Quest [Regional Quest] Stranded

[Sira]

OOCSorry for taking so long guys!

It wasn't until the Valintar had begun issuing his new orders that Sira spotted the flash of color on the birds and realized just what the threat they were facing was. That image she flashed directly into the Valintar's mind, along with the name of the creature, though she was certain he already knew it. Few hunters in Wind Reach were unfamiliar with the bird, as it was one of the many dangers they had to look out for in the unforgiving. Sira knew how dangerous they were, and she was certain the Valintar would know as well.

While she was normally loathe to transport too many people around, Sira would not disobey a direct order from Kaden himself. After setting down Aela and sending a quick message to Ishgrameer, the same thing he had already heard the Valintar speak, Sira quickly returned to the other side of the rock. She closed her eyes for only a moment, her mind reaching out to all the minds of those around her, and then her voice broke through.

Use the rope Alori left and climb on my back, or grab hold of my legs. Stay away from the wings. I'll try to take as many of you as I can on the first round, so hurry up!

For many Inartan's, to be addressed by a Wind Eagle was an honor they never expected to experience. Wind Eagles usually only spoke to Endal, but Sira was in a hurry. She had left Aela on the other side, by herself, and while she was confident of the woman's ability to survive in the wilderness, she didn't want to risk losing the friend after she had just come back.

For those who didn't understand Nari, they would just have to figure out what Sira wanted by watching the others. Once everyone was loaded up, Sira spread her wings, testing them out to make sure nobody was in the way. She wasn't worried about the weight, she could carry a full grown killer whale short distances if she had to, a few people was no problem. It was a matter of whether or not they would hinder her ability to move. Once she was certain everything would be okay, she took to the air, avoiding the large circle, and basically hopped/flapped her way over the landslide and to the other side. The flight was rough, but short.

Alright, everybody off!

As soon as she was free, Sira took to the skies again. If anybody else needed transporting, Sira would do that first, before circling overhead and looking for any opportunity to dive in if need be. She could always land, if the Valintar preferred, but from the sky she could be just as deadly as with her bow or sword in hand.

[Iosha]

