Open Going Up

[Turrin]

Slowly, Turrin walked besides her as they made their way to the path The Endal couldn't see the damage the pegged wall to his back, but the dull throbbing and burning was a good sign that maybe he should get it checked out by the healers. Syveris little smile when he threw the bastard’s harness off the cliff made him relax slightly. He wasn't sure if any of his words could take away the pain caused by the Avora's words, but if he could make the young woman laugh than maybe he could help her take her mind off of it. Turrin gave her a small chuckle and said with a laugh, “If he didn't make such a hasty escape, I would have had Aponivi block his escape...Oh well.” When she apologized again for him hurting himself, Turrin gave her a questioning look and stayed silent for a few ticks. He knew the young woman seemed quite worried for his safety when he hit the wall, but he wasn't sure if she was worried for him, or if she was just worried that she inadvertently hurt a Endal. He knew that he hurt himself many times in his life, and most of the time, it was the result of his own carelessness. Turrin kept his eyes ahead of him and asked simply, “Why are you quick to blame yourself for other people's carelessness? You know it was my fault that I fell, so there is no need to blame yourself for my mistake. Besides I was too overconfident in my new found skill, I shouldn't have reached for the last peg with my foot.” Turrin paused for a moment, looked over at her, and said with a boyish smirk, “Also before I fell. I might have been trying to impress you a little bit too, but all I did was get myself hurt.” As Syveris and Turrin made their way down the path to the Inner Warrens, Turrin gave her a small smile when she agreed to go riding with him. He was hoping the disgruntled Avora didn't smother her excitement for flying on the legendary eagles. Turrin gave her a glance and said with a smile, “Syveris, I flew with much worse injuries than these ones right now. Besides, if I let these little injuries get in the way of my duties, I would be laughed out of the Endal circles. You will get your wind eagle ride when I get patched up.” Turrin had enough reasons to got Infirmary time and time again, so he was quite familiar with the route through the Inner warrens. During the time in the Warrens, Turrin made idle chit chat with the pretty Avora. The Endal wasn't quite sure what to talk about with her, but he remembered that she was a glassblower, and she seemed embarrassed about talking about her craft with him. Running a hand through his burgundy hair, Turrin decided to ask her about glassblowing since it was her job and her passion, “So...you said that you were a glassblower, so here is random question for you. How do you get the different color glass in your piece of art?”

[Syveris]

As much as the idea of a Wind Eagle appearing in front of the annoying Avora entertained her, she was a little worried Turrin would be mad at her, specially when the Endal stayed quiet for a few moments. He didn't seem to blame her, though, and his question confused her a little. It might be his fault that he fell, but it was still her that had instructed him, and she should have warned him about not stretching to reach a peg. However, before she could say anything, the rest of his sentence made the Avora blush. Syveris opened and closed her mouth two times before blushing even harder. Impress her? Why would he want to do that? She bit her lips, feeling a little nervous and embarrassed. She shook her head, just to show she disagreed with herself not having any blame, and stayed quiet.

The subject turned to Aponivi again, and she was grateful for it, although she was still feeling a little embarrassed, so she fixed her eyes on the path. "Thanks." she replied with a smile. "I think that Endals just have more endurance than the rest of us, then. I bet is some kind of magic of the Wind Eagles. I always knew they were hiding something." the Avora teased, sending another look at Turrin's back, just to be sure. It didn't seem like it was that bad, but there was a lot of blood, so it was hard to see the actual cuts behind it.

As they made their way to the Infirmary, Syveris noticed that the Endal knew very well his way. Well, it wasn't that strange, after all, he was an Endal, and it was only natural that he would be hurt more than other people. She walked side by side with him, since she didn't need to be guided either. The Avora had also gone there many times. More than she would have liked, but that wasn't important.

Syveris smiled when Turrin asked about the glass colors. Glasswork was a subject that never tired her, and she was glad that he was interested. Or, at least, he was pretending to be interested. He had asked, though, so she wouldn't think too much of it.

