Closed Stars fall and company

[Absynia]

It wasn’t unusual to see the lone shadow of an eagle and rider at dusk, especially when the eagle was black as night and his rider adopted his colors for her clothing. Absynia was the most reclusive of the Endal, only appearing when she needed to, but otherwise seen in the company of Ashta. Nights were her favorite time, she spent much of it to herself whereas her friend did his own things, but always within range of hearing her whistle. This particular night was a rare event, she had found a log of the times of particular events and their area was due for a star shower. The log stated that every fifty years this happened, something that she had never seen. She wanted to, the even described as shooting lights moving across the sky, the very idea sent shivers of awe through her. Ash was off with one of the females, she presumed he was courting her, something he commented on that she ought to be thinking of herself. This of course wasn’t something she liked to talk about or even consider, she didn’t need someone invading her life and taking up space.

Oh sure, she knew he understood that her being mute also made things of that nature difficult, but unlike her he was optimistic, she viewed it with much sarcasm. Maybe outside Wind Reach people might view her handicap as minor, but the only reason she lived as she did was because of Ashta, what if something happened? Her mate, were she to get one, would share her standing and if that changed? That’s even supposing someone would want to attach to a vocally incapable woman such as herself. As far as she was concerned the only trouble she needed in her life was a vain, annoying black eagle with a mohawk. No one else was ever going to care for her, stand beside her, trust her and fly beside her like him. People just couldn’t be trusted, people couldn’t be allowed to get close, for too many times have they brought nothing except pain. Suddenly a flash of light shot across the sky taking with it any thoughts as a few more flew past.

Her golden eyes went wide, a grin appeared on her face and as she stood up watching she was infused with wonder. Light after light moved across the sky, it did indeed look as if stars were leaving blazing trails behind them seemingly close to touch.

[Tiaue'a]

TS: 45 Summer 512 A.V. OOCIf this time stamp works, let me know. or doesn’t for that matter… xD Be sure you time stamp your threads, game rules. While the Inarta and their eagles danced among the falling stars, Tiaue`a was stuck on night watch. It was as the Valintar commanded, every other night. The joy she experienced from fighting sleep only to wake up the next day to hunt was unbearable… indescribable pleasure… The eagle was particularly moody with her sleep schedule being interrupted so heavily. Even still, the glimmer of shooting stars caught her eye, and fascination took hold… Her eagle eyes took hold of the sky, refusing to let the beauty of the moment go. Alas, a distraction stole it from her. The small shifting of an ambiguous figure, cloaked in the darkness, and only now revealed by the dull shine of the sky streaking meteorites, pulled Ti`ue’s attention. The bird, as per her instructions, was to keep watch of anything unfamiliar. Her form fluttered, over the rock away from the tower a meter or two, closer to see. No good… Her silent beating in the night gave lift to her body, and the eagle took flight among the stars. Her body looked like that of a robin’s from the distance. The direct light off of Leth shown on the wriggling form’s face and it was a girl. So far from the aeries of the city, alone, and of an island among the sea of rocks no less. How did she come to be here? The girl might have possibly been a kelvic herself, out to watch the stars. It was Ti`ue’s work to investigate. With no obvious signs of danger, the Kelvic rounded once more in her wide path and began her descent towards Absynia’s rear. In the approach, Ti`ue wondered how she’d perform. No one knew her secret still, unless the whispers among the eagles were about her. Had the Valintar shared her secret, or perhaps Sira? At any rate, if it was either one, Ti`ue knew she could do nothing of it. Neither was a nameless Dek to be removed at her will. Though, it would seem odd for an eagle to be on night watch alone, or would it? Would it be more suspicious for a rider-less Inarta to be on guard, now on the same lone rock Ti`ue questioned the girl for being on? There was no winning, and it felt awful. Ti`ue chose to keep her most native form, for comfort’s sake. The quiet wings on the night air were not to flutter without notice. The breeze they kicked up, dust and all, brushed over Absynia. The eagle eyed glance caught eye with the Inarta’s own bird-like eyes. What are you doing here… and what is your name? The first part of the question was formal business. Ti`ue, identifying an Inarta only afterwards, tried her best to open conversation. You may address me as, Tiaue`a. The voice echoed in the Inarta’s head and heart once more, though only as a distant feeling compared to her bond mate’s. The evidence that Ti`ue was a Wind Eagle was there, and without question. Hopefully she could keep this disguise for a while longer until she found a better way to reveal herself without looking like a copy-cat to Sira.

