Warning: This chapter has a particularly violent death scene, and it's not really skippable; it's a major scene for this story, so brace yourselves.
A Hero's Welcome
Justin, Orion and Colmillo stood at the outskirts of the bird village, all three dirty and starving from the long trek they'd endured.
Justin, the proud warrior, allowed himself to shed tears that he would finally feel the embrace of his beloved Kali.
Orion had a worse time hiding his emotions, shaking his friend's shoulders while tears streamed down his small red beak.
Colmillo rolled his eyes at how emotional the birds were getting.
Justin patted Orion on the back, "Come on!"
The three of them began to walk together towards the village.
Bird folk outside their homes saw the trio approaching, at first they were alarmed, then they stood when they recognized their returning warriors.
"Justin is home!" "It's Orion!" "Who's that wolf with them?"
The people all gathered to watch.
It was then Justin began to notice several foxes walking with his fellow birds, trading wares and goods, sometimes just chatting like neighbors.
Orion looked around and took notice of the young hens and drakes standing outside their homes, talking to foxes that came up to them. He watched one tod follow a young starling into her hut.
Colmillo, meanwhile, found himself the target of many stares. He was a wolf, so he was much larger than all of these birds. He saw the foxes, couldn't help staring at the few attractive vixens he passed by.
Justin spoke up, "Apparently, we've missed something."
...
Kali and Maureen were washing themselves following their recent tryst with those two handsome tods. The foxes paid the both of them generously for the wonderful moment, before Caryn decided she'd take them for a ride.
So while Caryn was getting her rocks off with the young foxes, Kali and Maureen bathed themselves and their children with fresh-smelling soaps sold to them by the various merchants who have passed through.
The flap to their home flew open and a random bird poked their head in, "Girls! Come out!"
Kali looked up, "What is it? What's all the commotion outside?"
"It's your husbands, they've come home!"
Caryn, still riding one of the foxes, froze as soon as she heard that, "O-Orion!?"
Kali got up, "Justin's back?"
The bird nodded, "Yes, they are right outside!"
Caryn panicked and toppled off the fox she'd been riding while Kali got up to go outside, disregarding her current lack of clothing.
Justin and Orion stood outside the hut just as Kali came out, wet and naked to the world around her.
Kali saw him and for the first time in her life, she felt weak in her knees.
Justin stepped forward quickly and both jay birds fell into each other's extended arms.
Orion and Colmillo looked on while the reunited mates touched beaks before them. Orion looked behind them to see his own wife stumble out of the tent, "Caryn!" He chirped loudly.
Caryn heard her beloved, then saw him running for her. She broke down in his arms as soon as he had his wings around her.
So now Colmillo stood alone in this community of birds, watching his companions reunite with their wives. He smiled contentedly for them before he saw a pine marten woman exit the same hut.
Maureen glowed especially to see them back together.
...
Minutes later, all six had gone inside to sit around and share stories of what had been happening for both parties.
Justin and Orion were both ecstatic when they were finally able to hold their month-old chicks. Justin also held Maureen's son and commented on how he had his mother's eyes.
Both Caryn and Kali listened as their husbands spoke of their hard travels back from the mountains.
And the husbands didn't skimp on details, they told of the cabin with Carlyle and his two female friends, and the especially heated awakening they'd had.
The wives took it remarkably well.
Orion blushed especially when he explained how he and Justin had become lovers over the several nights they'd spent alone in each other's arms.
Kali and Caryn both giggled as they let that image run through their horny bird brains.
In turn, the wives told of how Nestor had changed so much around the village. They told their husbands about the new trade. They showed them the new cookware they've been using, showed them the gold and jewels they've accumulated from selling food and clothing to travelers.
The husbands were impressed, but not so much when they heard of how the bird folk were required to also sell their sex.
Justin and Orion both listened closely as their wives described the process.
Justin asked, "And have you lain with these travelers?"
Each of the three women nodded, Caryn being the most embarrassed, while Kali spoke, "We did, but only because we were told it was all for the good of the tribe to move ahead and develop. And... Because we had thought you were dead and.... We had to move on."
Justin contemplated then spoke, "I guess I would be a hypocrite if I would let myself become upset at this... After all, we were unfaithful to you, you beautiful females while we were away..."
