There is a breeze that picks up atop the mountain as they stand waiting for something to happen. It comes on quickly, enough to ruffle my feathers and then it dissipates. A scent of brine and ash lingers, my eyes close briefly, drawing in the aroma of my island home. When they open, I find a fiery little bird hovering before me. Its beady eyes stare at me judgingly before moving to Assailant where it announces its purpose. Go forth, find pieces of Tephra, and bring them back here. My head tilts in thought at the bird's command.
Find pieces of Tephra...
The words linger in my thoughts as I leap into the turbulent airs of the Mountain. Lightening streaks across the skies here for reasons unknown to me. My wings straighten, allowing the upward draft to glide me around the cragged formation, my sheer weight pulling me downward slightly. It isn't until I have reached the treetops below that I begin to thrust the wings at my sides. My direction is south, to the forests as discussed with Lant before leaving the place of magic.
I arrive before him, the light of the day fading into night just as I land at the border. Without hesitation I slink into the shadows of the trees, surely, they would find something here. The lavender ears atop my cranium twist, picking up the faintest of sounds. Things chirp and creak within the darkness, casting an eerie array of noises from all around me. The dim lightening did no more than create shadows that shifted about with each step.
There is a sudden pause in the nighttime creature's chorus. My steps cease as I listen more intently. A soft plod of steps is faint in the distance, growing louder with each second. My eyes narrow as I try to make out the figures outline, something a familiarity in it. It seems to be enchanted by a faint, pulsing glow that I now notice. In the dim array of light, I can distinctly make out the face of my comrade. A devious grin curls my lips as I trod nearer, my steps matching his with near perfect precision. Closing the distance between us I let out an outlandish noise from the darkness that cloaks me. Lant stops, froze still in fear or confusion, maybe both. I choke back a laugh before springing from the brush, "Hey!" I shout laced with hilarity. I prance casually to his side and bump him the brow of my iron wing as I chuckle. "Gotcha!" I josh as my gaze returns to the faint glow, "Whatcha find?"
@assailant