It seemed that Koel wasn’t going to have to respond to Edy’s claims after all. Indeed, the world gave its own response soon enough: a monstrosity of a boar shuffled into view. Actually, he was assuming it was a boar. It had far too many body parts, but its shape was vaguely boarlike, and nothing else immediately sprang to mind. However, it was so grossly misshapen that Koel was simultaneously disgusted and sympathetic towards it. Honestly, it was a marvel it had survived this long; putting it out of its misery seemed like the kindest option.
Unfortunately, the eagle was feeling anything but kind; instead, he was filled with a rage that surprised even him. Just once he would like to try and do something enjoyable without the fates kicking him in the balls. But no, every time he tried to let loose, shit like a mutated boar cockblocking him showed up. It had gotten to the point where he was just about ready to give up on ever being happy. That didn’t seem to be in the cards for him—nor did peace and quiet—so perhaps he should stop seeking it out and just cut loose in a different way.
Indeed, he wanted to scream his outrage to the sky. Actually, he could: there was nothing stopping him but his own principles and they were frayed and nearly broken. While objectively he knew that provoking the boar was a bad idea (they’d probably just wandered into its territory and disturbed it, and it might let them go peacefully if they left slowly and softly), something in him snapped. He wanted to punch something, fight something, rend with beak and talon. And here was a convenient target that he seriously doubted anyone would miss. In fact, he’d be doing it—and the world—a favor, by getting rid of this thing.
Dropping his voice to as quiet a whisper as he could manage, he leaned in to Edy’s ear, the heat of passion in his voice now transformed to fury. ”Cover your ears and get ready to dodge if this goes sideways.” The former Overseer didn’t want to see her get bored by a boar, even if he was willing to face down this beast’s charge. Then, he stepped forward and squared off, rubbing his charm bracelet. He bent his knees slightly, ready to run in either direction or jump up and take flight if he had to. Hopefully, Edrei would take his orders and advice for once, instead of going her own way as she was wont to do.
Taking a deep breath, he paused for just a moment. Then, he covered his ears and screamed as loudly as he could at the animal, pouring every ounce of outrage he normally kept contained within him into the sound. It was a lot, and the sound was deafening even through his hands. While it would probably just get him attacked for his trouble—which he welcomed, almost, since he needed to work through this anger somehow—maybe the unnatural screeching would send the boar fleeing. But if not, he was ready to take it on with his bare hands if he had to.
koel ambray
Taking the path of most resistance
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