Day Four: First Contact:
The eagles found them at midday.
Not found, exactly—more like they'd been watching the entire time and finally decided to make their presence known.
Six massive shapes descended from the clouds above, wings spanning easily twenty feet each, talons the size of Alex's forearm gleaming in the sunlight.
Harpy Eagles in their full aerial form—brown and white plumage marked with distinctive crests, eyes that were simultaneously beautiful and absolutely merciless.
They landed on outcroppings above the narrow path, boxing in the traveling party from all sides.
The babies immediately reacted:
Jade reared up, hood flaring in the tiny approximation of threat display.
Ripple pressed tighter against Alex, trembling slightly.
Sterling froze mid-climb, assessing the new arrivals.
Onyx woke up and immediately tried to hide in Leo's shirt.
Siddy strained toward the nearest eagle with clear intent to investigate/attack/befriend—it was impossible to tell which.
