Set Dressing

“Tonight, there is to be a feast.” Boomed a mighty voice. The Tapajara trio had found themselves in service of Sela, an Iguanodon and member of the Atlantean court. Her coat was sleek and well-maintained, her status clear to see. “If you wish to earn the favour of the court, you may assist in setting up for tonight. There is much work to be done, and nimble wings like yours can be put to good use.” She instructed. Mac, Briar and Faire bowed their heads; they had learnt the importance of courtesy when among members of the court.

“As you wish, Miss Sela.” They responded in perfect unison. Sela’s lips quirked up smugly, and she gave a small nod of approval.

“Good, you’re learning well. We need the grounds swept, tables set, and ribbons hung from the trees. Oh, and if you would please shoo away any of those monkeys… Our Queen is fond of them, but they do have a tendency to make a ruckus. Keep them away from the tables at least.” She ordered, before seeing them off with a nod.

“Sooo, where should we get started then?” Faire asked, looking around at the messy clearing in front of them that was half set-up for the feast. Briar clacked her beak in thought, then gestured at the leaf litter strewn around the ground.

“We should probably start with all that mess. Maybe you and me can get to work on that while Mac works on tying up the ribbons? He’s got the better dexterity for that sort of thing of the three of us.” She suggested. Mac nodded and scooped up a pile of ribbons into his beak.

“Theeya thoon, then.” He mumbled past the heap of fabric, before taking off and flapping up into the trees. Briar and Faire each grabbed a broom, awkwardly hopping over to the edges of the clearing to begin their work. Trying to sweep with their hands was difficult business, but they soon found themselves settling into a rhythm.

Time passed in a blur as the trio kept themselves busy, Briar and Faire quickly finding themselves running out of things to sweep. They both looked up from their work for the first time in a while, and found the trees around the clearing beautifully adorned in festive ribbons, trailing from branch to branch.

“Mac, are you finished up there?” Briar called out. Mac fluttered down from a tree and landed in front of them, looking around at their handywork.

“Yeah, I used up all the ribbons by now. I’ve just been going around and tidying it up a bit and making it look nicer while you both finished up.” He replied. Faire clacked her beak happily, looking up at the ribbons.

“They look so lovely Mac, you have such an eye for décor.” She praised. Mac’s feathers ruffled in an embarrassed pleasure, as he looked away coyly.

“Oh please, it wasn’t much. You’ve both done a great job making everything look spic and span down here. Shall we set the tables?” He suggested, eager to get the attention off of him. The other two nodded, and they ambled over to where the supplies lay.

They began with the largest elements, enormous leaves that were laid down on the tables like tablecloths. This was no small feat, as these tables were sized for the behemoth Iguanodon, not miniscule little Tapejara. These leaves eclipsed even their wingspans in size, and took teamwork to get into position. Then they set the plates, an assortment of large wooden discs that were polished to a fine grain. Finally they placed the many extravagant decorations around, as the court were very keen on their displays of wealth and luxury. Bejewled statuettes, bizarre mechanical contraptions and delicate glasswork were among the luxurious setdressing the Atlantean court so admired.

The court were not the only ones drawn to the glimmering décor. As the trio were beginning to wrap up, a loud clunk startled them. They looked up to see none other than a monkey, attempting to take off with a small golden statue. There was a tense moment of silence, an intense staredown as the monkey stood above the statue it had just fumbled. Chaos was quick to ensue.

“Get your mitts off that!” Mac yelled, launching himself towards the little primate. The monkey shrieked, tucking the statue close to it’s chest and running as fast as it could into the jungle. It scaled a tree so deftly you would barely have known it was holding the statue in one hand, scaling along branches and beginning to disappear into the foliage. Briar and Faire squawked in alarm quick to follow behind Mac in pursuit of the little thief.

“After it, quick! We can’t let it get away!” Faire cried, wingbeats frantic. They were fortunate enough to be small and deft fliers, keeping pace with the monkey despite it’s attempts to lose them in the canopy. Briar shot forward like a rocket, ramming into the monkey at a considerable speed. It screeched, dropping the statue to the ground as it scrabbled to maintain footing on the tree branch. Briar went hurtling through the air, flailing to soften her fall as she fell to the ground with an audible thump.

“Briar!” Mac and Faire both yelled in alarm, ignoring the statue to rush to their friend’s side. She wobbled to her feet, looking about in a daze.

“I’m ok, just stunned… get that statue before that monkey tries again.” She grumbled. Faire galloped over to where it had fallen, grabbing it in her beak and glaring up at the trees where the monkey sat, watching curiously.

“That little rat… Be more careful Briar, there’s no reason to risk yourself over some dumb statue.” Mac tutted. Briar grunted, shaking herself off and beginning to walk back to the clearing.

“Yeah yeah, gotcha gotcha. C’mon, let’s finish up. I need a nice long rest after that.” She said, breaking out into a run with the other two close behind.

When they returned, they place the statue back in it’s place, and not a moment too soon. Sela returned, a few other members of the court in tow. She looked around at their work with a pleased expression, before looking down at the trio and raising a brow at Briar in particular.

“You’ve done well, though I’m not sure how you’ve managed to look so.. dishevelled… all to set tables and decorations. No matter, you’ve done your work. We’ll see to it that you are rewarded appropriately. You are dismissed.” She hummed, sending them to recuperate after their surprisingly eventful ordeal.