The composed brunette leaned back in the seat. Raising his shoulders with a stretch before letting out a yawn, hiding the gaping with the back of his hand before settling it back onto his lap. The movements of the wheel completely unfazed him. Its jerks and sudden stops normal to the human. Not only did he know what it was but he understood the mechanics behind how it worked. At least, he had as much understanding as the average person did regarding Ferris wheels. However, the woman to his side clearly did not.

Brows pulled inward tightly while his gaze settled on her. Eyes scanning over her, taking notes of all her distress. Frowning, guilt tugged at him. He had thought she might enjoy being in the air again. Feeling the freshness in the breeze upon her skin while not being bound to the ground, but the fear that encased her told him otherwise.

Cypher shifted his weight, pushing himself closer to Migisi. The stiffness of her body pressured against his nonchalant recline. Muscles tensing while the woman squeezed the bar. "Relax, darling, you are fine," his arms slide down around her. One arm weaving beneath her outstretched grasp around her waist. Pulling her closer to him; his boney hip pressed into her ample one. Free arm reached over her shoulder as it ran full length of her arm. His long fingers wrapped around her wrist as he pulled up on it, breaking her terrified grip from the bar as he quickly slipped his hand int her's once it was free.

Her palm had been rubbed red. Raw and cold from holding onto the cool metal bar. Spreading his fingers, he allowed them to subconsciously entangle with her's as he tried to bring warmth back to her. His head had been lowered to match to her height. Facing her, his rich voice continued to run over her. Warm breaths upon her skin, "See, my dear? You are not in danger. This is a 'Ferris wheel'; it just spins slowly like this and takes us up here...Here up in the sky."

Beneath them the fairgrounds sparkled like a polished diamond lined with precious gems. The center of the park was lit brightly with the white lights of the lamps but different shades of colors twinkled with the cleanness of it all. In the near distance, the skyline of Manchester glowed. Buildings illuminated against the dark backdrop of the night sky. Pavement glistened beneath the street lamps. A view so dearly loved by the native Englishman.

Taking in the sights, Cypher took a single deep breath. Chest caving in beneath his clothing; eyes closing while he tilted his chin upward beside Migisi. Catching the fresh air in his nostrils as it carried deep within his lungs. So crisp and fresh mixed with the intoxicating scents of the grilling meats and hickory smoke. A warm exhale followed quickly behind. Releasing the tightened muscles of his chest as his eyes opened once again. Blue irises darkened by the dim light.

The wheel had begun to spin at a steady rate. All the seats were filled with new passengers; there was no need to stop it again until it made a few amusing rounds. The ride itself held little interest in him. Instead, his attention was directed towards the woman to his side. Plastered against him as she drew herself in closer, if it were even possible. Inching deeper into his mass with little moments, causing him to tighten his grip around her waist.

Her ebony bangs poked out from beneath the felt hat she had won. Blowing gently in the breeze in a similar fashion as his own mahogany ones. The matching pair sat silently close together. He could feel each breath she took as her body rose and lifted with them. Warmth seeped into him from her, relaxing him even farther. Gently, he subconsciously leaned his head towards her. Pointed chin resting upon her shoulder as he slouched. Enjoying the moment of closeness and peace as he felt her within his arms.

A sensation he had missed and longed for. Just feeling someone tender near him...As he shifted, adjusting himself to a more comfortable position. He could not help but gaze over at her. Her average face held an adorable expression; the corner of her lips twitching while forcing back a small smile. His eyes wander farther, examining her as she leaned against him. Taking notice of her buxom figure pressed against his. Brows rose in slight integument, somewhat surprised by how pretty she looked in the faint lighting.

Startling movements caught his attention, causing him to lift his head during the commotion. Pressure rising from the woman's shoulder as he sat straight once again. The warmth that surrounded his head was gone. Cool air freely blew through the scruff upon his scalp. Hair unkempt having been patted down and rustled by the fedora that sat upon in daily. His bangs hung loosely down about his forehead, giving him a more casual appearance.

Blinking, he watched as the hat drifted on the gust before vanishing completely out of sight. Migisi's free arm stretched outward with her fingers twitching as she grasped at the air. His eyes followed her limb and settled on her. Head turned to him with parted lips in attempts to speak. Brows pulled together in displeasure before she pulled her arm back to her. Shoulders dipping in humiliation after mumbling the only word she could. Frowning.

"Tis alright, darling. Do not concern yourself over it," smiling softly, his face was now fully exposed without the fedora's shadow to cover it. Features outlined in the dim light of the Ferris wheel, glowing more brightly as the wheel carried them downward before fading as they were carried up. Letting go of her hand, Cypher tenderly stroked her cheek. A stray finger brushed against her pressing lips as if to tempt them. Thumb placed beneath her chin as he steadily lifted it to lock their gaze. "Nothing more than a silly little hat. I can always get another later."

(PG-13?)

The machinery around them soon grew quiet. Motor died far below them, slowing the spinning giant. Jolting a time or two, it inched the pair higher before coming to a complete stop. Back on the earth's surface, the conductor was beginning to unload the carts. Letting the first few benches free before allowing a new batch of passengers to take their place. Loud voices shared pleasantries as they settled on the hard seats. The commotion on the ground was oblivious to the awestruck pair, lost in each others eyes. Time seemed to stand still, as if the wheel itself had been a time machine. Seconds only ticking when it turned.

At the top, they found themselves surrounded by nothing. Completely undisturbed and isolated; figures hidden within the shadows of the evening. Out of reach of the lights sparkling beneath their exposed feet. The faint glow from below soaked into the darkness, yet provided just enough of a shine to allow them to see one another. Shades of blue eyes glistened; reflecting back the adoration stored within.

Just as he had, the woman gently placed her fingers to his lip. Mimicry was not a foreign concept to the brunette. As her unofficial caretaker and teacher, he had quickly grown use to her imitations. She needed to test the world to understand. Needed to learn from experience and this intimate moment was no acceptation. Subconsciously, she reacted to him.

Thick fingers awkwardly bunched together; not in a single stroke like his as she attempted to copy his tender gesture. Though its effects were not diluted in the slightest. Cypher felt his muscles go tense to her touch. Breath held in as he sat perfectly still. Allowing the woman to explore him. A tingling sensation trailed behind the path her fingertips created. Thin layer of goose bumps developed above his skin; hair stood on the back of his neck in curious excitement. Intoxicated gaze fell upon her.

