Solo Touching the Sky

[Kiran Pelyna]

Timestamp: 8th of Summer, 510AV


Kiran felt her mouth tug up into a smile as she felt Pelyna's happiness, which in turn made her happy. The simple act of giving another being joy was something few people couldn't be cheered by. For a second she forgot that she almost died, she was just thinking on the fact of how happy her Eagle was. Her eagle. Pelyna. She already knew that name would become so familiar to her, maybe more than her own.

Sometime pulled her from the thought though. It was the pull of the connection, the bond forming between them. It was new, and strange. She left it for later though, when she would have time to fully process everything. She looked over at Zeryna and her words gave the young girl relief. Her body relaxed ever so slightly. She had been worried that the eagle would be angry with her, and perhaps hold a grudge. but the knowledge that there were no hard feelings, and that the eagle cared for her even was sometime that warmed her already nearly full heart. Kiran certainly hoped she would still be able to speak to Zeryna, she would like to become friends with the Eagle, and eventually whoever her ride was.

Turning her attention back to Pelyna, her Pelyna, she thought with a surprising possessiveness. But it had a sense of rightness to it. he was hers, as much as she was his now. Alone now with her he showed something that surprised her, he seemed shy. Kiran gave him a warm smile, her eyes soft and kind.

"Fly?" she asked quietly. Her tone unbelieving. Well of course that's what Endal did. And she paused for a moment letting that sink in. She was an Endal! She beamed, and barely restrained herself from doing some form of victory dance.

Kiran realized she hadn't replied to the question and she nodded enthusiastically at her bondmate. Yes she wanted to fly! Noticing Zeryna as she descended with the saddle, which at first Kiran didn't recognize as a saddle she took a small subconscious step back, looking at the lump of leather. She looked back up at the screech filled with joy, and celebration. She jumped a little when other Eagles joined their voices to the cry. She smiled, it was official now. Others knew. It was true then.

Looking back at the leather it finally clicked, it was a saddle! They had been taught how to clean and equip these, on the chance that some of the children might become Endals, so she had a rough idea of how to put it on Pelyna. Kiran looked over at Pelyna again and smiled, sensing his excitement through his Mindvoice and his actions.

She looked back at the saddle and a frown went over her face first before a look of hard determination replaced it. She would figure this out. And she would ride her eagle. She looked at her arm, then she'd go see a healer.

"Maybe." She replied.

[Kiran Pelyna]

Pelyna looked towards his rider's arm, concern flitting through his eyes. Even newly bonded he cared for her. And as the blood dripped down he dirtied arm he made a concerned noise in the back of his throat and shuffled slightly closer to her, although he wouldn't be able to do much until she got on the saddle, then he could take her to the aeries and get her treated. I will instruct you on how to put on the saddle Rider mine, we will get you to the aeries and have you treated as soon as possible. Until then do what you can to stop the bleeding. Kiran nodded and took her dagger, still held firmly in her hand, and cut a few strips from her top and tied them around the arm, first as a cinch the second to cover the wound and the third to pad it some more. Her taken care of Pelyna began to tell her how to equip the saddle. Zeryna throwing in 'tips' here and there as she worked. It didn't take too long with the help of the siblings to get the saddle on Pelyna. Satisfied with the saddle Kiran stood there for a moment, wondering how to get onto her eagle. She sunk her hands into his feathers as she thought but Pelyna bent down on his legs to make it easier, using her good arm she gripped the saddle and pulled her self up, it wasn't graceful in the least bit but she was up. Strapping herself in she put both hand on the reins, gently, before releasing her hurt arm to res tin the soft, silken feathers of Pelyna's neck. Ready? "Let's fly." she replied with a grin and Pelyna jumped towards the edge of the cliff. Looking down Kiran repressed a slight sense of fear and then they were falling. Pelyna's wings shot out and caught the air, lifting the two of them up as he flapped until he caught an air current under his feathers and they soared through the sky. Kiran looked around as Pelyna corrected and swooped, gliding through the air in an ancient dance that only those with wings know. Kiran let out a small giggle then a laugh burst through her lips and she threw back her head, closing her eyes as the wind ripped through her tangled, messy hair. The taste of freedom played on her tongue as she whooped to the sky. This was what it was like to fly, the feeling do freedom was overwhelming. As they went higher Kiran played with the idea that she would be able to touch the sky, touch the expanse of blue before her. She sighed happily and Pelyna let out a shriek of joy, the first flight was something that both rider and eagle always enjoyed and cherished. Pelyna smiled to himself, a bit of mischief in his eyes as he sent his rider a warning. It was time to show her what flying could really do. Although he kept her injury in mind, mindful to not do any tricks that required her to hold on too tightly. Hold on. His voice warned her through their link. Kiran went back to holding the reins and saddle now as Pelyna dived down, spiraling through the air. Kiran let out a scream of excrement as the adrenaline pumped through her stronger than ever. this was amazing! He pulled up from the dive with a sudden flare of wings and a loud crack. Now he spiraled in circles, descending then climbing again, as if they had not just taken a wild dive towards the ground.

