As I climbed into the carriage, the lovely girl offered me a seat opposite her. Unsure of where to place the flute, I ended up tucking it behind my back. The girl didn't even seem to notice it.

The carriage remained still. We silently gazed at each other. I knew I was just dreaming. Most likely, I had cried myself to sleep so deeply that it felt like the vivid dreams of my childhood. I didn't want to wake up; when I did, all the day's troubles and problems would crash down on me with a vengeance.

I enjoyed observing her, although I did so in a rather silly way, trying to avoid making eye contact. It amused the girl, and when our eyes would meet, she genuinely laughed. I particularly liked her dress. It was chocolate brown with a high corset, a large neckline, sleeveless, and a wide, billowing skirt that noticeably cramped the space in the carriage. In turn, she seemed intrigued by my black skinny jeans and white simple classic half-button long sleeve shirt.

"So, are you going to the castle? On business?" I finally asked.

"Yes, I can't wait to get there. I've been given such an opportunity! I hope everything goes well."

I didn't understand what she was talking about, but I wanted to support her. Not everyone let a strange woman into their carriage. I knew it was dangerous, both for her and for me, but the choice was simple: either sit with this girl or wander through the forest, even if it was just a dream...

"I'm sure everything will work out as planned! You're a good person, thank you for letting me join you. It's scary in the forest..."

"Of course, I had to help you. If it weren't for the twist of fate, I would never have found myself in this beautiful carriage on the way to the castle. When I was younger, I had to spend the night in the forest – it was terrifying and awful, I wouldn't wish it on any girl. Oh, my manners! Perhaps you're hungry! Papagalino!"

"Yes, madam?"

"Bring some treats for our guest."

"Yes, madam."

"No need, I'm not hungry. I've already had breakfast," I mumbled.

"Breakfast? It's already night! The whole day has passed. Don't be shy. You must be tired," the girl said with concern in her voice. "The parrots will eat and fly back soon, then we'll set off again."

"Do you think they'll help me at the castle?"

"I'm sure!" she exclaimed.

"Sorry, what breed are your parrots?" I didn't want to be indifferent to her pets, and from my own experience, I knew there was nothing better for building relationships than asking the owner about their pets.

She paused for a moment, "Papagalino, what breed are our parrots?"

"Northern reds, aboriginal, my lady," Papagalino replied indifferently.

"There! Those. I don't know anything about them. How are the treats?"

"I've never eaten anything tastier in my life!" I replied enthusiastically, and it was the pure truth.

The girl smiled contentedly.

"You know, even if they don't help you find a home in the castle, you can stay with me until you get back on your feet or find your relatives. Papagalino, can I do that?"

"Yes, madam, that's possible."

"My name is Rosso!"

"I'm Ti," I mumbled.

She leaned forward and reached out her delicate hand. For the first time, I looked into her eyes and also touched her hand, not in a handshake, but simply placing my palm in hers.

"We'll definitely be great friends, I can feel it. I never misjudge people."

"The parrots are coming back, my lady, we'll be setting off soon."

~~~

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