Breath finally released with a longing sigh as the feathered hair woman retreated. Satisfied with her investigation. Conflicted undercurrent rose from the depths of his aching soul. Eyes pointed downward, looking her over and taking in her voluptuous figure outlined beside him. Slowly rising as his glare rolled with each curve. Hand upon her waist sliding along with his stare. Feeling her within his arm. The wide hourglass-shape of her waist...The plumpness of her breasts beneath her cardigan before wandering touch returned downward, past her waist and onto her thigh. Stroking her leg and bringing warmth to her through the denim jeans.

Old, forgotten longings resurfaced as the opposite hand released her chin. Open palm pressing against her cheek while his fingers tickled at her skin. Nails brushing against her softness every so slightly. Just fulfilling his need to know she truly was sitting beside him.

It was wrong to feel such a way about her, wasn't it? She had been a jackdaw - an animal transformed into a humanoid image. It was not natural, right? The nagging question pounded within his mind in rhyme to his racing heart. She stared up at him with blissful innocence, unaware of the effects she was beginning to take on him. Growing admiration bottled within his silence, causing him to bite his lower lip in an attempt to retake control of overwhelming emotions. Caged desire barked like a rabid dog within his mind; scratching at the gate and howling to be let loose, to run free...

A sudden jerk startled him. Blazing eyes glanced down to see the conductor fumbling with the levers once again as electricity shot through the wires. Forcing life back into the idle machine. There was no time to think, only time to act.

With a single swift motion, Cypher turned back towards Migisi. The grasp on her thigh tightened as well as the palm upon her face. Holding in her place as he angled his body inward against her's. Head tilting enough to allow him to slip beneath the brim of her hat and without a second thought, his soft lips were against her's. Starting as a peck at first; but burning desire parted them. Allowing them to form gently around her upper lip. Heart skipped; eyes closed. All his senses taking her in.

Fuck what his mind told him...

His heart knew she was human.

Thoughts were lost within the seconds it took for them to be lowered again. Mind going blank; focusing on nothing more than the touch between them. His conscious was oblivious to the downward motions they were now making. The wheel coming to a stop again as their bench pulled up to the raised platform. The wheel's breaks squealed with loud, mechanical noises over head and smelled of burned rubber. Sudden pause caused the bench to sway; rocking motion snapped him back into reality.

Turning his head to investigate the source of the movement, only to be horrified to see a line of faces directed towards the unannounced couple. A young boy pointed at them with his lips curled in disgust as he pointed them out. His mother pulled him closer to her side as she quickly covered his eyes with her hand with a gasp. A group of high school girls awed at the scene; clasping their hands together in front of themselves as they rocked on their heels. "Someone's shaggin' tonight," an obnoxious college boy called out from behind them. The conductor seemed unfazed by it, probably having witnessed kissing many times before.

Cypher instantly felt his face lit up. Flesh warming beneath its exterior as pale skin became flush. Rising quickly to his feet, his eyes remained fixed on the ground. Hand stupidly reaching upward to pull his fedora down above his face, but fingers grasped at air. He broke his stare long enough to glance up; scruffy bangs fluttered against his forehead as a bitter reminder that the hat had long been lost. Groaning, he shoved his hands in his pockets before storming down the small staircase. Hurrying pass the gossiping crowd that gawked at him going by. Teeth grinned in his clenched jaw; he hated gosspi...

"Migs, come on," Using her name over a sugary pet name, he called for her to follow him. He was an embarrassed refugee, taking shelter in the darkness of a near by tree's trunk. Leaning against it with a frown, he rubbed his sore eyes before crossing his arms. "Just bloody great. I kissed my pet...friend...partner thing...?"

Vulgar curses were masked by sharp, short breaths. Cypher rose a hand to his head, uneasily rustling his unkempt hair. Somewhat banging his occipital protuberance against the tree. Scraps of bark flaked off from the trunk; tangling themselves in the cut strains causing him to groan with more frustration. Stepping away from the tree, he allowed his hand to flow through his full set of hair. Curved fingers rubbed the back of his scalp to knock out the pieces of wood as cut nails scrapped the under layer of skin.

Dropping his arm, the young man paced anxiously in place. He stepped side to side in the grass as his eyes darted about. Glancing up at the starless sky through the bare branches, then towards the bustling crowd in the near distance. He shook his head, silently scolding himself for his foolish act.

He stopped in his tracks. Staring at nothing particular as he returned his hand to his face. Fingers curiously retracing the pattern Migisi had made before temptation overpowered him. Vivid flashbacks of the scene from moments ago replayed in his mind. Skin tingling again with a shiver as he retracted his lips inward. Tongue running along their curve as they folded over his teeth. Tasting the remains of the woman on them...as well as the sugary coating of the candy floss she devoured earlier in the night...Lips emerged from their moist cage as he chuckled. Shaking his head again while fighting off the mixture of emotions swirling in him. His mind screaming conflicts at him while his heart fluttered. Was it really that foolish? Thoughts wandered again until the sound of light, hurrying footsteps ran up on him, breaking his trance.

Blinking, he returned to reality. "Ah there you are, dar-" his sentence was cut short as he turned. Expecting to see Migisi trotting up behind him as she always did. However, the feathered hair woman was no where to be seen. The footsteps were created by a child wandering into the field to retrieve a rubber ball that she had dropped. The girl looked up at him with a smile as she lifted the ball from the grass; then retreated to her mother waiting for her in the distance.

His heart started to beat viciously as he staggered back towards the fairgrounds. "Migs?! Migs, where are you?" Forcing his way through the crowd and back towards the Ferris wheel; the last place he knew for a fact she was with him at. He darted pass the line of people, somewhat falling into the metal railing that surrounded it. The rusted fence rattled drawing the conductor's attention. "Where is the woman?"

The conductor blew out a puff of smoke, "What woman?"

"The woman...The one I was with?" Wide eyes scanned their surroundings but there was no sight of her.

"Don't know, lad. Probably stormed off when you did."

Slamming a fist down, Cypher pushed away from it and began searching for her.

"Migs!? Migis!" Lean figure was stretched out as far as it could. Walking on the mounds of his feet to extend his view. He called out over the crowd, but even with a raised pitch, his voice was lost. The blaring music and shouts drowned out his yells. Cypher pushed onward anyway; shoving his way through the wall of bodies while giving proper apologies in passing. "Excuse me...Pardon me...Have you seen this girl?"

