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He felt a contended chirp spill from his throat, feeling warm and soft again. His wings tried to stretch out, getting caught in the cloth around him. He shot his eyes open, scared at first, before remembering the last time he woke up. Slowly, he relaxed himself a little. They were…nice to him. And kind of spoke Avian! Which means they must either be Avians, or there are some close by!
Slower this time, he started to remove the fluffy cloth from around his shoulders. He rolled onto his side, using his arms to push himself up. His wings, or well, one of his wings still felt really sore. Looking at it, he turned his head to the side in confusion, knowing that the two maybe-Avians wanted him to keep the wraps on but he really didn't know what for. They just restricted his flight and movement.
A darker part of his mind wondered if that was the point…
He decided to ignore that. Especially because when he relaxed his wing, the wrap kept it still and made it not hurt as much. He had never hurt his wing while he was in the colony. But from what he saw from those who had, they had a similar wrap. So it was probably okay for it to be there. His foot didn't hurt as much either, even as he rolled his ankle it only twinged with pain. Huh. Interesting.
He scooched over and placed his claws on the ground, lifting himself off the square nest. Somehow he still felt tired, and weak. He placed an arm around his stomach when it grumbled loudly. Oh yeah, he forgot that he was supposed to find a food source today. Usually, as he walked around the forest he would just end up coming across a berry bush or something. Maybe now that he's better the Avian people will let him go.
Looking around the room with calmer eyes, he didn't catch anything different. The window was still closed which he still thinks is dumb. Why close a window when they are meant to be flown through? Sounds counter-intuitive.
There was his book bag on the floor by his square nest, bending down as quickly as he could he snatched it. They weren't supposed to touch his things! Rude!
He chirped in annoyance but when he opened it up, he found that most of his stuff was still there. His knives were gone, of course. But his book was still there! And honestly that was what was most important. He can make more knives, but he can't get this book again.
He pulled it out with vigor, flitting through it and checking its edges to make sure that it was okay. It was; all pages well-loved, but intact. Maybe there was information on wingless Avians in here? There wasn't, he read this book cover to cover and it said nothing about that. But it doesn't hurt to check again!
Just as he cracked his book open again, his stomach reminded him of his original problem. Oh yeah. He needs to eat something.
‘Fine…’ He cooed, closing his book again. He hesitated before putting it back in his satchel. Should he really trust they won't take more of his things? Looking around he saw a lot of books…maybe they'll want this one too!
They can't have it! He shoved it under the super thick, small square cloth at the head of the nest. There! They won't find it there! Plus, they should know it's wrong to touch another nest anyways.
With that, he turned around to face the door. It was where the other two came from last time, so surely there was more beyond this room. He remembers at the colony, houses were only made of one room. But as he flew over lands he noticed how big some houses seemed. He wonders what they keep in all that space.
He inched over, placing his hand on the weird circle he saw them twist. He did the same, finding the door just swung open as he did. Huh, that was easy. He found that he was looking at a wall though.
It was green, which is interesting. Usually walls were just whatever color they were made out of. But this green was vibrant. It made him chirp in delight.
Peaking around the corner, he saw more green hallway. There was stuff hanging on the wall, differently shaped flat things that he couldn't really see from this angle.
He listened really closely for any noise, only hearing some really faint talking. It was from the two people he had met earlier, maybe they had food! It was customary to get food to those you had in your house.
So, he left the room. He quietly walked down the green hall, his claws clacking on the ground a little. As we walked past the things on the wall, he looked at them intently. They were like, moments frozen in time! Or maybe even really, really good drawings!
He wished he had the ability to draw like this! In the colony, those who had gifts like this got a better spot at service. Well, sure he kinda had the best spot anyways, but it didn't always feel like the best spot.
He moved on from them, raking his eyes over everything he could. The ceiling was made of pretty brown wood. But, in between the slats there were dried flowers and leaves! It made it even prettier.
Suddenly, the hallway ended, leaving him in an open room. It too, was covered in herbs and flowers. Some were even hanging from the ceiling!
To his right, there was another wall, but it actually had an open window looking into the kitchen. To his left was a long, soft looking chair with a little table in front of it. Behind that was a taller table, with four chairs around it. Oh! So that's what they kept in their big houses! Everything!
They had everything that would normally be a communal space, in their house! How interesting! Maybe these outside Avians just had company often in their own spaces, so there was no need to have large communal spaces to meet with flock. That's cute!
Speaking of flock, the two flock members were sitting on the long chair, staring at him. He gave them a nervous chirp, flicking his wing in greeting. He wouldn't lie, seeing them still made him very nervous.
He's never met anyone outside of his colony before, but these guys seemed nice enough. They haven't really hurt him. And he won't lie, he's very curious as to how they live. Maybe he's being naive, but he really wants to know… Maybe they will teach him?
“Hello…” He gently tweeted, bowing at the waist like he was taught to when meeting people of higher status than himself. They lived outside of the colony, or a colony, so they must be pretty high up. He thinks…
“Hi!” The g- Scar! Their name was Scar! Scar whistled ‘hi!’ Though, that's not the typical command to let him stand back up, maybe it was a cultural difference! So he stood up anyway with a grateful chirp. The other person, who he never got the name of, lifted his hand palm facing him and tilted it one way.
Kinda like a wing flick! Not really, but maybe! He lifted his own clawed hand, and did it back with a smile. They both smiled back.