[Absynia]

It often surprised her when Ash would seem to pop out of nowhere, though in this case after the arrival of the female eagle. Her golden eyes flicked to her bondmate wondering if he had been skulking about and not off someplace. Still it allowed her to answer Tiaue’a’s questions.

Forgive me for not answering right away, my name is Absynia and I am the bondmate to Ashta.
I’m mute, so its because of Ash that I can communicate.
I hope you don’t mind…

She didn’t know that to be able to bond with an eagle in the first place she needed to be able to hear and speak with telepathy herself. Ashta kept it from her mostly because he didn’t know how to tell her, she kept it blocked when not around him and he didn’t know how to fix that so she could have some independence. He also didn’t mind that she was dependent on him, he liked knowing she needed him. Syn looked over the female eagle appreciatively, she was a beautiful specimen of her kind. Ash didn’t say anything, he had been coming to check on his partner to see if she had found that the spot she wanted wasn’t a good perch for viewing. He had spotted the female diving in and decided to see what was up. Absynia was commonly referred to as the Mute Endal, a name she privately disliked and would rather people use her name and not bring to focus her affliction. Sometimes she wondered if they called her that to mock her, it was just one more reason she avoided people.

Yet just as she was known by that title, she was also known for helping out any birds or eagles that requested it. At present she was the only Endal that had befriended a flock of ravens, a total of six of the large black birds housed in the cracks and crannies around her aerie. The woman found them highly amusing and would often hand out treats and food to them. Not only that, but she treated them like friends, it wasn’t known why she seemed loved by all sorts of birds, but she tried to help them when they came to her. Only Ash knew that she was Marked by Eywaat, he hadn’t said anything since he didn’t feel it was needed. That was the secret behind her often being seen in the company of birds, she might not be able to speak to them, but she understood them. She was also happy to take their aid when she hunted, especially when the birds in question were predators. Earlier in the week they had gone off to hunt, he to fish while she had wandered the forest.

She had caught a rabbit for an elderly eagle who had happily guided her to a small group of deer. Because of his aid she had made a successful hunt, though usually the birds merely kept her company watching her progress. She liked the birds of prey because if she helps them catch a meal they’d help her in return, the rest usually showed her a likely trail or simply hung around to chatter at her. Ash didn’t betray her secret because he saw that it was better it remain unknown, Syn was at her best when people left her alone.

[Tiaue'a]

The awkward pause did put Tiaue`a off a bit, but Ashta’s voice and thought confirmed any suspicions of the girl being dumb. Ti`ue’s own heart flickered at the thought of meeting another bonded pairing. Her envy for an Endal, a bond mate to call her own, was still stabbing at her. Meeting Ashta was a first in person. The eagles knew names, and perhaps the feathers, but rarely had the chance to sit and greet with so much to be done. It was hardly a wonder that Ti`ue didn’t know him personally, or Absynia. The eagles tilted her head, her eyes locked on the Inarta looking for any injury of the sort. A thought left her mind to Ashta. Ti`ue didn’t wish to offend the Inarta. Why is it she’s mute? Why choose her? It was a simple thought between Wind Eagles. In picking a bond mate, Ti`ue figured as much that the bonds were something special, something deeply connected. She also thought picking the strong was just as important though, when the Endal are meant to protect and provide for Wind Reach. Ti`ue didn’t know of Syn’s strengths though, and it was her habit to assume that brought her to the thought. The eagle’s eyes kept on Syn trying to not suggest she was talking with Ashta. If that went on too long, she’d survey the land scape – she was working after all, night watch – and admire the shower.

[Absynia]

Ashta ruffled his feathers, a glint in his eyes showing he was amused by her question.

You are caught in the same misconception others have young flier. You heard her speak just now, she does have a voice. The situation is just…complicated, but I’m working on fixing it. She was born without the ability to make noise, but to bond with me she needed to have telepathy. Its not as simple as me telling her she has this gift, something keeps her from interacting when I am not around, I suspect…she had a trauma as a child. She was a Dek before I chose her… Her bravery and innocence struck something in me, someone had to protect her and who better than I? Best choice I could have ever made, I don’t regret bonding with her.

Syn looked over the female eagle quietly wondering if she had done something to upset her.

Tiaue`a… If I have taken a favorite perch of yours I apologize, it looked like a good place to watch the star shower. I can leave if you’d like, but I’d like to share this place with you for just this night if you are willing?

