It would be the ideal time to soak in my personal waterfall while sipping on an alcoholic beverage made from the nectar of local plants. Anything to get me out of the chaos that was plaguing the galaxy.
If I had to choose between living in my remote mountainside villa and being trapped inside the galactic capital’s suffocating walls of metals and stones, I’d take this any day. Nothing beat waking up to the sun in the sky, feeling the wing along my feathers, and hearing the ocean waves crashing onto my private beach.
My villa wasn’t large, but it was substantial enough for me to live comfortably whenever I had time away from my duties. The jungle trees were tall and lush, with various types of fruits growing on them, while the animals lived peacefully under their shade, under Lyave’s supervision.
This place was peaceful, serene, and just what I needed after everything that had happened.
A loud chirp filled my commons, signaling yet another report, and I bobbed my head in response to the piercing, irritating sound.
“The reports will be waiting for me when I get back from my relaxing bath.”
I hurried through the double doors and onto the wraparound balcony, turning away from my window. The wind brushed against my wings and hair, sending shivers down my spine, and I could hear night birds happily cooing in the distance, ushering in the night. I jumped onto the thick fence railing, which was sturdy enough to serve as a perch, and soaked in the last of the sun rays while admiring the natural beauty around me.
After securing my grip on the top of the wooden railing with my claws, I took one last look back over my shoulder to take in the breathtaking view of the setting sun before I leapt off.
My wings snapped open, and I spread them wide as I floated lazily down the path toward my waterfall-fed pool. The warm winds embraced me, giving me a boost that allowed me to soar.
I drew up, flapped my wings, and softly landed on the grassy ground, my claws gripping the rich soil.
The waterfall’s thunderous sounds welcomed me, drowning out everything around me. It reminded me of home—of my Mother’s home—and its soothing sound washed away all the stress I’d been experiencing recently.
There were palm trees, flowers, and ferns all around my private pool, and the waterfall that dropped right outside my villa’s porch was the source of the water. Around its rim were rocky outcrops that sparkled like jewels in the twilight. The plants’ vibrant colors took on an iridescence, and their bioluminescent markings shone brightly in the growing darkness.
The crystal clear waters were alive with various types of colorful fish that darted between the rocks while others rested within it, swimming close to the surface. I wanted to dive into this peaceful scene and stay there forever.
I walked slowly over to my resting spot, where a small roof protected a lounging cushion and a metallic perch long enough for many Ekoiskra to enjoy. I couldn’t help but wonder when the day would come when my dance would attract a female and fill the perch with my flock.
As much as I enjoyed living alone in my mountainside villa when my council job permitted, companionship was always something I craved.
There weren’t many Ekoiskra on this planet, and the majority of those who had a cliffside villa were already happily mated. This gave me fewer chances of finding an available female to perform my mating dance to.
I quickly unbuckled my bandolier, letting the crisscross straps fall forward, and slid the utility belt onto the perch, taking care not to drop it to the ground. I fluttered my wings, unable to contain my excitement as I dashed to the peaceful pond and leapt.
As soon asI landed in the cool waters, I submerged myself.
It was refreshing and soothing, instantly washing away all of my worries. I sighed in relief, letting go of the tension in my body as the cool water washed over me.
My wings propelled me around as I circled the surface, gazing at the sky above, watching the last rays of light fade into night.
After a few moments of leisurely splashing around, I drew myself out of the pool with one hand and lay on a large rock, feeling the ripples of water drip from my body.
My feathers were slightly damp, but they would dry quickly due to their natural oils and the special blend I had added to them to help strengthen and protect them, as well as make them gleam like they were shiny and new.
I sighed deeply and stretched out along the warm stone, watching the stars twinkle overhead through the treetops, letting the soft sounds and gentle winds calm my soul.
* * *
A loud crackin the sky reminded me of thunder, and then the ground beneath me shook violently. My eyes snapped open as I jolted to my feet and instinctively flapped my wings hard to fly away from the jungle canopy that surrounded my waterfall oasis.
As I flew high in the air, I noticed a black tail of smoke deep within Lyave’s territory.
A deep crevice sliced through the dense jungle, severing large trees and brush and forming an enormous crater. As a sense of doom washed over me, my feathers ruffled up as I studied the site of destruction.
I had a feeling I knew what had just crashed landed, and if I was correct, it meant my vacation had ended before it had even begun.
The new visitors and their loud entrance to the planet, as well as the permanent damage they’d done, had discouraged even the Four Wings.
As the gray clouds swept across the landscape and gathered over the land, they became darker by the second. A cold breeze blew in from the sea, bringing heavy rains and lightning strikes that lit up the dark sky. Thunder rolled through me, a clear indication that I needed to get out of the sky—and quickly—before things got worse.