Grian opened his mouth to ask about the hand thing when his stomach once again decided to let him know about his hunger. He looked around again, trying to look and see where they kept their bowl of food offerings. He didn't see one…maybe they didn't prepare one yet? He did drop in unannounced.
“Are you hungry?” The mustached one asked, he must have heard his stomach. Embarrassing!
“If you guys don't do offerings here I can go find my own! Promise I’ll bring some back!” It had double meaning. He had to both feed them, since he would have food and they did not, and also thank them for the… repair? Usually seeing the medic at the colony would be thanked with either food or from him specifically, one on one study. He supposed here he should just offer the first…
“No no! We have food for you! Take a seat here and Mumbo will bring it to you!” They patted the seat next them while also elbowing the person next to them, making them yelp. Grian felt his wings drop in submission, he didn't want them to hurt each other!
“Don't hurt! Sorry!” He cooed, tilting his head to the side letting them know he didn't like that. The dark haired person that had been in the middle of standing up, finished the motion. They smoothed their clothes down over their front before speaking.
“I am not hurt, little bird, he just surprised me is all.” They smiled, making Grian tilt his head back forward. Oh, okay…
Hesitantly, he took a step forward and sat next to Scar a respectable distance away. The person, Mumbo, Scar had called him, had walked around and went past the open window into the kitchen. Their head bumped a few of the hanging plants on the way there.
“Sorry if I spooked you, I would never hurt Mumbo.” Scar says softly. ‘He’, Mumbo had called Scar ‘he,’ has his hands resting quietly on his lap with his ankles crossed off the floor. He brought his head up as he spoke, showing happiness.
“Well, they are your flock! Of course not!” He chirped. He should have known it was just a playful jab. With how close these two seemed, they had to be flock!
“He is! Do you have flock?” Scar asked nonchalantly, yet with an easy smile.
“No.” Grian cooed sadly saying it, but it's true. And small talk is important when meeting new Avians! “Not anymore! I’m all on my own! But that's okay, I’m traveling the world trying to meet every creature and monster I can!”
“All of them? That's a lot! I've met hundreds and that's not even half.” Scar laughed, bringing his legs up to sit criss-cross on the chair. He spoke with his hands as he talked, very improper. But Grian is open-minded!
“Really? I still haven't met one… Just Avians.” He sighed. Mumbo came back around and handed him a bowl of colorful looking food. They must be a bunch of fruits! There were some brown bits mixed in, nuts maybe?
It would be rude to ask, so he just picks one up with his claws and brings it to his mouth. It's kinda hard, but good! And when he tried the fruits, they were all so good! Super sweet and he loved sweet things! Normally it's a little rough getting through customary foods, since they can be dry or stale. But these were great!
He made sure to only eat enough that was one portion of three. The rest for his hosts. He's a little sad, since he's still pretty hungry. But hopefully they will have a shared meal soon, since this is just for meeting.
He grabs a red berry, bigger than he's ever seen and kinda shaped like a cone. It's sweet, but a little tart. Has a lot of seeds too.
He turns to Scar, him being the closest and holds the berry to his face. He chirps, letting them know that he's ready to start the end of their little greeting. But Scar just looks at him with confused eyes, and his face is turning a little red.
He chirps again, putting the berry closer to Scars mouth. Still, the man doesn't take it from his fingers. Does he not like this berry? Unusual that the host would serve something they don't like, knowing that they'll just have to eat some later but… this place is different after all.
He puts the berry back, intent on finding one he will like. He decides on a small blue one. He's had these before in the colony, but it was a very rare treat. Very sweet! He likes blueberries.
He offers it to Scar in the same way. His hand is a few inches from his face, letting him see the berry before he gets even closer, mere millimeters away, and just waits. Still, the wingless Avian doesn't take it. And now his face is so red, he almost matches the red berry he put back.
Suddenly, Mumbo reaches around and pushes his hand gently down. Grian coos sadly at the interruption. He was about to get to Mumbo, if Scar would just take the berry!
“What are you doing?” Mumbo asks as Scar backs up a little, his back hitting Mumbos chest.
“Feeding you? I left enough for you too, don't worry!” He chirps, scooching closer to try and feed Scar again. But this time Mumbo puts a hand up to stop him, making him chirp confused. Scar just laughs nervously, his face red from his pointed ears down his neck.
“Why would you do that?” He smiles, putting his hand down wrapping it around Scars waist.
“Because…That's how we do things?” He leans back, putting the blueberry back into the bowl. Both Scar and Mumbo's faces look confused, but smiling. “Do you…not do that…here?” He never thought of that… He thought all Avian had at least similar practices… Even the wingless ones.
“Birdy,” Scar starts, but his voice cracks. He clears his throat gently before trying again. “Birdy, do you know what we are?”
‘What they are?’ Well, they were nice enough to help him out, so they had to be Avians! Why else would they help a stranger?
“Avians?” He answers carefully, trying to think of a way to broach the subject. “I mean- um…I see that you don't have wings but-! I don't care! I think it's cool you guys are happy without…them…” He smiles nervously, thumbing at the bowl in his hands.
“No, little bird, we aren't Avians, wingless or otherwise.” Mumbo laughs, Scar giggles in return.
Grian feels a bit like an arrow was just dropped on him. Not Avians! What? How? He feels his eyes widen as happy chirps and coos escape his throat. His wings start to flutter and his feets start to bounce. It's not proper, but he's excited!
“Really?” He asks, instead of all the things he wants to. Scar and Mumbo seem very amused by his reaction. Well considering how many beings Scar has said he's met, Grian might as well be a newbie! No matter how many Mumbo has met either.
