Anders

Blue Parrot Tulip

Plant

Eating these will turn your tongue blue.

50

5

A whisper of frozen breath escaped from Anders mouth and slowly wove in a spiral around his horn and feathered mane. His frozen talons reached to one of the leather pouches that adorned him, fumbling with the iced-over clasp. Finally he worked the pouch open and pulled out a small, leather-bound journal and a charcoal stick. He re-fastened the clasp, his rose-tinted wings fluttering with excitement. He leaned forward and placed his pale snout so low that he was nearly laying on the ice to get a better view. The object of his attention was a small, seemingly insignificant flower, a pale, purple-hued bud. His chilled talons stiffly maneuvered the charcoal.

Soon he had sketched a small, nearly perfect replica of the flower. Satisfied with the illustration, he replaced the journal its corresponding pouch. He glanced at the cloudless sky, checking how many hours of sunlight he had left. His sensitive ears picked up the quiet crunch of approaching footsteps. He felt a grin creep up his snout. Johann’s so-called “secret” was old news to Anders. Anders waited until the footsteps were right behind him, then spun around to face his follower. A white-blue form that he recognised as his clanmate Nattiq leaped behind the nearest drift of snow.

Anders sighed. “Nattiq, I see you. I thought you were better than this.” The nocturne stuck her head out, clearly embarrassed at being spotted. Anders continued,“How about you scamper back to the clan home and tell Johann that I’m a big boy now. I don’t need a shadow. Oh, and tell xer I’ll be back tomorrow. There’s a glacier flow with a colony of albino permafrost impalers that I’m gonna check out.”

Nattiq opened her icicle wreathed mouth and said, “Listen, Anders, you know how Johann feels about you going on journeys alone. Ever since you managed to bury half of our lair in a landslide Johann has felt the need to watch you. It’s your fault for getting in so much trouble. At least let me accompany you.”

The pink skydancer frowned, then turned to glance worriedly at the sky. He said. “I won’t be going alone, Nattiq. My sis is going too” As he spoke, he could see Nattiq’s expression becoming more and more doubtful.

“Okay,” said Nattiq, “Where is she?”

“At the ice flow that I’m going to. Going to visit. Now.”

After sending one more scrutinizing glance his way, Nattiq gave in. She sighed, “Fine. You can go. Just don’t tell Johann I’m letting you do this.”

“Aye aye capt’n.” Said Anders mockingly. He spread his wings and took off, eager to meet his sister and explore more of this glorious arctic world.