The Gift

"Do you have everything?"
-"Yes, I believe so."
"Good. Make sure to wrap the vials and anything else that's fragile. I don't want any medicine wasted."
-"I've done so."
"Have your coat?"
-"Yes, father."
"Gloves?"
-"Yes, father."
"Very good. There's one more thing... ...Here."
-"What is it?"
"A beak."
-"..."
"What?"
-"Nothing, I just... It's not the celebration of my birth or any other gift giving day."
"I know it's not your birthday yet, but the village we are needed in will require you to wear it."
-"Doesn't look like a crow or a raven. Just a black bird. -We have a disease jumping?" 
"Yes, alarmingly fast. There are already bodies piling up. I'd pick a good herb to stuff down the beak. There will be rot and boils that need to be examined. With luck, we'll be able to set aside some bodies for an autopsy... Be sure to bring empty vials and jars as well."
-"Yes, father. -Is this disease jumping into everyone, from the young to the old?"
"There will be bodies, old and the very young. You'll have to be prepared for this, Elias. Seeing children like this, it's not easy, son."
-"... I understand. Is there anything else?"
"Bring extra linen and some spirit. We'll need it."
-"Yes, father."