OCC: This is mainly for Astralwing and myself.

IC:
The bright moon shown brightly overhead, bathing the world in a milky white light. Mirriana flew alone through the wide valleys of the Boer Mountains. For her, these were old stomping grounds. This was where she had been born. A chilly wind blew past the gryphon as she soared silently along but she was insulated under a layer of thick feathers and warm fur. She never felt the cold chills. It had only been a day since she bid the rest of her family goodbye. Fletcher and Sevena were on their way to Du Weldenvarden to find a new home. Mir had decided that it was time for her to go out in the world and live her own life, content that her brother was alive and well. Still, it was lonely out here. The female gryphon felt so small and alone among the gigantic mountain peaks.

Finally the spot she was looking for came into view. Down below was a meandering stream. The female gryphon descended silently from the sky and gently touched down at a bend in the stream. She looked around, the nostalgic memories flooding into her mind. Nearby was a rock where she would sit and listen to her parents tell stories. This was where she grew up, until Agatha took everything away from her.

Mirriana curled up by the edge of the water, staring at the reflection that looked back at her. The tip of her left ear was missing and she had that scar across her neck...

Why did I come here? she thought to herself. Perhaps I should have stayed with my family.

Already she missed them dearly.

OOC: Sorry it took a little while to reply back. Have lots of homework. I'll try to do what I can here though. I'm excited!

IC:

Apollo felt at peace as he flew over the Beor Mountains, the wind touching under his wings as a soft caress to keep him afloat. The night was once again cold, and he had not a single shiver. The mountains calmed him, kept him in his state of mind whereas anywhere else in the land he would feel restless. A presense called to him, something that his siblings had never heard while he travelled all this way. Artemis, Ares, and Athena, all travelled elsewhere to feel as though they belonged with the land.

From below, the mountains sloped into trees and rivers, Apollo could hear the water gurgling over the rocks even as high up as he was. This was always the case, as though the sounds carried over the air...

In the silence, a rustle of movement caught Apollo off-guard. A glimmer of gold cascaded in the moonlight before landing near the river. What was it?

Apollo descended hesitantly, unsure of whether this creature was friend or foe. In his travels, most of the time things would greet him friendly-like. In other cases...

Not so much.

He landed, about fifty feet away, and made his approach. Hello there, he called out, his enormous wings tucked away to show he was friendly and his head held a little high. His tail twitched.

OCC: It's fine. Mir's ears perked up as she heard something land not far away. When the stranger spoke, Mir turned and saw a male gryphon she had never seen before. He did not look like one of Iaras's goons. The stranger did not appear to be a threat so Mir stood up and greeted him.

Good evening. she said to him, studying the stranger curiously.

He definitely wasn't one of Iaras's goons. She had seen plenty of them when she was held captive. No, this male gryphon was a wild gryphon, like herself. Cautiously, Mirriana took a step closer to get a better look at her guest, her orange eyes watching him like a hawk. The feathered tip of her tail flicked from side to side with each step she took. Mir was never quick to trust strangers.

Mir sighed at the cooling relief that the herbs brought her. Still, she couldn't stop thinking about her family and her friends. She had to find some way to warn them! Unfortunately there was nothing she could do. The female gryphon laid her head down and allowed Apollo to continue mending her wounds, fearful for Fletcher and his family.

OCC: Short.

OOC: It's ok.

IC:

Apollo nodded and bandaged her wing with what leaves he could to keep infection from setting in. At least he made her see it was better to rest and heal than to go into this head-first. When he finished, Apollo lay on the ground next to Mir, as he attempted to keep her body warm. The temperatures were dropping in the mountain air and he didn't want to risk injuring Mir further by moving her to a cave. She needed a full night's rest and then in the morning her wing should be healing to the point where she could walk at least.

I really am sorry, he whispered to Mir, feeling guilty and angry with himself over what had happened. Never in my 300 years have I encountered a being with a forcefield. If only I knew how to deflect it...! Maybe you wouldn't have wound up with a broken wing. He bowed his head. I just...I wish I could help you. The speed at which that creature was moving, she could find them at any time. Where are they right now do you know? Maybe we could...in the morning at least if your wing is good enough to move, we can at least start a walk? That is if you're up for it. If anything Apollo wanted to give all he could to Mir for putting her in such a prediciment.

Mirriana nodded. If I can manage it... she said with barely a whisper. Her wing still ached and throbbed horribly and it was all Mir began to feel feverish. She felt a little bit of relief when Apollo covered her with his wing, similar to how her brother did.

Thank you. Mir said.

OCC: I'm waiting to see if DS4 wants to join before continuing.

OOC: Okay sounds good. Jw did you pm her about it?

Mir closed her eyes, trying to ignore the pain. She was in a state of utter misery. Her wing hurt and her head ached badly from the horrible mind probing Lethira had put her through. Who was that person anyone and why was she after Violeta? Was this another one of Galbatorix's assassins?

Finally after what seemed like an eternity the female gryphon managed to drift off into an uneasy sleep.

Mir awoke the next morning still hurting and feeling more exhausted than ever. Her body was healing but it was taking all her energy. Mir barely had enough energy to stand.


Meanwhile, more than a hundred miles away, Fletcher relaxed on a rock sunning himself in the morning light, letting it warm his brown feathers. For the past week he and his family had been relaxing with Queen Seenia. It was good for Tas and Vena to have other gryphonlings to play with. Fletcher knew that eventually Natagath and Violeta would be leading them to the elves where hopefully they could be safe from people like Agatha and Iaras. In the meantime, he was content to simply relax and take it easy.