[Kiran Pelyna]

Kiran was having the time of her life. This was by far the most amazing day of her life, even if she had nearly died. She let out a loud whoop and laugh that echoed across the cliffs around them. Pelyna let loose another shriek, as filled with joy as his rider was.

Suddenly a bout of lightheadedness hit Kiran like a charging bear. She groaned and raised her uninjured arm to her face and swayed in the saddle, nearly falling. She had forgotten about her wound, and that she was losing a good amount of blood. Pelyna let out a concerned noise and sped up, heading for the closest aerie. He landed as gently as possible but still Kiran nearly fell out. Her hand went out to grab onto something and it made contact with the saddle, she gripped it with what little strength she had left.

Pelyna looked at his rider, determination, worry, and care showing in his eyes.
I just found you Kiran, rider mine. I will not let you die. his voice was so determined that she had to believe him. He let out a loud angry shriek and a Dek rushed up to them. Seeing the twelve year old in the saddle, which marked her as an Endal, and how she was dripping blood from her arm the Dek went to bring her down. Pelyna snapped at the dek when he tried to touch Kiran. The Dek was not a healer, he was not permitted to touch his rider. What if he hurt her further with his ignorance to healing? The Dek backtracked quickly.

"Find Keah" Kiran named the youngest healer, the one she knew the best. The Dek rushed off. After an eternity, it was really only about five minutes, the Dek rushed in again with the healer. The quiet girl was all business when she saw Kiran lying in the saddle with a crimson arm and pale as death. When Pelyna tried to snap at her, her eyes turned hard.

"You will let me heal your Rider, Eagle, or she will die on your back." the adolescent exuded an aura of maturity and Pelyna lowered his head slightly to her and let her approach Kiran. Kiran gave the woman a weak smile as she took her in her arms, the young girl so very light. She lay her out on the ground and gently took the makeshift bandages off of her arms, they were soaked in blood. The Zith had hit an artery. Her face blanked as she held her hands out, her gnosis marks lit up as did her hands. The skin, muscles, veins, capillaries, and arteries began to grow back together, the blood flow stopped as her skin scabbed over. Keah didn't fully heal the wound, the Endal would want to show off her scar and it was no good wasting all her energy on healing something fully when nature would take it from here just fine. Kiran smiled weakly, she was so tired.

[Kiran Pelyna]

Kiran lay there, dancing on the tightrope between consciousness and passing out. Keah looked at her charge with some concern, she had healed the wound but it was obvious the girl had lost a lot of blood and needed food and a herbal tea to help her out more. Keah knelt next to Kiran and placed a hand on her before she spoke gently.
"Kiran let me take you back to the infirmary, you need proper medicine, food, rest." Keah tried to persuade the girl. Pelyna's feathers ruffled at the thought of being separated so soon from his rider, but if it was what she needed.
Kiran's eyes opened and in them was the deep seated determination she was so known for.
"No. I will not leave Pelyna's side." Kiran's voice was strong, even if she was weak. Keah sighed, she had seen this before in new Endal's, the unwillingness to leave their eagles, and their eagles unwilling to let their riders out of their sights. The bright side was that if Kiran was provided a bed and sleep Keah could treat her easily enough, she'd just have to get the right things. The male dek stood by, knowing he would probably be needed.

