A Dark and Stormy Dinner

[Shoki]

Rain was falling. Kiyosh wasn’t a big fan of rain, but she was willing to deal with it. At least it was night so it wasn’t a really warm rain, which would have somehow been worse. So she kept her head down and fluffed herself up, looking like a person in a trench coat who had forgotten their umbrella. Like this she started hopping toward the edge of the jungle, looking for something. Every once in a while she tilted her head to look above her, seeing only dark clouds and rain. It was a night one wanted to keep inside next to a fire. That was something to look forward to, but for now she was on a mission.

When she came to the edge of the trees she started to slow, merely walking as she looked around. She had been informed that there was something that needed her particular skills here. So she kept an eye out, checking the ground as she went. The jungle didn’t frighten her, after all, she had claws to match any prowling creature and powerful wings and beak if required. But these things she did not have to fight. She eventually spotted a shape on the ground and Kiyosh went forward, observing what it was. It was a runner, dead on the ground and having apparently escaped the pens. A shame that it was lost, but they had reported that it had been behaving strangely so perhaps this was best. At least for her. It meant that she got a snack.

Naturally she started tearing into it, instinctively trying to hover over the entire thing, as if someone would try to steal her meal. Hardly true, but some things she just went with, provided they didn’t hurt anyone. She would do here best to clean every last bit off the creature’s bones. Oh she did love keeping things tidy like this. So she tore in and ate with fervor.

[Jay Kitten]

Dark, stormy, gloomy, rainy. It wasn't a wonder that he was out here, it was his element. Water, he didn't mind it one bit. And the lightning, so natural! This night was feral, primal, and he had to enjoy it. Nature was big with him. Lylore walked along the edge of the jungle, there were slugs and snails galore in any open patch of ground, catching the rain for their moist bodies to continue their lives in the jungles. Of course, he avoided them, stepping over such spots. Not only would it horrify him to step on a creature, it would also be disgusting to step on a group of slugs... And that wasn't big with him.

But what he saw as he looked up ahead along the line of trees, just before a small gap between the treeline and a rock, there was a bird. But not just any bird. This one was massive. His eyes went wide. It was terribly hard to see, but he was sure he could make it out. A bird.

Instinctively he hid. Never before had Lylore laid eyes on a Lifewing, but he had heard the tales of the Deathwings and how vicious they had been. It was only natural, considering it was nighttime and easy to mistake a silhouetted figure in front of a flash of lightning as being dark in color. He shook slightly in his hiding place.

But still, he was amazed. Intrigued. It was eating a meal. What was this thing? What was it eating? He slipped closer, through the trees nearby, peeking out toward the thing with eagerness only a child could match. Lylore was big on animals. But he wasn't so keen on the idea of a huge bird. Reminded him too much of the size of dragons. He wasn't big on dragons.

Who are you? he asked, inside of his head; words picked to accurately represent what he wished he could ask. It was... Almost a beautiful sight.

[Shoki]

Hmm? She looked up, the flashes around her making things hard to see. It played havoc with whatever night vision she might have, and she certainly wasn’t a night bird. There was still a bit of meat in her mouth and she ate it after a moment before looking around more closely. Was someone else out here in this weather? Why would anyone want that? Well, there were always some people who liked water but what with the lighting and all…

Hey, is there someone out there? Hello? Her fuzzy head turned around, surveying the area around her meal. She had thought… well she better make sure. I was told I could eat it. She wanted her meal shardit, and she was going to enjoy it, mysterious voices or no! She took another large chuck on meat deliberately, hoping to get through the lot of it before it got soggy.

[Jay Kitten]

The boy had been noticed, or at least as best he possibly could be in this weather. Lylore couldn't help then but get closer. This wasn't a dragon, it was something completely different, an animal. But it had spoken, and that was what he found most interesting. If this thing was as intelligent as a dragon... Then he could talk to a bird. To be inside the mind of a bird, even if briefly, would be amazing.

He moved out from behind a tree, just to Kiyosh's left. The rain had drenched him so he looked more like a phantom than a boy, his hair hanging before his face, skin pale, clothing baggy. But he simply stood there, almost mesmerized by the appearance of this giant bird. His eyes were still wide, and he held a look of awe on his face.

What are you? he suddenly found himself asking, though he knew the beast likely wouldn't hear him.

Lylore took that time to wave to Kiyosh, actually attempting to get "it's" attention. He looked innocent enough, surely, without a weapon or a rank knot. For all the bird knew, he was a drudge. But Lylore knew this bird was important. After all, it was massive! Huge! Gigantic! He had multiple words to describe this particular bird. It was nothing like the tiny ones in the jungles.

