Frostbitten Feathers [closed to Yugure]

Kinko had spent some time within the compound, understanding his new life as he knows it.  It was new and strange for him, something welcoming but also confusing.  We often wondered if people back home wondered about him; he often wondered why he cared.  He learned much about his father here and why it might be better for everyone that Kinko stayed here.  He never realized how much of a threat to the throne he really was.  He wondered if everyone else knew or if the branch had lied to everyone, not just him.

Without regard, Kinko tried to do everything he could to set himself for success in this new environment.  Though, he did find himself lacking the company he often desired, no different than home...or what used to be called home.

His torso hide under his black cloak as his turquoise eyes pierced the white veil of snow.  He loved the crunch from the snow pressing underneath his feet.  He found some refugee with the wild life, often feeding the birds berries and seeds.  Kinko was fond of birds, jealous of their inability to be restricted.  Freedom, something Kinko always craved.

In his general routine, he trekked through the snow to gaze upon the birds and local wildlife.  Though, he heard calls of panic and fear.  Without hesitation, Kinko found himself locating the source of the screams, a bird.  A little yellow owl, particularly uncommon around here, must have been a baby.  It's feet dragging through the snow, with each step being a monumental task.  Clearly, the bird was injured, perhaps fallen from a nest.  Through the calls of emergency brings the opportunists.  For Kinko spotted one, lurking in the treelines, clearing waiting for the opportune time to strike.  It would not have been a big meal but it was free.

With poise and dignity, Kinko broke the treeline and approached the little baby owl, in an effort to protect it.  Even if for only a moment.    While Kinko was unaware of what the large animal was, he knew it was still around.  He could see it's shadow, it's body through the dead trees and bushes, but could not pick what it was.  With the little yellow bird in his hand, focused more on the bird.  Providing a general ocular pat-down, checking for muscle, strength, and general condition.  

Kinko jumped, startled, he turned his back  to where the noise of crunching feet and moving clothes came from.  He clearly was too comfortable here.  A breath of calm exited his body.  "Ah...Kana."  He said not with a smile but with a tone that welcomed her yet questioned what she was doing out here.  Of course, Kinko would never refuse her company but was curious of her thoughts.

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Kinko would watch and listen to Kana but his real focus was whatever was in that treeline. It was large, and seemingly would frighten most. Kinko could not tell what it was, perhaps the paranoia and anxiety of the unknown is what caused him to be alert. Kinko noticed it breaking the treeline and making an appearance in red fur, an interesting color. Quite massive, Kinko was impressed with how bad the creature was, really. His eyes shifted over to Kana to observe he reaction, yet he did not detect much of anything. Slightly confused with trying to figure out what that meant, Kinko was completely confident in his ability to protect and defend this little yellow owlet. He was confident Kana could protect herself, without actually knowing much of her power.

Each step this hyena took signaled different cues for Kinko. For instance, why is this wild beast appearing now? Is it THAT hungry? Is it alone? Why have I never seen it's tracks before? Kinko was quite perplexed with this seemingly impossible puzzle, while still trying to maintain his composure and look cool.

However, about half way through, Kinko realized this Hyena was strutting over to Kana, as if a pet, as if a dog to it's owner in a park, Kinko was confused, 'I guess Kana has a pet Hyena?' He thought as he was equally confused because he had never seen it, mentioned it, NO FOOD BOWLS anywhere. What is this?

Kinko watched as the Hyena pressed itself upon Kana with Kana's reassuring words for the unnamed little bird. 'It's a she.'. Kinko looked up and down the duo a few times before smiling and smirking, and letting a few chuckles out to cover off his confusion. He would never admit to it now but he was quite confused. He brought the bird closer to his eye, as he continued to examine it. "You know, Kana...I am not sure. I have never seen an owl this color before and I don't seem to see or hear it's parents or story. The story of why it's here." He said looking around to show no nest, tracks, or anything to indicate why it would be here. His turquoise eyes went to meet Kana, he was hoping she'd meet his. "What do you do with...her?" He said with his eyes trying not to be rude or offend the Hyena.

[403/862]

Kinko didn't need a heartbeat to make his uneasiness obvious to the red haired maven. His silence was enough as he witnessed the beast approach closer to where they were. It wasn't the type of silence one would have if they were just calmly observing. Kana could see the way his eyes shifted towards her for some sort of reassurance, as if hoping she would tell him that the beast wasn't there for a meal.

It actually had been a while since the last time Kana had interacted with her summons, and Lilina was by far her closest ally. The hyenas weren't easily friendly for just anyone, and still some of the others were quite skeptical with the idea of serving anyone in general. Lilina however, was different from the rest. The most loyal from the furry bunch.

Kana felt the corner of her lip curved into a smirk as Kinko's demeanor shifted. Even despite hearing him chuckle, Kana was certain he was still confused by the beast and it's. As he should be.

Kana glanced from the owlet that was held within his hands and back towards him. His turquoise eyes are almost the opposite of her fiery ones. "What do I do with her? If you want me to be honest, I don't do much at all with her." The Hyena's gaze turned towards the injured bird. As if watching it closely.

"She's here when I need her, and in exchange I accompany her on a hunt from time to time." Kana flashed her teeth in a grin. The woman's love for the hunt was one that most wasn't aware of. The Hyena only found thrill in the chase as well. The two worked well together.

"Anyways~ Lilina has been scouting around since dawn. She wasn't able to witness where the owlet came from, but she's certain that the one within your hands is not an ordinary one. The fragile thing was almost scooped up by a hawk earlier. So it would be best if you kept it for the time being, a wounded animal is only easy prey." The Hyena snorted as if agreeing with the female Kyuketsuki, before disappearing back into the thickets.

"I guess I may ask. . do you have any knowledge of treating an injured animal?" Kana asked out of curiosity, since she still didn't know much about him. She briefly crouched down beside him to examine the small bird.

Kinko would listen as he did not really know what to expect from Kana-Mi. There was something about her that captured his attention but he did not know what it was. Her knew there was much behind those fiery eyes; maybe his could keep balance her, and her for him. Kinko had always been interested in summoning but never had the opportunity to really develop his ability to call upon friendly beings. He could see the healthy relationship between her and Liliana, something he was envious of. Kinko's fangs returned the pleasure as a natural grin appeared as Kana explained her duties of assisting in hunts. His ears peaked as he listened to the scouting report. This woman has impressed Kinko in many ways. He was quite happy that Lilina had scouted and was not even a little concerned or unhappy with the lack of intelligence. He marveled at the opportunity that this Hyena presented, what a useful assistant. Kinko nodded in maintaining the safety of the owlet. "Of course. She will be safe with...us." It was clear Kinko was going to say me, but switched as he appreciated the assistance of Kana and her company. Kinko nodded in a salute to Lilina as she paced off into the treeline.

He turned back to notice Kana closer to him, crouching closer to him to get a better view of the bird. There was a moment of hesitant as he regathered himself. While looking down at the owlet, "Well, I can heal quite a bit of damage but I have never performed anything to something this small. We usually let it heal naturally. I'd be afraid to cause any damage to him, sending its chakra system into a complete inbalance. I can take it to my room, we can care for it over the next few days." He said with a confident nod. "I am sure it had quite an adventure." He finished as he looked up towards the eyes of Kana, wondering, hoping the two would be able to go on adventures: The two where huddled around this little bird. The distance between the two could not have been great. He took a moment to really look at Kana and try to understand her a little more; he wondered if she would think the same..."What adventures have you been on?" Trying to get to know her better and who she is...

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