#orrien

He knew that, and so he tried to plan for the worst. Most importantly, he had to make sure Blue and the others were safe. Blue was defenceless if he wasn’t there to fight. He had to keep him safe, but how could he when Erix was so good at offense compared to him? If a fight broke out he was as good as dead. Unless he reached out to Avizon in time, he was doomed.

He had tried to talk Blue into moving in with Avizon, but he wouldn't hear of it. No amount of pleading had changed his mind. Blue was just too loyal, practically devoted. It was a trait Orrien could only hope wouldn’t get him killed.

So when Erix appeared, he simply didn't know how he was meant to keep him safe.

The morning was bright and fresh when he'd woken up that morning. Blue had already scurried off to do his chores before Orrien had even woken up, but that wasn't anything new. He made breakfast while Blue fed his animals. He'd boiled the water ready for some tea and the smell of frying meat and eggs soon had Blue sitting at the table. Orrien smiled warmly and ruffled his hair. "We'll be going to Avizon's home later today. I'm sure you've missed Dyan."

Blue nodded eagerly with his mouth full of toast. "'m excited!"

The morning had been so pleasant, and it had all changed so quickly.

Orrien had been washing the dishes when he felt Erix appear outside his door. The heaviness, like a shove to the shoulder.

"Blue, here. Quickly." His plan had been to teleport straight to the castle. To bring Avizon back with him to protect everything.

Blue hesitated with his confusion. But that was enough time for the door to be thrown open. Erix attacked without hesitation.

"Look out!" Orrien yelped, making a magic shield which rattled his forearms as they protected him from the bursts of magic. He gritted his teeth and hurled some magic at him, enough that he couldn’t ignore it. He needed to buy Blue time to get to him, it was the only way they could leave. He threw Erix back into the cupboards with a wave of his magic, casting aside any tiredness he began to feel.

Only Blue ran upstairs in his fear. Orrien tried to call his name, but Erix was up with a groan and there was a dangerous fire in his eyes. Orrien couldn’t concentrate enough to find Avizon within his mind. He formed another shield, hoping beyond hope that it would be able to counter the molten orb in Erix’s hand, it crackled like lightning, glowed like fire. That was about as dark and dangerous as light magic could get. “Why are you here?” Orrien bellowed, hoping that perhaps words could end this fight before it killed him. “Nothing personal, old man.”

He hurled the orb towards Orrien, but as it flew, it changed shape, looking more like a spear. Orrien tried to jump to the side, towards the living area, but he was sure the magic followed him. He was made certain when he felt the hot rip across his side. He screamed and hit the ground hard. He felt the blood slipping fast from him. It wasn’t enough. He wasn’t enough to protect Blue.

Erix slowly made his way towards him. Orrien bit back a mewl and tried to get up, using the chaise as some kind of support. He felt Mouse hiding behind his ear. He tried to ease some healing magic into his side while he had a few seconds to spare. That just felt like he was washing out the wound with lava. He clenched his teeth hard.

“I hear you’ve been protecting Avizon. Shame, really. I didn’t mind your existence.”

“Oh I see,” Orrien spat onto the floor, getting rid of the blood that filled his mouth. “This is all for Dyan… you’re a sick piece of work. Leave us alone!” More crackling energy, and this time he hit him hard in the head. He was thrown back down into the pool of his blood. “No!” he cried out, feeling Mouse drop from his ear. It had hit him. Orrien desperately scooped him up and held him close. No, not his Mouse. Not the only thing he had left of Ro, his closest little friend. Tears pooled in his eyes. And then he felt it, the shift, the emotions snap. His rage.

He lowered Mouse down and without a word, he hurled a massive attack of energy in Erix’s direction. It was everything he had, his last chance. Erix crossed his arms over quickly, making the quickest shield he could. Orrien screamed out, but his magic was only just starting to crack the shield. He could feel himself running out. He flicked his hand down and his magic hit a weaker part of the shield. But Erix was prepared for that. He threw his arms out, and the shield practically became a mirror. And all of Orrien’s wrath crashed into him. He barely managed to reabsorb it in time to save it from killing him.

But Erix suddenly shouted in pain and Orrien’s heart froze in his chest. Blue had jumped up at him and bit him in the shoulder, shaking his head violently. He left a bad wound behind but it wouldn't kill him. “Blue, here!” Orrien cried. “Come to me!” if he could just get to him, if he could just grab his hand he could push himself on to whisk them away. But he would not leave without Blue.

With some effort, Erix managed to throw Blue off of him, and kicked him in the head, disorientating him. Blue whimpered Orrien's name, but he couldn’t get past Erix. Orrien gathered the energy to teleport behind Erix, to just grab Blue’s hand. But as soon as he did, another blast of that terrible magic slammed into his back. The scream that left his lips was cold and raw. Blue scrambled over to him, clinging to him, but Orrien was barely clinging to consciousness. He barely felt the wave of power whizz past him and hit into Blue, throwing him away from him. Orrien needed time to pull himself together. Time they didn’t have. Erix grabbed Orrien by the hair and lifted his head up high. Orrien hissed as he struggled to keep his arms under him. “You can thank Avizon’s greed for this.”

Erix slammed Orrien’s head down with such aggression that he didn’t remember hitting the floor.

His vision returned slowly, and he didn’t know how long had passed. But he was still in his home, and Erix and Blue were nowhere in sight. Immediately he feared the worst. He had to find him, he had to find his boy. With a breathless whimper, he dragged himself onwards. He tried to force himself onwards, out of the living area. He tried to gather what magic he had left, but he was spent. His only chance was the mirror in the downstairs bedroom. He could force himself to make a few drops more of magic, just a few more drops, but that meant pushing his body onwards, and it wasn’t going to be easy.

He barely made it into the hallway when he heard Erix’s footsteps. “I’m starting to see a habit in the lads you take in. They all end up dead by your fault.”

Orrien clenched his jaw. He wasn't wasting his energy answering his taunts. But Blue… he groaned and tried to desperately go faster. He needed Avizon. He needed his help-

He felt Erix's hand grip the back of his shirt and pin him to the ground just as he made it to the bedroom.

"You won't get away with this," Orrien wheezed, struggling with the tears in his eyes.

"And you won't stop me getting to that fucking bird… I wonder how many I'll have to kill to get to him. So far the tally is at one, and you're next."

It was magic related, he could feel the draining deep in his chest, but again, it wasn’t like usual, it wasn’t like he’d just ran out and needed Orrien to give him some magic. He just didn’t understand it, but he knew it wasn’t going to be easy to act like nothing was wrong. Orrien was good at noticing when something was wrong.

His eyes fluttered open to reveal a head of brown hair. He smiled weakly, knowing it was Dyan. For a moment, he savoured the comfort, the warmth that Dyan’s wings brought, the kind of warmth that just couldn’t be replicated by a blanket, but he quickly felt too warm. He could only assume he had a fever coming on.

He could hear Dyan’s breathing, the incredibly soft snore. Blue would have stayed there all day if he could, but he had to carry out his chores. He sat up, battling against the wave of dizziness that it brought him. He rubbed his head and looked down at Dyan, seeing him all cuddled up against him, so at peace. It was nice to see him looking more relaxed.

But he had to do his chores, he had to prove his worth and he had to try to work through this sickness to get rid of it. He began to sit up but someone cleared their throat. He jumped and saw Avizon sitting on the floor with Ihuka asleep in his arms. 

"Maybe you should stay in bed," he said quietly, like he was choosing his words carefully. "But my chores…" "You're wounded. You shouldn't do heavy work," Avizon advised.

Blue didn’t like hearing it. He didn’t like hearing that he wasn’t good enough to do a job- no matter what the reason. "But…" "It's alright, Blue, really," Avizon said softly. "They're no doubt already taken care of. Orrien isn't as fragile as you fear. It's alright to rest… in truth, I think you and Dyan both need time to process what happened. I think he needs you- and I'm not just saying such things to keep you in bed."

Blue slowly shuffled back down and asked, "What do you mean?" "I think he was so shocked by what had happened he'd gone numb, hidden away in his own mind. He was in a daze and I couldn’t help him. He looked so lost but the only real thought getting through to him was you…"

Blue frowned but nodded slowly. He felt… special? Important? He wasn’t sure how to explain it. To be the one thing that Dyan was holding onto… well, he was just glad he was able to help. Dyan must have been so worried…  so scared.

Blue whimpered in the back of his throat."I… I think I've run out of magic… I need to tell mas- I mean… tell Orrien." "He was going to come up in a few minutes. Can you hold or is it an emergency?"

"I.it can wait a little longer," Blue answered but he winced in pain at his shoulder. The bite that cloudwalker had left behind still hurt him badly. He didn’t want to look at it. He didn’t want to see the disapproval from his own kind that would scar his skin forever.

Avizon frowned at him and sighed, “It… It’s going to be alright, Blue. I am not always good with my words and I am sorry I cannot say or do more, but things will be alright.”

Blue’s head shot towards the door as quiet footsteps neared and Orrien appeared. “Easy, easy… You look awful…” “He told me he needed magic,” Avizon said. Orrien rolled up his sleeves, “That can be arranged. Hold still, my lad.”

Blue offered him his neck with a whimper, letting his weather-worn fingertips gently press against the tattooed skin, for him to begin to mutter the spell that would give him some magic to keep him alive. Blue battled against tears, but it wasn’t because of pain. Orrien was always so gentle when he gave him magic, but he hated this, he hated having to be dependent on another. He wanted his wings back, he wanted to fly, to fish- to be accepted!

He wanted to be a cloudwalker again.

When Orrien was finished, Blue was surprised to find he didn’t feel that much better. He reluctantly admitted it to Orrien. “I… I don’t know if it worked? I still feel bad, but usually...”

“There are a lot of people with powers in this room, it could be that your body is picking up on that. But you’ve also lost blood and been healed a lot. Perhaps you should sleep, and if that hasn’t helped, I’ll see what I can do,” Orrien suggested.

Blue looked down at Dyan and then to the window. He liked being near him, but at the same time, he needed air, he needed to be alone for a little while. The barn was his favourite place to go. That was where he could think and doze off in the hay and be at peace. The more he thought about it, the more he needed to get out of this bed and go there. He didn’t like seeing all their pitiful expressions.

“I… can I go in the barn?” Orrien sighed softly. “Alright, but please don’t be doing any work.” Blue nodded. He eased his way out of bed, biting back whimpers, but Orrien could see his pain. He helped him up and out of bed.

