"The first thing I was aware of was a bright light." She grudgingly admitted. "So I opened my eyes. I was flying high over Chima; higher than the mountains and clouds. Feeling reckless in the warm sun, I flew ever higher until even the stars were at my feet. I reached out to one of the bright lights, orange in colour. Suddenly, it seemed to speak to me.

'Eris! What are you doing? We all know you're bad at flying.'

As I stared at it, its features became sharper, and I saw that it was Laval. A green star, which was now shaped like Cragger, added:

'Yeah, and everything else you do.'

'You're even dumber than me!' Rogon mocked." Eris sniffed, and hugged herself.

"And then… and then Gorzan said:

'Dude! Even Rogon's rock is better than you at science.' Then they all started laughing and pointing at me, and saying things like,

'I don't even know why we put up with you.' And 'you're not our friend.'

The only one who said nothing was you. You just stood there and smiled at me. I couldn't tell if it was a kind, indifferent or taunting smile. It was almost like you were going to say something, but you were waiting for the right moment…" she paused for a while, and looked at Razar. The raven's head was locked forwards, and a strange expression was spread over his face. It was yearning, but also furious. Almost hungry. Eris shook herself and continued.

"As they insulted me, I started to fall. It was as if I had lost control of my wings, and was plummeting back towards the lonely, grey ground, which was now covered in dark cloud. I looked up and saw them towering over me, still pointing and giggling. Well, almost all of them. You were different again. You were diving down towards me, trying but unable to catch up. And still, that haunting smile was on your face... and still, I could not tell if it was a kind, indifferent or taunting smile. Instead of hitting the ground, I woke up." She glanced up at the raven sitting next to her again. He was still staring straight ahead. Quietly, she began to sob.

"It was neither, my friend." He spoke, solemnly. "I can't name what it was, but I feel it now. I feel…" he struggled to find the right words: "Protective. Responsible. Troubled." Razar turned his head to meet her, and they made eye contact. A spark flew between them, and the raven's heart began to beat thrice as fast as it already was.

"Eris, I want to help you with all your problems, big and small. Just tell me when you need help, and I'll be there for you, yes?"

Eris stopped her sobbing and stared at him, open eyed with wonder.

"You would do all that? For me?" she asked, incredulous. He brushed a tear off her cheek with his good hand.

"All that, and more if it meant you were happy, my love."

"What did you just call me?" asked Eris, playfully. She turned him around and placed a finger on his chest. Razar blushed. He repeated the term, shyly. Eris gripped him by the shoulder straps of his harness and pulled him toward her. They tilted their heads and exchanged a quick but sweet kiss. When they were done, they looked away awkwardly.

"So does this mean were…?" asked the eagle.

"I… I think so…" replied the raven.