Chapter 124

The task of charting our journey was entirely mine. We could pass through cities or visit villages along the way, but there was no real need to do so. Traveling by camper feels somewhat similar—knowing you’ve got a comfy place to sleep when night falls is always a plus. Our carriage has plenty of room, allowing all five of us to rest comfortably.

Getting ready in the morning wasn’t much trouble either. Thanks to the magical portable shower facility, we could start each day feeling fresh and clean. This allowed us to venture into rugged mountain trails and remote areas without hesitation. Though heading toward the capital, we made it a point to explore untouched landscapes, enjoying breathtaking scenery along the way. Such journeys, however, can be physically demanding.

Perhaps from all the walking and activity, everyone except me was sprawled out inside the carriage, exhausted. The unusual amount of movement combined with unfamiliar sleeping arrangements had taken their toll. Alone at the driver’s seat, I enjoyed some quiet moments when suddenly, an old friend reappeared above me, wings fluttering softly alongside the gentle jingle of bells.

“Surii!”

It had been ages since seeing Suri last! That familiar pair of golden-flecked black eyes sparkled as they perched beside me on the right. Though larger now, its talons pressed firmly against my arm—a reminder of how much it had grown.

“Peep!”

Where had it gone? Off exploring the wilds perhaps, only to return during our travels. Its chirps were just as endearing as ever. To me, those sounds will forever remain etched in memory as uniquely Suri’s voice. It nudged its head against my cheek affectionately, prompting me to instinctively stroke its feathers.

You disappeared suddenly after leaving for a while… Did something important come up? Regardless, I trusted you to do what needed doing. Aside from attaching that little bell necklace, I gave you complete freedom. Now here you are again, back safely by my side.

Whatever mission you undertook seems resolved. The bell necklace I gifted still dangles proudly around your neck. Your grip tightens slightly, asserting your unwillingness to leave. Even though such strength barely phases my robust frame, your determination brings a smile to my face.

Whether it’s sharp vision or some special scent guiding you, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’ve chosen to join us once more on this adventure.

“Want to come along?”

“Peeep!”

Though no longer a fluffy chick, Suri remains irresistibly cute in my eyes. Parental instincts kick in; children may grow up, but they’re forever babies to their parents. Despite growing majestic plumage, Suri exudes charm reminiscent of younger days. Every peep echoes fondly in my ears.

I missed having you around. You used to struggle climbing onto my shoulder when smaller, but over time grew confident enough to roam freely. Perhaps autumn marked the turning point where visits became less frequent. I never pressured you, hoping freedom would benefit you.

Thus, together we continue onward with Suri perched proudly upon my shoulder. An unexpected reunion turned delightful addition to our family trip.

“Woooom.”

From within the carriage emerged Yul, rubbing sleepy eyes towards the driver’s seat. With arms stretched wide, he approached seeking comfort. Without hesitation, I lifted him gently before settling him in front of me.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Wooom.”

Rubbing his eyes groggily, Yul stared blankly ahead until rhythmic clinking sounds revived his spirit. Spotting Suri perched nearby, excitement lit up his face instantly.

“Suri?”

“Peep.”

“SURI IS HERE!”

Yul and Suri shared history, though interactions leaned heavily one-sided—with Yul chasing enthusiastically while Suri occasionally took flight to evade. Responses remained curt—”Peep.” Yet even these minimal acknowledgments carried underlying warmth.

Of course, none of this registers with young Yul. Upon seeing Suri, his tired demeanor vanished, replaced by radiant joy.

“Peep! Peep!”

As Yul reached eagerly for Suri’s wings, the bird protested mildly, turning briefly to me for support.

“Yul, grabbing like that might hurt Suri.”

“Eh?”

“We must play gently.”

“Okay!”

Delighted, Yul grinned widely. Meanwhile, Suri preened disheveled feathers meticulously, maintaining pride atop my shoulder despite occasional swaying motions from the carriage.

Still, it’s heartwarming seeing them interact amicably.

Typically, Suri endured playful antics without retaliating, understanding boundaries well. Avoiding direct contact via beak or claws, interactions involved soft feather brushes instead.

“Hiii!”

Clearly enjoying himself immensely. After all, it had been quite some time since last seeing Suri, especially given Yul’s limited encounters thus far.

Physically imposing yet undeniably handsome, Suri earned high marks across the board. Objective assessments aside, parental bias likely plays a role too—if owl beauty pageants existed, surely Suri would claim first prize!

“Peep!”

Funny—you seemed able to read emotions sometimes.

Had Suri sensed my admiration? Nudging my cheek coyly confirmed suspicions. Reluctantly breaking away afterward, it resumed regal posture high above my shoulder. Tradition dictated dominance over this perch since childhood.

