Inferna

Not long after, she awoke once more, but this time - it was to the sound of rustling next to her ear. She peeked into the dull grayish light, her eyes still stinging, to process what it was. It was a bird. A small, graceful bird whose plumage was bright orange streaked with golden filaments of flame. The bird itself looked young, unquenchable beauty in every curve of each delicate feather. It was quite literally, on fire right next to her. Inferna sprang upwards, but the little bird remained astute, sitting politely and gazing up into her eyes. Its were a hazy blue-yellow, and looked as if they were made of glowing embers. It had long tail feathers, which brushed the sooty rock as gently as the breeze, which was painfully still at the moment. Every time a miniature gust did blow, it carried ashes along with it and flung them at Inferna's eyes.

Inferna was astonished by this mesmerizing creature. It was on fire - yet it was alive. How was that possible? In awe, Inferna unconsciously reached out her talon towards the bird's direction, but not quite at it. The little thing chirped a beautiful singsong and fluttered up to land on Inferna's outstretched claws. She was about to yank them back, in fear of being burned by the creature, yet when it landed... Inferna did not feel a thing. She gazed in wonder at the beautiful bird whom she immediately decided to bestow upon the name of Ember. Ember tweeted some more, and then glanced around as though making sure they were alone. Then, the small bird leaned forward and touched its beak to Inferna's forehead...

And all of a sudden, she remembered.

- SuddenStream