Night had fallen, and Fianna had not returned to the palace. Her absence set the realm into a frenzy, with many voices calling out her name, echoing through the air. Yet, while everyone searched for her, Fianna had deliberately slipped away, seeking solitude beneath the ancient E'lgorothian Oak—a majestic, glowing tree standing at a distance from the heart of the realm.
The night was cold, and the forest buzzed with the whispers of insects, their voices weaving through the stillness. Fianna gathered a small handful of wood and kindled a dim, flickering flame to ward off the chill. She sat near the smoldering fire, her thoughts heavy with what had transpired between her and her mother. *Why did she lie to me?* Fianna's mind reeled. *Is this what queens do to their heirs—bury history and hide truths?*
Her anger burned just as fiercely as the embers before her. Her mother's deception gnawed at her, especially her stance on humans. *How can she be so blind?* Fianna clenched her fists. *Humans are reckless, foolish beings, capable of endangering the very existence of elves. I will never understand her decision.*
As these thoughts consumed her, the air around the ancient tree stirred. Birds that had been perched silently on the great branches of the Oak began to flutter down toward her—each one more radiant and otherworldly than the last.
First came the **Starlings of the Oak**, their iridescent feathers glimmering like starlight. Then the **Luminari**, their radiant plumage glowing softly in the dim light, followed by the ethereal **Whisperwings**, their delicate feathers barely making a sound as they flitted about. More came: the **Moonwhispers**, silvery feathers shimmering like moonlight; the fiery **Emberwings** with their ember-like glow; and finally, the shadowy **Shadowlings**, their dark feathers blending into the night, their eyes gleaming like stars.
These enchanted birds, beloved by the elves, were said to carry the wisdom of the forest and the blessings of the gods. Their presence surrounded Fianna like a gentle embrace.
"What weighs on your heart, Princess?" asked one of the Starlings, its voice as soft as a breeze. "What thoughts cloud your soul?"
Fianna stared at the bird, stunned. "What? You... you speak?"
"Yes, all of us speak," they replied in unison, their voices harmonizing like a melody. "We saw you from afar, alone in this quiet place. We've come to ask what troubles you. Perhaps we can help."
Still in disbelief, Fianna hesitated before clearing her throat. "It's nothing. I can manage on my own," she muttered. "It's a family matter. You needn't concern yourselves."
One of the Emberwings landed beside her, its fiery feathers casting a warm glow. "We are friends, Princess. Share your burden with us."
Fianna sighed, reluctant but drawn in by their kindness. "It's my mother," she finally admitted. "She lied to me... and I hate lies."
"Sometimes, parents lie to protect their children," murmured a Moonwhisper, its voice serene, like moonlight on water. "It's not always easy to understand, but they do so out of love. Even so, the truth should never be hidden for too long. You must find it in your heart to forgive her."
Fianna shook her head, her brow furrowed in frustration. "It's hard for me to do that."
"But we know your heart, Princess," an Emberwing chimed in, fluttering before her. "It is as pure as the first snowfall. Your soul, as gentle as a dove. There is a place for forgiveness within you, even if you cannot see it yet."
"Am I truly so pure?" Fianna asked, almost incredulous.
"Yes," they answered in unison, their voices soft yet certain.
A quiet moment passed as Fianna pondered their words. Slowly, she nodded. "Alright," she whispered. "I will forgive her."
The birds rejoiced, their wings fluttering in delight. "Thank you, Princess," they sang. "May we now sing to celebrate this moment? Let us play and lift your spirits."
Fianna smiled, her heart lightened. "Yes, let us sing."
With that, the birds began to gather around her, pulling out delicate flutes and sticks. They blew soft melodies into the night, their voices ethereal, blending perfectly with the wind. They sang together, and Fianna's voice joined theirs in a lament that echoed through the ancient branches of the Oak.
### *Fianna's Lament*
*"Moonlit shadows, darkness falls,*
*My heart, a heavy, sorrowful call.*
*In E'lgoroth's woods, I search for peace,*
*A refuge from my troubled release.*
*Tears fall like starlight, lost and cold,*
*My soul, a whispered secret, untold."*
The birds harmonized with her sorrow, their voices rising in a comforting response:
### *The Birds' Response*
*(Starlings of the Oak)*
*"Whispers fade, like dawn's first light,*
*Sorrow's wings, we'll take flight.*
*In E'lgoroth's skies, we'll find your way,*
*And guide you through life's darkest day.*
*Our songs, a gentle, soothing breeze,*
*Healing your heart, in peaceful ease."*
The music of their voices swirled around her, and Fianna felt her heart lift as their melodies intertwined, filling the air with a symphony of hope.
### *Fianna's Chorus*
*"Oh, E'lgoroth's shadows, heal my soul,*
*In twilight's silence, I find my goal,*
*Heart's sorrow, like the moon's pale glow."*
### *Birds' Chorus*
*"Rise, dear one, let sorrow fade,*
*In starlight's wings, your heart will sway,*
*Echoes of hope, in our morning shade."*
### *Unified Chorus* (Fianna & Birds)
*"Together we'll find the light of day,*
*In E'lgoroth's heart, our spirits sway,*
*Healing wings, to soothe the way."*
When the final notes faded, Fianna was filled with a deep sense of peace. "I feel... overwhelmed," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper.
"As are we," the birds replied, their voices shimmering with joy.
"We are friends now," Fianna said softly.
"We have always been friends," they responded.
Before Fianna could reply, a distant voice thundered through the night, calling her name—searching for her. She looked to the birds with a bittersweet smile. "I must go. They're looking for me."
"We will meet again," they promised as they fluttered back into the branches.
With a final farewell, Fianna rose and departed, her heart lighter than it had been in days, carrying with her the melodies of forgiveness and friendship.