Feathers of Bravery

Aihla

Call it confidence or pride, I always did my best to make sure that I never let any other bird intimidate me. Given my size, it would be easy for all those bigger than me to do. But they never succeeded.

At least until now.

Riverira and Meer were new and beautiful and had their diversity of birds but it was easy walking amongst them. That doesn't sound right. What I mean is that this place is another feather.

Thierss, as I now know this place is called, is something else. It certainly has diversity and beauty. Every single bird here was a predator. A bird of prey. There were dozens of each kind. The largest of course were the eagles with their bulking bodies but I never knew just how big the others were. It was like walking amongst gaints.

Falcons, merlins, red kites and many more were all watching me. I even saw some owls lines that I thought were no longer with us.

I was too busy taking in everything that I walked right into a wall.

"You alright there, little bird?" the wall spoke. Large black wings held my own to steady me.

I looked up at the wall and saw a pink face with bright eyes staring back at me. Ok, I take it back. This bird is the largest bird I've ever seen! Sweet Holy Lakshmi!

One of his wings were at least three of me. For the first time, I felt intimidated. While I know that he wouldn't make a meal of me just yet, it was still scary knowing that he would not hesistate to the moment I was dead so it was still unsettling a bit.

"Bumped your head a little too hard there did you," he chuckled.

His laughing brought me out of my frozen state. I tried to smile and sound friendly but it just came out as a little chirp. I all but flinched when he drew me under his wing.

"Come with me little birdie. Let's get some chow in you and then afterwards I'll show you around."

Wrapping one large curtain of a wing around my shoulders, we walked into a large tavern that was livelier than the dinner hall at the palace. The birds were louder but they all were laughing and smiling. The thing that was most eye catching though was at the center of it. The cook was no bird at all. In fact I had no idea what it was. He or she didn't have any feathers or fur. They did have a tail though.

A long scaly one. It was thick, and looked like it might cause some serious damage if they hit you with it.

They were in the middle of this large metal circle. It was a grill or frying pan. This scaly being was chopping up lots of things. Meats, vegetables, fruits even bones. Some were going straight to the grill, others were into a large pot. There was even a section were the raw meat was just laying there. It wasn't being cooked or anything but it looked very clean. Not a single fly was anywhere near it.

"This little birdie, is Chef. If the scales and snout don't give you a hint then I can tell you she's a gharial. While she prefers fish and other small water dwelling creatures, she is a master at preparing meals," he led us to her and gave us a brief introduction before ordering me a house special.

He on the other hand hovered over the raw meat and began plating numerous chunks of thighs and ribs. Most of which still had fresh blood on them. Despite being next to the other portions, these were not cooked for a second.

"The house special is the best, at least that's what I'm told," he took a huge bite of thigh, clamping it down until he swallowed, "my diet though is more specific however if you couldn't tell."

He wasn't kidding. This house special was amazing. I literally felt myself gaining all my energy and power back. The flavors were fantastic. They were exploding in my mouth, layer after layer without overwhelming each other.

After taking a few more bites, I realized that we haven't been properly introduced ourselves.

"My name is Aihla, I'm from Neros. The other owl that was with me is also from Neros. Her name is Jess, she's my best friend."I try to start off lightly.

He smiles and places a piece of meat down, "It's such a pleasure to meet you Ailha. I noticed your companions. That Jess is quite the feiry one. And the dark feathered one, he's a crow right? How did that happen? I mean no offense, it's just that while I have never visited either kingdoms in fact I've never left the Geddo territory, but the rumor mill still reaches here. I thought owls and crows had bad blood between them."

My eyes are already huge but they bugged out when I heard he's never left the territory. I thought it nearly impossible for him not going anywhere until it occurred to me that it wasn't until months ago that I had finally left my own home so I really had no right to say anything on the matter.

"Bad blood sounds a bit too evil for my liking but sadly it is the more friendly way of saying it. It's a very thin, thin and shaky line of a truce. We avoid the other in any way we can, a sort of feigning the existence of one another," I try to explain, "I know how bad that sounds too but that's just how it was."

I could tell he wanted to ask me more because of the expression on his face but there really wasn't much I could elaborate on it. Instead I started telling him about how this whole journey started for us. A lot of it brought a smile to his face, which at the beginning I won't lie and say it didn't stir up my instincts but now.. well now, now I think it makes his eyes shine brighter.

"Ha! I would eat anything cooked for a week to be able to see that look of your father's and brother's," he laughs.

I almost spit out my water, "Now, now. As fascinating as that itself would be to watch, my father told me that a true royal always makes the first generosity so I can show you all the moves you wish if you have a race with me."

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Jess and Meylo enter the tavern. I quickly stand and give a whistle, waving my wing to get their attention. I kept my eye on Meylo. Not because I no longer trusted him but because he didn't look like his usual self. I mean, I know I've only known him for a couple of months but he looks so much older right now.

He makes eye contact with me and even though he gives me a smile, I can tell he's doing everything he can not to break down. I returned the smile and tried getting...

Wow, I'm awful. I'm just now realizing that I never got my companion's name. Have I really been talking that long?

Jess and Meylo make it to our table, sitting beside me. Thankfully, my new friend takes the initiative and introduces himself.

Hey my beloved readers, I'm sorry I've been a little MIA. Especially with this story. I've just been caught up with my other one. That and I've been consumed with reading, even though I barely put a dent in my TBR pile. I hope y'all can forgive me.

I promise you that I haven't forgotten about this story because I do have an endgame for it. So, I hope you guys are liking it. If you do, leave a vote or comment. I'd like to hear what you think about it so far.