Closed Clash At ThunderBay

[Alori Sai]

Timestamp: 38th of Summer 512 AV Where: ThunderBay Who: Aela, Tiaue`a "Just run...." "Run!" The little huntress told herself as she raced through the forest in Thunderbay. Deep breaths paced unevenly with a pulsing heart beat. Fiery red locks held tightly within the bonds of glass beads, wrapped tightly with strings, bounced against her shoulders and back as she dashed forward. The quiver and bow, held together by leather straps, bounced and clicked loudly against her back. "Faster.." "Go!" Aela pushed her body as hard as she could, her legs ached and burned from the over exertion. She continued along, with no time to stop, stumbling over rocks and stray limbs broken from trees. In the distance, she could hear the horrific roar of the beast as it hunted her. The beast had been on her trail, it's huge teeth so close to the skin at her back. It was only by luck that she came upon uneven ground, which allowed her to tumble down and way from the beast that pursued her. The drop was several feet, and while it did slow the bear from catching her, it wouldn't be for long. The day had started off nicely. The young Avora had gotten up early and readied herself for the trip to the hunting area. She remembered clearly the last time she had visited the area with her friend Vaas. It wasn't as much for the hunt as it was a short getaway for their wary pair. Even so, it had been a fun outing and she had promised him that they would go again some day. On this day however, Aela wanted to hunt and she wanted to train. She had been sure to get up early that morning, and dressed herself in a black Vinati and Bryda. She laced up her taller leather boots, a fashion tip she took from Aidara, and gathered her quiver and bow. She had met with a friend of Vaas, and the man who had taken them to Thunder Bay the last time, and hired him for this trip as well. It had been an interesting ride, while Aela preferred to stay silent, the man continued to talk to her, even asking about her boyfriend. Aela had halfheartedly answered most of the questions, but that one deserved her full attention. She had become very close to Vaas over the last year, but they were just friends. Besides, as far as she knew, Vaas seemed to have matured and wasn't shy around women. If he had any such feelings for her, he would have said so. Once the awkward ride was over, and she found herself back in Thunder Bay, Aela was met with a familiar sight of beauty and serenity. She headed down to the beach, recalling the refreshing feeling she had the last time. Sadly or unluckily, she wasn't the only one who looked for the cool embrace of the waters. A bear had also wondered down, looking for food in the streams where the fish were easily to find. The bear must have been hungry because it attacked her suddenly, leaving her without time to load her bow. Aela was now deep into the forest hiding amongst the trees and bushes. Blood trickled down her left arm, and a thinner trail dripped down the side her head. The fall down the hill had been rough, and she bumped her head on the way down. She could still hear the bear in the distance. It horrific roar sent shivers up her spine and rang in her ears, causing the pain in her head to double.

[Tiaue'a]

