Episode Two - Meeting Hawk Tuah

Borkum meets a new companion. One, who has a special skill and companion. Can he make this adventure work?

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Transcript

Chapter Two - Meeting Hawk Tuah
The Mermaid’s Song was a cacophony of laughter, clinking mugs, and the occasional outburst of exaggerated bravado. As I, Borkum the Battler, took a sip of my ale, the door swung open with a dramatic creak, and in walked someone who commanded the room’s attention like a peacock in a henhouse. She was tall, lean, and moved with a grace that suggested she could juggle flaming swords while balancing on a tightrope. Her raven-black hair was tied back in a practical braid, and her piercing green eyes scanned the room as if looking for trouble—or perhaps just a misplaced drink.

She strode to the bar, her boots tapping out a confident rhythm. “Hawk Tuah,” she announced to the bartender, her voice carrying over the din. “I’m here for an adventure, and maybe a free drink if you’re feeling generous.”

The bartender, used to such bold declarations, simply nodded and handed her a drink. It was now or never. I stood up, trying to appear both confident and casual, which is a bit like trying to look cool while slipping on a banana peel.

“Excuse me, Hawk Tuah?” I began, hoping my voice didn’t crack.

She turned to me, one eyebrow arched in curiosity and perhaps a hint of amusement. “Yes? And who might you be, the local entertainer?”

“Borkum the Battler,” I said, extending my hand. “New to Aurora Isle and seeking adventure. I heard you might be in the same boat—although hopefully not the same boat I just got off, because that thing leaks like a sieve.”

Her grip was firm as she shook my hand, and I thought I saw a spark of interest—or maybe it was just the reflection of the hearth fire. “Borkum the Battler, you say? What brings you to the Mermaid’s Song? Besides the questionable company and even more questionable beer?”

I chuckled, trying to appear nonchalant. “I’m here to prove myself, find glory, and avoid any more of the captain’s jokes. The port locals were wary, but they said this is where the real adventurers gather. Or at least the ones who survived their first drink.”

Hawk Tuah studied me for a moment, then nodded. “You’ve got the look of someone with heart, if not yet the scars of experience. Tell me, Borkum, what kind of adventure are you seeking? Something with a high chance of survival, or are you more into the ‘let’s see how far we can push our luck’ category?”

I leaned in, trying to look as earnest as possible. “Anything that will test my mettle,” I replied. “Preferably without involving too many sharp objects aimed at my head. I want to explore the unknown, face dangers, and maybe find some treasure that doesn’t immediately try to bite me.”

A slow smile spread across Hawk Tuah’s face. “I like your spirit. I’ve been hearing rumors of an old ruin deep in the jungle. It’s said to be filled with ancient treasures, magical traps, and creatures that may or may not consider us a light snack. Interested?”

My heart leapt at the prospect. “Absolutely. It sounds exactly like the kind of challenge I’m looking for. Plus, I’ve always wanted to meet my future nightmares in person.”

She leaned back, her eyes appraising. “Very well, Borkum the Battler. We leave at dawn. Meet me here, and bring whatever gear you can muster. And maybe a sense of humor. We’ll need all the help we can get. Now off with you and let me so what kind of man I can rustle up.”

The morning sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden glow over Port Azure. The air was crisp, and I could feel the anticipation bubbling in my chest. Today was the day. I, Borkum the Battler, was setting off on my first real adventure with Hawk Tuah.

I arrived at The Mermaid’s Song, where Hawk Tuah was already waiting, looking as composed and ready as ever. She was checking her gear, making sure everything was in its place. I couldn’t help but admire her preparedness—and hope I didn’t forget anything essential, like, say, my sword.

“Morning, Hawk,” I greeted, trying to sound as confident as she looked. “Ready to face whatever ancient horrors await us?”

She glanced up, a smirk playing on her lips. “Morning, Borkum. I see you managed to wake up on time. That’s a good start. Let’s hope you can keep up.”

“I’m like a well-oiled machine,” I replied, patting my chest. “Except, you know, with more enthusiasm and less squeaking.”

