Ch 3.2 - A Moon in Bloom

Flint leapt into motion, his back feathers unfurling with a stretch before he soared into the trees. He glided and twisted between trunks with practiced ease, vaulting from branch to branch like a breeze with purpose. In a blur, he darted past druids and guards alike, as Etherlight flickered off his feathers. A few startled female Nyxes stumbled back as he zipped overhead, laughter and gasps trailing behind him like a shadow.

He landed in a snobbish crouch on a platform close to the central bridge and yelled, "Make way for Skyland's finest!"

Heads were turning toward the outer walkway, where a caravan of ten Kinitu scouts marched in, swift, sharp, and unmistakable, and a crowd began to form at the heart deck. At the front, a silver-white blur cloaked in pale fur and leather moved like wind and steel. Without a word, she ascended toward the elder's pavilion, a tent-like treehouse nestled in the upper branches.

Flint's eyes narrowed."Well, well… who's the frosty little fox?"

He strolled over to a lanky young Kinitu who was standing close by, wearing a red scarf and maintaining a stiff posture.

"Hey there, bud." he said, tapping his own chest. "The name is Flint, guardian of charm, feathers, and whatever else you need today. And you are?"

The Kinitu blinked, taken off guard. "Rikuin. Scout second-class."

"Second-class, huh?" Flint gave him a back pat and smiled, saying "Don't worry, stick with me and I'll have you bumped up to charming-class in no time." "Now… who is that silver comet that just drifted into the elder's tree?"

Rikuin looked puzzled. "Silver comet? Oh, you mean my captain, Seyra?"

"Sey-raaa," Flint repeated, letting it roll off his tongue. "Sweet, sweet moonfire."

Next to Rikuin stood another scout, a female kinitu armored in dark leather, with long black-tufted ears and piercing golden eyes. Like a coiled spring, she had not moved at all.

Flint shot her a grin. "And who might you be, sharp eyes?"

She flashed her teeth. "I'll mount your feathers over my den if you come a step closer, bird-boy."

He blinked. "Ho-oh! Feisty... I like that." Then he winked and lowered his voice to Rikuin, saying, "She's taken. I respect that."

Rubbing his temple, Rikuin mumbled, "Tavira…"

Flint straightened and laughed, "No, no, she's got spirit." "But I have some Dawnbind business, if you don't mind fellaws."

"You're a Dawnbind?" Rikuin raised his eyebrows in question.

"Astonished?" Flint, who was already strolling in the direction of the elder's pavilion, called back over his shoulder. "Most Quendikin are."

Inside, the atmosphere in the elder's pavilion was tense. A circle of senior Nyxes, each cloaked in ceremonial leathers and bark-etched sashes, stood around a low table carved into the shape of a blooming petal. At its center, a large map of Skyland sat there with floating ether stones pulsing with Etherlight, tracing location and movement patterns across the land. One of the elders, a tall, broad-shouldered Nyx with tiger stripes across his arms, was mid-sentence when the entrance curtains rustled open.

Flint strolled in like he owned the canopy.

"Good morrow, fine forest minds," he announced, arms spread like a stage performer. "Did someone call for a guardian?"

Several elders groaned in unison. One, the tiger-striped Nyx, stepped forward with a snarl behind his messy spiky beard. "Forgive us, Captain Seyra. This buffon is not meant to be here."

Seyra slowly turned her head, seated placidly at the far end of the table. Her silver eyes glowed with a quiet intensity as they fixed on Flint, unreadable and still, while the soft Etherlight caught on the white fur along her jaw, casting a shimmer that made her look carved from moonlight itself.

With a clear and precise voice, she said, "It's fine, Captain Rajak," raising one tiny hand to stop the tiger Nyx. "Allow him to sit." I am aware of the legendary Dawnbind Flint."

"Oh, have you?" With a sly smile, Flint strolled over and settled himself on a wooden stool next to her. "Silver Queen, the pleasure is mutual."

"That's Captain." she corrected him in a flat tone, but there was a small smirk at the corner of her lips.

Rajak, snapped. "but captain Seyra, Flint is but a reckless distraction. Instead of running into issues that don't affect the Dawnbinds, he ought to be on patrol." Dlaring at Flint with a serious, narrow gaze.

