[Grunewald Forest, 7:50 AM]
Despite the biting chill that seeped into his joints, Soren still made his way to the weathering yard at dawn. The cold air clung to his breath as he stepped inside.
"Ah, Mr. Soren," the falconer greeted him with mild surprise. "I didn't expect you this early. You came at just the right time—follow me."
Soren gave a brief nod and trailed after him, arriving just as the young kestrels began to hatch. He slowed to a stop, eyes fixed on the fragile movement within the shells.
A quiet wonder softened his expression as he watched the tiny creature struggle free, blinking into the world for the first time.
Noticing the glassy sheen in Soren's eyes, the falconer hesitated—then spoke, unable to stop himself.
"I thought the Sovereign would come with you today," he said gently. "He would have loved seeing the kestrels from three months ago now hunting on their own—and these new ones, just hatching."
