Closed [Sanikas River] A Chiet and her Charoda (Una)

[Lavira]

Lavira flinched in response to the pinch, her reverie broken by the brief and temporary nerve signal that distracted from a breaking heart. She was about to say something sharp about it when the other quickly explained and so stilled her tongue from anything negative. It wasn't abnormal for an Inartan to speak their mind, afterall, some were just more reserved than others.

When asked about her proximation to the sky-kings, the Chiet nodded, a shiver running through her briefly. It was still fairly cold this early in the spring outside the mountain and not having her Katinu on now reinforced the chilly temperature. At least it wasn't winter. "Yes, I see them very often. I take care of the nesting mothers and their young until they fledge. Once they fledge, they move to another part of the aeries and are overseen by others. But for their youngest part of life, I get to watch over and teach them." There was great pride in the womans voice over speaking this. She may not be able to fly, but she could certainly be with the birds she loved and devoted her life to.

That devotion had been partly seen in the emotion overload when watching the giant protectors soaring over the city high above. Of all things in this world, there was nothing Lavira loved more than birds. It wasn't simply a yearning to fly with them; it was the service she could provide in caring for them, and sometimes teaching them, not just the wind eagles, but all species. They were more majestic to the woman than anything else in this world. The Wind Eagles especially deserved more care than many of the humanoids of the city understood. Those birds were born to protect this place and their human companions. Why shouldn't the Inartans return that respect and duty?

"I've never really swam before, except in the communal pools of the city, and I don't particularly enjoy boats. I'd rather walk or ride to where I need to get to." The thought of the unsteady rock of the waves made her stomach queasy. When asked if she would stay for a bit longer, Vira looked over to the raptor now screeing quietly at her. It seemed the osprey had had enough; the sun was getting higher too, which meant it was time to get back up to the nesting area. The birds were probably hungry and she needed to get started on her chores.

"Well, I'm not sure how the eagles will react to something that smells like fish...But I do need to get back to the nesting area, Una. You're welcome to come if you'd like, but don't enter the chamber unless I say, okay? It's a hard walk back and I've got to drop her back off at the general aeries first."

[Una Tanta]

