Chereads / Flight of The Harpy's Heart / Chapter 40 - Fish Farm

Chapter 40 - Fish Farm

The young harpy observed the goblin corpses strewn about the dock of what had just been a bustling human seaport only weeks before, it was no surprise to her. Goblins tend to take over abandoned human settlements if left unattended for more than a month give or take. At night, a goblin scout would come to survey the area and tell his leader that it was suitable for occupation.

Their attention was drawn to one building that was lit up from within. It was an abandoned warehouse situated near the dock, where the goblins came from to ambush the young wyvern.The harpy decided to get a closer look at the youngling trailing on her leg. He was still wounded from the goblins' beating but nothing serious.The place looked empty with no sign of goblins left inside.The harpy was eager to enter, but the youngling was hesitant; he was still shaken from the goblin attack earlier. He stood at the doorway, watching as the harpy slid in through slightly parted double doors. The entrance to the fish farm could comfortably accommodate four wagons lined up side by side.When she stepped into the abandoned warehouse, the air was filled with the rank stench of goblin urine, the pungent odor permeating through every crevice and corner. With each inhale, it seemed to become more potent and oppressive, making it difficult to breathe without gagging. It was an unmistakable smell that lingered relentlessly in this place.It looked like the goblins had made the warehouse their base camp.They observed the remnants of goblin life scattered throughout the warehouse. Crude bedding made of straw and torn cloth lay in one corner, while discarded bones and scraps of food littered the floor. The walls were adorned with crude drawings and symbols, depicting scenes of violence and victories.As they ventured deeper into the warehouse, their eyes were met with an abundance of ponds and barrels filled with fresh living fishes, streaming with seawater complete with intricate mechanics that made it run without any human operating it. It was not just a warehouse, it was a fish farm.The youngling's eyes widened in amazement as he gazed upon the barrels filled with sea fishes. It was like a dream come true, a bounty of food waiting to be taken. For a moment, he forgot about the pain inflicted by the goblins, lost in the wonder of the moment.They were taken aback by how well it was still in working condition. The machinery was still functional, its automation operating without a hitch. It was powered by the sea current that provided food and seawater for the fish inside the ponds and barrels from a nearby shore creating an ideal living situation for anyone wanting to settle there.The harpy considered to make this place their new hideout as it has abundant fishes.The young wyvern couldn't hold back his appetite. Without hesitation, the youngling jumped into one of the barrels, his wings flapped with excitement, splashing around.The harpy smiled as the youngling back to his playful spirit.He easily caught one of the fishes, his sharp instincts and agile movements making quick work of the task.As he savored the taste of the fish, the youngling felt a sense of joy and contentment. The bounty of the sea was a reminder of the beauty and abundance of nature, a gift waiting to be enjoyed and appreciated.The harpy noticed that the fish farm became darker as the only source of light was almost gone.The sunset was almost entirely over, its brilliant light slowly fading away."Wark," The young harpy called upon the youngling that was still busy chasing fishes in the pond. Because she got no response from the young wyvern she flew to the pond and perched on its side."Wark," She called once more, the youngling raised his head from the pond with a fish between his jaw.The harpy spun around, leaped into the air, and flew gracefully towards the doorway. Realizing it was time to go home, the young wyvern followed suit and left a trail of splashing water from the pond.The young harpy brought the youngling back to their place, she couldn't stand the stench of the goblins, unlike the stormwing wyvern which was able to naturally withstand pungent stench. She discarded the notion of making the warehouse their nest, since goblins, or worse, humans, could return at any moment to reclaim it.The young harpy felt a sense of unease as she took to the sky, her wings feeling heavier than usual. As she looked down at her wings, she noticed that her feathers were falling off more than normal. It was a troubling sign, one that she couldn't quite explain.Day by day, the young harpy found herself shedding more and more feathers, her wings feeling weaker and more cumbersome with each passing moment. It was a bit frustrating and confusing experience, one that left her feeling vulnerable and uncertain.