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It was evening, the sun just beginning to set on the mountains. The sky a brilliant mixture of blues, reds, orange, and pink. Zephyr sat on the top of her family home, meditating. Her wings flared out behind her, her balance such that the smallest change could topple her from the narrow point of the roof.

[Color=red][I] In with the flash of a flame, out with the embers...[/I][/color] she repeated in her mind. Small flames extended from her mouth with each breath, disappearing as she breathed in.

"Zephyr of the Singing Arrow?" A voice below her called up. Male. Older than her, if she had to guess.

She ignored the voice, returning to her breathing. Her mourning.

"I come with a letter. Utmost importance."

Her jaw clenching, Zephyr opened her eyes by a fraction, looking down upon this strange man. Foreigner. She didn't recognize from where, just not from here.

"If you could just read this, I can get out of your hair."

[Color=red]"Very well,"[/color] she relented, standing up and feeling the rush as the air whipped around her as she slowly lowered herself to the ground. Taking the sealed letter, which bore an insignia she didn't recognize.

[Color=red]"Mhmm. So you are to escort me to this [I] place [/I] where I can obtain the honor my family deserves?"[/color]

"Yes. We will need to leave soon."

[Color=red]"Understood. I will return momentarily."[/color]
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Hours later, Zephyr saw the scorched lands come beneath them in the airship. Her goodbyes had been difficult, but if it meant returning with honor and strength...

There had been no conversation, for she was far from forthcoming at the man's original attempts at small talk.

[Color=red][I] This machine is like a trap. Confining. Small. Closed...[/I][/color] she thought in agitation.
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At long last her feet touched ground, free sky above her. She left the man at the gate, secretly pleased that he didn't follow her into the inner sanctum.

Two were already there, and she looked at them with open curiosity as she inspected The garden.

[Color=red]"Greetings upon you two, on this gifted morning. I am Zephyr of the Singing Arrow,"[/color] she said with a small bow. [Color=red]"I see someone has adorned this garden with symbolism of the Great Sages. The colors, the adornments... It truly is spectacular, is it not?"[/color]