14th Day of Spring, 513 AV, Mid-day Una gazed at her with interest as she explained her job. She was like a mother herself, no wonder she gazed at the sky with such love and dedication and so respected the role they played in Inartan society. Though she suspected the girl did not realize that although many of the Inartans may seem proud and hot-headed, no eagle would bond with one who was not truly in their heart dedicated and strong. She hypothesized either this girl was too young for deep internal contemplation, had not the temperament for it, or her jealousy blinded her from what Una considered the obvious. She knew what bonding to a Kelvic felt like, this young guppy hadn't a clue, she didn't hold it against her for how could she know, but she felt the her hackles rise defensively nonetheless that she should speak out so disgracefully against any of the defenders of her home. Despite this feeling Una realized that although she may intuitively feel this way she also didn't have the experience this girl did around the Endals but this realization did little to sway her opinion.The pride in her voice as she spoke of her role made Una smirk, the way she said the words supporting her theory for she suspected the Endals spoke just as proudly about their roles but that Vira misinterpreted it through the spectacles of jealousy. When told that she had never swam in the ocean before Una quickly replied, "you don't know what your missing..." wistfully as she gazed back out over the ocean. Though she longed for what she didn't have she by no means was blind to her own gifts. She loved the ocean, and she was reminded of that fact every time she was forced on land. The ocean never lets you forget all you take from it. Caught in the reverie of ocean gazing she tuned in halfway through the others sentence, "I would love to follow you! I would love to touch the sky!" As the girl picked up the bird Una made a funny face and was rewarded with what she decided to interpret as a scree of amusement. After only a few minutes of walking her bare feet were blistered and bleeding forcing her to hold back whimpers. "Wait. Stop." She demanded under her breath to take a seat on a rock and examine her feet. "I swim. I don't walk often." She explained touching the bottoms of her feet delicately, "and I certainly don't climb..." she added looking up at the rather steep cliff face that rose in front of them the pallet for the waterfall cascading to their right. Though the waterfall was only twice her height it was certainly unscalable. Walking away from the girl she dropped the coat from her shoulders and slipped into the water the salt water stinging her feet. Swimming back away towards the ocean too ashamed of herself to bother with goodbyes. Looking back over her shoulder she saw the girl had already resumed her path to the top and as she turned back away she saw a flash of salmon. Suddenly grinning she realized how she would follow the Inartan. She couldn't climb like them but they could swim like her. Flipping around her legs bat the water playfully and she slipped beneath the water. Hurling herself toward the waterfall she slid through the water quickly and then leaped jumping upstream in an imitation of the salmon who swam upstream each year to lay their eggs. As she surfaced at the top she grinned at her shocked traveling partner and winked before slipping beneath the water leaving only a little ripple. They continued this for several hours until Una's stomach was as torn as her feet from beating against the rocks. Finally though, much to Unas relief, for though she pretended the travel had been easy she ached, they were only a skip, hop and a jump from what appeared to be flat land. Stepping out from the river she moved to stand shoulder to shoulder with Vira exhaling heavily. Walking onward her feet filled with salt now mixed with what became mud from her dripping body she staggered slightly the brisk cool air again blowing on her nude form, glancing over her shoulder waiting for the Inartan to follow she suddenly felt like a very grand fool. Taking the overcoat from the woman again she walked staring at the rocky substrate her mind reeling, why had she so compromised her health just to see the eagles, and just to impress this girl. The thought made her wonder just how sane it really was to try and recapture Cy. Suddenly she stopped on the heels of the Inartan Chiet and gazed up at the 30ft wall of rock before them, the crash of the waterfall to their right deafening. Looking up to see the top almost made Una topple over backwards. She turned to gaze at the woman silently begging for her to indicate a less dangerous way up.

[Lavira]

Vira did understand the place of an Endal. It was an honor to be chosen by the Wind Eagles, but so many tried to obtain what they weren't ready for and once they were chosen, the trials they went through to support the city who so depended on them made being any lower caste seem like a cinch.

As she walked, the young woman threw the occasional glance back at Una, her brow lifting curiously when it became apparent the strange other was having difficulty traversing the rough pathway leading back up to the citadel-like city. However, before she could inquire on her aching feet, it seemed the Charoda had given up and dove back into the waters, out of sight and out of mind, leaving her cloak behind. "Strange creature, that..." She said to herself and bent to grab her overcoat and leave it draped over her hand.

The Chiet resumed her trek up the trail with the osprey in tow; just as she was reaching the trail along the cliff face by the waterfall, Vira was surprised when Una emerged from the warm waters nearby, having believed the unusual anthromoprh had left her entirely. "Well then!" She declared, bobbing her head in appreciation of the skill. It seemed the girl was determined to find a way up to the eagles one way or another. "You're definitely meant for swimming; but unless you can climb, you're gonna have to walk the trail beside the waterfall. And judging by how you reacted with the short walk previously, you're gonna have some sore feet, for sure." She nodded to the fragile parts for emphasis.

"But maybe we can improvise. I can't loan you my own shoes, or my feet will get torn up."

Vira looked around. There were a few birch trees, shrimpy things, growing a few meters from the falls. Their snowy and black flecked bark was peeling in spots. Trees didn't grow well up here, which was why the Inartans tended to use stone more than wood. It was a combination of terrain and altitude that stunted what growth there was in those types of flora. "Maybe that'll work." She'd seen fishermen use reeds at the Sanikas delta to mend nets before, why couldn't it work with birch bark?

The woman set the raptor on the ground, no usable stone nearby for her to perch on, unfortunately, and went to peel some strips free. It wasn't going to be the prettiest or most versatile, but it might do in a pinch...