“It's true, we aren't.” Scar affirms, leaning a bit out of Mumbo's lap. Grian can no longer hold his tongue on all the things he wants to ask. He's just so excited!
“Are you a mermaid? Or, well, a selkie? Since you can walk on land! I saw a stream really close! Or um… Maybe a lycanthrope! It's not a full moon yet, not until a few more sun passes. Or! Spirit? You guys did touch me though so maybe not. What about-!” He rambles, guessing random creatures he's read so much about, but have never met.
“Woah, Birdy!” Scar interrupts with a laugh, he leans over and pushes the bowl closer to Grians chest. “First of all, you can finish the bowl. I've already eaten, and so has Mumbo. So it's okay, go ahead.” He smiles kindly.
Huh. Okay! He won't argue with more food! It was pretty hard to come by extra food in the colony, so if they are willing to let him have some. Who is he to argue with their customs. He puts a blueberry into his mouth, and watches as Scars smile widens.
“Second of all, I’m Fae, forest elf to be specific. And Mumbo here is a vampire!” He says as if that isn't the coolest, best news he's ever heard. A berry he had in his hand drops back into the bowl in shock. He quickly paces it on the little table close by, he needs to move his hands!
Two different beings in one! Holy Watchers he must really be lucky! His book talked a lot about vampires. Sharp teeth and a need to drink blood of either animals or other Avianoids. It had said that it was best to never get on the bad side of one because they are very strong and protective.
They had these flocks with vampires called ‘covens’ and were very territorial with other vampires in the area. They also have the ability to turn others into vampires as well as live for hundreds of years!
The vampire in front of him didn't look like the picture from his book though. He had long dark hair pulled back into a pony along with comfy loose clothes. Different than the ones he had seen him wearing the other day when he fell from the tree. The drawing had the vampire in regal clothes, poised with a sneer on their face and short hair.
Maybe the drawing was from hundreds of years ago! Maybe vampires change!
Admittedly, compared to the twenty pages of vampires, his book only had around two for elf Faes. There's just too many denominations, it said, to have them all be in his book. He thought that was okay then, but now that he's met one he wishes he knew a little more…
He looked like an elf, that's for sure. Really long intricate hair with flowy clothes. His skin was fair yet marred with scars, he cooed his displeasure. Someone so pretty shouldn't be that hurt! Either way, he felt a little dumb for not having put that together until just now, that he was an elf. He could excuse the vampire Mumbo, since he doesn't really look like a vampire. But the elf was almost a spitting image of the one from the book!
He could feel his wings flutter in excitement as happy tweets and twitters spilled from his lips. He had always wanted to meet people other than Avians, and here they are!
“Can you talk with animals? Does the wind say stuff? Can you really not lie? How long is your hair and how do you tie it like that? It's very pretty! Do you steal children? ” He asks rapidly, not waiting for an answer before looking over Scars shoulder to Mumbo. The vampire had an easy smile on his face, cheeks a little pink.
Is that a vampire thing?
“Can I see your fangs?” Grian leans in really close, almost in Scars lap as he looks on with earnest eyes at the vampire. Mumbo backed up a little, but Scar just laughed as Grian clamored over him. “Can you really not go in the sun? Can you turn people into vampires? Does blood taste different depending on the source? Oh! How old are you? Do all vampires have such pretty eyes?” Grian asked with a wide smile, scanning the man's face. He was getting even redder. “Do vampires faces always turn that red?” He chirped, shifting his head confused.
“Alright Birdy,” Scar giggles, putting his hands on Grians shoulders and pushing him back until he is sitting again. His wings were still flapping, but he was able to control his chirping for now. “If you promise to eat the rest of the bowl, then we’ll answer your questions.” He smiled.
Didn't have to tell him twice! He picked his bowl back up and started to pick through the berries he liked most. He tossed a handful into his mouth, cooing at the delicious burst of juice in his mouth. He wonders if Scar grew them, since he was a ‘forest elf’ and he knows that berries either grew in a greenhouse, or in the forest.
“Let's start with me. Yes, a forest elf, some call me a nymph. I can talk to animals, mostly. The wind can talk but only when it has something to say. I don't know how long my hair is but it stops around my lower back. The little trinkets in it are hand made or found out in the forest. And thank you! I find it pretty too!” He answers much like Grian asked, rapid fire.
“That's so cool!” Grian cheeped, he was almost finished with his bowl of fruit and nuts. He almost wishes there was more, but he didn't want to be rude.
“As for Mumbo…” Scar starts, stopping and looking over his shoulder at the vampire. His face was less red, which was sad, but after Mumbo shared a look with Scar he started speaking.
“Um– Uh, here? I guess?” Mumbo said before lifting his lips into a forced, yet pretty smile. Grian gasped, leaning over his bowl again. He did have fangs! Real and true fangs. Both on the top and bottom of his jaw were elongated, sharp teeth that Grian assumed was from poking things to get the blood out. Before long, Mumbo dropped the wide smile, just his lips were still perked up.
“I can go in the sun, but not for long. I burn easy.” He spoke as Grian still looked on with wide eyes. “Blood does– uh, ‘taste different’ as you put it–” Scar giggles at the wording, but Grian was just purely interested. “It depends on the animal and the blood's magical content.”
“‘Magical content’?” Grian asked without meaning to interrupt. Both Scar and Mumbo paused and looked at each other. Scar seemed the most confused, but didn't say anything. Instead, the two seemed to have a silent conversation. Aw! Cute!