Dyan let out a soft whine in his sleep, so Orrien lifted Ihuka onto the bed, putting him in his place. So Avizon could actually stand up. Blue felt bad. He wanted to stay, but right now, he just didn’t feel like he belonged beside a cloudwalker, and Dyan’s warm wings were just too much for him right now. Orrien watched him hobble down the stairs with great concern. Blue could feel his gaze on his back. He couldn't blame him. Moving had not made him feel any better.

Blue kept walking, even as dizziness plagued his vision. He kept going, and he was exhausted before he got to the barn, but his legs kept going. He winced and dropped down in his little corner, resting his head against a small square bale of hay. Quiet, comfortable… alone. He didn’t know why he suddenly felt a little better, like the source of the discomfort was gone. Maybe Orrien was right, it was because he was next to so many with powers, but then… he’d never felt like that before around them. 

He didn’t have the time to dwell on it. As his spirit settled back down, the pain in his shoulder increased. He whimpered and tugged off his bandages with difficulty as his arms grew heavy. What was wrong with it?!

He froze when he saw it. The bite mark had turned coal black, was crumbling and oozing like charred wood. He gulped. This was not natural. This was magic and this was bad. He thought Orrien had cleaned this up last night, it shouldn’t have been like this- but then again, despite all the wounds he’d ever gotten, he’d never seen anything like this before. He needed to get to Orrien. Orrien was his best chance. He’d know what to do.

But as soon as he stood up, he swayed badly. He tried to call for help, but it was getting hard to breathe. Every attempt came out as a wheeze. He had to make it to the door, he just had to…

He collapsed with a whimper, and then everything went dark.

*Segment Break*

Dyan woke with a whimper as he narrowly escaped a nightmare before it got too bad. He shuddered and was surprised by the feeling of warmth, of wings other than his own wrapped around him. Ihuka. He was used to that now, but he could have sworn he’d fallen asleep with Blue next to him. He wasn’t sure. That afternoon was so hazy to him now…

He dragged himself up and out of the bed, cradling his worst-felt injuries, the deep scratches on his side, that twinged with pain with every breath. Where was Blue? He was worried about him. Why hadn’t he been in bed? Had he gone to do his chores after that horrible attack yesterday? Dyan wasn’t sure, he just really needed to see him, to hold him and know for sure that he was alright.

Tiptoeing downstairs, he was met by Avizon and Orrien in the kitchen. Orrien was washing dishes while staring out of the window, in the direction of the barn. Avizon was sitting at the table, nursing a mug.

“Dyan?” Avizon said with concern. “Are you sure you should be up so soon? You were feverish the last I checked on you.” “I was worried about Blue...” Dyan admitted. “He wasn’t in bed, so. I.I thought it would be alright to look for him.”

Avizon sighed and beckoned him closer, putting a hand against his forehead once Dyan was close enough. Dyan couldn’t help but lean into the coolness. He sighed softly.

“He’s in the barn, I’ll take you over so you can see him and know he’s alright, but then I really think you should get some rest. You’ve a lot of wounds, little bird. That fever isn’t one to ignore...”

Dyan sighed and nodded, hugging his side a little closer. “I think… maybe I have an infection, master, some of my wounds are stinging a lot.” Avizon gently swept the hair out of his face. “Then we’ll change your bandages and have a look. Let’s go and get Blue, he’ll need his done as well.”

“I’ll get everything ready,” Orrien said.

Dyan helped Avizon up and passed him his cane so they could set off. Avizon took Dyan’s blanket from the back of the armchair and put it over Dyan’s shoulders. “It’s a cool wind,” he supplied a little awkwardly. Dyan didn’t mind. He appreciated the care.

They went outside to find Blue, but when Dyan called out there was no reply. Avizon frowned. “Eyes open, Dyan, be alert- just in case.” Dyan gulped and nodded, but his pace quickened. He needed to see Blue. He couldn’t shake his worry, the feeling that something was wrong.

He opened the barn door carefully, and when his eyes settled on a figure on the floor. That familiar mop of blond hair, the pretty feather earrings he wore, the clothes to hide his scars. Dyan saw him laying motionless on the floor.

He screamed in horror but bolted forwards, not caring about any threats that could be lingering. He just wanted to get to Blue. He just had to get to his Blue.

Dyan nodded. Avizon kept smiling, fear and magic were a terrible combination. It was important to avoid that within the first few lessons.

"I'm going to go over the basics with you, the rules we're meant to abide by, the dangers and what you have to be very careful of when wielding."

"Yes, master."

Avizon used his powers to bring a history book closer to him from the table beside him. “The first thing you have to know… magic in this world is no blessing. For most of us, it leads to servitude and misery- but I will protect you. Still, you need to know our history." He clicked thought he book, finding images to show him, of mages bowing at royals, leading armies. "For hundreds of years, people with magic have been taken by those in power, royalty usually, and have been forced to serve… not too unlike cloudwalkers, I suppose. Royals used us for a long time, some still do, but I believe I… shook things up somewhat. By turning on the kingdom, it meant other kingdoms fear a repeat… I did explain this to you, didn't I? Why I attacked the castle?"

"You said they took something from you, master. So you took over the castle."

Avizon sighed softly. "That's… close enough. The king killed the man I loved and tortured me… he was a terrible person, so I killed the royal family and took over. But you must remember, Dyan. I use dark magic, and it's bad. You will only use light magic, and you won't struggle like I do. But I need you to know, once you tap into your magic, there's no going back, and you will be a target, even more so than before. You'll be the only cloudwalker in the world with magic. You change everything, little bird. I will protect you, I swear, but you have to understand there's always a chance I'll fail. It's your decision, and you must be sure. You can say no, we'll stand and walk away from this. I wouldn't be mad. I'd be unsure what to decide myself in all honestly."

Dyan was quiet for a few moments. Avizon was patient. "But having magic would mean I could protect myself too… wouldn't it- if you'll let me, master?"

"Yes, it would."

Dyan rubbed his arm nervously. "Then… if I could be safe from Erix… I would like to learn, master. I want to be strong, like you, and I could protect you too!"

Avizon stroked his hair softly and smiled. "Do this for yourself, Dyan, not for him or me. But, if you want to learn, close your eyes, focus on that darkness… be patient, let it wrap around you… until there's nothing but my voice, and the gentle dark. It's a nice dark, trust it."

Avizon waited until the tension began to leave Dyan's body. "Good… just relax… There is magic inside you, Dyan, power. But it is not to be feared, just as you don't fear your wings. The magic is part of you, it belongs with you, and can be used as easily as wiggling your fingers with practice."

Dyan's brow furrowed ever so slightly and Avizon saw him moving his fingers, but then he relaxed again. "But just as you're responsible for your own actions, you must be responsible for your power. Light magic is part of you, not just an entity inside of you. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes," he murmured.

Avizon nodded to himself. So far so good. "Try to feel the magic inside you, you might feel it buzzing or pulsing or flowing like water. Imagine it inside you, a soft glow… I suggest imagining a well or a glass, a container that can be added to or taken from. What do you see? What comes to mind first?"

"A bucket… t.there's a big tap above it, drawing water from the ground- like the water pump you have in the castle…"

"Good… good, that works nicely. Now, all of your magic resides in that bucket, waiting patiently. You can take magic from it. You can pour only a tiny bit out, perhaps keeping it as a steady flow, or you can dump it all at once. Your emotions usually influence that, they influence how much pours. It's important to master your emotions. Even when I am angry, even though I have dark magic, I do my best to never let it mix with my emotion. I keep them separated. If not, things can end badly, but you don't need to worry about that just yet. Imagine your power, little bird, feel it."

Dyan concentrated hard, and Avizon was surprised when a gentle light emerged in Dyan's fingertips. His smile widened. "Good, very very good. You've found it. Spend some time with it, get to know it."

Avizon waited and watched as Dyan explored his newfound power, but he frowned when Dyan's hands got brighter.

"Easy… don't pour so much. Just a little trickle…"

But it only got brighter. Avizon wasn't too concerned, he simply put his hands on Dyan's. "Open your eyes, Dyan. Close the door in your mind to the power."

"I… I can't…" he whimpered, even after he opened his eyes.

Avizon studied him softly and saw how his broken horn was glowing, getting brighter and brighter. The power grew and despite Avizon's gentle attempts to ease Dyan away from it, the power was only getting stronger. "Try to calm it, ease it back. Don't be afraid."

It happened so quickly, Avizon wasn't able to prepare. He was thrown back against the wall with a worrying amount of force. He hit the wall hard and dropped to the floor, stomach lurching, head spinning. He groaned and looked up to see Dyan floating in the air, magic swirled around him, bright white and fierce. Stray pages of paper went flying, documents Avizon had been working on were scattered. Paintings swung on the walls and some fell. The fear was clear to read on Dyan's expression, and his magic was responding to it, wrapping around him, protecting him. Avizon grimaced. He'd never seen or heard of anything like this before. It needed to be contained. "Master!" Dyan yelped.

"Sleep!" he ordered, sending a powerful wave of magic out at him. Dyan yelped, but the magic jerked outwards, batting his spell away and Dyan remained awake.

"Don't be frightened, Dyan. You're safe, I swear," Avizon said quickly. "You just need to contain it. Don't be afraid, trust me. Calm down, be brave."

But Dyan was struggling, though he was trying to take deep breaths. It would take too long and he'd get too drained before he calmed. This wasn't natural. Avizon dug deeper, concocting a perfect attack, a sleeping spell perfectly wrapped in an attack to get through Dyan's defenses. It was clear Dyan was naturally good at resisting, but he hoped this would work.

"Close your eyes!" he called out. Dyan clamped them shut, giving Avizon the chance to hurl the attack at him without him being prepared. The attack hit, struggling for only a moment before breaking through the defenses and knocking Dyan out cold. He fell to the floor and Avizon barely managed to catch him with his magic.

Avizon wasn't sure when Ihuka had rushed into the room, feathers up and teeth bared, but now he only stared, greatly confused… and afraid.

"It's alright, Ihuka. It's alright."

Avizon frowned deeply. This shouldn't have happened. Certainly not on the first lesson. He brought Dyan closer to him and carefully carried him to bed, settling him down under the covers. Then he went to get his mirror. First of all, he needed Orrien. He had no idea how he was meant to explain this.

Orrien appeared within a few minutes, bringing Blue with him who immediately scurried to Dyan's side. He lay by his side and gently nudged him with his head, frowning deeply.

