//so sorry this is so long!
Val had been here only two days. Yesterday, he'd made the venture back to RiverClan and, needless to say, he had to admit he was a little exhausted. But this idea put new energy back into the cub. He couldn't wait another second. He was going to get a hawk.
Valemon had to have an NPC explain how exactly to go about this. At first, the scrawny tomcat had probably thought the young lion was playing a game or something and had simply laughed when Val had said he 'wanted a birdie friend'. But, eventually, Val had learned he needed to stand in the middle of camp and offer something to the birds. Whichever took the gift would be his friend.
And, Val knew the perfect gift. He'd brought from home a flower crown to remind him of Lessa and her healing process. While he missed her, he knew she'd get better. Plus, he just really liked wearing it. But, he could get another one and the purple flowers on this particular one weren't his favorite... though, the NPC had quickly pointed out he should offer prey, not flowers, like that was the most obvious thing in the world. While Val didn't recognize the other's rude tone, he accepted the fish the NPC had been kind enough to give him. Then, he was ready.
The cub stood in the center of camp, looking up at the sky, the fish and flower crown both at his paws. Some glanced his way as they passed, others stopped to watch the ceremony, but Valemon paid them no attention. He was waiting as patiently as he could for his bird. Eventually, though - and quite quickly - his patience was wearing thin. He took a minute to look down at the presents he'd brought. Did the hawks not like them? Or what it him? Maybe he was never destined to have a bird friend. Maybe they didn't like him as much as he loved them.
His gaze jumped back up to the sky as a screech cut through these sad thoughts. Squinting, he spotted a large brown shape lowering quickly, straight towards himself. The cub was so overwhelmed with joy that he at first failed to notice that this particular hawk didn't seem interested in the fish or flower crown. But, when it had loomed closer, Val realized this was the hugest bird he'd ever laid eyes on. As it bore down upon him, he closed his eyes, the memories of when he'd gotten stuck in a tree rushing back to him. The talons scraping at his face and eyes, leaving him with the scars he still had. His own screams for his daddy as he struggled to get the bird away from him. Then, he'd only been trying to make friends! He hadn't meant to disturb the hawk's nest! It seemed that today he'd made the same mistake yet again. This hawk was going to attack him, just like that other one. It was true, that no matter how much he adored them, birds would never like him.
Still squeezing his eyes shut, Valemon heard yet another screech, then another. The noises were paired with a loud flapping of wings, so close it almost sounded like thunder. He looked up to see the big brown hawk from before tussling midair with another, much smaller one. He watched as they grappled, talons flying and sharp beaks slicing at one another. Finally, the larger bird broke away and flew off, presumably in search of an easier meal. And, the medium-sized, black hawk who'd fended him off landed before Val.
He quickly noticed she had the most stunning brown eyes and, even as she began to adjust her feathers, her gaze never left him for long. It was probably because she was frightened he would attack her or something, Val thought. She'd leave as soon as she'd gotten her bearings. But, surprisingly, she didn't. She simply stared back at him, as he often did to others when he zoned out (coincidentally, this happened to be called a zone-tailed hawk). Valemon got a good look at the rest of her and saw she had a few white feathers by her beak as well as speckled across her wings. But, what was she doing?
Tentatively, Val pushed the fish foward. "Fish. Eat?" The last word was spoken almost as if he was begging. He wanted more than anything for this hawk to accept his gift. So, naturally, his heart fell when at first she stared at it like she'd never seen anything so repulsive, then stepped forward in order to shove it away. Valemon felt the tears begin to flow down his nose as he gazed at the rejected gift. Then, he heard more flapping. Looking up yet again, he was met with an amazing sight. The black hawk had picked up his flower crown and now held it in her beak. Her eyes had softened slightly and Val couldn't help but smile. Did this mean...? She must not eat fish, he decided. Well, it wasn't his favorite either. But, was that really the point? He had a hawk!
"Birdie frien'!" Valemon shouted, so overjoyed he didn't realize his outburst might startle said friend. But, the hawk did the opposite, stepping forward yet again and setting the flower crown down. Her gaze returned to that of fierceness. Apparently, although she had accepted his offering, she didn't want to wear it. That was alright. He still had to name her, right? The first to come to mind was the name 'Calum', but Lessa's bird already had that name. Plus, this hawk was a gal, she needed a girl's name. "Name you Pretty," he eventually settled. Instantly, he was met by a sharp squack. "Silly Birdie?" he asked. Again, she declined. What else was there? What about... "River?" This time, the hawk replied by rising into the air and landing on Val's shoulders. Though the bird weighed only two pounds or so, the cub stumbled slightly under the sudden addition of weight. River it was, then. Just like RiverClan.