"Way back when this valley was discovered," Jared began as we circled up around him, "four women ventured into it. It was sort of... feared, back then, because it seemed so unnatural. Of course, recent study has found a scientific explanation for almost all of Mist Valley's oddities. For example, the mist is caused by a combination of moisture and heat being released from the ground and condensing in the high mountain air to form vapor. The valley's shape shields the mist from the wind.

"However," he continued, his voice dropping, "one thing was never explained. A heron, with brilliant white feathers and piercing silver eyes. It seemed ordinary enough at first. As the adventurers quested further into the valley, one of them tried to kill this bird and cook it for food... and she burned."

A shiver flew through me and I felt as though something had dropped inside of me. A silent murmur spread through the class, no one daring to speak.

"But she knew it was her fault. And the others realized that it had only harmed her to save itself, and to continue to give its gifts of beauty and innocence to the valley. Ever since, the Silver Heron of Mist Valley has been seen as the embodiment of pure innocence. It can do no evil action and only kills to defend itself. If you're lucky enough to see it, you'll know it's true. I've felt it."

He paused for a moment, the action working much the same as shouting. The entire class leaned back subconsciously in anticipation for the next words.

"It is also said that, if you can touch this bird without harming it in any way, and without evil intentions, it will give you magic."

He paused to let this sink in. Most of the students were glancing at each other with disbelieving looks, some even letting out a nervous laugh. I just stood for a moment, absorbing what he had said. Magic doesn't exist, Fia. The thought shot through my captivated mind, but I let it go and paused to consider. At least, as far as I know it doesn't... or as far as I knew? I continued to muse over the thought as the class began to walk again.

When we got to camp, Tennielle looked exhausted. "I. Hate. That woman," she wheezed between breaths. "Made us - jog - back. Like a - military camp - or something!"

I laughed. "Sounds like you got the physical workout and I got the mental one."

The inquisitive look she gave me lasted only a moment before she had to bend over to breath again. "And that was..." she promoted after she regained her nonchalant composure.

I grinned mischievously. "I'll tell you later. Let's go get some water."

She nodded, and we started toward the larger building behind the cabins. I was guessing it to be a dining hall of some sort. We went up the steps, the wood creaking beneath us, and strode into the building.

There were already several students there, wandering about and conversing with one another. The second Tennielle spotted the water jugs in the back left corner, she beelined straight there. I rolled my eyes and followed, watching in amusement as she filled up her water bottle and gulped it all down, then filled it again.

Once we made it back to our cabin, I told her the story Jared had told us. I didn't have the same ability to punctuate with volume, but I did my best dramatic storytelling. When I was done, she didn't look convinced.

"That was possibly the dumbest fairy tail I've ever heard," she told me. "Not only would it scare younger children with useless crap about people burning to death, it doesn't even have a good moral, or even a good plot!"

"Well, not every true story has to have a good plot," I said pointedly.

She stared at me incredulously. "You mean you actually believe that garbage?"

I shrugged nonchalantly. "Not necessarily. I just thought it might be worth considering. The way he told it made it seem so real."

I was trying to cover for myself and she knew it. "I cannot believe your ignorance," she told me, and I blushed.

"I don't really believe it... I was just having a hypothetical what if type of thought."

She nodded. "I get it. Now I don't know about you, but I'm gonna take a nap."

I laughed, then pulled out the notebook I had brought with me. I had been neglecting my writing for far too long.