"Well, you usually color your glass before you put the sand into the batch to turn it into glass. Minerals give color to glass, so you add compounds to the sand, heat it, and it will turn into colored glass." she explained, happily. "Depending on the quantity you add, it'll be darker, lighter or even a different color. It's nice, actually. I only know how to make red glass, though, so it's not like I can tell you a lot about this..." she trailed off, thinking. There really wasn't much more she could tell him. "Now it's my turn!" Syveris was getting excited again. "How do you hunt while riding with Aponivi?"

x
x

x Abstract

[Turrin]

“Aponivi, I need to head to the Infirmary, so I want you to meet me at the aeries in a bell. “Are you all right?” “Yes, I am fine. I am a little cut up, but I will live.” Turrin saw Aponivi glide overhead before they entered the Inner Warrens, and he smirked at her joke about Endal's having gaining endurance from their wind eagles. The Endal gave her a glance and said with a laugh, “Don't you know? Endal's are to stubborn to give up.” They continued walking down the corridor as he listened to her talk about glass working. He didn't realize that it was color of the grains of sand or minerals that gave the glass the unique colors. When she said that she only knew how to make red glass, and she apologized again for her lack of knowledge. Turrin just shook his head and said simply, “You still know more than me about glass, Syveris.” Soon after the conversation about glass work, she asked him about hunting on wind eagles. Turrin thought about it for a chime and said with a smile, “Well, I don't have the flying skills or the archery skills yet, but I have seen many in my caste able to fly and shoot at prey from their wind eagles. It looked difficult, but I will be skilled enough someday.” The Endal always daydreamed about him and Aponivi flying by a target and him shooting it while flying. It was difficult flying maneuver, but it could be done. Turrin looked over at her and noticed that she had quite attractive in the low light. He didn't let his gaze linger for long and said without looking at her, “Also, we often fly over Thunder Bay and swoop down for tuna that come to close to surface. Aponivi can see them, so I am mostly along for the ride.” Smiling at the young woman, Turrin said softly, “You should feel the sensation of diving, Syveris. It feels like falling, but you are not. It feel scared at first, but eventually, the fear leaves when your realize that you are going to be alright. It is a amazing feeling that is hard to explain unless you feel it for yourself.” Turrin paused and said shortly after, “I normally just use Aponivi for transportation to remote valleys. I wish that I can tell you stories about my heroics in hunting, but I am pretty dull for a Endal.” The Endal felt embarrassed that he couldn't impress her with any stories of heroic feats, but he was pretty standard for a Endal as young as himself. Eventually, the two of them made it to the Infirmary, and Turrin saw a old man writing in a book. The Endal walked over to him and said, “Are you a healer? Could you please bandage up my wounds.” The middle aged looked up at Turrin and the girl and said with a raised eyebrow,“You asked politely odd. Yes I can help you. Why don't you sit down one of examination table.” Turrin gave him a nod and said reassuringly to Syveris, “It shouldn't be long.” As Turrin walk to one of the tables, the middle aged man asked with a smile on his face, “My name is Micquel. Can I help you with anything after I help the Endal? Is he your friend?” Walking over to the examination table, Turrin turned his gaze to the middle aged healer to attend him. He watched them interact for a few chimes, and eventually the healer comes over to attend his wounds. The doctor started to examine his back and said out loud, “You have a large scratch on your back. How did you get it Endal?” Turrin turned red for a moment and said sheepishly, “I slipped when I was trying to rock climb. Is it bad, Doctor?” Miquel shook his head and said softly, “You have no permanent damage, but you will have a uncomfortable scratch for awhile. Let me clean the wound than I will bandage it.” Turrin saw the man start to boil some water and pulled out a vial of clear liquid out of the cabinet. Turrin said to Syveris as he caught her eye, “See? I am to stubborn to get seriously hurt. It is just a nasty scratch. The healer going to fix it and bandage than we can go for our flight.” The Endal didn't want the young woman to worry about his health since she seemed quite distraught that he got hurt. It was a nice feeling that someone cared enough to worry about him even if he just met her. Turrin gave her a smile and said softly, “I hope you brought warm clothing because the wind is quite cold outside the city. I think I am going to take you to the Look Out. You can see everything around Skyinarta from there. What do you think? Good idea or do you want me to take you to another location?” Miquel placed the warm wet cloth on her scratch and started to clean the dirt from the wound. Turrin clenched his jaw to deal with the pain. When he was finished cleaning the wound, the doctor opened the glass cork and dabbed a clean cloth with it. Suddenly, Micquel placed the damp cloth on his exposed skin, and the Myrian grunted in pain and gripped his bryda leg till the doctor was finished torturing him. When he finished with the fire liquid, Turrin felt the man start wrapping thick gauze around his back and front. Eventually, he ran out of gauze tied it tight. The older man said softly, “Alright I am done. Now if you start to see discoloration of the scratch or redness around the wound than I want you to see me right away. Otherwise you can get a infection.” Turrin said to him with a nod, “I will do what you say doctor.” Looking over to Syveris, Turrin said with a smile, “Ready to go, Syveris?”