Iosha watched as the group spring into action at the command of Valintar. The konti smiled at Kane when he took charge of the group moving the rocks. Already the second group was gathering to battle the beast on the other side of the rock slide. The konti part of her wanted to stay on the other side where it was peaceful and safe, but the Inarta in her heart yearned for a sense of excitement and danger. When she saw her half-sister, Arandolya head towards the group going into battle. Iosha decided since it was her father's duty to defend Wind Reach than it was also her duty as Kursha oldest daughter to defend her father's city as well. However, first she decided to advise the leader of the rock moving crew before heading off to battle. Leaving the Deks to their work, the konti walked over to Kane and suggested softly, “You are responsible for the well being of horses, so do not push them to hard. Also I suggest removing the small rocks first than work on moving the larger rocks. You don't want the smaller rocks falling on your crew and hurting or possibly killing them.” Iosha gave the human a pat on the shoulder and said with a wink, “You'll do fine, and I promise I will make sure your Vantha companion comes back safety..” Iosha knew Konti's were well known throughout the world as advisors, so she decided to give it a try with the young man before joining the second group. Before joining the group, Iosha walked to her horse, unstrapped her bow, Ishgrammers bow, and quiver from the horse, and made her way to the battle group. The Konti's heart was pounding with the anticipation of the up coming battle. When she finished strapping her equipment on, she looked over the group. They all seemed competent enough to hold their own in the fight, but she frowned when she saw Eilea's bleeding forehead. Iosha walked up over the Vantha woman and teased playfully with a grin, “You must be new to battles sweetie, so I am going to tell you there is a time and a place for getting injured in battle, and when you get injured right before the battle even starts, you throw the whole universe out of balance.” Iosha raised her webbed hand to her forehead and asked with a wink, “Let me see if I can put the universe back on the right course.” Iosha closed her eyes and said a soft prayer in Kontinese to her goddess, Rak' Keli, “My beloved goddess I am going into battle right now, but my sword sister, Eilea, is injured. Could you please help me close the cut on her forehead, so it won't hinder her in battle?” Iosha felt a warmness in her heart, and she opened to her eyes to see her gnosis mark start to glow a soft blue on her right forearm. The blue light envelope Eilea's head taking away the pain the woman suffered from hitting her head and closed her wound. Iosha took back her hand and saw the shallow wound was completely gone and the konti said to Eilea with a smile, “The world is now back on it's original course.” Iosha said softly to the Vantha woman, “I made a promise to bring you back alive to the man leading the other group on this side of the rock pile, so please don't make me go back on my word, Eilea.” Iosha turned to her half-sister, Arandolya and said with a warm smile, “Where do you think you are going without me, Arandolya? Our father would haunt me if I let my little sister get hurt.” Iosha watched as Sira landed, and she heard the Wind Eagle give her directions in her mind. The Konti made sure everything was secure, and she took a hold of the rope and climbed up onto the wing eagles, back. Iosha had the luxury of riding Daghul in the fall, so she was accustom to riding the giant eagles. Iosha tightly clapped her legs to Sira neck, and she leaned forward holding onto Sira with her right hand and Ishgrameer bow with her left hand. The konti felt a sudden jerk as Sira jumped up and started to flap her giant wings. The flight was short and rough, and Iosha had to hold onto Sira with her legs for dear life. Eventually, they made it to the other side, and she didn't look at the battle field when she got off the giant eagle. When Iosha got off of Sira, she had her back to the rock slide and gently put Ishgrameer bow on the ground next to her. She took out her bow and a broad tipped arrow. The konti took up her stance with her left leg out in front and her right leg back. She knew this wasn't target practice anymore, so she had to hit her shots or somebody or her could die. Iosha didn't want to raise her bow since she didn't want to provoke the large colorful birds. Iosha frowned to herself when she saw they were only defending their chicks. The konti didn't quite understand the threat these birds present, but by the way, the Valintar and Sira were acting towards the threat. She decided to be ready for anything, but she will not fire the first shot unless provoked, so feeling the a adrenaline surge through her body. Iosha waited patiently for any sign of aggression.

[Alori Sai]

The fun of the ride was suddenly lost as they realized that there was danger awaiting them on the other side. She was worried now, and barely enjoyed the cool winds as Sira descended down to the ground to let her off.There wasn't time to chat even though Aela wanted to tell Sira to be careful as she went back and forth to get the others. But the Wind Eagle was off in an instant, leaving her alone on the other side with the now angry birds.

The loud and angry cry alerted her to the location of where the bird had now flown too. There was always the danger of stumbling upon territory in the forest, and without notable markings to say one way or the other, only experienced hunters would know for sure. Aela reached into her quiver and pulled an arrow free and notched it to her long bow as she watched the sky and trees. "Petching fruity Yanus..just go away."

The little huntress had to be careful, and without knowing what the grand plan was, she decided it was best not to irritate the bird further. Killing birds of any kind was frowned upon and she didn't want to be noted for that again. So instead she lowered her shoulders and shuffled herself behind the closest tree and waited.

Aela pushed her back against the tree and took a deep breath. She wondered if it were possible to go around the creature and save them all from a possible fight, but from her spot on the ground, there was no way for her to tell anything. She hadn't heard from the other side in some time and had no idea what they were up to. As far as she knew she was a lone for the time, and her instincts told her to wait instead of attacking recklessly.

"Hey!" Aela called up to the kelvic Owl as it flew past her. "Don't provoke it!"

[Whimsy]

The swift woosh of wings was heard over the rubble as Sira returned to collect those that waited to bring down this natural threat to their survival. Kaden watched carefully as his people clambered onto the back of the Wind Eagle, holding on for dear life, ready to go and face the poisonous threat that Caihya had sent them, one of her own. Was it not enough that they had no idea what could be waiting for them in Thunder Bay? Did the gods wish for the Inartans to falter and fall? Is that why this obstacle lay in wait?