He had no pictures of her for he never had a reason to need one. No need to have images of a jackdaw cluttering up the desk or his phone, especially when the crow always tagged along with him on his missions. Even now as a person, he still saw no point behind the idea. No reason to ask her to stand in place just to carry an image of her with him. He never really missed her enough to want a photograph to gaze at to combat the loneliness. (Or did he...?) Shaking the pointless thoughts away, there was no doubt in the helpfulness a photograph would have now.

"What girl...?" a bewildered woman blinked up at him as he paused before her. Her boyfriend tightening his grip around her waist while eying Cypher. Trying to determine his motivates.

"This...This girl I was with," the worrisome brunette tried describing her. His hands quivering from anxiety. Mad gestures matching his wording, "She has medium black hair. Cut just about here and...and...a round face, like this. Blue eyes with a tad of gray..."

"Awww is she your daughter?"

"No, she is older. Much older. About as old as I am."

"A sister then?" the woman's face then lit up as she squeezed her boyfriend's hand. "Or is she your girlfriend?"

Cypher sighed while rubbing his eyes. Growing frustrated with the woman's questions,"No no...No sister or girlfriend...Just a friend who is missing."

The woman shook her head just as the man she was with was beginning to pull her away, "No sorry. I haven't seen anyone like her."

Huffing, he turned away from the couple to begin his search again. Heart thumping violently in his chest. Rubbing his hands anxiously together while fearful eyes darted from side to side. Examining every face turned towards him and every back against him. Looking for someone who fit her figure. Paranoid thoughts surfacing. What if someone saw the together and took her? He had enemies, right? Of course he did. All AoM agents had enemies; they were fairly easy to make. What if she was kidnapped? Being held against her will to use as ransom against him? No no...He could not think like that. Had to stay calm....Deep breaths and slow exhales followed his quick steps.

The noise of the fair grew quiet as he neared the edge of the grounds. Lights dimming while his surroundings darkened. In the distance, he noticed a figure sitting in the grass. Curiously, he wandered over to it. Eyes straining in the faint light to make out the light tan and dark brown pattern that swirled on the stuffed dog. The one Migisi had been holding. Adrenaline explored in him, rushing through his veins as he dipped down to pick it up. Panicked gaze scanned the area in search of her but she was no where to be seen. "Migs...Migisi!" Another shaking shout echoed over the silent field.

The stuffed dog stared blankly. Its button eyes reflected his tense image back at him; quietly mocking him for allowing her to run off as it gazed up at him. A tiny fabric tongue sticking out from beneath threaded lips. Cypher ran his fingers through the toy's artificial fur. Slowly feeling the fibers for any warmth that might have been left from when Migisi held to it. However, the fur remained cold. The inanimate object was useless other than hinting at the direction she may have dashed off in.

Sprawled out before him, the corner of the field sat in darkness. The loving glow of the fairgrounds remained to his back with only a handful of distant lamps sprouting up to provide a small amount of light alongside a gravel path way winding through it. Gloomy hills rolled before colliding with one of the handful of rivers at its edge; separating the park from the hustle of the city nightlife.

Subconsciously his grip on the stuffed toy tightened. Fear beginning to overwhelm him. Migisi had a habit of wandering off. As a jackdaw, it was never uncommon for her to glide away to a secluded perch. Punishing him with her distance for upsetting her. The habit carried over to her human self. However, such a childish reaction was not as natural in the world of humanity. While he disapproved of it, he was use to it but the familiarity never made it easier to cope with her disappearing. Every time possibly being fatal due to her ignorance. Afraid not only of her being abducted for one reason or another, he also feared of her being hurt. Of her unknowingly walking in front of a car or a drunk taking advantage of her...Adrenaline boiled causing him to burst into a sprint out into the shadows.

Long legs carried him over the grassy plain. Stumbling occasionally; balance lost in his panic. Chest heaved beneath his blazer while his lungs began to burn. Sharp, piercing pains stabbed at his heart. Pushing himself farther and farther. Until he physically could not bear it any longer. Stopping on top of the tallest hill, Cypher lowered himself to a squat. Knees bending enough to support his fragile frame while he rested his elbows on them; sweat trickling down alongside his sideburns.

Catching his breath, he took in the sights. Manchester sparkled lively just to his side. Cars softly humming in the streets as spectators laughed behind him. A gentle breeze tried to caress him, but the the peacefulness of the night masked by the chaos within his mind. He forced himself to his feet again, raising his view to look more intently from where he stood.

To the right - a hill or so over - a violet tent sat silently nestled behind what appeared to be a fun house and large, withering oak. A ray of hope illuminated within him as he took a weary step forward. Swaying side to side with a raspy cough in its direction. Throat tight and dry, he longed for a drink but as he passed the rear entrance to the fair, he ignored the longing desire to step back inside to retrieve water to quench his thirst.

He climbed up a smaller hill. The tent's top coming into view, beckoning him on. A shot of excitement pulsated through his aching muscles. Sprinting again, he reached the top and bolted down the side. Grass scrapping against his heels. Dust kicked up around his staggering feet while he swiveled to even ground. Footsteps patting against the soft ground as he neared the tent, stopping while his eyes adjusted to the changes in light.

The silhouette of an older woman could be seen against the soft glow of the light inside the tent. Her features hidden in the shade with her back turned to him. Holding the flap of the tent open and urging someone - a younger woman - inside. Cypher's heart skipped, immediately recognizing the rounded hat that sat upon the other's head. "Migisi!" he screamed, almost leaping towards her with his arm stretched out and hand reaching for her.

His thin fingers wrapped around the woman's upper arm. Grasping the material of her cardigan, he went to pull her closer to him subconsciously longing for the comfort that came from her being near, but as she shifted away, he quickly let go. Hand hovering in the air before calmly reaching behind her and stroking her back. Palm sliding over the sleekness of the fitted sweater, feeling her soft skin beneath it. Eyes closing for a moment as he let out a relieved sigh. Just needing to know she was there. Opening them again after being satisfied with her touch.

"Ahem," clearing his throat, Cypher let his hand drop from Migisi's back and returned it to his side. Anxiously shoving it into his pocket; cheeks flushed slightly in sudden embarrassment as he began to realize how strange it must have looked to have him dash up the way he did. "Yes, she is umm..a friend of mine." Brows tangled over the uncertainty in his eyes, trying his best to think of a logical excuse for his behavior as well as her's. "She is a tad special...Tends to wander off. I hope she was of no trouble, ma'am."