“Yes, um. Magical content. You know, how much magic is present in someone's blood. Magical creatures, like you, me and Scar have quite a bit of magic, while a normal cow wouldn't.” He explains gentally, with an air of that being common knowledge.
But Grian has never heard of that. He knew that his old colony had magic, but that was because of who they prayed to and studied. But…all creatures had magic? Surely, they must be mistaken. Or maybe–
“Anyways, where was I?” Mumbo speaks, interrupting his thoughts. Maybe he can ask them more about it later. So far they have been nice and willing to talk with him. “Oh! Yes, I’m around… two hundred years old? You stop keeping track after one fifty or so. And, no. I would say that my eyes are one of a kind.” He coughs out.
“I agree.” Scar laughs softly, turning to look over at Mumbo in the eyes. They gaze at each other and Scar hums sweetly. That almost sounded like a coo!
“You guys are really cute mates.” Grian coos back. He tweets a little song with his head held high with pride and happiness for them. He didn't know that you could have mates of different backgrounds. He's learning so many things from just these two, and he just really met them!
He almost feels bad about trying to kill them yesterday. They did give him quite the fright though. How was he supposed to know they could speak Avian and know so many things? Honestly they should've opened with that.
He ignores the twos spluttering, continuing on his line of thought.
“Do all creatures speak Avian?” He wonders out loud, thumb rubbing at the shallow grooves of the wooden bowl.
“Uh, no. No they don't, we don't even speak it Birdy.” Scar coughs out, his face still a lovely shade of red. He chirps out his confusion.
“What? But…you are right now?” Well, kinda. Their mouths don't move the same way to make the sounds, but he doesn't really know how their syrinx works like his.
“I'm using magic right now to help us understand you. Remember when I touched your forehead? I shared a translation spell! To be honest I've never heard the language of Avian spoken like you are now.” Mumbo hums in agreement behind him.
Well that's weird, because this is the language of all Avians! It's the language that Avians have been speaking for hundreds and thousands of years. They said all Avian colonies spoke like this, so they had to. Scar must not know real Avians…
“Um. That doesn't make sense…” Grian settles on, finishing his mystery fruits and nuts. He's still hungry, but that's okay. They have already been so nice.
“Lots of things don't!” Scar chirps with a clap. He leans over and gently pulls the bowl out of Grians claws. He doesn't give resistance, letting him take it as he watches the elf stand.
Suddenly, Grian feels really tired. He yawns widely, stretching his wings and arms out best he could. It sends a little bolt of pain though his wrapped up wing, making him hold back a wince. No need to show pain, he’ll be fine.
“You still have some healing to do, and we don't mind if you stay for a while until then.” Scar says from the kitchen, raising his voice to be heard. Grian tweets his thanks, slowly blinking. He's struck with sudden nervousness realizing how little he knows about this world.
Before, out in the forest, it was cut and dry. Plants grow, the sun rises and water runs. Now, he's started doing what he's always wanted to do! It was the whole reason he was kicked out. He's finally met people, creatures, outsiders, of the colony. But now he's at a loss at how to really act, now that the pure excitement has worn off.
The book mentioned that vampire and Fae were really dangerous creatures. Some of the most dangerous too. And here he was, broken and defenseless.
But they are so nice to him… Scar even shared some magic with him. He should still stay on guard a bit but so far they've only helped him. He's been told to never trust anyone, but this isn't the colony. So maybe he can afford to bend the rules just a little?
“Do– um,” He chirps looking at Mumbo with tired eyes. The vampire looks at him with kind eyes, much kinder than his book said vampires can do. “Do you guys have, like, a communal nest or just the little ones?”
“Typically just the little ones, unless you are very close to who you are sharing one with.” Mumbo answers smartly. Grian grumbles a bit. Usually, if you have more than one person in your house, you sleep together. It had the benefit of being warm, since they lived in a colder climate. And also so you always knew where the other was. Trust nobody…
But he was always really bad at not getting comfort from it. If someone was in his house, it was usually because he liked them enough. If they stayed long enough for it to be a sleep time, then Grian would at least feel a little safe with them.
He wants to sleep around Scar and Mumbo for the reason of his protection. He doesn't like not knowing where they are while he's unconscious. Before, it was because he didn't have a choice where he passed out. Now that he has a choice, he's feeling uncomfortable with the options given.
He doesn't want to be rude though, and since he's not at the colony he should really abide by whatever the rules are out here. And really, that's okay! He's been in more uncomfortable situations than this!
So he goes to get from the long chair, holding back his upset coos and trills. But before he could even sit up all the way, he felt a hand on his shoulder holding him down. It feels warm in a way he hasn't felt in a really long time. He tries not to dwell on that too long…
“Or, you could take a nap here, on the couch! That way I can wake you for dinner!” Scar says with a soft smile. Grian chirped his confusion, but internally it felt a weight be lifted off his shoulders. “It's alright, right?” Scar pointedly looked over Grians shoulder to Mumbo, who just nodded along.
“Oh. Okay, thank you!” He sighed, all but falling over on the…couch. “K-ow-ch…” He hears himself sleepily mimic. He's never heard that word before! He brought his knees up to his chest to make himself smaller and wrapped his one good wing around himself. The way he fell, the crown of his head was touching Mumbos thigh. The vampire didn't move, but also didn't move Grian either. He closed his eyes, not being able to keep him open anyways.
