A Search For New Wings (Sairque)

by **Aiven** on April 17th, 2011, 4:27 pm

Season of Spring, Day 50, 511 AV

The days had stretched into months, and then into an entire year, since the passing her Aiven's most cherished friend. She had lost her eagle to the outbreak of sickness a year ago, and now has taken it upon herself to recapture her title as Endal, and find a new bond.

The want had brought her to the office of head Endal Sairque. Aiven had been informed about her, and was sure from the stories she had heard, she would know what to do. She walked quietly through the halls, ready to put all past memories aside, and make room for something new, until she had come across a large door, which beyond lay the woman she wished to speak with.

Hesitantly, she knocked on the door.

by **Sairque** on May 11th, 2011, 4:43 am

The office was empty save for Sai, so the knock earned a prompt "Come" from the flightleader. Behind the slender stone door separating the office from the reception area, she frowned down at the brittle parchment squared up in front of her on the desk. Tapping the feather of her quill against a cheek bone, the short woman leaned back in the simple chair. Perhaps it was time to visit Mother Ilish and see how she kept track of all the Endal production.

How do you know that she does not want to keep her job? Catabasis asked, with an attitude that should have accompanied a smirk. Sairque ignored him, she would just find out how the elder woman felt about giving up her secrets when it came time.

As the young redhead popped her head through and then stepped through the door, Sai dropped the quill and turned her yellow eyes to the visitor. Heavily scarred, her right hand folded atop her left before she suddenly sat up straight. Leaning forward, the scarred hand framed her cheek as she rested her chin on her thumb.

"You're one of the kids that lost an Eagle not too long ago. What can I do for you?" This was an intriguing visit, as the girl wasn't an Endal any longer and had no apparent reason for seeking the flight leader out.

by **Aiven** on May 14th, 2011, 1:22 am

Aiven had to let out a smile at the straightforward way the woman spoke. She glanced at the desk the woman sat behind, at the quill, and then to the woman's hand. She then met her eyes, with a kind and calm expression, "I am. It seems I have lost my title after the death of my Eagle." She paused for a moment, before continuing, "I would like to know, if there is a chance, perhaps, that I may recieve another."

She took a few steps forward, and took a seat in a chair facing the desk. The soft cusions were a relief to her sore body from yesterday's practice. "I can't bring myself to go out and find another the same way I had the first. I am here, because I need help."

by **Sairque** on May 14th, 2011, 2:35 am

A sharp retort, several, actually, as the girl started speaking, died on her lips. It had sounded at first as though the girl expected one to be assigned to her or some such nonsense. Tapping the quill against her lips, she sat back again and scrutinized the girl. Catabasis' attention shifted from the interview, off to something he was doing in the aerie.

"What, specifically, would you like me to do for you?" If every kid that wanted an Eagle started coming to her to help them, she'd have no time to do anything except tell them to do what they had been doing and leave her alone. "I can't help you appear more attractive to an Eagle. I can take you out hunting, drop you off on the coast for a walrus hunt..." Sai suggested. "I can put you out there in a situation to impress an Eagle, but I won't be able to affect the bonding toward your favor."

She understood how it would be scary to put oneself in a situation to bond with something and then have it taken away again, which was the only reason that Sai was even listening to the girl at this point. "What's your name?"

by **Aiven** on May 17th, 2011, 2:23 am

Aiven kept her expression calm, and collect, as she listened to the woman speak to her. Of course, they were not the things that she wanted to hear, but she knew that they were what was needed to be heard, like it or not. What did she really expect this woman to do for her?

It's not as if she could hand her an eagle and say 'here you go.' She knew that. She just needed...to be pointed in the right direction. A blind man can take a step in any direction and there is a thousand to one chance that it is the way he needs to go, but being blind is terrifying enough, without the adding of not knowing what he is to find when he begins to walk. She guessed that, maybe if she could just be pointed in the right direction, confidence to walk the rest of the way, alone, would find her someone in the end, or at least a piece of mind to take those steps.

"My name is Aiven Escelade," She replied, letting her head lean downward a bit, in a sort of soft bow, before returning her gaze to Sairque's eyes. "Please, just, if you could..." She paused, in order to choose he words wisely. "tell me where to start. I can go the rest of the way."

by **Sairque** on May 18th, 2011, 12:01 am

Long moments passed as Sai watched Aiven, brow furrowed in thought. Plans for a walrus hunt were already established, undoubtedly the stem for her earlier suggestion. Would she be a hindrance? Would she be better off spending her time with the fledglings, letting them get to know her? How had she bonded the first time?

Feather tapping at her lips again, eyes dropped to the ledger open on the desk. Aiven had been chosen once before, so the girl had what it took.

"Listen, why don't you come hunting this weekend?" Sai offered. "We're going to fly down the coast and get a bull or two." No need to mention the reason for the trip was a bet made by one of her junior riders that she couldn't bring down a walrus by hand anymore. Aiven didn't need to do that. "The trip will be good for you. Get you out, bring some meat home; it'll be a good boost to your confidence and might help you figure out what's next."

by **Aiven** on May 18th, 2011, 10:25 pm

Aiven gave the woman a warm smile. That was something she wanted to hear. She thought for a moment, before deciding to answer. "I wouldn't betoo much of a bother, would I? Seeing as it already seems like you had this planned out, without me in the add." She really didn't want to ruin Sairque's hunting trip by holding everyone back.

Aiven could remember when she, herself, would go out on hunting missions with Tetheykus, and how much she enjoyed it, just her and her eagle. She remembered the excitement she felt everytime she mounted him, and every time he would set into flight. But those times were no longer, and Aiven had no idea how useful she would be without him.

by **Sairque** on May 26th, 2011, 3:09 am

Sai nodded a bit, this change of plans shouldn't put anyone or anything out. It might even do some good for all of them. It had been too long since she'd hunted with some of the younger, newer Endals. And never before with one that had lost their status within the year. Perhaps she'd get to witness another bonding. Yellow eyes rested thoughtfully on the girl jittering with anticipation in front of her mostly bare desk. She had heard this one possessed good potential, maybe she would swing another bonding and Sai would keep a closer eye on her this time around.

"We'll leave the morning of market day. Meet us in the Courtyard. Do you have a bow and gear?"

by **Aiven** on May 27th, 2011, 12:18 am

Aiven stood, nodded, "I have." She bowed slightly, "Thank you. I will see you then?" She offered a smile, before turning away to the door. As she walked, she felt a mixture of emotions: excitement, fear, nervousness, and a bit of hurt. It had been so long, but now, at least she could get back on her feet.