Blackfoot Forest The simorgh sleeps on velvet tongues

When Hawkeye joined her, Pied slanted her muzzle sideways and offered her large companion a wan smile, then faced forward again. She replied, "It doesn't matter," rather tersely, then sighed apologetically. "Sorry, I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at Koontz... and the situation. Please don't waste time feeling bad about it, though; it won't do any good. Okay?"

Pied fell silent then, not sure what to do or say. She felt rather broody now and she realized her eyelids felt heavy. It was the middle of the night and her sleep had been disrupted by that strange but beautiful dream. Suddenly, she smiled, thinking of the simorgh and the suckling pup. My little girl... she thought, a glimmer in her two-toned eyes.

Turning to face Hawkeye again, Pied said, "I'm gonna head back to my log to sleep. I'll see you later, all right? Good night, friendmine." Her lips twitched, though her eyes remained tight as she applied the pet name. It was a word she'd often used on Koontz and her other companions back in Flightless Falcons. It meant simply, my friend.

With a parting woof, Pied swung away and walked back toward her log, unaware that Starbuck materialized and fell into step beside her, walking her safely home before vanishing into the misty darkness once more.