A beginning with strong characterization and precise descriptions, it almost reminds me a bit of a survival story at the beginning, more Farley Mowat than Steven Erikson. That said, the fantasy element is revealed slowly through the guise of an unfamiliar world with unfamiliar rules, such as the ritual of bonding. This story is poised to be a deep character development piece between woman and bird, but I am intrigued to find out more about the role society plays in this story, as it is featured heavily in the description but only hinted at ominously in the first chapter. An intriguing tale, to be sure!