He didn't usually like seeing Rory's brow furrowed by a frown, but so long as it was in curiosity or thoughtfulness, Jigano found he didn't mind. The collar and bag were a mystery he hoped to let his friend solve soon, but only once they were someplace safe and calm. Not too far - he didn't want to take Rory away from his farm when he undoubtedly had so much to do to prepare for Long Night - but this was, he hoped, something worth walking a little ways for.
And Rory's reassurance was appreciated, the fox looking back at his friend and swallowing a little whine of gratitude. Isuma was less circumspect, chirring as she was stroked, and wiggling the legs that stuck out over the sides of his large, gentle hand. Comforted by both of his companions, the fox turned and led them away from the little oasis of safety and civilization and into the wild woods. He glanced back once as Isuma's sudden joy surged through their bond, and almost fell over in vulpine laughter at the sight of her stretched out in the hunter's hands, little unfledged wings waving in something that was almost like coordination as she lifted her beak to the breeze and Reep!ed her triumph at attaining flight like her friend Sugar had.
Well. Close enough to it, at least.
Catching himself, Jigano tilted his head up, testing the wind for a different reason, and soon enough he caught a whiff of their prey, who had indeed wandered closer in their grazing. The scent was strong enough that he froze, then glanced behind him, making a small sound to alert Rory. Dropping to a crouch, the white fox moved forward with a sinuous grace in spite of his stealthier posture. There was a small rise in the land, and just beyond it a clearing warm with sunlight that nearly washed out the glow from the antlers of the pair of luxere who grazed on the late-season berries from the bushes ringing it. Jigano stopped at the crest of the hill, ears perked up in triumph as he glanced behind him and tilted his head to coax Rory close enough to see for himself.
And Rory's reassurance was appreciated, the fox looking back at his friend and swallowing a little whine of gratitude. Isuma was less circumspect, chirring as she was stroked, and wiggling the legs that stuck out over the sides of his large, gentle hand. Comforted by both of his companions, the fox turned and led them away from the little oasis of safety and civilization and into the wild woods. He glanced back once as Isuma's sudden joy surged through their bond, and almost fell over in vulpine laughter at the sight of her stretched out in the hunter's hands, little unfledged wings waving in something that was almost like coordination as she lifted her beak to the breeze and Reep!ed her triumph at attaining flight like her friend Sugar had.
Well. Close enough to it, at least.
Catching himself, Jigano tilted his head up, testing the wind for a different reason, and soon enough he caught a whiff of their prey, who had indeed wandered closer in their grazing. The scent was strong enough that he froze, then glanced behind him, making a small sound to alert Rory. Dropping to a crouch, the white fox moved forward with a sinuous grace in spite of his stealthier posture. There was a small rise in the land, and just beyond it a clearing warm with sunlight that nearly washed out the glow from the antlers of the pair of luxere who grazed on the late-season berries from the bushes ringing it. Jigano stopped at the crest of the hill, ears perked up in triumph as he glanced behind him and tilted his head to coax Rory close enough to see for himself.