Ti`ue’s own day was boring. Late to bed, late to wake, and now she was on the hunt again, the daily routine in action. It was a short fly to Thunder Bay for the eagle. The day though, would seem to drag on forever. It was well welcomed to stay though. The days hunting were enjoyable. It was true to her nature to love the sensation of wind beneath her wings, and the rush of the hunt. It took her from the highest mountains to the lowest waters, and everywhere in between. The forests around the bay were no exception. She was patrolling at first, looking over the land, surveying places where she could land, or for prey in general. The flowing streams were always a good spot. Though prey were unsuspecting from the ground, well convinced that no one could see them, the fact was quite false. High above, eagle eyes pierced through the lush green and homed in on their flesh for talons to follow. Without an Endal aboard, the process was a bit trickier than fly, shoot, win. That part about landing and pick up needed to be considered. High above, she could hover and see the whole wood. She saw, at first, just a darting movement and a bear follow after. So far away, Ti`ue chased the blur though the forest. The blur still hid in the thickening wood, but the grizzly bear form followed. It was thick and easy to spot in the mixture of color. Ti`ue was soon gliding well overhead the forest, not many feet from the tallest branches. It was dangerously close, but she was sure of her ability in flight. That blur in the forest took on colors of its own, and she saw the flowing scarlet rushing through. It took a moment to deduce that it was an Inarta being chased. Whether it was a poor dek or an Endal short an eagle was yet to be seen – although there were no other eagles in the pursuit. Ti`ue gasped as the girl took her tumble, her eyes separating from the scene as she actually passed the chase off. On wing, she could just as quickly intervene as she could let it go. Perhaps it was Caiyha’s design to let this one die. Ti`ue’s passion for her home and people wouldn’t allow that though. Air acrobatics saved Aela the precious seconds that stood between her and the bear. Ti`ue brought her wings forward and did a flip on the air. She peeked down at the ground and she watched the world turn upside down, and then twisted, before she was beating her wings again at her max speed for the life of the unaware Inarta. There was a clearing near the girl and bear. The gusting winds of the eagle were easy to overlook with Aela sheltered in the overhand of the drop off, though she might have seen the almost illusionary image of an eagle passing overhead before the bear was upon her once more. Ti`ue rounded again, perching on top of the drop off. On one side was the bear, Ti`ue the other, the contested prey or friend between them. Aela was mesmerized by the roar of the bear that was ready to claim her, admittedly shocked as the vibrations of the call sense chills through her body. Then, as if to still all her pain was another call. Above the girl, a shadow from the angle of Syna’s light, came the echoing call of the Wind Eagle. The primal sound that bellowed from Ti`ue’s chest whistled through the wind, and bounced off of each hard barked tree. There were the deep tones of power, as well as the characteristic shrieking that her raptor kin were known for, only tenfold louder. Ti`ue made it in time. While Aela fought her own emotions and pains, Ti`ue had issued a literal challenge to the bear. It was large, and therefore no wonder as to why the girl had been sent fleeing through the forest. It was so lucky that the eagle crossed their path. While Ti`ue’s call came to an end, the bear made another move. Up on his hind legs, arms spread wide, the bear let out another terrible roar. He did not seem to know the meaning of denial. An unchallenged king of his realm, the bear didn’t back down from the shrieking eagle alone. Tiaue pulled out her ace in the battle with the bear. It was instinctive to be the bigger, stronger predator when it came to conflicts of this sort. She spread out her own wings, each wing much larger than the bear itself, and let out another powerful shriek that would shake Aela’s core, and send a stabbing sensation through her body, all those hypersonic needles piercing her ears. Effectively tripled in apparent size, and obviously unwavering in her own claim, Ti`ue stood her ground. The bear turned and started on his own way once more, running. To say the bear was outmatched was an understatement. Are you alright? Sparing no time for formalities, Ti`ue fell back on her instinct and purpose as a protector of her people. Aela was undoubtedly under the good graces of a wind eagle. The thought appeared in her mind as clear as any. Aela, if telepathically capable, could speak to Ti`ue this way as well, or aloud if she felt the need or desire.

[Alori Sai]

Aela panted as she leaned against the tree, she barely noticed the blood flowing from the wound on her head and down the side of her cheek. Her body still ached from the fall, her vision began to blur, followed by a strange eerie sound just inside her ears. The Avora's hands shook as she slowly reached over her shoulder and drew an arrow. It was unlikely that it would have much effect on the bear, but she had to try something. "You'll never have me.." The spirited Inartan was injured, but she would never give up. The roar of the bear was still in the distance, but with her senses dulled from the pain in her head, she wasn't sure of how far away it was. Aela turned her bow across her lap and slipped the arrow in place. Luckily she hadn't injured her legs during the fall, and if she could stall the bear again, she might be able to escape. She slowly raised the bow, trying to focus her aim on the bear as it appeared from within the brush. Her head continued to ache, and her blurry vision kept her from a decent aim, even though the creature was huge, it was still a ways off. A sudden loud and thunderous shriek caused Aela to spin around and fall back against the tree. Her eyes widen, emerald green stared in owe at the massive eagle that descended from the sky above the forest. The little huntress wasn't sure if she was hallucinating or if this truly was a Wind Eagle. Aela squeezed her bow tightly into her fist as she clumsily brought the arrow back to rest against the bow for the second time. The bear was closer now, and as it stood up to answer the Wind Eagles call, another roar caused the teen to raised her bow and aim at the huge creature. However it was the Wind Eagle's shriek that caused the girl to lose her bow, as she instinctively moved to cover her ears with both hands. Aela curled her body against the tree, the pain in her head now doubled from the shrieking. Then, there was a silence, bringing even more worry to the teen as she slowly lifted her head to look around. Her eyes moved to the open path and witnessed the bear just as it retreated. Still the girl didn't move, instead she laid still against the trunk of the tree with bated breaths. Suddenly a booming voice forced it's way into her mind, causing her to quickly roll over and stare at the Wind Eagle. Aela slowly pulled herself up, using the tree to balance off her trembling legs. "I'm fine,... Thank you."

