Among the Seasons

(align: "=><=")[<h2>Among the Seasons</h2>] (align: "=><=")[<h4>Written by Kieran Green</h4>] (align: "=><=")[<h5>Twitter: @Kieranuuu Portfolio: https://kierangreen.carbonmade.com/</h5>] (align: "=><=")[[[Begin.|1]]] (set: $brawn to "false") (set: $speed to "false") (set: $escaped to "false") (set: $sedated to "false") (set: $released to "false") (set: $aided to "false") (set: $mateEnd to "false") (set: $objectEnd to "false")

(align: "=><=")[<h3>Winter.</h3>] (align: "=><=")[[[...|2]]]

Stillness, subdued pains, and a collection of soft hands have been your ever-present companions throughout these cold months. Yet, it has been a long while since you have braced the winds of winter, those that would wrap around your feathers and meld into your mind. [[...|3]]

Cramped and sterile, your warmer surroundings help little in improving your mood, and the returning aches that reside within your wings are only temporarily banished when the hands come to visit once more. With such little energy, you haven’t even attempted to escape your confines. Despite the chants, chirps and cries emanating from nearby, you have never felt more alone. [[...|4]]

<h4>This has been your bleak existence for the season. In an attempt to lure your thoughts away from your stark reality, you begin to think back on your proficiencies and how they make you feel. What do you excel at?</h4> [[Deft dives and graceful glides are my speciality.|5a]] [[Brute force rarely fails me.|5b]]

(set: $speed to "true") The ease at which you manoeuvre through wind and sky was unmatched within your flock; none could outpace you. You take delight in soaring above the cluttered world below, and expertly ride any and all blustering winds set out to oppose you. Come winter, you thought you were fully prepared. [[...|6a]]

(set: $brawn to "true") Amongst your flock, you dominated in size and strength. Any trespassers skulking around the roost were met with your impressive brawn, and if that wasn’t enough in encouraging them to flee, the powerful jabs from your beak were. Passive admiration from your peers was always enough to elevate your mood. Come winter, you thought you were fully prepared. [[...|6b]]

But speed, your greatest asset, did not save you from your last encounter with the dangerous denizens of this world. Food is scarce when the snow lies thick, and whilst you could scour larger areas in shorter times, luck was never in your favour. [[...|7]]

It was only when encroaching on man’s territories of brick dwellings that you had begun to find scraps, most of it precariously placed within small cages hung near the unprepossessing structures. You took little notice of the beady crow eyes marking you from atop the neat shingles. {(if: $speed is "true") [If one were to leave its perch and contest you, you were confident you could escape them within seconds.] (else-if: $brawn is "true") [If one were to leave its perch and contest you, you were confident you could physically overpower them within seconds.]} [[...|8]]

But strength, your greatest asset, did not save you from your last encounter with the dangerous denizens of this world. Food is scarce when the snow lies thick, and whilst you could intimidate any serious competition among your travels, luck was never in your favour. [[...|7]]

But, the pairs of eyes had doubled. Tripled. Within but a minute, they had surrounded you. [[...|9]]

At the moment you made contact with the next cage, the stale silence in the air was violently shattered by a flurry of black wings, all beating. Every angle was obscured by the approaching clusters of darkness, and you were soon to be engulfed in a cacophony of cawing and clawing. [[...|10]]

<h4>Do you remember what you did?</h4> {(if: $speed is "true") [[[I spread my wings...|11a]]] (else-if: $brawn is "true") [[[I stood my ground...|11b]]]}

…and you prepared to escape with your life. [[...|12]]

…and you prepared to fight for your life. [[...|12]]

<h4>Vastly outnumbered.</h4> [[...|13]]

<h4>A shower of feathers.</h4> [[...|14]]

<h4>Pain, everywhere.</h4> [[...|15]]

<h4>But then, they scarper.</h4> [[...|16]]

A presence had approached the madness that was, and had dispelled it almost as instantly as it had started. Looming over you was a panicked young girl, her face wrought with worry. As consciousness seeped from your beaten body, she leant down and embraced you in her cold, but gentle grasp. You then awakened here, in this cage. [[...|17]]

It has been a series of hands and healing ever since. [[...|18]]

(align: "=><=")[<h3>Spring.</h3>] (align: "=><=")[[[...|19]]]

Life here is easy, but bleak. [[...|20]]

Everything needed to survive is unnaturally provided to you, and you feel hollow as you indulge in the timely feedings. The pain that had plagued your body during the past months has mostly subsided, and like a sprouting seed, you yearn for the tastes of sun and rain. [[...|21]]

Aside from the mundane routine, you’ve noticed that the gentle, inquisitive hands that brought aid to your aches weren’t poking and prodding so often anymore. Instead, they would mostly watch from a distance, coming closer only to provide you provisions. [[...|22]]

