Solo Helping a Child in Need

[Lavira]

Timestamp: Winter 15th, 513

In and out, in and out, that was how the flights to and from the city had been, allowing for just enough time to resupply before returning to the field. And it was no different today as Mohya and her flew across the frozen coasts on the north side of the peninsula. They were both on the lookout for whales, both hoping to find something in all of that white that might be worth trying to bring in. The slow flight they were doing made it easier for Vira to sit more erect in the saddle, both hands on the bow and an arrow notched and ready.

She was still a horrible shot from the eagles back, but Vira was improving, albeit slowly. What she wanted was just the opportunity to shoot something from this high. Mohya would sweep in low, then line her up with a circling so that she could get the shot off; however, it was still a far miss more often than not.

The cadence of Mohya's wingbeats always brought her a measure of harmony to her frequently chaotic state of mind, helping her remember what it is she wanted in the first place. She adored her role as a provider in the truest sense to the city she loved and always would love (even in its flaws). To see the relief on the faces of those in the processing center when a kill was brought in during times of need, it lifted her heart and helped to keep that flame of hope alive. She was needed. It might not be the best place for her, but she was needed!

Mohya must have sensed her thoughts for the eagle paused in her search and leveled off her flight some to speak to the teen.

~Vira, you are always needed. You should not think otherwise.~

Mohya, you're so nosy. Haven't I asked you not to eavesdrop like that?

~Yes, but I enjoy hearing what is on your mind. You never know if I might be able to help.~

The pair laughed quietly before continuing on the hunt. Vira shifted in the harness and raised the bow again. She turned her attention to the rocky coast below when something came to her attention. Mohya missed it for she kept flying, but VIra twisted in the saddle as she tried to see what it had been. It looked like a seal from here, but she couldn't be sure, her single working eye not great at picking out details from a distance. Nonetheless, she sent what she had seen to the Wind Eagle and once again adjusted when the bird swung back around and narrowed her sights on where her rider had indicated.

~Definitely a seal; good spot, lass. I'll bring you in low and fast.~ Vira mentally nodded in reply and brought the bow up again when Mohya began the assault.

The wind rushed against her face and body as she sat up in the harness, aiming the bow at the seal below. She could see through Mohya's eyes it shift and swing its massive head towards the approaching eagle before beginning its rubbery gallomp to the sea. The string was drawn and the feathers of the arrow tickled her cheek, single eye following the path into the sea. She marked a place slightly ahead of the animal and then released the projectile. It soured out and down ahead of rider and bird, but missed the animal, landing in the sea instead.

Vira cursed and slid her draw hand back into the harness, hanging on as Mohya dove, talons extending. The half ton mammal was caught in the long curved points and flailed several times as Mohya worked her wings hard to get it back into the air. This was the hardest part as the chaotic beats forced Vira to hang on even more tightly, her side flaring in protest. Eventually, though, the raptor managed to regain altitude, the kill clutched in her talons, and begins to turn back towards the city. It would be a few bells before they reached home

[Lavira]

Ice crusted on the harness as they swept around one of the mountains near Wind Reach, hugging the rockface with the carcass of the seal still clutched in Mohya's talons. It had begun to snow again already and Vira had to hold herself low against the harness and feathers of the massive bird to keep the crystals out of her nose and eyes, lest they freeze. Her katinu flapped noisily against her back and her fingers were somewhat numb and blue from the ride. She would be glad to get inside and get warm.

Not having to stay out tonight, she would get her food token from Davoid this evening and would be able to eat a better meal on top of that. It was this and the pending bath that the teen looked forward to, Mohya's wings beating at the air and flinging snow from them as they came to the massive landing of the processing center.

The eagle gave a cry, alerting the attendants of her pending arrival (several of them poking their heads out in the process before grabbing one of the carts so that the hunters could deposit their load onto it and not have to fight to get it back inside beyond the challenge of rolling that much weight. Mohya would circle a moment while they waited for this before flying in and dropping the kill, letting them get it out of the way with the cart before landing and letting her rider off. Vira worked her hands out of the hand holds, her teeth chattering, and undid the leg straps, effectively freeing herself from the eagles back.

She would then swing her left leg over to join her right and slide off of Mohya's back completely, using her wing for balance before dropping to the ground with a wince, steadying herself against the bird afterwards. The young woman pressed her face into Mohya's body, trembling from the cold, and rubbed her hands together, summoning warmth into them.

I'm going to make sure it's tallied into our books then meet you back at the aerie. I'll bring you up some dinner while I'm down here. Does your mate want anything?

~He's been hunting since last night; he'll bring something back for us. You do what you need to and get some food. Just unharness me now so we may both relax.~ Mohya replied, nibbling at Vira's hair before shifting to the side to let the ginger do as told.

Vira quickly loosened the straps that secured it to her and then pulled the harness off, draping it over her shoulder afterwards. "See you in a bit, then." She added, rubbing her fingers through the birds feathers and stepping away so Mohya could take off. Afterwards, she headed into the processing center and to the tallyer so that her haul could be recorded.

The line wasn't long, only one other Endal standing in front of her working on his bow. It looked like part of the shaft had broken, a split in the woods evident to even the one-eyed rider. She winced inwardly at the sight and shook her head. It would suck for them; using a new bow in this season was hard enough! At least he was one of the more well off individuals of the city and could afford to purchase a new weapon. Vira was grateful her own bow had not yet broken, though it was not one of the better ones. It was one of sentimentality to her, a gift from Kovac, even if it was a hand me down.

The man ahead of her had finally finished with the tally man and it was now her turn. She stepped up and smiled warily. The middle aged individual looked up at her, "Name?" He asked.

"Endal Lavira and Mohya." She replied.

"Haul?"

"One elephant seal."

"Any losses?"

"Just one arrow."

"Sign here. Your poundage will be recorded once they've finished weighing it. You can wait in here or check back later."

"I'll check back later." She replied, taking the ink-tipped quill and signing the piece of parchment he indicated before handing the quill back. Shifting her shoulder to settle the harness against it, the teen then left the chamber and headed on up to the kitchens to get her token from Davoid for the evening.