...
Inside the Crystal Ball, the sunlight from the ceiling was bright and warm, casting a gentle glow like a spring afternoon. A few gray-spotted, blue-tailed sparrows chirped as they took flight from a leafy oak tree in the courtyard, landing lightly on the railing of the spacious, open-air balcony on the castle's second floor.
They cocked their small heads, their bright, bean-like eyes curiously observing the scene on the balcony as they let out crisp calls.
A few of the bolder ones even hopped onto the small, white round table in the center of the balcony, which was covered with a pristine lace tablecloth. They bounced around next to the bone china saucers holding delicate tea snacks, as if begging for food from the master of the house.