[Syveris]

"Well, that isn't actually a hard thing." Syveris answered playfully to Turrin's comment about her knowing more than him about glass. She was feeling more at easy now, because, although the guilty was still there, Turrin really didn't seem to mind that his back was hurt. It was nice to talk with the Endal even if they had only met. When he answered her question, Syveris smiled to herself, trying to picture the scene in her mind. The Avora couldn't even shoot an arrow from the ground, she supposed it would be incredible hard to shoot it from the back of a flying Wind Eagle. Being an Endal seemed like a wonderful and exciting thing, probably the only thing she would be able to give up glassworking for. "Of course you will be able to do it someday. Wind Eagle magic, remember?"

And then she was trying to imagine a Wind Eagle fishing, but she couldn't. It was a pity that she had never been able to see it, but then, she had very little experience with birds in general. With a sigh, Syveris listened to Turrin talk about the sensation of diving, and wished she could experiment it. One day, maybe, she would be able to. Focusing once again on what the other was saying, Syveris smiled to him.

"You dive from the sky with Aponivi to grab fish, and you fly together with a Wind Eagle. That is very far from my definition of dull." Syveris stopped talking once they reached the Infirmary, a very familiar place to her already. Her visits had dimmed since she became an apprentice, but on her Yasihood, the place was like her room.

The Avora followed Turrin as he made his way to the desk where Micquel was writing something in a book. She knew who he was, since he was a constant face in the Infirmary staff, but the man had only treated Syveris once. She doubted he knew her, and she only remembered his name because he said it. Turrin walked away, and the healer directed his attention to her.

"Me? Oh, no. I'm fine. Just accompanying him." she answered, a little uncomfortable. "We aren't exactly friends. We met today, when he asked me for a climbing lesson." Syveris blushed a little, not wanting the doctor to ask anything about that lesson. She still thought she should have talked him through the basics in a better way.

"Alright, then." Syveris almost sighed with relief when Micquel nodded. "Why don't you sit in there and read something while you wait? It shouldn't take long." when the Avora hesitated to answer, the healer smiled again. "You can come in, if you want, but stay out of the way."

Syveris nodded again, and followed the man inside, staying in the corner. The Avora looked around, noticing that the Infirmary had changed a lot since the last time she had been there. There were more beds, and there was a very soft and comforting light now. It was nice additions, but Syveris still didn't want to stay too much.

She looked at Turrin and Micquel again, watching as the healer did his work. The Endal caught her eye and smiled, reassuring her. It was nice of him to do that, and Syveris smiled back. The healer had said it was fine, well, it could get infected, but it wasn't going to cause any serious damage, and that made her uneasy go away.

"The Lookout seems wonderful." Syveris answered, excited again. She hadn't brought her katinu, though, as the piece of cloth would only get in the way of climbing. But she wouldn't let that get in the way. Soon, the Endal was making a pained face, and Syveris became a little worried again, although it would be only logical for the wounds to hurt. Finally, Micquel finished wrapping the wounds.

"More than ready." she answered with a smile.

x
x

x Abstract

[Turrin]

