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“Please tell me you will call him a phoenix to his face if you eventually meet him. And if you do, please make sure that I am around to see it.”
“Something tells me I should not do that, I say.”
Val interjects. “I was just about to say that. Please do not say that to his face.”
“So, I assume the artist is a Firebird?”
They sober up. “Yes, they did. He is. Firebirds differ from Phoenixes. They are just as tough, I guess, but they would consider phoenixes–”
“Weak.”
Val hits him on the shoulder. “More like the civilian side of things rather than a warrior caste. All phoenixes are Firebirds, but not all Firebirds are phoenixes. They’re very much as a surly as you can imagine. I don’t blame them. You're familiar with how sometimes even our own human governments treat those who have served in the military. Even though we say we are grateful for their service, our actions speak louder than our words. There is no reason they should be homeless, and without care after all they have done.”
I know. I’ve been fortunate that some of my family members have been taken care of. However, I recognized that there were so many more who have been forgotten by the system that they have protected.
“Well, I’m looking forward to the morning, then.” This is my cue to bow out for the rest of the night.
“Oh man,” Jonas says, “and here I thought you would’ve gotten your second wind by now.”
“Nothing is stopping you from having some fun, Jonah. But I cannot if I am supposed to also be on my A-game tomorrow.” I say good night to Val and Tor, who also gave me a scrapbook of their gala event and also some things to do around the town.
“If you want to visit the town outside of the arts festival,” Val says, “just let me know. I like to spend time on Main Street with Misty Brew. They also provide some of our treats here.”
Jonah perks up like an eager-beaver boy scout. “Well, how about providing the way to the Wilding Way Resort and Spa?”
Val smiles. “Well, I was going to put a basket together for the boys if you want to join me?”
“Well, if it’s for the boys…” Jonas says suggestively.
I roll my eyes. “Good night.”
“Sleep tight, Baby girl.”
I drag myself upstairs, where my room has already been set out for the night. I can get used to this. I clean up and get into bed. Of course, the second wind that I denied having earlier finally hit me, and I find myself too wired to sleep.
I leaf through the scrapbook and it’s still boggling my mind to see the various Otherkin mingle so casually with the few humans were featured in each picture.
It wouldn’t have been so long ago that these types of things were Photoshop or what not. And now here we were a generation later, another monster-controlled city and more monsters that are finding refuge here rather than offering war and violence.
Something tugged within my heart and there was there was a sort of chime or bell tone that seems to buzz around me. It stirs me, and I realize I’ve felt this before. As we approached Avalon Vale.
Just as it did then, it gives me a sense of restlessness. As if I need to find something and it’s frustrating because whatever it is, is close by and yet out of reach.
I kick the blankets off and slide out of bed. The moon was full this evening, and it cast a beautiful glow over the mountain view. I step out onto the balcony and get a jolt from the chilly night air.
Even though it is warming up during the day at night, it’s still plunges near winter temperatures.
The protected courtyard with all the various greenery and farms and trees is below. I’m not sure what I’m looking for, but I know in my gut I’ll know it when I see it.
I’m rewarded because the shadow moves. Was this Torben or is this other enchantment? Perhaps it’s one of the Forest Guardians moving among the trees.
A pair of brilliant wings arch like a cursive M above the tree line. Even in the muted colors of the night, I can tell that the wings were brilliant red. One beat down, it elevates the figure up above the tree line. I stare transfixed. he turns and I see he holds a golden apple up to his mouth. He stops mid and for one moment we gaze each other as if not quite believing that the other was there.
He smiles at me. Then, with his apple in his mouth, he winks at me. With one powerful beat of his wings, jets up into the sky and arcs toward the mountain in a fiery streak.
Remi Storm
The unholy groancoming from the adjoining room does not bode well for the day ahead.