Standing uneasily, the brunette could feel the elder's gaze heavily upon him. Emerald irises surrounded the drifting pupils as she looked him over from head to toe. Rich, brown locks of hair were thick and tangled; scruffy bangs dangled over his glistening forehead coated with a thin layer of sweat from his sprinting. Bleached shirt was layered beneath a pressed blazer. Its dark material matching the material of his slacks that draped over his polished shoes. The young man's outfit was too proper for a casual outing such as this.

Her gaze shifted to the woman beside him. Feathered layers pointed out from beneath the brown felt hat that rested upon her head. Polished blue-gray eyes were full of lively innocence as she gazed up at her escort in bewilderment. She did not appear to be afraid of him, only slightly startled by his forceful entrance- so clearly, the pair knew each other. Electricity sparking between their glances... "Ooooh" the corner of her lips rose, widening her smile as she began to tune into on the aurora illuminating around them. "Not at all, sir. I was merely offering the dear a payment in return for the trouble Eddie caused her," Continuing to stroke the raven beneath the chin, the woman smiled again addressing the black crow in a manor familiar to the distressed brunette.

Bracelets around her wrists jingled as she placed her hand back onto the curtain. Pulling it up while stepping to the side, holding it open with her other hand motioning them to enter. "Do come in, sir. You looked parched; I shall get you something to drink and if you like, I can do a reading for you both as it seems like Edwin's antics have effected you as well."

Without any hesitation, Migisi pulled away from him. Hard eyes glancing up at him as she glanced over her shoulder before ducking inside. A sigh, he brought his hand to the bridge of his nose. Massaging the point between his wary eyes; fingers spreading over shut eyelids as he let out a sigh. Flashing open as he placed the free hand in his other pocket, resulting in a slouched stance. A solemn blues met exuberant greens as his gaze locked with the older woman's. Shifting a bit on his feet, holding no objection to entering the tent but taking a moment to curiously study their host. Taking her and the raven in as he entered.

The taller man had a harder time entering the small opening. Knees bending as he dipped. His hair brushing the top of the doorway. Standing at full height again, Cypher stepped to the side to allow the woman to pass.

Warm air quickly greeted him, piercing his exposed cold skin and causing it to tingle with a slight numbness. Pastels swirled around the room. Shades of rich blues and purples made up the table cloth placed over the table in the center of the room. The deep greens and blues of the tent's canvas made up the walls and ceilings, soaking in the dim flickering lights, and added to the calm ambiance that matched the decor. Bewitching tapestries hung from the metal frames of the tent. Separating a small part of the room into a second nook in the corner on the opposite side. From where he stood, he could make out the small table with hot plate where a kettle boiled. Filling the room with a steamy aroma mixed with sharp spices - a familiar, delicate scent to the native.

"Tea would be lovely, ma'am. Thank you." The scuffing of Migisi's feet on the gravel floor caught his attention and drew it away from the mellow decorations. His eyes followed her movements to the table where she now leaned, examining the crystal ball with great intensity. The clear sphere sparkled brightly as it sat on a silver ring that held it in place. A violet silk scarf circled around the bottom of it to give an elegant touch up to the woman's obvious prized possession.

As he stared at it, he could feel his eyes light up as a smirk emerged. A fortune teller...? Oh how fun... he cynically mocked to himself as he pulled out one of the chairs and gently tapped Migisi on the shoulder. Making a gentleman gesture for her to sit as he offered her the seat. He was not facing her, however. Instead he was grinning at the ball and glancing up at the woman.

Just a little bit closer. It's right there. Just inch your fingers a tiny bit closer. C'mon. You can stretch that far. Ah..! No. Better get closer.

Crouched down, the figure snuck ever-so-slightly closer. Turning around and around inside a little metal box were multiple thick, brown sticks--corndogs. As the figure inched around the stand, a little bit of light fell on their face. Bright red hair, growing darker at the roots, fell over their face. Whether they were male or female was questionable. In fact, they looked neither. A baggy shirt and loose khaki pants didn't help the image. In fact, the only way anyone would know what gender they were would be to know her personally. The female androgyne paused a moment, flicking the hair out of her face. Her hand went to a strap on her shoulder, a little blue backpack. She adjusted it to a more stable position, waiting.

She hadn't eaten in days. Subconsciously, her hand went to her stomach and she almost sighed. No thinking about food! A growling stomach will give you away! The red-haired girl went back to waiting, watching, as a man approached the counter.

"One please. Mustard and ketchup."
"Just a sec on the ketchup. Bottle's out."

The man sighed and looked at his watch as the vendor began to rummage through the ingredients under his stand. The androgyne pressed closer to the side of the cart, barely daring to breathe. She even shut her eyes. When the vendor finally stood up, she let out an inaudible sigh. The buyer reached his hand out for the corndog.

Now was her chance.

With a leap, she sprang up from the side of the stand, snatching the corn dog. It was lucky that she was quick. The two were too stunned to grab her arm, so she had a few seconds headway, which she planned to use to their fullest. Jetting down random pathways, she could just hear them beginning to yell for the police. Eyes wide but with a grin on her face, she darted down small aisles between the tents until the yelling was slowly drowned out in the noise of the crowd.

Cackling triumphantly, she slumped down to the ground. Her breath created a small eddy of steam in the night air. The red-haired woman looked up at the sky, thanking the Gods. Then she stared at the corndog, mouth watering. Finally, some food. Since sneaking aboard that ship, she'd barely been able to sneak a meal. Then she'd landed here and wandered the streets awhile, but she'd been out of luck--until she'd found this fair. With a quiet moan of relish, she began to tear ravenously at the corndog, until it was nothing more than a small stick. The woman licked her fingers a few times, closing her eyes in ecstasy. She'd live a bit longer.

...Or not. With a start, Java Quill realized she wasn't alone. The tent she was leaning on had voices coming from within it. Dark eyes scanning the area, she made sure she was alone, then pressed her ear to the light tent fabric.

“What do you think, my dear? Good, is it n-" The sound of someone spitting. Something about rude. Was that a raven? Java was intrigued and scooted around to right behind the voices, in a much darker part of the shadow of the tent. She continued to listen, tracing her fingers lightly down the striped pattern on the tent.