[Tiaue'a]

Tiaue`a considered her purpose in being here. Yes, she had come to save this child of the sky and mountain, but further back she had come to hunt. It was funny how the little things in life lead her to things such as these. Their significance was not yet decided upon, of course. Ti`ue looked at the bear in the distance getting away. It would be a shame to let such a beast go. The meat would feed many, and the furs warm many. The giant raptor beat up a wave of dust and leaves as she planted herself before Aela. Now before the Inarta, they could measure each other, see each other, and know each other. Alas, the time did not permit for formalities. A strange thing, the Wind Eagle bowed her head and looked onto Aela. “Do you want to catch him?” It was possibly the offer of a life time. Surely the girl had a flood of emotions running through her. Ti`ue was still working though, and she’d leave to catch the bear with or without the young Avora.

[Alori Sai]

Now that she was standing again, Aela felt better and realized that her injury wasn't as bad as she had thought. Her legs were still a tad shaky, but the tension eased the more she walked. The pounding in her head also eased away, but not entirely. She sighed, bringing her hand to her face as she forced the shakes from her body. The bear was gone now and she was safe, protected by the fierce Wind Eagle. Suddenly the eagle moved, planting herself directly in front of Aela. The young Avora wasn't sure of how to react. It was different, seeing the eagle in the wild, and away from the protection of the city. It made her intimidated even more, yet at the same time she slowly moved closer. The massive eagle stood before her, and for the teen it was as if she was staring up at the mountain. Aela racked her brain, trying to think of something to say, and was lost even to her thoughts as the eagle bowed in front of her. The following question took her aback, and Aela stared, emerald green flickered in the sun, as she slipped her hand through her hair. "You want me to?" It was shocking, and although she dreamed of the moment when she would ride an eagle, she wasn't prepared in the least. Still, there was no time to hesitate, nor to think the matter over. Aela turned away, taking up her bow again before she returned to the eagle. "I'm ready." She spoke the words, but now found herself with the task of actually getting herself aboard the massive creature. Aela moved closer, offering an apologetic glance, as she roughly climbed onto the eagles back. It was warm, and she could feel her whole body move with each breath the eagle took. It was an amazing experience, and yet a fear continued to swell from within her. She had never flown with an eagle before, and now they were going to hunt. To do as the Endal did, in which she had no experience. "Okay..I can do this...I can do this."

[Tiaue'a]

A dark mental chuckle echoed in Aela’s mind. I hope so… Ti`ue only meant to humor Aela with her taunting. The worst case scenario was the girl falling off. Ti`ue was pretty sure she could catch her in time. It was time for takeoff, something she knew Aela had no experience in. The feathers of her neck were weighed down now, and pitched and pulled as Aela helplessly shifted with each breath. The dirt beneath them was kicked up once more. Each beat of her wings blew debris all around them and soon they began to lift from the ground. With a final kick and push, Ti`ue got off the ground and started moving forward, catching all the wind she could to get out of the forested area. She tried to recall where the bear had gone, and followed after. To little effect, she followed that straight path she entered through. It seemed they would need to get a better look. Ti`ue began to circle a small mile wide circle around the area in search of the bear at a steady pace. For the most part she managed to glide and take a few beats to get back up. It was easily a fifty foot drop to the tree line. Aela had surely been this high before, although she might have never realized it. The rolling hills into the mountains and down to the bay obscured most of their vision at this altitude, but Ti`ue didn’t feel it was necessary to go any higher. She had almost forgotten about Aela, only a sudden tug or shift bringing the passenger’s existence back into focus. Ti`ue stopped her turning and flattened out to glide toward the shoreline. Are you afraid of heights? Ti`ue wanted to go higher and get a better look. This was her regular means of hunting, and had not yet considered how to adapt to Aela’s methods of hunting with the bow. She just wanted to make sure the girl wouldn’t faint in the process. Surely the experience already had been either traumatic or …well, breathtaking.

[Alori Sai]

Aela tried to sit still and hold on, even though she could already feel herself slipping. Her hands squeezed tighter into the fur on the Eagle's back and the teen could only hope that she wasn't angering the mighty bird. "Ohh..wow..just..wow." The dark mental chuckle did nothing to sooth her worries, but luckily part of it was lost in the awe and wonder she was feeling. She watched closely, her eyes and head darting about as they began to move. It was unlike anything the girl could imagine, they moved fast, faster than she had ever moved before, yet they were gliding on the winds. With every breath she felt the creature take, Aela took two. She attempted to help scan the area but found herself looking down every few ticks, and all around her. "This is...amazing.." Trying to stay focused Aela looked around more, but the bear wasn't anywhere to be found and she started to wonder if Ti`ue had decided to go else where. When the mighty Ti`ue started to circle, going higher into the tree line, Aela yelped, squeezing her fingers tighter into the fur as she now held on for her life. She wondered how the Endals did this all the time, she wondered how Aidara could handle being up so high on unsteady ground, or rather the back of a giant eagle. The sudden booming voice in her head caused her to jump, as she then glanced down to the bird again. It was a valid question, though Aela had never considered herself afraid of heights, but then again, she had never been up so high. Flying on the back of a wind eagle wasn't something she had ever done, and nothing in the city could have prepared her for what she was experiencing. Still, there was no turning back now and if she wanted to know if she could handle it...if she could become an Endal, now was the time. "I-I'm not afraid..Let's go."

