|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 6:50 am
"With no other siblings, I didn't really have much of a choice!" Zuuta chuckled a bit, a tiny smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "I jest though, for I really do like working with such strong beasts. But I'm not really into the Gryphons like my pops, nor am I gentle enough to earn favoring from the Pegasi -- they all like mum. I prefer to keep my feet on the ground, so I work mostly with the dogs and horses." She leaned down to give Haber an affectionate pat on the side. It didn't wake the slumbering hound, though. "And just recently, we've been expanding our repetoire to include Land Stryders, but that hasn't exactly been going according to plan."
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2010 10:12 am
Aubree nodded as Zuuta spoke. "Land Stryders would be interesting, although I have no experience with them whatsoever. Birds have always been my thing, although some of the dogs in the Aviary have been good friends as well." she added. "I've never ridden a Pegasus either, though it'd be rather interesting I suppose after having ridden both a Gryphon and a horse..." she trailed off.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2010 10:26 am
Dame Elenda of Mandor....of the raising of mounts.Dame Elenda listened as Aubree and Dame Zuuta chatted about gryphons and ranching. "And just recently, we've been expanding our repetoire to include Land Stryders," Zuuta was saying, "but that hasn't exactly been going according to plan."Elenda chuckled at that. "Land stryders are too temperamental for my taste, not quite worth their advantages over uneven terrain. You'll hear a different story from a stryde-master, though. Stryders forge a unique bond, in their own way, with their riders. I can imagine how difficult it must be to raise them, lacking that." Thinking of the wide and direct route land stryders took out from the royal stables, and of the way the stryders careened out at breakneck speed, Elenda smiled and shook her head. "They're almost clumsy the way they move, and yet with their rolling gait they pull off a continual graceful beauty. Their charm lies in the challenge." "Land Stryders would be interesting," said Aubree, nodding, "although I have no experience with them whatsoever. Birds have always been my thing, although some of the dogs in the Aviary have been good friends as well." As an afterthought, she added, "I've never ridden a Pegasus either, though it'd be rather interesting I suppose after having ridden both a Gryphon and a horse..."When Dame Zuuta trailed off, Elenda also nodded. "I've only ridden a pegasus twice in my life, both times when I was a young girl. You have to be slight of build for a pegasus to support your weight, and I'm not so light anymore. Pegasi are by far the swiftest, though. The script-riders carry messages almost faster than one might believe them able. I've always admired the constitution and bravery of those girls." ....of the wild grace of stryders and pegasi.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 7:29 am
Aubree nodded as Dame Elenda spoke, remembering the pegasus riders that flew messages here or there. They were fantastically fast and efficient, and recently the Aviary had to be on the look out during training sessions so as not to run into an air traffic control issue as pegasi use had become increasingly popular within the city. Aubree agreed that their speed was incredible but held her tongue to keep from contradicting the Dame's words. She knew from Brian and experience that while pegasi may be more efficient overall, there was nothing as could match the speed of gryphon in a full out dive. She squashed the small measure of pride in her flock that urged her to speak out, knowing it wouldn't change the conversation drastically.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 12:01 am
Dame Elenda of Mandor....at the eating hall of the Errand-Riders' Inn.All around, conversation wafted up to the tall wooden roof of the fine, earthy hall. The grand meal gradually ran its courses, and morning passed closer to the fringes of day. At length the dull note of the bell chimed the mid-morning hour. It was the signal both to the Errand riders and to the folk of the town that the time drew near to begin the journey. Elenda made her courtesies extensively to each of her fellows at table, then left for the stables. Many others--mostly knights--also took this early leave. Those who stayed still had plenty of time left; leaving early was more out of habit or for appearance than anything else. For Elenda's part, it was her responsibility to be the first at every destination, to be the example and lead the way. It was no less virtuous to stay, not for everyone else, but Dame Elenda had the standard to uphold. In the stables, the smells of fresh straw and leather oil greeted her senses, along with the sight of her two mounts waiting for her several yards away. Her white-lacquered armor mutely clanking with movement, she strode up and brought them out of their stalls. The mare and gryphon already well prepared, Elenda hauled her armored self into Hona's saddle. "Ready?" Elenda asked her. The horse stuck out her chin and made a short, soft squeal. Elenda smiled, then looked over her shoulder at the gryphon's golden head. "How about you, Aron?" He stared her down, his eye glittering. His black tail swished from side to side. "As if I had to ask." The stable's large double doors were already open. Out of these Elenda rode, into the bright light of the first day of Mandor's summer season. The air was still fresh, but was warming fast. Elenda's own armor was almost blinding, or would have been--the experienced dame knight was well used to its reflective glow. The beginnings of a crowd was already forming. A few riders had followed Dame Elenda out of the stable. Elenda breathed deep. "It is time." ....the beginning of a shining departure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 12:15 am
 The Ascent to Fort Altross
The company of warriors has traveled down the mountain, arriving at Mandor Castle Town to the adoration and pride of the folk there, the people waiting to receive them and facilitate a smooth and glorious beginning to the riders' glorious Errand.
