Chapter 16 - Birds of Time

"But then..." I'm happy and indignant at the same time. "Why does she get to see Soren every day, and I don't?"

Twyla rolls her eyes.

"Soren can't just venture out. If he gets too close to you, Avalon wouldn't stand a chance. And if she is the Quimera of Thundervale, that would be a problem."

Even though I hate it, I have to admit that Soren and I can't contain ourselves when we're together. Still, that doesn't explain everything. Being close to Avalon must have a bigger reason for Soren, but Twyla doesn't tell me what it is.

"We both are Chimeras, and both could fit into the prophecy. I don't know why I can't be with Soren."

Twyla is losing patience.

"Don't be stubborn, Thalassa. I'm not against your romance, I've told you that. But you need to be discreet. We don't want to stir up Avalon."

I take a deep breath.

"What should I do then?" I ask because I still don't really understand.

"Be discreet. It's not a competition. Soren wants to be with you, not Avalon. But maybe she'll end up with him in the end." Twyla looks into my eyes. "You need to be aware of that and avoid scandals."

"Alright. I'll do what you're asking." I respond to Twyla.

But my thoughts focus on the fact that not all is lost. I might still have Soren after all.

---

Ycarus and I arranged to visit an aviary near the forest the next night. Various birds lived there, including some Birds of Time. We needed a few feathers from the Birds of Time for our potion, but we could only gather them during the Full Moon, and if we failed, we'd have to wait until the next Full Moon to try again.

Ycarus had obtained the dragon-serpent scales from the Snow Lands, which he bought from a merchant right here in Eldoria. He was excited to hear that I had already gotten the phoenix tears, which was by far the most challenging ingredient to find for our potion.

The aviary was on a farm on the outskirts of Eldoria. Hundreds of species lived freely there, being observed and cared for by handlers and students. The overseer of it all was old Joseph, a magizoologist who had devoted his entire life to studying birds. He accompanied us on the visit, sharing details of the aviary's history and the species living there.

The Birds of Time were impressive. Their colors were varied and bright, as if they were made of pieces of a rainbow. They flew in circles in the sky, leaving trails of light that seemed to dance as they moved. Ycarus and I watched in wonder as we walked through the aviary.

"They're amazing, aren't they?" Ycarus remarked, his eyes shining with admiration.

"Yes, I never imagined I'd see something like this," I replied, mesmerized by the spectacle of the Birds of Time.

Joseph explained to us that the Birds of Time never aged and lived for decades. For our potion, Joseph explained that we would need to collect naturally shed feathers and ensure they didn't touch the ground.

We waited for the moon to appear in the sky.

"Hey Thalassa, look at this!" Ycarus picked up something blue on the ground that looked like a small ball.

When he extended his hand towards me and opened it, I saw that the tiny ball was made of feathers, a tiny round bird.

"It's a Messenger Bird," Ycarus explained.

I looked at the bird, so small, and I was curious about how it could carry a message.

Ycarus brought the little blue feather ball close to his lips and whispered something to it.

Then he opened his hand, and the bird flew onto my shoulder.

I was startled when I heard Ycarus' voice coming from the bird on my shoulder.

"I'm happy to be making this potion with you, Thalassa. I'd be even happier if you agreed to have dinner with me."

I didn't know what to say. I didn't expect to see a bird speaking in Ycarus' voice, let alone him asking me out.

Ycarus was as red as his hair. I took the Messenger Bird and whispered a response to it.

The blue ball landed on Ycarus' shoulder and spoke clearly in my voice.

"It would be a pleasure to have dinner with you."

I don't know what's stranger, a bird speaking with my voice or Ycarus turning so red.

When the full moon illuminated the forest, the Birds of Time began to fly through the night. Ycarus and I saw some sparkling feathers falling.

After collecting the feathers we needed, we thanked the handler and bid farewell to the aviary. My good mood was high with all the positive things happening lately.

----------------------------------

It was well past midnight as I crossed the eternal flower aisle towards my room. During the night, the flowers' perfume creates a mystical aura in the air. I'll miss this place if I ever have to leave.

The sound of whispered voices catches my attention. I quickly hide behind a bush, trying to see through the diffused light among the plants, the source of the voices.

To my surprise, it's Rowan and Yvonne. What could they have to discuss so late at night? I never even imagined they were friends. I try to focus on the whispers.

"Isn't it too difficult for you to fulfill your part?" Rowen questions Yvonne.

"Of course not!" My sister's voice shows her indignation. "I gave my word, and I'll fulfill it. Justice needs to be done."

After that, they speak even lower, and I can't understand anything. Then each of them goes their own way, leaving me alone among the plants.

What happened here? What's the relationship between Rowan and Yvonne? And what does she have to do?

I don't trust Rowan, and I feel like he might get Yvonne into trouble. But she seemed determined to do her part, whatever that means.

I spent the night tossing and turning in bed. I'm sure Rowan is plotting something bad. I'm anxious for Twyla's visit. If there's anyone I can talk to about this, it's her.