When they left the Infirmary, Turrin first went Syveris to her aeries to get her katinu. He didn't want her freeze out there since the winds of the north were quite strong this season. The Endal waited outside her door till she got everything ready for the flight. As he leaned against the wall waiting, he caught glances from curious onlookers as they passed by him. Turrin gave the onlookers a polite nod and continued his business waiting on his new friend. When Syveris emerged from her apartment, Turrin said with a smile, “Aponivi should be waiting for us at the aeries. Are you getting excited?” The Endal led through the Courtyard of the Sky to the inner warren leading to the Kitchen. Turrin walked to a corridor with a staircase. The Endal motioned the glassblower to follow him. It was long climb up the stairs, but he eventually got to the top, and they took a open side corridor leading to another warren. Turrin looked off the side, and the trees were still covered with snow and ice from the noreaster. He put up his hood when the cool wind wiped into the corridor. Eventually, he came to a intersection and said to her, “If you go right, it will take you to the grand aeries with all the Endal families. If you got left, it will lead you to single aeries and the aeries were a Endal didn't marry another Endal. My home is to the left.” Walking down the corridor leading to the singles aeries, Turrin passed of few of his fellow riders and gave them a nod of the respect. They two returned the nod and the Endal said to Syveris, “I am on the third level, so we have a ways to walk.” When he got to his aeries, Turrin unlocked the door, and he allowed her to enter the room first. When Turrin entered the room, he was glad that the Dek already came to clean. The Myrian tried to mimic the decorations of the Twisted Vine longhouse with the lack of skulls hanging from the ceiling, so the most of the art was bought by traders from the south dealing with exotic adornments. In one of the far corners, there was a shine to his Goddess-Queen Myri and on top of it sat two burnt human skulls sitting on the marble alter. Turrin hesitant bringing people to his aeries because they never cared to understand his father's people ways, but this time with Syveris, he will explain the skulls to her. The Endal said with a weary smile, “I want to explain my alter to you because most people tend to judge my Myrian side and never return to my aeries.” Turrin lead her to the alter, and he knelt down, closed his eyes, and said a prayer out loud in common, “My Queen-Goddess I know that I am far away from you at the moment, but spirit will always come if you call me to your side. I know Syveris is not one of your children, but I ask that you allow her to approach your alter.” After the prayer, Turrin stood up and said to her in Nari, “The alter is my way of keeping my religion in Wind Reach. I often find myself spending bells trying to remember the religious teachings of my father, so I don't forget my roots.” Turrin pointed to the burnt skulls and said softly with sadness in his voice, “My mother the larger skull and my sister the smaller one both died in the Spring Djed Storm of 512AV, so part of the death rituals of the Twisted Vine Clan is to behead the head from the corpse. My clan believes the essence of the soul lives on in the skull while the body rots in the jungle. If you look at the skull closely, you can almost see the face of the wearer.” Turrin ran a finger over the cheek bone of his sister's skull and continued on with his story, “I know it is grisly scene to non Myrian, but it is a sign of deep respect to the dead. Also we give this kind of respect to our enemies too, but their skulls aren't remembered like the skulls of our own clansmen.” Turrin asked with a small laugh, “Since you seen my collection of skulls, do you think I am a savage now, Syveris?”

[Syveris]

Turrin accompanied her all the way to the Darniva Commonrooms. It made Syveris a little anxious. She knew that it was probably best if she took something to protect her from the wind, at the same time, though, she didn't want to be a bother for the Endal, specially since they had just met. But the Avora also didn't want to loose the offer for a ride because she complained about something so small, so she kept quiet.

When they got to her room, she motioned for Turrin to wait a little while she went inside and grabbed her green katinu from the couch. Syveris could have let the Endal in, but her room was too messy for it. The Avora adjusted the katinu, before walking towards the door. Just before getting out, though, she turned back and took her scarf from her chest, securing it on her waist. If it was really cold, she would use it. If it wasn't... Well, at least she wouldn't hate herself for not bringing anything.

She was greeted by a question when she finally left her room, closing the door. Syveris laughed. "Of course I am! I don't think I could get any more excited!" and it was very true, but she tried to calm down as they made their way to the Aeries.

"Are you planning to?" the Avora asked when Turrin mentioned where his Aerie was. "I mean, are you planning to get married, have children and all that?" it was a question she only made because he mentioned it. It wasn't something the Avora was particularly interested in, not because she didn't want to have a family, only because she tried not to think about it too much.

They walked up the mountain even more, until finally reaching a door that Turrin unlocked. Syveris entered the place, looking around interested. She wanted to know if the Endal had totally adapted to Wind Reach, or if there was still customs from the Myrians. Apparently, there was, because his room was adorned with strange and exotic objects, most of which Syveris either had never seen, or she had never seen them used as decorations. It was like entering another different city, and it picked her interest, although the Avora couldn't say she was totally comfortable in the room. But then, she was never totally comfortable the first time she entered someone's room.

"Altar?" Syveris asked, looking around, before finally seeing the shrine with two sculls placed on it. The Avora blinked, surprised, and quickly looked to some point on the ground. She understood it was different customs, but this didn't mean she was comfortable glaring at human sculls. But she followed the half-Myrian, approaching the place and listening to him say something she couldn't really understand.

