The Crow Goddess - Chapter 2

Instructions

In the Mind of a Messenger for her Once Lover... --------------------------------------------- Now that I’ve delivered my message to Cornix, I can continue watching what happens in the other kingdoms. I have time, however, to visit the field in the center of the forest. I dive off of the tree branch that I was perched on, weaving through the trees until I find the clearing. In the very center, foraging for marigold, was Aphaca. I kept my distance, since she startles easily; however, I still watch her carefully. Aphaca is a very recent addition to Cornix’s inner circle, and I don’t trust her very much. I’ve yet to find out how strong she is, and Aurum tells me she has a past with… starting trouble. Eventually, Aphaca sees me while turning to find some irises. She flutters her wings curiously, and I can’t help but wonder if she knows how I feel about her. I fly down to where she is, landing directly in front of her. “Hello, Morgan!” She drops an iris she had in her beak. “Did you need something?” “No,” I respond. “I was just curious. About what you were doing, that is.” As if I couldn’t tell what she was doing; I wanted to know why. I’ve almost never seen her in this field before, and I fly over it almost daily. “‘What I was doing?’” She tilts her head. “I’m just foraging. Medela asked me to find some lilies for her nest, and I wanted some marigolds for myself.” “Why are you here all by yourself?” I ask her. “Wouldn’t it be easier with a companion?” “Medela had to monitor the center of the kingdom, Aurum was lost in thought, and Cornix seemed to be busy.” She steps closer. “The only one left who could be my companion is you, and you… you appear to be busy as well.” “I actually am,” I tell her. “I have to go scout the kingdoms so that I can tell Cornix about everything that happens.” I’m not actually sure why I’m telling her this. All she needs to know is that I’m busy. “Oh well,” she says, turning back to her pile of flowers. “I shall continue foraging, then. Farewell!” “Farewell.” I fly away. There’s still proof to be found that Aphaca can be trusted, and I intend to find it. But that is for a later date. I decide to go to a larger kingdom that’s higher up in the mountains. The patrons of that kingdom are more violent, with more volatile emotions. This, in my opinion, makes them quite amusing. Most of the other crows watching over this kingdom believe so as well, but few think that this will have an effect on the future of one of our own. More often than not, this kingdom is in the midst of a large riot. It’s never easy to tell why it started in the first place; however, they always last unbearably long. I perch on top of one of the castle’s towers, watching the onslaught of violence and fire from a safe spot. That’s where I meet Lumen and Lunae. “Hello, Morgan.” Lunae keeps a close watch on the fight. She’s always aware of when others nearby could be in danger. “How have you been? I hope all is well.” “Yes, all is well; and you?” “The same.” I inspect my wing for rogue feathers and such. “How long have they been fighting like this?” “No one can truly tell,” Lumen tells me. “There’s always such little time between each end and each beginning, and it’s so easy to miss.” He is always one to have a thoughtful input on whatever anyone says. It’s why Lunae loves him so. “So sentimental,” I say. He doesn’t respond; neither to confirm, nor to deny. He simply ignores my statement and pecks Lunae playfully. It is, at this moment, that I decide that I’m bored of watching the villagers below fight. “And such grace from Lunae, too. It’s no wonder you two love each other so.” They immediately look away from each other sheepishly. If they were humans, they’d certainly be smiling. “It is true,” Lumen says after a moment. “I have seen others cry with envy when they watch her fly.” Lunae looks at him. “And our king’s best poet can’t compare to you, dear.” The two look at each other once again, and I decide not to intervene this time. Instead, I simply think. They’re so young… It brings me warmth, knowing that they find hope in each other, while they live in the midst of such a violent kingdom… knowing that they both have someone to trust, in any time of need… Hmm. I’ve got my report from this kingdom. Now onward, to the others.