[2913] [13757] A Glowing Chicken [Keepers p2]

After the rather… unique exchange of knowledge between the Haedians and the two Chasers, Theneras found himself wondering just how many basic things the underground dwellers didn’t know. But as they were led deeper into the Haedian clan’s territory, it became clear that their interest in gathering information had shifted. Now, it seemed, they were far more eager to share their own.  

A young Haedian- barely larger than a Chaser pup- bounded toward them, their wide eyes shining with excitement.  

Pup- “I’ve never seen short ones like you before!”  

Theneras bristled at the comment, his ears flicking in irritation as he raised his chin in superiority.  

Theneras- “Hah! You’re shorter than me, pup!”  

Pyrrah-Vos~” Oh, barely….”

Pyrrah sniggered to himself.

The little Haedian was unphased, their grin widening as they plopped down in front of him with a playful tap to their temple.  

Pup- “But I’ll still grow.”  

Pyrrah found himself holding in a full on laugh, the pup was right. At least he had no quarrel with his own shape or size, turns out Theneras did. Which was hilarious.

Before Theneras could retort, the pup reached behind them and pulled out a small, polished crystal, holding it up as if it were a priceless treasure.  

Pup- “Elder Khaldor told me to show you how we do this! This is a practice one!”  

Theneras- “Do what, exactly?”  

Pup- “Oh—read! Do you know how to read?”  

The Chaser’s tail gave a sharp flick as his patience wore thin. Seven seconds. That’s how long he gave himself before he considered whether or not showing the pup a very close view of the crystal was a viable response. With a long-suffering sigh, he closed his eyes and tried to summon a shred of composure, willing himself to a happier mental space.  

Theneras- “Ofcourse I know how to read. Sure, show me your little magic trick.”  

Pyrrah-Vos~” Sounds like something someone who can’t read would say…”

The pup’s enthusiasm only grew as they started explaining, blissfully unaware of the Chaser’s barely-contained annoyance. Meanwhile, Pyrrah stood off to the side, smirking as he watched his companion’s patience be tested to its absolute limit.

Pyrrah-Vos~ “Alright, little guy, show us what this thing can do. You said it’s for reading? Like… Books? Or something else?”

The pup tilted their head, clearly trying to decide if Pyrrah was joking or just clueless.

Pup~ “No, silly, it’s magic reading! You hold it, focus really hard, and the crystal shows you stuff. Like… memories, or stories. Sometimes even spells!”

Pyrrah let out a low whistle, genuinely impressed.

Pyrrah-Vos~ “Huh. Fancy little rock you’ve got there. So what, we just grab it and hope for the best?”

Theneras- “Who doesn’t know how to read now, huh–”

The pup nodded eagerly and thrust the crystal toward Pyrrah, who hesitated for maybe half a second before accepting it. It was warm to the touch, pulsing faintly as if it were alive. He held it up, squinting at the faint glow, then glanced over at Theneras with a smirk.

Pyrrah-Vos~ “Alright, let’s see if this thing has anything exciting to say. Maybe it’ll tell me where you keep all that patience you’ve been losing, Then.”

The pup giggled at that, while Pyrrah closed his eyes, concentrating on the crystal as instructed. At first, nothing happened. Then, slowly, a faint image began to take shape within the glowing depths. Shapes and colours swirled, forming what looked like…

Pyrrah-Vos~ “Is that… A chicken???? A glowing chicken?!”

The pup burst into laughter, their tiny paws slapping the ground in delight.

Pup~ “Oops! That’s one of my practice etchings!! I didn’t think it would still show up!”

Pyrrah couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head as he handed the crystal back.

Theneras, however, was far less amused. His scowl deepened as he muttered under his breath, tail flicking with barely restrained irritation.

Theneras- “This is ridiculous. What’s next? Glowing sheep? Or maybe a goat with a magic horn?”

The pup beamed up at him, entirely unbothered by his sour mood.

Pup- “Oh, we’ve done glowing sheep before! But they’re harder to etch. Feathers are easier.”

Pyrrah-Vos- “See, Then? This is cutting-edge Haedian craftsmanship. You should be taking notes.”

Theneras shot him a withering glare, but Pyrrah just smirked, clearly enjoying every second of his companion’s discomfort.

Pyrrah-Vos~ “Come on, let the pup show you something. Who knows, maybe they’ll pull up something profound, like- oh, I don’t know- how to lighten up.”

The pup’s eyes sparkled with mischief as they held the crystal out to Theneras.

Pup- “Here! You try it next!”

Theneras stared at the glowing crystal, his reluctance plain on his face. But with Pyrrah snickering beside him and the pup looking so expectantly, he couldn’t refuse. With a grumble, he took the crystal and reluctantly closed his eyes.

For a moment, there was nothing. Then, the light began to shift and swirl, forming vague shapes that grew clearer by the second.

Pyrrah-Vos~ “What do you see, Then? Another chicken?”

Theneras opened one eye to glare at him before closing it again, focusing harder.

Theneras- “It’s… a landscape. Mountains, I think. And… a giant… snail?”

The pup squealed in delight, hopping up and down.

Pup- “That’s my favourite one!! Elder Khaldor says it’s about resilience and patience!”

Pyrrah burst out laughing again, clutching his sides.

Pyrrah-Vos~ “Oh, that’s just too perfect. Resilience and patience, huh? Looks like the crystal knows you better than you know yourself!”

Theneras groaned, muttering something about “never living this down” as the pup clapped their paws together, eager to explain the deeper meaning behind their snail etching. Meanwhile, Pyrrah was content to soak in the sheer absurdity of the moment, his laughter echoing through the Haedian caverns.