From observing the operations in this odd prison, you know that you are nearing the final stage. Soon, your cage would be lifted from the many shrieks and sounds you had become accustomed to, and be taken elsewhere. You hope it would be to your freedom; your hosts have been uncharacteristically kind to you this winter, and you plea that their motives won’t change with the season. All of a sudden, you are hoisted into the air. [[...|23]]

<h4>In your moment of stoic reflection, it would seem that one of your watchers has picked up your cage, and now you are being carried out into the unknown. How do you react?</h4> [[I’ll be calm as I watch from my side of the bars, eager to glance upon any change of scenery.|24a]] {(if: $brawn is "true") [[[Panicked, I’ll smash against the sides of my prison in protest!|24b]]] (else-if: $speed is "true") [[[Panicked, I’ll smash against the sides of my prison in protest!|24c]]]}

(set: $released to "true") Through many stark-white halls you are carried, a sea of faces passing. You are brought outside briefly, but the cage is placed into a mass of metal. Vibrations riddle throughout you for the next few minutes. It isn’t long before it stops, along with the humming and stuttering of the metal construct. Your cage is lifted once more, and for the first time in months, you can feel the wind. [[...|25a]]

(set: $escaped to "true") Restless, you begin to repeatedly scurry between the front and back of your cage. Despite no obvious signs of malice from your captors, you’re not willing to take any chances. Seemingly unaware of your uproar, the cage persists through stark-white corridors. But, your outburst is only in its adolescence. [[...|25b]]

(set: $sedated to "true") Restless, you begin to repeatedly scurry between the front and back of your cage. Despite no obvious signs of malice from your captors, you’re not willing to take any chances. Seemingly unaware of your uproar, the cage persists through stark-white corridors. But, your outburst is only in its adolescence. [[...|25c]]

Your cage is placed upon the ground and the barred door is gently coursed open. A tall shadow slowly retreats backwards. Squinting at the sudden rush of light, you stumble into a wide field laced with daisies and dew drops. [[...|26a]]

Time seems to crawl slowly forward as you hop gingerly among the wet grass. The morning carries a crisp chill that you let dance between your feathers. Grateful for your release, you tilt your head upward toward your liberator and are met with a small, sweet smile. A tall woman stands before you, shuddering at the same gust that you had welcomed, but still maintains her glowing presence. [[...|27a]]

Having conveyed your thankfulness through this mutual gaze, you spread your wings and shake off any persistent dew. {(if: $speed is "true") [Finally within your element, you’re soaring within seconds.] (else-if: $brawn is "true") [After a few attempts, you’re in the air.]} [[...|28a]]

You dart up into the sky, looking for a direction to start in. It might be a long way back to the roost, and with no time to lose, you set off. You nearly look back, but you refrain. It’s time to put the past behind you. [[...|29]]

For the first few hours, you hunt for a path that you’ve travelled before. A prominent sign, a familiar sight, anything to establish a location. It is past noon before you finally pick up a trail; a crumbling cobblestone wall beset by familiar feathers. You know the way from here, and it isn’t much later before you arrive home. [[...|30]]

A construct of man, much smaller than their usual abodes. Time had taken its toll on the lone building, nestled away in the corner of a barren field. Failed by the collapsed wooden fencing, overgrowth from the adjacent woodland had invaded, branches of trees creeping in through what were once windows. But the current inhabitants didn’t seem to mind the damage. [[...|31]]

With much heft, you throw your body into the side of the cage. You command it to swing, hear the clang of metal upon metal, and a sharp cry of distress. Then, you are taken by the force of gravity as your cage plummets to the ground. You wince and prepare for impact, one that would leave you in a brief shock. The old, cage door wasn’t as fortunate, and the blow to the floor sends it flying off its tested hinges. [[...|26b]]

You emerge from the cage, partly dazed, and turn to glare at a tall woman clutching her hand in agony. You had forced it into a passing door during your ram. She hisses through gritted teeth, and looks up from her wound to match your gaze. You both stare at one another before erupting into motion. [[...|27b]]

Flight prevails, and you narrowly escape her attempts at recapture. You dodge her grasps from her remaining good hand and circle around her, looking for an escape whilst trying to stay out of reach. It isn’t long before you navigate into another room, with a door to the outside held open, a man holding a large box in the doorway. With your pursuer loudly closing the distance, and another startled man jumping from his desk in shock, you seize your fleeting opportunity to escape. [[...|28b]]

Enacting your plan, you rush past the man in the doorway, causing him to drop his package. Having finally broken free, you dart up into the sky, looking for a direction to start in. It might be a long way back to the roost, and with no time to lose, you set off. You don’t even think of looking back. It’s time to leave the past behind you. [[...|29]]

