Punkin Time: Chapter 1

The night air was crisp and fresh, smelling of rain. Leaves had turned golden, red, and orange, and begun to drift to the ground, where they piled up against the edges of homes and fences. The harvest festivities were in full swing, and Bonbon had been sent out once more to gather pumpkins. She had no complaints, as she found doing so fun, and she was accompanied by Kuku, a friendly corva.

The two winged their way out into the fields, spotting the waiting wagons where the pumpkins would be brought to be hauled into town. Catching sight of a large patch that had yet to be harvested, the chiro gave a delighted squeak. Kuku gave a short caw in return, amused by Bonbon's enthusiasm. They dipped low over the plants, landing in among the ripe squashes. Bonbon shot a quick, sly glance Kuku's way, then leaned in toward a rather smallish pumpkin and took a huge bite.

Kuku snapped her beak at the chiro, careful not to actually make contact, and chided her. They were supposed to be gathering for the winter, not feasting out in the fields. Bonbon chittered in amusement, then got to work, biting through the tough stems of a pair of pumpkins. Kuku had done likewise, and the pair rose, grabbing their selections with talons and claws, and flying swiftly to the waiting wagon, where they deposited their finds. They circled in the air a moment, watching the humans inspect the produce, then swept back toward the waiting pumpkin patch.

A large shadow moved ahead of them, and both back-winged, hovering in the air, watching. The moon eased its way out from behind a cloud bank, illuminating a towering figure, carefully plucking an equally oversized pumpkin. It was Senka! The two smaller stryx called a greeting to her as they flew in close, ready to collect their next choice squashes.