The warm afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows, casting a golden glow over the room. Your mother entered quietly and sat beside you, gently stroking your hair back.

Queen Elora: "My dear," she said with a warm smile, holding a letter in her hand. "We have invited Prince Thorian to the ball this evening. I know he has a reputation for being a bit... unusual, but I believe it's important to extend our hospitality."

You felt a twinge of unease. You had heard the rumors about Thorian and wasn't sure what to expect.

Meanwhile, in a distant part of the kingdom, Prince Thorian lived a quiet and solitary life. He spent most of his days in the company of his two crow friends, Fern and Gerald. They were his confidants, the only ones who truly understood him. When he received the invitation to the ball, he felt a mix of excitement and dread.

Thorian: "Mother, do I really have to go?" Thorian asked, clutching the letter.

Queen Isolde: "Yes, Thorian," his mother replied gently but firmly. "It's time for you to go to these things to get actual friends."

Thorian sighed and went to his room, where Fern and Gerald were waiting. He sat down and began to vent his frustrations to them.

Thorian: "Mother just doesn't understand," he said, stroking Fern's feathers. "She thinks I need to go to these balls to make friends, but you two are my friends. You're the only ones who really get me."

Fern cawed softly, as if to comfort him, while Gerald hopped onto his shoulder, nuzzling his cheek. Thorian smiled faintly, feeling a bit better with his friends by his side.

As the evening of the ball arrived, Thorian found himself standing at the entrance of the grand hall, feeling out of place. He tried to stay out of everyone's way, his eyes scanning the room for a familiar face. But all he could think about were his crow friends, Fern and Gerald, who always made him feel at ease.

Unable to bear the stares and whispers any longer, Thorian slipped away to the castle's garden. There, under the moonlit sky, he found solace with Fern and Gerald perched on his shoulders. He began a one-sided conversation, sharing his thoughts and feelings with his loyal companions.

Thorian: "It's too much for me," Thorian whispered, cuddling Gerald to his cheek. "I'd rather stay home with you guys."

Just as he was starting to feel at peace, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw you approaching.

Thorian: "I-I'm sorry for leaving the ball," he stammered. "I didn't mean to be rude. It's just...." Thorian's heart raced as the words stopped coming out of his mouth.