Cathein stood at the pyre long after the words and lip service had been rendered. He stood before the smoldering ashes as the raging inferno charred the armor. He stood staring at the lone egg in the center of the funeral pyre. The sunmage didn’t even notice the death knight approaching him, so when Vulthaen spoke it came as a shock. “It's hard to believe she is gone, I miss her already.”
“Yes, she was just like the phoenix, bright and fiery, the lack of her presence will be felt for quite some time.”
------------------------
Gently running his fingers through the crest feathers of his partner Zalin sat in the aviary. Leaning against the thick wooden pillars the spellbreaker took a moment to take his eyes off his floating book. Turning to his cooing pet nestled in his lap another phoenix caught his gaze.
She was a chick, couldn’t have been more than a few months old. Her blazing red feathers shone deep like cooling ashes. Perching on the other banister the young phoenix quirked her head as if trying to recognize the pair. Inferna had been rumored to be temperamental on good days, and vicious on bad days. Clicking her shimmering talons along the banister she gave an odd sense of unease in the pit of Zalin’s stomach.
“Yes little one? Is there something you are looking for?” Bunching up the feathers on her back the small chick took to the air and soared right at the questioning man.
Tossing up his arm to defend from the attacking bird Zalin did his best to shield Sedeli without falling off the ledge.
Inferna had other plans and gripping the Advisor’s forearm gave a welcoming squawk. The elder phoenix was not amused and rustling her feathers brought her own wings up and lifted off her master’s lap.
“Sedeli stop!” Moving as quickly as he could Zalin separated the two, diving their space with a free arm. Ignoring the irritation in his companion’s eyes he returned to Inferna who seemed content to cling to his arm. “You~ don’t seem to be half as much of a menace as you care takers have informed me.”
Twisting his fingers the spellbreaker began to levitate a small satchel from his bag. Plopping the brought leather into his hands he awkwardly produced a small dried plant. “This is fireweed, it’s from Draenor. It's one of Sedel’s favorite snacks.”
Inferna cautious lowered her beak to pluck the plant away before eagerly devouring the offered treat. For her part Sedeli seemed utterly offended that what was her’s was given away so quickly. The young chick didn’t seem bothered in the least and crept up Zalin’s arm. Nestling on his shoulder she gave a beaky smile to the man before resting her head on her plumage.
Blinking as he tried to watch his new companion. “It would appear I have made a new friend.” Gaze shifting back to Sedeli he scoffed as she stared daggers at the betrayers. “Oh come on Ms. Jealousy.” Straightening his lap he patted gently. “If you stay huffed up like that you won’t get any snacks.”
