- Turdus merula - 

Large hooves extended across the ground, shaking the coloured leaves and causing small ripples across the puddles. In the reflection hung the bright moon, standing tall in the sky amongst small stars that seemed to wink one after the other.

Amid the trees was a pair of piercing yellow eyes, following the small group as they made their way down the path. Then, the bird extended out it’s wings and let out a soft coo, startling the small measly mouse as it lay between the beast's’ ears. Teasel looked up and around, noticing that the sky was now hidden away by the trees looming over them. The sudden drop in temperature caused him to shiver.

The sunlight seeped in occasionally, causing small streaks to lay across the dirt path, revealing a slight clearing up ahead, not too far from where they were currently.

Teasel sat up, nose twitching, his eyes darting across the trees as another coo was heard.

Suddenly, a shadow darted between the light as the bird swooped down from the high branch, talons out. It’s eyes, haunting and empty, boring holes into the mouse.

Teasel squeaked, hiding in Gladiolus’ ear, causing said one to huff loudly.

Just as the bird approached, Delphinium slowly looked up and with a soft hum, the birds’ eyes became soft, almost docile. He reached out, letting the bird perch on his arm, then proceeded to caress it’s feathers. The once pitch black feathers were now one of a deep, rich purple, illuminating under the sun’s rays. It was almost as if it had become a different bird all together. It was no longer menacing, but rather elegant, perched on Delphinium’s arm with it’s head held high.

Eventually, Delphinium tossed up his arm and with another hum, the bird was gone.

Approaching the clearing, Teasel noticed that it was not just a simple clearing, but was vast in greens and dark blues. Surrounded by long tall grass and stingy flowers was a small, murky pond with steep cliffs that dipped over the water.

As they approached the waters edge, the insects hidden in the tall grasses sang softly, almost like a welcoming.

There, at the edge, Gladiolus dropped his head down, exhausted. He sniffed the water for a moment before gulping some down, Teasel tumbling off of his nose and plopping straight into the water. Few seconds passed before he breached its surface. He shook his head, floating on his back. With a squeak, he flapped his small arms in an attempt to make his way to the shore. He swam as much as he could before getting picked up by Delphinium.

“Be careful.” he said in a soothing voice, then placed him atop of Gladiolus once more. Then, he moved closer to the waters edge.

Delphinium stood there, gazing into murky water for what seemed like hours. Small insects flew around him, then to the flowers and would then land on the green patties floating at the waters surface. They sat there, unmoving, till small bubbles formed around the green patty, accompanied by a shinning light. Scared, the small flying bugs flew off in a hurry just as the patty started to lift itself off of the water.

Gladiolus huffed, taking a few steps back as whatever was under the patty surfaced.

Delphinium stood, waiting, clutching onto his weapon. Soon enough, a creature, seemingly harmless, emerged.

As the moon peeked out from the clouds, its rays shone on the water and reflected across, revealing what was in the water. There, they could see the patty slipping off of its small head, revealing short arms and legs with a dark coat covering its body. It’s large beady eyes bore holes into the small group as they stared down at him.

The creature, only a few feet tall, had a small face and tiny, almost unnoticeable, round ears at the top of its head.

In its hands was a large glass jar, filled with minuscule glowing yellow lights.

Teasel tilted his head to the side, watching as Delphinium approached the creature even further. The mouse crawled across Gladiolus’ mane and sat atop his head once more.

Delphinium crouched, extending out his hand to the creature, silently asking for the jar.

It looked reluctant, but gave it anyways.

“Is that all?” he asked slowly, looking around the pond. The crickets had stopped moments ago, and the flying insects were nowhere to be seen.

Delphinium kept his posture, his face remaining one of calmness.

Reluctantly, it reached out to Delphinium, looking at him. Its large eyes reflected innocence, but a slight bit of mischief wavered between its dark colours.

Delphinium extended out his hand, his large hand enveloping the creatures tiny one.

Then, with all its might, it pulled Delphinium into the water with a gleeful cry.