"Help me weave these. I'm no craftsmen in this sense, I'm afraid. I know some knots for mountain climbing and how to do a simple patch on my clothing, but that's all. Basketweaving is a bit beyond my knowledge." Hopefully, however, the two would be able to fashion something simple and sturdy that would allow the Charoda to navigate the trail up the cliffside and into the city.

[Una Tanta]

"You're definitely meant for swimming; but unless you can climb, you're gonna have to walk the trail beside the waterfall. And judging by how you reacted with the short walk previously, you're gonna have some sore feet, for sure." The Chiet nodded to the fragile parts for emphasis making Una nod emphatically. She didn't like to put people out by asking for help but she certainly didn't mind admitting when she couldn't do something if someone offered help or pointed out her weaknesses so blatantly. "But maybe we can improvise. I can't loan you my own shoes, or my feet will get torn up." Una once again nodded in agreement, the girl was already generous enough to loan her the coat when she must also certainly be cold no matter how acclimatized she was. Una and Vira looked around, Una for the sake of looking like she was participating. She recognized the flora of the sea but everything here looked foreign. Curiously watching Viras eyes light up she frowned when the women placed the creature on the ground, the last place a raptor belonged. "Help me weave these. I'm no craftsmen in this sense, I'm afraid. I know some knots for mountain climbing and how to do a simple patch on my clothing, but that's all. Basketweaving is a bit beyond my knowledge." The woman commanded with impressive authority considering her role in the mountains culture. Una smiled to herself, impressed with her cleverness. Sitting down she stripped off some more bark and slowly weaved a mat. At first they each fell apart when she tried to weave the next one on but eventually she figured out she should tie the first on to the ends so it couldn't slide and then would add more rows. When she had a mat she bit her lip puzzled. How were they going to put it around her foot? Standing up suddenly she bent down near the water and began to dig. Leaning down she bit with her sharp teeth and came up with some roots eyes shining. Spitting them out she plopped down next to Vira giggling thrilled. "My mom used to dig these up for salads. When trees are far from water they send out feeler roots. The feeler roots are thin and versatile. Charoda use them for necklaces and tying lots of things when traveling. Not to mention they're a delicious snack." She added cheekily winking as she made ties that wrapped around her ankle holding the bark in place as she nibbled on another piece. Standing and gazing proudly down at both the shoes she grinned childishly at the Inartan. "We're pretty clever." She complimented preening herself with the words and proudly plodded away towards the path Vira had previously nodded at. Scrambling up the steep hill Unas optimism faded, she wasn't sure the shoes would hold up to the demands she was making. Glancing over her shoulder to see if Vira was keeping up Una continued grabbing at branches to support herself. For the first time in her life, in the light pressure of the air, she felt clumsy. The ground beneath her was uneven and kept tripping her up, dirt burned her eyes and made her cough. She stared at the floor mindlessly putting one foot in front of the other. The mountain was stealing her glee and using the precious resource to make the trail steeper before her she thought spitefully.

[Lavira]

"Not exactly the most stylish of things, but maybe it'll work, huh?" She grinned good naturedly, helping the Charoda finish weaving and then securing it. She was sure to still have some pretty sore feet by the end of the day, but it was better than bloody and raw ones.

Vira lead the creature off up the trail, moving smoothly and easily with the bird stabalized on her arm. It was such a pretty day, having to be cooped up inside was really no fun, but there was work to be done all the same. The hike from the river took about an hour in all, and then another thirty minutes for them to reach the city, the Chiet to drop the bird off back at the training aeries, and then head up to the nesting area that she worked at.

Before they approached the cavelets where the six birds currently using the aeries were, Vira turned and spoke to Una. "Okay, just a few rules before we go in, since this isn't a place outsiders are normally allowed. I'm only going to take you into two of the nests to see the birds, the two which I trust enough not to do something that may get me in serious trouble. The first one is Sinorrah; she's young and is working on her first nest. She's also a little jumpier, but not aggressive. The other is Irriama. She'd older and more subdued, very friendly to me."

