Oki had always been a nyulop deeply connected to nature, he walked among the trees as one walks among old friends. He knew the sound of every branch, the scent of the damp earth after rain, and even the way small creatures fled when they sensed something greater drawing near.
But that day, the silence was different.
No bird sang.
No insect buzzed.
It was the kind of silence that precedes something immense.
The Nyulop paused for a moment to observe his surroundings, and his gaze caught a flash of light between the leaves.
As he drew closer, he saw a being unlike any he had ever seen before, a Nostraumbus.
The creature lay upon the ground, its massive body covered in downy feathers that shimmered in shades of cream beneath the filtered light. Four wings folded gracefully over its back, Its flanks rose and fell with a serene rhythm, the creature’s majesty was unmatched.
Although fascinated, Oki froze. His instincts urged him to retreat, yet his curiosity for wild beings pushed him forward. With a slow gesture he unsheathed his sword — not as a threat, but as part of a ritual of respect.
The Nostraumbus opened one eye, a glowing slit that fixed upon him with suspicion. The creature then shifted its stance, crouching low like a wary cat. Oki’s heartbeat quickened, but he kept his gaze steady. No words were spoken.
For long seconds, nothing happened. Then, the nostraumbus exhaled a warm breath, and tiny embers escaped its nostrils. From the creature’s body language, Oki understood — it did not fear him. He lowered the sword and slowly returned it to its sheath. Then, from his satchel, he took a handful of large, some fruits he had gathered along the way, an attempt at a gentler approach. He moved forward carefully, Palms open.
The nostraumbus tilted its head, a bit curious, caught by the sweet aroma of the fruit. When Oki laid them down before it, the creature leaned in and, with a soft breath, let the fire within its chest hum with a tone almost welcoming.
Oki smiled for the first time in days. He stayed at a respectful distance from the nostraumbus, watching the slow rhythm of its wings while it delighted itself with the sweet treats. There was a silent understanding between two souls that needed no common language to recognize one another.