"He's just sleeping, Blue, he's alright," Avizon promised him. 

Ihuka was content curling up at the bottom of their bed, and so Avizon decided it was safe to leave them all be. He and Orrien sat in the room next door, making use of the two chairs and the table, where board games were usually placed. For now, the table only carried their cups.

"Explain to me then, from the beginning, how Dyan lost control as you say," Orrien said softly.

Avizon did so, leaving no detail out.

"It's… odd. When I asked him to calm, he said he couldn't. It was like something was stopping him. You told me magic was a like a sapling when you first found it, but that… that was like years of practice."

Orrien's gaze had wandered down to his hands where Mouse the dragon was weaving through his fingers. They stopped once or twice, stuck their tongue out at Avizon, and then continued on their way.

"You said his horn was glowing… was it just the broken one?"

"Yes and at the source of the break. I can't help but wonder if that was why he couldn't stop his magic- almost like his little bucket has a hole in it."

"If that's the case, I can advise against teaching him to produce magic. Spells like using the mirror should still be possible… perhaps. I think Rhix would be able to help him with his horn, but, well, that solution has its own set of problems."

Avizon grimaced. "I'm not sure if I like the idea of the circle knowing Dyan has power, especially if Erix should hear. I fear how he would react to such a thing. I don't want to put Dyan in any danger. Besides, so long has passed I don't even know if I can trust Rhix. I should be able to make something myself, I wasn't awful at containment magic, Rhix is just better."

Orrien inclined his head. "Yes… I think you could manage such a thing. But I imagine you'd have to replace the tip of the horn or cap it. That's no simple feat."

"I have the time. But I need your help, I want you to try to teach him, see if you can find a way or if it's just my presence- the dark magic." "I don't think it will make a difference, lad, but I can try." Avizon pursed his lips. "Maybe this was not the best idea."

"One failure does not make something a bad idea. We need time to learn this to understand. Dyan is strong hearted. He can learn. He can do anything with the right help."

Avizon smiled softly. "Aye, you're right…"

"Master?" a soft voice came from next door. Avizon raised an eyebrow and stood up. He made his way next door and Orrien followed. They found Dyan was waking up, but his horn was beginning to softly glow again. Ihuka, who had called for them, pointed at it with concern. Blue was hugging Dyan's arm, pressing his head against him and softly pleading that he calm down.

Orrien stepped forward quickly and began to murmur magic under his breath, holding his hand out over Dyan's broken horn. He kept murmuring until the glow faded away. Dyan whimpered and carefully reached up to touch his horn.

"That should be the end of it for now. I used a simple but strong containment spell for now, so you can use all of your magic in making something for him. I'd hate for you to burn out, Dyan.

Blue raised his head and smiled softly at Dyan. Dyan let out a happy cheep and hugged him tight, which brought a lump to Avizon’s throat. He could only guess Dyan had only just realised who was beside him.

“How are you, Dyan?” he asked gently. Dyan pulled away from Blue and tried to bring himself to look at Avizon, but his nerves were clear. “I, I’m fine. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to-”

“It’s not your fault, but we will find a way to mend this little problem. You don’t need to feel guilty.” “But I hurt you...” Dyan whimpered.

Orrien’s attention shot back to Avizon, looking him up and down for any sign of injury. Avizon waved it off as nothing. "It's alright, I promise. It was an accident." Though he’d bumped his head, he was sure he was fine. He hadn’t lost consciousness, and the bump was very small.

Yet still Orrien checked his head when Avizon finally confessed what injury Dyan was referring to. Avizon closed his eyes and relaxed a little as Orrien looked through his hair and he couldn’t help but lean into it. He sighed softly, realising how much he’d missed people over the years, how much he missed being held by Ro, by anyone. He hoped he'd be able to ask one of the birds to cuddle with him later, to ease that need for physical contact. 

Avizon, once Orrien had deemed him well enough, ruffled Dyan's hair. "Get some rest. Using your magic the first few times can be tiring."

Dyan snuggled with Blue and eventually faded off to sleep. Ihuka looked to Avizon with big sad eyes. Avizon wasn't sure what was wrong, but he sat down and patted his lap to encourage him to come closer. Ihuka cautiously climbed up and rested his head on his chest. Avizon smiled and held him close, taking a moment to savor the company. It helped him more than he expected it to. He wondered if Ihuka was just missing the contact, if the the changes to Dyan’s behaviour were beginning to affect him too. He wasn’t sure, but at least Ihuka was brave enough to come to him for help.

“Ummm… knife, pot, bowl,” he pointed to each item. “Fire… hot. d.dangerous?” “Yes, fires are hot and dangerous.” Orrien grinned and pointed to a pan. “And what’s in there?” “Dinner!” he beamed. Orrien and Avizon chuckled. “You’re making quite the chef out of young Ihuka.” Orrien chuckled and collected a bowl of stew for Ihuka. “And I found a way to get him to eat his v-e-g.” “Drowned in gravy and stock?” Avizon guessed. Orrien winked.

It was true, Ihuka would have to start to eat vegetables since he wasn’t getting the greens now he wasn’t in the wild. Avizon wanted to be able to keep him healthy and happy.

Orrien gave him the bowl. “Off with you now, go eat outside.”

“Eat… out...side...” he pointed to the window. “Yes, outside, clever bird.” Ihuka beamed and left. “He’s gone to sit on the step, bless his heart. He’s a good lad, really. It’s nice being able to teach him words.”

Avizon nodded. “I just hope I can undo the damage I’ve done...”

Orrien looked up at him and sighed. “I think you can, with time. He’s bouncing back, but I think he also knows you didn’t mean it. He can see your regret.” “I hope so… I also noticed something… A few days after Ihuka bit me, I began to change. Seeing Blue’s bite, get infected like that… I can’t help but wonder if Ihuka biting me… if it… changed me, helped tilt the scales.”

“Perhaps so.” “And to think that’s what I broke him for...” Avizon mumbled. “All my life I swore I’d never be anything like Halve, but I fear that is what I have become-” Orrien’s mood immediately darkened. “Do not say that name in this home. And you are nothing like that man, or his bitch of a daughter.” Avizon flinched at his sudden change. “I’m sorry. But I almost killed Ihuka, how am I that much better?” “Because you feel guilt. You feel regret. That is why.” Orrien gestured for him to sit and reluctantly, Avizon did so. Orrien sat opposite him.

Avizon sighed. “Is that enough to separate me from that monster?” “Yes. It is. Now please, you need to dismiss those thoughts. You are better than him. Ro loved you, you don’t get to compare yourself to that beast. Where is this coming from, Avizon?”

Avizon found the wooden table beneath him to be the better thing to look at. “I’ve had too much time to think about all the wrong I have done… Seeing how my birds react to me… I… Seeing Blue and Dyan, how they need each other… It has brought up memories. All I can see are the similarities between me and… him.” He looked down at his hand, at the small scar on the top of his hand that the princess had left behind from one of her attacks.

Avizon sighed. “I’m having a difficult day, I suppose.”

“What you went through was by no means easy. You pushed your body to its limit and then so much further. You were lost, yes, but you are also trying to find yourself again, to be better.” Orrien carefully put a hand on his hand. “Is there anything I can do?”

Avizon shook his head. “I think I’ll go for a ride. You should know, our guest, Tashka, is still in the barn, I believe. He has promised to not attack this place again.”

“Good… How is Blue anyway? Did he wake?” “He cracked open his eyes a little, but I left him with Dyan since Dyan was having a hard time too. He practically asked me to punish him and muzzle him but I refused… He thought I was going to take his other horn when he accidentally snarled at me.” Orrien frowned. “Poor bird… With Blue, we never got around to working past his fear of taking off his collar. But Dyan wasn’t threatened by its removal. Perhaps you could get him a weighed necklace, something he can feel, to reassure him on his more vulnerable days, when he feels like he is doing wrong? It is hard for them to adapt at times.”

Avizon nodded slowly. “I will speak to him when he’s calm and see what we can do. He looked about ready to fall asleep when I left him.” Orrien excused himself from the table. “I’d like to pop my head around the door and make sure everything is well. I was meaning to check on Blue anyway. What he went through…  I shouldn’t be long.” Orrien gestured to the pot. “You should eat.” Avizon nodded but he didn’t hear the words he said. He was lost in thought, staring at his scarred hand. He shuddered with the memories, but Orrien had already left. He didn’t need to see this, he didn’t like to have people see his struggling.

And so his mind wandered, and Avizon couldn’t reel it back in. All he could think about was his time at that cursed castle, the pain he’d endured, to all the events that had led him into darkness, and despair…

Several Years ago...

Avizon groaned as he made his way up the many stairs to get to the top of the tower to see Orrien and have his wounds checked over from the day before. Orrien had healed him well, but he needed to keep a close eye on it. Avizon had been unconscious after one of the princesses 'gifts' had left him too close to death. 

It had been a bad stab wound sent in a fit of rage because Avizon hadn't knelt fast enough with his still healing leg injury from several days prior. Nothing he could do was ever enough for that woman or her father. Every failure brought pain which brought more failure. It was a cycle he couldn't escape from but he was running out of blood to give.

He'd only just gotten to the top, panting for breath, when he came face to face with Princess Eriona. He bit back a whimper and bowed. "Your Highness." "Downstairs, now," she hissed. "You didn't make an appearance yesterday."

Because he was unconscious, but that wasn't an answer he could provide. "Yes, your Highness… my sincerest apologies."

With every day that passed the desire to kill that bitch grew, but he was too terrified to ever act upon such thoughts.

Despite struggling all the way up the stairs, he now had to go back down. He politely invited Eriona to go first, but she slapped the back of his head and shoved him towards the stairs. He struggled to keep his balance as he limped down faster than he wanted to. He blinked away tears and bit back a grimace as the spiking pain increased rapidly.

"Hurry up!"

Despite his pain, he did so, his limp growing worse. He was in so much pain but he just couldn't stop. It wasn’t an option, she was already clearly so mad.

"You had the audacity to get my father involved, getting me into trouble for lowering his 'security'. Like you could do anything! You're worthless, pathetic! And one day once father is dead you'll be mine to hurt as I wish!"

She kicked him in the back of the head before he could string together some sort of reply, sending him down half a dozen stairs before he could catch himself. His stomach flipped when he felt something give in his shoulder. He cried out in pain, holding onto it with a strangled sob. He could only guess it had dislocated. He struggled to get up again with three shaky limbs. He choked back a sob. He was sure he'd opened his stab wound too. He clamped his eyes shut.

