Squirrelly Days - Rammu

023 - Teran

Sitting up on his sleeping mat, Teran raised his left ear to stretch the side of his neck. A moment into his stretch, he detected an unnerving scent in the air. At first he thought he was hallucinating, but after a few deep breaths he knew for sure that his mother was nearby.

Calming his mind Teran ensured himself, he wasn't in a hurry to see what brought his mother out of the deep woods and finished his stretches, along with a few minutes of deep meditation, knowing if he skipped or rushed through anything his mother would know.

Feeling at peace with the world, Teran made his way to the common, where he found his mother sleeping cuddled up next to Kenta.

Knowing that she was simply enjoying a few final moments of her nap and not truly asleep, Teran prepared tea and snacks.

Not long after the table was set, both his mother and Kenta rose, bowed, then took their seats.

'''

Teran: It's good to see you mother. How have you been?

Acia: Busy and rewarding as always. Nearly all the little ones are doing well. We lost a few of the more curious critters, but not as many as usual. If you were interested in taking up the family mantel once more, there are certainly some outstanding young ones this year. *mischievous smile* In fact, I brought one with me.

'''

Teran turned his head towards the window as his mother whistled and watched as a familiar looking tiny dark brown bird with light brown accents flew in and landed on her finger.

'''

Acia: Say hello Finka.

Finka: *coded tweeting* <Hello>

Teran: Cute, but you're well aware that I'm not interested in taking on another familiar.

Acia: At least consider little Finka. She's a brilliant young one. She already has over a hundred codes memorized, and she has a particular fascination with flying towards the villages and watching squi. *somber* I also believe that she's unhappy in the deep woods. While I think it would be a waste of her potential, you could even simply keep her as a *cringe* pet, and I'm sure she would be happier with you.

'''

Acia made a subtle gesture which caused Finka to fly off her finger and land atop Teran's head.

'''

Acia: See, she's already taken with you.

Teran: *unamused stare*

Acia: What? I can tell she really does like you. *pleading smile* At least consider her. She's small, low maintenance, and will give you some practice so your skills don't rust completely to dust. It has been decades since Ninku passed; surely you're willing to open your heart again. Finka comes from a long-lived family of birds. Her—very great grandmother, whom you know well, is still alive and terrorizing my favorite flowers, as she has been doing since you were a fluff.

'''

Teran held out his finger and whistled, prompting Finka to land on his finger and look into his eyes.

'''

Teran: *melancholic sigh* I did always enjoy watching Dilka terrorize your flowers. *cheerful chuckle* I suppose she can stay with me for a trial cycle. Providing you're willing to promise that you'll take her back without question if I request so.

Acia: *defeated sigh* Very well, but I think you'll be quite happy with her. Here's the list of codes she knows, along with her training regimen and favorite things.