OOC:
He did.

IC:
Seenia looked over the forest below her carefully for game. She was letting Sevena and Fletcher rest for the moment and hunting for all the little ones. She'd need at least a deer and a half for her own young ones, maybe one for Tas and Vena, and one more for the adults to nibble on. She hunted so far out so that the game closer to her cave would stay plentiful. She was searching for a herd of deer when she saw a flash of a familiar plumage. Her eyes narrowed. She pulled in her wings and dove. The wind blew into her face and she snorted, recognizing one scent but not the other. Her pupils narrowed to cat-like slits. She smelled blood too. She blasted through the tree canopy and landed with a thud, her plumage bristling. She stalked forward, her wings half raised with aggression as she hissed at the strange male gryphon she saw close to the young Mirriana. I hope you are not the one that hurt her, or that the one that did is far, far away. she spat, her golden-yellow eyes sparkling with fury, bright and ferocious in the middle of her midnight brown feathers.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sevena padded up beside her mate and laid down next to him, leaning her head against his shoulder and purring with content.

OOC: Yay! Hi DS4 glad you joined! lol.

IC:

Apollo nodded, glad that at least he was able to get something to ease her mind. He watched her as she drifted off to sleep, her steady breathing soothing to him somehow. For a long time Apollo stayed awake, watching the movement of the moon and stars as it became later and later. He felt Mir shiver a few times, and managed to cover her again with his wing to preserve body heat. Whoever that was who dared to break her wing would pay dearly. He would make sure of it personally. Someone who was as twisted as that evil two-leg did not deserve life. For the time being, Apollo could only guard over Mir while she slept, at least he could offer that.

When the sky began to break into dawn, Mir stirred from her sleep. She woke, appearing to be stiff and sore. Apollo didn't blame her, but at least the wing seemed to be healing properly. He could smell the dry blood and no infection. However she appeared exhausted. Mir would have to sleep more in order to gain her strength back. I advise you stretch out a little and then go back to sleep, he murmured. Your body aches yet. Before he could continue, something landed a few feet away from them. Another female gryphon, with fury in her eyes. Apparently, this female knew Mir and was ready for a fight. She must have thought Apollo hurt Mir.

Apollo met her scorching gaze with his golden calm one. He stood, his pure white feather wings against his body to show no hostility, and said grimly, Your hopes are heard, in both cases. I am but a scholarly gryphon who happened to have met Mirriana last night. We took a stroll, when we were ambushed by what appeared to be a Shade though I cannot be for certian. She vanished, and with a dark promise but not before she broke Mir's wing. He nodded towards the pile of herbal leaves he used last night. I know the medicines that grow around here, and tended to her. I would never harm an innocent especially when they are a gryphon. You besides Mir and my siblings are the only gryphons I've ever met. He narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, wondering why this female was so aggressive towards the possible perpetrator.

Tas scampered among the trees near where his parents were resting. It was a warm morning the the gryphonling was enjoying the day. He was playing hide and seek with the others and was trying to find a place to hide. It had to be someplace Vena wouldn't think to look for him. The gryphonling spotted several potential places. There was a hole under a rock, another hole in a tree. Both were too obvious so Tas scampered up the side of the tree and hid among the leaves. He sat silently and waited...

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mir looked up when she heard the sound of approaching wings. She was surprised to see Queen Seenia standing there. She was quick to defend Apollo.

Seenia, Apollo protected me from my attacker. We have to stop her! She's going after Fletcher and Sevena!
There was desperation and fear in her voice that was seldom present.

Vena ran for a few more paces and then skittered to a halt. She sniffed at the ground, her plumage ruffling. Tas, where'd you go.... she mused to herself. Unwittingly she walked directly underneath where her brother was hiding, still scenting the ground.

- - - - - - - - - -

Seenia hissed at the male once more, stepping closer to the female, but stopped when first he, then Mirriana, spoke. She still eyed him warily, but she raised her head and settled her wings to her sides. Good, then. Fletcher will not be pleased that she has been attacked. she said, bending down to inspect the broken wing. Now, hold on a minute, calm down. Who is after your brother and his mate? she asked the female, prumming in her chest to soothe her. She looked up at the white male. I am Queen Seenia, former ruler of Zaflen and mate to the late King Fkan. You can dispense with the title, for it means little here. she said. She snorted softly and lifted her head again. We need to move her to a safer place. I'm big and strong enough to carry her on my back, if you can make sure she stays steady. I can take you to my cave. Your family is resting with me at the moment, Mirriana. she said to the female.

