|  Author | Topic: Afternoon Flight's End (Open) (Read 278 times) |
)=Sikimo=(
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Karma: 2 |  | Afternoon Flight's End (Open)
« Thread Started on Dec 28, 2005, 6:14pm » | ![[Quote]](http://s1.images.proboards.com/buttons/quote.gif) |
The overhead sky was the clearest blue. It hardly had to work to be see through the tiny wisps of clouds. The sun shone brightly and warmed the cold ground. The sun's rays kissed the reaching trees and shone on the slightly old fashioned Aviary. It was that kind of unusual winter day, where creatures could argue whether it was winter or spring.
No creature could enjoy such a day like Arianna.
A dark blur slashed the stillness of the sky, sending the wisps scattering in all directions. A grating screech cut the air, forcing clouds of black birds to flap to the sky. The blur flew closer, propelled by mighty wings. The sun glinted off the creature's beak and highlighted her glowing amber eyes. Ten black talons shone clearly, sharpened to deadly points. Another screech came forth from her throat, this one tinged with joy.
Arianna slowed her descent by back winging her dappled wings. She settled gracefully to the bough of a large tree. Ari clung tightly to the limb with her front limbs that resembled an eagle's talons. Her lion-like hind legs looked odd on the narrow branch although the griffon's eagle face showed no discomfort. Her mighty wings folded efficiently to her back. Any creature watching would have been amazed that such raucous shriek could have come from such an elegant griffon.
Anyone could tell that Arianna was a proud creature by the way she held herself. Her head was held high, cushioned by a thick, feathery light brown ruff. Her eyes shone with pride and friendliness, banishing any thoughts of fear. And anyone could see Arianna had a lot to be proud of. She was stunning with beautiful plumage. Ari kept herself well groomed and clean and there was hardly a feather out of place. Her headdress of feathers proved to be a distinguishing feature. Instead of looking like she had just woken up, the carefully kept row of black feathers framed her head perfectly, giving her a regal look. Her fur was sleek and shiny, mirroring Ashara's beautiful coat perfectly. Her talons were shiny and sharp and both her hind quarters and fore quarters were muscular, yet elegant. Perhaps most magnificent were her wings. All the colors melted together perfectly. Ari's wings were large, strong and transited easily into her back feathers.
Arianna shifted her weight so she could sit comfortably on the branch. Her triangular, deep amber eyes flitted from one area of interest to another. She had just finished an easy afternoon flight, though most would not believe it had been easy. She had flown circuits around the kingdom at an envious speed, although for a griffon, it was not that fast. She gave a deep sigh. She would never know if she was among the fastest of the griffons. Ari firmly but sadly believed that she was the last of her race. But Ari could not remain sad for long on such a lovely day.
"It's a lovely day, isn't it Mr. Chipmunk?" She hooted to a passing rodent. Her voice varied immensely from her shrieks. Her voice could be described as a deep soprano, while her shrieks only as nails on a chalkboard. She smiled, using only her eyes, as it was had to smile through a beak.
"Indeed it is, Miz Ari." Agreed the chipmunk. Ari was regular at the aviary and was well known by all the residents. The chipmunk scurried away, bound to collect any freshly fallen nuts.
Arianna sighed again. Her wings fluttered softly as a cool breeze swept through the aviary. Ari looked around hungrily, not for food, but for someone to talk too. The small rodents were fine, but all they talked about were nuts and fruits. Those things were relevant to their tiny lives, but not to Ari's.
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Sikimo-Red Panda
Arianna(Ari)-Griffin
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Ashara
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I am Ara, Hear me Roar
Joined: Dec 2005
Gender: Female 
Posts: 67
Location: In my own Kingdom
Karma: 3 | | Re: Afternoon Flight's End (Open)
« Reply #1 on Dec 30, 2005, 12:54pm » | |
With a dignified creak, the aviary doors were opened by it's guards. The great wooden entrance groaned in effort to let the person who sought entry through. Padding in, on golden feet of sun and silk, was Ashara. Her head was held high as she had been taught as a cub. The lioness wore a golden head piece, the metal elegantly curved and adorned with glinting sapphires. Dangling between Ashara's glorious amber eyes was a small rearing lion holding a sword, carved into emerald, and left as the Alhazarian crest.