Latching onto the bars, you flap backwards in an attempt to rip it off its hinges. You pull, twist and screech, but the door only rattles and jolts. Whilst it doesn’t come loose, the cage does stop moving, and you catch a glimpse of a door leading to the outside. However, you hear some concerned murmuring above you, and the cage changes directions, pulling freedom out of view. Further enraged, you continue your efforts to break out, but you are taken further in. More faces. More hands. A sharp pinch, and then nothing. [[...|26c1]]

... [[...|26c2]]

...... [[...|26c3]]

......... [[...|27c]]

Awaking with a start, you find yourself prone in a wide field laced with daisies and dew drops. Seemingly alone, you can’t shake the feeling that you’re being watched. Becoming upright, you stumble gently among the wet grass. The morning carries a crisp chill that you let dance between your feathers. [[...|28c]]

After reorienting yourself, you spread your wings and shake off any persistent dew. Whilst a little drowsy, you’re finally within your element and soaring within seconds. You dart up into the sky, looking for a direction to start in. It might be a long way back to the roost, and with no time to lose, you set off. [[...|29]]

You flutter into the roost and land on a worn shelf resting above an array of rotting tools. At first, your entrance is challenged by seven pairs of eyes and a sudden absence of noise. All at once, they recognise you and return to chirping at one another and preening their feathers. There are fewer members of the flock than you remember, others perhaps having left to mate. {(if: $speed is "true") [[[...|32a]]] (else-if: $brawn is "true") [[[...|32b]]]}

As they busy themselves, you catch a glimpse of a slender specimen seemingly trapped in a shard of loose glass. It emulates the smooth cocking of your head as you approach, and the littered scars it harbours are a grim, but proud reminder of what it has survived. You recognise this bird. [[...|33]]

As they busy themselves, you catch a glimpse of a large specimen seemingly trapped in a shard of loose glass. It emulates your swagger as you approach, and the littered scars it boasts are a grim, but proud reminder of what it has survived. You recognise this bird. [[...|33]]

It’s you. [[...|34]]

(align: "=><=")[<h3>Summer.</h3>] (align: "=><=")[[[...|35]]]

Sharp rays of harsh sunlight balm the land in a still heat, and the long days crawl forward. [[...|36]]

However, the sweltering conditions could only encourage a busier day for the tasty denizens of the fields; any and every patch of grass was teeming with life. {(if: $brawn is "true") [[[...|37a]]] (else-if: $speed is "true") [[[...|37b]]]}

One such treat had stumbled into your path. A particularly plump beetle that couldn’t escape from your firm clutches. With an abundance of food brimming all around, you decide to store this one for later. [[...|38a]]

Securing it in your claws, you return to the roost. Members of your flock are constantly entering and exiting, either seeking their next meal or shelter from the overbearing heat. Landing somewhat nearby the structure, you begin to peck a hole into the dirt. [[...|39a]]

One such treat, an unlucky grasshopper, had been caught in one of your particularly skilful swoops. With an abundance of food brimming all around, you decide to store this one for later. [[...|38b]]

After a few impacts, you are left with a sizeable pit. You slide the beetle in and cover it with an inconspicuous stone, securing yourself an easy meal for the days to come. [[...|40]]

After hiding your prize away, you see that the sun is still far from setting. With a good portion of the day remaining, you figure you could prepare quite the stockpile of buried food. Scanning the ground for potential hiding spots, two shadows passing over the dirt steal your attention. [[...|41]]

After a few swipes, you are left with a sizeable pit. You slide the grasshopper in and cover it with some shreds of grass, securing yourself an easy meal for the days to come. [[...|40]]

Looking up, you spot two specimens soaring overhead. From their distinctive calls, you know these to be gulls. Feisty birds, causing nothing but trouble wherever they go. However, you also know them to be great scavengers. [[...|42]]

Glancing back to your fresh burial, you decide to postpone your personal hunt and tail the scavengers instead. It’s likely that they’ll come across a great haul, and you’d rather be there to take easy pickings. Starting into action, you take off after the birds, following them whilst minding your distance. [[...|43]]

Weaving past field after field, they eventually reach a large area of turf littered with flowers and trees, and you spot the odd human here and there, walking alongside tethered, four-legged beasts. How odd, you think. Trying not to dwell on it, you watch the two gulls land and join a busy crowd of many more. [[...|44]]

In an uproar, the group of gulls were all brawling over a split black bag, leaking an array of rotten pickings and discarded trash. A fetid and pungent aroma choked the area, the season’s heat only empowering the scent. None of this deterred the gulls, and they kept lunging toward whatever debris fell from the torn sack. [[...|45]]

