[PRP] Stubborn Heads (Ausdauer and Gypsy Bane)

[Cajmera]

 

[Cajmera]

Never again, Ausdauer swore silently to himself. Never again, no matter how much provocation he had or however much pressure he laid on himself, would he get himself into such an asinine situation again. He had gotten through it relatively unscathed from a physical standpoint, but his patience had been worn to a frazzle and his nerves were feeling more than a little bit frayed. And what had been his reward, the prize he received for having put himself through such an aggravating experience?

He had the knowledge that he had successfully navigated his way through the forest, wings intact. He had the knowledge that people in the forest were apparently crazy. He had sore headwings, seeing as how they had been snared in more trees branches than he could count. He had the knowledge that tall Soquili did not belong in areas with low hanging branches, period.

He had yet to decide if all of that was worth it.

Ausdauer had been relieved when he finally emerged on the eastern edge of the forest. It had been a long slog through; he had spent nearly a week under shadow of the forest, part of it being lost and part of it standing stock-still while he tried to get himself unstuck from various branches. Perhaps later (much later), he would find some charitable feelings for the forest. After all, there were a lot of creatures who lived in it, and he knew from experience than not all of the woods was tangled and overgrown. If he hadn't been so determined to prove himself, he could have made the journey a lot easier by sticking to the main paths and keeping his head down.

But then, doing things the easy way had never been his way. There were no bragging rights to be had when you just followed a wide, well-worn path. He had challenged himself to make his way through the forest, and make his way through the forest he had, but now he never wanted to go back. Give him an open sky, unrestricted space, and the ability to stand as tall and straight as possible any day!

Smiling, he spread his wings as far and wide as he could, enjoying the sensation of an unobstructed breeze blowing through the feathers. He was quite aware that from a distance he must look like a wild turkey, but he didn't care; after spending the last several days keeping everything as tucked in as possible, he was ready to take advantage of the space around him, spread his wings...and fly!

With almost no warning, he kicked off the ground and shot skyward, his eight wings propelling him effortlessly. Higher and higher he climbed, until it was as if he was touching the very Heavens themselves. This was where he belonged, he reflected as he spiraled along. This was where he, and every self-respecting Angeni belonged.

Breathing a deep sigh of contentment, Aus lazily directed himself back down to earth, his descent much slower and more relaxed than his ascent. Eventually though, he touched down and shook himself out. It was wonderful to be back in the open again!

`Swirly