Unbinding angel's wings

[Eris Allisti]

The forest was silent and still, the crunch of dried leaves beneath the rusty iron wheels of the cart the only distraction from such utter peace. She listened wordlessly, eyes closed and ears open. It had been days since there had been way sound other than what they made themselves, she and the trader she'd joined in the last town.

He'd told her that he'd seen her kind before, that they frequented a market were his sister sold flowers cultivated deep in the woods nearby. This trail passed through the hilled forest opposing her lands, a preternaturally chilled lake marking the halfway point between one town and another.

He had been friendly enough; they always were. Her mother chose a good man to give her to, and he in turn had handed her over to someone he would trust his own daughter to. It was a generous cycle, fraught with luck and honor. They'd been kind men, too, each treating her as her mother had - like a treasured daughter, somewhere between a child and a godsend. She'd known nothing else these past years, shielded and cared for as she was against the terrors the world held for her kind. She had felt hunger and fear, yes - she was not a god - but the worst had been spared. She trusted her merchant friends, and she was sure that they were only happy to help. Such is the way of the kind.

Opening her eyes to the warmth of the sun, the dark orbs stared lovingly at the golden beams and red-tinted leaves before altering to a similar pattern without her knowledge. Deep green edged with brown-crimson, speared through with a slightly yellowed touch. Still dark, though - these patterns were like a brightness seen though the shrouded veil of clouds, nothing more than a hint of color behind tinted pane of glass. Her lips quirked in a gentle smile, and she stretched her arms to the sky, relishing the meager warmth given by the feeble rays. Her wings twitched, stroking the threads of silver with a soft weaving like distant violins. They became still as well, and the youngling glanced to the driver with an even warmer smile.

"Dravniir?"

"Aye, milady?"

"Shall we stop for lunch soon?"

"Soon," the aged man agreed with a smile and nod to her over his shoulder. "The lake isn't too far yet."

With care, the child picked her way past the goods she'd been resting by, settling by the merchant with the eagerness of youth. She checked her feathered appendages carefully, then settled back in curiosity and strained patience (as children are wont to do).

In moments, glistening water shone through the trees, marking the shoreline in diamond bright waves. As they stopped and began unloading for their rest, she looked off, noting that the gentle waves made no sound like the rest of this silent glade. Apparently she had been staring, for the older gentleman chuckled and shook his head. "Go ahead; I'll set this up, Eris."

She turned, smiling vibrantly, then fled to the shore, absolutely enthused about seeing something resembling clean, natural water. A low dock stretched out towards the lake's center, and the child dashed over planks with unbridled glee. How she wished she could open her wings and soar over the water, free and true. Her heart sang and she stopped at the edge, staring into the abyss below.

Ah... the true beauty of nature.

[r y n t h a e]

Ahkra sat upon the end of a decaying dock, his jeans rolled up to his knees as his feet dangled in the chilly water thoughtfully, the wind kicking past locks of striking auburn hair. Emerald eyes closed, he smiled into the breeze, wings as black and colorful as an oil spill stretched out to feel it as well, each feather ruffling lightly in the wind. Sunlight hit his tanned skin and graceful features pleasantly, and a leather messenger bag lie beside him, slightly open to show a multitude of fruit and small treasures that he'd collected that day.

Unaware that he wasn't alone at the moment, he was singing softly in another language -- possibly Italian -- his voice hauntingly beautiful.

The lake suited him.... after a long day, or just when he needed to collect his thoughts, the serenity of this place and its nearly timeless nature enticed him. The depthless waters invited him, even as cold as they were, and the soft music of trees in the wind surrounded this isolated place. It was possible that carriers of The Disease might be here.... but for Ahkra, it was hard to think of this place as anything but safe, and still. It was hard to think it might ever change.

With a small smile, he ended his song, running a hand through his hair as he sighed contentedly, eyes going skyward. He wondered briefly what his beloved was doing, and couldn't help a small grin at the thought. Probably in the old library, reading again....

[Eris Allisti]

As the child stared into the murky depths, a soft sound reached her ears, too distant to make out clearly. Craning her head upwards, she located the source a few moments later - a person sitting on the end of the long dock, legs dangling in the water with little care for the chill, black wings arched high on his shoulders. She hesitated; not frightened, simply shy. Curiosity won out after a brief struggle, though, and the Hindu child picked her way carefully over the dilapidated peninsula with care, not wishing to startle the newcomer with her haste. As she neared the center, the song trickled to a slow halt, as if he'd forgotten the rest of the words, and she saw him clearly. Red hair shone in lackluster sunlight, only slightly more vibrant than his pale skin. He was beautiful, there was no doubt of that, but he seemed... lost. Melancholy, even, despite the smile.