What was the big deal? It had tasted foul! What, had he expected her to swallow it? Migisi eyed the brunette in bothered defiance as he quickly lurched to his feet to lean over her and fuss over the mess. The back of her hand lifted to swipe across her mouth, removing any splatter with indifference to 'proper manners' or whatever the hell was being expected of her at the time. Cypher's look of disappointment had not been missed, either. Bastard...What was he saying, anyway? The deep, apologetic tone was familiar to her. It was the one he used every time she screwed up in front of someone, smoothing out the situation as strangers gawked at her in open judgment. Maybe she should have been grateful. All she could really feel was foolish.

She flinched away from the tap, pressing her lips together and shooting the man a hard stare as he spoke. Sorry? Yes, she knew sorry. It's what people said when they did something wrong. 'Oddly' enough, it had been one of the first words he'd tried to drill into her brain. Yes, she'd learned it...could even say it. Her lips remained firmly shut. 'Fuck off' might have been a better phrase to have learned for the occasion. At least her eyes could tell him as much before shifted sharply away, her attention moving instead to the woman who watched from across the table. The fortune teller wore another polite smile, but her eyes were dark and studious as they glanced between the couple, trying to figure them out. She no longer looked displeased at least, and for that Migisi was grateful. She knew she liked this one.

“That's quite alright, my dear... I suppose it's not for everyone,” the woman mused as she took a sip of her own tea before setting it back down on the table. With a light clearing of her throat, she straightened up in her seat and smiled a little brighter. “Now 'I' should apologize...I forgot all about introductions. I am Miss Sonya. That funny thing up there is Edwin, my assistant.” Green eyes lifted to glance the bird still perched above them. Oddly enough, his intense focus was no longer on the three of them. The bird turned himself toward the back of the tent and cocked his head toward the wall, leaning forward as if to inspect something. Nothing but the back of the curtain...but his eyes remained fixed and suspicious. His owner did not seem to notice.
“Do not worry, he's house trained.”

(Oceeeeaaaan~ :3 Welcome

Miss Sonya's eyes weren't the only ones to narrow suspiciously on the brunette. John? Migisi glanced at him with a raised brow. It wasn't the first time she had heard him introduce himself this way, but she had yet to understand why. All those lessons on how to say his name popped up in the back of her mind, telling her it was wrong. “ 'My name is Cypher. Cy-pher.' “ Over and over till she got it right. Not 'John'...never 'John'.
“Cy-pher,” Migisi interjected, the muscles around her eyes tightening as she tilted her head at him, then looked back at the old woman, “I am...Cypher.”
“Your name is...Cypher?” Miss Sonya repeated carefully, uncertain she'd heard right, “Well that is...unusual?” She looked to the gentleman again, as though she were waiting on some clarification that this was right. She had already caught onto the girl's 'specialness'. There was no telling what she might be babbling about.
Yet before he had the chance to answer, a crease formed on the girl's brow. With a frown, she slowly shook her head and lifted a hand to her chest.
“Migisi,” she said a bit louder, her pale eyes projecting her determination. Then, lifting her hand again, she set it firmly on Cypher's shoulder. “Cypher.”
The older woman just stared. Were they...trying to pull some sort of trick on her?

The feather-haired girl smiled when the woman repeated their names just as she had given them. Her head offered an enthusiastic nod as she pulled her hand back into her lap. See? She could communicate just fine.
“I see...” Miss Sonya continued to smile gently, but when her eyes ticked back to Cypher they narrowed in skepticism, “Very unusual.” Even with out the girl's correction, the fortune teller had immediately picked up on the man's dishonesty. He fidgeted far too much for an honest person. He had clearly been lying about his name...but why? To continue to mock her? Her wrinkled mouth tensed and twitched at the thought.
“I'm afraid we are not born with our names, Mr-...whoever you are,” the woman finally responded, amusement clinging to her dry tone before she paused to lift her cup and sip her tea. Her critical eyes never left his. “Therefore they leave no energy behind for me to read. Unimportant, though... Now, my dear! How about I read your palms?”

Migisi sat up straighter in her seat as the wizened green eyes shifted to her again. Her head tilted slightly, brows lifting and knitting as she struggled to understand what was being said to her. The woman seemed to catch on, nodding, her smile warm.
“It's fine love, don't be shy. Let me see your hands...like this.” Shifting back the long sleeves of her robe, the old woman stretched her arms across the table, swiveling her wrists to reveal smooth, heavily wrinkled palms. Migisi peered down at them curiously, especially interested in the long fingernails attached to the end of each scrawny finger. They too were painted a dark purple, yet were sprinkled with gold, glittery designs. Lifting her own hands, she frowned at her shorter, colorless nails. She wanted decoration like that.

Miss Sonya watched her with curious amusement, then gestured eagerly with her fingers.
“Come now. Let us look.”
Out of habit, the young woman glanced at Cypher...but offered the stranger her hands before he could give the okay.

[I can write again! -does a dance-]


“Good, good, now let's see...Oh! Almost forgot my eyes!”
Reaching up, the fortune teller snagged the eyeglasses from above her forehead before unfolding them with a practiced snap of her wrist, then slid them onto her nose in one last fluid motion. Migisi's eyes sparkled with curiosity at the practice. She'd seen people with glasses before of course, but never really understood what they were for. Seemed silly most of the time, yet they looked...right on Miss Sonya. The sparkling whites and flickering oranges of the room were mesmerizingly reflected in the lenses as the woman's eyes once again shifted down to her hands. The girl didn't pay much attention until she felt a tickling trace of a long fingernails graze her knuckles. The old woman's hands hovered just beneath hers, fingers arched and nails pointed upward as a barrier between skin. They also kept Migisi from lowering her hands onto the table as she felt compelled to do.

What was she...doing? Pressing her lips together uncertainly, her pale gaze shifted to Cypher. He looked relaxed...even interested. It was...an oddly attractive look for him, she found. She watched the way his fingers slid over his chin, the tips probing at his bottom lip... Once again some subconscious awareness took over and she pulled her lips between her teeth, wetting them, remembering the Ferris Wheel. The-

“My, you have very unusual hands my dear,” Miss Sonya spoke, breaking her train of thought and luring her attention back. The woman had leaned in closer, eyes narrowed in concentration as she peered closely at the marks in her skin. “Very fine...The lines, I mean. This is a sign of great sensitivity. You must be very in-tuned with your surroundings. Empathetic too, perhaps... Ah. Beauty is important to you. It seems you also value pleasure.” Her lips twitched, eyes filled with amusement and 'knowing' lifting briefly to meet Migisi's, and then Cypher's.
"This probably makes you hard to please."
The young woman simply blinked back at her. She had little idea of what the fortune teller was rambling about, but interest shown brightly in her eyes as she leaned forward as much as her awkward position would allow. What was she looking at? What was so funny?

