Another glorious morning. It makes me sick!

It should have been easy to hear the slightest sound in the quiet but instead Ashiel's ears were filled with the sound of his own heartbeat. Nothing. There was no answering call. Ashiel sighed, his shoulders drooping in disappointment. Maybe Griff really was dead and Ashiel was making a fool of himself looking him. He supposed he should be grateful for small favors though. The nightmares were finally lessening and he hadn't had another frightening vision.

Then he heard the cry, sharp and piercing. He gazed into the sky to see a dark shape diving for him. It swooped over his head, powerful gray wings beating the air as it landed in front of him. "By the mercy of the fallen god, it really is you Griff!" "Ashiel nuzzled the bird and laughed, feeling like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. "It is good to see you as well m'lord! I've been searching the canyon for you. Foolish, I should've realized one of your strength would survive and move onto Risen. We have so much to talk about but first, I have a gift for you. Wait here!" Before Ashiel could speak his companion had taken off into the sky leaving him to sit heavily, giddy with joy at finding his friend still alive.

Lost in his own thoughts Ashiel almost didn't notice the large male until he spoke. Ashiel's head whipped around and he stared at the other man, mouth slightly agape. H-handsome? Heat rushed to Ashiel's cheeks and he felt suddenly embarrassed.

Ashiel cleared his throat and composed himself. "Good morning, stranger. I was calling for my friend, a black-winged kite. We have been reunited so I assure you I won't trouble you again with raucous calling. However, if you don't mind me asking, I wouldn't mind your name. This is a curious place to make a home. Have you lived here long?"