He held his breath, cool and collected in expression but his heart beating fast, waiting for them to cross to the other side of the rockfall safely. When they did, Kaden turned to help the others, pleased to see that Kane had fallen into the natural role of leadership: Kaden would have to watch out for this foreigner. He had sense.

The Valintar lay a hand on Kane's shoulder and nodded at the man. "Your plan is a good one, Kane," he said, before turning and doing what Kane commanded. Such an honour - to command the Valintar himself, to have his choices congratulated. Kane would take the reins here. Kaden would haul the ropes with his people as Kane directed, hoping to haul down the boulders. "Someone, quick: tie the rope that Ardal threw down to the horses, so that they may help to. Move quickly, people!" He picked up a rope and waited for everyone else to join in.

But: there, in the middle of the rockfall, lay a single Vantha that everyone had forgotten about. "Eilea, petch you, what are you doing, girl?!" There was nothing Kaden could do. Either Sira would have to rescue the girl, or she would have to keep climbing out of the way - maybe even climbing and falling. But she needed to move, one way or another, before the group could move the boulders, as was urgently needed.

On the other side of the rockfall, the air was tense. The group had been dropped over the rocks and were faced with not one fully grown yanus, but two. The mother of the chicks (small, but still poisonous) flew out to join the father, who hovered in front of the tree line. It was spring and these were their babes. The poisonous birds would fight to protect them. And everyone lay still, Sira and Ishgrameer circling above, and everyone else with their weapons in hand, waiting to make a move.

A moment of silence.

Another.

And then with another cry, moving together as if they could speak to each other within their minds, the Yanus both darted forward as one. They could fly exceptionally quickly, and they aimed for the group of fighters that had just landed. They would not fire their poison yet: that was a last resort, a moment of desperation, but they flew with their claws extended, and would scratch and gouge: whatever was needed to protect their chicks. They flew from above and aimed for the heads of the group.
.

[Iosha]

Iosha saw the bird coming at them, and she immediately thought to fire her bow, but she knew she wouldn't have time to get her shot off before the birds landed their attack on the group, so she made a tactical retreat and ran away from the group of people, and she immediately yelled to them as she ran, “Everyone spread out quickly and move once you shoot! It will be easy for the birds to attack us if we are all clustered in one area and don't move! Ishgrameer when the moment is right. Grab your bow. It is on the ground where we landed!” Iosha knew if they had a plan. The group might survive the encounter with the colorful birds. During her flight from the fray, she just hoped she didn't step on Sira's authority since she was a Endal, but Sira was in wind eagle form, and the Konti was sure the wind eagle kelvic will be the first target because she was the largest. When the moment was right, Iosha turned around, resumed her stance, raised the tip of her arrow, and aimed it at the bird closest to her. Quickly, Iosha widened her stand with her right foot back and the left foot forward. Holding the bow with her left hand, she aligned the tip of the broad tipped arrow with the wing of the bird. Iosha drew back her bow string and fired at the large colorful bird. The arrow aimed at the wing soared through the air towards her target, but the moment of the bird and her inexperience in combat combine resulted in the arrow completely missing her target. Iosha swore at herself in Kontinese, and she pulled out another arrow from her quiver.

Suddenly, she heard a female voice in her mind say a command in her head, “Iosha! Don't aim for the smallest target! You are just a beginner. You need to aim for the largest part of the bird! Remember the candle.” Iosha knew the woman's voice was right, and she put another arrow on the bow string, aimed it at the chest of the closest bird, and took a deep breath. Iosha's grandmother taught her a mediation technique to clear the mind. Iosha started to imagined a single candle hovering in complete darkness. The flame was small, but it burned as hot as any inferno. Iosha started to feed the flame her worries, insecurities, and worldly distractions. She saw the flame burn brighter, and the world seemed to slow down for the konti. She pulled the bowstring back to her cheek and released the arrow at the colorful bird. She didn't watch it fly at the target because she already moved to a different spot to prepare her next attack. Iosha made sure, she was no where near the chicks because she didn't want to draw their attentions. The konti pulled another arrow from her quiver and placed it on her bow string waiting for a opportunity to shoot again.

