you with Reyson and Luna a short while ago?" Rafiel asked.
Her name brought me to attention. Lilia giggled, "Yes, but he was throwing a tantrum so Siren and I left them a ways back."
I could hear Rafiel sigh, "Poor Luna." There was a mixture of pity and humor in his comment. Pouting children were inevitable as was the onslaught of work and the frustrations that came along with being the caretaker of said children.
"Poor Luna indeed." Lilia said as she swung her feet into her bed, "But they should be along shortly."
No sooner had Lilia said that the doors creaked open and Luna poked her head in quietly. I could see the flutter of her green hair ribbon as she stepped back out and then began pushing the door open with her back.
She didn't have the use of her arms, they were cradling Reyson, and she struggled to enter the room. Tal responded faster than I could and held the door open for her. Luna looked at him with a bit of alarm but recovered quickly, "Thank you." She said with much less bite or wit than she used with me.
The heron abba fluttered passed Tal pausing briefly to bow before Rafiel and Lilia. "I thought you had Rul with you." The oldest heron prince questioned.
Luna had reached the ground level bed next to Lilia's. She was kneeling down trying, though failing, to lay the young blondie to rest. Even with only the starlight and the weak glow of the moon, I could clearly see the young prince struggling. The more she tried to put him into his bed that more he would cling to her. His small arms were a prison around her neck as he whined in resistance.
With some strain in Luna's voice she replied to Rafiel, "He did, but I sent him off."
Lilia laughed, she found Luna's dismissive tone amusing, "Oh did you now? Poor Rul."
Luna groaned as she fought with the child, "He'll survive. Reyson!" she said sternly and began to scold him in the heron talked. He chirped back something that was petulant and whiny. Reyson was rubbing his eyes as he spoke, sniffling a little too.
From the looks of his actions, which seemed more cranky then hostile, the little bird was simply ready for bed. I'd seen more than one hawk nestling throw a similar tantrum when they'd been up longer than they should have. Though herons and hawks handled the upset youngsters very differently.
Luna was trying to appease the small prince; although she did seem to be at the end of her patience. If a young hawk started crying they were definitely discouraged. I was roughed up more than my fair share of times when I dared to cry after snagging one of my wings or jamming a talon.
After another two or three minutes of negotiating between the two, Reyson begrudgingly released the captive abba. She let a breath out in relief and tucked her prince in the bed. He slid under a light colored blanket and Luna kissed his forehead before brushing a few of his strands of hair from his face. It seemed that only a few minutes later, the sheets were still and no more sounds came from the little boy.
When Reyson had stilled under his blanket Luna stood slowly; I could see the exhaustion on her face. Not surprising, she had barely escaped total imprisonment by her blonde master.
Luna rubbed her hands down her face, groaning tiredly, and then she repeated the movement but down the back of her hair which she then grabbed and began twisting it to the side. I don't think she had a purpose for doing that, just something she did with her hands.
"You've worked hard today Luna." Lilia said as she leaned over the edge of her bed.
Luna laughed but then she too began rubbing her eyes, "Thank you your majesty. I think I'll retire for now." And then with another weary and unhappy moan, "at least until he wakes up again." There was a hint of dread in her tone; an unhappy anticipation of the tyke's impending awakening.
"You never know. He's had a long day maybe he'll sleep through the night."
Luna's thin face looked far from optimistic against the moonshine that lit up half of her face. All her time spent with Reyson and her complete knowledge of his character made her sure that they would have another round against each other. By she obliged the princess, "Yes, perhaps. But if he should wake, do not hesitate to fetch me."
She bowed and turned. As she walked passed my brother and I, Tal reached out toward her. I think he only meant to put a hand on her shoulder but she jumped back with a start. My brother shared her expression of panic. He drew his hand back and looked at her guiltily, "Sorry." He said softly.
Tal put a hand behind his head and rubbed his hand over his sandy locks. Smiling bashfully he said, "You really work with prince Reyson, I saw you earlier."