Now the Errand riders' journey is beginning, 'mid shouts of encouragement and the goodwill of Mandor at their backs and in their hearts. The riders must travel east, winding their way through mountain passes and over tall ranges, toward the borders of their great kingdom, where the Dragons are waiting. Their first challenge, the path to Skyward Mount, and the ascent to Fort Altross
The course is set...
The day has dawned.
High in a Castle tower, an orb of light is glowing.
Life returns with the seasons. Patience is always rewarded.
So says Ordona the Scryer, Speaker for the Gods.
(( We're back! Happy New Year!! ))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 3:48 pm
Morning found Aubree in the stables as well. She checked over Lena's health and found some raw meat for her breakfast before harnessing her for flight. One final check of her plumage and she was ready to go. Aubree and Lena had a special kind of nonverbal communication with each other developed through years of mutual trust, Aubree having raised the beast from the egg. This relationship made it very easy for an efficient readying for departure.
With a smile, Aubree led the gryphon out of the stables to the back end of the building where there was placed a somewhat large staircase beside a smaller set of handholds leading to the roof. Lena began her somewhat awkward climb to the roof, with her wings slightly spread for balance while Aubree deftly climbed up using the handholds. This type of feature was especially helpful for gryphon riders as their mounts generally had an easier time taking off from a swoop, and most stables were happy to equip it because it is generally more space efficient then the long runway necessary for successful take off. While Lena could take off from a running start, it was much more difficult for her and the falcon in her much preferred to hurl herself from a height.
At the top of the roof, Aubree waited patiently for the large creature to make her way to the top. Once there, she climbed aboard and steering with her legs led Lena to the edge. A simple hop later and that sudden plummeting feeling in her stomach was quickly shifted to the soaring sensation in her heart as the gryphon gained altitude.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 7:26 pm
Zuuta Leone, the Beast Tamer Knight Zuuta stood as well when Elenda departed, but then sat back down again. After downing the rest of her drink, she leaned over to wake Haber and offer him her tablescraps, which he happily accepted. Even as the others around her, including comely Jormun and irritating Shane, she did not stir from her spot. Not until the large hound became bored with licking the plate clean did she rise to her feet and leave the hall. But barely a moment after she had exited the building did the townsfolk descend upon her to wish her luck, safe travels, and exclaim about her dog's unusual size. At least she wasn't the only one suffering this fate; Baroness Lyena, Sir Ander, and that kid Halo could be seen a little ways off with crowds of their own. With some help from Haber, Zuuta managed to break away from all goodwill givers and dash off to the stables. It didn't take long to locate her stallion Kohlsin amongst the many rows of stalls, not only was he one of the very few grulla duns, but his one blue eye was a dead giveway. In probably a faster time than one would've expected, the horse was groomed, tacked, and ready for the road. "Alright boys," she said aloud to both Haber and Kohlsin, "Things will be really moving today. We're finally leaving for the Errand and we'll likely be on the road for most of the day. Think you guys can handle it?"Even before Zuuta had began to speak, the wolfhound had been prancing about eagerly with that dopey dog smile; Kohlsin only gave her the horse equivalent of a yawn. Their antics managed to drag a true smile out of the gruff n' rough Tamer, which was an uncommon sight these days. Taking reins in one hand, and grabbing the dog's collar with the other, she led her two best friends back out into the sunbathed cobblestone street swarming with excited townsfolk.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 7:40 am
 
