Basilisk knew that the party for his Aunties and Uncles was today, but he had a little celebration of his own to sort. He wasn’t going to let this day go unmarked, nor let his grandfather's children outshine his own kid. Before the party was called, he prepared a little something for Spider. He stuck streamers on the door that would fall down in an array of colours the moment Spider opened their door. Outside their door was a box, Inside was empty but for a small piece of dried animal skin with the words. “Meet me outside” stuck to the bottom. Preparations thus organised, Basilisk made his way out of the den and waited for Spider to wake up and join him.


"Speech"

Spider wakes with a loud yawn and a long stretch, kicking out their hind legs and arching their neck up to work out the kinks from a night of slumber. they have a tendency to twist themselves into strange positions, contorting into abstract shapes even when their sleep is dreamless and peaceful. clambering to their feet, they open their door and are immediately greeted with a colourful barrage of streamers fluttering gently into their face. a broad grin stretches across Spider’s mouth, and they lift a paw to bat playfully at the decorations, giggling to themselves. then their gaze falls to the box and it’s message, and a burst of excitement swells big in their chest, practically buoying them down the hallway and out of the treehouse.

and there, waiting outside for them, is Bas.

“Dad!” they exclaim, bounding over to fling themselves into his arms. they wrap their forepaws around him and attempt to pull him into a tight hug, eyes squeezing shut. “did you do all this for me?”

they pull away slowly, still smiling - and it’s then that they notice the large male raven perched on his shoulder, looking vaguely disgruntled at being jostled about. his feathers gleam like wet ink, his eyes dark beads of onyx. Spider tilts their head, and the raven echoes the movement. “who’s this?”

"Speech"

Spider has a male raven companion named Doomsday and a female snake companion named Lady Snakeskin. Assume they are present unless stated otherwise.

Basilisk wasn’t left waiting long before Spider came bounding out of the tree house. The young pup immediately ambushed him, racing into his arms. Laughing, Basilisk leaned down and caught them, swinging them into the air for a brief moment. “Happy birthday, kiddo.” He said, releasing Spider and ruffling a giant paw between their tiny ears. He didn’t know the exact date, but the changing of the season marked it.

“Every warrior should have a companion to fight beside them. This is yours, Spider. A birthday present from your mother and I” He explained, crouching down low to the ground so Spider could admire the bird properly


"Speech"

"mine??" they're beaming, gazing up at the large man with pure adoration on their face. every time they think they can't feel anymore loved, their parents turn around and surprise them. it's a truly wonderful feeling. "hello," they whisper to their new companion, gazing in wonder as the bird is brought to their level. the crow lifts his chin in a haughty gesture, proud and perhaps a tad arrogant, and gives an imperious caw as though in greeting. but despite his apparent haughtiness, when Spider lifts a tentative paw he flutters delicately from Bas' shoulder to theirs, shifting his wings and talons until he's found a comfortable perch. Spider would do a little dance from the joy of it if they aren't so worried about scaring their new friend. "i'll call him Doomsday," they announce, peeking at Bas out of the corner of their eye to seek his approval. "do you think that's a cool name?"

"Speech"

Spider has a male raven companion named Doomsday and a female snake companion named Lady Snakeskin. Assume they are present unless stated otherwise.

Basilisk kept himself low to the ground as the bird transferred himself from Bas to Spider. They landed on his kid’s shoulder, and settled in. Only then did Basilisk lift himself slowly, careful not to startle the bird. He leaned back a little then, giving the bird and Spider a chance to get familiar with each other. It was a big thing, that first meeting of a companion. Often they were beside you every day for the rest of your life.

“Doomsday. That’s an excellent name. Perfect for a proud bird like this one” He agreed easily. “Alright, go spend some time with Doomsday, familiarise yourself with him, teach him some basic commands. That’s your challenge for the day. Your Grandfather will be calling a party for his youngest kids in a few hours, so I want to see how your doing then, alright?” He said. He was glad Spider wouldn’t be rocking up to that Birthday Party without having had their own present.


"Speech"

Spider nods along, listening carefully to Bas’ instructions. as an energetic newly-turned-teen their attention span tends to be a bit…well, questionable, but they always soak up everything Bas has to say with complete sincerity, turning them over like glittering treasures. Hazel and Bas have given them a home, and for that value their word above anyone else’s. “you got it!” they reply, nodding vigorously. Doomsday squawks a protest, and they shoot him a sheepish grin. “heh, whoops - sorry.” oh, and that’s right! there’s a party later on! how exciting! “see you tonight, Dad!” they call over their shoulder, beginning to walk away. “maybe you’ll let me drag you onto the dance floor!” the idea of Bas busting the proverbial move is too funny to pass up, and they giggle to themselves as they make their exit.

-exit unless stopped-

"Speech"

Spider has a male raven companion named Doomsday and a female snake companion named Lady Snakeskin. Assume they are present unless stated otherwise.