Ara made very little noise as she walked. The only thing that could be heard was the gentle jingling of her bracelets. The aviary was one of her favorite places to be. The massive room had an elegantly carved ceiling, bronze and gold glinting from their places high above. Perches were visible almost everywhere along with tiny caves. These holes were made from black crystal and were given as a gift to the bats of Alhazar. Giant windows, without glass or any form of containment, were placed upon the walls. This gave the room's flying population easy access in and out. When bad weather approached, the great windows were covered with elephant ear leaves, and several layers of tarps and such.
But what Ashara loved most were the trees. Inside of the high ceiling aviary, were trees so tall and with so many branches, it was almost impossible to believe they were real. Oaks, elms, and other trees covered the surface of earth like a busy ballroom. Each seemed to bear branches that spiraled around their trunks and continued up into infinity. Brightly colored flowers curtained parts of the ground in velvet peace as ivy crawled its way up the walls. It was so beautiful...like walking in the most beautiful garden. Birds, griffins, and many other flying friends darted here and there. Every now and then a rodent or feline was found passing by, either eager to help those who needed it, or just to enjoy the aviary's many pleasures.
Ashara's mother had hung a swing from one of the trees before she had died. It hung only feet from the Queen. Ara could barely stare at it. The thought of it being her mothers made her feel so young and helpless. If only she would have known her a bit better....
The Queen sighed and continued walking down a stone path. She could almost see her father walking beside her, his rich and beautiful mane glistening in the sunlight. Alhazar had loved the aviary too. Deep down, Ashara knew that it was because her mother had founded it. The lioness had always loved to help in any way she could. Taking care of this Kingdom was her life. It was strange, how now Arya carried the almost identical personality of Ashara's mother.
A great fountain soon came into view. It was stone, composed of many animals. There had to be at least a hundred. The fountain ran almost half of the length of the room. It was rectangular, a perfect bath for those who needed to refresh. Each stone animal blended with the next. Cougars, rhinos, bulls, horses, centaurs, small animals and large. In the center, standing on a silver platform, was a large rearing lion; the same symbol that was on Ara's head piece. It was gorgeous. Birds splashed here and there, sitting and chatting upon the statue's outstretched figures. A small beaver sat in the water, using small hands to dash water on his face. The Queen smiled. Only if her mother could see...
She padded onward, passing the fountain and it's glory. She neared a large tree, in which rested a griffin. The Queen politely nodded to the creature, keeping her diplomacy even here.
"Greetings Griffin. How is the weather for flying today?" called the lioness to the magnificent beast in the tree.
(Okay, I consulted a dictionary. Scratch everything about how I said Griffon was spelled. The dictionary told me that the real spelling is "Griffin". >.< Mehe....sorry)
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)=Sikimo=(
Youngling
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I'm a spy! (But you're not supposed to know that.)
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 38
Location: Alhazer
Karma: 2 | | Re: Afternoon Flight's End (Open)
« Reply #2 on Jan 3, 2006, 5:30pm » | |
When the magnificent lioness entered the aviary it seemed as if golden pools of hope, happiness and calmness flooded the wild aviary. Every creature there immediately recognized the intruder to be the Queen and fell silent. Well, all the creatures except the elegant griffin perched in the red wood tree. Arianna was comfortably gripping the thick tree and clacking her beak quietly every so often. She was contemplating on the fact that she was the only griffin in the world, and when she was gone, her entire noble race would be no more. It was enough to make her weep, but the sudden interruption put an end to the impulse.
Arianna jumped slightly as the Queen's voice invaded her thoughts. Her wings partially spread in alarm. Her deep black primary feathers framed her fearsome head. Ari's black crest rose threateningly, causing glossy feathers to shine in the dim aviary light. Her dappled wings blended beautifully in with the gray flecked trees surrounding her red wood.
She mentally reprimanded herself for not being alert. The striking female griffin prided herself on being constantly on guard. That trait was one of the things that made her such a prominent warrior. That, and her amazing strength and speed in the air.