The teen led her towards the first aerie. "Unless either of the birds invite you to, please don't touch them or the nests. They might allow you inside if you defer to them properly (which I can't really show you how to do; it's kind of an instinct thing). If they don't, just don't be offended; wind eagles are very particular and...finicky birds. I've wondered if they don't know what they want more often than not. Alright, just wait here; Sino will come to the opening."

The opening she mentioned was tall enough for an Inartan to walk comfortably through and wide enough to push a single medium sized cart through. Inside this aerie was Sinorrah; she was a white-headed eagle with a dark body and black feet with no boots. A handsome lass just coming to sexual maturity and thus ready to find a proper mate. Vira entered and spoke briefly in quiet Nari to the bird before nodding to the entrance where she had told Una to wait. Afterwards, the woman walked away from the bird to grab a broom and scrape from a storage area inside the aerie. It was time to see if Sino would let the other in...

OOCSino's an excitable young eagle dame, quite talkative. Feel free to NPC how you think she might respond to the charoda!

[Una Tanta]

Vira moved easily up the mountain with Una stumbling along behind her. By the time they reached the gates Una was out of breath and her feet were sore, her shoes practically shredded. Vira moved through the city easily not pausing to explain the places they passed or speak to her as they dropped off the hawk. Una enjoyed the silence, though not the swift pace with which they moved through the city. Half staring at Viras feet so as not to lose her and half staring that the mountain top city Una was startled by the rugged beauty of the place. Long stairways led into residences, shops and other places in the mountain. The thin air made Una dizzy and sun, so close to the mountain, made her skin dry and itchy. Despite this her mind rolled luxuriously over the sights as if bathing in cool languid waters. She imagined Cy beside her his fingers tickling the small of her back as the descended into the cool mountain. The path was rocky and ill-kept, though Una did not know this was because of the Djed storm that had destroyed their previously luxurious nesting area. Picking her way carefully through the pavilion and along the path she clutched at the walls to keep her upright. The smell that hit the top of her mouth made her wretch. Bending over her stomach disobeyed her tensing and loosening as if to throw up. From the depths of the aeries came the bloody smell of death and slaughter, the soothing earthy smell vanished under this assault to the senses. Stumbling after Vira determined to see the Wind Eagles Una struggled against the urge to vomit, her sensitive vegetarian stomach fighting her every step. "Okay, just a few rules before we go in, since this isn't a place outsiders are normally allowed. I'm only going to take you into two of the nests to see the birds, the two which I trust enough not to do something that may get me in serious trouble. The first one is Sinorrah; she's young and is working on her first nest. She's also a little jumpier, but not aggressive. The other is Irriama. She'd older and more subdued, very friendly to me." Vira warned, Una straightened up trying to hide her discomfort and nodded emphatically, they had managed to get here with little attention, something Unas physiology did not encourage, Una wasn't about to get the girl in trouble. They slipped toward the opening to one of the cavelets which was surprisingly large. "Unless either of the birds invite you to, please don't touch them or the nests. They might allow you inside if you defer to them properly (which I can't really show you how to do; it's kind of an instinct thing). If they don't, just don't be offended; wind eagles are very particular and...finicky birds. I've wondered if they don't know what they want more often than not. Alright, just wait here; Sino will come to the opening." Vira advised before slipping in quickly grabbing a broom to resume her duties. Leaning against the opening Una gazed at the magnificence before her. The creatures white head swung to face her, her dark black eyes appearing pupil-less did not intimidate Una but the jaunty sharp movement of the females beak did. "Sinorrah..." Una murmured under her tongue trying out the word. The name was easy to pronounce for Una since it didn't contain any of the harsh letters that were difficult for a tongue used to char to figure out. Massive, the dark body moved with surprising speed, without moving her feet the female ruffled her feathers curiously stretching her head out as far as it could without moving. Moving sharply the bird suddenly swung around, its beak opening and closing restlessly. The smell of fish wafting from Una no doubt confused the bird and she paced to the back of her nest stretching out her wings and fluffing her feathers. Doing so she swelled even larger making Una step back anxiously. This creature was not like her Cy, it was a hunter of the air. Those eyes held nothing that resembled Cy, Una was disappointed. Though the sight of the Eagle was indeed a moment she would never forget, she felt no closer to what she had dedicated herself to. She would never fly and she would never be near Cy again. Coming out of her reverie she laughed as she saw the antics of the young eagle whose head was almost upside down with curiosity and who was jumping around wiggling her wings and body sending more dust and straw from her nest onto areas Vira had only just swept. "Come in little fish. Come in!" The bird spoke eyes glittering making Una feel like prey. Stepping into the cavelet a few paces Una remained near the door, feet braced to flee. Head twitching Sino moved around the room jauntily, "What ARE you?" She asked curiously leaning down to put her eye near Una making the charoda jump as her reflection reared back at her. "A Charoda." She replied in common, "Oh oh oh...what a funny little thing you are. Isn't she odd?" She asked turning to Vira. "Is she for me?" Still young enough to be used to the adoration of the Inartans vying for her attention she obviously thought of things brought before her as belonging to her or not belonging to her, and that was her only distinction. "Oh no." Una objected, "I belong to the sea and you belong to the sky." Glancing down at her silently the Eagle looked annoyed at the suggestion that she belonged to anything but like most Wind Eagles she seemed to have innate knowledge of things far beyond her years. "Hmmm..." She thrummed deep in her throat, "Must they be separate?" "Yes." Una replied instantly and firmly. "Hmmm..." She thrummed before turning her back on Una, her interest seemingly vanishing. Una glanced at Vira before picking up a broom herself and joining the girl in her duties. It was the least she could do since she caused a large chunk of the mess. OOCI did my best but let me know if I did something wrong since you know more about Wind Eagle behavior than I do.