[Sira]

Petch, Sira thought to herself as the combat began on one side and a girl nearly fell to her death on the other. It was a tough decision. She knew that she could likely dive in and scare the Yanus away, or even snatch one out of the air, but if she intervened it would provoke them to use their poison, and possibly get somebody hurt or killed. Plus there was the chance of Sira being accidentally injured by a stray arrow or some other form of attack.

The girl dangling for her life was another tricky situation. If she was on the ground, or falling through open air, Sira could easily swoop down and grab her. But she was against a wall, and that would require some tricky flying.

In the end, Sira decided that she would be more useful saving the girl who foolishly decided to climb the rock slide. Swooping down towards the rocks, Sira angled herself right for the girl. There were trees and other obstacles she had to avoid, and she let out an annoyed shriek when her right wing brushed against a branch, breaking it loose and sending it crashing to the ground. That nearly threw Sira off course, but a quick aerial struggle had her back flying straight again.

When she neared Eilea she flared out her tail feathers, kicked her talons forward, and spread her wings wide to bring herself to an almost complete dead stop mid air. It was only the hard beating of her wings that kept her from falling out of the sky, but the wind from her wings likely made it much harder for Eilea to hold on. Sira would have to be quick.

Let go and be still, Sira's voice sounded in Eilea's mind before she thrust her talons forward and snatched the girl right off the face of the rock slide. Even if Eilea had tried to hold on she couldn't have, but being still would make it less painful for her. Sira tried to be gentle, but it was a rough maneuver, and her talons were meant for killing, not gently carrying people away. Several hard wing beats later she was backing away from the wall and pushing herself up and over it.

Once she was over the rocks she quickly ascended, circling up and around before swooping back down for a soft landing on the non-violent side of the rock slide. Eilea was rather non-ceremoniously dropped onto the dirt before Sira landed a few paces ahead of her, probably covering the Vantha in a face full of tail feathers. Sira took a tick or two to rest before spreading her wings and once more taking to the skies, but not before sending Eilea a final farewell.

Next time don't be so stupid. I might not be there to save you.

[Alori Sai]

It was all for not, the way she tried to hide herself and keep quiet so that maybe the birds wouldn't become angry and attack them all. Their poison was serious and she wanted nothing to do with it. But it seemed the Avora had no choice. The moment that the others landed, making all sorts of noises, they frightened the birds and finally they charged them.

"Great....petching great!"

Aela raced away from the group, moving in a different direction from the rest to separate herself as much as possible. It wasn't a good idea and in truth, nothing they had done so far was. They were a group of untrained hunters, people who could barely even call themselves archers, and now they were mounting an assault against flying creatures?

She could list several things wrong with the idea to start with, and all of them ended with them hurting themselves. Aela hurried off to the side, but was sure to stay to the backs of the others so that she didn't catch any wayward arrows coming her way. Once she was a safe distance away, she raised her bow and aimed her arrow on the birds from one to the other as she waited, if either would come for her, she would fire, but rather than trying to kill them she would clip their wings instead.

"Just go back to your nest...just go!"

[Ishgrameer Windwalker]

Ishgrameer watched as the conflict flowed out before him like a inundated sea. All around him people moved with fear, determination, and strength; the Yanus among them. He looked down to where Iosha was yelling up at him, and indicating where she left his gear. He pondered with haste the options set before him. While he could swiftly descend to the ground below and pick up his bow he new that he would but add another bow to the wall of tense muscles. The Yanus in fear would still charge, and still maintain their course of defense. Iosha seemed to be putting distance between herself and the conflict, and urging everyone to spread out. He did not have much more time though so he diverted his attention to the charging Yanus. What should he do?