"Please, mistress," he whimpered, daring to use the other name she liked him to use when they were alone. "I..."

"Get up!" she spat, grabbing him by the hair and yanking up.

Avizon struggled to his feet and had no choice but to keep walking. His body burned with the pain he was in. He cried out as he hobbled, keeping a hand against the wall for support.

"Cry all you want, coward, you will be punished."

Finally, he made it to the bottom of the stairs, snivelling, whimpering, and shaking. He just couldn't take this anymore. He just couldn't live the rest of his life like this. He yearned for the day he could be free from this, from the pain. Ro always told him he didn’t deserve this, but then why did he always suffer so?

Avizon gulped as she forced him on into a storage cupboard. He knew what to expect, and he could only try to defend himself from the beating he received from her. He tried to protect his shoulder and hold on as best he could as he could until her frustration died down. That was all he was to her, a punching bag, a means of gaining satisfaction from hurting others. He was nothing in her eyes. The king wouldn’t correct her either, he just made sure she didn’t kill him. He curled up in the corner and gradually fell down to the ground with each devastating blow to his already broken body.

He screamed when she got him to the ground and started to kick him in the ribs. He wheezed and curled up until finally, finally, she stopped, panting for breath. She reached up into her hair and Avizon braced in advance, turning his head away. There was a sudden pain in his hand and he cried out. Then there was a yanking sensation, and blood flowed freely. Stabbed with her hairpin. He tried to focus on breathing, to get gulps of air past his frozen lungs and broken ribs. He tried not to stare at his hand.

“Do not ignore me next time I call for you,” she glowered. He lay on the floor, battered, broken, and in so much pain he just simply could not move even if he wanted to. His eyes were dull and unseeing. He barely managed to choke out, “Yes, m.mistress...”

She left him alone, to lay on the floor in agony, out of sight of anyone in the castle. He closed his eyes and waited for unconsciousness, for someone to find him. He didn’t care which anymore. This was the life he had almost always lived, and there would be no escape from it…

He didn’t remember falling unconscious, but he woke to the feeling of warmth on his cheek, a hand, and not just anyone. “Open your eyes, my love, please open your eyes… Oh, by the realms… W.what the fuck has she done to you this time?...”

Avizon opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out, only a feeble sob. He forced his eyes open a crack, just enough to see his beautiful green eyes. “R.Ro...”

Ro hushed him gently and kissed his forehead. "I've got you. My father's on his way- stay awake, sweetheart, please stay awake."

Avizon didn't even try to sit up. He couldn't if he wanted to. He was battling with his heavy eyelids, the whispered promise of painlessness. Ro sat down beside him and pulled him into his lap with care. Avizon whimpered as his shoulder moved but he tried to stay quiet for Ro. He wanted the comfort. The pain was so heavy he couldn't breathe.

"Ro?" Orrien called. "In here. I.it's bad," Ro answered.

Avizon saw the tears in his eyes and reached up with a bloody hand to wipe his tears away but thought better of it. His hand was so covered that it would have marked his face. He didn't want to do that to him.

"'m okay," he mumbled instead, even if he felt like anything but.

The first thing Orrien did when he saw him was swear. “She’s getting out of control,” he hissed, kneeling down to assess the injuries. Avizon whimpered and tried to push his hand away from his now clearly bleeding wound. “N.no, master, p.please...”

Orrien gently put his hand on Avizon’s forehead, assessing his temperature. “I’m going to have to inform the king again-”

Since lifting him and Dyan up in the air, Avizon had been confined to his bed while Orrien had looked after him and treated his fever. Blue felt guilty about it, he should have known that Avizon would be drained. Orrien had swatted those concerns of his away, insisting it wasn’t his fault. Avizon had offered to do it, and had done it. 

It seemed like a mild enough illness, or at least, Orrien had told them not to worry. He was asleep most of the time, just getting it out of his system by resting. It had meant the birds had been free to do whatever they wanted, and that had been to stay with Blue.

Blue had struggled to get the image of Avizon out of his mind. He’d looked so sick and pale and his eyes were dark and dull. Blue had brought him soup a few times and Avizon had looked awful. His breathing had been raspy, but he’d managed to force himself up, to mumble a thanks and eat maybe a quarter of the bowl. but he was healing more and more. Avizon scared him more than he wanted to admit. He’d really hurt Ihuka, and he couldn’t help but fear making a wrong move, even if Orrien reassured him that Avizon had changed and certainly wouldn’t hurt him.

But around Dyan, he felt safe… he didn’t understand why. It wasn’t like Dyan could protect him. Perhaps it was because they’d had similar experiences- whatever it was, it was good. He was glad he had friends like Dyan and Ihuka now. The days weren’t so lonely and long...

The night before, the three of them had climbed onto the roof to stargaze. It was an activity Blue did more than he liked to admit, dreaming about the days when he’s been able to fly up there to try to meet them. He’d wanted to share it with them. Dyan had really loved it up there, and the three had eaten liquorice together. Blue had given Ihuka and Dyan some fruit too. Ihuka had been very confused by the taste and the texture, but after a few confused bites, he’d grown to enjoy it. Nectarines were Blue’s favourite fruit that Orrien was able to get for him. Dyan wasn’t quite so horrified by the idea of eating the fruit, but he’d been awkward with eating it, trying to catch all the juice that dripped down his arms.

Blue smiled to himself as he lay in bed between the two of them as the sun peeked through the window. They’d all stayed up late, and Dyan had ended up falling asleep against Blue’s shoulder on the roof, holding his hand as a reassurance. He’d been afraid of getting caught or falling off. But Blue had managed to comfort him. 

They had indeed been caught, not that they were in trouble. Dyan had stayed asleep, a good sign as to how relaxed he had become. Orrien had managed to carefully carry him downstairs and back to bed. Blue and Ihuka had snuggled up to him and they’d fallen asleep.

But now he was a little late for caring for the horses, so he couldn’t savour the peace. He crept out of bed, though unsuccessfully. Dyan woke up, opening one eye. “Huh… when did I...”

“Orrien carried you down, you fell asleep,” Blue explained, shoving on his big boots. He rubbed his eyes and yawned, “You wanna come?” Dyan nodded quickly and made his way out of the mess of blankets and wings. He’d only just gotten out of the bed when the door opened to reveal Orrien.

“I have a spot of news. Avizon’s fever has broken. He intends to go home tomorrow.” Blue’s face fell. “Alright...”

Orrien ruffled his hair and smiled softly. “Don’t be glum, lad. So today, I want you to all go and have fun. Chores are cancelled today.” What? No, he couldn’t let Orrien do everything on his own, he was old. “But-” “I can manage, Blue, and besides, I want Avizon to prove he’s as healed as he says he is. It’s his turn.”

Blue sighed and let his head drop for a moment, “If you’re sure, thank you… I was wondering if we could go to the lake today?” “Hmm, it’s a little further out than I’d like you to be, but I can go with you and forage.” Blue nodded, “Thank you. I would like that.”

Orrien nodded. “Well then, it seems you’d best try to wake Ihuka up.”

Orrien left and Blue and Dyan looked at each other. Dyan grinned shyly and picked up a pillow, before hitting Ihuka on his buttocks. Hard enough to feel it, but not enough to startle him and scare him. Ihuka grumbled and reached for it, throwing it back at Dyan. It managed to hit him in the face with a soft oof, so Dyan hit him again, a little harder and in the back.

“Wake up, wake up! We can go and play in the lake today!” Dyan cheeped, hitting him again and again with the soft pillow until he finally turned onto his back, taking care not to pluck out any feathers. Dyan tossed the pillow onto him, leaving it to just lie on his face. “How can you be so awake?...” Ihuka groaned. He yawned and sat up.

The three of them got ready quickly, and they heard Orrien and Avizon outside.

“Are you trying to rip my stitches?” “You’re going to manage that without my help, m’boy,” Orrien said. “My point is you’re not healed enough. What are you so determined to get back for?” "There are things that need guarding in the castle and I don't want some maniac getting their hands on them. Besides, I feel a lot safer in a castle than a little farm."

“Didn’t I teach you feel safe within yourself and abilities, not a place?” “Well, yes, but that doesn’t mean a castle isn’t more fortified than a farmhouse.” Orrien studied him for a moment. “You’re dependent on it… You haven’t left for so long… even as the most powerful man.”

Avizon sighed and shook his head, but then he looked up at the window and spotted the three of them. Blue and Dyan tried to hide, but Ihuka stayed standing, unaware the others had moved. Avizon shook his head and smiled.

They made their way downstairs once they were all ready and once Orrien was ready, they set off. Avizon was happier staying at the house, finishing tending to the animals and then he could sit and rest for the rest of the day.

Blue kept close to Orrien as they walked, keeping his head constantly moving, looking for danger, for the threat of men. “You’re alright, Blue,” Orrien said softly. “You’re safe and you’re going to have a fun day, remember? You can spend a few hours by the lake and play.”

Blue nodded slowly and took a deep breath to calm himself. “Yes… i.it’s going to be fun,” Blue said softly. “I’m safe… I’m safe.” Dyan inched closer to him and offered him a hand to hold. Blue took it with a shy smile. Orrien raised an eyebrow before shrugging and smiling. “Good lad. Here we are anyway.”

They made it to the lake and Orrien set down a basket full of fruit and meats and then a towel for them to share. “Remember, Blue,” Orrien said gently. “If anything happens, which I doubt, but if. Pretend to be a human. It’s awful, but pretend that you own them, that you’re minding them for me. It will keep you safe.”

Blue nodded silently.

Orrien smiled, ruffled his hair, and left them to play. Ihuka went straight into the water and splashed around, putting his head half under and blowing bubbles, and spending the time to wash his feathers. Dyan was hesitant.

“What’s wrong?” Blue asked him gently “T.the water… I’ve… I’ve never...” Blue’s face fell. “You’ve never been in real water- like outside water?” Dyan lowered his head. “I’m sorry. I’ve never even seen something like this before... I didn’t think it’d be scary, but...”

Blue took off his boots and then reached for his shirt but paused. He didn’t want all his clothes to get soaked, but he was also self-conscious. He felt the joints twitching in his back, joints that had once served the purpose of carrying his wings. His scars from where he’d had his wings removed weren’t clean cuts, and they’d healed badly. He hadn’t planned on really going in the water, but if Dyan had never even gotten to see something like this, well, he had to help him. He’d lived and lost, but Dyan had never gotten to experience it. He took off his shirt and took a deep breath. Dyan understood scars, he wasn’t afraid to show him. He took his pants off but left his undergarments on.

