The wind blew wildly about his feathers as the cobalt coloured bird soared higher into the clouds. It was a sunny day with strong wind currents and a few clouds that threw long shadows upon the earth below. Ta'Klev looked upon the countryside. What ever was he to do today? Lately he was bored with flying around aimlessly, hunting form time to time . . . He had even gone into a tavern just to see if the human world might bring him some entertainment. Sadly it had been boring. What was he to do with eternity at hand and no satisfaction in his being? A cooing sound left his sharp beak. Perhaps he might just head south, try and reach that mountain peak once more he had found so difficult as a child. It was then that a shadow caught his eye. 

It took the phoenix a while to recognize the eagle he knew quite well. With a screech he dived down to greet the bird, swirling his coloured feather tails about as he did when he felt happy. Indeed, the bird recognized him and gave a greeting of it's own before heading to the ground. Ta'Klev landed next to the bird, transforming into his human state to take the peace of parchment from the scaled leg. Petting Maxuim with a shy smile he unrolled the letter and read quickly. “Verrrrry well. We shall leave iiiimediatly.” He snarled, kicking off the ground to take on his true form and spurt to the place named in the letter. As expected he reached the cottage first. A phoenix could fly at great speed and with the urgency of the note Ta'Klev had given himself no mercy in reaching his friend. He let out a soft cry, announcing his presence, before he perched himself upon a tree from where he could see the entrance to the cabin. To those who had never seen a phoenix before he would look like a lost bright beautiful and rather big bird.

[hr]
Ayluin awoke in the midst of . . . something soft . . . and warm. Opening his eyes he gasped and shielded them from the blazing sun. He lay in his hammock up between the trees, bathed in feathers and leaves. With a yawn he sat up and stretched his weary arms. This would be a fine day! He was sure of it. The wind softly kissed the leaves that quivered in it's wake, singing to Ayluin. Careful not to fall down he retreated from the hammock and bound it loose to wrap it up. Something was coming his way. A bird it would seem – or so the trees told him in their endless whispers. An eagle to be precise. Just as he had stowed away his belongings the bird reached him and landed on his outstretched hand. “Greetings, Maxuim.” The elf whispered, touching the birds beak. [i]”Dark. Come wind-flowing-speed. Dark come. Food-bringer help.”[/i] Was the reply the animal gave. Nodding the elf reassured the creature: “I will come. As fast as I can. Now go, and let him know I am on my way!” 

As the bird left the elf climbed down the tree. It had sounded scared. Taking a deep breath he fastened his boots, secured bow and arrows on his back and tugged his vest into place. With his silver hair and eyes he was said to be blessed by the stars – as his people would say. And so he started his run for the cottage in the woods. It would be a long one and he would reach it after the sun had set. But that would have to do.

[hr]
Hot air washed over her forearms as she opened the oven to take out a freshly baked nut-bread. The sweet bread was one of her delicacies and loved especially by children. “Pa, is the basket ready?” Tilla asked over her shoulder, taking the bread from the oven with a thick cloth wrapped around her hands. A grunt confirmed her question, so she turned and placed the bread into it's basket. Wiping her forehead with a smile she noticed Kemage coming towards the bakery. “Kemage!” She shouted, waving with a broad smile upon her flour covered face. Her best friend came closer and gave her a note from a wizard they had both met but once – and wouldn't forget any time soon. 

He had travelled through their small village and bought bread from Tilla for his journeys. The next day he had been back for more. She remembered that vibrant face and the compliment he had made her by telling the entire village how he had had a slice for supper and was unable to stop eating until he had finished the entire loaf! Laughing Tilla had made a dozen loafs of bread for the man and sent him on his way with Kemage proud as could be – she had been allowed to help in the bakery for once.

Now Tilla looked up to meet her best friends gaze. “I think it is strange, too. But we should go. It seems to be urgent and I have the feeling that man doesn't summon without reason.” The young woman smiled. Kemage was quite enthusiastic and Tilla like seeing her this way. “I agree. I just have to finsh a few things.” Her turned as she was spoken to once more. Then she stood there alone. Naturally Kemage hadn't waited to hear her response. Shaking her head she informed her parents, who owned the bakery, that she would leave for a while. After explaining the note to them they finally let her go – but not without stuffing all the remaining space in her backpack with bread, flour and a frying pan. “So you can make fried bread on the way.” Her mother let her know. After a few tears and farewells had been exchanged Tilla rushed to the treeline where Kemage already sat waiting.

“I'm sorry I kept you waiting. My parents wouldn't let me leave.” She sat down next to her friend with a smile and gave her a warm and round bundle that smelled deliciously of hazelnut and raisins. Tilla had taken the freshly baked nut-bread for the road. Both girls liked it very much and why shouldn't they have it for dinner. It was best when freshly made. “Nut-bread.” the bakers daughter said softly, tilting her head to one side. “By the way: Do you know where we have to go? Or should we get a map from the old smith?”