Shane had eaten to his heart's content, laughing and making merry with the other Errand Riders. He exited the dining hall to the shuffling of feet and clanking of gear. He assumed that it must be time for departure, and Shane was relieved that he had pre-packed three days before. He didn't have much to take, just some herbs, various foodstuffs, and other assorted odds and ends. He always kept his essentials in the belt pouch attached to his hip, and his broadsword was always close at hand, whether attached to his back or free of binding. He shook out the sleep in an unnatural, almost dog-like fashion. He stretched out his legs and strapped the sword to his back, the ideal traveling position. He made his way down with the others, sans mount, and allowed the crowd's cheering to wash over him without affecting his ego. Once it appeared that the others were ready to go, Shane put his index and ring fingers to his mouth and let out a low, melodic whistle. As soon as he finished, a scarlet and ebony gryphon flew out of the horizon and gently landed next to Shane, saddle already in place. "Alright, Kaires. Are you up to traveling once more?" he asked the beast, to which Kaires responded with a short screech. "That's my boy." Shane said with a grin as he patted Kaires' side before hoisting himself up into the saddle and settling into a comfortable riding position. He looked around at the other Errand-Riders. He was easily higher up than most of them, save for Aubree and her gryphon, which was about the same height as Kaires. "Well, Dame Elenda. What is our next move?" he asked with a grin, eager to be off for adventure once more.
|| OOC ||
Sorry I haven't been on in an eternity. Life keeps getting in my way... >_>
EDIT: Post changed to reflect the fact that this ISN'T a new day (thanks Kalo)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 10:36 pm
Dame Elenda of Mandor....the Castle fades.Elenda had ridden out past the enormous twisted pillar of black rock, to the eastern end of the courtyard. Thither the riders and crowd resorted. The sun was not yet halfway to its zenith, but midday would come in a few hours. Today would be the longest day of the year. There was no better day to begin an Errand as grand as this, for it allowed ample time for preparations and a proper sendoff. The sheer height of Mandor's mountains made timing the sunlight a crucial concern for travel. It would be well into the afternoon before the shadows were smallest, and by then they would have reached the mountain passes where fewer shadows meant fewer surprises. What's more, the length of the day would allow them to reach the first checkpoint almost before dark, which was a boon indeed. If all went well, it would be a good omen. It was the kind of day that inspired songs and legends. And no doubt, Elenda mused, we will need all the good omens we can muster. Thoughts along this vein caused Elenda's surroundings to impress themselves upon her. The dame knight was aware of every breath, every clink of mail, every clop of a shod hoof on the cobbles, and over it all the growing clamor as the crowd increased. The crowds had not yet congealed into a whole, but were gathered in pockets around different riders, or around the inn, or watching by themselves in places scattered about the courtyard on this side of the black pillar. Elenda kept turning her horse this way and that, surveying in turns the crowd, the court, the inn, the path ahead. The golden Chain of Command around her shoulders added its glittering spark to the poetry of the day. Looking toward the path, Elenda could see that her gryphon Aron had flown up to a rooftop to avoid the press and to make room around Elenda for other knights and Errand-riders. Back toward the inn, Sir Ander, Baron Cain and Baroness Lyena, and a few others had already made their way out into the court. Elenda could see ZarÃa and Seodred's red and black stryders kept in tight control. Crowds and stryders sometimes did not mix, but Elenda was confident of their masters' abilities. Lord Anglad of Mandor was one of the knights who had ridden out with Elenda. The elf sidled his horse up near Elenda's, his easy smile reflecting the mood of the crowd. "If this is not a day to remember," he said when Elenda regarded him, "I'll count few others in my life worthy of the privilege." "Then indeed may it be so," Elenda agreed with humor, not yet having to shout above the crowd. "I wonder if they have any idea the strength they give us for when the tides turn. When hope fades, we have only to think back and feel hope renewed." "They know it," said Anglad, growing somber. "Not in a way that would spoil their blissful sincerity, but enough to appreciate the importance of it all. They might not know we need them as much as they need us, but they know they want to help us succeed." Elenda smiled and nodded. Anglad's easy expression returned. A loud, melodic whistle was heard above the babbling crowd. Elenda looked over to see Shane Wolfken standing in a cleared space--people knew to give room, having quickly deduced his purpose. Elenda came to the same conclusion and looked in the direction Shane was facing. A reddish gryphon swooped in from somewhere beyond sight, landing next to its