Desia stare at the horizon. Even though the sky is still quite dark, he can see the shimmering light that escapes past the edge of the storm wall.
The sun has risen above the horizon. But it is yet to rise above the dark clouds.
"We are going to explore the surrounding area for more things we might be able to make use of. Our priority is to find a more plentiful source of freshwater. A river would be ideal.".
Adrin said. He just finished inspecting the camps and put some meats on the bamboos rack to dry.
"I hope these meats would stay where it is once we come back here.".
Adrin then tell him
"Nah, there is no need to worry about it. I'm sure there are plenty of foods on this island. And if we found a river, we might be able to catch fish. So we don't have to worry about running out of food or water.".
Desia says
"That sounds like a great idea. Is there anything else we need to keep an eye out for?".
Adrin touch his chin, then he remarks
"Aside from the usual danger, We should find something that can be used as rope. So we can make water skin out of those wolf rat pelts.".
Desia then remark
"Uhhhh..... But he has a rope right here?".
Desia pointed to the rope that they arrived on the island with. Chamnan replies
"Nah. it is too big for a small water skin. and we might have to leave it here for now. It might be more useful if we used them for the raft.".
Everyone turned to stare at Chamnan for a second. They haven't yet told Chamnan that they might not be able to leave the island. But they decide not to say anything about it yet, for it would only drag their spirit down.
Desia then says
"Got it. I know what type of vine can be used as rope. Just leave that to me. let's go.".
Everyone nods in agreement and walk into the jungle. The jungle is strangely quiet, with no chirping sounds from the morning birds. The bushes were thick, and so does the shades above. The path they are walking on is barely visible.
They walk slowly and observe their environment with caution. Each of them has bamboo spears in their hands. Ready to fight any beast that might wish them harm.
After a while, they arrive at a clearing, where the faint morning light can shine upon and illuminate the area.
"Whoa, look over there! what are those things?"
Chamnan said. His finger pointed at a group of colourful, flightless birds. They have short beaks and short stubby legs.
"I have seen a lot of creatures, but I have never seen any birds like this before."
Desia remarked. He decides to approach the birds, seeing that they are small and probably harmless. The flightless birds notice Desia approaching them and get startled. So right as Desia plunge at them to try and grab them. All of the birds curl up and reveal many sharp quills and spires, which stand up from among the bird's bright green feathers.
Desia took notice just in time and quickly cancel his momentum, causing him to stumble backwards and land on his butt. He then said with a surprised look
"What is that!? Spiked bird!?".
The other two approach close to looking at the birds, then Chamnan says
"Yep, spiked bird. What do you think it is?".
Adrin lend his hand to help Desia stand up while saying
"We, really need to be more careful. Even the seemingly harmless bird may be a trap. I'm sure this island still has more surprise for us.".
Desia then says
"Now that I know they have spikes, I think we can make an easy meal out of them. We can just flip them up and catch them anyway.".
Chamnan squat to look at the birds, then he replies
"Oh come on! There are a lot of things we can eat on this island. We should just let these little guys be.".
Seeing Chamnan protest against eating the birds, Desia jokingly says
"I bet these things taste like chickens, Just look at them. Aside from those spikes, these things are pretty much meals on legs.".
They're one of the birds uncurl and checks what's going on. It lifts its head in the air as if it smells something. Everyone went quiet and stare curiously.
The bird continues to sniff the air. Then it slowly approaches Chamnan, with Its defensive spikes lowered.
Suddenly, the bird let out a subtle hum and curiously nudged the side of Chamnan legs.
"Hahaha, This little one seems to like you. Maybe they know you don't want to eat them."
Desia said. Chamnan smiles and tries to touch the bird. But the bird immediately bit his finger.
"Hey! I thought you like me. What is that for?".
Chamnan exclaimed. Which frighten the Timid bird, causing it to curl up again. Chamnan says
"I'm sorry, little one. It is fine now. I'm not here to eat you, unlike someone here.".
Chamnan stares at the curl up, spiky bird. He suddenly raises his brow and remark
"I think I get it now. Yesterday, I put many sweets berries in my pocket. I accidentally crush some of them along the way. My shirt might smell like crushed berries.".
Adrin then says
"That makes sense. They must have a very good sense of smell since we don't notice that.".
Chamnan put his hand in his shirt pocket, then he smell it.
"Yup, it's sweets and rancid. I need to wash my shirt at some point.".
Chamnan remarked. Then Desia replies
"Said the only guy who has yet to bathe. Well, at least your shirt doesn't smell like blood or sea salts. I'm sure that those berries aren't the only thing that smell, hehe.".
Chamnan gives Desia are grossed outlook, while Adrin just chuckles along. Adrin then remark
"Well, now we know what to do with these birds. I think we should get going, and remember, Our goal is to find a river or large stream. We should be able to hear them before we see them.".
Chamnan stand up and replies
"Right, I will tell you if I hear anything resembling the sounds of running water. I wonder what kind of creatures also live on this island, aside from the wolf-rat and these spiky birds.".
Desia then says
"At least I can say that there are no sea birds around this island, I don't even think there are flying birds here at all.".
Adrin says
"Well, this island is surrounded by an unnatural ring of the storm, So I can see why there are no sea birds on the island.".
Suddenly, all of them went quiet again. Chamnan then comment
"But there are still birds here. Legend said that gods created birds on an island far away from the known world, and give them the gift of flight for them to choose places to live as they please. They then morph into various kinds of different birds.".
They turn to look at Chamnan who continue saying
"This means that the ancestor of these birds must have flown to this island at some point and turned into these birds over time.".
Desia scratches his head and remark
"Huh, I never think about that before. The shaman said that gods created all creature and place it on different land to challenge those who live on them. And if birds do fly to this island, then why don't we see any flying birds here?".
Adrin raise his hands and tell them
"We don't know that yet until we explored the entire island and found no flying birds. And even though there are no seabirds here. I still think that what Chamnan said might be possible. According to the Base of the legend she said, there must be a time where the storm goes away and allow the birds to settle down here.".
Chamnan smiles and says
"Exactly! Which mean that there is time that the storm goes away, long enough for birds to migrate here. This also means that there are times where we can leave the island without worrying about the storm.".
Desia turn to look at Adrin who smiles awkwardly and nod. Adrin then says
"That is great! Now we should find a river where we can set up a home base, and wait for the storm to go away. We need to be very prepared for when the time comes. Let's get things set up as fast as possible! We do not know when the storm will go away, and it would terrible if we weren't ready to take that opportunity when the times come. Let's go!".
Chamnan raise his hand and say
"Yes, not waste any more time! lead the way Adrin! ".
Desia smiles at the entire group are now more energetic than ever, thinking that there is still hope. Desia then glances at Adrin who nods at him, telling him to play along.
So the survivors continue on their way to explore the jungles...