Private Like An Exotic Bird

The camp has been abuzz with excitement as the one of the biggest festivals, the celebration of the clan's founder, had finally come after weeks of preparation. It was the first of it's kind since their arrival on Manta Carlos which was all the more reason for the members of the clan to be in high spirits that now even the chilly temperatures and snow could damper. On some of the harpies had chosen to cover themselves in warm furs, most preferred to trust their feathers and tough it out which resulted in a bunch of shivering birds doing their best not the show it.

It was most auspicious that this important festival also happened to line up on Manta Calrosian holiday celebrating love as this day was traditionally seen as a male's prime chance to attract possible mates. Yet the weather was against these young suiters whom had to suffer the most from the weather, per their traditional, barely had any clothing on and looking at frigid males trying to fight off the cold was sad sight. Prahka had heard that the king offered to help shield the clan from the snow but stubborn as they were refused and she can't help but wonder if at this rate they would reconsider the offer for next time. Even she was loathed to admit that she was feeling a too cold for her own taste but her pride wouldn't allow her to make such an announcement public.

"Ah Eein. Yes the whole clan has been looking forward to this celebration... though I cannot say the same for the weather." admitted Prahka as she gestures to patches snow "Us harpies have been unaccustomed to such temperatures and not everyone is taking it well."

Prahka then lets out a chilly sigh as she then looks over to a young eager male trying to dance for a pair of females only for him to be laughed and mocked at for his uncontrolled shivering.

"Aye, every bachelor looking for a mate will be in attendance though... though from what I've been seeing they be luckily to given a cursory glance. But the real show will begin much later and hopefully for them the weather will warm up somewhat."

After her observation, she would look back to Eein curiously and asks.

"The cold does not bother you now does it? Normally competition would be rather tough but you may stand a better chance than most."

"Well... if they wished to be noticed they are going have to put more effort than usual. My kind are picky when it comes to mates." stated Prahka, looking back at the dejected male as the pair of harpies cackled as they left. It was a low blow but to his credit he continued to dance despite the cold and rejection.

Her brow feathers perked up at the mention of him having an eye on just one. There was only the slightest hint of smile on her scaly lips.

"Ah that so? I can only hazard a guess whom that can be." coyly stated Prahka with much amusement "But... whomever it you are trying to impress... you must be aware that it is not the male whom choose but the female whom picks her mate. So... you better bring some dance moves that would impress even someone as important as... let us say... the daughter of the cheiftess herself?"

Of course... there was nothing really stopping her claiming Eein right then and there but for the sake of appearances and theatrics it was better look for the both of them if Prahka would claim Eein as her mate in more traditionally setting. It would make a stronger claim and publicly announce their union so long as Eein is capable of proving himself for the whole clan to see.

"But... you have some time before the big dance. It will come after my mother's speech. In the meanwhile... the hatchlings are due for a play that retells the tale of Great Huntress and the founding our clan. There is also Ka whom we could visit if you feel that you require spiritual wisdom. They are tuned with the will of the souls of the ancestor and offers readings for those whom wish advice and insight on what the future holds."

"To Ka then? Very well. Follow me and I will take you to her." beckoned Prahka as she led the way. Navigating across the branches and gaggles of harpies, she would find the an elderly harpy wearing the skull of ox with two canid-like skulls that hung from twine from each horn along with a ray of rib bones spreading out like a handheld fan. The older harpy with her claws tapping the cheekbones of a apprehensive younger male.

"Hrummm... I see... great difficulty ahead for you. What you seek will not come to you easily. But do not fear failure for it will be a moment to learn the most important lessons. Have patience and persevere and one day... you will find what you seek."

Though the male harpy drooped his head low at first, what the sagely harpy said after she ceased tapping his cheeks seemed have the desired effect. Elated, the male harpy grins and bows with outstretched feathers before they fluttered away. The older harpy watched the as the young male flew off, then she would squint at Prahka and Eein.

"Arhmmm... Prahka is that you? Hrmmm have brought a... companion have you? What can old Ka do for the two of you?" beseeched Ka as she called the two of them towards her with a beckoning curl of claw.

"Ka, you recall Eein do you not? He plans to participate in the dance and hope that you would have time" Prahka informed to which the old bird was quick to show interest.

"Hrmm... a reading?" Ka then rose to her feet to inspect Eein with squinted eyes, she leaned in so close that Eein could feel the warmth of the air as she exhaled from her nostrils "Very well... a reading he shall receive but from me he will not. Chikari... will be the one to do his reading."

"What? Chikari?! But... Chikari... Chikari is-" before Prahka could protest, Ka would raise her arm and wave it as so to dismiss whatever complain Prahka would make.

"Chikari has the sight. She is a Trueseer just as I. She is my progeny and is far more in tune with the whims of fate and the will of the souls than I ever was at her age. If Eein wishes to have his reading he will do so with her." interjected Ka, the usual calm in her voice now stern as her ultimatum was made.

Prahka paused, taken aback by Ka's demand before she looked over to Eein.

"Do you still wish to have a reading done Eein? Even if it be with Chickari instead of Ka?"

As Ka called out for Chikari from behind some leather drapes, Prahka would respond to Eein in hushed tone so that Ka would not hear.

"I suppose you can say that. Chikari... is much younger and seen as far less experienced than their grandmother. But the real reason most are skeptical of Chikari's readings is because she is-"

Before Prahka could finish she is interrupted by the sound of something wooden falling in the background. Shortly after a young harpy no older than Prahka burst trough the hanging piece of leather that acted as the door. Though similar to Prahka, she was tawny blonde coloration with specks of black almost like leopard print and skin of darker hue than Prahka. Frantically she adjusted the deer skull mask, from which about dozen of hanging bird and rat skulls, that covered almost the entirety of her face.

"Here! I'm here! Grandma Ka you called for me?" spoke the young harpy in a hectic manner, hold out her arms out as though disoriented.

"Yes Chikari. We have someone whom would like to have a reading." confirmed Ka.

Chikari seemed drawn by Ka's voice as she slowly dawdled her way over to her, with wings outstretched as though she was balancing herself on tightrope despite the ample space to maneuver.

"We do? But... what do you need me for?" asked Chikari, appearing unsure of her purpose as she stands just in front of her grandmother.

"You will be the one to do the reading." confirmed Ka, much to to Chikari's surprise.

"I am?! I mean... whom's reading am I am taking today?!" she would ask, looking around as though completely oblivious to Prahka and Eein.

"Over here Chikari." sighed Prahka, which quickly got the attention of the other young harpy

"Huh? Whose that? Oh... wait... Prahka?! You are the one whom wishes to have a reading?"

"No... it is for Eein actually." quickly corrected Prahka

"Oh alright... Eein? Umm... I do not think I've met Eein before."

Chikari would walk over over to the pair with the same caution for their balance as they had for when they walked over to Ka earlier.

Chikari turned her head at the sound of Eein's voice, finally able to hone in on his location.

"O-oh?! Did she? Thanks. That's... umm... ah yes we shouldn't delay the reading as you have celebration to attend Eein, friend of the clan. May you have seat from where you are? For these readings I will need to feel around your skull and the contours of your teeth to get an accurate judge of what your destiny may lay before you." explained Chikari as she stands in front Eein, awaiting for Eein to sit down.

Prahka meanwhile stepped back to give the dragon and young Trueseer some space to work with while Ka observed from the background.