Macawi was often moving so much, traveling from place to place, that she didn't really see much in front of her. Of course, she looked around wherever she went, but her focus was mainly on other Gembounds. She could focus on Lesser Gembounds and plants sometimes, if she wanted, but generally, she sort of ignored the ‘background,’ too concentrated on getting to wherever she was going. But not today. Today she was too busy trying to nap in Eridanus to travel or to focus on the background. She snored lightly as she began to drift off – that is, until she sneezed when something tickled her nose.

Her eyes snapped opened as she looked around, wondering what had just brushed against her snout. On her chest was a single, beautiful feather, with all the colors of the rainbow in it. She craned her neck to study it as it lay between her front paws. Then she blew it off of herself and watched as it floated away. She smiled, and then her tan eyes caught sight of the little Rainbow Spinner above her, in the foliage. It chirped, almost shyly, at her. Or… was it at her? “Oh?” she called up to it softly. “And what does This One want, hmm?”

Suddenly, her gem was buzzing, and she could feel her Magic pulling itself towards the bird, but nothing was happening… Odd…

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Macawi attempted to put more focus into her gem, and her Magic, but again nothing happened. However, this time the Pulling was even stronger than it had been the first time. The bird sitting on a branch above her chirped some more, ruffling its bright and cheery feathers. She blinked up at it, wondering what this Pulling was. It was like… her Magic wanted to Bond with this creature. It was an odd sensation for one such as her. Sure, she had friends, but she’d always thought of herself as someone destined to be alone forever. She never stuck around long enough to truly belong anywhere – which was completely fine with her. It was just… what did this little Rainbow Spinner expect from her?

“All right,” she said, still talking to it as if it could actually understand her. “Macawi will play along with you, little bird. She does not know what you want, but she is not one to deny a friend.” Of course, the bird might not want anything at all! Macawi was insane, after all. Perhaps she was just reading into things too much. Or maybe she was dreaming? But what did that matter. If this little bird wanted to be her friend, then she was totally down with that. Now, if only her Magic would cooperate.

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Once again, Macawi attempted to access her Magic, to try and… open herself to this little chirping bird on a branch above her. And this time, it actually worked! A flood of thought and emotion surged through her, and they were not her own thoughts or emotions. His were simpler, less defined than her own, or another Gembound’s. That was to be expected. But still, they were there, and they were genuine, and she could feel them and it was all very interesting and new. “Tangakwunu,” she murmured, knowing his name instinctively. He chirped happily and fluttered down from his perch to land near where she lay.

“We are bonded now, Macawi can tell,” the Coyote said, turning her head to look at her new friend. “But you must know – Macawi is a wanderer. Perhaps one day you will want to… unbond from her.” Tangakwunu chirped harshly, and she could feel his disapproval at her words. She chuckled at him. “If This One is so persistent, Macawi supposes she will have to let you make that decision on your own, yes?” An affirmative chirp. The coyote rolled to her paws, sitting up. “Just remember, you are still you and Macawi is still Macawi! We are bonded, but still ourselves!”

Tangakwunu let out a thoughtful warble… and then fluttered up to land on his Friend’s head. Macawi laughed, and trotted happily through the foliage of Eridanus, disappearing into the long-grass, the sound of chirping echoing through the trees…

Exit Macawi

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