Arianna craned her regal head through the thick branches of the tree she perched in. The deadly hooked point of her beak almost blended in perfectly in the shadows. Her amber eyes focused on the golden creature before her, and widened as she realized who she had come face to face with.
The fur on her haunches, which was extremely similar to the Queen's hindquarters settled and she primly spread her wings to their fullest span. With a massive wing beat she lifted off the branch and lightly descended to Ashara's feet.
Arianna lowered her head deterrently, half closing her sharp eyes in respect.
"My Queen, I apologize for my moment of inattentiveness." The griffin's voice was rich and melodious, though it was tinged in sincere sorrow.
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Sikimo-Red Panda
Arianna(Ari)-Griffin
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Ashara
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I am Ara, Hear me Roar
Joined: Dec 2005
Gender: Female
Posts: 67
Location: In my own Kingdom
Karma: 3 | | Re: Afternoon Flight's End (Open)
« Reply #3 on Jan 9, 2006, 7:27pm » | |
Ashara nodded her head, excusing the griffin's apology. Maintaining a strong friendship with her people was one of the largest concerns that the Queen bared in her position. Having another Rebellion was something that haunted her.
"Apology accepted. I am deeply sorry if I startled you. I guess we all have our minds at rest every once in a while," said the monarch smoothly. Of course, her mind was rarely at rest. The only times it was even slightly relaxed was when she slept, and those dreams weren't too restful either.
Ara smoothed down the fur on her head with a paw, roughly taming the stray strands of fur that had decided to play it risky and stand atop her head. She was careful not to bump her head piece.
"How have your hours been in the aviary?" asked the Queen, her amber eyes glistening in awe as she looked out upon her scenery.
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)=Sikimo=(
Youngling
member is offline
I'm a spy! (But you're not supposed to know that.)
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 38
Location: Alhazer
Karma: 2 | | Re: Afternoon Flight's End (Open)
« Reply #4 on Jan 11, 2006, 7:04pm » | |
Arianna shrugged her elegant shoulders, disturbing a few of her dappled wing feathers. Her amber eyes were startlingly clear and deep, and they seemed to bore into the Queen's body as she roostered her head. Ari's crest rustled with contention, as she responded to Ashara's question as only a griffon could. She stopped abruptly, remembering that Ashara was no griffon and might not understand the complexity of griffon responses.
"Wonderful, your majesty. This is my second favorite place to be...besides the sky, that is." She gestured with a shoulder shrug and a fore claw to the deep, periwinkle sky that shone through the openings in the roof of the aviary. A sudden thought struck Arianna as she digested why the Queen would want to seek out the quiet aviary.
"Your highness..." She began hesitantly, her musical, melodious voice soft and unsure. "Is the time coming close for a battle against the vile Kingdom Kensar?" The elegant griffon began cursing the dark kingdom with every colorful word she could think of. Her sudden burst of "pirate talk" would startle anyone who knew Arianna, who usually spoke very properly.
Suddenly the aviary grew into an utmost silence. The rustling of branches and twitterings of birds were lost in the stillness of the tropical aviarian inn. Every animal stood, holding their breaths as they awaited the Queen's answer.
Arianna didn't seem to notice the uncomfortable silence she had provoked. She perched, regally in the tree and silently waited for Ashara to answer. Every muscle in Ari's body was tensed. She was ready to, on the Queen's word, spread her massive wings and take flight. She would fly to her death if she had to to fight Kingdom Kensar.
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Sikimo-Red Panda
Arianna(Ari)-Griffin
Snuggles-Mini Lop |
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Ashara
Administrator
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I am Ara, Hear me Roar
Joined: Dec 2005
Gender: Female
Posts: 67
Location: In my own Kingdom
Karma: 3 | | Re: Afternoon Flight's End (Open)
« Reply #5 on Feb 9, 2006, 7:34pm » | |
Ashara noticed with unease that the aviary had grown awkwardly silent. The truth was in her eyes, though she'd tell the griffin anyways. Her Kingdom needed to know, and the bats and birds would spread the word with great ease.