Ash didn’t say anything as his pairling’s voice spoke up, he wanted to see what would come of the encounter. It seemed to him the young eagle and his pairling might strike up a friendship, he liked this idea. Tiaue`a hadn’t been the only eagle over the years to question his choice, but he had never wavered in his confidence, Syn was special. They’d see that, someone like her was very rare and if she died before him he’d never choose another, no one else showed such promise.

[Tiaue'a]

Ti`ue spoke with Ashta aloud, though to no language Syn could comprehend. “How noble of you to defend her. I merely hope she can do the same for the rest of us.” The eagle eyes settled on Absynia as she called to her, questioned her own interference in the matters of the wind eagles. It was a striking example of how dependant the Wind Eagles had made the Inarta. Even after they had failed to defend their people from the fire god hidden deep below, they were still needed. It left Ti`ue conflicted on the matter, to still be revered in spite of her failure, and Ashta’s, Sira’s, and so on. On the other hand, ti was reassuring to know she was still needed, and appreciated, and “obeyed” to a measure. You are most welcome here, Absynia. Ti`ue’s eyes drifted to the stars as they fell from the sky. It is a good perch, isn’t it? Ti`ue became distant after that, mesmerized by the shower. Her eyes follow each new sight as it trickled downward, across the sky, burning out into some shimmer she couldn’t see, and then moved onto the next one. Her mind and heart followed in suit, wondering just what it felt like to have no control over her fall. What would it feel like to burn up the sky like that? What does the world feel like falling so freely? Does the wind still lift you? Of course she knew the Inarta could not fly, but the idea of being part human never settled with Ti`ue. The mentally distant wind eagle stared solemnly at the stars a while longer. Syn would need to bring her back to reality.

OOCSomething I noticed: Ashta’s dark blue text on the black background is hard to read. I highlighted it, but that might be something you’d like to pretty up in the future. Could just be me. xD

[Absynia]

You have so little faith in them, its no wonder you cannot see what I see.

Ashta said no more as Tiaue’a fell silent looking at the sky, he too found wonder in watching those lights. Syn took a position standing between both eagles, her eyes skyward, there was a longing in her eyes. Like the female eagle she too wondered what it would be like to be one of those flying lights. Though in her case she wished she could simply fly, on her own, beside her friend. To her flying seemed the ultimate freedom, to have the ability to get closer to the stars. Ash watched them both, he knew of his bondmate’s desire to fly, but he wondered what was going through the mind of their guest. It wasn’t Absynia that decided to get her attention, but Ash himself.

Tiaue’a, look over at her, tell me what you see in her eyes and expression… You and she are not so different, the same feelings beat in her chest. We are no different from them, would that I could give her the wings she so badly yearns for. All I can do is carry her on my back, but for her despite her longings, it is enough for her. I believe in her Tiaue’a and I feel…something special in her, she is better than most humans, she has something they lost touch with. If you reach out to her, trust her even a little, you’ll have given her a precious gift and she will never throw it away. She might not be able to give you what YOU yearn for, but having a friend would do you both good.

He extended a wing preening his feathers saying no more, it wasn’t his job to give too deep of council to one he didn’t know, but he felt he should have said something. He saw something in the female that was very akin to his bondmate and that stirred something in him. Oblivious to the conversation about her Syn kept her wonder filled gaze skyward. She had taken a sitting position and both her hands were clenched together in her lap. The flying lights stirred such strong emotion in her that it seemed all she could do to contain herself.

[Tiaue'a]

Ti`ue tried to enjoy the star light the best she could while conversing with Ashta. He had a point, but she wouldn’t buy it. She could hardly come to terms with their present situation. The fact that Wind Reach survived the storm that anyone had survived really, was either a trick or a mistake. The eagles were tasked with keeping Ivak in shackles and they failed. They were without purpose anymore. So blind she was to not see that their purpose was never to keep Ivak imprisoned, but to ensure that her people prospered. Ashta brought Ti`ue back from her imaginary world. It put her in a bad mood, awful quickly at that. Still she heard him. The eagle took the advice of her kin, and peered gently over at Absynia, weighed the longing in her eyes. She felt the desire to join the stars radiate from the girl as well. It wasn’t the feeling of her heart; it was the look in Syn’s eyes that she sympathized with. It bothered Ti`ue more to be compared to someone she felt to be so feeble in comparison. She only felt this way because of fact. It was the wings of an eagle that fed the city, not the size of one’s heart. Ti`ue started on Ashta, But just how am I to expect more of them because of this one exception? No matter how special she is, she will not change the world as the gods have changed ours. We have failed, Ashta. This girl’s life as it is now is a…flaw. She sent her thoughts to him simultaneously, telepathy opening a new level of fluid conversation, thoughts, feelings, all of it. Her thoughts stopped as Ashta’s comparison came to a point. Ashta couldn’t have been accusing her like Ti`ue wanted to think. That bit about Syn just furthered his role to her. She gave pause to the moment, not expecting much of her argument to have substance now. It was impulsive babble. I suppose it is foolish of me to think less of them… Ironic, isn’t it, that we have failed them, and yet we still are still worshiped as if gods ourselves? I will give her my trust, as you have, my whole heart. I have no threat for you should she fail to preserve it, Ashta. Just know you were wrong about her then. She reached to Absynia in though, Can I trust you with a secret, Absynia? Ti`ue’s chest beat harder. The shield of the mind kept her words clear. Spoken, she would have stumbled, perhaps even stopped in her nerves. She could bargain her secret for friendship. Soon, hopefully, she wouldn’t need for it to be such a secret. Sira was an accident. Baby steps, it was all baby steps.

