A Date

Loud barks carried far across the island- calls of the utahraptor, unique calls that sounded like nothing else that currently existed. It was early summer- late into the mating season for their kind. Most pairs had already courted and formed a nest, but others had much poorer luck- failure to find a mate was not uncommon, but it still stung.

Karai paused in his broadcasts, taking a moment to pause in hopes a return call would be issued. He was lurking within his territory, a wide stretch of burnt forest and lava that helped hide his burning, fiery hide. He hadn’t expected to find another raptor anywhere nearby- other life was rare as it was. But this was ridiculous! Someone should have heard his calls and investigated by now- right?

A rumble in his stomach made Karai grumble and pull himself to his feet. Well, he was hungry. And he had caught the scent of a rare herd of deer nearby- so he might as well go hunt. Who knew when his next opportunity would be.

It did not take long for Karai to arrive at the location of the herd. Crouching down, he carefully watched them from behind a tree. The herd was small, right on the edge of the burnt forest and and less damaged forest behind it. Slowly, he stalked closer- mouth open ready to snap forward.

Suddenly, an alarm call filled the air and the herd rushed by, almost trampling Karai. The utahraptor watched in shock- what had startled them? It couldn't have been him, he was too far away…

A white shape ran by him, chasing the herd and not even turning to face him. Karai caught a glimpse of white, orange and cream tinted feathers before it vanished into the undergrowth. He didn't even have time to process it before he was running after the shape and the deer, a mix of emotions swelling in chest. Was that really another of his kind?

A shriek of a deer following by a shriek of a raptor caught his attention, and he skidded to a stop to a horrible scene- a male deer had caught the white raptor on the floor, and was attempting to stop her with its sharp hooves. It seemed the other raptor had dodged most of the blows, but that wouldn't last long.

With a war cry Karai pounced, jumping into the back of the deer. His weight dragged it to the floor, but he had planned for his- aiming for the side in order to drag it to the right so he wouldn't trample the other raptor.

Karai struggled with the deer on the dirt, hooking his claws in and heaving as he attempted to keep it pinned. Suddenly, it stopped moving. A few test jabs revealed it was gone. Looking up, Karai startled as he came face to face with the other raptor.

Pale, white and cream feathers were splattered with dirt- covering natural peach colored stripes and soft markings across the body. White covered her neck, face, and forehead as she looked over at Karai- a wary expression expressed. 

“You saved me.” She spoke simply. “Why?” Her voice was elegant and soft, but had an edge to it. 

Karai cleared his throat, crouching down a bit and fluttering his wings. “Well. Uh. This is my territory. I live here.” He awkwardly nodded at the burnt forest around them. “I guess we were both stalking the same herd- you're the only other of my kind I've seen in a long time. I couldn't do nothing when the deer got you- and I got myself a meal. I… I don't mind sharing if you want to? After all, you killed it. There's enough for both of us after all…”

The other raptor thought for a moment, face unreadable, before relaxing a bit. “Alright. The name's Fable.” She carefully stepped forward, beginning to eat from the deer. Karai followed, beginning to pick at the body. They were careful to avoid each other, but the deer was small- it was inevitable that their claws brushed a few times. Interestly, it didn't seem to bother Fable too much- or at least Karai didn't think it did. It was hard to tell what she was thinking.

“Are you alright after that?” Karai carefully brought up once they had finished eating, both of them preening their feathers. “That deer was vicious.”

Fable grimaced. “It got a good blow on my leg.” She showed it off and indeed, a large bruise was already forming. “I don’t think I can travel far.”

Karai winced in sympathy. “Owch. That seems rough.” He thought for a moment. “Do… Do you want to stay here?” He offered carefully. “Theres very few predators around, and my dens nearby. We can even keep hunting together- it is certainly easier than hunting alone.”

Fable looked at him again- but her expression seemed much less hostile than before, instead being more considerate. “Hmm…sure. I was considering settling around the area in the first place- and you're a decently good hunter. I wouldn’t mind sticking around with you for a bit.” 

Karai blushed. “Can… Can I preen you?” He asked shyly. “Theres some dirt on the back of your neck.”

Fable smiled softly. “Alright.” She took the first step, lowering her neck against him. Karai gently preened her light feathers, cleaning the dirt off. Preening was an intimate thing between raptors- and Karai was hopeful that it meant something. From the way Fable reacted? It definitely did.

The two made their way to Karais den- a small cave at the top of a very small mountain- likely part of the inactive volcano. The heat from the volcano kept the stone warm, and the steep path made the way up almost completely out of reach from most other carnivores.

“Here.” Karai guided Fable to one of the warmest rocks in his den- hot enough to help soothe any pain she felt, but not hot enough to scorch her feathers. “There's a hot spring nearby… we can go there tomorrow too? If you're interested? It might help your leg.” Karai stumbled, nervously worrying her claws together as he waited for the response. Was his message clear? Would she react badly?

Fable hummed, smiling back at him. She had picked up on the unasked question. “Sounds great. Its a date.” Karai grinned back, tail swishing behind him as he walked to the other side of the cave to sleep. A date! His luck was turning around, wasn't it. And maybe they could even be more… if this date went well.