@talebytale location: outside in the yard behind the castle
the festivities were going pretty well, guests from all around were meeting & conversing - in his name, which still felt a little strange. maybe even overwhelming. a little too overwhelming, so after hours inside, he snuck out the back into the yard to get away from it all. even if just for a little while. the sun had set by now, so it was a little chilly outside, but not too cold - so he didn't need to get a coat.
fingers brushed along the cold rock wall that took over when the thorns & brush ended. palm flat against it, letting the cold wash over him to ground him. deep breath. eyes closed, he held his breath. one. two. three. four... eyes snapped open when wings fluttered behind him & he spun around only to realize.. "ah, you." a crow. "you scared me." he said with a little chuckle sounding, "yeah, i know - there's a lot of people in there. it's quite fun, i wish you could try it." the crow caws, wings fluttering - before it flew off.
ari watched it leave & sighed softly. sometimes he wished he, too, could just fly away.