The androgyne smirked. That fortune-teller in the tent was really getting it. Silently, she cheered on the more masculine voice she heard. Java set no store by fortune tellers. Her life was hers, the unpredictable mess it'd been. Whatever happened in the future, she would cause it to happen, nothing else.

Feeling confident, she smoothed the long red shirt over her flat body. Her dark gaze fell on the lights of the carnival and the happy sounds coming from it. People were laughing, a bell rang in the distance. Somebody had won a prize. The sounds of the merry-go-round made her smile, bringing back a distant memory. Somebody had lifted her into the seat of an old, broken-down carousel. Maybe it was a dare? She had clutched the tall post, looking up into the gray sky. As the dust had settled, Java had realized she was alone. The rest of the gang had left her, high up on this horse, with no way to get down.

She wasn't afraid. Instead, she had spent the whole day there, curled up in the saddle. Her hand stroked the chipped paint, the beautiful gold, white and blue of the horse. Fingers had traced along the outline of the horse's mane, the gentle wooden curves so lovingly crafted then abandoned. Something about the horse made her terribly sad, but also impossibly happy at the same time.

Something about it had been beautiful.

The gang finally came back to jeer at Java. Then, with confidence, she picked her way down, showing them that they only reason she was still on the horse was because she had chosen to be. Java had done a little pirouette off the saddle as well, showing off. It never hurt to show off a bit.

Back in the present, she passed her hands through her red-dyed hair, fingertips barely brushing the gold rings on her ears. If things got too bad, she'd sell them. As it was, Java was alright like this. She just had to find somewhere with a better supply of food that was guarded less carefully. With a small 'brrr', Java left the shadows behind the tent and went around the front. Carefully, she pulled aside the tent flaps, peering in. Just a peek.

When she pried open one flap of the tent, she could see a man in a top hat, a woman, and the fortune-teller. Java's dark eyes narrowed as she scanned the faces. At least what they were talking about was interesting. Java smiled. If they didn't spot her, she'd watch for awhile. She needed to find shelter, but it could wait.

{Hi, my name is Ocean and I have a fluctuating muse. :<}

(Ocean, we need to include you. I feel bad going on and on between them; I feel like we're ignoring you. D=)

The woman's piercing gaze shot through him. The coldness of her stare chilled his soul; despite having grown use to being an outlet for people's disliking it never made empty stares easier to accept. His mocking grin faded slightly, feeling a tad ashamed for his unintentional rudeness. He never meant to insult her, but he had to admit...It was hard to take her seriously.

Anyone who was observant could be capable of putting pieces together regarding a person's personality. Watching what they did...Listening to what they said...It was easy to pretend to "read" a person. It was also easy to trick people into believing things. Just be convincing with a confident voice and no one questioned you. Silly how simple it was to fool the mind; put a person into an empty room and tell them a ghost was there and then suddenly they become jumpy at every little noise. Even when they logically know its source.

Psychics were not capable of truly reading people. Of knowing their deepest secrets or inner most thoughts...Or their pasts...No human being was capable of being able to know another's history, especially if they did not even know themselves, right...? The brunette shifted uneasily in his seat; hands beginning to anxiously rub together while his toes began to tap within his shoe. Miss Sonya's gaze, while disturbing, was not the source of his growing distress. It was just his own thoughts. He frowned as he looked away from the women. Letting them converse quietly amongst one another as his eyes wandered. Desperately searching for a distraction; trying to avoid letting his mind wander down the dark path of self questioning.

Across the tent, the raven was in a fluster. Neither of the women noticed. Both too preoccupied with their palm reading to hear Edwin's quiet commotion. The man, however, had his attention drawn over to the crow. Having once lived with a jackdaw, being in-tuned to the the beats of wings and soft hisses had become second nature. His eyes stained in the dim light as he gazed over. Trying to figure out what was toying with the raven...Or what the raven was toying with?

His investigation was disrupted though. Sonya's sweet voice growing stern all of the sudden. Somewhat sorrowful in tone, causing Cypher to return his gaze back to his side. A brow arched as his stomach churned. Trauma...? The word stuck out amongst her murmurers. It was a word he was extremely familiar with, having it heard it often during his sessions with Dr. Heung. He had grown to dislike it greatly, hating its meaning but even more so, hating the idea of Migisi being involved in trauma...Finding the concept to be strangely unsettling.

"What kind of trauma?" he blurted out. Sitting up straight with his head high as he gazed over at them. Eyes darkened a bit; the amusement faded away and replaced with a hollow, melancholic look as he twitched slightly. "Not that you can figure out something like that from a hand...R-r-right?"

The last word of his sentence shook with a stutter. Somewhat wanting an answer but also growing terrified of the possibilities.

“What kind of trauma?”
Migisi jumped. The brunette had been sitting so quietly – well, aside from his occasional rude interjections – that his sudden outburst caught her off guard. Her hands dipped down toward the table. Ouch! The old woman's nails nipped at her flesh, jerking her to attention again. Her pale eyes, already unusually wide, were nearly round with question and they shifted between the two. Cypher was on edge, now. He had that distressed look about him that Migisi could spot all too easily. The young woman shifted in her seat, curling her fingers anxiously even as she kept her hands hovering obediently. She couldn't help but think something in her palms was causing the anxiety. Isn't that what all the fuss was about?

Miss Sonya went quiet. She looked impatient as she lifted her eyes from Migisi's hands once again, fully expecting another taunt. No. The man seemed...serious this time. Even a little worried. Inwardly, the woman huffed. So quickly they changed their tune. It was always the ones most afraid of the idea of 'magic' that protested it so actively. The question was, did he know what trauma she spoke of? Was this a test? Pale green eyes studied him from behind thick lenses. Then, leaning back in her seat, she sighed a little, resigned.
“I'm afraid you're right, this time. I can not tell you the exact details from a mere palm reading. I would have to dig deeper. Call on my more...'natural' gifts of sight.” Her lips curled into a haughty smile, “But I'm afraid that isn't something I offer for 'free'. It can be rather-”

“Augh! Get offa me, yew crazy burd!”
“Caaw!”