He wiped water from his brow with his soaking shirtsleeve, and took a couple steps closer.

[Shoki]

Finally when she turned her head she saw him. A boy in the darkness, coming out of the trees. Now, Kiyosh was a Griffon Vulture. However if she knew exactly what a chicken was, she likely would have to allow that she acted like a mother hen sometimes. Like now for example. Seeing the wet boy (who in her imagination was just soaked to the bone) she rushed over and spread one of her wings to get him under cover so he wouldn’t have to get more wet then her already was.

What are you doing out here? It’s so very wet, here get under my wing. Are you okay? I think my leg feathers are mostly dry if you want to dry yourself off. Let me see you… Kiyosh opened her beak and a low reedy note came out, just a little thing. Oh, It looked like the little dear didn’t have a bit wrong, just wet and probably cold. Oh, that’s not bad, you sound very good. Still what are you doing here? She ruffled up a bit before continuing. I don’t think I would be out if there wasn’t a good meal in it for me. Oh but I’m being rude, sorry dear. I’m Kiyosh! She sounded pleased, but she didn’t make any additional noises. She knew some Lifewings who could make a sort of crooning noise or some happy chirps, but she didn’t do that. Most of her vocalizations were not nearly so pleasant. Lucky she could sing well.

[Jay Kitten]

Lylore had no idea how to react as soon as the large bird started stalking toward him. He froze, instead. It was, to him, as though she was about to eat him same as the runner. But he knew otherwise, some creature like this, having just eaten, would never have a reason to feast upon him. And, almost as if he had explained it to Kiyosh, the bird moved over simply to put him under her wing. He blinked. Well, it was kind. It was nice, it looked menacing but only in appearance.

Now that they were closer, he could properly see the bird. It was similar to a desert bird, he could see. Silently, he wondered if people rode these giant things. But to his surprise it spoke again, blathering him about the weather before introducing itself as Kiyosh. That was when he smiled.

Lylore, he thought, though it wasn't speech, so likely he was sure the bird didn't hear him. But, as he was a bit chilly, he did scoot in closer to the bird, before ultimately pressing a hand to her leg-feathers, noting the warmth. He would have hugged such soft downy things, but his dripping wetness would be rude if pressed against a massive bird. Besides, it was cold, but not that cold. He wasn't even shivering.

Now he took the time to really look her over, and moved out from under her wing so he could stand right in front of her. It was dark, and the rain was still making him wipe water from his eyes, but he could really make out her features better. What a stunning creature! He had never seen anything like this before.

[Shoki]

Kiyosh tilted her head down, observing her new little human. Well not like she had him, what with humans not being pets and all, but he was very cute and she wanted to adopt him. Might have something to do with the fact he was wet and small and- Oh he looked like just the best little thing when he smiled! She wanted to tell Cr’wean that he was out of luck and that she had a new favorite. Of course that wasn’t true, and so she merely listened up close. The little guy hadn’t said anything yet. It was likely only because she was paying so close attention that she picked it up, a lonely little word.

Lylore? What a cute name. Kiyosh felt him touch her feathers, though a moment later he came out to apparently look up at her. She tilted her head to the side just a bit. Her new little friend was trying to get a better look no doubt. So she looked back. He was smaller than Cr’wean but that made him all the more adorable. And he looked so good when he smiled. Everyone looked better when they smiled. Cute kid with a lovely song. Yes. She turned her eye back toward the mostly eaten Runner. Eh, she could finish it later if she needed to. No harm leaving it.

Another flash of lighting came over and Kiyosh looked up. It was pretty decently far. Trees were good for not being struck as well. Still, she rather be inside and all. Or finish her food. But Lylore was here and she liked new folks. Adorable folk anyway.

Were you hiding out here for a reason? Oh, maybe waiting for someone? Kiyosh was hopeful that was the case. More adorable humans.

[Jay Kitten]

Even though he was standing in the pouring rain, he smiled anyway. Another burst of lightning flashed above, followed a few seconds later by the rumble of thunder. This creature was too important to him for some reason... Why would he find it so fascinating? K'nan had told him that he should Impress something... But that Firelizard he had just received to spite him... If he could Impress a giant bird? His mind reeled with the possibility.

What are you? he asked himsef, inside of his head. The bird spoke to him. Knew his name. He smiled again, though the dripping wetness of his hair was a bit problematic. He didn't really mind, water was just that- and water was nice anyway. He would much rather have it around than not.

