Author's Note: This chapter may contain some slight author filibuster, due to Naesala's view on politics syncing with my own.

Leanne and Naesala

GIFT

Tibarn says I can't be generous. But I'll show him. The truth is, I can be generous to whomever I think deserves it. Like Leanne, the raven king thought deeply. The small heron princess was resting on his chest, sleeping and cooing softly. Not wanting to wake her, he made sure his actions were gentle and quiet.

He took the finest gold from the Kilvas coffers and took it to a fine Kilvas tailor, who began to create the most beautiful white dress that Naesala had ever seen. He carried it home upon his back, making it not only possible but also likely that he would get laid that night. Leanne took the dress and kissed Naesala multiple times.

"I like your honesty…" she said awkwardly.

"Usedikus ow atana," Naesala cooed at her.

She fell asleep on his chest, and although he had not put that much effort into the gift, he rested easy knowing that he could make her happy.

I guess I showed him, Naesala thought, while stroking his woman's blonde hair.

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TALK

The following conversation has been translated from the ancient language for your convenience:

"Naesala," Leanne said, "What do you think of Tibarn?"

"I think he's an idiot. Why? What do you think of him?" Naesala responded.

"Reyson thinks he's great, but he's just a big bully," Leanne said, "You didn't deserve to be treated as badly as he treats you."

"Indeed I don't," Naesala whined, "I was going to save Reyson from Oliver as soon as I could, but it just didn't work. Because that self-righteous hawk got there first, and gave me a lecture on being immoral. He doesn't know from immorality; he steals his citizens' money.

"I don't know. Maybe it's because I've been asleep all this time, but I've never formed a bond with Tibarn like Reyson has," Leanne said.

"Hawks are parasites that eat away at your mind by thinking about utopian consequences of ill-thought-out ideas, and as such should not be trusted," Naesala responded, "They paint ravens as evil, as selfish, self-indulgent people with no hearts. They think themselves our intellectual superiors as well. But we are clearly the smarter species."

"Indeed," Leanne said, "Is it possible to save Reyson?"

"Reyson has already become a hawk-in-training, and he's already passed the self-righteous stage right into utopian consequence territory. If only they all knew a dystopia was to come, perhaps their eyes would open to the coldness of the world."

"Or maybe… the coldness is what they've seen, and they are just too vain to realize they can't change it…" Leanne responded.

"How nice," Naesala said. "We're dealing with people vainer than I, is that what you are saying? That's pretty damn vain."

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HARDSHIP

"What a terrible world this is…" Naesala sighed. "The United Provinces of Aerilia has just begun, and guess who got elected… Tibarn! What a load!"

"Coo…" Leanne muttered, putting her arms around Naesala.

"I freaking hate that bird," Naesala shouted, clenching his fist.

"Did you… run?" Leanne asked.

Naesala responded, "Of COURSE I ran, Leanne. The final poll was Tibarn 65 and me 35. What a total load."

Leanne kissed Naesala gently to calm him down. Naesala then started to cry. "Why does this always happen to me? First I was part of that stupid blood pact thing and now this…"

"35 percent… liked you…" Leanne pointed out.

"And those 35 percent will now be alone, under a leader they hate. Screw democracy. Why can't we just listen to the beorc and be a monarchy…"

"That's worse," Leanne said, "At least… now… sometimes you'll be happy."

"I suppose you're right, Leanne."

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ARGUMENT

"Leanne, where were you?" Naesala asked.

"At the store," the heron responded.

"What were you doing there?" Naesala asked.

"Buying… cheese…" Leanne said, looking unhappy.

"Cheese? I thought herons were herbivores…" Naesala responded.

"Shh… don't tell… Reyson," Leanne responded.

"Why would I tell Reyson you bought cheese? I'm just a little confused. If you were at the store, why were you gone all night?"

"The store… was in… Crimea."

"Then how did you get back so QUICKLY?"

"I'm… magic…" Leanne responded. "Why… are you angry?"

"I'm not angry!" Naesala argued in the most unconvincing voice possible. "I'm just confused!"

"Don't be…" Leanne said. "It makes… me… sad."

"Please, Leanne, don't be sad. I just don't know why you bought cheese."

"For dinner…" Leanne said, "You like… dead animals… I like… berries. So… both… go with cheese."

"Very thoughtful of you, Leanne!" Naesala said, suddenly happy. "Let's have some of this delicious cheese."

So they did, and Naesala tried very hard never to put Leanne in that situation again.

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RELAXATION

If there was a word to describe this couple, it would be "blissful." No matter what happens between them, they always make it up in the end. And despite altercations that Naesala goes through on his own time on a daily basis, it doesn't matter to Leanne. As long as the altercations are not with her, she will fully endorse and support her partner. Although often bonding between them basically amounted to badmouthing Tibarn, they were glad for their new country's freedom of speech.