However, you spot something in particular fly out of the carnage. Hooking your eyes onto it, you watch as it pirouettes through the air and onto the ground. There is a certain quality about this object that throws your mind into a frenzy; you just have to obtain it! [[...|46]]

(put: (prompt: "What is the object? Input a single noun, one that would make sense replacing the blank in the following sentences - “I picked up the ______. The ______ is fantastic!”", "Examples of what you could input: ring, button, coin, etc.") into $object) The $object was still, resting at a juxtaposition to the manic gulls. Despite the crazed birds dancing around the $object, you note that no gull has noticed it, or if they had, there were better things to fight for presently. With the group so heavily distracted, you reckon you could rush in and obtain the $object without being absorbed into the confusion. [[...|47]]

<h4>How will you achieve this?</h4> {(if: $speed is "true") [[[I’ll perform a swift manoeuvre and go to clasp the $object.|48a]] <br> <br> [[I’ll inflate my chest and charge into the fray!|48d]]] (else-if: $brawn is "true") [[[I’ll perform a swift manoeuvre and go to clasp the $object.|48b]] <br> <br> [[I’ll inflate my chest and charge into the fray!|48c]]]}

Shaking your feathers, you step backwards twice, hop forward once, and bound into the breeze. Wings aspread, it projects you directly toward the $object. Whooshing past the frontline of enagaged combatants, you deftly lower yourself and snatch up the $object. [[...|49a]]

You bend low to the ground, and prepare for a sprint. With your eye on the $object, you begin bounding at pace, screeching loudly. Two bickering gulls work their way into your path, but clear as you jolt past loudly, startling them. Reaching the $object, you attempt to snatch it up and return to safety. [[...|49d]]

Shaking your feathers, you step backwards twice, hop forward once, and take off. Now airborne, you project yourself toward the $object. Making it past the frontline of engaged combatants, you aim to lower yourself and snatch up the $object. [[...|49b]]

You bend low to the ground, and prepare for a mighty sprint. With your eye on the $object, you begin striding at pace. Two arguing gulls work their way into your path, but are soon jostled aside as you plummet into the chaos. Reaching the $object, you snatch it up and rotate to perform a charge back to safety. [[...|49c]]

Before any of the gulls could even notice your swift acquisition, you rotate, cup your wings, and let the gust take you above and out of the crowd. Gliding to a safe distance, you look back on the polluted horror and are glad you didn’t get caught in it. Releasing the $object, you try to catch your breath. [[...|50a]]

(set: $aided to "false") Before you get a chance to recover, something hops down from the trees and drops beside you. Swinging around, a rush of panic surges within you. But that panic quickly becomes confusion as you observe a fellow magpie curiously staring at you. [[...|52]]

You don’t recognise it as one of your flock, and likewise, it is giving you some strange looks. You allow it to come closer as it starts to study your body, looking for longer than needed at some of your faded scars. [[...|53]]

Much to your dismay, three of the gulls notice your arrival and peck at your wings, bringing you to the ground. With the $object now at your side, you refuse to let them have it and brace yourself for a scrap. Reveling in their brief success, they accost you. Confidence seeps from the trio the moment you jab back, and one of them cries in anguish as you collide, beak to beak. [[...|50b]]

(set: $aided to "true") Before you get the chance to peck at another, a blur of black and white swoops down from the trees and swipes at one of the bigger gulls. With one distracted, you stomp over to the remaining two, who wisely choose to flee. With all foes defeated, you return to claim your prize and make a hasty escape. [[...|51b]]

Retreating away from the commotion, you look back on the polluted horror and are glad you’re no longer caught in it. Releasing the $object, you try to catch your breath. Before you can recover, your brazen ally approaches and makes itself known, curiously eyeing up both you and the $object. It’s another magpie. [[...|52]]

Whilst a few gulls had definitely become aware of you, they dare not approach nor follow as you barrel back out of the bickering. Reaching a safe distance, you look back on the polluted horror and are glad you didn’t get caught in it. Releasing the $object, you begin to steady your beating heart. [[...|50c]]

Much to your dismay, the two dazed gulls don’t take kindly to your arrival and block your exit. With the $object now at your side, you refuse to let them have it and brace yourself for a scrap. Reveling in their brief success, they accost you. Outnumbered, you find it impossible to land a single strike whilst the two gulls circle and peck in response to your own attacks. [[...|50d]]

(set: $aided to "true") Before they attack again, a blur of black and white swoops down from the trees and swipes at one of the bigger gulls. With one distracted, you manage to get yourself in the air and perform a variety of aggressive aerial attacks against the other. It can’t match your speed, and chooses to flee before it takes any serious damage. With the gull dispatched, you claim your prize and make a hasty escape. [[...|51d]]

