The Keibe

Journal entry 1: My name is Daniel Thorne. In my friendship with the royal garden’s caretaker, I have discovered the existence of a special species of bird. As of yet, I do not know much about this creature. I have borrowed a few of the caretaker’s books to study more. I intend to go on a journey to their habitat in the forest in the next few days. I will be taking this journal and the books so that I can continue my writings. 

Journal entry 17: It has been over two weeks since I entered the forest, and I have finally found the nest. It's massive. The creatures I am studying are known as Keibe. It is believed that they have not yet reached the evolutionary stage that other birds have, due to their reptilian appearance. Seeing as evolution occurs out of necessity, I believe this is untrue, and that they are adapted perfectly for their environment. They spend most of their time in the treetops, seeking out fruits and berries. With sharp fangs inside a lizard-like maw, it is surprising to learn that they are actually herbivores. Keibe are very territorial and are known to attack anything that invades their territory. I must be very careful when I decide to interact with them. Their long prehensile tail seems to stay curled up until used as a way to navigate the treetops. I find it strange that they move around this way. They have gorgeous and vibrant wings that could serve them quite well in flight. Sadly, I have yet to see one fly. It is worth note that it is mainly their wings that are decorated in vibrant colors. Taking this into consideration, I have deduced that they only fly when necessary, to avoid predators. 

Journal entry 20: I have studied the hunting and sleeping schedules of the nest so that I may get closer to them to observe. Every population that has been observed has grouped together the same way. All the Keibe in the area will nest together. They seem to be pack animals, like humans. Adults will mate for life, and the eldest of the adults will watch the younglings. Hatchlings have to be kept away from younglings because they will play too rough. I saw the reasoning behind this yesterday. Thankfully, an adult stepped in (or swung in, should I say) and was able to save the hatchling. The older they get, the larger they grow, it never stops.

Journal entry 22: I was spotted today. I’ve no idea why they didn’t attack. I suppose I wasn’t threatening enough. Or maybe they already knew about my presence there. Whatever the reason, it was extraordinary. No one has been able to be that close without being seriously injured. The last man to get that close ended up stuck in bed with a scribe to write his book for him. Every book I have read has warned greatly of seeking out the Keibe. Mother is not going to be happy when she learns about this incident. I don’t think I’ll tell her she’s scarier than the entire nest of Keibe.

Journal entry 29: It has been seven days since my first face-to-face encounter with the Keibe. I have been steadily moving closer every day. The younglings seem to be quite curious about this large being moving in. The elderly on the other hand, couldn’t care less. Tomorrow I am going to try and interact with them.

Journal entry 30: I am amazed. Today I was able to interact with the Keibe. They are truly remarkable creatures I believe they sensed I would not hurt them and came up to me willingly. I counted about fourteen younglings scampering about today, climbing over my arms and legs. One of the younger males was showing off his newly-fledged feathers, and a few of the older ones were flying around my head. A small female made a nest in my hair. The elders came out from under their little den to gather them up as the sun was setting. It was the most wonderful day I've had in a while.

Journal entry 40: Ten days later and I have been able to see the Keibe younglings and adults every day. The younger male that was showing off his feathers on my first day of interaction seems to have taken a shine to me. Sadly, I must be off in a few days to carry on my duties at home. I would like to sleep in a real bed again.

Journal entry 45: I am setting off today. I don’t know how the Keibe will react when I am no longer there. I assume the elders will be a bit perturbed at being thrust into their duties again, but all should go back to normal. 

Journal entry 46: When I awoke this morning and looked in my bag for breakfast, I discovered something. A stowaway! I’m surprised that I didn’t notice earlier, and that the other Keibe haven’t come after us. He seems quite happy with himself, though. He may have been planning this for some time. I do not have enough rations to take him back, so he shall come with me for the time being. Of course, he is free to leave at any time. I would try and deliver him home, but nearly everything in this forest is poisonous to humans. 

Journal entry 50: He can hunt for himself! Remarkably, this little youngling knows exactly how to provide for himself already. In about ten days' time, we will be out of the forest. I am going on the assumption that he will leave by then or leave when we exit the forest. For now, he rests on my shoulder like a little parrot.

Journal entry 60: I have left the forest. Well, I should say we left the forest. He has decided to stick around. I am starting to realize that he needs a name. He doesn’t seem to like any of the ones I come up with. I’m going to ask Damien and Mother when I get home, they might think of some good ones.

Journal entry 63: It has been decided! He can stay and is free to leave at any time, but while he is in residence here, he will be known as Morado, for his elegant purple feathers. This was, of course, Mother’s suggestion. I have discovered that Damien is no good at naming, and I will be informing his future wife that he is not allowed to name their children.

Final journal entry on the Keibe (for now): Morado is settling in nicely and is quite at home. Surprisingly enough, he and Dorian have taken to each other very well. I believe he will stay here for now, and he and I will go on many trips to see his family.