Closed Stars fall and company

[Absynia]

You’ll have to swallow that pride of yours someday, I will accept your apology when that moment comes. You are also welcome to share my nest from time to time to visit, it will make it easier on you.

Ashta went back to preening his wing feeling quite smug, she was a beautiful female and it would be good to have someone like her roosting near from time to time. When she changed to her human form he had to stare with shock, oh he’d heard rumors, but to find they were true? He felt a tad jealous looking at her in her human state, he often wished he was able to change to a human to better be beside his partner. Syn meanwhile stared too, but instead of being jealous, she was both awed and curious, she looked over at Ash and he fluffed his feathers looking away.

Sadly, I was not gifted with a human shape, the gods did not favor me with the ability to take part in the doings of humans. Tiaue’a happens to be a very rare breed, able to take part in both worlds, I am quite jealous…

Syn stepped closer to Tiaue’a a bit shy, she wasn’t in any way wary of animals, but now that she showed her human form her wariness cropped up. It didn’t change the look in her eyes, she just had to keep in mind her other form was an eagle. It helped somewhat, but she didn’t get too close lest she upset the woman eagle.

I don’t know what to say… I didn’t know that there were those gifted with the shapes of people even as they could change to an eagle shape.

Ashta spoke privately to Tiaue’a She’s wary around humans so she’ll be a bit shy of you in the form you are in now. Her station before we bonded has marked her deeply and it has taken me years to instill a measure of confidence in her. She used to have nightmares about me being taken away and her locked up because everyone wanted her to be gone because she was disfigured and unworthy of me. Someday I hope she will realize she can hold her head high and that the words said by others ceases to bring pain to her heart… They call her the Mute Endal, as if there is something wrong with her. Far too many will never accept her or realize she is important, it makes my heart ache. I feel…powerless to ease the pain she feels, your trust in her has filled in one of the holes in her heart. For that I thank you…

[Tiaue'a]

Ti`ue hadn’t figured Ashta would have envies of his own, but was glad this shut him up. It wasn’t that he was wrong. Merely, it was that Ti`ue was not wrong either. The passionate views of the Wind Eagles held no contest to each other. She briefly, as quick as she had shifted, flashed that same grin and look to Ashta. It spoke so much more of her taunting nature than any words she could ever share. It felt much cooler in this form. She still felt her heart pound, and the blood in her face burn up, yet she knew it was cooler. The rocks were jagged and cold on her skin too. Her nails seemed much more fragile on the stone. Hair was something of a mystery to have. She looked at them as if extended feathers. She didn’t feel the same itch or desire to pluck out her hairs though. Knowing what she had done had been done, and could never be undone by her will, Ti`ue returned to her only hope of relaxing. She looked back at the stars and tried to feel what Syn must feel like in the air. That is, to fall, and fall, though the Inarta dreamed to fly, and fly. Ti`ue sensed the shift in Syn’s personality. Her body language spoke wonders of her while she lacked voice. Ashta confirmed all doubts. It surprised her he spoke at all after that look. Then again, he was her bond mate, and had a purpose of his own in store: to defend her, on all fields. Or, at least Ti`ue assumed that. Ti`ue bit her lip and looked back at the ground and stars, back and forth trying to decide between the two. She kept her gaze on the stars. I didn’t know either. I only know one other who has such a gift as our – regarding herself and Ashta – form. Her name is Sira… Ti`ue didn’t seem to be in a mood to discuss Sira. I have seen others who can shift to such a form as this though. I remember them being called Kelvic. I’ve always felt disgust for them. I… I am a Wind Eagle, aren’t I? Ti`ue looked at Absynia. Or do you think less of me now? Her stare was steely, directly searching for any fault in Syn’s eyes. Her own were also starting to shine oddly, that queer reflection of light as eye start to water before the tears come. Rejection was one of Ti`ue’s worst fears. She was a fool once more to expect rejection when so many envied what she had.

[Absynia]

Ones shape doesn’t change what is in their heart… You are an eagle even if you have human skin, being human shouldn’t be seen as a flaw, but as something you can take strength from. You have a freedom I can only dream of, don’t belittle yourself for being born the way you were, all one can do is make it their strength and accept what is. Beating ones wings against something impossible to change will only make one bitter and angry towards everything. I think…even as a human you are glorious Tiaue’a…

She ducked her head embarrassed, what did she know about such things? She hoped she hadn’t said something that would upset her. Ashta couldn’t have said it better himself, he was very proud, even if she was unsure herself she tried her best to reassure Tiaue’a. Well said Absynia…

She looked over at Ash grinning shyly I can only say what I feel and hope it helps…

Ash nodded That’s all anyone can do I think, right Tiaue’a?

[Tiaue'a]

Ti`ue pulled her knees together, cross her arms, and buried her head inside as well. She tried to hide the tear and smile. She was caught off guard by the moment, and Syn’s words. This was not the coming flood of rejection, thankfully, but rather the joyful, warm rain of acceptance. It was a big step for Ti`ue, even if Absynia never knew it. Ti`ue took a breath to compose herself before she lifted her head and wiped the remnants of her tears away. She found herself looking up at the stars again. Ti`ue didn’t mean to offend by speaking aloud, but she did find herself speaking Nari for some reason. “It’s beautiful,” she giggled looking up at the lights in the sky, still sniffling and wiping her eyes. The moment was on the verge of becoming something sour if she sat around and cried to herself any more. It was already bizarre and she started to second guess her actions by revealing herself. “I think I’m going to go. I need to return to duty.” Ti`ue stood up and brushed herself off where needed. “Night watch, you know?” she said with a smile to Ashta and Absynia. She stood before them more vulnerable than she could ever appear as a wind eagle. Her awkward smile seemed forced at some points when she wanted to just let go and fly away. She felt judged somehow. It wasn’t the cruel name calling she expected, just the eyes. Ti`ue couldn’t handle having the eyes on her. What was she thinking? Absynia was just as embarrassed, if not worse, there was no explanation to it! Ti`ue just…ugh, she needed time to herself. Ti`ue waited still for any final good-byes to be said before she shifted and retreated to her domain in the sky.

[Absynia]

Both Syn and Ashta watched her wing off in to the night, Syn wondering if she had upset her and Ash wondering what it all meant. In the end they too decided to go home and see what came of the morning.

End

-Note- :

Sorry the end post is lame, I couldn't think of something better, nothing else seemed to be needed.

[Phoenix]

Absynia

Experience

Skill	XP Earned
Observation	3
Socialization	5
Rhetoric	2

Lores

•	Lore Earned
•	Invisible in the night
•	Using Ashta as a Voice
•	Witnessing a meteor shower
•	Ashta embraces Ivak’s reappearance
•	Being probably the only soul Tiaue’a trusts

Tiaue'a

Experience

Skill	XP Earned
Observation	3
Socialization	5
Rhetoric	3

Lores

•	Lore Earned
•	Stuck on night watch
•	Confused by the Mute Endal
•	Witnessing a meteor shower
•	Lessons from Ashta
•	Placing failure when there was none
•	Confiding in Absynia
•	Confusion of identity

The Order of the Phoenix

Sorry I couldn't give more skill points, especially Absynia; Ashta did most of her talking for her, otherwise I would have awarded more. Great thread otherwise! I love seeing character development and this was big for Tia.

Just like to point out though that the Wind Eagles job was to protect and provide for Wind Reach, not simply to keep Ivak imprisoned. They still have purpose because the Inartans still exist. Sure, Ivak escaped and they may have been unable to prevent it but that does not mean they have no purpose.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, please send me a PM and we can figure it out.