Retreating away from the commotion, you look back on the polluted horror and are glad you’re no longer caught in it. Releasing the $object, you begin to calm your pounding heart. Before you can recover, your brazen ally approaches and makes itself known, curiously eyeing up both you and the $object. It’s another magpie. [[...|52]]

When its gaze lands upon your $object, you instinctively fluster and protest loudly. Startled, it backs off, runs its eyes across you one last time, and takes flight, disappearing into the trees. An unfortunate first impression, but with the cacophony of gulls still booming nearby, you only want to leave this place. [[...|54]]

With the sun at your back and your new $object in hand, you set off for home. [[...|55]]

(align: "=><=")[<h3>Autumn.</h3>] (align: "=><=")[[[...|56]]]

The trees shed their leaves in the wind, and the last storm of summer has finished ravaging the land. [[...|57]]

For insects, the open fields could never be as lucrative as the rotting leaves littering the woodland floor. Most had migrated over, preferring to squalor in the decaying darkness. Tearing apart the detritus, you interrupt their feeding frenzy, and begin your own. You only manage to catch a couple before the others scurry away into the filth. [[...|58]]

Before you can tear into another pile of dead flora, you hear the distant pounding of heavy feet. Alerted, you rush up to the trees and conceal yourself amongst the red and brown. [[...|59]]

One set of footsteps becomes two. Then, four. When the crowd of humans start to pass, the sound of their feet crunching the dried leaves is near deafening. [[...|60]]

You contemplate retreating to hunt elsewhere, until you spot a boy unintentionally dropping golden discs from a peculiar, shiny packet. It doesn’t take long for the tall man next to him notice. Furious, he publicly reprimands the child, trying to keep his composure in the crowd. [[...|61]]

The group finally passes by, and you return to the trampled floor. Before returning to sift through the decomposing masses, you first approach the crispy flakes. Most were now dust, but some were still intact. You peck at them curiously, and upon discovering that they are edible, you gorge on what little was left behind. [[...|62]]

Acquiring a taste for these easy pickings, you devise a plan. The group would likely leave behind more scraps in their wake, meaning that you could easily feed yourself for the day if you followed along. Abandoning the hunt for grubs, you tail after the crowd, hopping from tree to tree to remain unnoticed. [[...|63]]

After a series of covert dashes, you eventually reach the treeline. Frustratingly, the people hadn’t dropped any further scraps of food, and coming to the edge of the wood, they split and the crowd disperse into the glade ahead. However, this clearing was far from clear. [[...|64]]

A mob of humans, much larger than the collection you had pursued, flood the area. Huge, ear-splitting machinery carry a number of them, and they all appear to be screaming. Whether it’s in joy or terror, you cannot discern. Flashing lights and alien sounds steal the free space above it all, and the range of scents emitting from the area only baffle you further. [[...|65]]

Shaking your head, you attempt to concentrate on locating any abandoned morsels of food. Scouring over the feverish gathering, your attention is drawn to a lone plastic bag being dragged across the floor. A flash of black and white seems to aggressively jitter around it, but no humans are present nearby. [[...|66]]

Not far from this unnatural display, you catch a young girl drop something large on the floor, wrapped in white tissue. You’re unable to deduce what it might be, but you suspect that it’s edible. With hardly any onlookers populating that area, you figure you could snap it up and retreat without consequence. [[...|67]]

<h4>In all the bustle, you decide to investigate these sights. But which?</h4> [[I’ll approach the odd bag, as I can hunt for more food later.|68a]] [[I can’t let an opportunity like this pass! I aim to seize this potential meal.|68b]]

Leaving the treeline, you flutter down to the freakish display of moving plastic. [[...|69a]]

Leaving the treeline, you flutter down to the child. [[...|69b]]

Now much closer, you recognise the agitated blur to be the magpie you met last season. With all its attention on the bag, it hasn’t noticed you yet. From what you can perceive, the bird is trying to liberate something from the sack. But despite every way the magpie twists and turns, the bag is persistent in keeping its contents. [[...|70a]]

{(if: $aided is "true") [Since the bird came to your aid in the summer, you figure that you should return the favour.] (else-if: $aided is "false") [Also curious about what lies in the bag, you approach.]} [[...|71a]]

You bounce closer, and chirp out to greet them. To your surprise, you’re met with a possessive screech, reminiscent of your own performance from when it had looked upon your $object months ago. You scuffle back, and the other magpie, now fully aware of your presence, tenses up. [[...|72a]]

It runs its eyes over you, scanning like it had done once before. Upon seeing your scars, it relaxes, pecks some dirt out of its wing, and returns to its task at hand. [[...|73a]]

You approach again. Amidst its struggle, the bird glances your way, but the hostility ends there. Gingerly stepping forward, you peck at the bag. The magpie freezes, eyes locked on your own. A decision is made. Tilting its head, it retreats a little, maintaining its watch on you. {(if: $brawn is "true") [[[...|74a]]] (else-if: $speed is "true") [[[...|74aa]]]}