Stepping down on another plank yielded a loud groan, one that startled the girl into gasping and stumbling back. The bracelets at her wrist and ankles jingled tonelessly with the tinkling of her threads, making even more noise. She only hoped he wasn't angry with her - not when she was so new here.

"He-hello..."

[r y n t h a e]

Ahkra turned faintly at the sound of one of the decayed planks of the dock groaning beside him. A young girl with shocking white hair and white wings stood beside him, looking flustered. He gave a charming smile, not bothered at all by her presence, or by the fact that she had heard him singing. "Why, hello there yourself," he told her. "I'm Ahkra." He offered a hand to her, stretching his wings out once to their full and impressive size, the black feathers accented by rainbows of color as the sunlight shone upon them. Feathers ruffling, he folded his wings against his back. The sunlight caught his striking emerald eyes as he looked up at her.

He hadn't seen her before, and yet he was sure he had at least seen all of the avians in the area, if they weren't living with him in the old Cathedral already. Given the lilt of her speech, and her exotic appearance, he was sure that he would have remembered seeing her around if she lived around these parts... even given how broken his memory was. So, perhaps she wasn't from around these parts?

"New in town?" Ahkra asked lightly, curious. He glanced over to the weathered merchant's cart nearby, suspecting it as her means of coming here. "I'm sure I haven't seen you around these parts...."

[Eris Allisti]

Flushing slightly with embarrassment, the girl demurely tucked her chin down, lowering her eyes in shyness. While she was clearly unsure, it was to her credit that she refused to fidget or lapse utterly into silence. With one glance from under long white lashes, she stared into his eyes, then at his wings.

He is like me; he, too, has wings as if he has begun a new incarnation.

Hesitantly, she reached out and touched his hand, fingers curled barely over the edge of his forefinger as if they were the hesitant claws of a skittish sparrow alighting on an unfamiliar branch. Her fingers were cool to the touch, but not unpleasantly so, and she smiled bashfully at the contact.

"I am Eris," she murmured gently, tilting downwards in a slight curtsy. Her eyes drifted once more to the enormous wings of this new friend, entranced by their color and size. She longed to touch them, but thought it rude so gave it no voice to the urge. Instead, she smiled, ducking her head a little to hide from the kind man's gaze. At his question of arrival, she looked fully back to the merchant's cart, smiling at the sight of the older man.

"I am new here. I seek others like myself. Like you, Raven-Lord Ahkra." It had been some time since she had nicknamed anyone, let alone a stranger, but their apparent kinship made her feel slightly less shy. She looked back to him, her eyes hinting at cinnamon and emerald shadows. "Break bread with us?"

[r y n t h a e]

Ahkra's eyebrows went up slightly in astonishment at the title she had given him; nevertheless, he did not dispute it, and she had certainly been right in seeing him as a raven Avian. Giving her a slight, reassuring smile, he told her, "it's a pleasure to meet you, dear." His expression softened lightly, hearing her. "There are a few here, like us. Most of them live where I live -- in the old Cathedral. We call our flock the Children of the Lokoi.... lost children in the world, trying to find our way. Arc, another raven Avian, and myself lead the flock."

Watching her eyes, curious at the way they changed colors, Ahkra replied to her last question: "Of course; I'd be honored to join you both." He gave a wry smile, and opened up the flap of his pack, pulling out three peaches to contribute to the meal, and stood up slowly, stretching languidly as he allowed her to lead the way. Unlike some Avians, he kept his wings out, if still folded, rather than hiding them. To him, they were a natural part of him....

He watched her, remembering when he had first met Arc, another Avian... and what it had felt like before that, being so alone in the world. He only hoped that he could help Eris to find a home in this broken land, as well. She was so sweet, too... he could only hope that she would keep his flock in mind.

[Eris Allisti]

A bright smile formed across the young girl's face, giving rise to a subtle dimple in one cheek and a tenseness of form that could only be from restrained excitement. Releasing his hand, Eris stepped away and began running down the dock, her movements almost like the fluttering of wings.