Luna was watching him with barely concealed suspicion. I don't think Tal could see the wary look on her face. It was dark and he was standing further away than myself. He continued, not deterred by the uncomfortable frown Luna was wearing. "I admire how hard you work."
I watched my brother curiously, not understanding why he was suddenly so talkative. Was Tal a normally vocal person? Well he wasn't an introvert but he was a far reach from my extroverted, often brash personality.
Luna pulled at her braid and tilted her head, offering a tight and barely friendly smile. "Thank you, I do my best." She said softly.
"I can tell. It must get hard at times." She nodded slightly.
"When do you ever get time to rest?"
The navy abba's disposition changed slightly. I saw a tiny tick of her lips but it disappeared quickly before she spoke, "Well, normally I like to relax during my bath in the evening while the young master has dinner; but it was cut short today."
She didn't look at me but I saw the mocking laughter at the corner of her dark eyes and heard the whimsy in her voice. Tal didn't catch it; but I knew she was talking about me. Defensively I stepped back and folded my arms in silent protest, praying that the tips of ears weren't turning red. It felt like they were. They were hot with my embarrassment.
"Well that's too bad. I hope you'll rest well tonight."
"Thank you my lord." Luna said, her voice and mood shifting back to guarded. She inclined her head, "If you'll excuse me."
As she turned I thought she'd look at me, send me one of her meaningful glances, but she didn't. Saying nothing further she left my brother and I with the heron royalties. Her boots echoed down the hall and I watched my brother looking at her as she grew smaller down the long walkway and the 'pat' of her boots grew softer.
Tal's face looked goofy. He wore a sort of lopsided small grin. I glowered at him. Squinting my eyes tightly at him. "What are you staring at Tibarn?" he asked with an annoyed sigh.
"You. What's with the stupid look on your face?"
I started flying away quickly, not waiting for him to answer. The goofy grin was irritating. In hindsight, it wasn't the smile, but who he was smiling at that had my nerves tight and annoyed.
"I don't know what face you mean." He drawled behind me.
I flew passed Lilia as she pulled the curtain closed on her cubby. That was a good idea. Sleeping meant I didn't have to talk with my brother or think about his gaze following Luna down the hallway.
"It doesn't matter." I huffed as I flew to the top cubby. "You and King Garik are both acting weird. Must be this forest. Hopefully we don't stay here long or I'll lose my mind."
"Hopefully a little time here will help those personality issues you have." He scolded.
I hopped into the bed, landing on my back with my hands behind my head. "Sorry I couldn't hear you, this bed is too high up."
"You know, I can just fly up and finish this conversation?"
Of course I knew he could; I probably deserved it. I was full of outbursts, sarcasm, and just general rudeness that day. There was no guarantee that I'd get any better. He didn't come up though, I knew he wouldn't. He'd just waste time getting into an argument with me so late at night.
The sheets in the bed below me rustled. Tal had given up the fight as expected and I was allowed to rest in peace. Sleep didn't come right away as I'd hoped. I was tired; the trip had been long and I'd be traversing a forest almost all day.
However, the bed was padded with leaves, grasses, and moss. It was mushy and smelled strongly of greenery. The scent of the plant life was almost assaulting my nose as I tossed and turned on the soft padding that was so different from my firm bed back in Phoenicis.
Soon I became too restless to fall asleep. My breathing filled the small rectangular cubby and I began tracing grooves etched in the ceiling. What I couldn't see, my fingers could discern was a swirling pattern. I could imagine it was another intricate carving of vines or trees. The herons were particularly fond of their depictions of wild life and plant life.
Hoping the mundane task would lull me to sleep I followed the pattern until my hand reached the thick drapery that shut me off from the room and forest outside. I was bored as I clutched the curtain that felt like wool in my hands; reminding me of the goats that lived in the rocky terrain of Phoenicis.
I was ready to trace my way back to the other side of my cubby when I heard shuffling below my bed. Pausing, I waited for the sound again; trying to determine if I should ignore it or act. It came again but more distinct that time.
Whispered words started to float through the room. It was heron speech so I couldn't understand but the worried and troubled tone was unmistakable. I peeked passed my drape to study the scene beneath me.