[Lavira]

The young woman's eye seemed to widen in genuine surprise when the eagle maiden began to speak to Una, the rarity of such a thing well known to the bird keeper. It was beyond just rare, though. Wind eagles were extremely intelligent, on par with humanity. However, they were relatively private unless it came to their own people, the Inartans. Vira was amazed that young Sino had opted to talk to the fish-smelling creature standing near the entrance.

However, when Una tried to help her with the chores, Vira quickly shook her head, shooing the other back towards the entrance. "That's okay, Una, I don't need help with this. You're very lucky, though, you know." She said as she worked, using the broom to get around the corners in particular, the little grooves in the aerie that held dust and molted feathers really well. "Wind Eagles don't often talk to non-Inartans." She said this in common as she worked, setting the broom aside then to lay on her stomach and pull a stone that had been inappropriately wedged between the nest-groove and the aerie wall. It was stuck pretty tight, but with a little leverage, she managed to get it out quick enough.

"I'll have to come back and fill the troughs later. We'll go meet Irriama in just a moment; I would have thought her to be more interested in chatting than Sino was. But they are so full of surprises." The teen grinned at the young bird watching the pair of them in silence now.

Finishing in the younger birds aerie at last, Vira indicated they could go. She told Una to leave first and she'd follow, putting her sweeping supplies away for now so that when she returned, she'd only need to scrape, dust the vents, haul food and fill the troughs, and do any requests the eagle might have. Outside of the aerie, Vira approached one of the dek on the trail, speaking low and quick in the trilling Nari tongue to him. The man was bedraggled but obedient, hurrying off to get whatever had been asked of him while the teen turned back to the charoda and waved up the trail. "Irri's very sweet; she's also very motherly, but it all depends on what mood she's in today. Come on."

Vira headed on ahead of the sea-race and stopped outside of the so indicated birds. Within, a much older bird sat comfortably over a nest of three eggs. She was almost solid white except for the dusting of black and soot across her grand body. Her legs were dark gray too, the long talons hidden as she sat the nest. "Wait here." She told Una, stepping in and greeting the mother with kindly words.

