The Story of Tiberius

Chapter 3

"Well done Thunder, that's another point for you," Ellie praised her son when he found the small piece of meat she had hidden in the nest before his sister Rain could. The two siblings were playing a game that was a favorite amongst young hawks called Hide and Eat. The rules were simple. Whoever found the food first won and got to eat it. Thunder was proving that part as he happily ate his reward.

Five days had passed since Thunder and Rain had hatched. Even during that time period they had grown a little bit. By now, they looked like fluffy pieces of cloud that had fallen from the sky above. They felt like that too. There were even times where Ellie thought they were as gentle as a cloud. That was until they started play fighting with each other. Like right now.

A little jealous that her brother was much better at the game than she was, Rain snuck up behind Thunder and pounced on him. The pair rolled around the nest, lightly landing blows on each other. Though Rain did have the advantage of the sneak attack, Thunder quickly overpowered his little sister and pinned her down. Victorious, he crowed, "And the champion keeps his title for another day!"

"No fair, you're bigger!" Rain protested, struggling to free herself. Smiling softly at her little ones, Ellie quickly split them up before one of them could lose their eye or something. Gazing down at them, she murmured, "Look at you two, all dirty. I told you we were going to have guests some time today and you look like you were in a fight with a coyote." Pulling Thunder close to her, the red tailed hawk began grooming her son. Trying to escape, Thunder whined, "Mom, come on! This is humiliating!"

"Don't you want to look good in front of your uncle? This is the first time you're gonna see him," Ellie responded, finishing up with Thunder. Reaching over to grab Rain so she could also groom her, she continued, "And he's bringing a friend of his who is a highly respected member of the Council so behave!"

"Well, that's very nice of you to say," a strange voice spoke behind Ellie. Startled, Thunder looked around his mother to find another red tailed hawk and a bald eagle.