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A dark shadow covered the moon, like clouds crossing over; as moonlight skated over black wings, before they were tucked in.
The Tengu waltzed from flying to gliding to walking with an effortless grace, like a dancer to a familiar tune.
“Sorry, did I keep you waiting for long?” The general asked their leader, who stood beside the lotus pond, having sought the shelter of a Keyaki tree amidst the drizzle; a Shima Enaga hugging her fingers.
Ei turned around, noticing the askew bright red mask, ruffled feathers—some of which stuck out at odd angles—and a sheepish smile.
“Rather, you gave me some time to learn what sounds the winds make whispering to the leaves, and how the moon’s sheen appears on the closed petals of the wet lotuses; and hear the dialogues held between raindrops and the myriad surfaces they touch,” Ei’s soft voice, softer than the fluff perched on her hand—that was observing the two with its head cocked—filled the night.
Sasayuri laughed, watching the fledgling fly away, their slightly guilty expression transforming into one of mirth. “I am convinced they put on a different show, just for you.”
The cloak of night wrapped around the two, snuggling them as they basked in comfortable silence; neither was in a hurry, the night ahead was long.