"Why that's very kind of you Laura Descia!" Lucky said, gratefully.  With the elf's help, he climbed upon her back.  He weighed about the same as a large child.  "Look, Laura Descia, feathers!"  He pointed up, as the feathers began to descend from the chute.  "Wait, I just had a thought--what if these are the feathers of the wicked Dire Bird?  Dire birds feast on folk's flesh, as everyone knows.  Don't worry, I shall protect you!"  He waved his arms at the feathers, swatting them away, when suddenly--a pillow dropped and bounced off his head!<br/><br/>"Curse you, Dire Bird!"  His shouts echoed around the chamber.