Blue held out his hand. “Trust me.”

Dyan bit his lip but nodded. Blue waited until he’d taken off most of his clothes and then Dyan took his hand. They waded forward together, but Dyan paused before his feet touched the water. “Just one little step,” Blue said softly.

Dyan closed his eyes tight and jumped, making Blue’s legs cold and wet. “Well, that wasn’t little, but you did it!” Blue cheeped. “It’s cold!“ he shrieked with a giggle.

He watched as Dyan stood fascinated for a moment, before he started to move around, to kick his legs out. He let out a happy trill noise and waded deeper, up to his hips. He splashed and giggled and Blue joined him, letting himself be silly for a little while.

Ihuka showed Dyan how to bathe his wings in the water, and Dyan seemed to really enjoy it.  They played and had contests to see who could throw the pebbles the furthest, and Blue went for a swim, but Dyan and Ihuka were too afraid to follow with the weight of their wings.

Blue guessed over an hour had passed, but he wouldn’t be surprised if it had been longer. He was getting cold, so he put his shirt back on and his boots after struggling to get all the sand and gravel off his feet. They all sat by the lake and ate, snuggling together under blankets to warm up.

Life was good, and it was better by Dyan, but then Blue paused, hearing something. Ihuka froze too. Blue heard it again, the soft whoosh. That was someone flying, and true enough, when he looked up, he saw a white winged cloudwalker.

And they were flying right towards him, with their teeth bared and claws ready. 

Ihuka shrieked out a warning and Blue tried to get up to run, to move, but the cloudwalker was fast. They tumbled backwards with the massive weight slamming into him. Blue cried out, feeling claws dig into his shoulder and skin tear. Instincts made him fight, to try to claw and bite like he used to but he had no nails, and he had no fangs. He was-

“Human!” the cloudwalker hissed. It snapped at his throat and Blue barely managed to push him to the side, saving his throat, but he bit his shoulder. Blue screamed but he didn’t get the time to do anything else. Ihuka dived at the cloudwalker, but he clawed at Ihuka’s chest, knocking him back as he did so just long enough to drag Blue into the air. Blue let out a mercy squeak.

Dyan screeched and leapt up, flapping his wings hard, just getting high enough to grab Blue’s leg, to be able to reach the other cloudwalker and actually started to fight him in midair. Biting, scratching, snarling, the noise was awful and brought the panic to spike in Blue’s chest, but Dyan’s midair fight forced the cloudwalker to let go of Blue.

Blue clamped his eyes shut, bracing for hitting the hard stone ground, but he was met by air. He dared to open his eyes and saw Orrien at the treeline, his hand outstretched. He looked over to see Dyan had also been caught from falling, covered in blood and whimpering. The cloudwalker screeched at the two of them. “Stupids!” He shouted. “He’s human! You’re prisoners! Fight! Flee!”

“He’s one of us!” Ihuka roared. “Leave him alone!”

The cloudwalker landed on the ground, fluffing up his feathers with his teeth bared, oh so ready to fight. Ihuka did the same and Dyan dragged himself up despite the pain he was in and followed suit, and he was a lot bigger. They were both in between Blue and the new cloudwalker, snapping and snarling, hurling threats back and forth. But Blue didn’t care. He had to go. He knew there was a little cave close by, just on the side of the cliff behind them. He couldn’t stay here.

As soon as Orrien put him on the ground he sprinted off, doing the only thing he was good for now, and that was hiding, letting others fight his battles for him because he was powerless. Human. Blood streamed down his body from his wounds. He heard the squawking and squealing of a small fight but then he heard flapping again and squeaked, “let me go! They took my wings, please! They took my wings!”

“You speak?!” But Blue didn’t answer, he kept running, rushing into the little nook, not caring how he hit his body on the rocks and left bruises. He wedged himself in the little gap and struggled to not sob. He hoped this was enough to keep him safe. He didn’t want to fight, he didn’t want to bleed and hurt any more. Not anymore. He’d suffered enough for a lifetime.

The cloudwalker stopped right beside the opening of the cave and Blue whined. He kicked off one of his boots and threw it at the cloudwalker who growled. He stared at his foot for a little while. “I couldn’t stop them,” Blue whispered, “The other humans… they took everything… Please just go, leave me alone. I’m sorry- f.for whatever I’ve done I’m sorry!”

“You should be dead, ghost. How are you alive?”

Blue curled up, but after a few short moments, the others came running up to him, finally catching up. The cloudwalker hissed at them and flew up into the air and disappeared from sight. Blue could only shudder and take in just how many scratches he had as well as the bites. He knew cloudwalkers in this area had venom which could paralyse their prey. He was lucky the venom didn’t seem to be working very well, but he still felt awful from it, sluggish, and tired, but he could move.

The others were here now. Blue whimpered, but he wouldn’t move. He was scared, it was just more proof that he wasn’t a cloudwalker anymore, that neither side wanted him. He cried into his knees and curled up tight.

“Blue?” Orrien called gently. “It’s safe, lad. He’s gone. Are you hurt?”

Blue couldn’t calm down, couldn’t stop crying. Orrien tried to inch his way forward, but Blue whimpered and that was Orrien’s queue to stop. “Blue? Oh, lad, shhhhhh. It’s okay. You’re safe now… You’re bleeding, can I come and see them?”

“I just want to be happy,” Blue cried. “Why can’t I be happy?! What did I do wrong? W.what did...” his sobs got too strong and he couldn’t find his words. He choked on his tears. He hit the ground beneath him, screaming, groaning, crying uncontrollably.

“It’s not like that Blue… Come on, lad, please let me get to you. Let me take away the pain.”

But he just couldn’t stop crying. He shook his head and looked up in the sky. Blue had heard scary stories before about ghosts and monsters, stories where characters had known the things were out there. He knew how they felt, and he was terrified of that cloudwalker coming back, just like one of those monsters.

Dyan inched closer on all fours, carrying a deep cut on his shoulder and dozens of other injuries, but he didn’t seem to care. “Blue… do you trust me?” he asked quietly. “It’s not you that I don’t trust. I.It’s out there… No one wants me, everyone just wants to hurt me.”

“I don’t, Ihuka doesn’t, Orrien doesn’t,” Dyan said. “We want to protect you. You’re not alone.”

Blue was reluctant to look up at him, his eyes were full of tears and his lip trembled.

Orrien decided to step back, to give Dyan a chance to speak to him. Blue didn’t want to leave that little space, he was safe, he was secure, he was away from the pain.

Dyan reached forward, only with his hand. It was a relief on his mind when Dyan spoke the human language. The thought stung. He was forgetting his own language... “Can you hold my hand?” Dyan asked.

Blue swallowed hard but managed to do that. His hand was shaking so badly. He sat like that for a few moments, holding onto Dyan’s hand like it was a lifeline. “Will you trust me? We will all keep you safe and I promise that they’ve gone,” Dyan said.

Blue was hesitant, but when Dyan took a step back, Blue couldn’t let go of his hand. He didn’t want to, so he had to move a little further forward. He stared up at the sky, waiting for something to jump on him, but nothing did. The skies were bright and sunny just as they were before.

“Trust me,” Dyan whispered, taking another step back. Blue had the choice to let go, he could have shied away and hidden back inside, but Dyan’s expression was so calm and reassuring. It shouldn’t have been. He held on tight to Dyan’s hand, it was an anchor point and he didn’t want to let it go. Guilt chewed at him, knowing that Dyan was hurt, he was bleeding, he’d been attacked and here he was trying to help him out of his little cave of safety. He wasn’t getting the help because he was so determined to help him.

Another step, then Blue stopped, he was right at the edge of the mouth. Any further and he’d be in the open. Ihuka put his wing over the cave, like an extended roof. Orrien gave him gentle praise. A deep breath, and after a gentle squeeze from Dyan, he was finally out.

He was out, but now he was shaking, and he’d frozen up, still clinging to Dyan’s hand. Dyan came closer to him, letting him wrap his arms around him. Dyan used his wings to shield him from view. Blue let out a weak sob and fell to his knees.

“Stay here, I’ll be back in the blink of an eye,” Orrien said.

He wasn’t exaggerating. He put a hand on Ihuka’s shoulder and teleported away. Blue whimpered, but no sooner had he finished the noise, Orrien was back.

“Now you two, let’s get you home.” He held out a hand, and Blue took it with a gulp while he held onto Dyan.

When he opened his eyes again, he was back at the house, back in his room. He sobbed. He’d ended today so badly. He’d been so happy and now he was a trembling mess.

Orrien hushed him gently and eased both Dyan and Blue into sitting on the bed. Orrien managed to cup Blue’s cheek without him shying away.

“It’s alright, lad. That was a hard thing you had to go through… I’m going to heal your wounds, some of these are too deep to leave. You too Dyan, that was a nasty little scrap you got into.”

Dyan nodded silently, still holding Blue’s hand. Blue couldn’t help but lean against him. He was getting tired, everything was slowing down, fading off into nothing. Maybe it was the venom, maybe his feelings were just too strong, or it was blood loss, he didn’t know. He didn’t care. He had Dyan next to him, that’s all he needed for now.

“Blue? Eyes open, lad. Blue- Blue!”

But Blue was already asleep.

Avizon thought he knew pain. He thought they were well acquainted considering how much he went through daily, but nothing in his entire life had prepared him for this level of pain, the heavy, unmoving, agonising burning. He felt he’d lost the strength days beforehand to scream. Halve was a cruel bastard! Using not one but two star leeches on him- leeches that fed not just on blood, but magic. 

They'd left him powerless, barely even alive, hanging on just enough to be able to produce more magic, to be a host to these parasites. He'd heard them described as perfect agony, but that didn't even come close to explaining the icy cold pain. He could feel their teeth, the huge barbs buried deep in his body. They were living death, sapping away at a victim's life force until they became the person's life force. He guessed they were already at that stage.

Every day, he thought he was at his limit, but they pushed him even further. Unconsciousness couldn't come to him for long enough and death didn't want him. There was nothing but the suffering, the void of pain. Everything hurt, and that was a strange sensation to understand. No matter what part of his body he thought about, it hurt, not just his joints, not just skin, or muscle, or bone. It was his every nerve. If he moved, one pain was relieved, but another flared up.