[i]"Morning, Irri; you're looking tired. Everything okay? Alright. Do you feel like some company this afternoon? I can linger once I've finished my chores, if you'd like. I promised 'Vala I'd start working on something for her this afternoon, but I can do that in here." The bird appeared indifferent this time, though the enormous head did stretch to gently pluck at the womans clothing in the usual way.[i]

The dialogue between worker and bird ended and Vira turned to the door, gesturing towards Una as she spoke once more. "Irri, this is Una. She's never met a wind eagle before and I offered to let her meet you and Sino." The invitation to interact began and Vira moved to get her cleaning supplies once more, beginning work in that aerie while Irri rose from the triplet of tiny (compared to the mother) eggs. She came close to the entrance that did not admit wind eagles, only the city workers, and stuck her head through to study the charoda. From behind the bird, Vira watched it all closely. For all the birds motherly kindness, she was still a wind eagle; it made them somewhat unpredictable from time to time.

Irri did not show aggression as she studied the creature through the opening, but neither did she appear entirely welcoming. She simply stood, an intense moment passing before the bird turned and returned to the nest, Vira watching closely from nearby. If Una tried to enter now, she would receive a quick and sharp shake of her head that she should not.

[Una Tanta]

The dialogue between worker and bird ended and Vira turned to the door, gesturing towards Una as she spoke once more. "Irri, this is Una. She's never met a wind eagle before and I offered to let her meet you and Sino." The invitation to interact began and Vira moved to get her cleaning supplies once more, beginning work in that aerie while Irri rose from the triplet of tiny (compared to the mother) eggs. She came close to the entrance that did not admit wind eagles, only the city workers, and stuck her head through to study the charoda. From behind the bird, Vira watched it all closely. For all the birds motherly kindness, she was still a wind eagle; it made them somewhat unpredictable from time to time. Irri did not show aggression as she studied the creature through the opening, but neither did she appear entirely welcoming. She simply stood, an intense moment passing before the bird turned and returned to the nest, Vira watching closely from nearby. If Una tried to enter now, she would receive a quick and sharp shake of her head that she should not. "That's okay, Una, I don't need help with this. You're very lucky, though, you know." The Inartan complimented as she meticulously cleaned the aeries a quality Una instantly admired, "Wind Eagles don't often talk to non-Inartans." This comment made Una grin uncontrollably. The experience wasn't what she had expected but she was flattered none the less. "I'll have to come back and fill the troughs later. We'll go meet Irriama in just a moment; I would have thought her to be more interested in chatting than Sino was. But they are so full of surprises." The bird watched them silently now much to Unas chagrin. Incredible how quickly she had changed her demeanor Una marveled. Outside of the aerie, Una stiffened as Vira approached one of the dek on the trail, speaking low and quick in the trilling Nari tongue to him. Had she gotten Vira in trouble? Yet the bedraggled man only smiled and hastened off. Una stared at Lavira surprised, she was very self-imposed and powerful, Una had only just noticed how proud the woman was. She was incredulous suddenly as the impact of the risk the woman was taking in sharing this wonderful place with her and she vowed she would thank the woman in some grand way appropriate of the gesture. "Irri's very sweet; she's also very motherly, but it all depends on what mood she's in today. Come on." Following Vira Una peered over her shoulder at the most regal beast she had ever set her eyes on. Laying atop the eggs in the same fashion as Unas mother had, with the calm proud puffed chest of someone sure in their role and the future. This was wisdom personified. Her white chest heaved with her breath like Cy's had heaved against her chest, the light black dusting around her beak and body disappeared from Unas sight until all she saw was radiant white. "Wait here." Vira told Una, a phrase which Una abided but not because she heard. Shell shocked by the beauty the next few minutes passed her by. Peering close to the entrance the grand dark eye assessed Una. Instead of feeling like a small shrimp beneath her gaze as she had felt near the younger eagle Una felt like a scolded child and immediately averted her eyes. Kneeling before the eagle she stretched her body out in a bow, fists clenched. She dare not look at such a great mother, reminded of her own mother Una felt a sharp pang of dread. She had forgotten her duty to her mother to chase this, a gift to herself she didn't deserve. She would have a lifetime to get Cy back, her duty at this moment was to save her mother. Like she had come all this way to do. Rising eager to follow her revelation, she moved too swiftly and the eagle lashed out her sharp beak grazing Una's arm as she wheeled her arms struggling not to fall off the lip of the entrance. "O-oh!" She yelped and grabbing the rock she couldn't stop herself and as she slid into the cave the eagle's screech followed her fall, her beak parted to hiss and squawk at her as her feathers puffed out in fury the edges bristling the edges of the cave her fury filling the cavern. Looking up at the great white figure above her Una felt beads of terror trickle down her brow, helpless before the greatest wrath of all. A mothers. OOCNow that I have internet my replies from this point on will be much more reliable. Thanks for your patience via PM.

