Overture Downs what were you expecting?

Shriek studied the stranger intently, staying stock-still for a few breaths. Well, this creature certainly wasn’t acting as though they intended her any harm. Their steps were slow, methodical, deliberate, but not in a predatory manner. No, this one was broadcasting its caution, seemingly as respectful of her as she was of them. She relaxed a bit, fluffing her head feathers out before giving herself a good shake all over - a means of trying to calm herself. They seemed large, muscular… a male, perhaps? Likely.

She had to admit slight amusement and pleasure as he mimicked her head tilting, a gesture that, in another owl, she’d take as a sign of peace. The pale bird startled a bit as her new acquaintance issued a series of deep growls and barks, once again causing her feathers to flatten. She held her breath.

When, after a few moments, no attack was incoming, no seeming threat impending, her plumage fluffed again. Oh, was that… a greeting, maybe? Oh, this was exciting! He was communicating with her! But… she couldn’t speak his language. She didn’t have lips, or vocal cords, instead possessing a hard beak and syrinx. Damn! Maybe, with practice, she’d be able to mimic his way of talking. But for now, she’d make this work, somehow - for science!

Tilting her head once more to the side, she blinked those large blue eyes of hers before slowly lifting a single feathered foot. As if unsure of how her gesture would be received, she slowly moved it back and forth, waving “hello.” She then gave a short shriek, thankfully not at her full capacity. “I’m Shriek!” It was unlikely the canine would understand her speech, but she had to try.