Tal either didn't hear or wasn't concerned because his curtains were still pulled shut. I was relieved to see that. If he'd seen me peering down at the cluster of herons gathered in the center of the room he'd have scolded me for being nosey. But that wouldn't have stopped me from watching. If I couldn't sleep at least I'd have something to temporarily entertain myself.
Below the scene wasn't very disruptive; but I don't think herons really knew how to create a disturbance even if they wanted to make one. With their thin weak bodies and airy voices I was actually astonished that I heard them.
Though it wasn't all of the herons that peaked my curiosity. In fact it was only one heron in particular who was making the bulk of the small commotion. Rafiel and Lilia were standing beside the source of the noise. It was the young prince. I have to say, with a little bit of humor looking back, Reyson's known how to make a scene since he was little.
His small voice was filling the room with fitful cries and whimpers. It wasn't very easy to make out all of the details below me, the royal birds were crowded around the small prince just out of reach of the moonlight, but I could make out enough of the situation.
Lilia was trying to console him; she gently hushed him and stroke his head, but he was determined to fight her. He was grasping a fistful of his hair and pulling it while the other hand shook unhappily. Rafiel just seemed helpless and lost.
I could hear the wispy swirl of the heron language as he tried to speak consolingly. It was to no affect and he and his sister continued to exchange panicked glances. Reyson continued to whine, the volume of his vocals increasing at a steady speed, and Rafiel glanced once more down the hallway next to the stairs by his bed. "Luna!" he called out with a tone that was just short of elation.
Her name stole my attention completely and I followed Rafiel who was hurrying toward the darker part of the room from which Luna emerged. Luna was moving at a languid pace, while the prince seemed flustered and Lilia was no less at a loss. Luna was at ease, not in a hurry to reach Reyson.
I don't think she was ever in a rush. Whether it was patience or not I don't know. Rafiel spoke quickly to her, clearly frazzled; Luna was not. She yawned and nodded as she kept walking. It struck me that Luna had joked earlier that Reyson wouldn't let her sleep. I wondered how often scenes like that played out in the heron quarters.
She fluttered up behind Lilia and tapped her on the shoulder. Lilia turned with a start, "Luna, you're here."
"At your service, milady." She said ironically before adding, "Or at his service I suppose." I couldn't see her but I could imagine the playful grin she was flashing.
"I'm so sorry, we tried…" Lilia trailed off and looked at the tantrum throwing prince.
"Don't worry your majesty, it's no trouble at all." Even as she said that, I felt like Reyson was being a lot of trouble. Though all the curtains weren't whipped back with eager onlookers peering down, I couldn't imagine that anyone was sleeping at that point. Reyson had a point to be made and he was making it.
"Nana Reyson." Luna said in the heron tongue as she knelt by the prince's bed. He was too upset to notice her at first; kicking his tiny legs and still pulling his hair. She scooped him up and even in his fit he instinctively clung around her neck.
His cries started to come out in a choking sound as he finally realized who had grabbed him. "Luna!" he dribbled, still squirming even as she cradled and rocked him slowly. Rafiel mad a movement toward her but she waved him off and placed a hand on Reyson's yellow hair. I could see her shake her head and send the older herons back to their cubbies.
Whatever had set the prince off was nothing new. Rafiel and Lilia consented and fluttered back to their beds. They didn't close the curtains but they watched as Luna rocked the boy and strolled to the center of the room.
I watched her leave the shadows and sway in the moonlight slowly. She started humming, not loud enough to recognize the melody but enough that I knew what she was doing. Her movements were easy and relaxed, swaying like ocean waves that curled and folded. Reyson soon began to settle as he and Luna spun.
As I watched them, their leisurely waltz under a cascade of purple and gold moonlight, I think I gasped; I had to, the scene below me struck me like lightning. The child and young woman bathed in the shapes of stained glass struck me as stunningly beautiful yet my heart ached. I clutched my chest as I watched unable to turn away from the tender scene that filled me with a bittersweet emotion I couldn't name.
PG