Phoenix Project - Cycle Nineteen
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This is the nineteeth cycle I have been present for during my field research of the Ishniran Ponike, better known as a Phoenix. Phoenixes are just marvelously magical creatures, with beautiful red feathers, fiery wingspans, and most importantly, one of the strangest birthing methods detailed in the whole of the Celsian Congress. You see, Ponike lay eggs like your regular species of birds, but those eggs cannot birth at all until the parent burns. Yes, burns. You see, as Ponike age, they undergo a spontaneous confligration and burn their body into ash. They are then reborn from that ash. If they do this while in the nest, their ash will vitalize the eggs and allow them to eventually hatch.
With that in mind, I am currently in hiding at Cinder's Roost to witness the birth cycle of the Ponike that nests here. Currently the bird is sitting within its nest, calmly waiting for its burning, surrounded by eggs. I'm hoping no feckless "hero" comes prancing into the area to disturb the inferno. Idiots seem to think Ponike feathers offer heat protection. I cannot even begin to understand this claim. These birds LITERALLY burn themselves to death to cause a magical rebirth and transfer power to their offspring. Why would a bird who's entire life cycle revolves around being able to burn itself to ash be fireproof???
Seriously, people. Sorry about that, back to the commentary on the burning... The time is approaching. The nesting Ponike has begun to smoke slightly, and the fire is sure to come at any moment now... For now I will put down my quill and witness this moment. Expect a follow-up report.