True happiness. This she had not felt so strongly since she was a child.

A family, a home! This is what I have been looking for! Moving quickly, the child reached the cart ahead of her newfound friend. The old man beside it looked up just in time to cash her as she flung herself into his embrace. "Eris my dear!" he exclaimed, clearly surprised. "What is it? Are you all right?"

"Yes Dravniir, I am well." Looking over her shoulder, she beamed brightly at the approaching figure. "I found a friend on the lake! May he share bread with us?" She held up the peaches so kindly given, and waited patiently. The older man smiled, taking the fruit from her hands with care. "Of course, my lady." Looking up to Ahkra, he gave a nod of appreciation, then looked down with a grandfather's sternness. "Ah, but where have your manners flown away to? Should you not introduce me to your friend, Eris?"

"Oh!" Blushing faintly, the young girl curtsied to the merchant. "I am sorry. Drachniir, this is Raven-Lord Ahkra, Father of the Children of the Lokoi." Glancing at the other avian to be sure her words were correct, she added, "Ahkra, this is Drachniir, the kind merchant who is helping me find a new home."

The man, looking closer to sixty despite being only forty-three, looked to the new arrival with a smile, then bowed. "Ahkra, you say? I have heard stories from my little sister about the Avians nearby. Are you the leader of this flock?"

[r y n t h a e]

Ahkra chuckled, seeing the girl's excitement, and casually walked behind her, a smile tugging at his lips. The young girl's unbridled joy was heartening, and reminded him faintly of his beloved, Arc. The pure and untempered happiness and innocence that both were capable of shone brightly, like a single shining light in a world of darkness.

Ahkra smiled encouragingly towards Eris as he stepped up to the two, nodding in acknowledgement to Drachniir. "I am," he replied solemnly to the man, "along with my mate, Arc." His expression softened slightly as he added, with a faint wry smile, "I can only hope that you heard good things. We are a ragtag group, but Arc and I do our best. Most of our supplies are bought with these --" he pulled out a small vial from his bag filled with cloudy blue liquid. "Crudely refined penicillin, home grown. An antibiotic."

Ahkra gave Eris a gentle smile at hearing that she was looking for a home. "Our doors are open to you, if you should ever wish it, dear," he told her softly. "Of course, if you'd like to see the Cathedral first, I'd be happy to give you a tour." He ran one hand through his auburn hair, an old habit.

[Eris Allisti]

Dark eyes widened in surprise, and Eris pulled her arms close to her chest, swaying in happiness. "Yes please!" she crooned joyously. "I would love to!"

Dravniir chuckled, a deep sound full of amusement. "Don't worry, my lady; you will soon enough," he stated, patting her lightly on the head. For as short a time as he'd known her, the child had grown on him quite a lot, and he was sad to see her go so soon. But, her happiness (and her mother's wishes) were far more important. Straightening, the man motioned to a blanket on the ground, not far from where his horse grazed on weeds and vines. "Come, let us eat. We can discuss parting with full stomachs."

Obediently, the child sobered and curtsied, walking with a gentle regality uncommon to children her age towards the blanket. Tucking her feet under her, the girl sat with the same grace, stroking her wings to relax them as they attempted to test their fragile bindings. She unpacked, and Dravniir led Ahkra over as well, walking at his side.

"She is a Newborn, from what she has said," he stated softly. "The first of her family to become Avian. Her mother bound her wings in those silver threads you see as a gift, and from what I have seen and heard, she never takes them off." Giving the other avian a studious look, he added softly, "I have heard good things of your flock, yet I am careful when it comes to her. If you assure me that you will treat her well, I will hand her over to your care."

Arriving at the blanket, the older man seated himself, leaning against a nearby tree to rest his back. Setting the peaches in the center of the cloth, he bowed his head and murmured a short prayer, Eris bowing her head in silence as he did so. "Bless this bounty and thank the spirits whom have given them unto us. Amen." Taking a loaf of traveler's bread in his hand, the trader broke pieces of it off, handing them around the group before placing the rest back in the center. Fresh butter and honey were passed as well, and cold sausage and the peaches were distributed equally.

With the practiced ease of a life-long wanderer, Dravniir began telling stories of his youth and things he had seen along the road. The young avian listened attentively, eating her meal in silence as she reverently watched the storyteller. She passed fresh water over to Ahkra, blushing shyly as he took it from her, then laughed as a joke passed through. It was a friendly way to spend the resting period, and after a while the tale came to her.