Seenia twitched her ears as she listened to Apollo, but she looked down at Mirriana as the female gryphon became more distraught.Alright, alright, she soothed calmly, though the urgency in Mirriana's tone was making her feathers bristle with a bit of alarm. I'll tell them from here. My mental reach is strong enough to touch Sevena and Fletcher's minds. she said. She sat on her haunches and extended her mind in the direction of her cave and the family, planning on contacting Sevena and Fletcher and warning them to keep an eye out for trouble of any kind. Abruptly she found another consciousness, dangerously close to the younglings. Right on top of them, in fact. Her eyes burned with instant fury and she hissed as she saw, in her mind's eye, Tas being manhandled by the strange female. Sevena, Fletcher, get to Tas and Vena, NOW! she shouted, not even bothering to hide her mind from the woman. She reached further out and touched the minds of her own children, Kesa, Fkan and Setin. Kesa reacted first, squawking angrily and charging out of the cave, ears pinned to her skull. Fkan came second, then Setin, both beating their wings angrily. Seenia glanced at Mirriana. I must go to help them. The woman is already there. She has Tas already. She'd better be ready for the rage that will come from Vena for touching her brother..... she trailed off. She stood and unfurled her wings, looking at Apollo sternly. Keep her here. No matter how much she begs or pleads with you, do not let her come to my cave. She is in no condition to fight anything. she said, then blasted into the air, making a few nearby trees sway from the power of her wings.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sevena bolted to her feet when she heard Tas cry out, her eyes wide with fear. She heard Seenia then, and obeyed without question, screeching with fury at whatever dared to hurt her son. She heard Vena screech, but not in fear or terror, but anger.

Seva shrieked and dashed toward her children, her beak open wide. She saw Tas, wriggling against his captor, in the air, held by the neck by a female woman that resembled a Shade. She screeched and leapt forward, pushing Vena behind her, away from the Shade. Release my son this instant! she demanded, her eyes sparkling with rage. She contacted her mate, her gaze locked on Tas. Can you get Tas away from her with telekinesis? she asked Fletcher.

- - - - - - - - - -

Vena screeched and spun around the instant she heard Tas cry out, her eyes blazing with protective fury. She tensed her hindquarters to spring on the woman and force her to release her brother, but abruptly her mother was there, pushing her back and blocking the way. Vena gave a defiant squawk, then fell silent, glaring with hatred at the woman that dared touch her brother in such a way. Let my brother go! she shrieked. Or we'll tear you to pieces! she threatened, and, knowing her parents, and Violeta, it was possible. Even though this woman gave off the aura of being as powerful as she was.

OOC: Sorry about the delay

IC:

Apollo waited for Seenia to speak when it appeared she was contacting someone mentally. He paused, until Seenia flew to the skies in a rush of feathers and fury. She had informed him to keep Mir stationed here, and he replied, I wouldn't allow her anyway, he murmured, still angry that this woman could do whatever she wanted to young chicks. It was intolerable. Apollo looked around and began to guide Mir to a large hole in the hillside. It was surrounded by trees and would prevent Mir from making a quick escape.

I want you to get some rest. We'll help your family as soon as your wing is better, he told her sternly. I'm not going to allow you to injure your wing further by being reckless. I'm sorry you have to hear this, but it's the truth. Please, relax and allow your body to heal itself.

Lethira snarled, "Tell me where the lightning dragon is or this hatchling dies!""

Fletcher attempted to use his telekinetic powers to pull Tas away from her but Lethira had already placed another invisible barrier around herself.

"My patients is growing thin, gryphon! I suggest you tell me where the lightning dragon is or you'll be getting this hatchling back in little tiny pieces!" Lethisa hissed dangerously.

"I don't know where she is!" Fletcher replied. Although he was not afraid of this person, he was afraid of what she would do to his child.

"Wrong answer!" the Shade bellowed. She grabbed Tas's right front paw and gave it a twist. The gryphonling screeched in pain as the bone broke. It was easy, just like snapping a twig.

Fletcher stared in stunned disbelief at the cruelty this person displayed. "I'll make you pay for this!" he roared.

"Oh really?" Lethira grinned. She blasted Fletcher backwards with a powerful spell, smacking him against a tree. The gryphon fell limply to the ground like a ragdoll, knocked out cold.

"You!" Lethira growled, pointing at Sevena with one hand while still clutching Tas in the other. "You are going to tell me where Violeta is or I'll break another leg! Or maybe I'll just kill your mate instead! Take your pick!"

Tas hung there quivering in fear and holding his broken front paw with his other front paw as he looking pleadingly at his mother for help.


Mirriana wanted to rush to her family's aid but she knew she could never make it. All she could do was hope and pray that Seenia made it there in time. Mir laid down, still aching from the encounter. She laid down and curled up on the ground, trying to calm her nerves.

This is all my fault. Mir muttered. If I had been stronger... I should have been able to resist her...

Sevena was trembling with fury, her eyes sparkling with her anger as she glared at the Shade before her. She pushed Vena further back with her tail, wanting to get her daughter away from this situation, but having no way to go about that.

She screeched with fury when the Shade hurt her son. Her wings shot from her side and she took a step forward, lowering her head in an aggressive manner, her maternal instincts going berserk. She pinned her ears back, trying to ignore Tas's cry of pain, not because she didn't care, but because she needed to have a clear head.

She snapped her beak at the woman, shrieking her rage as she sent Fletcher backward into a tree. She watched him slide to the ground and then lay motionless. The only way she could tell he was alive was the rise and fall of his side as he breathed. She turned back to the woman, a promise of death within her green-flecked-with-gold eyes.

Hurt my son or touch my mate again and I will rip you apart while you still have breath to scream with. she threatened in a low undertone. And she was not bluffing. She was fast, and she knew how to kill someone in the most brutal way possible. She was also a mother that was getting seriously protective and pissed off.

She heard the faintest rush of air above and behind the woman. And then Seenia was there on the ground behind the Shade, shrieking and screeching her fury. The queen reared up on her hindlegs, clawing at the air and beating her wings savagely. Before Seva could stop them, Vena, Kesa, Fkan, and Setin darted by her and slid toward the woman, all of them bristling with fury.

