A loud screech interrupted Tsukiko and Ophene’s conversation, and the two rushed out to see a truly massive fatbird, its beak spiky and its talons sharp. Towering above even the cart, it was an impressive sight to take in, its black wings longer than Tsukiko’s height. Each step of its shook the earth, and its breast was nice and thick. How many people can this thing feed? Fifty? Seventy? If she made a broth out of it, it could probably feed a whole town.

At the same time, however, it didn’t actually appeared to be all that hostile. All it eyed was the cart, and the motions it made suggested that the fatbird wasn’t intent on attacking the adventurers immediately, regardless of the hysteria it was causing the horse. A bird of this size should have no problem keeping itself fed, and the beasts of the wildlands were just beasts. The contents of this cart, then, should be of no interest to the fatbird.

Which meant that it was domesticated. Trained. Working under the bidding of someone who DID care about what was in the cart.

Of course, regardless of whether or not it was particularly peaceful, Tetras had already launched his attack, rushing in with two greatswords drawn, while Ophene, after suggesting they ran away, went on the offensive, tossing a small ball of fire.

Tsukiko turned to Isabel as her companions fought, before sighing. [b]“We could just let it take the cart away and follow it. This isn't even evil.”[/b]

Regardless, the ink-haired woman placed herself in front of Ophene, Tsukimi held between her hands like a staff, ready to parry whatever blows came their way.