Colors in Spring

Colors danced across the sky in a brilliant fashion. Wings contrasted from the light blue background. Chirps and tweets chased the wind among the chaos of moving colors. Avians hurried around town in order to get their final preparations for the cloacal kiss. They went from place to place picking up last-minute items- gowns, suits, desserts, gifts. Men dressed to match the bright colors of their wings; reds, blues, greens, oranges, and more. They carried gifts and food in hopes to impress.

Across the bustle of town, females entered the gold-coated gate. A massive stone structure rose from the cliffs. Water spilled from the west truss and crashed into the ocean below creating a stunning sparkle in the sunlight. Along the walls of the stone faint carving spoke of the stories of the past. A large archway led to the interior of the castle. Flowers decorated the ceilings while vines curled across the wall leading to the ballroom. It was a magnificent sight. Many newcomers and old comers marveled over the time and effort put into this single day. This mass event was one of the only times the castle was used. Equality was a widespread ideal among the avians so there was no form of royalty.

The females entered the ballroom in preparation for the ceremony. Each takes a seat at the circular tables which were spread around the room. Across the room, sits a raised platform decorated even more elaborate than the hallways leading to the ballroom. Sitting in the center backdrop was a painting of the Phoenix, their creator.

Reborn from the flames it created all that the Avians are. Long ago they used to be ruled by the phoenix herself. The planet of Strelitzia once was a living, thriving community before the war between two groups of Avains. They left ruin in their wake and the Phoenix was forced to set fire to the world. When all was destroyed the planet was left in shambles of ashes. When a small flame suddenly rose among the tallest tree, the Phoenix was reborn. She recreated all that used to be and promoted widespread peace to prevent another war.

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“Welcome to the annual Cloacal Kiss!” A voice rose among the chattering crowd of females. A female Crane Avain stood in the center of the stage, dressed down in a brown and maroon gown matching the colors of her wings. The females sitting around the tables let out loud applause. “Food will be served shortly. Please enjoy the ceremony!”

Just as she finished, the doors to the ballroom opened and the chattering females fell silent. Colors flowed in from the doorway. Males dressed in colorful suits made their way in with their wings spreading out. The feathers sparkled beautifully in the light from the chandeliers. In their hands, they carried plates of food for each female. The colors encircled the tables as they passed out the dishes crafted by the many chefs in town. The many smells danced through the air.

Forks, spoons, and knives clanked against the plates of food. The females hummed in delight at the colorful tastes of each dish. While the females ate, the males lined up aside the stage. The many different colors blended together, some brighter than others.

When all the females had finished their food, the first in line was signaled to the center of the stage. The first to begin was a Bird of Paradise Avain. Feather sprouted from the male’s skin as he began his dance. His goal was to impress the females, enough for one to want to mate. Stunning blue feathers puffed out around him creating a cylinder. He hopped side to side, letting the light catch each feather. Female Bird of Paradise Avians watched intently. This was one of the brightest males here today. The brighter the color, the higher chance a male had to be chosen. With one last hope, the male had finished his dance.

The females who were interested stood. But before the male was taken by a female, there was a battle to be won.

Joined by the females on stage, the male stepped off to the side in order to give them some room. The female who could pin down all contenders was the one who was to breed with the male. It was a fit of browns and white as they wrestled with each other. Claws and crows clashed with one another. Feathers brushed against each other as each female tried to fly out of the grasp of another. When the fight was done and all females except for one were left, the male joined that female at the table with her. She shared what was remaining of her food with him.

As the ceremony went on, more and more Avains were paired with each other. It was a beautiful bustle of chaos and colors.

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A loud rumble suddenly disrupted the festivities. The chandeliers shook and loud, sharp calls left the Avians as they gripped at what they could. A large sense of fear was felt throughout the room. Frightened glances of shock were shared between them when the shaking stopped. Each woman reached in their boots, waist, or pockets to grab their knife in case of attack. The men lined up behind the women as they rushed out of the building in order to see what was happening.

Amazement and shock was the only thing that showed on the Avians’ faces. Along the mountain-ridge was something each never thought they would see again. They believed it to be gone forever. It had left them with its wisdom and they were meant to continue its legacy.

A deep orange-red rose from a large smoke pile. Its wings stretched out just like the backdrop in the once inhabited ballroom. There was the thing that was once a legend; a story told to kids to keep them from misbehaving- the Phoenix.