Work Text:
The days grew warmer, the sun climbing higher each day, casting its bright light over a landscape. Snow had vanished, giving way to shoots of fresh grass that carpeted the earth, while wildflowers bloomed. The trees came alive with color, their branches heavy with new leaves and petals that released a sweet scent into the air.
Spring had arrived – finally, fully arrived. And with it, something... primal stirred in Miranda.
A yearning she’d never felt before. It was a call that seemed to have lain dormant until now, until she’d found her precious human. You.
She soared across the village and over the dense, sprawling forests, her massive wings carrying her with purpose. She gathered materials from the land below: straw, sticks, pieces of fabric, small trinkets, and objects left by the people living in the village.
Once her collection was complete, she began her work. Each item found its place as Miranda carefully arranged them into a circular nest – a space large enough to fit you, her beloved human.
She surveyed her creation, her eyes scanning every detail, making small adjustments here and there to ensure that everything was flawless. She wanted it to be perfect – for you.
Satisfied, she spread her wings again, taking flight toward the village. Her massive form cast a wide shadow over the earth below as she made her way back.
A sudden gust of wind whipped through the air, stirring dust around you. A figure loomed above.
You barely had time to look up, in an instant, you were lifted off the ground, swept up by long claws.
You thrashed in the grip, your heart pounding as you screamed, panic rising as your mind raced to comprehend what kind of creature had captured you.
Then you managed to glance up – and recognition struck. You saw Miranda’s familiar face in the terrifying form that held you aloft. Relief flooded you, though confusion lingered. Usually she wasn't so dramatic whether she desired your presence.
She carried you far from the village, across fields and valleys, toward the distant mountains. There, she dropped you gently on a rocky ledge, right before… a massive nest.
Hovering just behind, her wings beat in a slow rhythm.
“Go on,” she said softly, giving you a gentle nudge toward the nest. “This is for you, my love.”
You glanced over your shoulder, catching the bright, wide smile on Miranda’s face. She was happy. Yet, you couldn’t quite shake your uncertainty as you looked back at the nest.
You studied the structure with a hint of skepticism. "Miranda… what is this, exactly?"
“It’s a nest,” she replied simply, a note of pride in her voice. “A nest for you.”
Before you could react, her clawed hand pressed gently against your back, urging you forward once more.
“Try it,” she insisted.
You never would have expected Miranda to build you… a nest. Sure, she had a bit of a crow’s knack for collecting things, but this was on a whole new level.
With a sigh and a shake of your head, you thought about how absurd it all felt – but seeing her anticipation, you decided to humor her. Clearly, she’d poured a lot of effort into this.
Carefully, you made your way over and settled yourself in the middle of the nest. Surprisingly, it was… nice. Really. It was comfortable even, with an incredible view overlooking the village and the surrounding forests – a perfect vantage point for just the two of you, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Miranda drew closer, hovering near the edge of the nest, her clawed hands resting on its rim.
“Are you comfortable?” she asked, tilting her head. Her eye was fixed on you.
“Yes,” you said, a smile tugging at your lips. It was still surreal to you, this whole thing. “But… why don’t you come in here too, hmm?”
Miranda’s expression lit up, a toothy grin curling on her dark lips. “Of course,” she replied, easing herself into the nest beside you. She curled up inside the structure, her long arms wrapping around you as she pulled you close, cradling you in a protective embrace. Her wings shifted until they closed around you both, forming a soft, feathery cocoon that shut out the rest of the world.
“There,” she murmured. “Now we’re together.”
You leaned against her chest. The warmth of her body, the closeness, the feeling of being wrapped in her presence... it felt so right. So comforting.
A smile played on your lips as you tilted your head up, pressing a soft kiss to her pale cheek.
It elicited a low, contented rumble vibrating in her chest.
For a long while, the two of you simply stayed there, nestled together, gazing out at the breathtaking view below, the world outside the nest distant and unimportant.