Her head jerked up when she heard an angry roar. Her ears pricked. It sounded like Violeta. She blinked a few times, then remembered the ability that Seenia had told them had helped her hide herself and her younglings from Iaras; the ability to use and control illusions.

Sevena had seen some of Seenia's illusions and it was difficult to tell it from the real thing. She said a moving creature was much harder to do than foliage or something that was stationary, but not impossible. Though no surprise, since she'd had centuries to practice and perfect it. Seenia couldn't make the illusion speak mind-to-mind, however - it was, after all, a fake image.

The illusion-Violeta slowed to a stop, hovering above them, and bellowed a verbal challenge to the woman. Seva thought that the queen must be trying to distract the Shade so that they could get Tas away from her. Sevena glanced at Fletcher worriedly, torn between her children and her mate.

Kesa opened her beak and uttered a shrill, piercing shriek that, oddly, did not bother Seva. Perhaps it was a special ability for the white gryphonling. Seva jumped forward, wishing that Fletcher was conscious and able to fight. He had shown the ability to negate some spells in the past and she wondered if it would come into use now. She hissed and beat her wings, distracting the woman further so that someone, among the confusion, could somehow grab Tas and get him away from the Shade.

- - - - - - - - - -

Vena stole around behind the woman, trying to find an opening. She had wondered if her ability to sneak into someone's mind and plant thoughts inside them could be used here, but decided no. This Shade was too powerful and she might get hurt if she attempted it. But it hurt her to see Tas so scared; to see him hurt. She bunched her hindlegs to pounce, but Seenia spoke to her, her voice strained from using her illusion ability and fighting at the same time. Young one, go here. she said, sending Vena a picture of a small clearing of sorts with a cave in the nearby hillside.

Your mother could not bare it if you were caught and hurt as well. Mirriana and a friend of hers named Apollo awaits you there. Run or fly, it matters not, but go with haste. Do not argue with me, I know how you feel about abandoning your brother this way, but you must be kept safe. For your mother and father. Go, now! beseeched the queen.

Vena hissed, her plumage ruffling, then turning on her paw and fled into the trees, blocking the sounds of fighting from her hearing as she ran away. She hated to leave her brother like that. She despised herself for it. But Seenia was right. If she was caught too, then Sevena and Fletcher would have had no choice but to bend to her will.

Vena blinked the tears from her eyes and ran. Ran and ran and ran, as hard as she could. Sometimes she stumbled, sometimes she fell too, but she got right back up and kept running. After what seemed like hours she finally opened her wings and beat them strongly, lifting into the air. She blasted out of the trees and flew through the air, faster than she had been running. She cast her thoughts out, searching for her aunt.

Aunt Mir, Apollo, this is Vena! Seenia sent me! Are you nearby? she called, her thoughts anxious as she waited tensely for a reply.

Sevena quivered from head to tail as the woman saw the illusion-Violeta and released Tas as a result. She bent to him instantly when he stopped at her feet, crooning softly and nuzzling him to try and comfort him, wrapping her mind around his to comfort him, her heart breaking as he cried out for her. She hadn't been able to protect him. She wished she could take the pain from him, but she didn't know how. What she did know is she had to get her son away from here, so that this woman never got the chance to retake him as hostage.

Seenia seemed to already know this, because Kesa darted around the main battle and slid to a stop beside them. Sevena chirped encouragingly to Tas and nudged his head gently. Tas, I know you're scared and you want momma, but I need you to be a brave boy and go with Kesa, okay? She'll take you to Vena and Aunt Mirriana. she urged. Kesa was larger than her son and would be able to carry him in her forefeet, even better so that his broken leg wasn't jostled much.

Seva glanced down at the pure white female gryphon. Take care of my son, and be safe. You know where to go? Kesa simply nodded, her dark0blue-flecked-with-gold eyes glittering fiercely. The white female bent to Tas and gently gathered him in her forelegs, holding him against her chest securely. I love you Tas. she murmured before Kesa lifted into the air with a powerful thrust of her wings and disappeared in the sky with her son.

Sevena now turned and sprang toward her mate, standing in front of him protectively with her wings unfurled as a partial barrier. She nudged Fletcher's mind to try and awaken him, hoping he was not seriously injured and would wake soon.

- - - - - - - - - -

Seenia knew the moment that the woman found out the image was just that, an image, that it would serve no more purpose, so she let it fade away. She skipped backwards nimbly, raising an eyeridge, at the explosion that went off directly in front of her. She beat her wings to clear the air, a fierce scowl set on her dark brown face, her yellow-gold eyes burning with anger. What is your quarrel with Lady Violeta? she asked, tilting her head curiously at the Shade. From her response to the sight of the dragon, she knew the 'Lady' she had attached to the violet dragoness's name would rub her skin the wrong way.

- - - - - - - - - -

Vena listened to the male voice that spoke to her, scanning the ground for such an area. She found it rather quickly and banked for the hill. She landed and trotted forward a few steps, searching for the cave. She spotted it and bounded toward the dark yawning mouth. She entered and saw her aunt laying on the ground, and a white male gryphon that looked like Kesa, though he was much larger.

Vena chirped with worry and ran to Mirriana, her midnight black feathers bristling with anger and concern. Aunt Mir, are you okay? she asked, her emerald green eyes wide and shimmering with moisture. The sight of Mir's broken wing made her think of Tas and the way the woman had snapped his foreleg like a twig. Tears flowed down her face and she pressed her head into Mir's shoulder.

