Darin answered Ridahne’s question easily enough, “It depends on how fast he imprints on me. Birds are hard creatures to earn the trust of. Once they trust one person, they tend to trust that person and no one else. If I earn this one’s trust, handing him off to someone else will negatively affect his healing. So, I guess we’ll see.”

Another voice filled the air, “Darin! What happened?”

Darin looked up to see Ravi coming towards her, “He’s scared and in pain. So, he lashed out. It was an accident. Accidents happen.”

Ravi sighed, “I suppose that is true.” He nodded at a human woman following him, “Kristi can take him. You are correct about the imprinting. If Kristi takes him now you won’t have to worry about that.”

Darin nodded in understanding and moved to hand Kristi the bird. The hawk did not like that one little bit. He lashed out again. Kristi fell backwards to get away from the rapidly flapping wings and talons desperate to make contact. Darin was left to struggle to hold the bird as he tried desperately to escape. The Seed-Bearer kept her grip gentle but firm. The creature was obviously terrified.

Darin snapped, “Enough you silly thing. You’ll just hurt that wing more.” The creature calmed down and turn his head to look at Darin’s scowling face, “No more of that. I still need to set that wing.” She turned to Ravi, “Where would I find things for that?”

Ravi pointed at Kristi, “Kristi can take you. I guess he’s imprinted on you already.”

Darin nodded, “I guess so.” She turned to Ridahne, “It looks like he’ll be coming with us.” At Talbot’s snort and nod she turned to scowl at the horse, “I know he needs a name. That is not as important as setting this wing.” She turned back to Ridahne, “If you could figure out what he eats I would appreciate it. He’ll need a meal after I set his wing.” Talbot pushed her in the shoulder, “I’m going! I’m going! Wait here! Or wherever. I don’t need you hovering Talbot.”

Darin muttered under breath as she followed Kristi towards a small building. The windows were open and covered by dark curtains. The only light came though the doorless entry. Darin approved. Birds healed better in the dark. Kristi quickly got away from the bird. Darin stuck her tongue out at her retreating back. Animals lashed out when in pain. That was just the way it was. Being afraid of them was silly. Darin place the hawk on the table to look at the break properly. Luckily it was a clean break even though the wing was broken in two places. It would be easy enough to set, though it would take some time to heal.

As she worked, she asked, “Talbot was right. You do need a name.” The bird just gazed at her with baleful eyes, “You don’t have any ideas? Neither do I.”

Darin had to force the wing into place and the hawk let out another shriek of pain. This time his talon’s dug deep into Darin’s arm. It was her turn to let out a shout of pain. She then gritted her teeth to finishing setting the bone with the straight sticks provided and the wool thread that seemed sturdy enough for the job. There was also a small gash on his leg that needed stitching. Darin pressed him down with one hand as she carefully patched up the injury. She might need stitches on her arm, and who knew what the stitches on her shoulder looked like. She would have to go find Ridahne so Ridahne could play doctor for her the same way she had played doctor for the bird that still needed a name.

Darin looked at the gashes on her arm as she thought, “These are some pretty deep injuries pretty bird. It’s almost like you were trying to pull my arm off.” She paused as she thought about that, “Arm. Arm.” She smiled, “Taja. You and Talbot can match with the T names.” Her brow furrowed as she thought further, “I suppose I should ask Ridahne about that first.” She carefully placed the hawk on one of the many perches in the building, “Hopefully she found a snack for you. It has been a little while and it is close to dinner time. I’m going to find her.” Darin looked to see Talbot looking in thought the door, “Alright then. Talbot, if something happens to out new friend Come and find me.”

Talbot nodded as she laughed as rubbed his nose. Then she headed towards the main Farmhouse. She had her own injuries to look at. Hopefully Ridahne would be willing to patch her up. She wasn’t sure she wanted one of the Workers looking at the injuries. Ridahne would be the one playing doctor in the future. It made sense to keep with one person patching her up for now. She was also hoping that the Farm had herbs they could use. It didn’t make sense to use the Elf’s salve unless they had to.