His ear feathers fluffed a little when he heard Scar take a step closer to him. But he's out before he feels or hears what he does.
***
Scar woke up on top of Mumbo, not for the first time and hopeful not the last either. He smooshed his face into his neck with a light groan. The vampire just laughed, which he felt more than heard. Mumbo shifted to have both of his arms around Scars waist, holding onto him and squeezing tightly.
“Squeeze me any tighter and I’ll pop.” Scar giggled, wiggling trying to break free. Not that he actually wants to get out of his arms, but it was fun to fake it a bit.
“You're stronger than that.” Mumbo said, kissing the top of his head. He released his hold on Scar but didn't move his arms off. Scar lifted off of his chest to gaze at his face. Gods above and below Mumbo is pretty. His raven black hair spilling onto the couch framing his pointed ears and slightly flushed face. After his decent meal of Scar himself, his cheeks were a lovely shade of red along with his lips. His upper fangs peaked through where he smiled even just a little and his eyes. Gods, his beautiful, dark cherry wine colored eyes.
Scar raised his hand and brushed over his lover's cheek. His thumb brushing just under his eye and over his cheekbone making the vampire close his eyes with a contented sigh. He leaned down and gently brushed his lips against the vampires. He felt the hands on his waist fold into his clothes as fists.
Just to be a menace, Scar suddenly deepened the kiss making Mumbo jump slightly. The vampire pulled back slightly, making Scar bite his lip. Again, the vampire yelped and pulled back the rest of the way.
“What was that for?” Mumbo spluttered, his lip instantly healing itself. The wonders of being filled with fae magic.
“I don't think I know what you mean?” He mumbled innocently, crossing his arms on Mumbo's chest and resting his head there.
“We were having a nice moment and you suddenly tried to jump my bones!” He scoffed, making Scar laugh in his little too unhinged to be human way.
“Honey, you know when I’m trying to “jump your bones,” and that was not it!” He giggled. After a moment Mumbo started laughing with him. He is so glad that he had this. It was a hard, rocky road they had to walk in order to do so. But he's glad neither of them gave up.
Suddenly Mumbo shut his mouth with an audible click. Scar followed his lead. He learned years ago that his vampire will always hear something before he did. Mumbo moved one of his hands to Scars chest, pushing him up off of him while supporting his back with his other. He followed along, slipping off his lap to sit beside him.
Looking at his face, he sees the moment where he recognizes the sound and his ear flicks. Scar follows his eyes and watches as the little bird walks out from the hall. Oh yes! He had almost forgotten!
The little bird, Grian if he remembered correctly, walked out and stopped with a wondered look on his face. He looked around the house as if he'd never seen something so wonderful. Scar feels a little bit of pride fill his chest. He spent a long time on making this space his. Making it perfect and homely when he never knew what home was supposed to look like.
Grian cheeped a little as he looked, his wings trying to flutter around even as one was all wrapped up. They never changed his clothes, thinking that that was a little too far since they didn't know him. That being said he was still in the ratty ones they found him in. There was still a
little blood in them as well…
His hair was a mess. It was probably long enough to reach below his shoulders if it wasn't for the matting of it. Now that he was able to get a good look at him, he really was small for an Avian. He must be from a long line of pure hybrids too since he had incredibly distinguished features. Large wings, ear feathers along with some cheek and chin feathers as well, clawed hands and bird-like feet.
Every Avian, unless they lost them, had wings. But those last traits were increasingly rare. Having all of them was practically unheard of. Scar had only met one other Avian who had most of those, but that was a very long time ago. He wouldn't even know where to find him.
Finally the bird's eyes landed on them with a little chirp and a flick of their wing. They then bowed at the waist with a chirped ‘hello!’ Then with one of his wings, the one unwrapped, lifted up as if showing off his plumage. Scar couldn't help but get a little uncomfortable at the gesture, reminding him a little too much about his past. Instead he chose to focus on the pattern of their wings.
He didn't have much time to look at them as he was fixing them up. Especially because one of them was mostly stripped of the feathers. But now with one of them tightly spread out, he could clearly see how special of a bird they are. It made both Mumbo and himself pause, very very interesting.
Scar knew a lot about animals and birds. He had to, if he wanted to provide for them all in his forest. Scar also knows quite a bit about Avians. You don't live as long as he did without picking up a few things. And he knows , he has never seen a hummingbird Avian.
Their stature makes much more sense now, with how small they were. With the one wing splayed out Scar is taken aback by the beauty. Their wings are white, with purple iridescent dots appearing in the light almost randomly. A lot of the feathers were out of place, and definitely in need of a good preen though.
He felt Mumbo elbow him gently in the side while noticeably clearing his throat. The vampire was looking at him with a little smirk that made Scar shake his head out. Oh right!
“Hi!” Scar finally answered back. They can address the hummingbird thing alone, together, later. Grian paused for a moment, as if thinking before slowly pulling their wings back and standing straight. Mumbo lifted his hand and gave them a little wave, which the bird enthusiastically copied back. It was very cute, and Scar was very happy that the bird didn't seem as scared of them as they had been earlier that morning.
They opened their mouth as if they were about to say something, but were cut off when even Scar heard the sound of their stomach letting the room know of his hunger. They grabbed their stomach lightly while still looking around with curious eyes.
“Are you hungry?” Mumbo asked with a smile.
