But They Weren't Out Tonight

Shuule wasn't sure if she was just hopefully imagining things, but after what felt like an eternity, she thought she could feel Ukko start to sink lower into the sky. She crossed her fingers, begging for them to all be close to the edge of the forest. It was dark, the sun setting an hour ago, so they had been traveling for most of the day.

The great bird tried to land as gently as he could, but weary wings meant both Ukko and Remi hit the ground harder than they meant to, jostling their spouses who had done their best to turn themselves into human shields for their young.

Even so, Shuule let out a small whimper, knowing the landing was yet too soft. It wasn't dirt, even if covered in show. She didn't hear the rustling of sticks and dead leaves.

"How are we still out here?" She pulled her head out from under Ukko's thick feathers, not wanting to let her own heat escape the fur hood over her head.