I brought my focus upon the small bird, perched on a rock beside the waterfall. It was just barely within my range.

I had never seen a bird like this before. It had a red crest on the top of its head, almost like a tuft of hair. It had a black body, and rather fluffy white underbelly. The human instincts in me thought it was adorable, and wanted very badly to pet it though I knew very well that I could not.

The bird seemed completely unaware that I was observing it. I assume that would be true of most creatures, and probably most sentient beings as well.

Then I tried something. I reached out to it with my mind, focusing on the bird more than simply observing it.

It was a strange feeling, hard to describe without a body. In fact I imagine this feeling would be essentially impossible for a physically bound entity to understand. I connected with the bird, which let out a surprised chirp and ruffled its feathers.

It only took a few seconds, and the bird was mine, though at the cost of a small but not insignificant amount of mana. I could sense, not robbed of free will, but certainly bound to my service. After a moment it turned its head, cocking it to the side and looking at where I would have been were my point of observation a physical object. It chirped a few times.

I could feel the bird vaguely, as though it was sort of an extension of myself. I impaired intent onto it as I was by now used to doing.

The bird hopped from its perch and glided around the waterfall, looking curiously at my stone door, which I opened for it. It hopped its way inside, making its way to my core in the first chamber.

Upon reaching within a foot of my core, it slowly approached, there was respect in its movements. Not something I expected to see from an animal that I figured wasn’t sentient. And to be reasonable, it probably wasn’t, and likely still isn’t. It gently nuzzled against my core briefly with its head. My nonexistent heart melted.

At my command, the bird moved away from my core. I focused on it more, and found my word blur. In a moment, I was looking at my core through the eyes of the bird.

This. This would most definitely be useful. I had the bird leave my range of observation, with instructions to return briefly. To my surprise, I found I could still command the bird even once it had left my range. I could also view the world as it whenever I pleased.

Stolen story; please report.

I used the bird to survey my surroundings.

The entrance to my dungeon sat above a small lake, behind a 50 foot tall waterfall. The area is densely forested for as far as the bird can see. It is unlikely I will be seeing any humans for a while.

That is good. It gives me more time to build and prepare. On the other hand, it may lead to misconceptions about me, the dungeon itself. No matter, I shall deal with it when it becomes necessary.

I shift my focus away from the bird after setting it to patrol the area and gather some small plants, and of course make sure he cares for his own needs.

My new friend needs a name. I shall give him one when he returns.

I contemplate and gather mana as I wait for my new friend to return. I turn my focus to the door. I reach into its enchantment, and will it to change. It takes a while, but I make the door open automatically for those under my command. I can, of course, disable this function at will.

When I realize the bird has returned, I am lost in thought. A chirp brings my mind back to the present. There are a number of seeds, and flowers, and weeds scattered on the floor before my core.

Then I try something new. I attempt to speak.

Nothing happens.

I try again.

Then again.

On the third try, I feel a strange pressure fill the room. Pressure evidently created by me. The bird stiffens up briefly before relaxing.

“You. Little bird.” I address the animal. It looks at the core in awe, and I see understanding in its eye. I don’t hear my voice aloud. It must be a psychic thing. This feels very different than simply imparting my intent, much more important.

“On this day I give you a name. One befitting your deeds. One befitting your future.” I don’t mean to sound so mystical and important but it sort of just happens. “I name you Scout.”. As I voice this decision, I feel my mana drain away, moving towards the bird.

I really should have seen that coming.

I watch mana coalesce and dance around the bird, becoming one with it. In a moment, the bird is gone, and something new remains. The same bird, but changed radically. My connection to it seems empowered, and the bird - Scout - looks far more formidable.

Scout now stands 3 feet tall, the red tuft of feathers on his head curved back, his feathers a slick deep black, his underbelly still white and slightly puffy. He doesn’t chirp, he caws. He spreads his wings and caws. His wings look 7 feet across. Impressive for a bird who was the size of a pigeon moments ago.

He makes a bowing gesture, clearly now more intelligent. I can practically feel the loyalty radiating from him. I can also feel my core grow, now twice the size it was when I first awoke.

Scout stands from his bow and leaves my chamber, soaring around the waterfall once the stone door passes for him.

I turn my attention to the plants. Though I had no more mana left, I certainly had plans.