Feathers shift in a flurry of snowy down on the raven's body, and Cera feels an ache spread like fire across his shoulder blades. There is a sense of loss there more grievous than any other, for though this form had many things - many advantages he thinks as his fingertips give a small, involuntary twitch - it did not have wings. Those which had started as little downy lumps on his small form, which had given him flight, warmth, and freedom. It is silly, to be envious of a bird, but it aches in his breast nonetheless.
Forcibly shaking free of these memories, Cera blinks away the ache in his eyes to refocus upon his little informant. He does not consider for even a moment that this is some shifter, too used to companions and other magical creatures. Perhaps it is his guide to this land? A guardian of the dawnlit woods?
"Caido," the raven croaks in its stilted tongue, a word Cera most certainly does not recognize. With a frown of contemplation, one hand strays to tangle and soothe through golden strands of hair in a self-soothing motion. Only when the word 'portal' is next spoken does it click, and Cera inhales sharply.
"Yes," he confirms with a hint of desperation to his tone. "Caido, is that the name of this realm?" Perhaps it would be easier to ask yes or no questions, he contemplates, so as to prevent the poor bird from having to speak too many words in an unnatural tongue. He would not want to impose on the helpful guide he has found, after all.
Glancing around, his fingers twist nervously at the ends of his hair. The light is growing stronger by the minute, and he knows he must start early if he is to find food, shelter, further information. With a wan smile Cera refocuses on the raven, not daring to hope but silently praying nonetheless that there is some sort of civilization to be found in this realm. It had not always been that way in the past worlds, and he was so very tired of fighting to forge new beginnings only to be yanked away. "My friend I hate to burden you with too many inquiries, but do you know where I may find food? Shelter?" Though, hmm. Perhaps that was too tough a question for the bird's limited vocals. "Can you point me to where?"
Forcibly shaking free of these memories, Cera blinks away the ache in his eyes to refocus upon his little informant. He does not consider for even a moment that this is some shifter, too used to companions and other magical creatures. Perhaps it is his guide to this land? A guardian of the dawnlit woods?
"Caido," the raven croaks in its stilted tongue, a word Cera most certainly does not recognize. With a frown of contemplation, one hand strays to tangle and soothe through golden strands of hair in a self-soothing motion. Only when the word 'portal' is next spoken does it click, and Cera inhales sharply.
"Yes," he confirms with a hint of desperation to his tone. "Caido, is that the name of this realm?" Perhaps it would be easier to ask yes or no questions, he contemplates, so as to prevent the poor bird from having to speak too many words in an unnatural tongue. He would not want to impose on the helpful guide he has found, after all.
Glancing around, his fingers twist nervously at the ends of his hair. The light is growing stronger by the minute, and he knows he must start early if he is to find food, shelter, further information. With a wan smile Cera refocuses on the raven, not daring to hope but silently praying nonetheless that there is some sort of civilization to be found in this realm. It had not always been that way in the past worlds, and he was so very tired of fighting to forge new beginnings only to be yanked away. "My friend I hate to burden you with too many inquiries, but do you know where I may find food? Shelter?" Though, hmm. Perhaps that was too tough a question for the bird's limited vocals. "Can you point me to where?"
