Learning the Birds' Ways (Lavira)

by **Syveris** on November 1st, 2013, 11:08 pm

Syveris nodded, now looking back to the peregrine. She was still on the ground, waiting for them. She tried to imagine how different a bird on a real hunt would be. She would really like to see it sometime. The Avora followed Lavira to where the bird was, smiling when she saw that her wings was slightly open. They were raptors, and Syveris was sure they could tear her eyes off if they wanted, but they were so beautiful and even cute, that she could not help but smiling like a fool every time she looked at the falcon. Her attention returned to Lavira when the Endal spoke.

"I think I heard it." Syveris had heard something. She had been to focused on the raptor to actually be sure it was the bell that the other was talking about, but she didn't thought it could have been anything else. When Lavira told her to, the Avora kneeled on the dirty ground, offering her sontav to the bird. "They are really intelligent, aren't they?" she asked, referring to the fact that the raptor would walk around the prey to catch the falconer attention with the bell. "If there is danger, and they fly off, will they return to the falconer or go somewhere else?" Syveris felt more at easy now for asking questions. The other teen had been teaching her extremely well, despite her initial anger, and Syveris was grateful and more relaxed. Seeing the bird's dive also helped, and so, she wasn't going to shy away from asking anything. Maybe some of it would actually help her learn.

Lavira kept talking, and Syveris paid attention to her, finally managing to lure the peregrine back on the sontav. The pressure of her talons were actually welcomed, and she wished she could feel it more often. Raising slowly, so her arm wouldn't shake too much, she turned her face to Lavira, and then at the tools as she mentioned them.

"If the falconer is already experienced, it's better to start training a raptor with a falconry glove or a sontav? Or it doesn't really matter?" she asked, looking at the jess tied around the peregrine foot, and then at the sontav in her arm. "It's better to use a different leash for each kind of bird or a twenty foot will be alright for all of them?" Syveris listened to the rest of the teen's explanation, before nodding, showing that she had understood.

x Poppy

by **Lavira** on November 5th, 2013, 10:28 pm

"Yes, they are exceptionally intelligent. While they function under a different purpose, in the end they share the same level of learning ability as ravens...to an extent. Ravens can learn a great deal more because they are naturally curious of their world where raptors, generally, are not."

Vira let the other get the peregrine settled before speaking further, her arms crossing over her chest. "Well it depends. If the bird is trained, they'll return once the danger has passed to the handler; if they are not, then you run the very real risk of losing your bird."

Vira moved away now, speaking once more. "Okay, Syveris, I want you to give her a toss. Most release patterns are the same, commands given after they get into the air. Close range commands are easiest. The handler told me this little girl actually knows some attack commands that are not related to hunting. But they didn't inform me what the commands were or I could show you. As for sontav versus glove, it doesn't matter that much. Sontav's are just what we generally use." She indicated to the black one the other wore.

"A few non-Inarta I've seen prefer the falconry glove, though, so I suppose it depends on how you are raised. The sontav works more effectiently, to me. It's less cumbersome and the birds can grip more naturally to the leather of the sontav than to he uneven surface of a glove in fold. The only downside is that the sontav doesn't protect your fingers. See how it's really just a bracer? It keeps your arm safe, but that's it. Still, a good falconer isn't going to have to worry about their bird hurting them because the trust has been established and both parties understand the other."

Vira answered the leash question next, mulling over it a little at first. "The leash is just for inexperienced, untrained, or wild birds needing exercise but are not safely able to be let loose. If a wild bird is caught and being held to heal, then you would use a leash. It's for their safety. Leashes can also be used in conjunction with a perch, allowing the animal freedom to move around the perch and return to it. A perch that has been properly anchored to the ground can be used thus."

"So let's focus on raptors in general for now. Each type of raptor specializes in certain things. Falcons, as you saw, are master speedsters of the sky. They fly high, dive fast, hit hard. Falcons are generally small, though some species can get as big as a red tail. They're best identified by the shape of their wings which are tapered, as you can see. Fledglings, though, will have slightly longer flight feathers which you may misidentify from afar.

Falcons are also extremely agile. Peregrines like this one often go after prey like pigeons and hare, animals that are likewise fast and agile. it lets them cut through their mobilty rapidly. I've heard some call them 'cheetah of the sky'...though I don't know what a cheetah is." Since the cats were never seen anywhere near Kalea, afterall.