master. The grypon's coloring was rare, even more-so than hers. Elenda realized it had to be the gryphon in Shane's story. "The fellow has spirit," Anglad remarked. "That he does," said Elenda. Shane mounted up. Astride the gryphon, he rode slightly higher than many of the Errand-riders. The more common folk had horses bred for tireless crossings over uneven terrain. Most knights, on the other hand, rode tall and stocky war horses, well trained and better suited for roads than for wild country. Heavy, imperious, draped in protective cloth caparisons that displayed the knight's colors, these horses were an impressive sight. While the most common horses were about 15 hands high--Shane's gryphon being perhaps 17, though with gryphons it was harder to tell because of the wings--most war horses were at least 18 hands. Elenda's mare, Hona, stood at almost 19. Shane weaved his way through the crowd toward them, an open grin on his rugged face. "Well, Dame Elenda. What is our next move?""Our first major destination is Fort Altross, on the southern tip of the Glyuah Mountains." The fort was some distance south of the Glyuahn Pass northeast from the castle. Not everyone was certain to know of it, though Shane probably did. "We won't reach it for several days, though. Today we take the northeast road through the Vaults. With a group this size, it should be safe enough that, even at our slowest, we should be through them long before nightfall." Over the next few minutes, several other Errand-riders came up to ask similar questions. Partly to reward early comers and partly to use up waiting time, Elenda answered everyone in detail. Not everyone asked; some were content to follow wherever they were led, and some were caught up in the crowd. When Elenda judged the sky to be two hours from midday, she gave the signal to depart. There should not have been any stragglers; if there were, they would have to catch up or be left behind to their dishonor. Now the crowd did cheer, following the riders as they paraded east out from the Castle Town. Many and thunderous were the shouts of "The Errand of Dragons Rising." Dame Elenda rode at the head of the procession as the two- and three-storied buildings slowly fell away. The ground sloped downward, rejoining the road that spiraled down from the Castle on top of the mountain. Smaller houses stood between the road and prosperous fields. Stone watchtowers stood up at intervals along the road or scattered far afield. The near horizon was dominated by line upon line of mountains whose shadows still covered half the expanse of land between. Solitary peaks rose from the earth like termite mounds large enough to be covered with trees. Some were small enough to have trails spiraling up to a watchtower crowning them, but most dwarfed such meager hills. The mountains of Mandor made it a land of mist and shade, except during the long summer days--days like this. The farewell cheers of the crowd faded as, looking behind, one could see the huge mountain slowly recede. Yet still they were not so far away that the Castle at the top could be seen. The mountain dominated the sky at their backs, brilliant in the direct light of day. Few heads were focused on the path ahead, when behind lay such beauty. Elenda, too, was caught by the sight. Suddenly the tallest spire of the palace became visible, shining like a star, so high that it seemed to lean out over them. Acting on a sudden urge, Elenda called to the rest, "Turn and look, friends! Remember this sight when the shadow falls!" The road was broad, and the mounts knew it well; Elenda watched for several long moments as the castle towers came into view, and she was suddenly, acutely aware of the possibility that some of them might never see this sight again. The looming mountain receded and receded, fading into the mist of distance until, abruptly, the side of another mountain obscured the gleaming castle, and they were gone. ....the Errand begins.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 10:39 am
Astride Lena, Aubree enjoyed her bird's eye view of the proceedings. She never had liked crowds overly much and smiled to herself knowing she would be isolated from most of the press for the majority of the journey. From her perspective the mass of people and animals far below, seeming just larger than ants, cycled through patterns of association mostly around a figure who Aubree assumed must be Dame Elenda. She allowed Lena to circle at will as the two of them reveled in the sensation. From their position, Aubree could see a large gryphon resting on a rooftop, a few other were beginning to make their way out of the stables as well and Aubree tried to see if she recognized any of them.