You examine the bag. It’s stretched and taught, likely from the other bird’s attempt at rendering it open. Any original opening to the bag had been accidentally sealed by the mangling of its own material. However, it’s no match for your strength, and you perforate the bag with ease. Gripping onto the exposed flaps of plastic, you greatly widen the hole in a single tear, allowing you to obtain whatever is inside. Reaching in, you release the item from its confines. [[...|75a]]

You examine the bag. It’s stretched and taught, likely from the other bird’s attempt at rendering it open. Any original opening to the bag had been accidentally sealed by the mangling of its own material, but you reckon that gravity could aid in prying it open. Grabbing the sack by its bottom, you raise it into the air and begin to shake. Stubborn, the plastic remains folded at first, but eventually gives way and reforms to its original shape. With the opening exposed, the item falls through to the floor. [[...|75a]]

On closer inspection, the item looks to be a duplicate of your $object, emulating it in every way. Surprised, you move to inspect it, but the other bird quickly puts itself between you and the $object. Halting your advance, you watch the other bird nuzzle its new possession, gleefully chirping. Enamoured by the sight, you nearly fail to notice the sharp cries booming above the alien noises already surrounding you. [[...|76a]]

A murder of crows fly overhead, dancing between one another and menacingly looming over the clearing. Upon noticing them, horror is instilled within you and your heart begins to race. Instantly, the other magpie flees, its new object vanishing with them. Following suit, you scramble into the air and escape. Ravenous, the crows descend into the clearing, eager to feed. [[...|78]]

You land, a little distance away. Observing, you see the little girl towering over a brown, twisted loop, tears in her eyes. From here, you detect a sweet but salty scent, and when looking upon its crusty shape, your stomach gurgles. [[...|70b]]

The opening to snatch it closes when a tall woman saunters over, another one of the brown loops in her grasp. Resting her free hand on the child’s shoulder, she hushes her and offers up her own food in replacement. Weakly grinning, the child wipes away the tears from her eyes, grips the gift with both hands, and takes a giddy bite. [[...|71b]]

They are about to set off, leaving the dropped meal unguarded, when the taller woman spots you skulking nearby. You freeze as your eyes meet. {(if: $released is "true") [[[...|72bb]]] (else:) [[[...|72b]]]}

Memories flash into your mind, those of winter, and you remember this woman as your liberator. She seems particularly interested in the faded scars on your body. [[...|73bb]]

{(if: $escaped is "true") [Memories flash into your mind, those of winter, and you remember this woman as one of the humans who had contained you. She seems particularly interested in the faded scars on your body.] (else-if: $sedated is "true") [You don’t recognise this person, but she seems particularly interested in the faded scars on your body.]} [[...|73b]]

Her eyes widen, as if she had just remembered something, and her inquisitive look drops to a scowl. She rushes toward you, forcing you into a panic. Abruptly, you flap your wings hard and shoot upwards, all the while the child protests the woman’s actions. [[...|74b]]

Landing on one of the mechanical titans nearby, you watch as she transfers the dropped food into a metal cylinder, affixing a disc on top. She scans the area, likely looking for you, and promptly leaves with the child, the little girl seeming very unsettled. [[...|75b]]

Annoyed, you squawk out after them, only to be muffled by the whirring of rotating machinery and its raucous passengers. With this plan foiled, you decide you’ll instead check on the odd plastic bag. That is until you spot a large, dark mass approach the glade. [[...|76b]]

A murder of crows fly overhead, dancing between one another and menacingly looming over the clearing. Upon noticing them, horror is instilled within you and your heart begins to race. Hungry, you scramble into the air and escape. Ravenous, the crows descend into the clearing, eager to feed. [[...|78]]

Her eyes widen, as if she had just remembered something, and her inquisitive look relaxes into a smile, one you fondly recognise from spring. She kneels, gesturing the child toward you. They communicate, and the child’s eyes lighten and a grin covers her entire face. [[...|74bb]]

Crumbling a bit of her snack into her hand, the little girl reaches toward you, open palm. Apprehensive, you hop backwards. But, now that the child is closer, the prominent smile on her face triggers an epiphany. She was the child that had scared off your attackers last winter, and, more shockingly, she looked so alike to the woman kneeling beside her. You figure them to be mother and child. [[...|75bb]]

Easing up, but ever cautious, you approach her hand and start taking crumbs from it, retreating after every peck. Overwhelmed, the taste far outshines that of a beetle, and you strive to eat all that she offers you. [[...|76bb]]