"Now, you can also divide these birds into three subgroups. I know you don't know much about birds, so I'll give you a hint. One group feeds on ground prey. One group feeds on winged prey. And one group feeds on both."

by **Syveris** on November 7th, 2013, 12:07 am

Ravens. Of course Syveris had heard about their unusual learning abilities, but she never stopped to think why it was like that. It made sense for the birds to learn more than others if they were curious about things that happened around them.

"It's better to train the bird really well before letting them on a unleashed hunt, right?" it wasn't really a question, more of a statement. The Avora had said it out loud so Lavira could correct her if she was wrong, but she understood the principle. A well trained bird would obey and trust the falconer, which meant most things would be easier to do. A less trained one could still be considered unpredictable.

As the Endal told her to give a toss once again, Syveris obeyed, watching as the peregrine flew off again. But Lavira was already explaining to her the difference between gloves and sontav, and she decided to focus on the woman, although she really wanted to watch the falcon fly again. The Avora had thought they would be quite different, but it looked like it was really just what felt best for both the bird and the falconer. She could see why the Endal had chosen the sontav, it really seemed more comfortable than a glove.

The fact that the leash were only for untrained or wild birds surprised her a little. She thought it would be hard to train a bird enough to not need a leash anymore. But thinking about all that the Endal had thought her, Syveris supposed she was beginning to understand. Falconry wasn't only about training birds, but also bonding with them, so they could trust each other. She smiled. It was really a beautiful thing.

When Lavira mentioned a cheetah, Syveris frowned. What was that? She was sure she had never heard of whatever it was. Maybe she would ask someone later. Right now, then, she needed to focus, to keep her mind from wandering again. Focusing on what Lavira had said, Syveris bit her lip, trying to think of something to answer.

"Well... I'm not really sure." she admitted, but the Avora was going to give an answer anyway. She didn't need to get it right, but she sure needed to try. "She had long wings, and you said peregrines catch prey on the air. So I'd say that long-winged raptors are the ones who catch winged prey." not a brilliant deduction, but it was what she could get from what she knew. "And, on the same logic, short-winged would catch prey on the ground. I mean, short wings would be useful if they had to avoid trees and things like that to get near the ground, right? And the third one..." Syveris tried to think of another shape of wings. She looked at Lavira for a moment, not sure if she should ask for help. Then, her eyes turned to the Wind Eagle, and she remembered her broad wings. Well, it was her only guess. "The ones that catch both kinds of prey are broad-winged raptors? Like Wind Eagles?"

x Poppy

by **Lavira** on November 9th, 2013, 8:09 pm

"Well, training is honestly kind of speculative. Yes, we're training the birds to bring kills to us or secure the kill or work on a glove or on a leash or even with a jess; but what we're really doing is letting the birds get back in touch with their natural instincts. They are predators, remember? They live to fly, kill, and feed. They're not like dogs; where they can bond with you and give you affection, they do not respond the same way as a dog or cat might. We tend to humanize them too much, some times. So just remember that it is your bird, an extension of yourself. You guide it to do what needs to be done; you do not force it." If you forced a broken limb to do more than it should, you would only make the break worse and further lessen the chances of success by doing so.

Vira reached and held the girls arm up and out towards where the falcon was flying, giving a descending whistle command that summoned the bird back to her to land upon the offered sontav. The raptor obeyed immediately, its light body landing upon the offered limb and settling comfortably and looking around without a seeming care. The truth of it, however, was that the peregrine was very much aware and watching everything.

As Syv answered her question, Vira shook her head. "Sorry, I should have been more specific. With some types of raptors you can sub-classify them, like in the case of falcons. Their classifications are actually determined by prey preference and color preference. Peregrines and their immediate relatives are identified in a group by their power and black malar area." She indicated with a finger to the black patches on both sides of the raptors heads, about where the 'cheeks' of a human would be. Peregrines and their cousins eat a combination of terrestrial and aerial prey.

The second group can be identified by the slate grey color in their plumage. They are medium in size compared to a peregrine, and feed mainly on smaller birds.

The final group are the kestrels. They are small and stocky but lack the same power as the larger falcons. Kestrels tend to eat reptiles, small rodents, and insects and can be sexually identified more easily than other birds of prey."