He watched over the proceedings with no little amount of resentment and jealousy, no Dek would have a healer rush to them in such a manner, or use her gnosis on their lowly bodies. Although looking at Kiran he found he couldn't hate this girl, she was so small. She looked like if someone touched her too roughly she'd shatter into a billion small pieces. Like his little sister, Cara. Who would never get the same treatment this one got. His eyes hardened again as Keah called him to her. He hid his emotions from the woman.

"Go to the infirmary and tell the man working there that Keah needs a flask full of tea for someone who had her arm slashed and has had it healed something to promote blood, healing, sleep and immune system. Oh he should know what is needed. And get her a bed roll, and some food. Now." The Dek rushed off to get everything the woman had asked for, grumbling internally to himself.

Kiran shivered lightly on the ground and Pelyna lowered himself until he lay next to his rider, she cuddled into his warmth and was soon to fall asleep. Pelyna whispered a lullaby into her mind, assuring her she was safe, she was protected. So she drifted off for a few minutes under two sets of watchful eyes, Keah keeping close and checking her pulse and breathing, her pulse was too light for her liking and her breathing too fast.

Finally the Dek returned, with a friend, to carry everything. A hot steaming platter of food was set down. Recently made bread, rabbit and venison stew mixed with mountain vegetables and delectable herbs as well, at the suggestion of the other man working at the infirmity. There was also a plush bedroll with a thick blanket and fluffy pillow for the Endal girl, as well as a large flask of steaming tea.

Keah shook Kiran gently awake, seeing the same thing that the Dek had. A fragile girl, not a fierce Endal who had stood up to a Zith. Pelyna saw this but he didn't mention anything, he knew what his rider was capable of. He also knew everyone else would see her greatness eventually as well.

"Kiran it's time for you to eat something, drink some tea then sleep."


And when you are awake we will finish our flight. Pelyna added silently, a promise that got Kiran up and to the stew. Her shaking hand could barely raise the spoon to her lips but she managed, using her left hand too, refusing any help offered with a proud glimmer in her eyes. She finished most of it, finding that she had a ravenous hunger and devoured the soft, hot bread as well. She took the sweet tasting tea Keah offered her and was barely into her bed before she felt sleep pressing down on her again. But first, she had to see to something.
"Make sure Pelyna gets out of his saddle, and take good care of it. And get him some food." Kiran requested, her voice not too firm on the orders, unused to giving them. But she wanted ot make sure her Eagle was cared for, not that he couldn't see to it himself but still.

[Kiran Pelyna]

Aeries do not have curtains, well the one that Kiran slept in didn't. In fact she was only three yards from the opening as she slept. The mountains didn't fully block the sun, not until roughly eleven. Kiran groaned as the light accosted her eyes. She didn't want to wake up, she was warm and comfortable in her bed. And she didn't want to get her bendi and do work. Today she just wanted to sleep the day away.

She was becoming conscious enough to know someone else was in the room with her. And they were behind her, her back was pressed to them. That was strange, Kiran never slept with other people...

Then yesterdays events hit her, a flood of memories. She groaned as she remembered the girl, the Zith, the fighting, the pain, Pelyna, flying, almost fainting, the healing.

Pleyna! She opened her eyes and thrust her face deep into his feathers, taking a deep breathe as she hid from the world as all of yesterday went through her mind. While some of her actions yesterday made her out to be more mature than her twelve year old age would lead on to be she was still a child at heart. Sure she could hide the shock racing through her vines, the fear, when she needed to but now her walls were down and she just wanted someone to tell her she was safe and fine.

It's okay Kiran, I'm here. I'll protect you. Pelyna had awakened when she had unconsciously screamed his name in mindspeak. It had hurt but it had him up, then his rider had thrust her face into his feathers. He looked over the small girl and felt his heart warm. This girl had stood up to a Zith to save a girl half her age, she didn't need to. She had fought a Zith! Several adults had died doing the same, but she had survived.
Of course she was still a child, he knew that. She might put on a brave face when she needed to but right now there was no brace facade, which he was glad of. He was glad his rider didn't hide her feelings from him and wait to cry this out in some abandoned home, or dark corner. He looked at the girl who was trying to immerse herself in his feathers and lifted a wing and lay it over her, a bird hug of sorts.