Sensing no danger, you stop running and eat directly from her palm. You’re a little alerted when the child starts squeeing, but you keep feeding nonetheless. She had broken off a generous amount, and you are stuffed by the time you had devoured most of it. Raising your head, you look upon the two humans grinning at you, and it’s enough to distract you from metal screeching and sliding nearby. But the peace doesn’t last. [[...|77bb]]

A murder of crows fly overhead, dancing between one another and menacingly looming over the clearing. Upon noticing them, horror is instilled within you and your heart begins to race. Both humans look up into the sky, their smiles fading. Ignoring the rest of the food, including that dropped, you scramble into the air and escape. Ravenous, the crows descend into the clearing, eager to feed. [[...|78]]

(align: "=><=")[<h3>Winter.</h3>] (align: "=><=")[[[...|79]]]

There’s a certain beauty that accommodates a pearlescent blanket of snow resting beneath a thick layer of grey cloud. Whilst winter crept in late this year, it is relentless as always; its snowscapes are mesmerising, but far from hospitable. [[...|80]]

You wake to an icy breeze invading the roost, the broken panes of glass doing little to stop it. Nestled in the corner, you blink at your $object and stretch. Rising from your makeshift bed of twigs and twine, you proceed to the window. [[...|81]]

Icicles line the top frame, growing slightly longer each day. Curious, you peck at the longest and it snaps, crashing upon the shelf. Fearful, you look back to your flock, most now awake and drowsily staring in your direction. No members had vacated this year to mate, and none dared to look for one at the current unforgiving time. Especially not whilst their stomachs rumbled constantly. [[...|82]]

Shivering, you return to gaze over the buried field and steel yourself for the upcoming hunt. A stale coldness befalls the roost. Moments pass, and you finally shatter the silence by beating your wings. The search begins. [[...|83]]

{(if: $speed is "true") [But food is scarce when the snow lies thick, and whilst you could scour larger areas in shorter times, luck was never in your favour.] (else-if: $brawn is "true") [But food is scarce when the snow lies thick, and whilst you could intimidate any serious competition among your travels, luck was never in your favour.]} [[...|84]]

Hours in, you happen across the same cluster of stone dwellings from last winter, but dare not approach. A repeat of that horror is something you’re very keen to avoid, and you dart away, the clouds above growing darker. [[...|85]]

Light, fluffy flakes begin to float past your eyes as you survey the land for any source of food. Much to your surprise, you catch sight of many short trees hosting tiny dots of red, in an otherwise barren glen. Food, you hope, and your burning hunger drives you to approach. [[...|86]]

Your instincts reward you with a bounty of juicy, frosted berries, bunched together. Wasting no time, you fix yourself to a branch and begin to feed. Managing to consume the best part of two clusters, you’re about to start on a third when you are interrupted by a mix of vile cries. The sounds echo through the glen, and whilst they’re somewhat distorted, you are confident that among them is the cry of a magpie. Somewhat satiated, you dismount and proceed to cautiously investigate. [[...|87]]

Snow is falling much heavier now, but you continue forward, chasing the noises. It isn’t until you reach the location that you discern what other animals are present. Fear dominates your mind, and you swiftly come to rest on a felled trunk. Eyes wide open, you see three crows harassing a magpie around a grand, but bare, oak tree. [[...|88]]

You’re struggling to follow every bird’s movements, and you instead focus on a clump of sticks that is hurled from the tree. It crumbles apart before landing, and imprints into the snow with a sloppy thud, the slush partly breaking its fall. Among the wreckage, you note something similar to your $object. [[...|89]]

Light fades from the area, and the wind rushes in. [[...|90]]

Staring back to the tree, you catch a glimpse of the other magpie weaving past branches and circling the trunk. It’s doing well in evading its pursuers, confusing them with sharp turns and erratic movements. Despite this, the bird is outnumbered, and you aren’t convinced it can keep up this performance forever. Perhaps, if you intervene…? [[...|91]]

Your mind is rushing. Would you relive the events of last winter? Would you be fortunate to survive them a second time? [[...|92]]

The $object that fell with the nest is still, slowly being submerged in the flurry. [[...|93]]

Your chest is pounding and panic instils itself within. Perhaps you could just snatch up the $object and escape? Live to see another spring? [[...|94]]

The snow falls thick and fast. [[...|95]]

<h4>How will this end? Fight, or flight?</h4> [[I won’t allow this magpie to suffer through what I have. If these crows want a fight, they’ll have one!|96a]] [[I can’t suffer to these monsters again. I’ll grab the $object and leave!|96b]]

(set: $mateEnd to "true") Trembling, you look away from the disappearing $object and set your eyes on the chase. Shaking the snow from your wings, you bound upward, and despite your crippling fear, you target the closest crow and move to intercept. {(if: $speed is "true") [[[...|97a]]] (else-if: $brawn is "true") [[[...|97aa]]]}