The metal frame of the tent shook, the fabric rippling as the abrupt motion of the peeping girl unsettled it. Jerking her hands away for good this time, Migisi abruptly pushed back her chair and stumbled to her feet, alert. Black wings lifted and flapped in alarm as the raven leapt back, avoiding any possible counter attacks from his dirty trick. Even as he did, he cackled again, clearly amused with himself. Miss Sonya gasped and sat rigid in her chair, jerking her head to the side in time to see the face disappear from beneath the curtain. Someone shouted a rushed apology and quick footsteps faded.
“Oh my... I wonder who that was...
The feather-haired girl swallowed and glanced about with unease. The lights shook and swayed in the aftershock, casting rocking shadows. Hearing another flutter, her eyes shifted to watch Edwin take flight and return to his post above them. Cocking his head to one side, he met her gaze...and winked.

The silence dragged on. Seconds turned to minutes. The woman's hand relaxed away from the blade, her breathing returning to normal. Silently, she stood, weaving her way around the boxes. That had been close, too close. Java sighed, fingertips brushing over the hard wood of the stacked crates. Maybe they contained food?

With a hunger sparking in her eyes, Java pulled out the knife, prying back a plank. Ten minutes later, the slat fell away--revealing nothing but stuffed toys. The woman groaned in disappointment, but pulled out one...just to see. Turning it over in her hands, she realized it was a small, reddish colored deer. Its cartoon green eyes looked innocent. Looking around, she knew that nobody was watching. Quickly, she stuffed the little toy in the blue backpack.

She didn't have enough money to try and win one anyway. Besides, nobody would miss it. Smiling to herself, the woman parted the tent flaps, sneaking back out into the lights of the carnival. Java was tempted to disappear into them again, become invisible and be safe.

Something stirred inside her. That would be boring. Java Faunus Quill was not a boring person, no. With a confident smirk, she headed back towards the tent she had just run from. There was no true plan in her mind, save that the tent would be another dare for herself, a test to see just how far she could get. After all, what was left to lose?

And if that raven decided to say hello again, well, she'd just wring its little feathery neck.

It took her a few minutes to find the tent. Narrowing her eyes, she scanned for danger. Nothing. It was quiet. Nobody had come chasing her. Now the plan was forming. The woman would wait for the couple to exit the tent and then...and then what? Maybe she'd just tail them, just for fun. Maybe she'd scare them, just to see what they did. Or maybe...Something drew her to them, to the tent. Curiosity, perhaps, spinning its webs around her hearts. Either way, she figured she had a few hours until she'd need to find shelter. Why not take up a bit of time?

Java sank further into the shadows.

A stout hand fell upon his skinny one. Firmly, yet gently, squeezing his fingers to cease his stroking. Physical contact had always been a foreign concept to the brunette having spent most of his younger years isolated within a small cell and his recent years he had been living alone. Body instantly tensed slightly but quickly relaxed at the girl's warmth. He had grown use to the sleekness of feathers brushing against skin when upset that it still surprised him to feel flesh upon flesh.

Wide blue eyes shifted up from the grassy floor to where the woman's grasp rested. Then followed her arm to her face hidden in the faint, colorful glow of the lanterns. Pale eyes reflecting the dancing candle light. Her lips hinted at their past moisture. Glistening faintly while they moved with her single, soft word: his name. A flutter caught his heart throwing it off its racing rhythm as it skipped. She use to mimic words as a jackdaw, but every repeated phase sounded automated. As if she was reading something off a page for the first time, but now her words had more feeling to their sounds; and the way she said it not tugged at his heartstrings.

To their side, Miss Sonya was speaking. He could hear her voice but her words were completely lost. Inaudible familiar sounds that mummered around his ears as he stood captivated. A swirl of emotions fell into the pit of his stomach as he stood there admiring her. The way he saw had begun to grow complicated...She lived with him and before her transformation, he was a caretaker, but did nothing more than provide food and a bed. Now, however, he was....He was...What was he? He cooked for them both and she still slept in his bed - him on the couch - but her needs had evolved into something far more greater than just basic means for survival. He comforted her, protected her, aided her...Just as she did for him. They had grown so close, yet seemed so far apart. He blinked a time or two at her, frowning slightly as the confusion began to push forward.

Luckily though, Migisi did not notice the hardening of his ace at his emotional torment. She had turned to face Miss Sonya who was speaking with her. Reality was beginning to fade back to him. The feather haired woman turned to him again; quickly he tried to hid his distress with a forced smile as she smiled up at him. Then she squeezed his hand again...Fingers tightening around his as she pushed their grasp up to his chest. Letting her hand spread free and linger for a moment, feeling the movements of his breath before leaving the man alone.

As she pulled away, he found himself quickly stuffing his hands into his pockets to keep from reaching out to her. Not really wanting her to turn away again but this longing was not right to feel, wasn't it...? His cheeks puffed a bit as he huffed, turning away from the women as they settled for a reading. Pacing impatiently as he tapped on his pocket watch, he tried to find something to distract his mind. Attention being pulled back to the females as Sonya's voice spiked, "Oh my, this is very unusual..."

Turning, his brow rose as he watched the older woman lean in. Waiting to find out more about the woman...That lovely woman...

(That's fine, Ocean.

Enjoy...Whatever it is you are going to be doing.)

“The course of your life has taken a dramatic change,” Miss Sonya began again after a studious pause. Her voice was lower now, the lines in her face deepening with seriousness. “Some powerful outside force has interfered to-... Forgive me, please, I've-...I've never seen lines like this before...”

Again, Migisi shifted. The woman was gripping her hands now, tighter and tighter without even realizing it. She could practically feel the tickle of her gaze against her palms. Her fingers flexed nervously as she once again spared a glance toward Cypher. He looked equally enthralled. A nervous pressure was building within her. As the thought to jerk away played in her mind, the fluttering of wings from above distracted her. Edwin descended. He was surprisingly graceful for a large bird, landing with ease upon the back of the old woman's chair. Slowly he crawled up onto her shoulder and leaned in, his eyes flashing as they lifted to stare into the girl's... Then he too turned his attention to her hands. Miss Sonya leaned back a little, turning to stare at the bird. Like before, they exchanged a long glance.

