Celestia x Suijin

Celestia had noticed that Suijin rarely travelled alone. Not because he sought company, or made any particular effort to gather it, but because geese seemed inexplicably drawn to him. They appeared along the banks wherever he settled, waddling through the grass or paddling after him when he took to the water. Suijin paid them little mind. They could gather around him, wander off, or do whatever geese occupied themselves with; it made little difference to him.

The green goose was the exception, of course. That little bird was almost always nearby, and Suijin seemed quite content to have it there.

Celes watched the flock for a while, her head resting comfortably against the ground. Then an idea began to take shape. She was perfectly capable of approaching Suijin herself, but perhaps she could make the occasion a little more interesting. After all, Earth dragons had a particular advantage when it came to communicating with wildlife, and she suspected the geese might be willing to help.

She rose, stretching out her long body before padding toward the nearest group. A few birds immediately turned to look at her, their necks extending as they watched the dark-winged dragon approach. Celes slowed, lowered her head, and spoke to them.

She explained that she wanted to bring something to Suijin. Something pretty, perhaps, or simply something that might catch his attention. The geese listened in their own way, answering with a mixture of honks and head movements. They didn't seem to understand every detail, but they understood enough to become interested.

One goose wandered away and returned with a small flower clutched in its beak. Another found a smooth, pale stone near the water. Celes inspected both offerings, giving an approving trill before asking whether they could find more.

That was apparently all the encouragement they needed.

Soon, the little group had scattered across the bank in search of things to collect. Celes followed at an easy pace, occasionally communicating with one of the birds when it became distracted or wandered too far. She wasn't particularly concerned about organising them perfectly. Their enthusiasm was more useful than any sort of discipline, and she found their little errands rather entertaining.

The green goose eventually joined them, waddling over with a small, unusually bright stone. Celes greeted it warmly and thanked it for the contribution. It gave a pleased honk before falling in alongside the others.

When they finally made their way toward Suijin, the collection was an untidy assortment of flowers, feathers, and stones. Some geese carried their offerings proudly; others seemed to have forgotten why they'd picked anything up in the first place. Celes didn't mind. She had enough to make a little display, and more importantly, she had an entire procession accompanying her.

Suijin was resting beside the water when they arrived. He lifted his head as the first goose waddled toward him and dropped a flower nearby. Another followed with a feather, then another with a stone. He watched the activity with his usual placid expression, making no particular effort to investigate the gifts.

His green companion came next, placing its bright stone among the others before settling down beside him. Suijin lowered his head toward the little bird, acknowledging it with a quiet movement, then turned his attention toward Celes.

She approached with a relaxed sway, clearly pleased with her collection of helpers. The geese dispersed around them, already losing interest in their little project now that their contributions had been delivered. Celes settled beside Suijin, her dark wings spreading loosely across the grass as she leaned in to nuzzle his cheek.

Suijin met her affection calmly, and she gave a soft, satisfied trill.

The little display wasn't especially grand, and the geese had hardly been the most organised helpers. Still, they had brought her here, and she had managed to catch Suijin's attention without having to do all the work herself.

A goose wandered between them, pecking curiously at one of the stones. Celes watched it for a moment before looking back at Suijin, settling more comfortably against his side.

She thought she might have to thank the birds again later.