Chapter 1: Lady Luck's Curtsy

"For now, no. We invite them in, I wouldn't want to be caught out in that storm. If they prove to be a problem, we kill them and you can eat whichever you please."

Rolen lowers his crossbow "Come get shelter, Jessen; don't do anything stupid and we won't have a problem."

Baraq gathers up the javelins and sticks, now that less room is available for the improvised game.

Catriona relaxes her stance almost even before Rolen speaks. She fusses over the family, particularly the girl, finding a place for them by the fire, offering food, even passing one of her wine bottles to Jessen. "I'm Cat. What's your name?" she asks the girl. Chuck-chuck chitters, watching the newcomers curiously.

Aera moves directly in front of Evelyn and leans down, his beak just inches from her face. He cocks his head to the side curiously, "Why is the nestling out in a storm? Is that normal for humans?"

Aera squawks confusedly, "My nest was destroyed by storms before. You just have to build a new nest," he says, "Is that not normal for human people?"

Baraq stows her javelins into her harness, and now that Evelyn and Jessen have vacated some space from the fire, steals a spot closer to the warmth.

"I’ve survived without a home; I can tell you it’s easy enough."

"No, please stay!" Catriona says, trying to soothe the Jessen and his family. "Don't mind them, they're just not used to dealing with people. Please forgive me for being unwelcoming at the cave entrance. We've all been through quite a lot so please understand if we're slow to trust."

Aera cocks his head to the side and lets out a soft chirp, thoroughly confused by these humans.

Baraq's talons scratch the ground as she adjusts her perch by the fire.

"We'd rather hear yours. Tell us about your home."

"She said it was destroyed by lightning" I add helpfully.

"I mean what was it like before?!" Catriona snaps at Xavena irritably. "I swear, you people need to learn some manners!"

"How many animals, and how far are the woods?" Baraq asks, mentally calculating sums.