Just Another Day

"Hm?" Dawson looked behind to find Shanku running up to him.

"Do you know we shove off in two days?" Shanku asked nervously, dancing in place.

"Do you think I'd be hauling barrels if I didn't know?" Dawson snapped.

"Point," Shanku said thoughtfully and tapped her chin. She took notice of the barrel resting on his shoulder that he had been hauling aboard. "Are we still going fishing tonight?"

"I'll see," Dawson said quietly and turned away. "Run along."

"I'll be back 'round sunset..." Shanku said sadly and flew off the deck.

Shanku spent the day asking around the town about the stripe-winged kurach. She asked the stall vendors, the little gnomes, the chest maker, the toy maker, the butcher, the baker, and even the candlestick maker. Many had seen the striped kurach, but none knew anything about her. She was simply the one who sold large birds on occasion. Shanku returned to the ship grumpily. She wouldn't have time to scour the island for a flock of great birds!

The sun began to set and the stars came out. Shanku was sitting in her usual manner.

"On your broody barrel again?" Dawson asked sourly.

"Take a seat, I got a crabby crate reserved for ya," Shanku huffed.

Dawson sat down on a box nearby. He propped his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands. They brooded together in silence.