Lost at sea, time and space

Busy with the work, he didn't notice her intent stare for a while, his next words slightly distracted. "Aye, they're words." He went quiet frowning at what he was discovering and finally just put his pen down, running his fingers through his hair. "Well something went wrong," he muttered, frowning at the paper. "Not sure where. Hmm." Finally registering the bird's interest, he glanced at her. "You can't read it all?" Half distracted by the idea of a bird reading, he considered it for a moment. "Can birds even read. That's an interesting thought."

He tapped her beak when she nipped him, chewing on his bottom lip as he thought. "Just reckon I've missed something, that's all. Probably too tired to be doing this, really. I can fix it in the morning. Unless you're any good at adding numbers together?" He shuffled all the paper into one pile, pushing it aside. "Or the cost of cattle has dipped. That won't be good, but can't control the market, I guess. I'll just wait to breed Ghost til next year then."

Hoping that the falcon wouldn't dirty the house if he left the aviary door open, he was pleasantly surprised when he woke up and found that she hadn't. Wandering into the kitchen, he stroked her back absently when she glided over to the bench. he still wasn't sure why she refused to fly, but she didn't seem to want to tell him why. Giving her some breakfast while he made his own and come coffee, he hummed to himself, working out his plans for the day. he had to go into town to get a few things, maybe the bird would want to come. "Heading into town for a few hours, wanna come? Otherwise I'll have to leave you in the aviary with the door closed, I'm afraid. Just so I don't get in trouble with the animal control if someone notices a loose bird in an empty house."

He just nodded, eating his toast as he moved through the house to get himself ready. "Alright then, just don't go wandering off anywhere, will you." Getting into the truck, he checked to make sure she was alright where she was, and then headed off, humming to himself. It had been interesting having the bird around, her observations were interesting to say the least. It was only going to be a quick trip into town anyway, just to get more food for when Claire and her guest arrived. It was lucky that the town was fairly laid back, though he was probably going to have to leave her outside the grocery store.

He hummed softly as he wandered along, his hands tucked into his pockets. "They're cars," he told her quietly, weaving through the people. "I suppose you know of steam trains? Almost like smaller versions, but with a different power source than coal." Ducking into the horse feed store, he placed his order for some more hay and feed, and took a quick look through the equipment. Ghost needed a new show bridle, and there was the option of either making one for him, or buying one. Julian wasn't sure which he wanted to do yet.

He stroked her back absently as he studied the bridles, ignoring the plain leather ones, and eyeing the more elaborate plaited ones. "Ghosty needs a new bridle for showing," he murmured, picking one up, and putting it straight back. That leather was far too rough for his liking. Spotting the rope halters, he picked up a few of them, hanging them over his shoulder while he continued to browse. He could never have too many halters in his opinion. Humming, he bought the halters, deciding to make the bridle himself, and headed back to the truck. "One more stop, then we'll go back home."

Veering from his path towards the shed when he heard Claire's voice, Julian sent her his usual greeting smile. "G'day Clairebear." Feeling the bird leave his shoulder, he watched with a little surprise as she became affectionate towards the stranger. Obviously the falcon knew him, that was interesting. Coming over to join them, he gave Claire a hug, hoping everything was alright with her. "You okay, youngster?"

It was interesting how Claire changed when she greeted the other man, but Killian ignored them both for the moment. His sister was here, and safe, and that's all that mattered. Running his fingers gently through her feathers, he let his shadows check her for injuries, healing her of any lingering pain from her wing. "Melly, you're safe," he murmured, grateful that she was okay.

“Good, you should take more breaks.” The stockman studied her out of gentle eyes, trying to pick what was troubling her. He was always slightly worried about her, knowing that she wasn’t exactly comfortable with other people. He liked knowing that she was doing alright. “Sister? Interesting. The bird seems quite taken with him, I’m glad she’s found hwo she belongs with now.” Tilting his head at the soft words from the bird, his gaze drifted over to the other man, taking him in quietly. Guessing that he’d receive an explanation soon enough, he turned back to Claire. “Ghost is as cheeky as ever, have a few youngsters I’m working with now if you want to have a go with them. See how much you can remember after lazing around.” A twinkle appeared in his eyes, and he indicated the house. “Make yourself at home, your rooms are ready. You know where everything is, Clairebear. I have a few cattle to check on, I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”

Scratching the bird’s breast feathers, Killian’s expression softened slightly. “I’m fine,” he murmured, eyeing the stranger for a moment. “Yes, the gold orb did it. Your shadow is with me.” As he spoke, the little black creature twined around the bird before settling in its usual spot, glad to be back with Mel. “You’ve been safe here? Not hurt?”

“Good, good.” Glancing down as Alkira began to scout around, making sure that they were safe here, he let his shoulders relax a little. “Claire, a shadow girl.” Eyeing the other pair, he stopped talking aloud, not wishing for Claire to overhear his suspicions. She’s of Ice’s blood, I believe, but she’s on the run. Her soul is shackled in silver. He tugged gently on her tail feathers, teasing his sister. “She’s been helpful in finding you. You are stuck like this then?”

He just grinned, replacing the halters over his shoulder when they began to slip down. “Oh really? Bet your riding stamina isn’t as much any more.” He pointed to the nearby paddock, where a herd of seven or eight long legged yearlings were playing and grazing. “Only just started with them, they’re just over a year old. Let’s see how good your memory is, hm? Take your pick of them, and show me what you remember.” He handed her one of the rope halters, and pushed his hat back a little. “Hope you brought your patience. They’re a cheeky lot.”

Julian just laughed. Continuing on his way to get a stock mare to ride. "I wasn't planning on it, but if you're going to be sticking around for a couple of months, there's a sale on this weekend. We can go have a squizz at what's in the kill pens for you. Homesick are you?" He studied her carefully, trying to read her like he'd used to. There was something bothering her, and he guessed that it was related to the man she'd brought with her. However until he got her alone, he wasn't going to press for details.

Now that they were alone, Killian relaxed with his sister, continually running his fingers over her feathers. "You're stuck?" he asked quietly. His shadows had checked her over for injuries already, healing her of the last of her pain. "How long have you been here with the human?"

Wandering away, he found a tree to sit underneath so that she could perch on his knees if she wanted to. "She's young, younger than me. her soul shadow is shackled in silver, and she's on the run from Ice. I'm not sure of the relation yet, I haven't asked her about it." he paused, thinking through what else to tell his sister. "The dragon says I know her from her past, but my future. Can't really tell me much more than that.