She hurt Tas! She...she broke his leg! Seenia told me to run, but I didn't want to! I wanted to protect my brother! But I couldn't. Seenia said it would be safer for my parents and me if I fled. But I abandoned Tas. I left him behind and I didn't protect him. her body shuddered with grief.

OOC:
Sorry took so long, I've been busy with the holiday and other personal crap. But I'm back now, I believe. ^^

IC:
Sevena glanced behind her and prummed in her throat as she saw her mate stirring a bit and heard his voice in her mind. Yes Flit, it's me.... she said, brushing her tail against his shoulder. Vena and Tas are gone. They are safe. she told him briskly.

- - - - - - - - - -

Seenia growled at the woman, her dark brown feathers bristling. She is more of a Lady than you obviously are. she retorted. At the sight of the spear she instantly crouched and sprang into the air, not even waiting for the Shade to launch the weapon toward her. She hovered in the air, hissing at the woman, her yellow-gold eyes flashing like strobes. Try again, little twoleg. she taunted. She knew from experience that some twolegs let emotions rule them. If she could get this twoleg angry enough, they might have a chance of subduing her.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Vena lifted her head and looked at Apollo, struck for a moment by his white feathers. He was quite handsome, at least in her opinion and views of what handsome gryphons should look like. She nodded finally at his words, still sniffing a bit but otherwise quiet. She glanced up when she heard wingbeats, then brightened when she saw Kesa, carrying her brother.

- - - - - - - - - -

Kesa flew strongly through the air, cradling Tas against her chest carefully as she searched the ground for the cave in the hillside. After flying swiftly for fifteen minutes she saw the darkness of an entrance below and to her right. She banked sharply and landed directly at the edge of the opening, fluttering her wings lightly to soften her landing for Tas's benefit. She shifted him gingerly to one arm so she could stand on three legs. Mirriana, Apollo, Vena, it's Kesa. I have Tas. He's scared and a little hurt, but he's safe otherwise. she said, hopping carefully into the cave. She gently laid the young male gryphon on the ground, letting Vena get closer to her brother. Kesa looked up at Apollo, snorting softly when she saw his pure white feathers, like her own, although his lion fur was a light golden brown, whilst hers was all white. She swished her tail and dipped her head to him, her lapis lazuli (dark blue with flecks of gold) warm at meeting another of her kin. I am Kesa, daughter of Queen Seenia and King Fkan. It is a pleasure to meet you, Apollo. I have been instructed by my mother to remain with Tas and Vena to protect them. Sevena, Fletcher, Mother, and my two brothers, Setin and Fkan, are fighting the woman. she said, while preening her plumage calmly where she had sat down.

Mirriana was greatly relieved when Kesa arrived with Tas. Mir gently embraced her nephew and nuzzled him reassuringly. She could tell he was frightened and she felt her rage boiling when she saw his broken leg.

What kind of monster does that to a innocent hatchling? she seethed to herself angrily. Mirriana nuzzled Tas and spoke reassuringly to him. Do not be frightened, my dear. That horrible woman can't hurt you anymore.

Tas just whimpered and laid his head down on his aunt's front paws. Her presence comforted him but what he really needed was the warm, reassuring embrace of his parents. Mir left enough room for Vena to join them as well.

When Apollo returned with the herbs, Mir nodded. When the male gryphon announced that he was going to help the others, Mir called after him Please be careful!

It slipped out almost involuntarily. Mir was surprised. She had just met this gryphon and yet it was as if they had known each other forever. Apollo had shown her kindness that few strangers had and she felt like somehow they were meant to be together.



Fletcher quickly spring to his feet and dodged out of the way of a blast of Dark Fire.

"I'll roast you all like the pathetic chickens you are!" Lethira roared, unleashing blast after blast of Dark Fire, seemingly oblivious to how it was draining her energy supply. "I wonder what roasted gryphon meat tastes like!"

"I'll make you pay for what you did to my son!" he hissed, crouching low with his wings slightly spread and ears flattened back in a threatening pose, lashing his tail back and forth. The ordinarily calm look in his golden-amber eyes had been replaced by one of utter hatred and fury.

Lethira hiss with rage when Seenia taunted her again, firing a long jet of black flames at the female gryphon. "As soon as I kill you, I will hunt down the rest of your accursed kind and wipe them all out along with the dragons!" she hissed. "Starting with your brats!"

Lethira then immediately switched targets, shooting two jets of black flame at Setin and Fkan. She was so busy focusing on attacking the gryphons that she didn't realize her protective energy field was gone.

Seenia screeched at the woman but paid no mind to the attack on Setin and Fkan. She had trained them well and they could handle themselves for now. Not to mention that she also could not allow her love for them to cloud her judgement like she had with Iaras. She dove to avoid the stream of Dark Fire, then swooped down under the attack once the Shade was distracted. She bulled into the twoleg and knocked her over to the ground. Setin flashed in and tore his talons into the woman's shoulders, while Fkan went for the legs. Sevena shrieked and sprang forward as well, snipping her beak closed around Lethira's left wrist and shattering it with a deft twist and a lot of pressure. At the same moment, all four of them beat their wings and retreated, surrounding Lethira in a sort of circle.