(set: $objectEnd to "true") The cost of failure is too dire, and even if you were to help, you’d still be outmatched. You decide to retreat, but the allure of the $object is too great, and you can’t abandon it. All you have to do is race in, collect the $object, and fly home. But during your deliberation, a caw sounds in your direction. One crow breaks off from the trio and descends toward you. Time is of the essence. {(if: $speed is "true") [[[...|97b]]] (else-if: $brawn is "true") [[[...|97bb]]]}

Gaining speed, you rush to the crow and screech in its face. Startled, it instinctively swipes out toward you. You deftly dodge, heading higher into the sky. It follows, the heavy snowfall impeding its sight. [[...|98a]]

Head first, you ram into the crow. Startled, it instinctively swipes out toward you. Dodging its swipe, you return to the ground. It follows. Upon landing, you punt snow into its face with your wings, impeding its sight. [[...|98aa]]

Whilst it struggles to see, you rotate and dive back toward it, making your attack. Your scratch lands, and black feathers fall with the snow. The crow shrieks in agony, abandons its pursuit, and makes toward the sky, leaving its companions behind. [[...|99a]]

Adrenaline courses through your veins, and you prepare to select a new target. Having heard the shriek, the other two crows stop their chase and look at you, threatening you with vile cawing. In this brief moment, the other magpie swoops into view and forces one of the hovering crows into the sturdy trunk. [[...|100a]]

Whilst it struggles to see, you make another attack. Your lunge makes contact, and black feathers fall upon the snow. The crow shrieks in agony, abandons its pursuit, and makes toward the sky, leaving its companions behind. [[...|99a]]

Wounded, it quickly flees, leaving the last crow alone. Without the support of its trio, the remaining crow succumbs to its cowardice, swiftly rushing away. [[...|101a]]

Victorious and ecstatic, you look to the other bird for approval. You both land near the ruined nest, and you see that the magpie doesn’t share your enthusiasm. Dejected, it frantically rummages through the expanding layer of snow. The wind roars along the glen. [[...|102a]]

Heart still racing, you loudly chirp over the rush of air. Exhausted, the other bird looks to what was its nest, and then glares at you and your faded scars. Eager to leave the brewing storm, you nudge your beak against its own, and take off. It follows you, and you both bound off into the blustering winds. [[...|103]]

Flapping fast, you use the harsh winds to project yourself forward toward the $object, but the crow catches you just before and slams you into the ground. You both tumble among the slurry, and eventually scutter to your feet. Unfortunately, a fight is now inevitable. [[...|98b]]

Acting first, you rush to the crow and screech in its face. Startled, it instinctively swipes out toward you. You deftly dodge, taking off into the sky. It follows, the heavy snowfall impeding its sight. [[...|99b]]

Adrenaline courses through your veins, and you return yourself to the $object, clasping it in your claws. [[...|101b]]

Striking first, you ram into the crow. Startled, it instinctively swipes out toward you. Shuffling backwards, you avoid its attempt. You return in kind by punting snow into its face with your wings, impeding its sight. [[...|99bb]]

Whilst it struggles to see, you make another attack. Your lunge makes contact, and a few black feathers fall upon the snow. The crow shrieks in agony, abandons its pursuit, and makes toward the sky. [[...|100b]]

Having claimed another treasure, you prepare to escape. You give one last look to the ruined nest, and hear the muffled brawl of the birds above the gale. Eager to leave the brewing storm, and with the $object in hand, you take flight and bound off into the blustering winds. [[...|103]]

(align: "=><=")[<h3>Spring.</h3>] (align: "=><=")[[[...|104]]]

Grasses and buds emerge from underneath the snowmelt, eager to reunite with the sun. A pleasant sight that you had missed last year, but not this time around. {(if: $objectEnd is "true") [[[...|105a]]] (else-if: $mateEnd is "true") [[[...|105b]]]}

Standing at the window of the roost, you look back to your nest containing your $object and its identical. Both items fill you with immense pride, and as the members of your flock enter and exit, you always ensure that they look upon your collection. Eventually, you cease showing off when your stomach beckons, reminding you that food is awaiting. Hungry, you leave the roost in search of tasty treats. [[...|106]]

Standing at the window of the roost, you look to the $object at your feet. Next to it are the feet of another. Your mate looks at you, picks at some dirt that was resting upon your neck, and returns to face the barren field. Denizens of the roost enter and exit, all committing to their own hunts. As will you be, but today will boast a very unfamiliar hunt. You, your partner, and your beloved $object leave the roost, aiming to build a nest elsewhere. [[...|106]]

It’s time to face another year anew. [[...|END]]

(align: "=><=")[[[<h3>END.</h3>|Start]]]