Spotted Eagle Mountain that shattered feeling, well the cause of it's a lesson learned

astara had expected to shock or spook the boy; instead, he met her head (or shoulder) on, his gaze reflecting the half-crazed wilderness of her own.

she went down with a loud thud, followed by the shriek of the harpies above. the fledgling was still held tight in her jaws, its wings flapping ineffectively against her mouth. with a growl the girl clambered and clawed her way across merrick's form, heedless of the blood and pain incited on her behalf.

once all four feet were on stone rather than flesh, astara hauled to the enclave she had seen merrick spring from; one glance was all she spared to see if he was following -- the birds were hot on her tail, and she stood to lose more than fur if she lingered too long.