When he spoke to her again, in Nari, she listened to his explanation as to why he kept the skulls there. Syveris wasn't a religious person, but then, it didn't matter to her that others were. And if this was a way to keep in touch with his heritage, than she could understand it. Besides, it wasn't as if Turrin had killed anyone. It was just a ritual that she couldn't understand.

"I don't think you're a savage, just weirder than I first thought." she said jokingly. The Avora tried to look at the skulls once more, but she gave up. They made her really uneasy. "I can't say that I understand your customs and traditions, but then, I probably don't understand Wind Reach's customs either." she smiled at the Endal, shrugging. "The skulls make me a little... uneasy, but I'm fine with it, actually." surprisingly, Syveris really didn't mind. If someone had told her that this was what Myrian did, she probably would have found it to be disgusting and gruesome. But after actually meeting a Myrian, the scene seemed much more natural to her, and the Avora was fine with being in the same room as human skulls, much more than what she would have thought.

x
x

x Abstract

[Turrin]

Letting his hand fall from his twin sister's skull, Turrin listened to Syveris' joke and laugh softly to himself. The Endal turned around, gave the Syveris a wide grin, and said with a nod, “You are right Syveris. I am weird.” Turrin paused for a moment and said sincerely, “Do you know that you are vary accepting for a Inarta. It a rare trait. Come on. I want you to meet Aponivi.” Turrin motioned her to follow him into the living room and decided to answer her question about getting married and having a family. He wasn't quite sure how to answer it when she asked him earlier. Marriage wasn't common in Wind Reach or Taloba, so he never really thought about it much. The Endal said with a smile, “You asked about me getting married in the future and having a family. Honestly, I really not sure. I haven't found anyone in Wind Reach that could get passed the fact that I am a Myrian. Most Inarta women don't want to get romantically involved with Savage.” Turrin paused in mid sentence, and he said with a small laugh, “Eventually, I am sure that someone will be brave enough to love me, so in the future, I might have a family of my own.” When Turrin got the door on the other side of the room, he held it open for her and motioned for her to enter. As soon as Syveris entered the room, Aponivi was laying down with his large white head on the floor. Turrin was always amazed at the size of the great bird since he was about the size of Tskanna in Taloba. However, the bird great size paled compared to the amazing black feathers that line most of his body and his head was covered in snow white feathers. The Myrian always thought her was magnificent looking beast, but he never told him it because he was afraid the compliment might go to the bird's head. Turrin watched in silence as the great wind eagles' golden eyes stared straight at Syveris. Turrin knew that the large bird of prey was determining if she was worthy to approach him. The Endal knew that it was the wind eagle's way, so he stood by Syveris for a few chimes until the large wind eagle spoke to both of them in their minds, “You must be Syveris. I hope my Endal didn't give you to much trouble with his clumsiness on the cliff.” Turrin grimaced at the Aponivi's mention of his clumsiness on the climbing wall, but he decided to stay silent till his friend formally introduced himself to Syveris. The large bird of prey continued speaking in both of them in their minds, “My name is Aponivi young Avora. It is please to meet you.” After Aponivi was finished his greeting, Turrin said out loud to his friend with a snort, “Honestly, it was my first time climbing the wall, Aponivi. I am sure that you were less than graceful when you fell out of the nest the first time.” Aponivi turned his giant white head to Turrin and spoke clearly, so Syveris can hear too, “Even when I was a fledgling, I was always GRACEFUL, Savage!” Turrin shook his head and laughed out and said to Syveris, “He is just being a melodramatic.” The Myrian looked at his feathered friend and said sarcastically, “Yes, I am sure even the gods were impressed by your grace when you as a fledgling, Aponivi. Are we done?” Aponivi shook his head and said softly, “We are never done, Myrian.” Turrin shook his head and smiled reassuringly to Syveris, “Don't worry, My friend and I always play these games. Believe it or not. We are actually quite fond of each other.” Turrin walked over and inspected the straps on his saddle to make sure that they were tight. Turrin affectionately stroked the feather neck of Aponivi before he walked back to Syveris and said simply, “Alright, I have to go over a few things before we go flying.” Turrin gave the young woman a smile and said, “When we start flying, you can either hold on to my abdomen with both your arms, or you can hold on to the side of the saddle. It is your choice.” The Endal stopped to let what he said sink in than he continued, “However, you need to remember that you need to hold onto his sides tightly with your legs, but you need to remember not to drive your heel into his side. Otherwise, it will be a uncomfortable flight for Aponivi.” Turrin pulled back and tied it into a pony tail with some twine and continued with a smile, “When we turn, I want you lean into the turn. If we need to dive or climb, I want you to lean forward with me. Don't lean backwards otherwise the air rushing by could throw you off the back of Aponivi. It is important to remember it because the fall winds have been quite unpredictable lately.” When he was finished his words of advice, Turrin walked over to Aponivi and grabbed a hold off the large horn on the saddle, Turrin swung his left leg over the wide leather saddle and put his feet in the stirrups. Looking over at Syveris, he held out a hand to her to help her into the saddle and said with a reassuring smile, “Alright, Syveris take my hand, and I will help you up.”