Pelyna smelled like the sky, air. He also had the musky smell of animals, and the unique scent that went to birds. The smell of freedom, flight, power and wildness. And then what she suspected was the unique scent of Pelyna that she could put not name to, except that it calmed her like nothing else did. She sighed, she drank the smell in
"No. We'll protect each other." Kiran declared this to Pelyna, looking his right in his eyes. Pelyna smiled to himself, even now she wanted to protect others, even him! And when you compared sizes it was almost humorous although he didn't doubt that she would fight like a wildcat to protect him. Not that he would need it.

Kiran snuggled into Pelyna, enjoying the feeling of being surrounded by feathers. She sighed then crawled out of the hug and winced as sore muscles protested. She'd have to visit the baths later today. Sitting a few feet from her bedroll was a large cold meal of fruit, vegetables, sliced meat, cheese and bread. Along with a flask of some kind of drink.

Keah said you needed to drink the brew in the flask, and eat everything you could. To regain strength, and that you'd have to see her sometime later today. Pelyna relayed the message the healer had left him to Kiran who had sat in front of the food and was greedily devouring it, not used to being provided so much to eat, nor so fine of food. The fruits and cheese went first, then the meat and bread, the vegetables last.

"What about you Pelyna?." She asked in between bites.

They brought me food earlier, when you were sleeping. Pelyna replied, pleased his rider thought about his needs.

Kiran finished her food and took the drink, which was sweetened again., Usually a healing tea tasted awful unless you had the money to get it sweetened. Kiran sighed, so this was what it was like to be an Endal.

I think you should start putting my saddle on. Pelyna advised and Kiran jumped up, excitement running through her. She was going to fly, again! She went slowly with the saddle though, asking him constantly how to do things. She was careful with her right arm, the wounded one, but it had healed very well, the scab held on. Eventually she finished and she climbed in.

It felt so right to be in this saddle, she strapped her self in firmly and grabbed the reins.
This time, you lead. Pelyna instructed and Kiran gulped, well she supposed she'd have to be bale to tell her eagle where she needed him.

Pelyna hopped towards the edge, he spread his wings out and dropped, a current quickly caught his wings and they spiraled up. Kiran looked around, amazed at the sights. The forest! Kiran tugged the reins to the left and Pelyna darted that way. Suddenly she wondered how to tell him to go down, or up. They'd need to come up with codes, sometimes it was faster to do actions than the think it.

Pelyna, how do I signal you to go up, or down? she thought towards him, doubtful that he could hear her over the winds.

Flick the reins and I'll go down, tug lightly and I'll go up. he instructed her. Perhaps he would teach her some codes with feet, reins could be taken, broken, and were rather uncomfortable.

She flicked the reins and Pelyna dived down, she leaned forwards and down, closer to the saddle. She tugged the reins right and he shot left, still descending. She tugged at the reins and his wings extended fully, catching an air current and up they went.

[Kiran Pelyna]

Flying was something that couldn't be explained easily using simple words. Or rather trills and whistles if you wanted to get technical about how an Inartan would go about describing anything. And out of all the words she knew in both common and Nari Kiran couldn't find a single one that could truly describe the way if felt to fly. To feel like you could touch the sky, that you were a part of the wind and sunlight shining bright and warm on your back. She didn't know how to explain it to anyone, but she knew what it felt like as did Pelyna.

If she tried to explain it to another Inartan who had never flown she would probably say it felt like life, freedom, sunlight, wind, like being part of everything and weightless, like there was only you, the sky and your eagle. But no one would truly understand that and she very quickly stopped trying to put it into words in her own head, seeing it as a pointless endeavor and surrendered herself to the feeling of flying. She was in control of this flight, although if Pelyna thought she was doing something too reckless or stupid he'd pull back, but Kiran wasn't reckless without cause and no one had ever accused her of being less than intelligent.

