Leaving the nest

Featuring: Chi Hazelfeather & Dalton Irongrip

It was not quite daybreak when Chi awoke from a deep sleep. If he had dreamt, he could not recall. The air was still just as it was the night prior, before heading of to bed. For this reason, the curtains around his home had stayed up allowing for a welcomed breeze to pass through his family’s home. Chi stood up from his bed quietly as not to disturb his mother’s sleep.
While Chi’s body was fully awake, his mind needing a bit more time to catch up. Looking out to his neighbor’s, most residents where still sound asleep. Some even had their curtains down. Though weather this was to prevent any cool air from entering the abode or simply to keep their privacy, Chi could not tell. When Looking eastward, Chi saw a few other homes which now had their lanterns lit. Most likely others getting ready for work. Chi though as he fetched his empty water pouch from the kitchen’s support beam.
By the time Chi had finished his breakfast; a bit of left-over salted salmon with a dozen berries, the first rays of sun, signalling dawn, were appearing over the horizon. This meant it was time to take off. Chi put away the plate he had used for his quick meal and head outside to the porch. Chi noticed some others doing the same. Checking his water pouch was secured around his torso, Chi spread his wings wide and leapt off his porch into the air.
Today, Chi was responsible for fetching water from Crystal lake located just to the North of his home town; the capital city of Avis’ Nidum. Being creatures of the sky, their settlement was perched high atop the tallest mountains much to their liking. This offered a number of benefits for the Soarion species. However, water is not one of them. Therefore, everyday, members of the tribe are selected to fly down to the nearest lake, river, spring or other body of water in order to collect it within pouches designed to hold liquid while preserving their aerodynamics.
Being 10 years old, (Roughly 16 years for a Human) Chi had done this task several times before. It was a rather simple job, save for the occasional wild animal that could get a little too close. Today, Chi had fallen behind the others. This did not bother him as he preferred gliding by himself. Crystal lake glistened now that the sun’s rays had finally appeared over the horizon. When Chi arrived at the lake’s edge, the sly remarks from the others whom had arrived early came as no surprise. Most of them were about his age. They were all ankle deep, filling their pouches, careful not to get their feathers too yet.
When Chi joined them in the water. “Hey, isn’t Dalton supposed to be with us today?” One of the boys asked to Chi. “I thought he would have come with you.” Another added. Chi took a second to think back to yesterday’s draw. “You’re right. Dalton was picked for today’s shift.” Chi, with his pouch now full, stood up and peered in to the direction of the capital. The sun made it difficult to see. Suddenly, one of the older members spoke up. “Here he comes. Better late than never I suppose.” Everyone except Chi was ready to go. “You go on, I’ll stay back and wait for Dalton.” Chi said as all the others began returning home.
Not 2 minutes passed before Dalton arrived at the lake near Chi. “Morning! You didn’t forget you were assigned for today, did you?” Chi asked with a smirk. “No, no… Just a little… Lost in thought, I guess. I didn’t realize what time it was.” Dalton replied. Chi and Dalton had been good friends since childhood. It was clear to Chi that Dalton was avoiding something. Or something was troubling him. That’s when Chi noticed Dalton hadn’t brought his water pouch with him. Before he could ask Dalton about the pouch, he spoke up. “Chi, I’m leaving Avis’ Nidum.” Chi didn’t respond immediately. “Wait… What?” He finally replied.
Its true that Dalton often spoke of going to visit other places around the world, nonetheless, this came as quite a shock. “Dalton… You mean, like, now?” Chi asked. Dalton turned his head to look Chi in the eyes. “Yes. I’ve made up my mind. I’ve made preparations.” Dalton started to pace back and forth. “But Dalton, what about your mother? Your father? Do they know?” Dalton stopped and stared over Crystal lake’s surface. “I’ll write letters.” As Chi though more about this news, only the sound of the lake was left. “Where will you go?” “I’m not sure. There is a Human village not far to the east from here-”
Chi suddenly interrupted him. “Why now? What am I supposed to say to everyone? You can’t just-” This time Dalton interrupted. “I’m sorry Chi, I wasn’t planning on stopping to say goodbye…” Dalton’s expression changed. He seemed in distress. Chi tried to approach him, but Dalton took a step back. “You can’t stop me Chi. You know you can’t. I told you I made up my mind.” Chi stopped at this remark. Dalton was right. He was the stronger of the two, he always had been. Dalton has also just as stubborn as he has strong. “I can feel it in my gut Chi. We are gifted with the ability to soar through the sky freely. Something telling me, deep down, to take advantage of this fact… and go!”
Chi remained silent. Not knowing what to say, but thinking of their past together and what the future could bring. Before Chi could react, Dalton had come up and embraced his friend. Chi returned the hug not noticing tears welling up in his eyes. The two friends let go. “You’ll always be my best friend, Chi.” Dalton finally said before turning around and spreading his wings.
As if the extra weight of filled water pouch didn’t make the flight back to Avis’ Nidum harder, now with the weight of Dalton’s parting words, the trek back home seemed all but impossible. Reflecting on his dear friend’s words, Chi blindly took to the skies. The sun had fully risen by now, but clouds of uncertainty blurred Chi’s vision.
End