She laughed, shouldering her pack. “We’ll see about that. Let’s hit the trail. The ruin isn’t going to explore itself.”

We set off, the bustling port quickly giving way to dense jungle. The path was overgrown, and I found myself constantly ducking under low-hanging branches and avoiding tripping over roots. Hawk Tuah moved with the grace of a dancer, barely making a sound, while I crashed through the underbrush like a particularly clumsy bear.

“Do you always hike this quietly?” I asked, attempting to step over a particularly large root and almost losing my balance in the process.

Hawk Tuah glanced back, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “It’s a skill you pick up after a few close calls with jungle predators. They tend to prefer their meals without a side of noise.”

“Good to know,” I said, finally managing to extricate my foot from the root’s grasp. “I’ll try to keep my clumsiness to a minimum. No promises, though. It seems to be a natural talent.”

She chuckled. “Stick with me, Borkum, and you might just survive this adventure. Who knows, you might even learn a thing or two.”

We trekked through the dense jungle for hours, the sounds of exotic wildlife creating a symphony of mystery and wonder. The morning sun had climbed high, casting dappled light through the thick canopy. My shirt was soaked with sweat, and I was beginning to regret not bringing a second one.

“Hawk, how much further to the ruins?” I asked, trying to keep the exhaustion out of my voice.

“Not too far now,” she replied, her voice steady and composed. “We should reach them by midday if we keep this pace.”

Just as I was about to respond, a loud, piercing screech echoed through the trees, causing me to jump and nearly drop my pack. I looked around wildly, trying to locate the source of the noise.

Hawk Tuah smiled, an enigmatic glint in her eyes. “Calm down, Borkum. That’s just my companion.”

“Your companion?” I echoed, bewildered. “What kind of companion makes a noise like that?”

She raised a hand, and almost on cue, a massive shadow passed overhead. I craned my neck to see a giant hawk circling above us, its wingspan easily ten feet across. The bird’s feathers glistened in the sunlight, and its sharp eyes were focused intently on Hawk Tuah.

“Meet Skyclaw,” she said, as if introducing an old friend. “He’s been with me for years. I’m a druid, Borkum. My bond with nature is strong, and Skyclaw is my loyal companion.”

I stared in awe at the majestic bird, struggling to find my words. “A druid? That’s incredible, Hawk! I’ve never met a druid before, let alone one with such an amazing companion.”

She laughed softly. “Thank you, Borkum. Skyclaw and I have been through a lot together. He’s more than just a pet; he’s a partner in every sense of the word.”

Skyclaw swooped lower, landing gracefully on a nearby branch. The branch, surprisingly, held firm under his considerable weight. He tilted his head, watching me with a curious intensity.

“I can see why you named him Skyclaw,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite my awe. “He looks like he could tear through anything with those talons.”

Hawk Tuah nodded, her hand gently caressing the air in Skyclaw’s direction. “He’s fierce in battle, but also incredibly intelligent and loyal. Having him by my side has saved my life more times than I can count.”

As we resumed our hike, I couldn’t help but bombard her with questions. “So, being a druid, you can control other animals too? Or is it just birds?”

She smiled, clearly amused by my curiosity. “It’s not about control, Borkum. It’s about forming a bond with nature and understanding the creatures within it. I have a special connection with birds, but I can communicate with all sorts of animals. It’s a relationship built on trust and mutual respect.”

I nodded, absorbing her words. “That’s incredible. And Skyclaw just stays with you, even during battles?”

“Always,” she said, her voice filled with affection. “He’s my eyes in the sky and my silent guardian. We share a connection that goes beyond words.”

I glanced at Skyclaw, who was now flying ahead, scouting the path. “I have to admit, I’m a bit jealous. Having a giant hawk as a companion is way cooler than anything I could have imagined.”

“Is that how you got your name Hawk?” I asked.

“I got the name Hawk Tuah, because I like to spit a lot.” Hawk Tuah replied. She then cleared her throat making a distinctive “hawk tuah” sound and spat onto the ground.

Hawk Tuah laughed again, a sound as refreshing as a cool breeze. “Stick with me, Borkum. You never know what kind of adventures—and companions—you might find