A while later, the fading notes of a whistle reached her ears. She watched as an enormous black and red gryphon appeared by the side of a person she recognized as the blacksmith. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise as she remembered the smith's tale from the previous evening. She had thought it only a tale of fiction, though well told to be sure, but in light of recent evidence she'd have to adjust her position. Gryphons of that coloring were incredibly rare and if he'd been trained by someone at the Aviary, she would have remembered it. She let Lena fall into a shallow dive for a closer look. Sure enough the gryphon was one unfamiliar to her, though magnificent. She patted Lena on the neck as they climbed in the sky once more. Aubree herself preferred the more mundane gryphon colorings which were well adapted to camouflaging and therefore more useful for scouting and stealth, though one look at the larger gryphon could make anyone understand the appeal of the more dramatic patterns which certainly gave the creatures a more regal and intimidating air.
Before long, with cheers from onlookers, the riders set off and a few more gryphon riders joined Aubree in the sky. Aubree settled more comfortably into her saddle, dropped the reins and pulled her heavy dreads back into a somewhat short pony tail. Afterward, she left the reins slack on Lena's neck, guiding the direction with just her legs and letting the gryphon find the air currents and drafts that would best support their voyage.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 4:30 pm
Shane chuckled. "Excellent." he said. "Need a scout?" he asked as Kaires shifted a little, to which Shane patted his side. "Easy, there." he said softly to the beast, who was itching to get flying as soon as possible. Shane looked to the sky and pinpointed another Gryphon rider he could scout ahead with, if they were up to it. "Just give the command, Dame Elenda." he said, crossing his arm across his chest in a short salute.
|| OOC ||
The other Gryphon rider is Aubree.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 11:03 pm
Zuuta Leone, the Beast Tamer Knight While waiting for departure, Zuuta had led horse and hound to the courtyard's pillar to wait for departure. There was something she just inherently liked about that stone formation that looked more like a gnarled tree root than rock. The mountains surrounding the bustling town had been worn down over millenias to gain their shapes, but this one dark pillar actually looked as if it had miraculously grown up towards the sky. As she ran a hand across its oddly smooth surface, she thought to herself that if she were one to swear - which she was - she'd swear that it had actually gained a couple inches since the last time she had passed through Mandor Castle Town. Or maybe the ground around it had worn away? Her reverie was broken by a short howl from Haber as he gazed towards Elenda and Shane. Following his line of sight, she saw the leading Dame signal that it was time to go. At least the dog's training to recognize signals from Errand leaders seemed to have paid off. Zuuta could also see that Shane was riding and exceptionally large, audaciously colored Gryphon. Now, she wouldn't say that she didn't like the beast's unusual black and crimson coloring, but it wasn't exactly practical for hiding or hunting. But she would just have to put away her opinions for now, time wasn't going to wait for her. Hoisting herself up into the saddle, her small group left the company of the courtyard pillar to join the rest of the Errand party for departure. As the din of the crowds slowly faded away behind them, Zuuta had found a comfortable position between Seodred's Stryder and an unfamilair red one ridden by an elf woman. Once more, Kohlsin didn't seem to mind the presence of the large land lizards, but he did seem a little more on edge with having one on either side of him. "Turn and look, friends! Remember this sight when the shadow falls!" Dame Elenda called out over their group. Zuuta knew it wasn't really a command, but she obediently did as their leader said. Looking upon the high spires and towers, she had to admit that it held a certain kind of charm about it, that home away from home. Before becoming a knight, Zuuta actually hadn't liked the castle much at all. It had always seemed too uptight and unfeeling to her rebellious nature, but after living in it for about four years, she came to understand that it was just how orderly it was that had been strange to her. Nothing like ranch life, that's for sure. She had to admit, its architecture was pleasing to the eye. Up near the front of their procession, not near his master at all, was Haber; loping excitedly along on the heels of Elenda's mount. Now, it wasn't as if he had snuck away from Zuuta, quite on the contrary. His master had let him roam ahead of her, for she would prefer that the wolfhound burn off all his pent up energy now than have him wide awake later while she would be trying to sleep. After living with beasts larger than himself all his life, the dog knew how to behave himself around them. No sudden barking or quick movements, and give them the space they needed; he had learned that one the hard way after getting a hoof to the snout when he was younger.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 1:13 pm
