The perch was quiet as Aldric and Harden sat facing each other. Both of them ripped into crispy bacon and dunked spoons into their sweet grits. Behind them, at the raven's table, Rhys and Jasper sat with their backs to the phoenix table.
Atop their heads, two pointed, white dunce caps gave each boy an extra foot in height. Harden and Aldric found humor in the boys' punishment, as they felt it was deserved.
The other tables were as hectic as ever, with dozens of voices stacking and carrying across the perch. This had seemingly been the first normal meal Aldric had enjoyed in days. He'd never expected, at the start of the term, that he'd be exiled.
He also wouldn't have put money on Harden getting close, but he seemed passionate about surprising himself. The rest of the semester had begun to come and pass, teaching each flock valuable lessons within their designated field.
Now, time felt slower to Aldric as he gazed around the perch for what felt like the first time. The faces of small boys painted his memories as he scanned each of them. He knew the end of the semester didn't mean the end of the aviary, but he couldn't help but feel like he'd miss his classes.
Then he remembered, with the architect training him directly, it was probable that he'd see a fair bit of extra classes during the break. He wondered what a break would look like. He hadn't known anything other than the tower for almost seven years, and didn't know if there was anything else to see.
Then he thought about the sun. The way its beams felt in the early afternoons, and how they warmed the stone floor of his dorm just right for studying. He hoped that he'd get to see more of the sun during his time away.
Harden chomped into another strip of bacon and gulped down a large glass of orange juice.
"What do you think breakfast will be like?" Aldric asked, his voice quieter than normal.
"W-what?" Harden asked, choking down a large bite.
"You know, end of semester, everything. It's coming up soon, I think," he said, tapping his fingers along the table rhythmically.
"Oh, I guess I hadn't thought about it. I figured it'd be more of the same, but no classes," Harden said.
"You think so? No thoughts of going outside?" Aldric questioned. Harden thought about that idea. He hadn't ever taken the time to think about going outside. It never seemed like something the flocks needed to do.
"Outside, huh? Yeah, I suppose it would be nice to stretch our legs," he said, nodding approvingly.
"I'm just curious that's all, and I guess I'm looking forward to seeing what's next for us," Aldric ended his thought, slowly sipping a glass of milk.
"That's fair, I'm pretty excited too, but I think I'm more anxious. I feel like I've learned so much and nothing at all, all at the same time," Harden expressed, shrugging softly.
"All the more reason to be excited for what's next," Aldric began.
"You've begun your journey, but before you know it you'll have reached the end." Harden's gaze focused on him and then dropped to the table.
"I know whatever comes next, and wherever it all leads, we will become so much more than this," he finished. Harden felt that sentiment in his chest. He knew that Aldric believed every word of it, and so too did he.
The end of the meal period came abruptly as the food puffed to smoke, vanishing from the tables. A soft uproar echoed from the falcon's table, and all of the boys on the perch faced the entryway.
There stood the architect. He hadn't been dressed in his rugged overcoat and hat, but something nicer. He wore a buttoned top with short cuffed sleeves. His legs were warmed by thick black slacks, and his long, normally unkempt hair had been combed back against his scalp.
Covering voices halted in their hosts' throats, and small audible gasps rang out softly.
"Good morning, gentlemen," the architect said, slowly lowering his head in a bow.
"Good morning, architect," all of the boys replied. His thin mouth curled into a soft smile, and he paced toward the rear of the perch. His shoes had a small heel that clacked loudly against the stone flooring with each stride.
The boys' eyes matched his pace and followed him to the edge of the perch. He stopped briefly and spun back around in one motion to face the room.
"It seems we have already come close to the end of our first semester," he expressed, extending both arms and flashing a proud look. Applause rang out from all of the tables as confused boys flashed looks to each other, showing just how confused they'd been.
"Now, I know transitions can be difficult, as can altering schedules. That being said, it is important, for each of your growing minds, that you develop skills outside of the classroom," he began, clapping came to a soft pause.
"While classes are suspended, it is in the hands of the students to ensure their training continues and their growth advances," he gestured to them all.
"If you so choose, your break can be just that, a break. However, the choice to continue your learning and lessons is yours to make," he weighed the options in his hands.
"Now, don't let yourselves become too excited, classes will resume for another two weeks just as they have. After that period, your courses will end for a three-week course, after which you will be expected in your new classes," the perch stayed silent, and each flock gazed at the architect with wonder and fear in their eyes.
"During the time while classes are suspended," he elevated his voice to drown out the chattering around him.
"All of you will be permitted access to the islands outside. The islands you see are a blank canvass and are so on purpose. Each spire, every beach, every stone is yours to do with as you please," every boy sat upright in their seats, and any divided attention had been regained instantly.
"I have only one rule when it comes to the islands. If this priveledge is to remain in place, each of you must agree to remain as far from the vail as possible. Though it protects us, it is an instrument created to keep all things out. Without the proper protective measures, it can and will affect each of you as well," the architect's voice was chilling with those final remarks.
Aldric felt his face stretch into an uncontrollable smile. He was going to go outside, but he would also be allowed to create things outside. He thought about all of the things he could do, and all of the elements he would utilize.
"With all of that, enjoy your final weeks of classes, and begin thinking about the things you wish to create; you will be judged on them. With that, the architect turned, faced the wall beside him, and knocked twice. The bricks split apart in a singular, fast rip, and he walked through.
When the bricks closed behind him, the boys erupted.