[Syveris]

"I'm not really that accepting." Syveris said, frowning a little. It was true. She wasn't. In fact, Virat had called her stubborn many times, simply because she refused to acknowledge something she didn't like. "I'm just... Well, I don't know. I guess I just like weird and foreign things. No offense, of course." she had called Turrin and his people weird two times already, but she wasn't really being offensive. At least, she hoped she wasn't. "I rely too much on first impressions. If you had showed me this before talking to me, I probably wouldn't have thought any different from other Inarta."

"Oh, I'm sure you will find someone. You were just unlucky enough to not have found this someone yet." Syveris smiled to the half-Myrian. "Although... I don't really know the Myrian concept of family. Wind Reach has some different thoughts about it than most races, from what I could learn talking with merchants in the Market. But I'm sure you know about it already. It's not like you have just arrived." she shrugged. Syveris didn't usually think about it. It bring memories she wasn't very comfortable with, anyway, so she just followed Turrin to the other side of the room, and passed through the door he held open for her.

When Syveris saw Aponivi, she was speechless for a moment. Wind Eagles were already imposing and magnificent, and she was always impressed by their size and their form. This one had black feathers covering his body, except for the white ones in his head. It somehow made the Eagle look like a fierce predator, even more than normal. Not that anything about Wind Eagles could be considered normal, and Syveris liked it that way. She liked to watch them fly and simply look at them, but when she approached one, the Avora felt like she was a nervous Yasi again.

The Eagle watched her for a moment, the huge golden eyes staring at her, and Syveris felt a little uncomfortable. What if the bird didn't like her? Well, she had never truly had many problems with Wind Eagles, but that didn't mean anything, actually.

When the bird spoke, though, she felt more at ease, the tension finally leaving her body. "I'm Syveris. It's... Nice to meet you." she wanted to hit herself in the head for her stupid greeting, but the Avora was never really graceful in front of the giant birds.

Syveris laughed at Turrin and Aponivi's exchange, feeling more relaxed. The Eagle seemed to be a very nice one, nicer than most she had met. Not that she had met many, but still. "I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that, but you are a truly wonderful bird." she said to the Eagle, smirking. "Don't listen to what he says." Syveris wasn't really sure if she should speak like that, but she supposed she could joke along with them.

When Turrin began to explain what she needed to do, Syveris listen closely, nodding to show she understood. The excitement she had been feeling returned, and she barely could wait to go flying with them. This was so much more exciting than climbing, and the Avora was truly grateful for both the Endal and Eagle. She waited until Turrin adjusted himself on the saddle, before taking his hand.

Syveris tried to adjust herself in the saddle, a huge smile on her lips. She couldn't believe it! She was really going to fly on a Wind Eagle's back! The Avora never thought this day would come, but she was more than happy that it did.

"Hey, Turrin." she called the Endal, while she passed her arms to hold on to him. She would feel safer this way. "Tell me if Aponivi is uncomfortable, ok?" her legs were pressed on the Wind Eagle's side, but she was careful not to put pressure in her feet.

x
x

x Abstract

[Turrin]

