Substory; Sparrow's Tragedy

Chapter three

Sparrow woke up as footsteps rustled around her- the sound of claws scraping against stone as her eyes opened blearily. She remembered that she was in the Mirrorwing’s cave, and excitement washed over her before being swept away at the remembrance of what happened yesterday. 

“That’s right, we have to hunt today.” She snorted frustrated, her claws trying to dig into the stone. Sparrow looked over at Wren and let out a small trill of affection before nudging her awake. 

Wren opened her eyes slowly, and Sparrow looked up as Mirrorwings passed by them, leaving the sleeping hollows. “C’mon, let’s get up.” Sparrow said. 

Wren nodded and got to her feet before leading the way, as Sparrow followed her. “I have a question for Echo, so I'm going to go there quickly. I hope he isn’t still pressed by your comment from yesterday.” Wren scolded, her eyes irked. 

Sparrow laughed self consciously as Wren stared at her. “You need to think about where your tongue will get you when you say stuff like that. If he’s still mad, we’re likely to get no information.”

Sparrow looked at her claws with embarrassment as they walked. “I know. I’m sorry Wren, I’ll start thinking before I say stuff.” Wren nodded, looking pleased as they continued walking. 

Wren led them to Echo’s sleeping hollow, and as they made it there Sparrow called out to the mirrorwing. In the distance, she saw a shape move in the darkness of the cove, and soon after Echo emerged groggily. 

“What do you want?” He sneered. 
“You’re still whin-” Sparrow cut herself off as Wren gave her a glare. “I mean, are you still mad about what I said yesterday?” She asked. 

“No, but you two are annoying.” Echo hissed, his eyes laced with scorn as he looked at them. 

“I have a question- it’s about our duties, not something stupid.” Wren began, and Echo sighed before sitting. “With hunting duty, what exactly are the rules? Are we allowed to just leave whenever or is there a specific time?” 
Echo looked mildly surprised at her question before answering. “As for times, you’re allowed to leave whenever, but we do have a curfew. If you’re not back by time the sun has gone down the Mirrorwing guards won’t let you back in until the next morning, and if you try to force your way back in, you’ll be attacked.” He said.

Wren nodded and then asked, “What about hunting rules then? Do we have to hunt all day?” 

Echo shook his head before answering her. “No. Once you’ve caught a few decently sized things, you’re allowed to just enjoy the rest of your day. You can go to train, but you don’t have to. Most Mirrorwings do though, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see many relaxing.” 

Sparrow looked at him intrigued. “It’s amazing how coordinated your schedule is. It feels so much like home.” She purred, all of her previous malic and annoyance towards Echo gone. 
Echo scoffed and swished his tail before speaking. “If that’s all you needed then I’m off. You two should too, just leave out of the main entrance- the same place you came in yesterday.”
Wren dipped her head before walking away, Sparrow following her. “Are you going to be okay, Sparrow?” Wren asked quietly as they walked. Sparrow froze suddenly, disgust rising in her chest. 

“We have to hunt!” She screeched quietly. “I didn’t even think about that! I’m so stupid! What am I going to do?” She looked at Wren warily. 

“You’re going to have to hunt, Sparrow. I know you’re against it, but you’ll have to.” Wren trilled gently. Sparrow let out a sigh of distress, but continued to follow.