The sun was slowly sinking, and the boundary between the horizon and the surface of the Black Lake had become indistinct, weaving together a tapestry of gold and crimson light.
The afterglow spilled across the lake. As the breeze gently brushed over it, soft ripples spread across the surface, making the water shimmer with flecks of color like scattered gold.
The young Thunderbird not only hopped about at the bow, but also climbed down into the boat to look around. To it, swaying along with the little boat seemed to be quite a novel experience.
It was having the time of its life. When it discovered that its claws made a tapping sound against the hull as it walked, it lowered its head and began pecking at it with a series of "tap tap tap" sounds.
The little boat drifted leisurely across the lake, with Wizet and Luna sitting face-to-face, breathing quietly.
A hint of overflowing contentment showed on both their faces. Who knew whether it came from the joy of boating on the lake, or from seeing their own reflections in each other's eyes?
All the clamor had been dyed gentle by the sunset. Amid the shifting light and shadows, they both felt as though there was only the two of them in the world, along with this tranquil lake.
The "tap tap tap" suddenly stopped. The young Thunderbird seemed to have found something. It gave a cry before raising its head high.
Wizet and Luna both looked toward the young Thunderbird and saw that it had somehow picked up a section of shoelace in its beak.
The boat had been conjured by Luna using Transfiguration, so it was naturally spotless. There should not have been a loose shoelace inside.
Clearly, the young Thunderbird had become too engrossed