“If you guys don't do offerings here I can go find my own! Promise I’ll bring some back!” They answered back, their voice, when not filled with pain, was a little smoother than they were expecting. Their response confused Scar greatly. ‘Offerings?’ What did they mean by– oh! That was quite the old Avian custom, but he had heard of it before!
“No no! We have food for you! Take a seat here and Mumbo will bring it to you!” Scar smiled. He elbowed Mumbo making him jump with a yelp. He went to stand up with a faux pout when they both heard a sad coo.
“Don't hurt! Sorry!” They cooed, tilting his head to the side. They had dropped their wings to where they were hitting the ground in a way that couldn't be comfortable. Scar immediately felt bad for scaring them.
“I am not hurt, little bird, he just surprised me is all.” Mumbo replied carefully. He stood up the rest of the way and walked over to the kitchen. Grian nodded his head before hesitantly taking a step and sitting by Scar. They still watched Mumbo as he walked around the kitchen area.
“Sorry if I spooked you,” Scar started softley. “I would never hurt Mumbo.” Grian lifted his head lightly and smiled.
“Well, they are your flock! Of course not!” They chirped, flicking their wings as they spoke. Scar wasn't really well versed in what every Avian-ism meant. But whatever Grian was doing seemed to be positive.
“He is! Do you have flock?” Scar asked, trying to sound nonchalant. He's not gonna lie and say that he's not trying to get some information out of the bird. They don't know where they came from or really anything about them.
“No.” Grian cooed sadly. “Not anymore! I’m all on my own! But that's okay, I’m traveling the world trying to meet every creature and monster I can!”
“All of them? That's a lot! I've met hundreds and that's not even half.” Scar laughed, bringing his legs up to sit criss-cross as he turned to face Grian. That's a tall ask! Especially for someone who can't even speak common. But who is he to laugh at someone's dream? Grian seems so intent on it too!
“Really? I still haven't met one… Just Avians.” He sighed. Interesting… Only ever Avians? That didn't sit right with Scar. Sure, Avian colonies were usually very tight knit and very protective of their young. But even still, they let traders and migrants stay with them and were typically known as friendly.
Grian must be from some very purist type colony… Scar has never heard of one of those but maybe they exist. Maybe he could call Jimmy or False, they might know something.
Mumbo came back around, handing them the bowl of fruit and nuts that Scar had made for breakfast earlier. The bird looks into the bowl with an interested chirp. They picked through it a little, worrying Scar that maybe there were some things that they couldn't eat. But after a moment they started picking some up and eating them with a fervor.
Scar had to remember to make a hardy dinner tonight.
He felt Mumbo sit behind him, placing his hand on his hip closest to the back of the couch. He knew that mumbo heard the conversation and was just as interested. They knew that they were going to ask Grian more questions, but for now they would rather they eat.
Suddenly, Grian turns to Scar holding a strawberry inches from his face. He chirps in a way that sounds distinctly demanding and suddenly the culture differences are becoming quite to the forefront of their issues. Are they…trying to feed him? Scar can already feel his ears turning a little red as he hears Mumbo wheeze a little behind him.
Grian chirps again, putting the berry closer to Scars mouth. Surely, this bird must not know of fae customs at all! Scar cannot believe they are trying to feed him right now! In front of his lover, no less!
He can feel his heart beating wildly as his face is certainly inflamed. He watches the bird chirp confused before dropping the berry back into the bowl. Scar thinks his poor heart can't handle this, yet he can't make his tongue follow his brain. He was not prepared for a proposition from someone who didn't even know they were propositioning him!
The bird then picks up another berry, a blueberry, with a happy cheep before offering it to Scar in the same way. What was happening? He is sure his face must look like a strawberry. He finally backs up, his back hitting Mumbos chest with a flustered squeak being trapped.
Suddenly, like a hero, Mumbo reaches around and pushes Grians hand gently down. They coo sadly looking at Mumbo with sad eyes.
“What are you doing?” Mumbo asks and Scar can hear the smirk in his voice. The jerk! He knew what was happening and waited to save him!
“Feeding you? I left enough for you too, don't worry!” He chirps, scooching closer to try and feed Scar again. But this time Mumbo puts a hand up to stop him, making him chirp confused. Scar just laughs nervously reaching up and hiding his face in his hands.
“Why would you do that?” Mumbo smiles, putting his hand down wrapping it around Scars waist. He almost pulls him into his lap, and it almost feels like an apology. Scar will get his revenge! One day…
“Because…That's how we do things?” He leans back, putting the blueberry back into the bowl which Scar appreciates. “Do you…not do that…here?” No! They don't feed each other! Thank you very much!
Taking a calming deep breath, Scar tries to remember that clearly Grian doesn't know that. They didn't know the weight of their actions… He thinks about what the bird says as he calms himself a little, ‘how we do things’ they said. Do they not know?
“Birdy,” Scar starts, but his voice cracks. He clears his throat gently before trying again. “Birdy, do you know what we are?”
“Avians?” He answers carefully after a moment of thinking. “I mean- um…I see that you don't have wings but-! I don't care! I think it's cool you guys are happy without…them…” He smiles nervously, thumbing at the bowl in his hands.
Scar finds it cute how adamant they are about the wingless Avians. He doesn't quite know why it's so important that they believe them, but it's sweet. But the first part makes Scar giggle. The bird thinks they are Avian? Aw… Mumbo also seems to have the same idea.
“No, little bird, we aren't Avians, wingless or otherwise.” Mumbo laughs kindly. He squeezes Scar's waist as he speaks, dropping his head on Scar's shoulder.
