107 Stories of Rowaelin

9. The Hawk

My brain is fried. 100% fried. I cannot currently tell the difference between good writing and crap. My friend walloped me in the face with her very solid lunchbox. I apologize in advance.

    "Mommy! Daddy! You're sending Aedion away!" accused Aelin as she jumped out from behind the door.
     "Aelin, you shouldn't eavesdrop," chided her mother. "And it's only for a couple of months."
      Aelin stomped her foot. "You can't do that! He's my best friend! Please don't do that!"
     Her father knelt down so their eyes were at the same level. "Aelin, the fact that Aedion is your only friend, aside from characters in books, is why we're sending him to train in the mountains. We think you should make more friends. And it's only for a couple of months."
    Aelin felt her vision turn red. She turned on her heel and ran out of the room, and climbed out her window, narrowly avoiding a drop into the river. She made it into the forest before she started burning.
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     "Stupid parents. Sending Aedion away. The stupids. Mumbling angrily to herself, Aelin hurled fireballs at various trees setting them all on fire. She felt her dress singeing and the grass under her fett turned brown. She continued to hurl fireballs at the forest, even burning the tail of a stoat that wasn't quite fast enough. She was interrupted by a caw as a white bird circled down. As any child, she stopped flaming at the appearance of something new and interesting. The bird, a hawk, was on a branch a couple of feet away from her. Intrigued, she crept toward it. It seemed unruffled, even interested in her presence. Exactly as she had seen the court falconers do, she slowly stretched out her arm. The falcon gave a little hop, flaring its wings and landed on her outstretched wrist. Its grip was light, not even puncturing the skin. Hesitantly, she petted its head. He- somehow, she knew it was a he- seemed to like her touch.
    "What's your name?" Aelin wondered aloud.
     The hawk looked at her, and its eyes seemed to convey meaning.
     "Rowan? Alright I'll call you Row-Row for short."
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     About half an hour later, Aelin strode into the great hall, Row-Row on her shoulder. "Look mommy! I found a hawk! His name's Row-Row!"
       Her mother leaped up. "Fireheart! We were about to send a search party! Where--" She broke off at the sight of the hawk. The king's soup spoon clattered to the floor. Aelin looked confusedly around the room, seeing many of the ministers turning white or purple.
     Everyone got quiet when Row-Row let out a caw and nestled closer to Aelin, rubbing his head against hers. The king stood up abruptly. "This banquet has been adjourned. The staff will bring you dinner in your rooms."
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      "Aelin, honey, are you sure that's a hawk."
      Aelin giggled. "Daddy, what do think he is? The Captain of the Guard?" Her father just looked at her as he followed the queen out the door.
      "Should we let her keep him Evalin? She seems so much happier."
    "I guess so. His Highness seems to have taken a shine to her. And he -- Aelin, honey, stop eavesdropping." Embarrassed, Aelin crept away from the door.
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    "Bye Aedion! I'll miss you!" Aelin threw her arms around her cousin's neck. She drew back and fixed him with a look. "Don't you dare worry about my safety. Row-Row will keep me safe." Aedion shot a small glare at the white hawk, ever present on Aelin's shoulder, but he hugged his cousin once more before mounting his horse.

Was this weird? Or adorable? Also, pleeeasse comment any suggestions for fics in the comments.