Buddy walked proudly, his chest puffed out with every step as he circled the courtyard slowly.
His head bobbed up and down in rhythm, feathers shimmering softly in the afternoon light.
Perched on the saddle, Lyzia giggled quietly—clearly delighted by Buddy's showy behavior.
All around, curious elven girls began to take notice.
"Wow…"
"That Pekko… it walks like a royal steed."
"Yeah… so graceful. And look at the girl riding it—"
"She's beautiful... like a noble lady from a storybook."
The girls whispered among themselves, watching as Lyzia gently patted Buddy's neck, unaware of the attention.
Viessa, still quietly flustered from that earlier encounter with a certain human boy, gracefully excused herself from the group of noble guests.
But as she turned toward the courtyard, her expression froze.
There, riding high on a massive orange-feathered Pekko, was her youngest daughter.
"Lyzia…" Viessa's voice was calm but firm as she approached. "Stop and climb down. Now."