⁕⁕⁕As the moonlight pierced through the mist, its ethereal glow cast a mesmerizing display of light and shadow within the secluded hollow tree. The mist, like a delicate veil, danced and swirled in the moon's gentle embrace, creating an otherworldly ambiance.The soft, silvery beams of moonlight filtered through the gaps in the tree's branches, illuminating the interior with a serene and enchanting glow. The mist, touched by the moon's radiance, seemed to come alive, shimmering and floating in a mystical dance.Within the hollow tree, the young harpy and the youngling wyvern found solace and refuge. The moonlight, like a guiding star, bathed them in its gentle embrace, casting a serene and comforting aura around them. The soft glow highlighted the intricate details of the tree's interior, revealing the gnarled texture of the wood and the delicate patterns of moss and lichen that adorned its walls.The mist, illuminated by the moonlight, created an almost dreamlike atmosphere. It wrapped around the young harpy and the youngling, cocooning them in a soft, hazy embrace. The air felt cool and refreshing, carrying with it a hint of mystery and magic.As they nestled within the hollow tree, the young harpy and the youngling felt a sense of peace and tranquility wash over them. The moonlight and mist created a sanctuary, a haven where they could find respite from the challenges and dangers of the outside world.In this serene and enchanting setting, the young harpy and the youngling found comfort and solace. They could rest, their weary bodies and minds soothed by the gentle glow of the moonlight and the embrace of the mist. It was a moment of serenity amidst the chaos, a reminder of the beauty and wonder that could be found even in the darkest of times.The youngling wyvern lay curled up in the young harpy's lap, his breathing slow and steady as he drifted off to sleep. The harpy had just finished singing a lullaby to him, her voice soft and soothing, carrying him off to a peaceful slumber.He was drained after this tiring day, from splashing in the river, chasing down fish on the shore, playing hide and seek, and the close encounter with the goblins. After all he'd been through that day, he finally drifted off into a peaceful slumber.The air was cool and refreshing, carrying with it a hint of the sea and the fragrance of the forest. The moon shone brightly overhead, casting a serene and tranquil glow over the surrounding landscape.As the youngling slept, the young harpy gazed out at the world around her, taking in the beauty and wonder of the night. The stars twinkled in the sky, their gentle light casting a soft and comforting aura around them.The young harpy felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over her, a feeling of serenity and calm that she had not felt in some time. The youngling's presence, his soft breathing and gentle warmth, filled her with a sense of purpose and belonging.In this moment of tranquility, the young harpy felt a deep connection to the world around her. She felt the gentle breeze caress her feathers, the rustling of leaves in the trees, and the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore.The young harpy gazed up at the moon, its soft glow filtering through the tree canopies. It had been a long and eventful day, one filled with danger and uncertainty. But despite the challenges they had faced, the young harpy felt a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the moments of joy and wonder that had come their way.Thanks to the encounter with the goblins, the young harpy had been reunited with her sister, Wingclaw, the muscular harpy. It was a moment of joy and relief, knowing that she had someone to rely on in times of need.But the day had also brought an unexpected bounty. The young harpy had discovered a place full of seafood, a treasure trove of food for the youngling wyvern. It was a moment of serendipity, a reminder that even in the midst of danger and uncertainty, there were moments of beauty and abundance to be found.As she gazed up at the moon, the young harpy felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over her. She knew that there would be challenges and dangers that lay ahead, but at this moment, she found solace and comfort in the simple pleasures of life.The young harpy glanced down at the youngling wyvern, she felt a warmth spread through her stomach. It was a feeling that she couldn't quite explain, a sense of attachment and protectiveness that seemed to grow stronger with each passing day.The youngling had become more than just a companion to her. He was like a child, a precious and vulnerable being that she felt a deep maternal instinct to care for and protect.Every time she watched him sleep, his small form curled up in her lap, the young harpy felt a sense of tenderness and love wash over her. It was a feeling that she had never experienced before, a sense of connection and belonging that seemed to transcend their differences.In the depths of her heart, the young harpy knew that something was changing within her. It was a subtle shift, a foreshadowing of something that she couldn't quite put into words.But as she looked down at the youngling wyvern, she knew that whatever lay ahead, she would face it with courage and resilience. For the youngling had become a part of her, a precious and beloved companion that she would do anything to protect.With each passing moment, the young harpy's maternal instincts grew stronger, a testament to the power of love and connection. She felt a sense of purpose and strength, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. And as she looked up at the moon, she knew that she was not alone, that the beauty and wonder of the world would always be there to guide and inspire her.In the embrace of the moonlit forest, the young harpy and the youngling found solace and a sense of belonging. They reveled in the wonders of the natural world, the vibrant marine life, and the mysteries that lay hidden within the trees.⁕⁕⁕