Ashara spoke not just to her winged friend, but to the entire aviary. Many pairs of different eyes glittered at her from the trees as her powerful voice rang out.
"Friends...a battle is drawing near. Kensar speaks poison in my ear and sends spies to taint my land. It is time that we show these traitors whose land this is. It is time that we stand together for battle. It will only be a battle, and there will be more to come. I am confident in all of you. Be on the alert. I sense the darkness turning into a shroud around our eyes. Do not let it deceit you."
The Queen let her golden gaze travel to the window, her thoughts on the skies above.
"May our ancestors protect us...pray for their strength, and the Old Warriors of Kingdom Animalia will rise to our protection. Long Live Kingdom Alhazar!" cried the Queen.
"LONG LIVE KINGDOM ANIMALIA!"
And a deafening roar filled the aviary, hundreds of birds squawking their battle shrieks. Woodland creatures chirped loudly and the griffins and bears let their own native tongues be heard. It was time that the animals of the Kingdom were prepared, for whatever darkness drew near, only courage and strength of heart could chase it away.
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)=Sikimo=(
Youngling
member is offline
I'm a spy! (But you're not supposed to know that.)
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 38
Location: Alhazer
Karma: 2 | | Re: Afternoon Flight's End (Open)
« Reply #6 on Feb 19, 2006, 2:50pm » | |
((Ashara, something's up with your site. You can't highlight anything or use the Quick Reply box.))
Arianna lifted her elegant head and crowed her excitement to the inky sky. When she adjusted her attention back to the magnificient lion, her amber eyes were glinting in the sunlight. She spread her wings and pumped them in a powerful down stroke, still screeching raucously. Ari lifted out of the aviary, arrowing past the slower flocks of disrupted birds. She whizzed through the clouds, sending pieces of them scattering. The form of a griffin stopped, framed in the sun, before Ari bulleted back down to her perch.
She shook her head to settle her feathers, giving a glad laugh. "Finally. Time to show those Kensar freaks who's boss!" Soon the giddy feeling left the griffin, and she fixed Ashara with a beady eye. "When?" She asked, and her tingling muscles proved she was ready now, if the lioness said it was so.
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Sikimo-Red Panda
Arianna(Ari)-Griffin
Snuggles-Mini Lop |
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Ashara
Administrator
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I am Ara, Hear me Roar
Joined: Dec 2005
Gender: Female
Posts: 67
Location: In my own Kingdom
Karma: 3 | | Re: Afternoon Flight's End (Open)
« Reply #7 on Feb 27, 2006, 11:32pm » | |
(??? Idk, it works on my computer... I'll check up on it! Sorry! )
Ashara was pleased to see how well her people reacted. It gave her a strong pleasure, a growling in her soul, to see the determination in their eyes. Just to witness the hope and relentless ferocity that welled in their spirits set the lioness's eyes to glowing. This was not just Kingdom Alhazar, roaring from their veins, but Kingdom Animalia. These creatures, her friends, were her people and she loved them. Only once had they betrayed her. They had seen the effects of betrayal now. The Queen was more cautious, still loving and giving, but had the eyes of her ancestors. There would be no more traitors in her land. There would be no Koru...
Ara's eyes went to the griffin, pleased to see that the winged mammal was serious about this battle. Ashara had been thinking on it. She had paced many a night, trying to decide the best time to work it out. After a short while of thinking, her majesty had decided.
"We will begin preparing for battle. In a weeks time, we march for Kensar, to the disputed lands...to the fields. Koru and I have both shed blood their. This time I doubt he will fall. Neither of us will. But they will weaken. They are not in a strong economic grasp. My spies have confirmed that they are running out of prey. A battle will weaken them further. We won't give them much time to recuperate though. After this battle, we will return home. And begin planning once more. I don't care if Kingdom Kensar is heading straight toward us, my people will not starve. Do not think that for one minute my head will be only in war to leave you here alone. My heart will always be with you all.
"In the meantime, I would like the bats to spread the work ONLY in Alhazar of the coming battle. I would like someone in this room to tell dear Arya to assemble her herbs and spices. And also," the Queen had let her voice grow strong and comforting, "I would like us to make a fresh kill pile. We need to start gathering food. Winter is drooping on us now and a battle could hurt us. I would like I well stocked Kingdom...and a happy one."
