Another one for the Free For All! The prompt for this was "Raven, in bird form, finds herself being courted by a male raven during a recon mission."
Raven flew through the forests of Anima, looking for signs of Grimm. Her tribe's next raid had been meticulously planned, and now the monsters were the only thing that could ruin it. So far, the scouting mission was going well, with no sign of the creatures. She wanted to look a bit farther north, but then she'd return to camp.
Raven settled on a tree branch to rest her wings for a moment, when she heard a noise.
Caw, caw, ca-CAW!
The bandit leader turned her head to see a male raven sitting on a nearby branch. It was moving its head in a circle while keeping its eyes on her. She knew the gesture and the call that came with it. Ravens had nearly as many ways of courting as humans did, but this was one of the simplest and most direct ways of expressing interest.
Raven sighed inwardly and shook out her wings, preparing to take flight again. She had no interest in mating with a bird. After last time, she was reluctant to mate with anyone.
But before she could take off, the raven hopped onto her branch, still moving its head in a circle.
Caw, caw, ca-CAW!
Raven groaned internally, and attempted to wave off the male with her wing. But it pushed through her gesture and continued its attempt.
Caw, caw, ca-CAW!
"Fine," thought Raven. "We'll see how you like this."
The bandit leader pushed off the branch and glided down to the forest floor, glancing back up at the male as soon as she landed. It immediately followed, landing just feet in front of her.
Raven transformed back into her human shape, smirking at how shocked the male raven must have been. But it just continued staring at her.
Then it transformed into a man. A tanned, muscular man with a handsome face and messy blond hair. His blue eyes met Raven's red.
"Tai?" the bandit leader asked incredulously.
Tai just held her gaze for a moment… before moving his head in a circle, keeping his eyes locked on hers.
Caw, caw, ca-CAW!
Raven woke with a start, panting as if she'd just run a marathon. She looked around the dark of her tent, finding herself alone. She grasped her head, which ached like a Goliath had sat on it.
"I need to quit drinking," she moaned.