The Creature Talker - Chapter Four

The meditation, shorter than Khea preferred, ended and in a few fluid motions she grabbed what she packed and slid down the vine to the swamp she knew. She took a few moments to intake the images of her home and remind herself that she would see them again. Peck appeared to do the same from his vantage point on Khea's right shoulder. Due to their extended friendship, Khea understood he would be coming on this journey but she spent some time trying to iterate the perils they could encounter. Peck did not seem phased.

From what the Silvers gathered the rot spread from where the sun disappeared down towards their village. Before her nerves could finally take hold Khea started off in that direction. Peck greeted the other feathered creatures as they traveled through familiar paths causing a cascade of whistles, chirps, and melodies in return. Despite the current circumstances Khea couldn't resist the smile spreading across her face. She scratched Peck's chin affectionately, "Remember Peck, not all we run into will want to be friends. While you think you are the same size as the eagles I want you to flee if trouble arises." Peck puffed out his plumage slightly offended at Khea's comment on his size. "Oh, I know how tough you are little one with the eagle sized courage." This placated him and allowed Khea to focus on her steps instead of being distracted by his grumblings.

As the sun began its trek to hide behind the horizon Khea exhaled a sigh of relief as she found herself within known territory. She chose what appeared to be a tree with sturdy limbs and began to make a hammock. In moments like this Khea wished she had the Plant Talkers' abilities. With assistance from the vegetation they found the materials for a hammock, tied them together, and hung them before any noticeable shift in the sun's position in the sky. Her attempts often kept her busy until the moon took over for the sun. Peck, already bored before Khea put the final touches on her sleeping spot, found a connecting branch nearby, ruffled his feathers, and drifted off into the world of dreams. Khea soon followed.