"We need to get to the COuncil of Elders, Kirin," I called through the wind as we flew into Magii Forest, where our tribe lived. "They need to know about this." Kirin glanced at my back, where my sword and shield sat. "You just Activated those today, didn't you?" he asked, speeding up to keep pace with my wingbeats. The good thing was that we were about five miles from Magii Forest, which meant that I could do this. As the time approached for the war, I needed to stay near home to stay in contact with Elder Ane. But the Council didn't always trust me with the information I needed and wanted. Which included both sending Kirin or myself to find information when I should either be in school or bed. Regardless, Kirin and I had to work together to locate my older sister and prepare for the war on the horizon. I finally turned my head to reply as we landed in the village square. "Yeah, I did. But it was for Professor Stormsurge. He had me activate my powers, and teach the lass how to use their own powers. He thought I was ready for it, and I guess I was." "How'd you do on it?" Kirin asked as I returned to my human form, red hair shimmering in the bright dual moonlight. He landed on my shoulder, knowing I wouldn't mind him sitting there. His feathers brushed my ear and cheek as he folded his wings, causing me to smile. "A. He was right about me being ready, and he also said it rivals Misty's. It was probably better, since she didn't go through my process, and her topic was easier than mine to teach. And I also found out who will fight alongside me today." I brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "Who?" Kirin bounced slightly on my shoulder, his normal energy returning to him as his curiosity rekindled. "You know Rosaed and Tip?" I asked, smiling. "Yeah?" Kirin's eyes widened, then he giggled. "But you don't like their Bonded." "Triatelle's annoying and Rykor is a puppy dog with a rotten streak in him." I sighed. "I bet you're looking forward to training those two in combat, aren't you?" Kirin patted my neck, not daring to reach down to my back in the dark. "But at least Rosaed and Tip are good enough friends with us that they'll keep their Bonded in line. You still cook and read with those two, don't you?" "Yep." I stopped outside of Elder Ane's door. "Hop off. I have to go Mistlight again." Kirin did so, and landed beside me as I transformed back into a Mistlight. "Is Misty doing okay?" I finally asked before knocking on the wooden door. Kirin was probably feeling as anxious as I was. The information and message he had were valuable, and, if it got into the wrong hands, could spell disaster for us. "Come in, Misty, Kirin." Elder ane said, opening the door for us. Once it was shut, she asked ups a question. "What brings you two here so late at night? New news?" Kirin took a deep, slightly shuddering breath as we sat down at the ancient Mistlight's table. "I have a message for Arialle and a story to tell you both. First, I need to explain what took me so long to return. As you both know, I've been gone for over a month, which is longer than normal. Before a Council is called, I want both of you to hear this. I don't think all of our info is safe with the Council of Elders." "I'm going to cook," I mumbled, standing up. My paws were trembling, and I couldn't sit still to listen. "Who wants Tirra crumble?" "Sure. You know where everything's at, Arialle," Elder Ane replied as I stepped back from the table and towards the counter. I pulled out and prepped all of the ingredients as Kirin spoke. "As you know, I go and gather intel, mainly about Misty and what's going on in the Outlands. Well, I guess I wasn't on my A-game and ended up getting captured by some Demonics. I was brought to the castle to be questioned by the Prince of Demonics, in person. But, instead of asking me our secrets, he asked me about Arialle. At first, I refused, but then I saw Misty. Granted, she was stuck in stone, but unharmed. He realized that it was she I was staring at, and he released her from the stone form." "Does she still look eighteen?" I asked, rubbing my left shoulder, remembering her Echo all those years ago. "Yes. Well, I mainly described you for Misty's benefit, so she'd know how well you've been these past twelve years. And that you're doing fine, now. Then the Prince of Demonics gave me a message to memorize for you, specifically." I put the pan into the wood stove, which was still burning wood, then started cleaning up. My paws were still trembling, and I sat down at the table to wait on the crumble to cook. "Before he released me from prison. "This is what the message was: 'Arialle, greetings. I expect you are learning well, and are anxious to see your sister agin. Your Mistlight, Kirin will have already told you his delay, and I do hope you understand my own curiosity about you. As we both know, the Prophecy strictly forbids us from personally meeting each other until war is declared, which is why I asked Kirin
