Bird Watching
Opening my eyes again, I find myself leaning on uncle, inside of what looks like a hunter's stand in the woods.
In a whispery voice Uncle says, “Good morning, mija. Look ahead, there is a red sprinkled Colbird on that branch.”
Looking where uncle is pointing I see a green bird the size of my hand with a funny red feathery mohawk. It has some red dots on its tail feathers and is currently eating a small fish.
“It’s really pretty…” I whisper back.
“You know the interesting thing about this bird is that originally they only lived off nuts and fruits but ever since this area became a flood land, those nuts and fruit would quickly get washed away and most of the birds disappeared.”
“That’s sad…”
“It would be but you haven’t heard the full story yet. You see, nowadays these birds are thriving because they learned to hunt for small fish and frogs. What once seemed like a disaster quickly turned into something great for them.”
“I’m glad the birdies can be happy.”
“Oh, that also reminds me of the Ashborn tree, have you heard of it before?”
“Nope.”
“It’s a tree that grows in an area that is prone to wildfires. But yet it flourishes without problem. You see its seeds are actually grown in a way that they only start to grow once they have cooled down after being burned. They then take root in the ashes of other trees and grow up really big and strong. The adult trees are so protected against fire that they rarely even catch a flame.”
“Woah…You know so much uncle…Do you work as a researcher?”
“Haha, no. I just work as a merchant.”
“What kind of merchant?”
“Hmm…That’s kind of hard to say, we do a lot of things. We import and export a lot of goods and we also rent out some of our workers for other services. We’ve also been getting into real estate recently and found some success there.”
“Is it a big company?”
“I don’t know. It’s not tiny but it’s not giant either, somewhere in the middle probably. I think we look a lot bigger than we actually are because I try to employ a lot of poor people or those with troubled pasts.”
“That’s amazing, uncle! You’re so cool!”
“Ahahaha, oh well…If you say so~”
“Gao, gao!”
“...”
“Hey uncle, can I ask you a weird question?”
“Of course.”
“Do people treat you worse because you don’t have red scales?”
“Yes, some people do. But there are also others that treat me better because of it. Thankfully most people do not seem to care, though.”
“Do you…Do you think people will accept me? I’m a lot more weird than you are and I’m also supposed to be a representative of the people, right? Would they really want someone like me?”
“I think they would, yes. There will be some that will hate you, there will be some that adore you and then there will be others that judge you by your personality and actions. Those are the only ones that matter, mija.”
“I see…Do you think I have a good personality?”
“Yes. But you’re also just a baby. You still have so much time to change and grow so we will see once you’re older. Until then you should focus on doing things you enjoy, playing, making friends and being loved and spoiled by all the adults around you.”
“Sigh...I wish it were that simple…”
“It is, all you need to do is trust us, mija.”
“But…There is nothing you can do against the Six or the Gods.”
“Maybe there is.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, life constantly finds ways to triumph over nature. Just like the birds who had their food washed away by Elqueenes or the trees that are constantly under threat of Ifrit. They might not be known to them but they constantly fight and win over the Six. If birds and trees can do it then why do we not stand a chance?”
“Because they are aware of me and not just accidentally doing stuff?”
“You’re right that does make a difference but doesn’t it also make a difference that we’re smart people and not just animals or plants?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“So it’s a bit more of an even playing field, right?”
“Maybe…”
“Also, you do have one thing already in your favor.”
“What is it?”
“That you’re a dragon. As descendants of Ifrit we have some connection with her. Ifrit would never torture one of her own descendants and since you have Elqueenes’ blood in you now as well I doubt they’d let you feel too bad. In a way, all the bad things they did were just misguided ways to help you, right?”
“I guess that’s true…But I’m still really scared uncle.”
“I know, mija. I know…”
Hugging me tightly, uncle and I silently stay next to each other for another hour or so watching the birds and other animals before a branch starts to completely block our view.
“Ah, this is the second time already…In the future we need to not be too close to trees and bushes.”
“Second time? What do you mean?”
“Ah, because of your bloodline ability our stand is getting covered in vegetation. I had to trim it once before when you were sleeping. Here, let’s leave for a second. I'll show you.”
Picking me up, uncle jumps out of the window frame with me then turns around, “See, that’s where we came from.”
Looking around the area there isn’t much vegetation around besides some shrubs and the grass on the ground but the area around our deer stand is surrounded by tons of flowers, tall grass, bushes and other plants that are otherwise seen just sparingly around us. There is also what looks like a trail of flowers and mushrooms as well as slightly longer grass where uncle is pointing. Looking to our stand there are also tons of spirits gathered around right outside of it that I couldn’t see before because they were outside my field of view. They seem to all be relaxing and enjoying themselves. Some are also playing tag and other games with each other. Surprisingly, even though there are more earth and water spirits present due to us being in a wetland, there are spirits of all elements here. What’s especially strange is that there are little dark spirits here despite it being quite light out, though they do seem to try to stick to the shadows so that makes it a little less weird.
“Uhm, hello. Were we disturbing you?”
A spirit that looks like a green deer with tree branches for antlers answers, “Of course not Count Dancer, we came to see you and enjoy ourselves in your aura of life.”
“I think you might be mistaking me for someone else. My name is Rose not Dancer and I’m no Count.”
“I am aware, but your title is certainly that of a Count and the title bestowed upon you by the Kings is Dancer. I can see it quite clearly. There is no mistaking it.”
“Mija? Who are you talking to?”
“I’m talking to a spirit. They called me Duke Dancer. Apparently the Spirit Kings gave me that title and name.”
“I see…I guess it makes sense that if they have Kings they would have lesser nobles as well. Do they want anything from you?”
“I don’t think so. They just seem to be relaxing here and enjoying what they call my aura of life.”
“So this power even affects spirits. What a frightening ability…Could you ask them what it means to be a Count? Do you have any obligations or privileges? Also please ask them what your ‘aura of life’ feels like to them.”
“Gao. Can you explain to me what it means to be a Count? Is there anything I need to do because of it? Also do I get any upsides from it?”
“Hmm…I’m not sure if there is anything you need to do but I guess it is expected that your Lordship would respect us and not take advantage of us.”
“Oh, that’s not a problem then. What about the upsides?”
“Well, your Lordship may command us to do things and you are well treated and welcome everywhere.”
“Oh, that’s nice! By the way, do you have a name?”
“Me? No, I’m just a grove.”
“Hmm…Would you like a name?”
“I…I’d be honored if you would bestow one on me.”
“Sure! Do you prefer a masculine, a feminine or a neutral name?”
The spirit seems to think for a bit then answers, “A neutral one seems most versatile.”
“Hmm…In that case since you are an earth elemental and you look kinda wise…How about Sage? It is a bit of a pun because there is the herb but it also means someone very wise. Would you like that name?”
“Yes, gladly.”
“Then from now on your name is Sage! I hope you-”
Suddenly everything feels a little wonky and before I know it I fall unconscious.