The view from the tower was always spectacular. The blue sea below, the sound of the waves lapping off of the rocks. The light reflected off of the water, like light would bounce off of a mirror. The coastline it self was perfect, white sandy beaches, larger towering rocks and along it, the city edges. Above was the sky, always brilliant and bright, dotted with just a few white clouds. The air was crisp, clean and just brisk enough for it to be comfortable. Leaning over the railing, the tower's inhabitant sighed heavily as her long brown hair was tossed around gently by the wind. She was hunched over, her face scrunched in what looked like pain as she gazed up at the sky. It was the highest place in the kingdom, closest to that sky. She lived every moment there possible, practically imprisoned by her own free will. It was the closest she would ever be, and every day was a reminded of the personal pain she carried.
Turning her back to the outside, she walked back into the tower, her heart heavy. The room was dark, full of bookcases and parchment, with dark wood paneling and candles for lighting- although the open terrace doors provided plenty of warm sunlight during the daytime. A few steps across the plush carpet took her to her desk; where a letter sat waiting. Sitting down in the chair in front of it, she picked it up, having not noticed it before. It was addressed to her, sent by her brother. She opened it hesitantly, but did so and began to read.

-My Dearest Serabeth
I hope this letter finds you in good health; I admit I have been exceedingly worried since the accident. Your last letter left me upset, as it is very unlike you to be so negative about things. I know you are in despair, and with Father being in poor health, I also know that he has been leaning on you more so to help run the kingdom. I do not write to patronize you, as I am aware of what you are capable of. I merely stress the concern of your own well being; it as just as important. I know, that as much as I try to imagine, I can not understand the amounts of pain you must be in. Be strong little one, as I know you can be.
With all the love in the world,
Your Brother: Merrim.

Her hands lowered and the letter rested in her lap. Blankly, she stared ahead for a few moments. Merrim was right- he couldn't understand the pain she was in. A small tear ran down her cheek, her honey colored eyes shut tightly as to let no more though and for a moment all she could feel was despair. Naturally, she would move on, moments like this never lasted more than a few moments. The false cheer and the smile on her face were always enough to keep people from worrying, to let people know that their princess could rise above such a tragedy. It was hard for her, knowing that something so far out of control could bother her so much, but it was her freedom. It was gone, and it would never come back.
It would be harder, tomorrow, the Festival of the Sun would start at dawn. The Festival of Sun was one of the most important celebrations in her kingdom, where every citizen would fly up to the clouds and preform the ritual: a intricate flight pattern that tested every persons skill and endurance: a beautiful sky dance, every one had a part, young and old. It ensured that they would continued to be blessed with good weather and light for the calendar to come.
She would be grounded, for the first time in her life. The accident several months ago had torn both of her wings from her back, making flight impossible. She was nothing more than human, like the plainfolk of Turam. Turning her body back towards the desk, she moved the letter off the the side and pulled a piece of parchment from a small shelf. Taking a quill out of it's inkwell she began to write back, choosing her words so that they would not betray her feelings.

Merrim;
I hope this letter finds you in good comfort, and I am sad that you will not be attending the festivities of tomorrow; even Father has been feeling well enough to participate. Things have been well, and I can assure you that I am perfectly well and there is nothing to worry about. It was a long recovery period, and I have indeed come to terms with what has happened. I have been keeping myself perfectly occupied with the preparations with the ceremony, and am content with being in the tower, as it at the very least brings my closer to the sky and allows me to keep a closer eye on the festivities to make sure nothing does go wrong. Sending pleasant thoughts your way for your darling wife, I miss you both very much and hope that her pregnancy continues with all the blessings possible. Please come and visit, I know both Father and I would be overjoyed with your presence.
-Love, Serabeth.

Tightly, she rolled the parchment up and wrapped a yellow ribbon around it, finally sealing it with her own wax seal. Picking it up, she walked it to the door, carrying it downstairs and finally across the courtyard to where the bird hatchery was located. Many of the palace servants and nobles greeted her, and she in turn struck up a small conversation with each one in turn.
It wasn't until she entered the hatchery did her smile finally fade and she briskly, very stiffly walked up to one of the carrier hawks. Taking one out of it's cage, she tied the ribbon to it's leg and as she did, it bent over to playfully nip at her hands. She moved her hand, and the hawk looked at her, seemingly confused.

"I don't like birds, I hate when they fly when I can't fly".