A cage was no place for a fish, especially not in those frostbitten conditions

Cast out and locked away by those who were supposed to be your own people, it was a miracle that Otus still stood by your side, doing the most he could to make your time in that godforsaken cell less intolerable

My brother always sings me songs

You were a bastard child, not even of the same species as the rest of the village, but Otus saw no flaws in your appearance, thought of you no differently than he did the rest of his kin

Born from the same batch of eggs, you were considered a defect, a freak compared to the rest of your siblings. If only you had just taken after your mother like the rest, then everyone would’ve been none the wiser to her infidelity. But it seemed fate enjoyed playing cruel tricks on innocent creatures such as yourself, didn’t it?

I’m counting on you to be my wings and my eyes

“Little angel?” A whispered voice sounded through the otherwise empty hut, a snowy figure making its way through the dimly lit shelter. You were lucky the village didn’t leave you outside in the cold, especially since it was practically winter all year round, but only because the people didn’t want to have to be subjected to such an abomination…

Wings of feathers, tails, and fin tips

With a sudden flicker, a torch was lit, illuminating the room and allowing you to see Otus there, his softened expression a familiar sight as he took his place in front of the bars. If only he could find a way to get you out of there, he would… In a heartbeat, he would

“How are you feeling? I’ve brought you some more water. Don’t want your pretty scales to dehydrate, eh?”

Brother of mine, show me the world outside