Haunted Wood trudging on

Cameo unless she is noticed. Feel free to ignore her.

It had departed the Commander after giving its words. Purposeless now, it remained in the haunted wood, acting much as any raven would. It scavenged, it slept, it preened in the evenings. Its eyes seemed to fade from hateful obsidian to cool, empty coal.

At least, until the sound of a voice drifted up and greeted it upon its bough.

The great bird came awake slowly, feathers ruffling as if it would tuck its head and return to its sleep. But a younger voice caused it to stiffen, and a moment later, its unnatural stillness made it clear that it was listening to the conversation going on down below.