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After the reunion, Kai goes to look for Alka, she had gone to wander around after dropping them off. Now she is back on the mountain top. It was a winding path carved into the mountain's spine. The night wind was cool, and the moon lit the stone in silver. At the very top, a hollow ledge overlooked the entire valley, its cliff edge curved like a natural nest.
"This will be your perch," Kai said, resting a hand against Alka's warm feathers. "From here, you can see everything. Come and go as you please. This is your home now too."
Alka preened a feather and lowered her head to nudge his shoulder. "I like it. It smells like sky."
"I will build a proper nest for you," he said. "Large enough to rest, lined with fur and moss. This will be your roost."
She gave a contented chirp, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon. "I will protect it."
"I know you will."
A moment later… Back in the main chamber, Kai addressed his subordinates.
