Wolves+Demons - chpt.18 part6/6

He wobbled in the air, struggling to slow down without dropping like a stone, but he gradually managed to near the earth. He began to feel almost confident. It would seem that he misjudged his speed and distance to the ground just slightly, though, as the moment he picked to alight saw him tripping beak over tail feathers with a startled caw. He tumbled to a halt and scrambled to his little bird feet in a flurry of feathers. There were a few chuckles near by as Palla approached him. If a crow could blush, Ca’rran would have been it.
“Wow, Carr, that’s really realistic,” Palla complimented, getting down on her knees and elbows to examine him.
Ca’rran fought the primal urge to back away from the huge carnivore in his face, but he was soon comforted by the gentle stroking of his face and neck.
“It feels really real, too,” she smiled.
Ca’rran playfully clacked his beak against her fingers and she giggled.
“Yes, yes, Ca’rran is a genius,” Michael rolled his eyes at them, “but is anyone else too cold?”
Jon looked up from warming his hands behind his father’s back. Blain noticed and gave a hiss. Jon retreated.
“Yes, I thought so. Shall we?” Mike trudged towards the House with Jamie and his brother following.
Blain got to his human feet and shook himself off, fluffing out his hair and stretching.
“Well, Ca’rran, that was an impressive first flight, but the lad has a point. Come on.”
Ca’rran’s teacher walked away, but Palla remained crouched in front of him.
“I think you should stay like this for a while. You’re SO cute.”
She ruffled his neck feathers and he cawed and pecked in discomfort, before she planted a big kiss on his head.
“Come on then, cutie-bird.”
She got to her feet and jogged after their friends.
Ca’rran stared after her for a moment, before struggling back into human form. If anything, changing back felt even weirder. Sucking feathers into one’s skin and gaining several feet in height wasn’t exactly enjoyable. Once he was finished, he shuddered in the wake of it, and followed palla to the House.
Elias was standing on the porch, holding a coffee and smiling at him.
“Good morning, Karen.”
“Y’know one day soon, I hope to beat you into stopping that.”
Eli laughed heartily. “Not too soon, I think, Cousin. That was pretty cool though. I caught the landing. But I’m sure you’ll improve in no time,” he winked with a punch on Ca’rran’s shoulder that now hurt distinctly less than the first time those few months ago.
“I agree with Eli,” Blain commented as the two joined the remarkably crowded living room, conversations continuing around them. “You will improve quickly, Ca’rran. You were very good today.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Unfortunately, I won’t be around to see it. I’m leaving Ravendale for a few days.”
Silence fell, and there was a shared look of surprise between the Housemates.
“Where are you going?” Jon wondered aloud.
“Reality One. I have to-” Blain took a moment to word his response. “-consult a witch,” he concluded. “Just a couple days.”
“B-but what about-” Ca’rran stopped himself. Instead his eyes darted between the twins and back to his uncle with a slight elevating of his eyebrows.
“Aah, yes-” Blain knew he meant the party, but Carr’s heart stopped as Blain’s eyes took on that sadistic glaze, “-your training,” he said pointedly. “Oh don’t worry. Michael and Jonathan here can take over for me.”
“We can what now?” Mike barked with contempt, “I’m not playing babysitter just ‘cause you have some mysterious business across the Portal.”
The idea of missing out on his mornings with Jamie crossed Jon’s mind, but it was only for a few days- he hoped, at least, that the estimate was accurate- and he had no reason against it that he could voice.
“No problem for me,” Jon shrugged. “What, take him through my usual paces, with an added bit of flying?”
“Your usual might be a bit rough for the boy,” Blain smiled at Carr.
Carr felt himself frown pridefully before he could stop himself.
“Or, maybe not then,” Blain read his expression, and delighted in the terror that replaced it at his words. “Ok, Jon. Do what you like to him.”
“Oh if we get to do anything, I’m in,” Mike spat with more animosity than Ca’rran felt was entirely deserved.
What was Michael’s problem with him lately?
Blain shot Mike a disappointed look, but concluded “Well, that settles that, then.”
He was already pulling on his coat.
“See you all soon.”
There was a chorus of confused and mumbled goodbyes. Blain paused on his way out.
“Oh, and try to stay out of the woods in general while I’m gone.”
On that cryptic note, he closed the door on the bewildered looking Housemates.