Flint gestured to the map and added, "I'm also a good ear on strategic matters and devastatingly handsome." "What are we dealing with, then? Shadows? Blights? Massive rabid glowtoads?"

Ignoring the joke, Seyra tapped the map with her claw. "Aelariths have been seen moving from Glimmerthund to the outskirts of Sylvanmyr. whole flocks. Family groups, including cubs, rather than merely scouts or lone travelers."

Flint's forehead wrinkled. "Wait, Aelariths? Those owl-bear mountain things? What would they want down here?"

"They don't want anything," she replied narroying her eyes "They're fleeing."

The room became silent for a long beat.

"They're moving fast," she continued. "Covering ground they'd normally never cross. Some are scarred, agitated, but strangely quiet. Not once have they engaged or retaliated since setting foot in Sylvanmyr."

"That's… weird," Flint remarked, paying close attention now.

Seyra gave a nod. "Exactly. Whatever scared them hasn't revealed itself yet. We have been following them for five days. However, we now require more substantial assistance, which is why…"

Flint cut her off before she could finish her sentence. "That's why you came to Elarion Glade, to find Nyxes who are familiar with the terrain and maybe look into the Drake lands." 

Seyra blinked straight-facedly, "correct."

Flint's tone became more focused as he leaned over the map. He shifted a couple of Ether stones around the landscape. "Captain, a group of five knowledgeable scouts could circle the Drakelands and head north through Sylvanmyr." "We won't run the risk of warning the Dragonkin if we stay off the main routes."

He pushed the stones in the direction of the mountain ridge at the edge of the map. "We could follow the Aelariths' route and discover what drove them out to reach the Thun'drail range in Glimmerthund."

Seyra looked up, her lips curving into the tiniest grin. "Very impressive. It's not a bad plan, I'll admit.

Flint met her gaze and smiled. "And I could take the lead, escorting you through the wilds. For your safety, of course, Captain."

Rajak's tail flicked as he moved forward. "Hey, hold on. Who said you get to make the calls here?"

Seyra, however, held up a hand. "Rajak, give him some credit."

Rajak's ears flattened. "You're not seriously considering bringing him along." 

Flint stood, his feathers fluffing slightly. "Oh, come on. Just once, let me do something serious."

Rajak growled. "Flint, you are not going. We appreciate the suggestion—but you're staying put."

Flint got off his stool and moved in closer."Oh, don't do this to me. Can't you let me take a serious duty just once?"

Rajak's chest puffed out. "You're the least reliable Nyx in the Glade." he continued after a hesitant pause. "But you're also the strongest of the Dawnbinds. That's why you stay. If something comes here, we need you."

Seyra raised an eyebrow. "He's the strongest?"

"Unfortunately…" Rajak whispered.

Flint clicked his tongue, glancing sideways at her with a cocky grin. "So I'm charming and the strongest. Starting to sound like a good deal, Captain."

Rajak's mouth opened once more. "But he stays. If something were to happen while we're gone, the Glade and the Ether Tree will be defenseless."

Seyra's gaze dropped slightly, her voice quieter. "In that case… you're right."

"What!?" Flint bolted upright.

"I appreciate the offer," she said with professional calm, folding her arms behind her back. "But your commander is correct. If anything reaches the Glade, your strength will be needed here. We'll accept a secondary patrol from your ranks instead."

Flint's feathers drooped. "You never let me have any fun, Rajak," He muttered, slouching away like a kid whose favorite toy was stolen

Seyra smirked softly, then returned to the matter at hand. Routes, supplies, and communication signals took up the remainder of the meeting. The sun had set behind the canopy when the group eventually emerged from the elder's treehouse, illuminating the glade with shades of lilac and copper.

But Flint wasn't done trying.

"You know," he said, casually catching up beside her, "you're welcome to stay the night. We've got moonshine wine chilled to perfection, hammocks that almost float, and a few stars worth watching if you're into that kind of thing."

Seyra didn't slow. "Hmm… perhaps my squad could use a decent night's rest before we move again," she replied evenly, arms folded as she gave him a sidelong glance. "Thank you, Dawnbind Flint."

She walked away with the smooth sway of a snow-white tail, her steps poised and calm, but that slight lift of her chin said more than words.

