Nia and Aelira

In the quiet village of Willowbrook, life is usually as orderly as the rows of corn in the nearby farmlands. The villagers are hard-working and practical people who prefer to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground, viewing magic as something to be feared rather than understood. They build their stone walls high and watch the world from a safe distance, believing that safety lies in sticking to what is familiar.

But the sky above Willowbrook holds a different kind of truth. It is the domain of Aelira, a creature of shimmering rainbow feathers and immense power. Known as a trickster guardian, she is a mystery to those who watch her from below; she is morally gray, valuing the balance of nature over the comfort of humans. Yet, for all her power, Aelira is bound by a single, unbreakable rule: she cannot use her magic on anyone without their consent.

This is the story of Nia, a brave young explorer who does more than just fear the unknown. While others run from the shadow of the great bird, Nia sits on her wall and watches, learning that there is a difference between a trick and a lesson. It is a tale about the hidden connections between the forest, the farm, and the village, and how the world looks very different when you change your perspective.

In the pages that follow, you will discover that wisdom is not given freely, but earned through experience. You will learn that true courage is not always loud, and that the heaviest thing a person can carry is the choice to be kind. So, step forward and prepare to leave the ground behind, for the most important adventures begin with a simple question and the willingness to say “yes.”