bittersweet like lemonade

Mismatched sights danced over ruffled plumage as the colorful dove meandered over soft grasses just outside the barrack’s reach. Attentions daring not to drift from the gentle flutter of sundered wings or the ways they pecked carelessly against the earth. Ever since the beast had fallen into his care it had become a welcomed distraction from all else which threatened to consume swirling thoughts. A father’s constant reprimands, a mentor’s presumed disappointment in the way he’d been dismissed with a sigh hardly a day prior upon all too familiar proclamation.

The older wolf had important business to attend to. A task far too dangerous to risk dragging a mere recruit along for. A matter Edmond hardly cared to pry into, whatever the man’s business may be it was his own. One would not plead nor insist he would be of use on an unknown endeavor especially when it was more likely he’d be a hindrance. A factor which could only lead to failure… so he would not question it. Phrases would be taken to heart. Not that it mattered for the mottled hound was all too happy to remain in close proximity to the barracks.

Cling to lands familiar and relish in the temporary reprieve granted in the absence of eyes haunting every action. There was no telling when another may scoop him up in attempted direction but at least for a time, Edmond hoped to be left in peace. To be allowed to tend to the very dove a woman of dazzling fur had entrusted to him. One he did not intend to let down even as he braced for the worst. Dreaded an outcome where the bird may not survive, feared becoming attached to them for this very reason… yet could not help how they grew on him.

Taking to calling the creature Zephyrus, hoping that one day the winds could be called beneath their wings once more. But now? It was hardly such. Nothing more than a whispered breeze obtained with each flap, no lift carrying a once soaring beast from the suffocating earths which sought to claim it. Though despite it all, Zephyr seemed to be thriving. Appeared to be recovering well from an owl’s inflicted traumas, however, there was still a long ways to go. Yet he would do his best, continue to let the dove spread its wings. Attempt to keep muscles trained lest they lost their vigor and became grounded for eternity.

Such a dreadful fate would not be allowed to befall them if he would help it. Even now as they toddled about on the ground he was content to watch, to keep them safe. That speckled frame lowering to the earth so that he could be level with them. Eyes crossing as a crown ventured forth with hardly a subtle tilt, Zephyrus seeming examining him as he did to it. At least until that threshold lay crossed and small talons curled over his snout only for a peck to greet him between the eyes upon one of the many spots darkening his visage.

Edmond flinched. Glittering eyes rapidly blinking upon initial impact as if the dove would rend them from his skull. Hey it could happen right? A theory he did not wish to test so it is with a careful peek that vulnerabilities are exposed. His voice barely rising above a murmured whisper to avoid jostling the avian too harshly from their proclaimed perch, “That’s not food Zephyr. You have to wait a bit.” Wait until after they ventured into the nearby shops should one not chose to scour through the dirt all their own for scattered morsels.

Oleander Elric

The Colonel had been so upset when he'd brought his hedgehog, Aspen, into her cabin. She'd chased poor Aspen and called him a rat and she was going to kill him if Oleander hadn't been there to stop her. So he scooped little Aspen up and brought him to the Barracks. The hedgehog would be safe if there were soldiers around to offer protection like they did for him, right?

Still, he was nervous about it and felt like he needed to hide the roly-poly creature. Attracting attention was the last thing Ole wanted, so he decided it was best to try to sneak in. Easier said than done. Aspen would try to scuttle here and there curiously while he tried to figure out a good way to enter. Of course, there didn't seem to be any entrances other than the front so he had to shepherd the hedgehog around the structure until they could see the threshold.

That's when he spotted a boy probably a bit older than him and with a coat of many colors laying out in front of the barracks. What really caught his eye was a tiny little chick that was perched atop of nose, making adorable peeping noises while packing at his muzzle. Oleander's eyes rounded with awe and fascination at the pair and then he looked down at Aspen who was perched between his paws, stuck upsidedown and struggling to turn himself over. “Oops! S-sorry!" He gently turned the creature back over and gave him a delicate pat on the head.

Oleander's attention was right back on the older boy and his chick, biting his lip as he made up the decision to ask for help. “Hey! O-over here!" He waved a small paw above the undergrowth he'd been crouched in, trying to remain as inconspicuous as he could. He definitely didn't want to get in trouble!

@Edmond

enie