Redsand Canyon paulatim

Kallik had never thought to attempt communication with a bird. They were usually just a part of the background to him, noises and scents he sifted through to search for anything of interest. 

But this bird, an owl as the imperator had told him, was different. There was something about him that held the auxillary's gaze. Gold-rimmed eyes met olive green, and they held each other's gaze for a few moments. 

Kallik wondered if the owl might say something, but it remained silent, wearing a knowing, piercing expression that made the soldier wish he knew what the bird was thinking. 

He finally pulled his gaze away and quietly asked the imperator: Have you spoken to one before?