Redhawk Caldera swamp-moss

Although she was much smaller than Chickadee, Shenanigans stepped protectively between her sister figure and the strange creature they studied with wary fascination. Upon closer inspection, wasn’t this more of an bug than a bird?

Before Shenanigans had a chance to voice that thought, the whatever-it-was took to the air with a queer rattling noise. Whilst Chickadee ran screaming, the small Nestling acted on impulse, rearing onto her hind legs and swiping at the cicada.

It went careening off into the grass somewhere with a grating sound Shenanigans might’ve called a squeal. Instead of pursuing it, she looked around, seeing no sign of Chickadee. She faced forward, nibbling ponderously at her lip for a moment before spinning on a heel.

Hey, wait up, Chicky-D! I’ll protecc you! came her giggling, singsong cry as she disappeared in the direction the other girl had gone.