[Spiritualist III] Anger or Desperation

“You’re an expert in traversing the forests of our Island, correct? Could you join me in collecting materials?”

That was the request that had led to Avezi, a pack full of supplies and tools slung over her shoulder, wading through the layers of snowfall behind the Leporid weaver.

“I need to dig up some roots for more red dye,” Teles explained as she trudged through the snow behind Avezi. Her steps were purposefully slower, her longer legs meaning she could have outpaced Avezi if she tried. She drew her hooded shawl further over her face, light snowflakes dusting her head.

Avezi nodded, readjusting the scarf covering her nose. “There’s a rock formation west of here I’ve seen them at. We’re almost there.”

The bright song of a Lesser Snowbird rang across the tops of the conifers, and a Crested Wistol soared overhead. A family of Rockstompers glared at them a pile of rocks they passed, and in a far off clearing, a herd of Elyks dug in the snowfall for roots. A Major Pieshu snoo browsed in the forest, the mother surely close by.

Despite the snow storm, the Island’s life continued to endure. It was comforting.

Stepping over a large log that normally required being climbed over but now only required a small step, Avezi spotted the rock formation ahead. A towering pile with a single large boulder in the midst of it, tall enough to get a good look at the higher branches of the trees or to escape an animal chasing you.

“We’re here,” she informed Teles, gesturing to the landmark ahead. Teles’ ears perked up and pace quickened, outpacing Avezi as she rushed forward.

“Oh there’s so many!” Dotting the snow next to the rocks were branching twigs. Normally by now the plant would be covered in verdant leaves and spotted with small blooms, but the cold kept them bare. Teles pulled her shovel off her back, beginning to clear snow away from the plants.

As Avezi moved to draw her shovel, Teles waved a dismissive paw at her.

“I got it, don’t worry!” she explained, throwing a pile of snow to the side. “You already took the trouble of leading me here; I won’t make you help me as well.”

Giving a small nod in understanding, Avezi stepped back. Might as well keep watch. Looking up at the rock pile, she dug her paws into the rough surface and hoisted herself up the side. Icicles had dripped down the side and refrozen, making her climb a little trickier than normal. Despite it, Avezi crested the top of the rock pile, settling on the peak. Her gaze traveled across the clearing, watching as Teles began to unearth the roots. She focused her eyes on the tree line. A Squoon hopped across the snow, sniffing at the ground. It was calm today at least…

The foliage on the other side of the clearing rustled, and Avezi turned just in time to see a small furry green tail darting into the brush. Appeared to be a Rockstomper? It could have been a Mountain Pieshu snoo, but for their sake, she hoped it wasn’t.

The Squoon she was half watching froze, looking into the forest. Avezi stilled, following its gaze.

Her ears and nose weren’t as sensitive as the Squoon’s but all her time in the forest had honed her senses to hear it before others.

Heavy, fast thuds; tree branches snapping. It was far at first, but rapidly approaching. Avezi readied herself, glaring at the tree line. Something large was running- fast.

“Teles, something is running this way. Get up here,” she called down to the Leporid. Teles looked up at her, then leapt to her feet before scrambling up the rocks. Avezi placed a hand on the dagger she’d brought with her, ready to defend them both as the thudding grew closer and closer.

Within the trees, she could see it, and that shape crashed through the pines with a roar.

A Major Pieshu, huffing and snarling. Wild eyes darted around the clearing as the animal rushed toward the center. Angry, frantic. A bloodied gash was torn in its shoulder; the creature must have tried to take on an Elyks and the herd fended it off.

Its eyes focused on them, snorting. This wasn’t good.

Slamming into the pile, the Major Pieshu snarled at them, clawing as it tried to climb the rocks. Teles backed up, Avezi throwing her arm in front of her. 

“What do we do?!” Teles was one step away from backing off the formation, but that would just leave her more vulnerable to the enraged animal.

Avezi’s mind raced for a solution. Was it enraged from being attacked? Or this was its territory. She didn’t see any territorial marks, from her quick glance as they’d entered. So was it hungry?

Something she had read weaseled its way into her mind.

Avezi stood. She really needed to get that armor.

“Teles, stay up here.”

“Huh?” Teles’ confusion was written plainly on her face. This confusion quickly morphed to concern as Avezi suddenly jumped off the side.

“Wait, Avezi-!”

With one precise leap, Avezi landed on the Pieshu’s back.

Immediately, the animal roared, letting go of the rocks as it flung itself away. Shaking and snarling, the Major Pieshu strained its neck trying to snap at her. She grabbed one of the spikes, moving herself close to the neck before placing a firm paw on the plates. A pink glow emanated from her palm and she closed her eyes.

Anger, anger, distressed.

What is wrong? What ails you? Do you need healing?

Hurt. Child is gone. Where is my child? You took my child.

We did not take your child. 

A small tail had jumped into the bushes earlier. She remembered.

I have seen your child. Please, let me show you.

Child? Where?

The Pieshu slowed, sliding off the rocks. Avezi leapt off its back, quickly rushing to the other side of the clearing where she’d seen the movement earlier. The Major Pieshu huffed, panting and growling, but remaining unmoving as it watched her.

Avezi crept into the bushes, pulling them aside to see a small Mountain Pieshu snoo curled up in a small burrow. It raised its head, blinking sleepily at her. She held a paw out to it, her magic alighting once more.

Follow me. Your mother misses you.

The baby Pieshu stood on wobbled legs, crawling out of the burrow and following as Avezi led it back out to the clearing. Immediately, the mother Pieshu barreled toward them, and Avezi jumped back just in time. The Major Pieshu sniffed over her child, licking its fur. The baby let out soft chirps.

Child is safe. Thank you, small Nyulop.

Stay safe.

The two Pieshu lumbered back into the forest, Avezi watching them go. The gash on the mother would likely heal, but she would return to this area in a few days to be sure.

Letting out a sigh as the tension faded from her body, she turned to the very startled Leporid still perched up on the rock pile.

“Everything should be fine now,” she called up to Teles.

Teles fell down to her knees, taking a breath. “I thought we were going to die there.”

“She was just worried about her child.” Avezi looked in the direction that the Pieshus had gone, then picked up the shovel Teles had abandoned in her panic.

“… Let’s get the rest of those roots and head home.”