Dame Elenda of Mandor....toward the northeast...As the large group proceeded along the road, some of the fliers expressed an interest in scouting ahead. There wasn't much need for scouting since this was all known country, settled and safe. Still, she could never be one to deny someone under her command the freedom of the sky. She let the fliers have free rein to go where they wished. Honor would bind them to the company, so none need worry that they might flee or stray. Elenda herself had a flying mount, but since there were many without, it was her place to remain on the ground to set the pace and lead the way. The Errand-riders continued in this manner until well into the afternoon, having diverted course twice--once at a crossroads, watering their horses, and then again at a fork--taking the northeast road. The sun was near its zenith when Elenda called a halt before the mouth of a long, narrow, winding valley walled on either side by high cliffs and mountains. Looking up, the steep mountains loomed above to such a height that it seemed they ought to fall on top of you at any moment. Along the stretch of this valley, the mountains and cliff-faces were riddled with caves, of all shapes and sizes. Gold had been found in some, long ago, but now the only riches to be found are under guard. This was bandit territory, and many had hideouts both open and secret. Theirs was a hard life, surviving out here where no one dared but to pass through. It was the bandit hoards and number of caves that gave the place its name. The Errand-riders stood at the gate of the Vaults. Having such a hive of bandits so close to the Castle was a blight on the kingdom of Mandor and had been for centuries. They had survived this long because they knew exactly how far they could push the limits. They robbed but otherwise did no harm, and were more likely to rob food and gear than gold. They were known to be viciously hostile to non-civilians, however. The danger the Errand-riders faced in passing through on this route was a riotous uprising that could lead to a combined assault. But this route was the quickest way to the western lands; if it hadn't been, the bandits would probably have been in whatever place was. Elenda didn't believe the bandits stood a chance against them, but she didn't want to take the risk of fighting them all en masse. If Errand-riders were lost, it was that much less chance of success on the Errand. In the end, it would be even worse if time were lost on a different route. This route, despite its hostility, was the only best option. When everyone was stopped and the fliers, beholding, had landed, Elenda turned round her horse and spoke to everyone. "You all know or have heard of the dangers of this place. For the sake of our errand, we must take this path, and we must traverse it swiftly. If we are fortunate, we will pass through without incident. The midday sun is on our side, and we have unprecedented numbers. Fliers, remain aground or higher than bowshot. If you are felled from the sky, we upon the road can do nothing to save you. Come, then, at a trot, and have weapons at the ready." Round she turned, and in she rode, Dame Elenda the Strong with her halberd in hand. The sun had just crested the highest mountains on one side, illuminating bare stone and bravely clinging trees. The road and immediate surroundings were full of life and growth, grass and shrubs. Trees were further to the sides, where individual mountains met and joined along the way or where a side trail between led to hidden mazes of closed spaces and dank, mysterious plants, beasts, and bandits. The open road of hard, packed earth before them reflected the sun and shone like a river of light through a narrow, lofty world of green and gray, where shadows lurked out of sight. ....on the passage through the Vaults.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2011 5:16 pm
When the signal came, Aubree was glad to land for a bit if only to stretch her legs and warm up a bit. Lena landed gracefully within hearing of Dame Elenda, and Aubree slid from her back, flexing her back and rocking back and forth on her toes and heels to stretch. Flying was an emotionally freeing experience but as with any activity, prolonged lack of motion would lead to some kinks. Lena began preening her wing feathers until Aubree tossed her some dried meat to chow down on.
Aubree took the opportunity to retrieve an extra cloak from her pack and put it on, grateful for its warmth after having been at higher altitudes. She surveyed the Valley ahead and cracked her neck as she thought about the best way of traversing it. It would be a fine line between staying in earshot but out of bow-reach. While she would risk no harm to Lena, it would definitely be better to stay low enough to lend a hand in the event of an encounter. Aubree tested the action once (with no bolt) on her crossbow, to be sure it was in proper working order and satisfied with the result, she very carefully loaded it, being sure to engage the safety. Luckily it was powerful enough that she should be able to fly at just the right height to avoid being hit but still be able to provide air support.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