“Transformed?” the fortune teller finally spoke, as though in response to something the raven had said. He of course had said nothing, merely twitching his tail and slowly turning his head to look back down at the feather-haired girl's palms. The woman's brows arched in surprise before her green eyes shifted to Migisi's pale blue ones...and remained locked there. She began to speak again, but no longer looking to the girl's palm.
“You have seen magic; felt its sting... You know this world is not quite what it seems. You have faced and overcome many trials, but you have not seen the last of them. The path you're on is wrought with danger. Face them alone, you will succumb...”
Miss Sonya blinked. Her eyes refocused, then darted back down to the young woman's hand. Migisi gasped as it was given another tug. She had been so lost in the fortune teller's intense gaze she had barely time to react as the larger hands enveloped hers. Before she knew it, her right hand was spun around, lifted, and held out before her. The woman's fingernail traced a single deep groove along the side of her palm, just below her little finger.
“'This' is your only hope. Love. One, and only one, strong and deep as this line. Trust in this. Only together will you find your true strength.”

Somewhere in the back of her mind, Migisi had noticed Cypher standing. She had seen him shifting closer, and when his hands crept up over her shoulders she had not reacted. Her attention had been completely ensnared by the intensity of Miss Sonya's eyes and the motions her long, colorful nail made along the side of her hand. She couldn't help but feel something serious was happening; that the words the woman spoke held vital meeting. Dark brows sunk low over her eyes, frustration gnawing at her. This wasn't fun anymore.

Luckily, Cypher was there to rescue her. His hands slid down her arms, encouraging her to pull away. This time, the gentlest tug freed her hand and Migisi drew it in against her chest, cradling it with the over. Her thumb gently rubbed along the line that still tingled from the foreign touch. The line she'd called 'love'. The brunette shifted closer, pressing against her as he hovered above, taking a stand against the fortune teller. The tremor had returned to his voice. His hands wandered again. Migisi sat up straighter in her chair as long fingers wrapped around her middle and caressed her thigh. Again she dropped her hand and placed it on his, stopping him.

Miss Sonya sat back with a heavy exhale, blinking as though shaking herself from some sort of trance. She squinted, adjusting her glasses, then gazed up at the tall man now looming over her from the other side of the table. Edwin hissed low from her shoulder, ducking his head and staring up at the brunette with pinned eyes as he shifted closer. Clearly the raven thought he posed a threat, and the old woman's eyes narrowed in turn as she tensed in her seat.
“I don't know, she answered bluntly, her tone dry and final. Then, her eyes darkened and shifted between them. “If you two are messing in magic, it's anyone's guess. You'll find nothing but trouble down that path. You'll always give what's owed in the end, like it or not. This is all I can-”
“Hello?” A high female voice called from the entrance way as the curtain shifted and a young woman peered inside.
“Yes dear! Please wait just a moment while I finish up here,” Miss Sonya flashed a smile toward her waiting customer before returning her wary gaze to the strange couple before her. “As I was saying, this is all I can offer you. I think we're finished here. 'Paying' customers await.”

At the tug of the brunette's hand, Migisi rose uncertainly from her chair. She didn't like the sudden tension sparking between the two. Their expressions were gradually morphing from open and interested...to a finalized bitterness. The fortune teller's tone was harsh when she spoke, and the disapproving look flashed her way made the woman tense and narrow her eyes. Her hand squeezed around Cypher's and she shifted in the direction he pulled, but refused to let him stand in front of her entirely. This was about her too, wasn't it? If only she knew what words to say...

“That's not necessary,” Miss Sonya protested as the man dug into his wallet and retrieved a bill, but by then he'd left it on the table and turned for the exit. Lifting her chin, she snatched the money and stuffed it into her collar without further dispute. She did deserve a little something, putting up with his attitude.
“Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

The night felt colder than she remembered it. The difference between inside the tent and out was almost startling. The rich scent of tea and the soft glow of the candlelight was replaced by the smell of city and fair food and blinding, flashing lights. She had almost forgot about the noise. Pop! Whoosh! Ding! Giggling too. The teenager girls remained hovering near the doorway, and Migisi nearly crashed into them as she was ushered out. She heard Miss Sonya beckon them in, using the same inviting voice she'd used on her before- ...well, before whatever had happened, happened. She frowned at the thought. Her fingers relaxed and slipped from Cypher's grasp, eyes shifting downward as she pulled her fisted hand to her chest and held it there, rubbing her own fingers against the outside of her curled hand as she slowly followed him back into the fair.
“Caw!”
The familiar flutter of wings stopped her. With a gasp, she spun on her heel, just in time to see the raven flapping toward her. Her carried something in his beak...it glinted in the light. Without thinking – not even sure what compelled her to do so- the girl extended her arm and the bird landed, clawed feet gently grasping her sleeved arm. Her round, pale eyes stared up at him with wonder and caution, then fell on the object held between his long, thick beak. A ring. Too large for a finger...definitely made for a wrist. Silver metal, etched with intricate designs. The bird lowered his head and offered it to her, his eyes staring up, insistent. The woman hesitated, then took the bracelet as he asked. Edwin fluffed his feathers and shifted up her arm, extending his beak to brush it across her cheek with another smile in his eyes before he lifted his wings and took off again for the tent. Migisi stared after him, a faint blush coloring her cheeks before she stared down at the beautiful gift she'd been given, turning it in her hands.
"Thank...you..."

Fingers slipped away from his. Their natural, gentle tug indicated that she wanted to be freedom. His loosened, holding no objection to letting go as his skin tinkled at the sudden coldness that replaced her warm palm. A shiver shot up his spine as the bitter breeze swirled through him. No longer sheltered by the warm fire and the canvas tent, his exposed flesh ached while readjusting to the colder temperature of the aging night.

"Caw!" Automatically, he turned around at the sound of the raven's cry like it was a reflex. His eyes curiously followed the graceful flight of the giant crow as he chased after them. Migisi extended her arm, allowing the large bird to perch. The two silently stared at one another as Edwin placed a silver bracelet in her hand. Caressing her flush cheek before taking off again towards the tent again.

Cypher's brushy brow rose, unsure of "what" was exchanged between them. Stepping up closer to her, he watched as she twirled the decorative bracelet in her hands. His bewildered gaze shifted from her and to the tent before returning back to her. "Well lookie there," his deep voice bellowed as his eyes ran over the jewelry. The sterling silver shining in the colorful glow of the flashing lights. Its delicate design swirled over itself like ivy vines. "Looks like someone likes you, my dear." An awkward grin flashed over him; foolishly feeling ashamed over being one-upped by a raven.