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"Tying things to their legs?" Watch said, puzzled. "Well, perhaps they were pigeons, and not pidges. As you know, pigeons aren't too bright and are used by humans sometimes. You're right to not get to close..." Watch ruddered his tail feathers to stay balanced in the bumpy air. "Odd..." Watch muttered. The air had just been so smooth, but now it was bumpy. This wasn't a dead drop, it was turbulence. "Careful," Watch warned. "There's something wrong here..."

To the north, and heading their way, was a giant storm cloud, full of electricity. Though they were still a few miles away from the huge storm, flashes of lightning and the sound of thunder were easily noted. And the rain... Huge sheets of rain streamed down like confetti, only faster and much larger.

"Oh... no..." Watch groaned. "We'd better land, or we'll get wet. Why is there a thunderstorm now, and here of all places!" Watch started to go into a dive, circling a tree and he went down. It was a terrible situation for Watch to have been blown out of his home by a storm, then kept away from his lovely tree by yet another one. "April showers bring May flowers..." Watch muttered.

"I hope that the lightning won'y be a problem," Watch said, a little nervous. They were, after all, among a whole bunch of trees and about to get soaked to the bone.

Then the rain came, in icy bunches, thick, wet, and cold. The trees were immediately soaked, as was Watch.

Watch went lower down the tree and closer to the base of the trunk, using the leaves above as an umbrella. It didn't help much, but it did some. Miserable and wet, Watch decided to wait it out.

The thunder above roared like an angry dragon. The lighting cut across the sky like daggers, illuminating the forest before receding. One right after the other, just like a little kid switching the lights on and off, over and over. The storm clouds blocked out the sun.

Watch also side-stepped to get closer to Letter, which allowed them to share and conserve their warmth. "At least the wind hasn't picked up too horribly," Watch ventured. At the word 'horribly', the trees all bent over almost double and groaned as the wind tore across them. Watch had to dig his talons into the branch he was on and scrunch down to prevent his being blown away. I'm sorry that I had tried to come home today, Watch thought regretfully. I should've checked with a weather-watcher first...

Almost as if frightened off by the world's seeming delight, the ominous clouds moved on. The cheery sun popped out, ready to warm and dry the world that had been so soaked. The blue patch in the sky spread, showing that the world was beautiful after all. The thunder, growing distant now, grumbled at its defeat. The grass sparkled, drinking in the refreshing rain. The trees spread their limbs out mightily, undefeated by the once raging wind. Soon butterflies and bees were going about their business, dantily drinking from flowers dotted with water.

Watch hopped away from Letter and shook off his feathers, careful not to get any on his companion. "There," he said, also cheered by the beauty. "Look at that rainbow!" He stretched one wing high up, pointing at the bridge of color in the sky. "This makes the storm worth waiting through," he sighed. Watch felt an urge to fly into the air, which he promptly did. He circled above Letter, listening to the songs of other birds, showing their joy through their chirpings and warbling calls rather than by flying. Watch, not being a whisperer, did not know the words, but he could still enjoy the music.

"Right!" Watch grinned as he flew back onto course. "Though that was an unwanted and uncomfortable rest, we might as well appreciate it. By now, we've probably flown a mile and a half, at least." Watch concentrated on getting home now. It was so nice, to be able to go home. After a good long rest in familiar territory, Watch would go back to visit his friends. I hope that my home still IS my home, Watch thought suddenly. What if my lovely tree has been taken over by another bird, or worse, by squirrels? Watch pumped his wings a bit faster, anxiety overtaking him. He'd hate to have to fight over his wonderful home, which he had taken such good care of...

Watch sighed and slowed down, once more overriding his impulsive actions with logic. No matter how fast we go, it'll take an hour at the least to get there. No point in wearing out so early... It'll only take longer. Watch glanced at Letter and felt a little guilty at making her speed up. Watch could think of nothing to say, so he continued to simply fly.