Avian

The Cave

Peter was able to start a small campfire within the cavern.  Peter and Jordan took turns watching the entrance of the cave.  Kanza sat with Ava, near the fire.  They huddled together like two love birds while the orange glow of the fire tinted their faces.  The sound of crickets echoed in the forest outside.  Peter kept watch as Jordan slept. 

"I never thought I would do that..." kanza sighed.

"You're brave,"  Ava remarked.

"Ava.... how did you meet them?"  Kanza asked.  

Ava hesitated to tell her the complete truth, in fear that she may not fully trust the humans helping them.  But she couldn't bare to lie to her new freind.

"Well.. I.... was....caught, actually."  Ava admitted.  Kanzas eyes widened and she tensed.

"But.... you said they were friendly?" She whispered, stiffening up.  Her eyes darting to the two giant humans.

"Yes, I know.....It was actually my fault.  You see, Warren, my guardian, warned me about going near them.  But I was foolish.  I tested my boundaries, and got injured.....Jordan saved my life."  Ava looked over at Jordan.  He lay close to the rock wall on his back.  Using one arm as a cushion. 

"How did you get injured then?  Did a human attack you?!" Kanza asked eagerly.

"No, no- It was a cat."

"Ahh.  I know about those."  She murmured and took a deep breath,  sinking deeper into her position.

Ava hesitated. She put a wing around her warmly.  "It's okay." She reassured. "When we get home, you will be apart of our family."  She smiled, the flames cracking around in front of her.  "Id like that." She replied.

There was a moment of silence.  "What about him?"  She asked, motioning over to Peter.  Ava looked over at Peter.  He sat with his back turned towards them.  He wasn't sitting far away.  At least 5 feet from where the two Avians huddled.  Ava wondered if he was listening to their conversation?  Most likely, he probably had nothing better to do. 

Ava sighed.  "He used to work for the people that captured me.  He is kind though.... he's... my friend." 

As she looked, his head turned to the side, exposing the side of his face.  She could see a happy smile as he looked down slightly.  He was a good friend, just met in an unlikely circumstance. 

"So what about you, Kanza? How do you know about humans?"  Ava asked.

"Well.... My parents always warned me.  Every now and then one would cross our path.....seemingly looking for something?  I don't know what?  But they were big and scary to me.  Always seemed up to no good..... until now... I guess."  She put her hands out to the fire.

Then Peter turned towards them.  Kanza quickly sat up, surprised.  She cowered slightly into Ava, as Ava straightened up.  His face looked down at her and he smiled warmly.  "Friend huh?"  He teased.  He sat  hunched over a little on a rock with his elbows resting on his knees.  His hands clasped together loosely.  He then leaned over, trying to get a better look at Kanza, who was trying to avoid his gaze.  Kanza was still a little skittish, but who could blame her?

"Its alright.."  He smiled.  "Don't be afraid."  Kanza peeked out from behind Ava, darting back when his eyes met hers. Peter thought it was cute, and smiled.

Peter decided to inch closer.  He stood slowly, trying not to startle her more.  Ava stood up slowly in response.  Her wings extending.  Jordan was still sleeping, but it would be his turn to take watch soon.

"Don't worry.." He said as he crept over to her.  Ava stood there, looking ahead and avoiding eye contact, as she observed Jordan sleeping like a log.  She was well aware of Peter though, remaining still.  Then Peter sat down next to her, he was close, about a foot away.  He got down slowly on his knees.  Kanza immediately stood up , clearly uncomfortable with him being so close, and inched over on the other side of the fire. She sat by herself.  Her red hair and wings glowing in the light of the flame.