I woke up to the song of birds and the sun breaking the darkness, washing it away with a brilliant green and red sky. I yawned and stretched. I felt warm and cozy. Even my back pain was gone. I didn't want to get up. Just stay in bed for another- wait. How was this possible? Bed? I opened my eyes and took in my surroundings. I was laying on a makeshift bed of blankets and a cloak. Next to me, Ferras leaned against the wall, sleeping soundly. The air smelled of fresh rain, damp woods and blooming flowers. I was inside a house, I think, and through the open terrace door a warm wind was blowing around some curtains. Was this a dream? Before I could get up, I heard a high pitched voice speaking to me. Hewo! How awe you? Wow, it's been thwee days aweady! Awe you feewing bettew? What's youw name? Can I touch youw haiw? It's so pwetty!
I looked around, but couldn't see anyone. "Hello? Who's there?"
I'm hewe siwy! Wook, down hewe! That's wight, it's me tawking to you. Now, would you wike something to dwink? I can get you some. Ohhh, I'm gonna tew the othews that you'we awake. Siwa will be so pwoud of me! Huway!
To say that my mind had been blown would be an understatement. There were flying and talking mice here? Was this another dream? But sure enough, moments later three flying mice came buzzing in squeaking in excitement. They were about the size of a honeydew (without the tail), had feathery wings and looked absolutely adorable. The one I recognized from before was a soft caramel color with white wings. One other one was black with white spots on its head, chest and tail and had black and white splotched wings. The last one, who looked smaller than the others and a bit sickly, was completely cream-colored with snow-white wings and big black eyes.
Wook wook wook! It's twue! Hew haiw is puwple. It's so pwetty! spoke the caramel one.
Yes, yes, yes! I want to keep some. Maybe she'll give me some if I ask? answered the black and white one. The small one stayed silent the entire time, admiring me from afar with those big black eyes.
Oh, come on! Cut it out you two! Such uncouth behavior! Can't you see how confused she is?
I heard a new voice sternly say as another flying mouse made his appearance. I wasn't even sure how I could tell the difference between females and males, but somehow I did. He seemed older and his fur was already grey from age.
He seemed older and his fur was already grey from age
"Uhm, excuse me? Can I just-"
I told you to come to tell me first, Caramel! The new mouse totally ignored me.
I'm sowy! I didn't mean two! Pwease don't be mad! Caramel whimpered.
Alright, now buzz off! And tell the Queen that our guest has woken up! he ordered.
Y- yes, Siwa! Caramel and the black one zoomed off.
Then the old mouse turned towards me and landed on my knee. Greetings, my name is Sira. How are you feeling flower? Does your head hurt at all? Here, have some water. Suddenly a water cup consisting of a blue flower flew over to me and landed neatly in my hand. Mice that can fly, talk to me in my head and have telekinesis? This must be a dream come true! I took a big gulp from the cold minty water.
I know this must be very hard for you, believe me. But you can trust us, we will keep your secret as it is. I stopped drinking. He winked. As a thank you for saving one of us, this is the least we can do. So don't worry about compensation. How did he always know exactly what I was thinking? Oh lord, please don't tell me... And no, I can't read your mind. I don't have to. It's written all over your face.
I cleared my throat. "Well, uh, thank you for saving me."
The old one shook his head. As I said, no need to thank us. You are our friend. And to prove this to you, I will tell you something now. Come, you'll need it. He flew off and sat on the balcony. I stand up slowly, so I don't get dizzy after sleeping so long. Three whole days... Incredible. When I looked down I noticed, that I was dressed in nothing but my undergarments and a loose white dress.
"Uhm, so..." I looked at the mouse. He knew exactly what my question was but he dodged it completely.
Do remember to thank your friend over there. He brought you here.
I glanced back at Ferras wo was knocked out, sleeping against the wall. First, he tries to kill me, then he helps me. What a strange guy.
I let the topic drop. There was something much more important right now. Like the fact that this wasn't just any house, but a treehouse that was about thirty meters off the ground. It had been carved into the wood of an ancient-looking oak tree that towered an estimated 80 meters over the forest floor. And this wasn't the only one, no, there was a whole village going all the way up to the spring green canopy. All of them connected by vines. The farther up the smaller they became. And the one I was in was one of the largest and lowest ones. Specifically made for 'guests' I assumed. There were also various platforms scattered between the trees, full of flowers and vines and other things like feathers and shiny stones.
"Wow! This looks so beautiful; I can't believe it." I leaned over the wooden balcony railing. It looked like it hadn't been carved that way but had grown into that shape from the start.
Yes, we are very lucky to live here. I couldn't' think of any better place to live. Now come,
Sira motioned to me to take a look behind me. As you can see, there are some stairs for you to climb up one level. From there, one of the only bridges will lead you to our flower garden. I won't follow you as I hate being inside, but don't worry, I will meet you there.
I nodded. That explains at least how Ferras got me all the way up here.
"But before you go, I wanted to ask why you sound so funny. Also, I never see your mouths move but I can hear you speak from where you are." Sira grinned. Or at least that's what it looked like. Haven't you noticed? We're speaking telepathically. That is also the reason why I will teach you how to answer without speaking out loud and a few other tricks. This will help you a lot in the future. Sira spread his wings and hovered a bit above the ground, then, with a wave of his tail, he took off. I stood there a moment longer. Still dumbfounded by everything I had seen. What would Kat say when I told her about everything I had seen? I wonder how she was doing.