|
Post by Oan Skyhawk on Mar 7, 2012 10:03:49 GMT -1
Soaring through the air Oan had never felt this free. His wing and self now healed from the encounter with Koatia he had been flying long and hard to regain and build his strength and agility. Flying over these meadows calmed him and provided an excellent space for training and hunting.
The sun blazed down and a constant breeze created a wave like effect on the grass and flowers below him. He turned and twisted in all the directions he could, after the battle with Koatia he was determined to be ready for whatever happened next the thoughts of Kiryu's vision and it's ramifications still strong in his mind.
In the distance ahead he saw a glow emanating from the forest floor, it was a cacophony of blended color's; red, yellow, orange, white, copper and others that he could not describe. Curious he flew hard towards it's source.
Circling above he looked down and the sight took his breath away. Four large birds stood in a circle, the color's appearing to emanate directly from them. They did not speak to one another yet Oan could almost sense a conversation occurring between them. Ever curious, he landed outside of the circle and approached them slowly.
'Brothers and sisters, it appears we have a guest' One of the birds said, his coloring a reddish brown, he was by far the largest of the group.
'My apologies for intruding, I saw the color's and became curious, something about you is familiar to me' Oan said, addressing the leader and inclining his head respectfully.
'We are the Phoenix Clan, last of our race, here on Tialka we have found a solitude from war and death' the leader said. 'My name is Fyreblaze, this is Copperbeak, Sapphire and Skysong' he motioned to the other members of the group surrounding Oan.
'The Phoenix Clan, the planet that I came to Tialka from, a planet ravaged by war, there you are a myth. A group of birds, surrounded and trailed by fire where ever they flew, more powerful than any.' Oan turned addressing all the members of the group as he spoke. 'There are carvings of your kind in the bare rocks of my world, they are the oldest known recordings my ancestors made, surely you cannot be the same clan'
'We are older then we can remember sometimes Oan Skyhawk' Fyreblaze said, Oan looked shocked at the use of his name. 'We may have visited your planet long ago, we visited many before settling here'
'How did you know my name?' Oan asked.
'We hear much from the wind that blows through this meadow' Sapphire answered, a mystical tone entering her voice.
Oan stared dumbstruck at the situation he was in.
|
|
|
Post by Hiruko Koudo on Mar 7, 2012 12:50:24 GMT -1
After an eventful few days of new arrivals and problematic situations, it felt nice for Hiruko to take a wander around the meadows, one of his favourite locations on Tialka. The air was sweet with floral scents caused by the vast expanse of flowery hills and a breath of fresh air here could calm any disturbed mind.
However, it wasn't just his need for a peaceful place to relax that brought him here. He sensed the presence of a new arrival but something was different this time. He sensed a larger presence than just one arrival. But it's very unlikely for more than one to arrive at the same time Hiruko thought. Moving his attention away from his thoughts, Hiruko caught a glimpse of Oan soaring through the skies and making a landing towards what seemed like a grouping of flowers in different shades of orange. Dashing towards him casually, Hiruko soon made out that the orange shades were not flowers but giant birds with a beautiful plumage and long, fiery tail feathers. The had already engaged in conversation and turned to face him when Hiruko approached.
"We are certainly receiving a warm welcome today, clan," Fyreblaze spoke to the others whilst smiling softly at Hiruko. Hiruko stood still unsure of how to react to their group.
"I take it you have already met?" he spoke to Oan. He wondered if Oan already knew these bird-like creatures since he had come from a world where birds were the main species.
Skysong turned towards Hiruko with a slow but steady turn of his head and spoke with a voice wiser than anyone he had ever heard: "We hope that you do not mind our presence here, creatures of earth and sky. We have barely escaped a fate that would lead only to death and found refuge on your planet for the time being."
"The time being?" Hiruko questioned him. The deep blue coloured bird spoke next with a voice as smooth as silk.
"We do not judge inhabitants here by their first impressions - a mistake we made many years ago - and therefore we will decide whether this land is safe to inhabit before determining our decision. I do not wish to imply that either of you are bad creatures but it is a matter of being sure. The safety of our clan is of the upmost importance to us."