- - - - - - - - - -

Kesa nodded to Apollo grimly, her blue-flecked-with-gold eyes impossibly deep and even somewhat wise for her tender age. I will take care of them. Go, and may the Gryphon Gods fly with you and keep the sun at your back to blind your enemies and the wind at your tail to speed your flight. she said, dipping her head to him. She turned and went to Tas, gently feeling his leg over to see if it was a clean break. It was, and so she put the herbs onto the wound carefully, mindful to not jostle it and cause Tas more pain. She padded out and found some moss and returned to the cave to apply it. She nudged Tas's shoulder gently and chirped a bit to try and comfort him. Try not to move around a lot, okay? Vena, come here and lay next to your brother, carefully, to keep him warm. she said. The black feathered gryphon nodded briskly and trotted to her brother and laid down beside him, preening his feathers gently to soothe him.

OCC: DS4, I am planning to start a new RP about founding a new order called the Gryphon Riders and I was wondering if you'd be interested in that. It won't be for a while because I want to finish the RPs I'm currently in but you can see the discussion topic about it here if you're interested.
viewtopic.php?f=104&t=10421


Fletcher was relieved to hear that Mirriana and Tas were alright but he still wanted to see them as quickly as possible.

"Yes, please take us to them." he said, eager to see his loved ones.

Mirriana was resting quietly with Tas curled up between her front paws with his sister curled up beside him. The gryphonling had calmed down a bit but he was still traumatized from his ordeal. It seemed like an eternity had gone by since he arrived here. Mirriana lifted her head when she heard wingbeats outside. Moments later, Fletcher bounded inside, a look of immense relief in his eyes as he saw his loved ones.

"Mir..." he whispered.

I'm fine, brother. Mirriana replied.

Daddy! Tas exclaimed. In a heartbeat, Fletcher was by his side, nuzzling the gryphonling lovingly.

"It's okay, son. That evil woman can't hurt you anymore, that I promise you." he whispered comfortingly.

Fletcher moved aside so that Sevena could see Tas. He looked down at Vena and complimented her affectionately, "Good job, Vena. I'm proud of you."


Mir looked at Apollo, relieved to see that he was alright.
So is that horrible woman gone? she asked. Her wing was still sore but it was recovering fast.

OOC:
Yes I have checked it out a bit and it is definitely interesting and I'm tempted to make another character to be in the Gryphon order...If only I didn't already have so many characters. =w=

IC:
Sevena was just as eager as her mate to see her children and sister-in-law. On the way to them she started becoming impatient, itching to have her babies at her side, safely nestled under her wing.

She let her mate go first once they landed though so that he could see them as well before she hid them from sight. After a moment she bounded in after Fletcher and saw Tas and Vena. She was instantly standing over her son and nuzzling him comfortingly, crooning to him that she was proud of him for being as brave as he had been and that he was safe now.

She gently pulled him to her side with her wing so that he was nestled under her wing, though she was careful of his leg so that it would not be jostled at all and the healing process broken. She nudged Vena in the shoulder with her beak and crooned to her daughter, her eyes bright. You did well, darling. Both of you did. she said proudly, laying down on the ground and lowering her wing so they could slip underneath and sleep if they wished.

She inspected her sister-in-law carefully and, finding that her wing was partially healed already, smiled in satisfaction. Kesa, the pure white female gryphon, was currently cleaning a few bloodied feathers on her mother's wing, but from the lack of bleeding it was not that serious. Seva looked over at the white-feathered male and dipped her head. We thank you for taking care of Mirriana as you did, as well as my Son and Daughter. They mean very much to us. she said to him, smiling warmly.

We were not able to introduce properly in the hurry of things...I am Sevena, this is my mate, Fletcher. These are our children, Tas and Vena. You've met Seenia, and her daughter Kesa. Fkan and Setin will probably join us in a bit. You've already met Mirriana. she smiled at him.

OCC: I'm not sure what we're going to do about Astralwing's character, especially since he's pretty much pivotal to the plot. I'm really not comfortable with godmodding someone else's characters. I pretty much suck at keeping them in character.

IC:
Fletcher felt sadness for his son. Tas was innocent and he certainly did not deserve what happened. Of course, Mir didn't deserve to have her mind invaded or her wing broken either.

Fletcher turned to look at his mate and he could see the sadness in Seva's eyes. She felt guilty for Tas's injury.

"I think you're a wonderful mother, Seva, no matter what." he said to his mate quietly, nuzzling her cheek gently.

Fletcher then lied down next to Mirriana, lowering a wing over her comfortingly. He looked up at Apollo once more and said, "Thank you for the kindness you have shown my family."

Tas was overjoyed to see his mother again. He was so afraid that the evil woman would hurt her.
Mama! he exclaimed excitedly as she embraced him. I love you, mama.

Sevena's warm embrace calmed his nerves and Tas finally relaxed, nuzzling his mother's side affectionately. The young gryphonling looked around for his sister. He wanted Vena by his side because he always felt safe when she was with him.

Fletcher saw Tas peeking out from under Seva's wing and he smiled at Vena.

"I think your brother wants some company, Vena."

OOC:
Hmm...we'll lightly godmod him, to keep him in the story at least. I'll shoot Astral a few notes to tell her it's her turn here.

IC:
Sevena purred in gratitude to her mate and smiled warmly as her son peeked out from under her wing, obviously looking for Vena. I love you too, my dear one. Both of you. she smiled, purring soothingly in her chest.