They watch as Grians face looks blank for approximately two seconds before they light up like a seasons tree. They are almost vibrating in their seats as their wings flap wildly. Chirps and chitters are escaping their throat and they weren't even sure Grian knew. They looked over to Scar, as if looking for confirmation.
“Really?” He cheeps with wide, wonder filled eyes. Scar remembers their conversation not even ten minutes ago. It was this bird's dream to meet other creatures, and there's two of them right here!
“It's true, we aren't.” Scar affirms, leaning a bit out of Mumbo's lap and closer to Grian. He has a wide smile that Grian one-hundred percent matches almost bouncing now. It's like the dam has burst.
“Are you a mermaid? Or, well, a selkie? Since you can walk on land! I saw a stream really close! Or um… Maybe a lycanthrope! It's not a full moon yet, not until a few more sun passes. Or! Spirit? You guys did touch me though so maybe not. What about-!” He rambles, guessing seemingly random creatures.
“Woah, Birdy!” Scar interrupts with a laugh, he leans over and pushes the bowl closer to Grians chest. “First of all, you can finish the bowl. I've already eaten, and so has Mumbo. So it's okay, go ahead.” He smiles kindly, hoping to get them to eat more. Even in this time of excitement, the bird looks much too thin for Scars wants. His smile widens as Grian almost immediately starts to eat again.
“Second of all, I’m Fae, forest elf to be specific. And Mumbo here is a vampire!” He says with a little pride. Though, it leaves as he watches as Grian drops the berry in shock, looking at them with wide eyes. For a moment, Scar is worried that he scared them. He's not going to lie and say he isn't aware of the uh…scarier past of vampires and the fae.
Sometimes he forgets himself when reminiscing about him and his lover's life. They might be kind people considering their background, he's no stranger to their power. He really doesn't want to scare the bird away, just for them being certain creatures…
But luckily, instead of fear the bird suddenly exploded with questions, surprising both Scar and Mumbo. Their wings flutter in excitement as happy tweets and twitters spill from his lips, completely halting Scars negative thoughts.
“Can you talk with animals? Does the wind say stuff? Can you really not lie? How long is your hair and how do you tie it like that? It's very pretty! Do you steal children? ” He asks rapidly, not waiting for an answer before looking over Scars shoulder to Mumbo. Scar could hardly follow the typical, yet a little outdated questions.
“Can I see your fangs?” Grian leans in really close, almost in Scars lap as he looks on with earnest eyes at the vampire. Mumbo backed up a little, but Scar just laughed as Grian clamored over him, somehow now both of them were in Mumbo's lap. “Can you really not go in the sun? Can you turn people into vampires? Does blood taste different depending on the source? Oh! How old are you? Do all vampires have such pretty eyes? Do vampire’s faces always turn that red?” He chirped, sounding so genuine as he asked his questions. It made Scar want to burst out laughing, this was clearly punishment enough for poor Mumbo.
He could hear the poor vampire fluster as he didn't know how to answer while the bird was so close.
“Alright Birdy,” Scar giggles, deciding to cut Mumbo a little slack. He puts his hands on Grian’s shoulders and pushes them back until they are sitting again. Their wings were still flapping, but the chirping had calmed down a bit. The bird was taking deep breaths as if trying to calm themselves, sitting pretty waiting for an answer. Scar didn't even notice when they put their bowl down, deciding on how to handle this. “If you promise to eat the rest of the bowl, then we’ll answer your questions.” He smiled.
They all but snatched the bowl up and continued eating. He had to remember that Grian seemed to like the blueberries the most.
“Let's start with me. Yes, a forest elf, some call me a nymph. I can talk to animals, mostly. The wind can talk but only when it has something to say. I technically can't lie, but loopholes do exist. I don't know how long my hair is but it stops around my lower back. The little trinkets in it are hand made or found out in the forest. And thank you! I find it pretty too! And finally, no. I do not steal children.” He answers much like Grian asked, rapid fire.
He tries his best to keep the grimace off his face during the last question. It's an old-school way of thinking, and there are laws now. He's not going to pretend it's not still a black market practice, but it still hurts a bit to be thought of as someone who might.
“That's so cool!” Grian cheeped, sounding so incredibly genuine that Scar knows that they didn't mean any harm by that question. Scar is just becoming increasingly grateful that he and Mumbo were the ones to find this bird, and not someone who could really hurt them. They seem a little naive.
“As for Mumbo…” Scar starts, stopping and looking over his shoulder at the vampire. His face was a little red, but he looked to be recovering from the bird's questions. Scar softened his look, giving Mumbo a little push to answer Grian’s surface level nonsense.
“Um– Uh, here? I guess?” Mumbo said before lifting his lips into a forced smile, it almost made Scar burst out laughing. He's so awkward but he loved him so much! Grian gasped, leaning over his bowl again. He cheeped happily as his eyes, yet again, looked at him with wonder. Before long, Mumbo dropped the wide smile, his lips still perked up.
“I can go in the sun,” He continued. “But not for long. I burn easily. Yes, I could turn someone, but I wouldn't. Blood does– uh, ‘taste different’ as you put it–” Scar giggles at the wording, but Grian just looked purely interested. “It depends on the animal and the blood's magical content.”
“‘Magical content’?” Grian he whispered without meaning to. It made both Scar and Mumbo pause. That was probably the most well known information in the entire known world.