Turrin felt Syveris arm around his stomach, and he glanced back to see if the woman was comfortable. The Endal mentally contacted Aponivi, “Alright, I want to take her to the Lookout.” Aponivi quickly responded, “I just want you to be aware that the winds are blowing steadily from the bay.” Turrin nodded and mentally said, “Than we should take it easy to the summit. By the way, please don't dive out of the aerie. It is Syveris' first time, and I don't want to traumatize her.” Aponivi gave him a uncaring look and started to walk towards the edge of the cliff. Turrin let out a deep breath knowing the giant bird of prey wasn't going to listen to him. Glancing back at Syveris, Turrin started to talk loudly, so he can be heard over the wind, “Hold on tight Sy. Aponivi enjoys diving out of his home and quickly acceding quickly. It a bad habit that he seemed to never grow out of off. Just remember to lean with me, OK.” The Endal gripped the side of the eagle with his legs and put his left hand on the horn of the saddle and grabbed the edge of the saddle with his right hand. The Myrian squeezed the sides of great bird with his legs as they moved closer to edge. When Aponivi made his way to the edge of the cliff, Turrin noticed a there was a slight pause before the bird stepped off the edge. The Endal leaned forward in the saddle as the bird plummeted about one hundred feet into a fluffy grey cloud. Turrin couldn't see much through the thick cloud, but he noticed the top of his bryda was getting slightly damp. When they plowed through the cloud, Aponivi opened his wings slightly at first to slow their decent, but after about fifty more feet, the great wind eagle opened his wings and quickly soared up. The Endal stayed in his forward position till Aponivi broke through the cloud again and continued to accent till the air was slightly drier. Once the wind eagle got to his desired altitude, he kept his wings out and rode the wind. Sitting up, Turrin looked around at his surrounding and saw that they were about a thousand feet over the summit of the great volcano Skyinarta. Turrin contacted his friend in his mind, “Can you circle around the summit, Aponivi? I want her to get a good look of her home from the air.” Aponivi brought his right wing in slightly and started to bank right. Leaning to his right, Turrin knew that they were heading east since he can see the simmer waters of Thunder Bay in the distance. Aponivi started to gradually descend lower towards the volcano. The Endal noticed the glaciers were started to swell with new snow as Zulrav brought the fall rains to the mountain. Turrin could only imagine what Syveris saw at the moment. The Endal said loudly, so his voice could be heard over the wind, “It is shame that the majority of Wind Reach never seen their home from air. When I flew for first time, I almost cried at the beauty of seeing my homeland. I told Aponivi to stay at altitude, so you have to enjoy the view.” Turrin relaxed his legs and stretched them out to the side of the bird. He didn't want them cramping up in the cold autumn air. The Endal waited in silence as Syveris enjoyed the view.

[Syveris]

Syveris nodded when she heard what Turrin had said, and unconsciously pressed her legs against the Wind Eagle's sides. The way the Endal warned her made the Avora a little uneasy, but she trusted she could hold tight enough so she wouldn't fall. After all, Endal did that all the time, and it was rare to hear of someone who fell from a Wind Eagle if the bird didn't desired it. But it was better to be safe, so she also tightened her arms around the half-Myrian and waited.

Then Aponivi took flight. At first, the Wind Eagle seemed to just enjoy the falling, before he finally opened his huge wings and allowed the wind to carry them all. Syveris didn't scream. Once the bird left the ground, she felt incredible. Free, and full of excitement. The dive created a violent wind that whipped her face and hair, but she enjoyed it, not caring about the cold or the fact that they were descending very fast. And when the bird began to get higher and higher in the sky, Syveris laughed, her heart skipping a beat when she felt the feelings she couldn't describe run through her entire body. It was more than amazing, even more nice and fulfilling than she had initially thought. It definitely was much better than simply climbing the Edge of the World. Or any other place.

When Aponivi finally ended his maneuver, Syveris felt her clothes wet, but she couldn't care less. Instead, she focused on the view, instantly understanding what Turrin meant when he said he almost cried.

The sun wasn't very high, which created a very interesting effect in the contours of Mount Skyinarta, creating the impression that the mountains were imposing, dangerous and mysterious, but also strangely welcoming. Syveris loved Wind Reach, but for a long time she connected the place with the ground. Almost if she was trapped inside the mountains. That was why she loved climbing so much: it allowed her to be free from the ground, to free herself from something very constant. But then, to be able to see her home from the sky like that filled her with happiness, and with a feeling that Wind Reach was not on the ground, but in the air. A foolish little thought, but that made sense when she saw that the mountains were so much higher than anything else around it.

She didn't felt like crying, but that might be because she didn't cry when she felt happy. And yet, she couldn't describe what she was feeling right then. If she said anything, Syveris knew it would be foolish, but the Avora couldn't deny the feeling that was unlike anything else for herself.

"It's very beautiful..." she said, trying to be loud enough so Turrin could hear her.

x
x

x Abstract