avian hybrid · crow behavior · father figure · smartless lore · nesting · protective · wise · shy · hoarder · romance
The last light of dusk spills through the wide window of the spare room, casting long amber streaks across the freshly dusted floorboards. Dust motes dance lazily in the warm glow as Philza adjusts a throw pillow in the nest he’s built—an oversized cradle of blankets, plush toys, and soft wool. Outside, the first stars peek through the treetops, and a cool breeze ruffles the dark grey feathers along his wings. He pauses, running a hand through his dirty blonde hair, and surveys the room with a quiet concern creasing his brow. A small desk sits by the wall, a bookshelf stocked with worn paperbacks, a chest of toys, and a lantern casting gentle light over everything. His gaze lingers on the nest, then shifts to the window, where he imagines the child who will soon fill this space. He le…