[Absynia]

No life is flawed Tiaue’a, not a one. While she might not shape the world with divine power, she will bring change to the Inartian people and that is far more important. I don’t look at Ivak’s flight for freedom as something to be ashamed of. It is natural for any caged being who once had freedom to long for it and fly to it when the cage is breeched. We had no right to keep him caged and since we are not gods ourselves, how were we to hope to keep him? Tell me that Tiaue’a. Ivak is needed in this world, he is an important force that keeps balance. All life is sacred, even with all its flaws, keep that in mind. The Inarta need us as much as we need them and it was our arrogance that led to such dependence, that…is our fault. Now, we need to help them survive, it is up to us now to grow and adapt to the change that is before us. We will all die if we cannot accept and move on and I refuse to die or allow her to die while others wallow in idiotic misery! Shake off the dead feather that weigh you down and focus on the need to survive, we are only mortals and as such make mistakes. She doesn’t woship me, I am her partner, her friend, her brother, that is how it should be. Understand?

His golden gaze was intense as he looked at her, a burning fire, a confidence in what he felt to be true. Absynia was unaware of the things going on, but when Tiaue’a asked her if she could tell her a secret she stood up looking at her surprised. She grinned up at her truly honored and flattered she was asking for her trust. Tiaue’a would see such instant trust towards her, Syn was truly happy that she was opening up to her.

Of course you can! Tell me anything you wish, I won’t tell a soul, not even Ashta, if you ask it of me. I am honored you even asked…

She ducked her gaze and Tiaue’a would catch a hint of the feelings she was currently feeling. She felt that since she was so flawed no one other than Ashta would ever believe in her and trust her. That since she was willing to open up to her then Ashta wasn’t the only one who saw worth in her. She was truly happy to have even a fragment of trust from another eagle and hoped that she would be able to repay her kindness somehow. When she looked back up at the female eagle there was a sheen to her eyes that suggested that she had stirred deep emotion.

[Tiaue'a]

Always seeking the last word, Ti`ue stabbed back at Ashta’s condescending tone. And your burden. Hearing Ashta’s words, and knowing how the similar personalities seemed to attract each other so well among bond mates, Ti`ue knew to expect nothing less than a fiery passion in Absynia, and with that utter loyalty, respect, and so on. Having survived the gaze of the Valintar after spilling her own secret, Ashta’s was nothing. Absynia’s reaction, the whole feeling that was felt from her, caught Ti`ue off guard. The girl seemed so simple before, yet not the depths of her spirit were becoming more apparent. Ashta, much to Ti`ue’s proud disgust, was right. There was more to the Inarta than she ever tried to see. Now she saw and felt it. Actions defined her. The wind eagle found it easiest to shift her form and speak of her whole life’s story in that blinding flash. Her body did glow, briefly, with the light of the stars, and the magnificence of a wind eagle was replaced with the fire of an Inarta. Part of Ti`ue knew Syn’s reaction would be a bit more than joy in being trusted, knowing secrets and all. Ti`ue half wittedly figured a mute couldn’t share secrets anyway – though she was fully aware of Syn’s telepathy. Maybe it was just the thought that she wasn’t used to saying things she shouldn’t. Tiaue`a’s hair fell over her body, far down to cover herself. As well kept as any eagle, her coat kept neat and shining, she stood there, grinning from the side to Syn. Surely the girl was filled with more shock than she expected. Ti`ue was too; shocked that it was so easy to reveal herself. When a wind eagle shifts into her human form, does she still smell like an eagle? Surely Syn wouldn’t mind so much being bonded to Ashta.