Eyes in the sky

Absinth moved silently through the dense forest, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings with practiced ease. The early morning light filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on her sleek, ivory fur. Her movements were fluid and precise, each step deliberate as she patrolled the borders of the territory without her antlers atop her head. The ravens, her ever-watchful companions, flitted from tree to tree, their black feathers glimmering like obsidian in the soft light. Many more, the ones she had raised and trained, flew nearby as always. Each raven had its own territory, its own set of tasks, and Absinth relied on their keen senses to alert her to any disturbances for the pack's safety. Their caws and rustling feathers were a language she understood intimately, a symphony of sounds that painted a vivid picture of the forest around her. She paused, listening to the subtle shifts in their calls, her ears twitching as she interpreted their messages.

Her mind was always in motion, analyzing, calculating, planning. The forest was her domain, and she knew every inch of it, every hidden path and secret glade. Her patrols were more than mere routines; they were a dance of dominance and control, ensuring that no threat went unnoticed and unchallenged. As she neared a familiar grove, the ravens' calls shifted, signaling the presence of someone ahead. Absinth’s ears perked up, recognizing the subtle changes in their tone. A smile played at the corners of her lips as she moved forward with renewed purpose. She knew who it was before she saw him.

There, beneath the canopy of pines, she spotted Zagan. He was walking with a determined gait, his bi-colored eyes sharp and alert. Above him, a raven followed, its beady black eyes fixated on him with an intensity that spoke of a deeper connection. Absinth watched for a moment, her heart swelling with a rare tenderness. She had offered a raven to each of her children, a gift that symbolized both protection and companionship. But that raven was not one she had chosen. It was a bond forged in trust and understanding, one that transcended the ordinary.

With a swift, fluid movement, she approached him, her presence almost ethereal under the canopy of pines. “Zagan,” She began, her voice carrying a mixture of affection and a hint of mischief, “I see you’ve met your companion.” She tilted her head towards the raven, its beady black eyes still fixated on him. “These birds are not just mere creatures of the sky. They are our eyes, our ears, and in many ways, our guides.”

She moved closer, her gaze shifting between Zagan and the raven. “This one, it chose you. There is a bond here, deeper than what you see on the surface. It mirrors your movements because it understands you, perhaps even better than you understand yourself.” Her tone grew softer, more contemplative. “Ravens are creatures of wisdom and foresight. They see what we cannot, know what we have yet to realize. This one will be your silent sentinel, your watcher in the shadows. Trust it, Zagan. It is a part of you now, as you are a part of it.”

With a playful smirk, she added, “And besides, it’s always good to have someone watching your back, even if they do it from the treetops.” Her gaze softened as she looked at him, a rare tenderness in her eyes. “You’re never truly alone, my son. Not as long as you have the raven and me.” This, she was sure of. This, she promised.

"Absinth Artemisia Inferos"