The Aeronaut's Daughter

True Friends

Third Point of View: 

The next day, the friends woke up slowly but were shocked to see that (Y/N)'s wings had covered them like a huge silvery blanket. "They're so warm," (M/C) said, touching them very carefully. "I mean it,". 

(Y/N) knelt up and her wings fanned up. "I think I can control them a bit," she closed her eyes and focused her mind just on what she wanted the wings to do. "I just focus my mind and make it step down an imaginary ladder,". 

"Almost like how I use the Alethiometer," Lyra said. 

"How's your hand?" (M/C) asked Will. 

"It's a lot better than last night," Will couldn't contain his repulse at the damaged skin. "It still looks pretty banged up,". 

"A wound caused by magic must be closed by magic," Serafina knelt before them. "I've done my best,". 

"Thank you," the Knife-Bearer said gratefully. "What do we do now?". 

"We keep heading up this mountain," Serafina said. "That's where we'll find your father and Lee Scoresby,". 

Will and (Y/N) were all the more excited than ever. After a quick nibble of some fruit, the witches had managed to find, the entourage made their way further up the mountain path, the bird daemons flying overhead to spot any sign of danger. By mid-afternoon, they were halfway up the valley and decided to rest. (Y/N) however, decided to step and test her wings again. Lyra and Will stood by to observe her with caution. 

Serafina meanwhile wanted to have a word with (M/C) privately. "Tell him," Kaisa urged. 

"Lyra is important," 

"I know she is," (M/C) said. 

"There is a prophecy surrounding her," Kaisa explained. "A prophecy that includes three children who must travel with her,". 

"And you two think me, Will and (Y/N) are those three others," (M/C) clarified correctly. It made sense as they had been all brought together by fate. 

"You are their responsibility. But all of you are each other's responsibilities. Neither of you is important without the other. Don't lose sight of that,". 

"Woah!" (Y/N)'s cries rattled their senses and they saw her tumble a bit on the rocks. Lyra and Will helped her up. "It's no use. I'm never gonna get them work,". 

"Yes, you can," Lyra wasn't giving up on her. "You just have to try again,". 

(M/C) climbed up to them. "You just need to take it easy, (Y/N). Relax your mind a little. Don't try and fight the wings. Close your eyes and do what you did back at the campsite. Just trust Dust to control the wings for you,". 

"You got this," Aster turned into a snowy owl and unfolded his wings. "I'll be right beside you,". 

"Okay," (Y/N) inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. She closed her eyes and allowed her mind to cling carefully to (M/C)'s instructions. Her wings flapped slowly and slowly. Mouths parted as her feet left the ground and she was flying a little. She closed her eyes, taking shallow breaths. 

"Just breathe," her dameon whispered in front of her. "Just let go of your fear and tell the Dust with your mind what you want to do,". 

(Y/N) stared around seeing mounds and trees. Left. she thought. She tilted left a bit. Her friends cheered below her. Right. Her wings carried her right. She then flew up and down and around in a circle. 

Serafina flew up to join her. "Well done," she said. "Your father will be so proud of you when he sees them. Do not be angry at him for not telling you the truth,". She held out her hand and (Y/N) took it before allowing him to pull them gently back down to the ground and she landed on her feet again.