((Sorry for the short hook!))
A colorful cockatiel sits upon a branch at the outskirts of the Everfree forest.
It tilts it's head left, peering at the creature that just came up to it, and squawks musically. "RAWK! Odds bobs hammers and tongs... RAWK!"
The bird waits a moment before taking flight and flying a little ways into the forest. It starts to wait again.
It appears to want you to follow it down a small trail.
"RAWK! Pieces of Straight." The cockatrice preens it's feathers and hops in 180 degrees, facing into the forest.
If you listen, there is the sound of a scream for help in the distance, in the direction the cockatiel is facing. It can't be farther than behind the bend.