Hiruko nodded in understanding. He took no offence to her words as they were looking out for their safety.
|
|
|
Post by Seema Tara on Mar 7, 2012 16:43:33 GMT -1
Seema was out walking with Sai and Kai in an attempt to get them out of Seirei's hair for an hour or two. As suspicious as Seirei and the other locals were of Seema, the cubs seemed to be accepting her presence quite happily, all apart from Ebony, who seemed very cautious in her treatment of her aunt. Seeing the gathering of people up ahead and not wanting any trouble, Seema turned to change direction, but her nephews seemed to have quite another intention. Rolling around in the dusty grass like a furry pair of tumbleweeds, they were soon in amongst the throng and Seema had no choice but to sigh and follow. "Boys, get back here!" she forced a little smile as she reached the two cubs.
|
|
|
Post by Oan Skyhawk on Mar 7, 2012 18:23:20 GMT -1
'I do not know them personally Hiruko, but I know of them as legends from my planet' Oan said turning to meet Hiruko's gaze. 'They were like god's to my people, a long time ago'
He stared around at the faces of the phoenix clan. He was still astounded, here he was standing amongst living legends, gods of old. The power the phoenix clan was said to have, especially when grouped together was immense. Oan had so many questions to ask yet could not find the words to verbalise them.
'I, like you have come from a world torn apart by war, I have found peace here, bar the occasional excitement, I can only hope you do to and Hiruko is a pleasant host' Oan said, inclining his head to the tiger.
|
|
|
Post by Hiruko Koudo on Mar 7, 2012 20:38:20 GMT -1
"Interesting," Hiruko replied. It was very rare for two unrelated arrivals at Tialka to have even heard of one another.
The Phoenix Clan turned to Hiruko when Oan mentioned him as a pleasant host. "I sense a great power in you, creature of earth," Sapphire told him. "Was it not you who shaped the earth and allowed the plants to grow?" Hiruko nodded. They seemed very wise and informed about things that they hadn't even experienced. "How do you know so much?" Hiruko asked them.
"I can sense earth's power in you," Sapphire told him. "We all can." The other phoenixes nodded in agreement.
There was a sudden disrupt in the tranquility with the sound of barking. They all turned to face the noise which was coming from Seirei's two cubs, Sai and Kai. "Hello, boys," Hiruko said greeting them with a smile. "What are you-" He stopped when he saw Seema chasing after them. When she finally reached them, Hiruko's face was stern. "Taking the boys out for a stroll, are we?" he said gruffly. He still felt uncomfortable around her and knew he should perhaps let go of his insecurity around her as he had done with his own brother. Perhaps Tersias sees the goodness in her that I can't, he thought to himself. I just hope she can trust her with her own cubs.
Curious of the new faces, the Phoenix Clan turned towards the commotion. "It certainly is a lively place here," Fyreblaze said to the othe Clan members.
|
|
|
Post by Seema Tara on Mar 7, 2012 20:47:05 GMT -1
"Hi Hiruko. Seirei is working in the den and they were getting under his feet." She laughed a little awkwardly, and turned to the birds. "Hello there. I don't believe we've met, I'm Seema." Seema smiled. Being in Tialka was doing her good, and although she did find the lack of fights, drama and other sources of amusement somewhat frustrating she was for now content with the job she was here to do. "You may know my little sister Tersias". The two boys continued scuffling at everyone's feet. "Sai, Kai, cut it out for a minute and say hello" she laughed. "Ok Auntie Seema" giggled Sai, releasing his brother and looking up at the birds. "Hi there. I like your wings. I bet they're wicked cool fun. I can't really use mine yet, but its gonna be soooooooo awesome when I can. My daddy has wings, you know. He gets to fly all over the place like WHOOOOSH" he said proudly. "My name's Sai, by the way, and this is my brother Kai." Kai just looked grumpy. "Just cos you got wings like dad..." he muttered sulkily, not even greeting the birds.
|
|
|
Post by Oan Skyhawk on Mar 7, 2012 21:18:40 GMT -1
'As you can see it does get busy around here' Oan said smiling and swatting one of the childrem away with his tail. Although he knew of Tercias and Seirei's cubs and he was present when Mira and Hiruko's cubs were born he was still knew to being around the cubs and did find their constant enthusiasm and energy tiring.
