Blaze Struts...

You aren’t embarrassing me,” Spring grins, impishly. “I think...” she begins, stopping and clearing her throat, her voice low. “I think you have a lovely voice.” She looks away, bashful. “I’m sorry I intruded on your daybreak ritual.” She lifts her face and holds his gaze for a moment, a loud screech startling them both.

“Damn Blaze!” she mutters. “Have you met Oatty’s,” her voice catches. She swallows again, sucks in a lungful of air, and continues, “replacement?” she says wryly, shaking her head at the young hawk as it struts around Kiril, before coming to stop in front of her. “Oh,” she asks, crouching down. “And that deserves a treat, does it? Well, be nice and meet Kiril; Kiril, this is Blaze.”

The hawk shivers in order that all of his stunning plumage catches the dim lighting and flares, before dipping his head and giving a throaty gurgle, as if to say, “My pleasure.” 

Spring rummages in her sack and drags another bit of dried meat that she tosses to Blaze. “He found me out behind the monastery this morning. I think he may be able to help us, if I can learn how to understand him.” She reaches out to stroke the bird's head, a large tear trickles down her cheek and she swipes at it, embarrassed, keeping her face turned from Kiril...

o0o