polytopia-inventions (September-2025)

"What are you crafting for the festival", one unassuming Iqarus child said to another during the Festival of Faces, a solemn rite the Quetzali people precede the annual flight test with.

"I'm going to make mine scream, because jumping from so high, even with wings is scary!" the other responded, as he picked away at a stone statue with a scalpel.

"My mum said that only brave people can participate in the flight tests", the first child said, as he mapped out a massive set of wings on the ground, sewn together with reeds and vines found across the local swamplands. "She said that even though it's scary, having faith in the Bird Gods and the statues that survive will save you from danger."

"But-but Uncle Pyke didn't wake up after the last flight test!" the second refutes earnestly, as he pivots towards the first "Where were the Bird Gods then?". His hands clench around the scalpel, tears forming ever so slightly.

"Only babies cry.", the first child responded, unphased by the second's emotions. He pulls out a needle and continues working on the wings. "Uncle Pyke was old and silly. He should've listened when Pa told him he was too old to try the flight test. And mum said if you don't listen to others, you'll get hurt. So it's really Uncle Pyke's fault." The light chink of the second childs scalpel dropping to the floor brings the first child's attention to the tear-filled face of his peer. "Uhh b-but, Uncle Pyke lives with the Bird Gods now! So you shouldn't cry, because Uncle Pyke is happy and laughing!"

The second child sniffles as he wipes his brow. "Is he really happy and laughing?" he asks, hopeful.

"I promise", the first replied, now patting the second child's head carefully.