As the animals turned to do their jobs, Ara turned back to the griffin, a smile plastered on her face. She rested her muzzle on the creatures head, a comforting move and one of a higher status. A swarm of bats had taken to the air, a black mass moving out toward the night. The dusk would carry their wings in secret, though their word would be spread by morning. Alhazar was going to battle!
The glint was still in the Queen's eyes. Removing her muzzle from the griffin's head, she let her voice ring out in the sweet melody she brought. "Arianna of Kingdom Alhazar, daughter of Kingdom Animalia...I would like you to be my new general."
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)=Sikimo=(
Youngling
member is offline
I'm a spy! (But you're not supposed to know that.)
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 38
Location: Alhazer
Karma: 2 | | Re: Afternoon Flight's End (Open)
« Reply #8 on Mar 20, 2006, 3:35pm » | |
((Curses my own inactivity!))
Arianna's jaw dropped for a moment, overcome with first excitement of battle, then with awe that the queen wanted her to be the new general. It's not polite to leave your beak open! Arianna reminded herself, and the sharp amber beak closed primly. Arianna rustled her feathers and bowed her head.
"Your majesty...This is quite an honor. I accept. It will be an honor to serve you and the Alhazer people." Ari's musical voice filled the aviary as it gained strength. "This war is sure to ruin many lives and many creature's homes, but I know it's necessary. Evil and good cannot coexist with Koru heading the evil side. There is know possible way to demolish all evil, but I believe that with you leading us, milady, we can conquer all the evil that threatens the good people of Alhazer. What would you like me to do to prepare for the war? Anything specific?" Arianna ended her speech with a throaty screech and an eager glint in her amber orbs.
Arianna's wings were half spread in her eagerness to set off, though her forequarters were heavily inclined towards her queen in a deep bow. Muscles rippled under her sleek hind quarters and caused her neat feathers to quiver. Arianna the griffin was ready for war.
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Sikimo-Red Panda
Arianna(Ari)-Griffin
Snuggles-Mini Lop |
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Ashara
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I am Ara, Hear me Roar
Joined: Dec 2005
Gender: Female
Posts: 67
Location: In my own Kingdom
Karma: 3 | | Re: Afternoon Flight's End (Open)
« Reply #9 on Apr 5, 2006, 6:38pm » | |
Ashara thought for a moment before replying. She was young, indeed, but she had a mind that raced like the stable stallions. She was always off somewhere, going over things like a monkey chooses it's fruit. She was careful, cautious. She would not let things pass her by easily...not after Alhazar had passed. Not after her father died.
The bloody traitor... she thought, feeling the anger in her soul rise again. How she hated that mongrel, piece of rat scum. She wished him to the bottom of the Belhara Well. Maybe the stones at the bottom would be cold enough to house his heart of ice.
Turning away from her hatred, the lioness spoke once more. "War? Not yet, my general. This is only a battle in a puzzle of battles. One day, yes...it will be a war. One day, everything will add up and we will be facing the War of Wars. It could be soon, though. Very soon..."
Thinking of battle plans, Ashara let the basics be known. "Well of course, I do not wish to call out all eligible warriors yet. If you can organize our troops and prep them it would be much obliged. I will have messengers ready those who wish to fight at locations outside the city. Any volunteers that approach you may join. I feel that we can attack the back of Kensar. It is weak there...ruins and dead trees and such. It looks easy enough to pass through except for the occasional bramble bush. They are dead, but their thorns are still sharp. Just like Koru sits not on a throne, and yet he is still our biggest enemy. I think that you can summon our attack formations. Bring them to me when you have them finished. Though be quick."
The Queen turned her head when a small vole approached her. He was a bit nervous, knowing that he was facing up to a lion, though still calm about the fact that she was a queen. "Milady, two bats have arrived in the South Wing. They bring urgent news from the Kensar borders," the vole mumbled quickly. He then stood up at attention and dashed off into the grasses.
Ashara turned her head back towards Ari. "My General, will you accompany me to the South Wing?"
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