It was difficult to breathe being tied as he was. Left on his knees, fallen onto his side with his arms above his head, numb, dislocated, and as far as he was concerned utterly destroyed. He remembered the feeling of his fingers breaking one by one. He remembered being pinned down and choked for hours and hours. His dry throat was still painful from it. 

Every breath stung, even as weak as it was, and the gag tied tight between his teeth did not help. He remembered the feeling of men beating him, kicking his ribs until they caved, he remembered his panic when they first brought the leeches out, how he screamed and begged and struggled. He shuddered and tried to forget about the fact they were still on him, sucking out his life force. He wished he had it in him to just cry, but he was broken beyond tears.

He’d lost track of the days, of the injuries, fever raged a war across his body at the cost of the sharpness of his mind. So little made sense to him anymore, so little mattered. He'd lost Ro. There was nothing left to fight for. Orrien probably hated him for not being strong enough, which also hurt to think about. Orrien had been the closest thing he had to a father, a parent. Now there was nothing but pain, suffering. He didn’t know if Halve intended to kill him, or just keep him alive long enough to break him and turn him into a mindless monster. He feared losing himself more than death...

He barely heard the door open, but he braced for even more pain. He tried not to whimper, to plead. There was only silence, or at least in his mind there was. His body acted of its own accord, flinching, groaning. Heavy footsteps marched towards him, the soft noise of a knife leaving its sheath. He shuddered, more pain, more and more and more. Was it ever going to stop?!

The blindfold kept him in hideous apprehension as he waited to see who it was, what they would do to him. He didn’t have to wait long. They grabbed his hair and yanked his head up. He winced as the pain flared up in his back. He felt long fingernails scrape against his scalp.

"Hello again, you little rat," a female voice hissed. He'd have sworn if he had the strength. Not her. Please not her. Erionna took so much pleasure in hurting him, she knew how to really make him hurt. He felt the stinging pain of the blade digging into the inside of his arm. It hurt, but it could have been so much worse. The knife was sharp, which made it better for him, cleaner- and he knew it was a knife. He’d suffered enough under the feel of a blade to recognise it. He tried to block it out, but groans still left his torn throat. That only got worse when she grabbed him by his broken jaw.

"You dared strike me?! Do you really think you deserve so much as a second of mercy?"

Avizon didn't answer. He couldn't understand what she was even saying, he didn't have the energy to try to process it. It didn't matter. Nothing he would say or do would change this. Nothing she said mattered to him. He wished he’d had the strength to just kill her and her father.

He was lost to indistinct thoughts, to heavy eyes, but he didn’t get to rest in the dullness, not while she was here. She dug the blade in deeper, pressing it deeper into his skin until she got the reaction she wanted, when she pried a scream out of his cracked, blue lips, until he managed to scrape up the energy to jolt, but the chains only bit deeper into his infected wrists. Tears escaped him as she dragged the blade down his tricep.

He heard a bang, he managed to guess that it was the door. More enemies, perhaps. He heard a scream, felt a gust of magic in the air, felt the pain stop, or at least die off into a constant throb. Where had she gone? The waiting was almost worse than the pain and he started to panic. What was she planning? Where was she?!

Suddenly there were hands on him and he yelped in fear, barely managing to throw himself back as hands came too close to his throat. He whined as best he could with the gag. It only made him choke and retch. He trembled.

"No, no, no- Rest easy, lad. It's Orrien. I've got you. I. I'm going to get you out of here. Shhhh, it’s me."

He wasn't sure if hearing that was a relief or not. It took him a few moments to process it, to realise Orrien was really here. His prayers had been answered. But it meant Orrien could stare at his body, the branding on the inside of his arm, the whip marks that completely covered his back and removed skin- the aftermath of a flogging. The wounds were deep and angry. Infection raged across his body. 

His arms and legs were littered with scratches, cuts, and burns. He'd lost a lot of weight too. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d drank anything. His broken jaw throbbed and his arms were wrapped tight in agony. He knew there was more, but everything was blurring together, it was getting hard to remember the long list of injuries.

Orrien hushed him gently and put his hand on his cheek. The suddenness made Avizon flinch away. “I’m sorry. Trust me… It’s all going to be alright… Let’s get that gag out.” He hesitated before very carefully taking it away. Avizon whined as best he was able as Orrien eased his mouth open after so biting down on the material for so long. Orrien supported his jaw where he was able until it was gone. Avizon closed his eyes tight as he carefully spat on the floor, letting it slip down his chin and onto his chest. His breathing was so painfully raspy. “W.where… E.Er-” “Dealt with. You’re not going to get hurt by her anymore. Rest, lad. Don’t speak. I will deal with everything.”

Orrien eased off the blindfold, for now just moving it up his forehead. Dark unseeing eyes looked through him. The pain was just too much for him to acknowledge. He was hiding in his own mind, He was defeated, broken in spirit and body. He felt like he was nothing but ash.

"'lease…" he slurred.

"Don't speak," Orrien repeated. "Focus on your breathing. I'm here to save you," Orrien promised him. He stroked his hair and took a moment to assess the damage. He carefully ran his hand down his spine and gradually over the rest of his body, feeling it with his power. He soon grimaced as he discovered so many injuries.

"Your arms… Seven realms, I hope they haven't started healing… This will hurt, Avi, I won't lie, but there's no way to avoid it. I have to lower them.” “N.no more,” he rasped, with new tears forming in his eyes. “N.not… y.you too… I. I thought… wouldn’t… s.see you again...” Orrien reluctantly moved his hands away from Avizon’s hair and stood to get to the chains. “I'm so sorry I wasn't able to bring any herbs… I’m so sorry, Avi. I took too long. I’ve failed you, but I am here now. I can make this better. You have to trust me, Avi. Please, trust me." 

The only words Avizon was really able to focus on was that this would hurt. He didn’t want to hurt anymore. He felt so broken beyond repair. Halve had destroyed him from the outside, and Ro’s death had destroyed him from within. But he could feel Orrien’s guilt. He’d already failed Ro. It wasn’t fair that he had to suffer more because of him.

All the same, he couldn’t endure any more. He couldn’t take it, he couldn’t do this. “Please,” he slurred. But they both knew Orrien didn’t have a choice. "I'll be as careful as I can, I know, lad, I'm sorry. A little more pain and then it'll all be over. A little more and you'll be free. I’ll take you away from here."

Avizon started very weakly struggling. He didn’t care if he was promised freedom. What was the point without Ro anyway? He couldn’t take anymore. He just couldn’t. He yearned for rest. Orrien knew what had to be done. He used his powers to keep him frozen in place, supported until he could get the shackles off his battered infected wrists. He gagged at the sight, at hearing Avizon's whine.

It was a strange sensation to have his wrists out of the irons after so long. Now Orrien could only begin to lower them with extreme care. Pain exploded in his arms, sending white-hot spasms down his arms and over his back. It was enough to draw a scream from him, raw and soul-wrenching. He pleaded with what little strength he had. “S.stop, O.Orrien-” Orrien hushed him gently as he worked, and really there was little else he could do for him. He had to get him out of here and this was the only way. Tears streamed down Avizon’s face, clearing a path through the blood to show bruised skin. He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t breathe!

But finally, his arms were down by his side, and Avizon was left a panting wheezing mess on the floor. He coughed and choked on blood, but coughing disturbed his broken ribs. Orrien knelt beside him and kept him sitting upright. There was no direction in which he could comfortably lie, not until his shoulders were mended and the leeches gone. Avizon pressed his head against Orrien’s chest and groaned. For the first time in weeks, he’d been held, comforted, given the chance to hope. Orrien held him close, using his arms to shield him from the cruel world in which he lived. “I’m sorry, but it’s done. I’ve got you, lad. Hold on. I’m here...”

“Father...” he murmured. In his mind, he’d said more, said he was like a father to him, but his fever was too fierce. He wouldn’t even remember saying it. Orrien pulled him closer. “Oh, lad… My poor boy, I am sorry. I am so sorry. But you’re safe, I’m here... Shhhh, don’t talk anymore, save your strength. You’ll feel better soon. Let’s go.” 

Orrien was just about to teleport him away when he heard someone rushing towards the door. It was none other than Halve. Avizon could feel himself trying to shrink away. He curled up as best he was able. Fear paralysed him. He couldn’t endure any more of this. He just couldn’t. He whined, the best he could do to beg. Orrien held him closer and ran his thumb back and forth for added comfort and reassurance. “I’ve got you,” he mumbled, holding him close. Avizon felt more protected than he expected.

“You have no right to be here,” Halve growled. Then his gaze looked up, he froze for a moment. “Erionna!” “Nor do you have the right to call yourself human, neither does she. You are monsters, the worst kind of evil. I hope you get everything that ought to be coming to you,” Orrien snarled.

Halve barked out the order for the guards that followed him to attack, but Orrien didn’t engage. Avizon clamped his eyes shut, feeling a cool breeze as Orrien teleported him away, to get Avizon as far away from this hell as possible. 

*Break*

Orrien had used more energy than he’d wanted to in getting Avizon to safety. He’d need so much more power than he anticipated to heal him. They materialised in a location known by very few people. Though people knew of its name, no one had found where it was. How could they? A simple cave entrance hidden in a small cliffside, protected by magic, deep in a forest that led to their stronghold: The Spire of Miracles.

Orrien appeared in the courtyard of the fortress, cradling Avizon's body from where they still sat. He didn’t doubt the surrounding dimness was better for Avizon’s eyes. The only light came from the glowing blue fire torches that filled the darkness of the cave. Avizon’s consciousness was fading from feeling so much magic suddenly around him. To go from feeling nothing to the power of some of the most powerful sorcerers in the land.

Azeera and Zena had waited in the courtyard for him. They hurled out gasps and exclamations of shock, seeing the state of him. Avizon turned his head away in shame, hiding in Orrien's shoulder. He didn’t have the energy for this, Orrien knew that much.

Orrien cradled his head close, giving him the comfort he so desperately needed, mumbling reassurances. One of the sorcerers, Zena, knelt by him and put her hand on Avizon's chest. She was a quiet young lady from the south, with dark skin and a beautiful spirit. She was good at sensing things, and listening to the things that did not have voices. She could even speak to animals.