[Lavira]

The teen winced when Irri lashed out, Vira jumping forwards to stand between the fishy creature and the grand bird. She spoke quickly in the native language with hands raised to the eagle, hoping to quiet the temper that had been sparked.

"Irriama, easy, easy! She only slipped, my friend, she's leaving, see?" She made a shooing gesture to the Charoda, encouraging her to back out quickly. Outside of the nest-site, she'd be a little safer unless Irri's temper had peaked so far as to actually take off, circle up over the mountainside, and meet them from the interior. Then...well, Una might be a bit out of luck.

But the eagle was peering past Vira at the creature behind her, her head feathers all a-ruffle and her bright eyes blazing. It was not unheard of for Eagles to take victims and simply knock them off the cliffs. Irri almost looked like she might. "Easy, Irriama, please calm down. She meant no harm; it was my mistake bringing her up here. She's leaving now, okay? We're leaving. I'll bring you something sweet when I come back!" Turning back to the Charoda, if Una wasn't out the cave now, Vira would be dragging her out and away from the human-sized entrance. She switched back to the lesser used Common to speak directly to the creature.

"I'm very sorry about that, it was inappropriate of me to bring you up here in the first place. The eagles are very sensitive, you see, and nesting mothers can be tenfold that. I hope you're not hurt too badly, I'm not sure if our healers would help you or not; you're kind of...different." The one-eyed Chiet canted her head at the thing again but kept her musings to herself for the moment.

"I'll escort you back to the lakes. You can reach the lower lake then and descend the path the same way we came up. The rapids in this area are difficult to navigate in this season, so be careful." Inwardly, Vira was hoping she'd not get in trouble for this muck-up.

[Una Tanta]

The trills and soft thrums issuing from the Chiets mouth were doing little to calm the brilliantly furious bird. Stumbling up the edge of the cavern Una struggled to move in her panic. Laviras hand came to rest on her back pushing her faster and steadying her up the incline. Once they had stumbled out of the cavern the fury of the creature settled to a seething hiss. Staring after their path Una was shaking slightly, never had she seen a creature that commanded such respect and fear. "I'll escort you back to the lakes. You can reach the lower lake then and descend the path the same way we came up. The rapids in this area are difficult to navigate in this season, so be careful." Inwardly, Vira was hoping she'd not get in trouble for this muck-up. "I'm sorry if I got you in trouble Lavira. You really want to get rid of me that quickly?" She added sadly flicking her gaze to the young womans. "At least let me get you something as a thank you, there is a hawk from Avanthal called a FrostHawk, I've never seen one but I've read incredible tales about them and..." She chuckled to herself, "They might not incur as much respect and fear as Irriama but they are the grandest birds of the north and certainly as white. You must let me find one for you as a thank you. I could never have imagined that...." She gazed longingly at Irriama's cavern. "I could never have imagined to ever see something that beautiful. "My..." She hesitated nervous about sharing her past. "My husband was a Swan Kelvic and since he passed...I've been trying to get him back and being a swan, having spent so much time in the sky. Being up here on the mountain, seeing the eagles. It means a lot." She explained with heartfelt conviction. "Thanks for you time and ear, I'll leave you be if you like. I don't want to get you into more trouble than you already are..."