Deiago darted around the frozen pond. Mira chased after him sqwaking loudly.

"Deiago, give it back! Its mine!" Mira called.

"We have to share it Mira! You had it for a while its my turn!" Deiago's yelling was muffled by the little stuffed toy he held in his beak.

"You two quiet down! Your giving me grey feathers! Deiago, ask Mira if you may use her stuff, and Mira, you have to share!" Iris forcefully stated.

Mira looked at her mother annoyed. "But mom, Dad gave it to me!"

Every thing went silent. Iris's face turned very pale. Deiago put the toy down and started away. Peeking over his shoulder he muttered, "Just take it..."

Mira looked at the toy, then her saddening mother. Her eyes didn't twinkle like they usually do. They where hard and locked. Iris turned and started to follow Deiago.

"I will go make sure he is OK." She said, dissapearing into the frozen snow.

Mira knew she had said the wrong thing. Her father, Jamaa, had gone to lead the animals of Aladan against the phantoms. He had not returned since their birth.

Mira swirled to face the nest. Grabbing the stuffed toy, she climbed into the nest and drifted off into her day dream. Off in her land of magic and fables, she had a father. She would dream for days on end of having a father to love. But like every dream, you always have to wake up.
Deiago and her mother returned to the cave where the nest was sheltered. Wind howled out side, and snow danced wildly at the mouth of the cave.

Deiago walked over and looked Mira in the eyes. "I'm sorry for taking your toy... I know it means a lot to you."

Mira shook her head.
"No I'm sorry for not sharing. Its dad's gift to us not just me."

Deiago leaped in beside Mira. Iris gracefully stepped in and covered her two little cranes with her big pillowey wings. They all slowly drifted off to sleep, each dreaming of Jamaa. Dreaming of a father teaching you how to fly. Dreaming of a father showing you a different side of life. And dreaming of a lost lover, returning home again. But like all dreams, you have to wake up.