Flint watched her go, grinning to himself. "Well now…" He puffed his feathers with renewed energy and turned toward his roost.

-break-

Laughter and conversation filled the Nyx tavern later that night. Tavira and Rikuin sat at a table in the corner, laughing softly to themselves while drinking mugs of glowing nectar.

"Have you seen the Captain?" Tavira asked.

Rikuin looked around. "Not since the meeting… but I am sure she must be going over tomorrow's plans"

At the edge of the Glade, beyond the din of tavern lights, the soft rustle of vines and muffled laughter drifted from Flint's treehouse. A small silhouette slipped inside.

Flint was already propped on his elbows, shirtless, smiling, and sprawled across his enormous nest of feathers and furs. "Well, well… Is the captain returning for an exclusive strategy meeting with the Flint himself?

With feline grace, Seyra stepped in and let the door curtain close behind her. One hanging lantern glowed on her silvery fur. "I came to see what the notorious Dawnbind Flint is actually made of."

"Oh?" Instinctively, his feathers fluttered as he sat up a bit straighter. "Are you here for a performance review?"

With a single, elegant leap, she suddenly climbed onto the bed and landed on his knees with a firm thud. Without wartning, her small, muscular body pinned Flint down the bed with shocking force, causing him to grunt in surprise.

He laughed admiringly, "Oh, Shiruba!" "That strength... are you attempting to subjugate me?"

Her cold wet nose touched his as she leaned closer. "I like to be in charge of everything, Dawnbind. Particularly when someone shows up at my tactical meeting without permission."

Her golden, gleaming silver eyes met his as she started to undo the straps of her armor with one hand, defying him to move.

After deep swallowing, Flint relaxed against the bed linens. "Captain, I fully surrender. You have me. both strategically and…physically"

Her belt clinked softly to the floor.

She slipped her legs over his hips and whispered, "You talk too much."

"Guilty as charged. Just, watch the feathers…"

Thump.

"Oh, please don't pull the —!"

Another thump.

Followed by growls. 

Then, as the lantern dimmed behind the curtain, all that could be heard were gasping breaths and invigorating moans that echoed faintly out into the canopy.

-break-

The following morning, scouts were lined up and ready. In the distance, Captain Seyra was chatting with Tavira and Rikuin. As she prepared the other Nyxes in her squad.

As the Kinitu got ready to depart, Flint smiled while leaning against a post with his arms folded. Calm and unreadable as usual, Seyra walked past by him.

He gave a wink. "Safe travels, moonfire… I mean, Captain" 

She gave a slight grin. "Try not to get bored without me, Dwanbind Flint"

He gave her a lazy salute as Seyra and most of her scouts started down the trail with nimble steps, vanishing in the distance.

Rikuin and Tavira remained behind, gearing up with a few Nyx patrols. As Flint approach them. 

Flint stands beside Rikuin and says, "So, it seems you also stayed."

"We're heading to Caelarion Glade," Rikuin explained. "We'll keep watch on the Aelariths if they shift again."

"In that case, good luck, little buddy" Flint said. "Try not to get mauled."

"We'll leave that to you," Tavira muttered, brushing past him with a faint smirk of her own.

With swift steps and gentle goodbyes, the scouts vanished into the hazy treeline. As he watched them disappear down the rope bridge, Flint crossed his arms.

He let out a long, languid sigh and stretched. "Welp… back to boring."

But as he turned, his eyes landed on a familiar silhouette across the clearing, with recognizable ginger curls glowing in the morning light and arms full of herbs.

He grinned. "Or... perhaps not."

He walked toward her, leaning casually against an Alborian tree trunk. A leaf brushed his shoulder as he moved.

He laughed and flicked it off. "Don't ruin my cool." but another floated down, and another.

He was about to joke when he caught one between his fingers and saw that the tip was burnt and grey. The edge was charred, as if flame had licked it.

His forehead wrinkled, just slightly, wondering. It was only the beginning of spring. 

He held the burnt leaf in his hand and rotated it slowly while remaining motionless. Then, silently, he exhaled slowly and tossed it away, sweeping a couple more from his shoulders and the feathers on his back.

He remained motionless for a moment longer, his usual smirk gone, drifted by a silent weight behind his eyes.