Caged Body, Free Mind

Flight Training

Midnight had now been training her to fly properly for a week or so now. She woke up this morning expecting the skies to be lit up by the sun. But today however, she awoke to the pitter patter of rain. Frowning, she thought, it seems we can't fly today. Not through that storm. She clumsily tumbled out of her bed and lazily started dressing herself, still half asleep.
By the time she got to the breakfast table, Midnight was already there sipping some hot tea. He greeted her good morning and they started to make breakfast together in the room they rented for the week.

"Its a pity we won't be able to fly today. I was much looking forward to it." Ester said over the stove.

"You won't be disappointed today. We will still train." He said plainly, flipping over the eggs.

Ester gave him a puzzled look. "In THAT storm!? How can that be possible? Our wings will get wet. Besides, I've never seen you fly through rain before."

Midnight let out a sigh. "I understand you have your doubts, but it can be done. Our wings can withstand more than you think. And I've flown through rain, even snow and hail. The key is endurance. I'm going to take you out there today because I believe you're ready."

"O-okay." She said anxiously, beginning to overthink all ways she could mess up in the storm.

"No need to worry. I've got your back. I've saved you before, and I can do it again. You really need to learn this skill if you are to escape from William's men."

There they stood, on a high cliff in the pouring rain beating against their wings.

"Forgive me asking but why do we have to start so high??"  Ester questioned.

"Plenty of room for you to correct your mistakes." Midnight replied. "Now what we're going to do is fly straight up against the wind into those clouds over there. Its pretty high up but as soon as we surpass the clouds there will be no storm to worry about, because we'll be above it. Follow me, if you're in trouble call out to me as loud as you can. Is that understood?"

She gave Midnight a nod and with that they launched themselves straight into the storm. It wasn't so bad at first, and Ester was kind of enjoying the rain sliding across her wings. She never thought she would ever be able to fly in the rain, but she was glad she was wrong. Suddenly, the wind got more intense the further up they went. The rain began to fog her vision and sting her cheeks. She squinted, struggling to see Midnight up ahead.
"I-I can't see!!" She shouted in a panic.

"Don't keep your eyes open for a long period of time! Its not like you're going to bump into anything anyway! I believe in you! You can do this!" he said, encouraging her.

Ester felt the fire in her soul keeping her warm. She knew that she had to go through this; it would make her stronger. What would Will think if he saw me now, flying through this fury of rain and wind? Would he be angered to no end, or proud, that he raised such a brave person as I? The answer could never be known, at least until she saw him again.

On she flew, against the strong wind that threatened to blow her backwards at any moment. Despite this, she thought the rain and lightning were breathtakingly beautiful. She started breathing slower, preserving her breath.
The clouds were getting closer, and she could almost feel the relief, but her wings became heavier. They were getting hard to move.
She flapped them harder. The cold was numbing them. She couldn't feel them move. She looked to them only to find that her wings were freezing. Little ice crystals had erupted from her feathers and glimmered when the lightning struck.
To her horror, she started falling.
She called out Midnight's name and he dove down at great speed, catching her in his arms. He brought them up above the clouds and into the sunlight.
Ester gasped, taking in as much air as she could.

"Your wings froze. Why didn't you call for me sooner?" He questioned.

"I-I'm sorry. I thought that that was...normal."

Midnight let out a long sigh. "You have to keep your wings moving. Other than that, you did well today. I think we should head back now."

Ester nodded before passing out. Midnight flew downwards, catching her and holding her head close to his chest, covering her ears so that she wouldn't get sick. He dove head-first to the ground before turning upright just before he landed.

When they got back to their temporary den they've been living in since their escape, he tucked her into his bed, being that it provided more warmth. He took off their shoes and snuggled in next to her. They stopped dividing up the blankets into two separate beds, as they were always cold. It was the rainy season, after all.

Ester inhaled his woodsy scent and went into an even deeper slumber. Midnight cradled her head and passed out as well.