They were more or less left alone that evening, their food brought up to them along with directions to the university. They were a subdued group that evening. Arum was still in shock about what he was able to do now, and he kept his hands to himself and his eyes on the floor. Uncalled for, Adam would climb into his lap and rest his head on the priest's shoulder, closing his eyes in dreamy contentment.

In the small adjoining balcony, Tynan leaned on the stone varenda. He looked out across the expanse of the Inner Sea, glittering under the light of the half moon. He could hear the birds that lived on the edges of the water, amidst the shallow mangroves. He had always loved the sound of birds, although knowing exactly what they were saying put a damper on it. It was initially hard to enjoy nature when all you heard all day was "My seeds! My seeds! Have sex with me, I can make my chest big and fluffy!".

From the dim waters of his memory, came the singing of exotic birds echoing against the glass, the brilliant shrills washing over him again and again as he let his mind soar with a hundred wings. Then, lancing through the ecstacy, was the sound of the aviary door opening, and the echo of a cry of alarm. He closed his eyes, letting the night ait wash the memory from his mind. Things were different in Vena. Prodigal son, indeed.

He straightened up and entered the room, lit by a small candle chandelier. Feather sat on one of the beds, combing her hair. She was, Tynan realized, very beautiful, even for an Araawan. "We'd better get to bed," he said. "We'll leave before sunrise and see what we can find." He looked at Arum. "We'll ask at the Faculty of Theology about what can be done to help you."

"Thank you." Arum simply said.