Avizon wheezed as she tried to sense how much magic he had left. She took her hand away sharply, wiping it on her dress as if it would rid her of the pain she felt. "Too much," she mumbled, backing away. "Far too much…"

Azeera took over and knelt down by their side and looked at the blindfold that was still on Avizon's forehead. "I'm going to reach for your head and cover your eyes again. Don't be afraid. All will be well." He carefully slid it back down. "The magic will be too bright for your eyes if you have been without light for too long. I doubt you want to see the wounds you carry. These…" he looked down at the star leeches. "Need to be our first priority. These wounds won't heal until they're gone. It won’t be easy, I fear they’ve tapped into his life force… Go to sleep, Avizon, we will watch over you." “N.no...” he groaned.

Avizon went deathly still in Orrien’s grip now his vision had been taken from him, like how an animal might. Orrien hushed him gently, despite grimacing at the sight of the leeches. "We need Rhix, is he here?"

"Aye. He's getting ready for the two of you. Alore and Rikora are there too, ready to help. Let me take you both. You need to save your power."

Orrien nodded, holding onto Avizon while Azeera whisked them up to where the others had a stone table waiting in a room full of shelves and bookcases. Hopefully, Rhix’s powers of containment would help save him. Orrien could only hope. He could not lose this boy.

Rhix swore out loud at the sight of Avizon’s weak body. Orrien and Azeera worked together to pick him up and ease him onto it. The runes on the table helped to ease the pain of those on it, but still, Azeera hurried to get him some medicine made of blue kisses, a small flower that was difficult to harvest. Those would hopefully dull most of the pain. Avizon refused to lay down, he was too afraid, too sore, and so Orrien could only hold him and keep him sitting upright, letting him rest his head on his shoulder.

Orrien helped Avizon to drink some water while Rhix inspected the leeches. He was a young man, optimistic and bright. His hair and skin were pure white, but his eyes held an iridescent shimmer. They were usually so full of magic and joy but now they looked dull and heavy with concern.

"They've been snuggled down for far too long. We will have to be so careful… In truth, I’ve never done anything like this before,” Rhix admitted.

“The first one isn’t the biggest problem, it’s the second,” Orrien explained. “The first one we remove will try to take all the energy it can, but the second leech should actually be enough to keep some energy in him. They’ll compete, so we should take the weakest one away first. For the second one… well, that’s where it will be difficult.”

“I might be able to protect him, my power should be enough to keep him alive,” Rikora suggested. “If I protect what energy and magic he has left?” She was a tall woman with short red hair with a small tattoo under her eye of a wing. She was a fiercely loyal friend, and right now, her talents of protection magic were going to be sorely needed. “That should work," Orrien confirmed.

“I'll have to try to keep him alive until we can get the second one removed and then it will probably take several of us to get some magic into his body… I knew Halve was harsh, but this…" Rhix shuddered.

Orrien put his hand on Avizon's hot forehead. "This is worse than ever before. I'm not certain of what happened…"

He looked at Rhix who was reaching for the leech on his stomach with one hand and had a knife in the other. "For Avizon's sake, this has to be quick. I will need you to lend me your power, Azeera, can you go and get Zena? I think we’ll manage without Ignium-” “N...no more… l.let me die… please… j.just...” Avizon’s words faded off and he whimpered.

Orrien hushed him softly. He was not going to lose this boy, not when he was so close to freedom, to recovering and having a chance of happiness, even if he had lost Ro. Azeera did as he was asked, and with six out of eight sorcerers surrounding the table, Rhix was able to set to work. 

He grabbed the fat beast by its bulging body and held it still while he carefully used the knife to pry its teeth out of his skin as he slowly pulled it away. Avizon screamed as the leech dug its remaining teeth in, all the more determined to cling on. Rhix strained, abandoning the knife to produce fire to force the leech away through pain, but it meant Avizon hurt too. Rhix did his best to not touch Avizon’s skin. Orrien held him down carefully, minding his battered arms. Avizon pressed his face harder against Orrien and sobbed. The others held him still as best they could without hurting him more.

Orrien cradled his head and let him scream and cry. He'd seen this treatment before and the fact Avizon was still conscious was a surprise. Even with the pain medication, these leeches were pure evil. But finally, Rhix was able to force it away from Avizon's body and threw it down on the floor. A blast of fire and it was dead.

Avizon fell back limp in Orrien’s arms, barely clinging onto consciousness, convulsing in his grip. He looked down at the awful festering wound on Avizon's gut. The deep stab wound left behind by the leeches massive spike on the inside of its mouth, and the five groups of teeth shaped in a way that looked quite like a star, hence their name.

"Infected," Orrien mumbled, "But that's no surprise."

"Now the hard part. Everyone get ready. Once it is out, lend me your power, and I will transfer it." Orrien carefully put his hand on Avizon’s forehead. “Sleep.”

The process repeated again, but this time Avizon did not stir. Orrien slowly began to ease healing energy into him as the leech came further and further away, healing wounds that should have been fatal. Rhix finally got the creature out, stunned at the size of the barb on the end of the spike.

They quickly began giving him magic, helping to return Avizon's life energy. Rhix passed the magic onto Orrien to turn it into healing magic. They did everything they could to ensure he survived. But despite it all, by the time they finished, Avizon was not fully healed. Replacing the missing magic and healing the internal wounds had taken up most of their resources. He still had broken bones, he was still beaten and painfully thin and weak. Fever still raged. Orrien tensed his jaw. Those damned leeches!

Orrien still held him close, kissing the tip of the boy's sleeping head. "I will mend the rest myself manually. Thank you, for all agreeing to help. I couldn't lose him too.”

"He's one of us, we couldn't have left him behind," Azeera said. "I'm only sorry I couldn't do more. If you’ll let me, I’m well trained in healing and stitching wounds." Orrien nodded and lay Avizon down on his back for now and began to tend to the wounds. They’d stopped bleeding at least, so he had time.

“I think you’ll be here a little more than one night,” he sighed, He took out his knife and mumbled a spell over it. The blade shone bright white for a moment and then faded back off. Now purified and clean, he set to work on carefully cutting it out of Avizon’s leg.

Avizon managed a groan, to clench his fists and whimper, which made Orrien pause and look up, he put his hand on his head and demanded him to sleep, which silenced him once again, making him go limp. “Stop fighting it, or it’s the frying pan next. Stubborn ox,” he mumbled, focusing on the wound again. He was quick but careful as he extracted the arrowhead. He grimaced at the sight of the agonising barbs. It was a good thing Avizon had had the sense not to just pull it out. Orrien put pressure on it for now, stopping the blood flow.

Orrien was surprised when Blue walked into the cottage. “Did the two cloudwalkers not find you? Are you alright?” “Yes, sir, they found me, and I’m alright, but they haven’t eaten. Ihuka is getting nervous, thinking he’s done something wrong. I… I thought it would be alright to feed them?”

Orrien frowned, hearing how Ihuka was. He hoped Avizon hadn’t been hurting them. Such beautiful creatures, so kind and loyal to those who deserved it. “Of course you can.”

“If you don’t wish to care for them, you don’t have to, mind you. I understand why it might be difficult for you,” Orrien added. “It’s… actually nice, being able to see more of my kind, to be able to talk to them, Dyan is even missing a little bit of his horn. I’d like to stay with them tonight, to be able to talk to them. I’ve never met a cloudwalker from here before, only from the south,” he said. Orrien sighed softly, watching Blue nervously scratching at his head where his horns once had been. 

“Then as I’ve told you before, you’re welcome to do whatever you wish. Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked softly. Blue nodded and dropped his hand, realising what he was doing. “Yes, sir, sorry, I got lost in my thoughts- I.I’ll go and get that food.”

“Stay alert,” he advised. “I do not know if their attackers will return. You call for me immediately if you feel endangered, you understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

Orrien nodded and Blue left.

Orrien sighed, his mind filled with tender memories of Blue, how he’d first found him, barely alive, how long of a road to recovery it had been… Orrien had never intended to have a cloudwalker living in the house, but now he couldn’t imagine life without him. He cared for him with all his might and loved him like a son.

Not unlike another man he knew. With the arrowhead removed, he eased some healing magic into Avizon’s leg. It wasn’t easy, it was a complicated area with plenty of nerves but he had plenty of experience. He’d limp for a few days, but then hopefully, it would be able to fully heal.

Orrien finished bandaging up his leg for the sake of support, left his clothes to dry near the fire and carried him to his own bed to rest with his powers when he heard footsteps, followed by a loud squeak. Blue.

Orrien rushed outside and saw Blue standing at the barn doors, terrified and shaking. He'd dropped the bowls on the floor. Three men were in front of him, no doubt some of the men who’d attacked Avizon.

“Blue, inside!” he ordered.  The men jumped and two of them turned around. “Back off, old man, once we get what we came for we’ll be on our way.” Orrien’s magic sprung to life in his hands. “Last chance.”

Blue hid in the barn, kicking away the man who tried to follow him. Orrien hurled an orb of magic at the man. No! No one got to even scare that boy. The orb wrapped around him and froze him into place. Break. He willed. With a hoarse scream, there was a loud crack, and the man dropped down dead.

Orrien glared at the other two. One drew their bow and tried to fire at him. Orrien glared at the arrow, and redirected it back to the man. It hit its mark, and he too fell dead.

That left one, and he was stupid enough to have gone into the barn. He dared even get near Blue.

Orrien rushed forward, only to find Ihuka on top of the attacker, pinning him on the ground, teeth snapping as he tried to get at his throat. Orrien quickly used his magic to drag Ihuka off, which drew a squeak from him. Orrien held onto the third attacker. Stop.

The man convulsed, and then he too was dead. His heart stopped immediately. Orrien did not like to kill, but he was not going to let anyone hurt those under his protection. He permitted quick deaths.

Orrien released Ihuka from his hold and watched him curl up in fear. Orrien approached him carefully, but the other Cloudwalker, Dyan was there first, comforting him. Orrien looked at Blue, who was breathing heavily, leaning against the wall. He seemed unhurt.

Orrien ushered him closer and held him close, giving him the reassurance he needed. “It’s alright, lad, you’re safe.” Orrien wiped the tears from his eyes with his thumb. “You’re so brave… has the horse been tended to?” Blue nodded with a sniffle.

“Then you three can stay in the house, where it’s safe.” Orrien paused when Ihuka shyly came over to them both, head down in submission. He was shaking. Orrien patted his head as Avizon had before. “You’re not in trouble, little one. You protected Blue… thank you.”