“Yes, um. Magical content.” Mumbo starts slowly. “You know, how much magic is present in someone's blood. Magical creatures, like you, me and Scar have quite a bit of magic, while a normal cow wouldn't.” He explains gentally hoping to maybe jog his memory.
But Grian’s face just looked blank. Blank and confused. The hole just keeps digging itself for this Avian. They knew so little about the world! How? Scar wanted to ask, but Mumbo, being smart, squeezed his middle, silently conveying that now was not the time. He was right, but Scar was upset about it.
“Anyways, where was I? Oh! Yes, I’m around… two hundred years old? You stop keeping track after one fifty or so. And, no. I would say that my eyes are one of a kind.” Mumbo finishes, ignoring the very last question Grian asked.
“I agree.” Scar laughs softly, turning to look over at Mumbo in the eyes. He did have very pretty, one of a kind eyes. Most vampires just had normal color eyes that would change unpin their blood lust, but Mumbos had changed when he did. They were such a pretty red that Scar got lost in too many times to count. He almost started to lean in to kiss his pretty lips before he heard a gentle coo.
“You guys are really cute mates.” Grian coos when Scar looks back at them. They had a genuine smile with soft eyes. Their wings battled gently at them and he continued to coo in the back of his throat. What a sweet thing to say! Both him and Mumbo spluttered a bit, not expecting to be called out like that.
They tweeted a little song that didn't seem to have a translation, and tilted their head up high for some reason. When they looked back at them, they didn't even speak about it before moving on.
“Do all creatures speak Avian?” They asked, changing the question. Scar had to think about the question for a moment. He's not going to lie, they are both having to do a fair bit of mental gymnastics to answer the almost unrelated questions that the bird keeps asking. It took a second to remember that oh yeah! The translation spell.
“Uh, no. No they don't, we don't even speak it Birdy.” Scar coughs out, still feeling a little flustered from the call out.
“What? But…you are right now?” Grian chirps, confused. He supposed that would be quite the confusing thing. One moment, they don't speak the same language, and then suddenly they do. Especially when their lips don't line up with the sounds.
“I'm using magic right now to help us understand you. Remember when I touched your forehead? I shared a translation spell! To be honest I've never heard Avian spoken like you are now.” Mumbo hums in agreement behind him.
“Um. That doesn't make sense…” Grian settles with finally finishing fruits and nuts, making Scar quite happy.
“Lots of things don't!” Scar chirps with a clap. He could tell the bird was losing some speed. He had used quite a bit of magic on them, so they would probably sleep for at least one more day before they got their energy back. And while he would love to answer all of their questions, him and Mumbo had a lot to talk about. He leans over and gently pulls the bowl out of Grians claws. They don't give resistance, letting him take it as he watches the elf stand.
Right when Scar thought, Grian yawned widely, stretching his wings and arms out best he could. He walks into the kitchen, putting the bowl into the stone sink basin. He would clean it later, he still needs to find some clothes for the bird for next time they wake.
“You still have some healing to do, and we don't mind if you stay for a while until then.” Scar says from the kitchen, raising his voice to be heard. Grian just tweets at him in a way that has no translation.
“Do– um,” Scar hears him start. He sounds nervous to ask, but when Scar turns around to walk back to the couch he sees the kind gesture Mumbo gives him, and the bird speaks again. “Do you guys have, like, a communal nest or just the little ones?”
“Typically just the little ones, unless you are very close to who you are sharing one with.” Mumbo answers smartly. Grian grumbles a bit, it makes Scar want to giggle. Everyone knew that most Avians slept in groups. Typically a large nest in a communal roof so anyone could join. It was for community and bonding, where the elders would mix with the fledglings. But also if they had any outsiders for the night, they would be invited as well.
It was a very sweet thing to be a part of.
Suddenly the bird starts to get up, almost looking dejected. They don't coo or chirp, but their wings are held a bit too low for Scars liking. And who knows how long they had to sleep alone! Even if he's sure the forest would've kept them company. He reaches over and pushes the bird's shoulders back onto the couch.
“Or, you could take a nap here, on the couch! That way I can wake you for dinner!” Scar says with a smile he hoped was soft. Grian chirped in confusion, but Scar watched their shoulders relax. “It's alright, right?” Scar pointedly looked over Grians shoulder to Mumbo, who caught on and nodded along.
“Oh. Okay, thank you!” Grian sighed, all but falling over on the couch. They brought their knees up to their chest to make, making themself seem small. They wrapped their good wing around their body as a blanket. The way they fell, the crown of their head was touching Mumbos thigh and Scar watched as they jumped for a moment. The vampire didn't move, looking up with wide eyes as Scar had to slap a hand over his mouth to hide his laugh. The poor vampire looked almost scared.
Scar took a step closer to the two, putting a hand on his lover's shoulder. He leaned down and gave him a peck on his lips before giggling quietly.
“I know it's early, but I’m going to get started on dinner, Honey.” He whispered close to his ear.
“You're just going to leave me here!” He whispered-shouted back. Scar giggled entirely too mean and kissed him again.
“You know what you did. You aren't allowed to feed me for a week!” He laughed, and with one last kiss he walked into the kitchen. He heard Mumbo groan and he slowly moved his back to the couch. Luckily, the book Mumbo had been reading was on the side table. Scar giggled again as the vampire made a happy sound, grabbing the book.
Grabbing some of their cubed deer from the ice box, Scar amended to have the conversation that needed to happen, after dinner and after Grian went back to bed later that night.
There were so many questions about Grian that he had. At the head, where did Grian come from?