I hold an arm aloft, hissing a little as sharp talons dig into my forearm. He's heavier than I expect, but he doesn't stay put for long, giving out a loud squawk before spreading his wings and heading back up into the trees. I watch him go, bewildered, a hint of a smile still tugging at my mouth. A blue feather falls from my hair, and I crouch down to pick it up, spinning it between my fingers.

I laugh again. "That was different."