The predatory urge burned for him to kill them, and establish his dominance; be it by claw or arrow. Yet, he could not quite bring himself to do just that. There was a sense of compassion for the chicks that chirped away within the set of trees. He did not wish to see them parent-less, for that pain he knew and felt. Instead a plan took form in his head, and as the last parts came into perspective he loosed a screech. He wasn't sure if anyone would understand its meaning-perhaps Sira would-but there was no time to stop and explain himself to Kaden or the group. His plan-which he briefly explained in his screech as "I am going to try to lead them away"-went as simple as that.

He dove from where he had been circling, and aimed to cross paths with the charging Yanus. When the paths did cross he screeched a taunt, and made to evade them as he headed for the trees, and their nest. He hoped they would charge after him, seeking to defend the most immediate threat to their young. Hopefully the group would understand his intentions, and move with haste. He would have to lose the Yanus somehow, but he didn't doubt that he could if needed.

He briefly looked back to see if they were following him. If they weren't then his plan had failed, and he would have to return to defend his comrades.

[Kanri]

Things were spiraling downhill very quickly. It might have been almost comical, except that it was a life or death situation. When the Valintar finally started giving some instructions, obeying one of the other suggestions. She got to her feet and immediately to help out now. There, of course, was another girl in the way of the rocks falling, clinging to the wall. Kanri clenched her teeth as she went to the rope they were hooking up to the horses. They were one "organized" bunch. It was impressive. But if she went off to do her own thing, it would cause even more problems. Right now, she had to go along with what the majority was doing and that was hauling the largest boulders from the top of the pile. Or at least, doing that once the girl was out of the way.

The Wind Eagle, Sira, swooped in and swiped her off the wall with ease, then went to join the other. Kanri held her breath as she passed over. It was so magnificent. She had never been that close to the Wind Eagles in the past. It was new for her, but she felt proud of it all the same. These were the Wind Eagles of Wind Reach, her home. Sira dropped the girl as gently as she couold back onto the ground level. It looked rough still, but the birds weren’t built for gently dropping delicate creatures, like Inarta. As tough as she liked to think herself, Inarta and all other soft-bodied, human-like creatures were all fairly weak. It was miracle, she supposed, that they ever accomplished anything. But now was not the time for that. At someone’s signal, she wasn’t sure who, she began to pull back on the rope.

She looked up. Ardal had climbed all the way up there. Safely too. She smiled to herself. She had been worried over nothing. He was never going to get any better at climbing anyway if he just kept both feet firmly on the ground. Same with her. She would never fly if she kept her feet on the ground. She was never going to fly anyway, so that was beside the point. What was she even thinking? She boggled her own mind sometimes.

Kanri was fairly certain that their new and coordinated plan was working effectively. She was also glad to be doing something. As much as she had hated just sitting there for the last few minutes, she didn’t want to do something that wasn’t helping anyone else. Now, she was doing something. It was simple and sure to work. All that was left to do was pull and stay out of the way of fallen rocks.

[Kitchi]

Everything was in choas as the poisonous birds flew and swiped defensively. The chicks chirped obliviously in their nest, calling for their parents attetion without understanding the danger that surrounded them. Occasionally an arrow would flit through the air while other archers retained their arrows, keeping them for a desperate situation. The white haired healer started to call for everyone to disperce, her words barely rising above the sound of panic and screaching which littered the air. Kitchi's own bow was drawn and held still. She did not want to hurt the parents, they were doing as any creature would to protect their young. Occasionally Kitchi would shift position, her feet slowly tracing random patterns against the ground. Be still or move? Be still or move? Who would be the most likely target? Someone else was talking, attempting to get attention. It seemed that once again everyone had thier own idea about what to do, but this time they did not have the option of waiting to think it through, the sharp talons and threat of poison removed that.
Out of the corner of her eyes she spotted the fluttering of white and brown wings, an owl fluttering away. She didn't blame it.