At Kiran light tug and flick they spiral down towards the right, she was eventually going to get them over the ocean but right now she just wanted to fly and learn. Pelyna had instructed her that twisting the reins was a signal to do spiral. She wondered if she could convince him to do an aerial flip. Could he do a flip? She would have to ask later, right now she wanted to see the ocean, to go over it.

So she directed him over it, only a hundred or so feet over the waves that crashed on shore and the deep blue waters. She wondered how deep the waters went. A light flick and they descended a little bit more until they were only a yard or so above the water. She looked over it, lying on the saddle and looking into the waters. It was so hypnotizing, she could stare at the sapphire depths for hours. It was like some of the sky had been stolen and placed on earth. As she watched the hypnotizing depths of the ocean she became aware of something happening.

A thing that had been building over the time of their flight, interrupted as it had been, became apparent to the young girl on the eagles back. It was the awareness that they were becoming one. Her awareness was leaking into Pelyna's. Every time she blinked it was in a different view point. One moment she was looking over and around Pelyna, his feathers tickling her skin. The next she was Pelyna, aware of her very light weight on his back, and feeling the rushing wind beneath his wings. She felt the muscles as they lazily flapped the wings to gain altitude, the strength required to hoist a large body into the air and keep it there. She felt the rushing currents, the wildness of the air. Pelyna/Kiran cried out in joy as their bond began to cement, the empathetic link had already established itself, as had been obvious by Pelyna's earlier behavior with his hurt rider. That Kiran hadn't noticed as well, it had been so natural and her mind and body so trusting to Pelyna's presence that she hadn't noticed. That she had been half delirious with blood loss then unconscious had probably helped as well. But this was more physical in a way and much more noticeable. They each ingrained themselves in the others mind. The understanding this provided was astounding. The connection exhilarating, and a bit frightening. Pelyna was now privy to all his Rider was. It was also comforting, to be fully understood by another being at all times.

As Pelyna looked out of his riders eyes as she viewed from his he was amazed at her tiny body, so delicate and easily broken, it belied her true strength of character. Yet it held hidden muscles and a quiet strength that not many girls her age would have. She was strong, even without talons and a razor sharp beak. He looked through her weaker eyes and examined her body, then marveled at the softness of his own feathers. They gradually returned to their own minds but the mental and emotional link remained strong.

No longer did Kiran need to tell Pelyna where she wished to go or for him to inform her of where he wanted to go, it was passed along silently, without words. It traveled along their link and the rider and Eagle flew in sync.
She sighed and Pelyna went up, knowing the meaning of her sigh without need to ask. They headed back towards the aerie that they had stayed in that night. Kiran and Pelyna flew and glided almost lazily back, enjoying the sun on his feathers and the wind blowing over his beak, Kiran also enjoying the feeling on her human counterparts. the sun on her skin and wind whipping through her red locks. He swooped and glided back, doubling back a few times to prolong the flight until he landed lightly in the aerie.


Their interrupted first flight had been finished. Their bond had been formed.

A new Endal had been made.

[/quote]

[Phoenix]

Kiran

Award

Skill	XP Earned
Riding (Eagle)	5
Observation	5
Wilderness Survival	1
Medicine	1

•	Lores Earned
•	Enjoying the joy of an Endal Wind Eagle bond
•	The first flight
•	Learning to Saddle a Wind Eagle
•	Friends with Zeryna
•	Near Death experience
•	Saved by Pelyna
•	The love between eagle and rider
•	Learning the basics of flying
•	Learning the basics of Endal telepathy
•	A deeper connection with Pelyna
•	A New Endal Made

The Order of the Phoenix

Oh my goodness Kiran, I loved this thread. I deeply enjoyed the amount of detail you put into Kiran's thoughts and feelings about becoming a new Endal. The way she refused to leave his side even while injured I thought was very accurately portrayed. Overall I was delighted to be able to go along for the ride of their first flight and watch their bond already begin to develop. Amazing, amazing job!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, please send me a PM and we can figure it out.