Vira motioned her to follow her to a rock nearby where they could sit for a while. "I'm sorry, I'm not really the best teacher, Syveris. I never really pictured myself as such and don't have a good idea how to go about teaching others except by showing them what I know. But, listen, if you were really interested in the subject, I want to encourage you to do a little research before hand so that you know what to bring to such a lesson. I know your teacher didn't exactly do a good job in helping you out there, but for your own sake...just ask someone next time, okay? They'll tell you what you need or don't need, who to talk to or who not to. It'll be a big help for the future."

by **Syveris** on November 9th, 2013, 9:07 pm

When the Endal further explained what she meant by training, Syveris listened closely. She was beginning to understand, although it would be foolish to think that she understood it fully. An extension of herself... She closed her eyes, trying to picture it more clearly. Of course she didn't thought that a raptor would respond in the same way a dog would, but she couldn't really understand how the bird would respond. Well, maybe she just had even more to learn than she actually thought. But she would surely remember Lavira's words, about how to treat a bird. To show them what she wanted, but not force them to do it. That she could remember. The Avora knew that, if she kept it in mind, she wouldn't mistreat any birds she might handle. It didn't mean she would actually going to be able to ask something from them, but still...

Lavira took her arm and raised it, whistling. The peregrine flew back to them, and landed on the sontav once more. Syveris had to smile at the bird settled on her arm. She looked around, calmly, as if she hadn't obeyed an order, but instead made them a favour. It kind of illustrated what the Endal had told her before.

When Lavira shook her head at Syveris answer, she noticed she had misinterpreted the question. Well, that wasn't something new, but the Endal corrected her, and she listened carefully as the woman told her how to classify the falcons. She was still musing over her words when Lavira motioned to her, and the Avora followed the other to a rock, sitting besides her.

When the Endal began to talk to her, she blushed, once again ashamed by her mistake. "Yeah, I'll do that next time... I'm really sorry about that. I guess I was just so anxious for the lesson that I forgot to think about what I should do before it..." it was something she did a lot, but that was no excuse. She wondered on whatever or not to comment on what the woman said first, and decided that she should. "I have to admit, I never paid much attention to teachers. Always thought they were boring." she blushed again. She wasn't exactly proud by how she was as a Yasi. "But you're not. Boring, I mean. I think the best way to teach someone is to show them what you know, and you did that really well. So, thank you a lot. If there's anything I can do to repay you for the lesson, just let me know and I'll do it." she wasn't sure what she could do for an Endal, but she offered it anyway.

After a while, Syveris talked again. "He is... He is not in trouble, is he? Virat probably thought I was going to find out what I needed for the lesson, he trusts me a lot. Sometimes I disappoint him, but... But he didn't really do anything wrong. I was the one who should have researched more." Syveris didn't really wanted to take the blame, but she wouldn't let him be punished by her own mistake.

x Poppy

by **Lavira** on November 11th, 2013, 7:08 pm

"Eh, it's alright. I blame Virat, not you. But just keep in mind that hobbies are great and all, but you need to look into it some before jumping off the ship." She said, waving off the others apology. Her irritation at the unexpected lesson was gone now and Vira just wanted to get back up to the city to enjoy what was left of her day off.

"And no, he's not that in trouble. I already scolded him about it and he seemed genuine enough. Just because you're his apprentice doesn't mean you can't take the initiative yourself, hm?" The teen smiled at her and clapped her shoulder again, getting back to her feet. "Let the bird fly one more time and I'll take my sontav back." While Syveris did this, Vira would reply to the offer of doing her a favor for the lesson. "Actually, there is something you might be able to do for me. There's a very special someone who lives with me and I want to get him something extra special in return for all that he's given me. I'm sure he'll try and shrug off whatever I get him as silly and try to say 'having you is enough' but...well, I just want to get him something nice either way."

Vira went on to explain, "He's a bow-hunter, you see, and teaches several at the ranges. He sometimes wears this silver earring in his left ear. I was wondering if you might be able to make me something to adorn the earring. We're around the birds a lot here in the city, but I think he might enjoy a vecerem print more. It was the first thing that we caught together. It doesn't have to be super fancy, of course, but...yea, I think he would enjoy it." Or so she hoped.

Once the other got her sontav off, the teen set to work relacing it on her own arm, working it over until it was tight and then calling the peregrine back to her arm once more. "If you're really keen on learning more about falconry, why not go up to the Aviary and do some volunteering with them? Meera's there pretty frequently so you can ask her any questions you have in mind; also, look into the Enclave. They have a ton of books on raptors and falconry; it'll definitely help."

by **Syveris** on November 11th, 2013, 10:12 pm

When Lavira said she blamed Virat, Syveris' heart clenched. He wouldn't be in trouble, would he? And because of her, that wouldn't be right! Fortunatelly, she soon relaxed when the Endal assured her that he wasn't going to be in trouble. Well, that was alright, then. She murmured a quick thanks again, truly grateful. The other also seemed to be much less annoyed at her, and the Avora smiled, also feeling calmer. The lesson had gone better than she had expected.