In his silence he wondered... If intelligent birds could Impress, whom was this one Bonded to? The thought alone was a bit perturbing, but this Lifewing was friendly, he didn't feel threatened in the slightest. Instead, he reached into his pocket, and held out a hand full of seed. Where had he gotten that? It was like he had expected to run into a bird. His eyes briefly trailed to the slugs along the clear part of ground just before the treeline. This creature was way more interesting than the others!

[Shoki]

Kiyosh was trying very hard to listen to Lylore. Not audibly, of course, but he demanded listening to. His song was very interesting, as she had been aware previously, but unique for a human. Songs of each creature were different, Lifewings had awareness of theirs, and the songs reflected that. Creatures had their own colors, but those who could think had a complexity to them that others lacked. Here it was like all the counterpoints and harmony was softer than the rest, so that it was a song that seemed simple but wasn’t at all. If one wanted to, they could ignore it and merely listen to a simple melody, but those that wanted to could lose themselves in a much deeper song. But Kiyosh listened.

Me? I’m a lifewing. A Griffon Vulture Lifewing. She tilted her head to get a better look when he held out something in his hands. Oh, I was actually just eating dinner. Perhaps you want to join me? She hopped back to the half-eaten runner, and observed it vaguely before looking back at Lylore. Some people find this rather morbid, so if you would rather, I won’t eat now. It was pretty obvious she didn’t have any hang ups over the matter. Why would she? It was a messy job but someone had to do it.

That feeling reflected across her bond with Cr’wean and she suspected someone had slipped and broken something in the Weyr today. The feeling of ‘Its messy but someone has to do it’ was one he lived in. Heh.

[Jay Kitten]

Lylore's eyes flickered briefly with interest as he suddenly heard his thought answered by the large feathered one whom was currently gracing him. Very smart, they were. Maybe even smarter than dragons? What could they do? Surely they couldn't go between? They seemed to be telepathic, and a few images regarding memories he'd had with telepathic beings flickered through his mind. Little did he know, that had summoned another guest, whom wasn't quite here yet.

But for now he pondered the beast's words. Lifewing, was it? Certainly an interesting title. Why life? Wing was obvious. Why not life? It was alive... What about the carcass? It was eating it, had it killed it? That wasn't "life" if he had seen it before, but... It was so very alive. Large, alive, and he could almost feel it's energy. He reached out for it's mind again, trying to share more words. Words he knew it would at least understand, maybe a feeling or two, but why would it understand human emotion?

Are you a... Girl? he asked cautiously, as he had never seen a bird like this before, even in a smaller form. It was... Bald, almost. Black, white... Yet a very regal bird, very... Different. A lot like him. He didn't seem so much interested in the Lifewing's meal as he did in her, and in fact he hadn't even seemed to devote any time to trying to answer the words. Of course he would join her, Lylore was the type to simply leave when he didn't approve of his company. And so he turned with her, moving to her side as he looked over the half-eaten body she had been feasting upon. It wasn't a new sight to him, he wasn't squeamish.

He briefly constructed a thought in his head which he tried to pass to Kiyosh, an image of her eating and Lylore sitting beneath her wing to watch and converse as she seemed to have plenty of questions herself, if he was any good at reading three-story birds. Perhaps he would ask about her kind's telepathy.

[Shoki]

Kiyosh listened and when Lylore attempted to talk with her again she mimicked human chuckling. Well, of sorts. It was actually more good-natured hisses that had the same rhythm like chuckling did. However, all in all it did sound like a person amused but hissing instead. She didn’t chirp, nor warble, instead she had grunts and hisses in her ability. She was a peculiar sort of stock, she supposed. That I am. It is hard to tell, yes? I hear many humans tell me that it is quite difficult to tell our genders, so long as our feathers are not different colors. Of course it was no trouble among her own kind. They were meant to easily see who was who and since their songs were meant to fit together, well it would be silly if they couldn’t tell.

Kiyosh was quite pleased when she got an image from Lylore. Quite good. She moved over with him and extended her wing as she found a good spot and took a bit of meat. Despite her own feelings about the water, a somewhat soggy dinner did not repel her. Her beak could easily tear through tougher stuff, but easier was fine too. The advantage to talking as they did, both Dragons and Lifewings, was there was no trouble talking with one’s mouth full.

It’s not pleasant, for most people, but I quite like doing this. I mean, eating something that would have gone to waste because no one else wanted it. I sort of tidy up for everyone. Well, and I’ll eat almost any sort of meat anyhow, so why not? It was an offhand comment, and Kiyosh was hardly the sort of creature that cared about her own appearance, but Lylore seemed interested, at least to some extent, about her. So she didn’t mind talking.