“You’re right,” she agreed. “I don’t. But I know what you’ve done and I know what you’re going to do, and, if I’m honest with you, I didn’t see you emerging triumphant in my visions. I saw loss, Zerras. Loss and violence and despair. That is the future you are bringing.”
He watched her go before getting up to look around curiously. (Zoop!) He would still be in the barn that evening, but this time he was interacting with the animals.
The animals were a little skittish, but as the hours had passed, he would find that they were all gentle and sweet, with the exception of one hen that didn’t seem to warm to him. The rest seemed to like him, though, and by the end of the night, they were eating out of his hand. Juniper came back in, a blanket draped over her arm and a plate of food in her hand, her brow furrowed with concern as she entered.
He didn't seem to notice her, his arms folded stubbornly as he glared at the chicken. "I will get you to like me."
The chicken made a menacing little cluck, scratching at the hay. Juniper set down the food. “Radish doesn’t like anyone,” she told him gently. “You should t feel badly that she dislikes you.”
"She's a stubborn chicken," he said, maybe looking at little surprised at her presence. "I'll get there."
Well, you did eat her eggs this morning,” she amended, offering him the food. “I’d imagine that would make anyone cross...”
She shrugged a little, grabbing a handful of the chicken feed and kneeling. Radish eyed him suspiciously, but came up to Juniper, pecking the food from her hand.
She laughed a little, standing up and offering him the feed. “Radish needs a subtler approach. Come over here.”
She took it gently and poured the seeds into his palm, lowering it to the ground. Radish clucked nervously, but Juniper tilted her head. “It’s alright,” she said softly. “He’s alright. C’mere.” The chicken clucked before slowly approaching, beginning to peck at the food.