[Tiaue'a]

Ti`ue felt the pull on her feathered back. It could be worse, and the mystery of saddles had been revealed to her firsthand. Damn humans and their fears. The Wind Eagles were guardians; no Inarta worth the time would die on their watch. She tried to coax Aela to relieve her grip, just a bit. If you'd please, I'd like to keep those feathers. Without a moment's notice, the bird-kelvic gathered her winds and soared on higher. Even in summer's heat, the air was cool this high up, and became colder the longer they ascended. The fleshy body of the Inarta might have been chilled if not for a few things: the wind-breaking eagle, the radiating warmth of her plush feathered body, and the adrenaline that rushed blood through Aela's every vessel. The new perimeter closed off Thunder Bay entirely, the inland revealed to them completely. They could see whales being brought in by Ti`ue's kin, appearing to be nothing more than little pigeons from this great height. This was how they fed the city. Off to the side, Mount Skyinarta broke the lowest clouds, most of its magnificence in plain view. This was how the eagles saw the world, what human eyes couldn't even properly dream of. Each gust of wind, the light touch of the sun, all of it was real although it truly belonged to the dreams of those without winds. This was Caiyha's gift to the tutelage of the Orika. Ti`ue looked at the ground despite it all, the grumbling head-voice of the raptor on the hunt. She was a vicious predator of the skies and found herself as eager for a meal as any laboring Inarta of class. She called to Aela, hoping to not lose the girl to sight-seeing. This wasn't a joy-ride. Do you see it? See what? Why the bear of course, but how? The wood was thick and tightly knit. Only the rushing wind and faint calls of gulls might reach them. Ti`ue herself wasn't in total focus. At this altitude, she felt turbulence with each stroke of her wings. The cool, dense air was cut apart with her speeding flight. Ti`ue bowed her head slightly to let her beak catch some wind, just to breathe. It was thin this high, yes, but no thinner than Skyinarta's tallest peak. The Inarta and eagle alike lived in such conditions. Yes, thin, but not thin for the two of them. The flight was invigorating, surely. Ti`ue continued her flight path as intended, her eagle-eyes leaving no clearing unchecked.

[Alori Sai]

"Oh..I'm sorry." Aela said awkwardly. It was all so new to her and holding on tightly had been her first action before thinking on the matter.She hadn't realized that doing so would hurt the eagle. It was so big she was surprised that it could even feel her tiny hands tugging at it's back. Finally the girl loosened her grip and tried to clench her thighs tighter to pick her upward. " I-I didn't mean to..I was trying to hold on." she apologized again. Just as the little Inartan was starting to settle in, the eagle turned upward and rose higher into the sky. Aela squeaked, finding her fist tightening into the bird's feathers once again. They were up so high, and she could feel even the slightest shift of wind as they flew through it. She was completely weightless and even felt herself being drawn away from the back of the Wind Eagle by the pull of the winds surrounding them. It took her another couple of moments to readjust herself, and one there after until she would lift her head to look out into the opening again. It was another wonderful sight to see, and being up this high gave her a new perspective of the world. In the far distance she caught the sight of something flying. At first she thought it to be a bird carrying what looked to be a fish, but as she focused her gaze she realized from the distance that a mere bird wouldn't be so easy to spot. "Is that a Wind Eagle? What is it carrying?" The Wind Eagle broke her concentration then, and reminded Aela that they were hunting their own prey. She looked back down then, trying to place the ground below and find anything besides the brush of trees. "I can't see anything!" The little huntress shifted her weight so that she could lean over and hoping get a better view. "I still don't see it, maybe it got away?"

[Whimsy]

Aela Calder

Experience	Lore
+1 Running	Running from Bears
+1 Weapon: Long Bow	Telepathic Communication with Wind Eagles
+2 Riding: Wind Eagle	Riding Wind Eagles
+1 Observation

Comments
A shame this ended so suddenly. It was lovely to see Aela finally getting one step closer to her goal, and riding a Wind Eagle. PM me if you have any questions or concerns.

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