Spasm had done well, he had flown for a long time, calling to all the woodland creatures he saw. Many had flocked after him, called by his sweet song and the promise of a legend about their own time. Mimic scanned the rag-tag assortment of winged creatures before her, deciding it was time to share the story before she forgot it...Once long ago, when the world was still full of ancient magics, the birds were a proud and intelligent race, led by two brothers. Eagle and Falcon. Some say they were created by th Sun and Moon respectively, and that they had always been. While this may have been true, it did not mean that the brothers saw eye to eye. It was quite the opposite actually, Eagle was as bright as day, strong and proud, however this pride also made him self-important. Falcon was as dark as the night, quick and merciless, and even quicker to insult. At this very moment both parties had become tired of the other's merciless taunts and insults and decided that war was upon them.
As the sun rose the next day, it was blotted out by the wings of the terrible bird armies. from the East came the battle cries of the noble-birds, loud, clear and beautiful. From the West appeared the army of Falcon, dark and terrible. The armies met in a terrible clash of talons and wings, the clamor could be heard the world over. Blood flew as birds gouged and weaved, tearing all in their way asunder.
The great Goddesses of the Sun, Moon and Stars became aware of the battle below them and the injustice burned through them. These were their creatures, turned against each other, and it was not right. They decided to take action, for there was once bird untouched by the war. He was a simple little bird who was nameless. For you see, Nameless could make no sound, no matter how hard he tried, he was entirely mute. And at this very moment Nameless was huddled in his hollowed log, terrified of the battle going on. All the other bird thought him queer for being unable to speak, and had thus overlooked him. The Goddesses however saw him as the last hope for bird kind and sent for him straight away.
Nameless approached the Goddesses of the sky, shivering in fear and awe. their beauty was terrible and grand, completely indescribable. Not that he could describe them, being without a voice as he was. The Goddesses described their displeasure to Nameless and explained how he was to be the one to end the war. Moon spoke:
'My dear bird, as you are you cannot help anyone, and thus my sisters and I have decided to gift you with something you so desperately lack, a voice."
The surrounded Goddesses nodded in agreement.
"And with your voice, comes a name. You are now to be known as Mockingbird, may all who hear it know that you are favored by the creators. Since we have so graciously gifted you, you are to carry out our divine will. You are to return to Earth, and end the quarrels and suffering of our disciples. Go now, with haste." At that Mockingbird awoke within his nest, bewildered and excited.
Eager to attempt his new voice Mocking bird opened his beak and let fly. To his amusement and confusion every sound he made was a copy of another bird's voice. He could make no sound that was distinctly his own. Every call was different, the sweet song of sparrow, the grating croak of a raven, the terror inspiring screech of a bird of prey, all came flying easily from his beak. Mockingbird's mind spun with possibilities of his new talents, and a plan formed.
Taking wing Mockingbird flew silently and quickly to the great nest of the Eagle. He his in the shadows, lying in wait for Eagle to be left on his own, before he spoke. his voice took on the tone and timbre of Falcon so perfectly that even his brother would not discover the farce.
"Dearest Brother, we have fought for both of our lengthy lives, seeming to forget the fact that we are one mind between two bodies. Yes, I am the night, and you are the sun, but do both not work together? They share the sky, working in tandem so the world always has light. Can we not imitate the very beings that we were created for and set these petty differences aside?"
Now Mockingbird thought himself very clever, and was indeed impressed by his own soliloquy. Lucky for him Eagle was also impressed by his display of reasoning.
"Brother, if what you say is true, would you not come out and let me look upon you?" Eagle asked.
Thinking on his feet Mockingbird replied,
"I was wounded today by your soldiers, and I am ashamed to be seen in this sordid state. Are my heartfelt words not enough to soothe your pride and reunite us?"
"They certainly are dear twin. The war will end with the sunrise, there is much to do, so I shall depart."
With no more words Eagle took flight, off to speak to his Captains. Breathing a sigh of relief Mockingbird also took wing, in search of Falcon. He soon found him, and Mockingbird repeated his stellar performance, this time in the baritone of Eagle. Falcon, like his brother, agreed with his honeyed words and decided to call off the war with the rise of the sun.
As promised the war was called off, and both factions returned to life as before. Battle wounds were not completely forgiven, and neithre side forgot, but they did continue life with few squabbles.
The Goddesses were extremely pleased by the work of their new servant. They went about making sure that all birds in the land knew that the Mockingbird had been given a voice and name both, and that all should revere his new status. To this day, if you listen closely, you can hear a bird mimicking the sound of many, and if you look closely you can see the unassuming, little gray bird that ended a war.
The birds erupted in victorious chirps, cheering their brave comrade. As Mimic giggled merrily they took to the air, dead-bent on spreading this tale to the ends of the swamp. This story would be kept alive by the memory of those who lived it.
