Just Another Day

Dai chuckled as they were circled by the happily frolicking pair.

They continued to approach a collection of conical structures of wood and hide. Some had depictions of hunting scenes on them, some bore those of the seasons, some of strange fantastical creatures. Passing in and out of the tipis were many kurach with noticeably longer ears and tails, and blunter wings that were marked with spots and bars. Shanku and the new kurach looked at each other strangely but neither said a word.

One of the males, who had only two feathers protruding from his shoulders rather than three like the other males of this clan, approached Dai as he dismounted Sage. "Ah, you've finally returned!" He greeted them warmly.

"It's been a long time, Anoki," Dai said cheerfully as he placed the calf on the ground. The two took a step back as Jakko and his rider came skidding to a stop nearby.

"Kadin has missed his playmate," laughed Anoki.

"Heh, so I see. All has been well, then?"

"Quite."

"I see you brought a milch cow," Anoki gestured towards the Urych licking her calf profusely now that he had been returned to her.

"I did," nodded Dai.

They stood in uncomfortable silence for a moment as Anoki gazed at Shanku atop the mother Urych. "I thought you only had one cub," he said at length.

"I thought so too," Dai sighed.

"Hey!" Shanku growled. "I'm not his cub!"

"But in my care, at present," Dai replied.

A cub about Shanku's age with twin braids appeared beside Anoki and presented a clay jar to him.

"Would you go play with Rajé while I talk with Anoki?" Dai motioned to a girl.

"Sure," Shanku slid off the Urych. "Beats sitting on a cow, at any rate."

Anoki gave the girls time to leave as Rajé began introducing herself and welcoming Shanku to her clan's current stead. He studied the newcomer closely until she was out of sight.

"That's neither your cub nor one of our tribe," Anoki said at length. "Who is she?"

"Shanku of the Ferals," Dai shrugged as he placed the clay jar under the mother Urych.

"Didn't they die out?"

"Nope. They hid."

"Why?"

"Who knows?"

"It's said that of the Tribes, the Feral had the least control of their rage and often became creatures of nightmare," Anoki shuddered. "There are tales of how long ago they slaughtered many of your kind."