Vena eagerly bounded under her wing and curled protectively close to her brother and read her head on his shoulder, placing one of her small black wings over him in a makeshift embrace. The both of you sleep now. Your Father and I will be here if either of you need anything. she murmured, nuzzling them both.

Seva looked up at Apollo and nodded in agreement to her mate. Aye, we both thank you. It is not often we meet someone kind enough to help a complete stranger. she said, and dipped her head respectfully.

OOC: Hey F-14 I'm sorry for disappearing like that I had a really rough couple months with moving, no internet, and online college classes. Oi. >.< But I'm telling everyone I'm back in the game. I'll be on here at least five times a week to reply to rps. I'll see how things go with life and get back to ya on that. Really hectic but it should be slowing down now. Thank you, DS4, for lightly god-modding my charry. If it should happen again where I am gone, I give you guys complete control of him. But hopefully it won't lol. If it's alright with you I'll start my piece from when Sevenia was talking to Apollo.
IC:

Apollo had taken them towards the place where Mir and the others were resting safely. When the reached to the destination Apollo watched as the love unfolded between the family. The siblings, both chick and adult, were reunited and expressed it by nudging and nuzzling with their heads. Apollo's heart swelled at the sight of them, wishing that he had such a closeness with his own siblings. But they were far away at this point. Apollo turned to look at Mir, happy to see that she was fit and well. Her eyes mirrored his feelings, and that made him all the more happy. Yes, she is, he replied, but for how long we do not know.

He then turned to Sevena and smiled in turn. I would do it again in a heart beat, Sevena. As I have informed Mir, I have not met any others of our kind other than my siblings and I feel I owe it to our race to help any gryphon in need. It is a great honor and privelage to meet all of you, he replied, dipping his head to her, and then to Fletcher. I am thankful you are all safe, and glad I could have helped. If any of you ever need anything, never hesitate to ask for it from me.

Apollo took his place outside of the group as lookout as they rested. He still felt as though he could help them once more in this way, since they had such a long day of trauma and distraught. He did not feel in the least bit tired, moreso he was alert for that woman. Who knew when she would strike again, or even if she would?

OCC: That sounds good, Astralwing. Although I'm not big on godmodding someone else's characters. It just feels weird. It's also why I try to avoid using canon characters.

Sevena smiled kindly at Apollo, thanks in her eyes. She dipped her head in return to him. I am glad. We are pleased to meet you as well. Perhaps sometime I can take you to my homeland, Tenya. she offered, though, she added privately to herself, not to Zaflen. There were mutual ill feelings toward her hometown, where she had been raised as now King Iaras's servant. She huffed softly and nuzzled Fletcher's shoulder, purring in her chest. Are you alright, my love? That woman knocked you back into the tree fairly hard.. she crooned worriedly.

OOC:
Short, not very much for me to add.

OOC: That's alright if you don't I won't make ya lol I can understand that it would feel a bit odd. I've never had to.

IC:

Apollo had nodded in agreement at Sevena, I would like that very much, as they slipped into a deep state of healing sleep. As they did Apollo devoted his time to watch, but also think about the things he has seen and done, though not nearly as much as one would do with nothing but time sprawled out for them.

By mid day, the adults began to wake and stretch from their long sleep. From what it appeared to be, they recieved just the right amount to relieve them of most of their aches and pains. Mirriana had stretched herself out as well and trotted over to Apollo, rotating her wing as she did. She seemed much more relaxed despite the serious situation that had taken place over the last two days. Apollo took a sniff at her wing, glad to smell no infection and that it was just about done with the healing process. She was restless and the excecise would do her good. When she had asked if he'd like to join her, he felt surprised but equally estatic.

That sounds great, he replied with a big smile, stretching himself out after sitting through the night curled up like a sphynx. I'm glad everyone's recovering, he said as they began to walk next to each other. Especially you Mir, he added, then quickly said when he realized how ridiculous that sounded, that is to say, broken wings normally never heal properly. That herb and the fact we put the bone back into place will ensure the right healing so that you wouldn't end up flying crooked, he said, laughing in spite of himself, grinning all the while. On the inside, he wondered if he had said those things too quickly, or that he hadn't offened Mir in any way.

Seva stretched and flaring her wings, yawning widely before settling down on her side once more, careful to not disturb Tas or Vena. She smiled up at her mate, nuzzling his should in gratitude. I would like that, yes, thank you, Flit. she murmured.

- - - - - - - - - -

Seenia was up for most of the night, at least partially, making sure all the others were safe. All of her young ones were all curled up together in one corner of the cave, all still sleeping. She smiled at the sight they made, then surveyed the others. Tas and Vena still slept, Sevena was staying where she was to not disturb them, Fletcher was going out to hunt, and Mirriana and Apollo had gone out for a walk. She yawnd and settled back against the wall to continue watching over everyone.

Vena got up next to her brother and stayed close beside him in case he lost his balance. Her eyes gleamed at the meal, and she smiled up at Fletcher. Thank you, Daddy. she chirped happily to him.

- - - - - - - - - -

Seenia dipped her head in thanks to Fletcher and stripped a piece of meat from the goat, then nudged the rest to her three children, who each nuzzled her then dug in on their own.

OOC:
Pass, this is a Mir/Apollo moment.

OOC: I'm not sure if I'm supposed to go or if DS4 is I know she said skip her that one time and then you went Ace right after me so...I guess I'm confuzzled lol.