"I've heard this little miss came a long way," the tradesman said calmly, taking a moment to chew thoughtfully on his honeyed bread. "All the way from East India, when such a place had existed before the War. She's come a long way to find a family, you know." With a soft pause, he added, "I'll miss you, my dear. You are a light on the empty roads." Blushing, the girl hid shyly by ducking her head, the red casting a rosy touch to creamy skin. Looking to Ahkra, he stated, "If I can be of any service, I have a few items of trade to give as well. Also, we are on our way into town, if that helps any. A ride is better than walking, even with a light pack."

[r y n t h a e]

Ahkra smiled brightly at the sight of Eris' happiness, following the two and taking a seat on the blanket. As food was passed around, he gave his thanks, and bit into the honeyed bread, savoring the sweet flavor. He glanced over at the silver threads binding her wings, frowning slightly in concern. He dared not voice it, but he worried that confining them like that might stunt their growth or prevent the muscles from developing properly for flight....

Hearing Dravniir, Ahkra's eyes darkened faintly with sorrow, broken and fragmented memories of his past floating to the surface. "I was a Newborn, as well," he said softly. "Once." It hadn't been pleasant. All he could remember was pain, needles and harsh chemicals.... Even then, he was thankful for his amnesia sometimes. It would only be worse, if he could remember it all. Trying to block out the memories, he pulled a small pocketknife from his pocket, cutting his peach into slices. Putting the knife away afterwards, he bit into one of the slices, a bit surprised to hear how far Eris had come. Her apparent nationality was something far from local, of course, but he hadn't suspected that she might have come all the way around the world, in search of a place to stay. Voice soft, Ahkra told both of them, "The Children of the Lokoi... lost children of this dark world, was begun for people like you, Eris. Arc and I both were wanderers, bereft of family and home. We began this flock to give ourselves a home and family, but also to offer it to others. This is a cruel world, and no one should have to wander it alone." He glanced over to Dravniir lightly. "I will treat her as family. She will have a safe home, good food, and companionship. Anything she needs, we will find a way to give it to her."

He offered a light smile, and added, "A ride does sound nice...."

[Eris Allisti]

With a nod of understanding, the older man stood, packing away the remains of lunch and tucking it into a basket. Eris stood as well, picking up the blanket and flinging it over the goods in the back of the cart - mostly wicker furniture and wooden toys, but things that gave comfort to others. Picking her way back up the edge into the back of the cart, she took the basket as it was handed to her, tucking it away as the cart was hitched and the to men climbed aboard in the front seat.

"I thank you, son," Dravniir stated calmly, coaxing the steed into movement along the path. "Is there anything else I can do for you once we reach your cathedral?"

Meanwhile, Eris watched the branches overhead, humming happily as she did so. As they passed the lake, there seemed to be more birds in the trees, and sound slowly spread out around them. If she listened, she could hear a variety of calls somewhere off in the distance, shrouded by the trees and range. More importantly, she felt warmth in her chest, a tightening of nervousness coupled with a thrumming hope. Home... Mother, I've found a new home.

[r y n t h a e]

Ahkra smiled charmingly at the older man, and replied: "It's my pleasure, Dravniir. And don't worry about it -- we'll be able to take care of her. I'm just grateful for the ride." He watched the lake recede into the distance behind them, trees closed in on the narrow dirt path, stretching skyward and rustling as the wind danced though them. Eris looked happy, which he was glad to see. He hoped that she would settle in well, and that he could help her with the transition. Such a sweet girl deserved a good home, and a family....

After not too long, the spires of the gothic Cathedral appeared over the treetops, in the near distance. The old bell tower, now an empty rooftop entrance to anyone wanting to fly in from the sky, stretched heavenwards. Soon, the trees parted to reveal a garden that looked more wild than tamed, but sported herbs, vegetable plants, fruit plants, and many different types of flowers. Ivy and climbing roses competed a race to cover the old stone building. It was picturesque, really... like a fairytale castle that had long been lost in nature, and still held treasures and magic for the brave explorer....

"Home sweet home," Ahkra said softly, the words sincere as a smile touched upon his lips.

((OOC: Eris, go ahead and post your reply in the Cathedral -- not in any of the subareas, though.))