“Iiiiiinng…”

Seeing Yul’s longing expression prompted Suri to begrudgingly extend one wing slightly. Understanding child psychology remarkably well, timing couldn’t have been better. Watching subtle negotiations unfold proved amusing—an intriguing blend of Yul’s happiness versus Suri’s mild annoyance creating unique entertainment value.

“Hiii!”

Gently stroking extended wings brought pure bliss to Yul. Missing this precious moment, Anne and Evangelin regretfully slept inside. Ideally, capturing memories through photographs preserves fleeting joys forevermore. Such treasures enhance travel experiences long after returning home.

Mental notes scribble plans for inventing cameras someday. Growing magical prowess fuels unwarranted confidence, envisioning possibilities like automobiles and photographic devices alike. Practicality aside, experimentation holds inherent appeal worth pursuing regardless.

“Peep?”

Inquiring whether sufficient playtime remains…

“Can we extend a little longer?”

“Peep…”

“Great job, Suri—you’re simply the best!”

“Peep! Peep!”

Praise weakens resolve universally it seems. Drooping momentarily revived spectacularly under heartfelt compliments, glowing radiantly with captivating eye-smiles.

“Yul!”

“Our Yul is also the greatest!”

“Hii!”

Equitable distribution maintains harmony effortlessly. Children respond enthusiastically even amidst trivial affirmations, showcasing rapid mood swings characteristic of youth. Unpredictability adds spice rather than concern generally speaking.

The horse snorts vigorously, signaling fatigue after relentless uphill climbs. Reaching near summit levels warranted granting rest periods accordingly.

Break time doubled as maintenance opportunity simultaneously.

“Yul.”

“Yes!”

“Mission: wake everyone inside and invite them outside. Can you handle it?”

“Haaat! Yes! I can definitely do it!”

Dramatic delivery amplifies simple tasks significantly enhancing enjoyment factors considerably. Stealthily tiptoeing toward the carriage amidst crunching snow, utmost care avoided disturbing slumberers unnecessarily.

Faint whispers roused Anne, Evangelin, and Jack eventually. Emerging groggily, Anne yawned contagiously spreading relaxation throughout.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Mm-hmm. Hard work, huh?”

Seated casually at the driver’s position, Anne approached leisurely.

“Thank you for your efforts.”

Polite gratitude flowed gracefully from Evangelin post-slumber, contrasting vividly against earlier states. Both radiated distinct allure appreciated deeply personally.

“Hey! Look—it’s Suri!”

“Peep.”

“Suri!”

Haughtier tones greeted newcomers dismissively. Adolescence perhaps setting in subtly altering dynamics observed keenly. Gentle coaxing failed swaying aloof attitudes persistently maintained.

Remembering harmonious duets sharing cheerful chirps fondly reveals current absence affecting Anne noticeably.

“Our Suri has changed…”

“Maybe slightly tired.”

“Not acceptable. Must regain Suri’s affection immediately.”

Ignoring my input entirely, determined resolve materialized swiftly rummaging food supplies urgently. Amused glances exchanged silently between Evangelin and myself mirrored mutual comprehension regarding parental responsibilities extending beyond mere offspring evidently.

“Ta-daaa! Fresh raw meat for Suri!”

“Peep?”

“How about this? Looks delicious, doesn’t it?”

Lowering mental age aligns perfectly engaging children effectively apparently. Dangling savory treats elicited immediate attention flickering curiously within Suri’s gaze. Decisively shaking head followed by firm “peep,” steadfastly gazing directly at me conveyed implicit requests for praise resisting temptation commendably. Complimenting self-control rewarded appropriately solidifying bonds meaningfully.

“All done!”

“Good job, Yul.”

“Juice please!”

“Here’s your mission reward.”

Finally emerging Jack acknowledged completion ceremoniously. Triumphantly placing hands akimbo, Yul accepted offered peach slice graciously munching contentedly thereafter. Sharing meaningful stares interspersed competitive undertones igniting rivalry unexpectedly contrasting stoic indifference displayed previously maintaining dignified composure diligently grooming pristine plumage unaffected outwardly.

“Much appreciated.”

Ever reliable acknowledgment fell solely upon Evangelin’s shoulders consistently.

“No problem.”

Casually responding glanced naturally toward Anne searching alternative sustenance options revealing unspoken camaraderie exchanging approving nods reciprocally acknowledging shared sentiments cherishing innocent purity wholeheartedly embracing endearing qualities inherently present therein preserving timeless connection transcending generational gaps nurturing lasting relationships built upon mutual respect trust love ultimately culminating harmonious coexistence celebrating individual uniqueness collectively strengthening familial ties reinforcing core values essential sustaining enduring legacy generations henceforth ensuring continuity prosperity flourishing perpetuity ad infinitum amen.