OOC:
Go ahead and skip me again, Astral, is no biggie. I don't have anything to add until they get back anyway, so it's fine. ^^

OOC: Alrght coolio thanks!

IC:

Apollo laughed along with Mir, simply because he could and her joyous mood was infectious. That would be wonderful, Mir. When she mentioned her family, Apollo agreed, considering that the past couple of days were possibly depressing thanks to that evil woman. This bit of good news would bring up their spirits.

I'm right behind you, Apollo replied as he scampered after her. Let's go tell them.

OOC:
Sorry, sorry, sorry, my life has been really crazy, trying to balance boyfriend, schoolwork, other social stuff, family stuff, personal stuff, it all has me swamped. @.@ I'll be on when I can tho.

IC:
Seenia smiled and dipped her head slightly to Apollo. I give you my blessing, young one. I know you will treasure her. I can see it in your eyes. her expression darkened slightly at his mention of Tenya, but she nodded in ascent. That is fine with me, Dear Apollo. Just be forewarned, avoid the city named Zaflen. That is where my son, Iaras, dwells as King. His heart is blackened with greed and anger, and he may strike out at you to harm Mirriana, and therefore Fletcher and Sevena, if he knew of your presence. I would suggest heading for the Capitol city, Cistra. High King Tylon would be pleased to receive more gryphon guests from outside the country. she said, huffing softly.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sevena smiled broadly at Mir, her eyes twinkling with delight for her sister-in-law. She chirped softly and nuzzled the female's shoulder happily. I am so pleased for you Mir! she exclaimed happily. Mir deserved someone to make her happy in her life, and she could see that Apollo would do just that for her.

Fletcher nuzzled Mir gently with his beak. "I'm so proud of you, Mirriana."

When Seenia mentioned Iaris, Fletcher said to Apollo, "We've tried to make peace with him but I would still avoid him for now if I were you.

Mirriana nodded. I have no wish to go anywhere near him anyway. I think... She trailed off as she sensed that something was not right.

The sound of a twig snapping caught her attention and the female gryphon spun around, and what she saw made her blood run cold.


Lethira sneered at the gryphons, her face even more ugly and disfigured than the last time they had met. "Hello, gryphons, I've come back for you!"

She grinned at Mirriana. "Hello, Mirriana. How is that wing of your doing?"




You're going to pay for that! Mir hissed, ready to defend her family from this monster.

Fletcher let out an angry screech as he joined his sister. His ears flattened against his skull and he lashed his tail as his golden-amber eyes glared at the Shade.

"I will kill you for what you have done to my family!" he roared. It was highly unusual for him to make such threats, but Fletcher wanted blood this time. This monster had hurt his sister and his son. She would pay dearly for that.

Lethira shrieked and unleashed a jet of Dark Fire at Fletcher but he quickly leaped to the side and the dark flames just struck a tree instead.

"I have slain countless dragons! What makes you gryphons think you even stand a chance against me?!" Lethira roared.

"Simple! We're not dragon!" Fletcher spat, dodging another jet of flames.

OOC: It's all good DS4 real life can be a pain sometimes, just like me trying to get on here and write when it's my turn I read it and try to get something written and it never happens.

IC:

Apollo allowed the warmth from her family's approval wash over him. It was easy to see that everone would be able to get along so well. Thank you all, he murmured as he dipped his head in respect. When they spoke of the gryphon of the blackened heart he heeded their warning with great care. After all, he had never visted that territory much less how they reacted in the society.

Before he could speak more on the subject the hideously familiar voice from a few days past had spoken in a taunt. Apollo spun around to see the horrible witch who had caused this family so much pain physically and mentally.

Apollo let out a thunderous roar of hatred towards her, taking a step in front of Mir instictivey when she had spoken of Mir's wing. You won't touch her, not now or ever again, he hissed venomously. I'll make certian of that! The wind began to pick up, at first a calm gentle breeze. After a few seconds, the faster Apollo's anger grew the faster the wind speed became. At that point it was causing the surrounding trees to bend and sway unnaturally. Apollo's muscles rippled under his fur and feathers, as he asked the wind's help to push the flames away from Mir and himself.

What have these gryphons done to make her keep coming back? Apollo snarled to himself. I wish my family were here to help, they'd find a way even if we hardly speak. He roared again, this time a war cry that carried out onto the winds. It went over mountains and sands and rivers and lakes, startling the surrounding wild life. Eventually, it would reach Du Weldenvarden, the Hadarc, and Carvahall, into the very heart of each territory where that roar would reach the ears of three gryphons all turning their heads in the directon of the mile-away battle.

OOC: Would that be okay if I introduced Apollo's sibings to this rp Ace?

OOC:
Sorry, sorry, sorry. >.<; Ugh, stupid Life.

IC:
Sevena prummed contentedly, gazing around. She loved this, the sense of family. Her ears flicked back as Mir sensed something not right, and she felt in a few seconds later. Typical. Calmly she looked back at Vena and Tas, both of them were still inside the cave. Stay here. Seva, protect your brother if you must. she murmured. There was a flutter of feathers and wings, and Seenia's two sons were there as well. Seva nodded, then turned and glowered at the Shade. You are a dead woman. she hissed, her tail lashing. She grinned viciously. We're not dragons, and the fact that there is nine of us. And only one of you. she purred. She raised her wings high and with a piercing, enraged shriek, she flew forward at the woman, talons open to rip and shred.