Syveris nodded when the Endal asked the sontav back, and raised her arm once again, making the peregrine open her wings and fly. She then unleashed the sontav from her arm, handing it to Lavira.

"This is a very nice gesture." she said, truefully, when the Endal said she wanted to get something for a special someone. She was sure he would like it, as receiving a gift from someone you liked was always nice, but she focused on the request, thinking about what she could do. Syveris wasn't very skilled at jewelry, since she had focused most of her time in vases, but she would try to do it, of course. To refuse the request didn't even pass through her mind, specially since the other had gone through so much trouble to help her in falconry. Syveris would have to think about it carefully, and see if she would be able to do something that would please the Endal. "I'll try my best. I'll try to make it as soon as possible, so, if you don't like it, I can always try again." she smiled. "Any color you have in mind? Or do you want it with clear glass?" if it was a colour she didn't know how to make, she could always search for someone who did and ask for help.

When Lavira finished adjusting her sontav on her arm, she called the falcon back. Syveris looked up quickly, and was able to see the bird flying back and landing gracefully on the others arm. The Avora thought about the Endal's suggestion.

"I will go to the Aviary and see what I can do there, then, thanks." she made a mental note to go to the Enclave and search for such books, as soon as she could. And,if she had time, she would also go to the Aviary, and offer herself to work when she could there. And if she didn't have time, she could always make some.

x Poppy

by **Lavira** on November 17th, 2013, 3:17 pm

Vira thought hard for a moment as she considered the color of what she asked for. When she finally did speak, a smile crept over her lips until it spread across her features in a delighted grin. "Yes, actually. Can you make it a kind of green-gold?" If Syv needed further explanation, then the teen would just lean forwards and pull down on her left eyelid a little, lifting the upper lid higher so that the iris of her seeing eye could be seen. A color like that was exactly what she wanted and what she thought he might enjoy.

As the chit chat waned and Syv was encouraged to go volunteering, the Endal nodded in approval. "Alright, then. If you happen to finish and I'm not around, just leave it at the Ivory Aerie and I'll take care of it from there. You're not a bad pupil, Syveris. Just be more conscientious next time." Vira would clap her encouragingly on the shoulder and then get to her feet, calling the falcon back once more and feeding it a treat again.

It was time to return the peregrine to its rightful handler and then get back to the city to see if she could salvage the rest of the day for herself. Perhaps she would see Syv around!

by **Syveris** on November 17th, 2013, 3:56 pm

The Endal seemed to think for a while, before choosing a color and telling her. Syveris frowned. Green-gold? It seemed very specific, and the Avora didn't want to do it wrong, so she asked Lavira what she meant. The other showed her the color of her own eyes, and Syveris smiled, understanding. Well, she knew how to do green, and it with the right amount of iron she was sure she could manage the right shade. She would ask someone more experienced, though, just to be sure.

Lavira clapped her in the back, and she sounded encouraging. Well, it was nice to know that her mistake wasn't going to make the other angry. With a happy smile, the Avora watched as the peregrine returned to the sontav once more, feeding on a treat the Endal gave her. The day had been much more than she expected, and Syveris was sure that she had learned a lot. Of course, there was always more things to learn, but it had been a great start.

"Thanks a lot, Lavira. Really." Syveris said, again. She waved goodbye to the Endal, and turned to walk back towards Wind Reach, happily humming to herself. Lavira had been a great teacher, as far as she was concerned, and, if she was lucky, she could even met the Endal again sometime, when she was volunteering for the Aviary, or when she went to deliver the requested adornment.

x Poppy

by **Skerry** on December 15th, 2013, 6:21 pm

Grades

Syveris

Skill	XP
Falconry	5XP
Interrogation	2XP
Observation	5XP
Socialization	2XP

LORES :

Lavira

Skill	XP
Interrogation	2XP
Intimidation	1XP
Observation	3XP
Socialization	2XP
Teaching	5XP

LORES :

Consequences: –Lavira receives 20 mizas from Virat
-Lavira: cuts on arm from talons which will take 7-9 days to heal

Notes:
What an informative lesson! I almost want to go out and learn falconry now. Nice interaction you two, keep up the good work!

Remember if you have any questions or problems with your grade then feel free to PM me.

Completed Learning the Birds' Ways (Lavira)