It quickly became clear Ihuka’s speaking wasn’t as good, but Blue translated it for him and Ihuka smiled. Orrien frowned when he saw a piece of root in Ihuka’s hand, offering it out to Blue. Who looked at it with confusion.

“It’s liquorice… He wants to make Blue feel better,” Dyan explained.

Blue took it nervously, he wasn’t sure what to do with it, but once he smelled it, he had an urge to eat it. He started chewing on it with his back teeth. He let out a happy meeping noise and chewed away.

Orrien patted Ihuka’s head again. “Good bird."

The three of them were soon sat at the kitchen table, with Ihuka and Dyan on stools. Orrien had fed them in between checking on Avizon. Blue was happy talking to Dyan and Ihuka, and Orrien was overjoyed to see him happy. He might have to start visiting Avizon more if they befriended each other.

He heard a thump and a groan. Ihuka’s wings immediately fluffed up and he growled. Orrien hushed him gently. He knew that sound.

“You tried to walk, didn’t you?” Orrien called as he went into his room, finding Avizon clutching his leg on the floor. “I’m fine, thank you for rushing to my aid,” Avizon grunted sarcastically, trying to lift himself up with a deep wince.

“Well for one thing, I know you’re not fine so there's no point asking, and second, it doesn’t matter how fast I pick you up, it’s still going to hurt,” Orrien said, reaching down to help him up to his feet despite how he choked out a torn cry of pain.

“My word, lad… Come on, I’ll help you to the kitchen, I’d like to know what’s going on and you need to eat.”

Orrien helped him into the kitchen and Dyan chirruped happily. Ihuka tilted his head in concern. "I'm fine, good birds," he winced as he sat down. Orrien got him a mug of herb water and some stew.

"The water will help the pain… What in seven realms happened out there? Who have you pissed off this time?" "What makes you think I've annoyed someone?" he shrugged.

Orrien rolled his eyes. "Because I've known you since you were knee high- and more men showed up once you slept- dealt with, rest assured. But this is clearly a hunt, Avizon. So who is it?"

"Erix…" Dyan whimpered. Orrien turned to look at him quickly, then to Avizon. "We don't know that for sure, Dyan. I’ve annoyed far more than him." "B.but he said he wasn't done…" Dyan whispered, dipping his head down. "Erix?!" Orrien exclaimed. "Explain. Now."

"Dyan, you can leave the table if you like?" Avizon said but Dyan remained sitting. "I.it's okay..."

Avizon looked up to Orrien. "Dyan once belonged to Erix. You know the disgusting things the man is into. He used to hurt Dyan until he escaped. I bought Dyan, when he was recaptured. Erix wants him back and I won't give him back."

Orrien eyed Ihuka who was sitting with Blue. He was confused. Orrien had to force himself not to stare at the back of his shoulder, where he’d been branded. Blue quietly explained to Ihuka what was being said. But Orrien didn't want anyone understanding what he said next.

Orrien spoke to Avizon again, this time using a different language, one he'd taught Avizon in the castle when he was younger. "And yet here you are hurting your own birds."

Avizon's expression turned to one of dread. "I know… that was before, in the first few days. I haven't hurt them since, I've changed."

That much was a relief to hear but he hoped he could prove a point. "Yes and we both know why. It's that damned power of yours! Your dark magic. I told you it corrupts its carrier. The Avizon I knew would never have hurt a hair on their head. You wouldn’t have been able to live with yourself."

"Then why am I changing?" Avizon retorted. "Could it not just be I've found something to care about? That I have my conscience again?" "No, because they carry light magic. It's drawing your light magic nearer the surface. Avizon, what will it take for you to give up this evil power?!"

Avizon shook his head. This was a conversation they'd had so many times. "If I gave it up I'd be vulnerable to attack-" "Your light magic is incredibly strong. It wouldn't be like that." "It wasn't enough last time," he snapped, but then his face immediately softened. "I'm sorry, but I… I can't take that risk again…"

"Last time was completely different. You know that," Orrien said softly. "Maybe, but I still have to protect those I care about."

Blue, Ihuka, and Dyan all looked nervous and on edge after their more heated discussion. Avizon smiled softly at his two. "It's alright. Good birds." Dyan nodded and held Ihuka's hand for a moment, but they looked tired.

"You two have had a long day, maybe you should go to bed?" Avizon suggested. Ihuka yawned and smacked his lips. "Bed..." “Yes, clever bird.“ Avizon smiled at him and waited as Blue led them both upstairs.

"Blue seems a nice lad," Avizon said quietly, changing the topic. "Heart of gold and the courage of a lion really… He's actually a cloudwalker." Avizon raised an eyebrow. "I didn't think you would buy one-"

"Oh, I didn't," he reassured him. "I rescued him. It's because of him I found out about Cloudwalkers' magic." Avizon frowned. "How did you find out?"

"As you can see… the bastards that took him took everything that they could that made him a cloudwalker, his wings, his horns, his claws- they even filed his fangs. I tried to nurse him back to health but I found that he was dying of starvation- of magic. He stays with me and helps around the farm so that I can give him magic when he needs it. The tattoos he has help him store magic better, but healing has been a long journey…"

"Was he a tawny? Or were the men just cruel bastards?" he wondered.

"He's from the south. A tropical cloudwalker. He eats fish and fruits for the most part. He had blue wings, but the royals… well, they wanted them." Avizon sighed softly. "I had no idea there were cloudwalkers in tropics… Being able to step back… now I see, Orrien, this has to stop. These creatures don't deserve this at all…"

Orrien shrugged sadly. "There's nothing we can do." "Don't be too sure. I'm known for changing the unchangeable," Avizon said. Orrien smiled sadly. "Aye, that's true… you know, I've heard talk of a resistance- a particularly brutish group of cloudwalkers. They go around freeing birds and taking and often killing humans."

"Well I certainly won't be stopping them," Avizon mumbled. "Nor I."

"Orrien," Avizon sighed. "There's something else I discovered… Cloudwalkers don't just carry magic. They can wield it… Do you know what this means?..." Orrien frowned, "How do you know?" "Dyan saw me when I was reading his dream. He saw me and called out to me."

Orrien raised an eyebrow. "Interesting… Well, there's no harm in teaching him a few easy, harmless spells to confirm your theory. Perhaps teach him to speak in the mirror to me, then he could speak to Blue more."

Avizon pulled a face. “You’re the better teacher.” “I’m sure you can teach him something as simple as that, lad, don’t be dramatic. But for now, you need to stay here, rest, and we can speak in greater detail about our discoveries.” Avizon sighed and nodded. But he paused. “Wait, I was meaning to check on Ihuka.”

“Why?” “One of the stall owners was kicking him in the ribs when he took something. He wouldn’t let me see if they were broken.” Orrien grimaced, “I thought I’d saw him wincing. I’ll go and get him, if he isn’t in bed yet.”

Avizon nodded and waited a few moments until Ihuka came downstairs with him. He looked so very nervous, but Avizon tried to smile softly. “It’s alright. Please let me see your ribs.” Ihuka stepped back and whimpered, but Avizon held out his hand, inviting him to step forward and take it, as one might to usher a child along. “Come on, little bird, please.”

Ihuka took a deep breath, winced, and came closer. Avizon praised him softly and raised his shirt, revealing deep bruises. Ihuka had his hands ready to push him off. “What do you think?” Avizon grimaced.

Orrien knelt down in front of Ihuka, very lightly tracing his fingers across the dark purple skin, letting his magic painlessly assess the damage. He paused at a certain point. “There, I can sense it. One crack, but it’s a simple one. I can treat it, if Ihuka will let me?” “He won’t understand, you’d have to ask one of the others to translate… Blue might be better if he knows how healing feels?" "You're right," Orrien said. He paused, knowing Blue was lingering in the hallway. "Blue, come here, lad.”

Blue came into the room rubbing his arm. “Yes, sir? Sorry for creeping, I just… my pillow…” “Of course you can get it. Before you do, could you ask Ihuka if I can heal him. Tell him how it works if he wants to know. It's his choice, or I can just keep giving him something for the pain."

So Blue explained, seeming to explain in detail, but Ihuka looked reassured by it. He hesitantly nodded, but then looked down at his hands. He admitted something, and Orrien saw the look of worry on his face."

"You can, but he's scared he'll lash out," Blue finally translated.

Orrien smiled softly. "That's alright. Sit down, Ihuka, back on your stool." He patted it to emphasise what he needed him to do. Ihuka reached a hand out, considering patting it too.

"Sit?" he repeated with confusion, trying to work out what the word meant. "Yes, sit," Orrien smiled and Ihuka did so. "Good job, you don't need to be scared."

Avizon offered to help but Orrien refused. He wanted Ihuka to be able to do this on his own. He has his precautions ready anyway, casting a small shield around his head and neck.

Ihuka sat on his hands and screwed up his face tight. Orrien patted his shoulder.

"You can do it. Don't be scared." He gently put his hand on his ribs and Ihuka's breath hitched. His body tried to act but he caught himself in time and stayed still. Orrien kept an eye on him, gently hushing his whimpers as he focused on healing the wound, encouraging the bone to come back together.

He soon finished, and Ihuka rubbed at his head tiredly. Orrien lowered the shield. "Well done, Ihuka. You were very brave. The pain will die down in a few minutes. Go get some sleep."

"Bed…" Ihuka mumbled again, rubbing his eyes. "I'll get my pillow and take him up," Blue offered nervously. Orrien thanked him.

Alone once more, Orrien looked at Avizon and sighed, seeing the lost expression.

"Not only did he not lash out, but he even stopped himself… When I first got him he’d have ripped your head off… I’m really a monster, I’ve broken him…” Avizon lowered his head in shame.

"The broken can be repaired. He’s not completely broken, I can see the light in him still. He fears you, and it will take a long time to undo that but with patience and kindness, it can be done… If that’s everything I’ll leave you here while I go and dispose of our less welcome guests.”

“You killed them?” Avizon said, surprised. “They were going after the birds. No one goes after those poor creatures under my protection. If Erix organised for these bandits to attack you, to get Dyan… Avizon, you must be careful. You know how dangerous he is, even if you are stronger.”

“He’s a coward… but I do understand. I’ve learned better than underestimating someone. I didn't want to say it in front of Dyan, but he's right. It only makes sense for this to be his doing. He tried to attack me in the market,” he sighed.

"I doubt Erix will stop until he has another cloudwalker then." “Go, get rid of them, I’ll stay here until you return. I need to think.”