He had hoped for some privacy with the clan, it was not everyday you met the legends of your people. But Oan was also sure that Hiruko was curious as to the new arrivals.
'Please, tell us your story if you can' Oan said facing the members of the clan.
|
|
|
Post by Hiruko Koudo on Mar 8, 2012 20:51:54 GMT -1
Skysong was the first to speak and reveal their history. "We Phoenixes have a past beyond legend. Our kind was blessed with eternal life, being born and reborn over the ages in a constant cycle. Our world was perfect for us, the predators of our world bothered us little as we were too difficult to catch and there were plenty other species that would be easier to target." Skysong's face saddened and his head lowered as he carried on with his story. "However, as time passed, the predators grew in numbers. Their normal food source was dying out due to their increasing numbers. Soon, we became their target and so many of us were killed. Since we are reborn and never die, we do not reproduce and therefore cannot extend our numbers. We had to save the remains of our race and so we fled."
"So, are you four the only Phoenixes left?" Hiruko asked, shocked by their story.
"Maybe, we aren't certain," Sapphire said quietly. She sighed and Hiruko noticed a tear building in her small, beady eyes.
"We are a dying race," Skysong continued. "Our numbers cannot be saved, only preserved." He said nothing more and lowered his head once again. There was a still silence where everyone took in their grim story. They must be helped, Hiruko thought.
The boys were playfully fighting one another in a rough 'n' tumble game which lightened the mood slightly, stealing the attention away. "Well at least Seirei and Tersias can have a break from their mischief," Hiruko said to Seema.
|
|
|
Post by Seema Tara on Mar 9, 2012 16:00:05 GMT -1
"Tersias has gone home. Our mother has passed on and she has left some business for Tersias to deal with" Seema explained softly. "Hence my reluctance to explain the situation on my arrival. You must have thought me very rude, I am sorry. I just wanted Tersias to hear it first, from my lips."
|
|
|
Post by Hiruko Koudo on Mar 9, 2012 19:35:28 GMT -1
"Gone...gone home?" Hiruko said. He hadn't even had a chance to say goodbye. Looking slightly sad, he realised that it must have been for a good reason. But surely she would have at least come to say goodbye? He wondered how Seirei must have been feeling right now and then felt for his friend who would miss her the most along with the pups too.
"I understand."
He said nothing more as he wondered what was going on for Tersias to leave.
|
|
|
Post by Seema Tara on Mar 9, 2012 20:53:17 GMT -1
"Well, things were very urgent. With our mother leaving a space in the tribe's ruling council, Tersias was asked to go and present herself to the council as her successor. She has gone to turn the chair down, as ignoring the summons is tantamount to exile." said Seema, "She will hopefully only be gone a few days."
|
|
|
Post by Hiruko Koudo on Mar 10, 2012 19:38:51 GMT -1
"Okay," Hiruko nodded in understanding. "I hope she succeeds in her task." He paused before Sai and Kai tumbled into the back of his legs as they were playfighting. "Easy boys!"
The Phoenix Clan had turned their attention away from Seema and Hiruko whilst they were talking and had begun whispering among themselves. "We must find a location where we can rest," Copperbeak mumbled. It was the first time he spoke, he seemed a little quieter than the others were. "Staying out in the open like this isn't practical, especially since we don't know what we are dealing with."
"As I said before, we are peaceful creatures, you must sense it," Hiruko pleaded. He hated feeling judged as a possible killer.
"Of course we know," Skysong replied. "However, we sense...a darker heart among these lands much closer than you think." Hiruko was puzzled by Skysong's comment. Koatia couldn't be close...or was he even talking about him?
|
|