Sky Cloudgather's page

Amiri and Lark?

Nodin(right) and Notin(left)

The eggs have already hatched, gotten names, etc. Those are the nestlings we keep talking about. The nestlings are easier to decide on. One of us gets the Twins(Nodin and Notin) and one of us gets the others(Amiri and Lark) to control as aliases.

In case you missed it, Blodwen is pregnant, which means we have another baby to think about.

The time warp brings a problem to the Eyrie, or more specifically, Blodwen and myself. Five problems to be exact, seven if you count naming and who get control of the baby.

"Don't bow Keehar, I wouldn't have someone fighting alonside me as an equal doing that. None of that 'Master' stuff either."

"The ashwood will do fine. When you decide you're ready, I'll enchant it as you want, or show you how to do it yourself."

"The children of the Eyrie are growing so fast, and now one joins the ranks of the Eyrie Guards. I think I'll need to make you a bow before to long, just so you can join the Archer Guard in battle. Given that I'm the only archer in the Eyrie(to my knowledge), I'm saying it would be a point of pride to have you fight alongside me."

He steps behind Blodwen and slips his arms around her with his hands resting on her stomach.

:And you'll be fighting to protect a new sibling, don't tell the others yet though, I believe it's supposed to be a surprise.: he thinks to Blodwen and Keehar.

"So Blodwen, what do you think of spending some time alone at Yggdrasil?" The next part is for Blodwen's mind only. :I can make a nice, private nest for us so we aren't bothered and can enjoy the peace and quiet...:

"Well I'm not about to give them more ammo!" Sky laughs as he turns to look out at the land and sky around the Eyrie. He spreads his arms as a light breeze passes them, a look of utter peace on his face as his clothes ripple in the wind.

"We'll have some rain in 3 days.. flying is going to be wonderful before and after the storm." He says as the breeze ends.

Hmm .. the Nidhogg ....

Kehaar nods

"I have flown the World Ash several times. I love the ratatosk, they always make me smile"

"yes, the bid squirrels do make a few smile. I know one that still throws acorns at me. Something about thinking it was giant prey..." Sky says with a wink. "He was okay though, a little shook up, but not hurt."

"I can't complain, it's been nice. After the trouble Aidan had, things were quiet. I was thinking about taking Blodwen(leaving the nestlings in the expert care of the Eyrie's occupents) on vacation to see the World Ash before the Servants showed up."

And if we can get a dragon chewing on Yggdrasil's roots, we have a set up right out of Norse mythology! Hey Blodwen, have we told the Eyrie about the newest addition to our family yet?

Read that post again, Sky isn't the old Eagle mentioned. Sky is also an elf, and a bound god(more or less, given the fact he's sharing hith Blodwen).

"Hello Keehar, it has been awhile. How have you been?" Sky says as the old Eagle flies off in search of a comfortable perch from which to watch the Servants.

Watching the Eagle reminds Sky that someone needs to tell the Servants about the caves. He searchs for the goblin's thoughts.

:There are some caves at the base of the Eyrie where you may stay. You're probation has begun.:

:Keep your friends close and your enemies in an undisclosed location, my love. Start saying that and a bit of intimidation is yours.: Sky mentally whispers to Blodwen.

"Perhaps a trail period, like probation is in order? This gives them a chance to prove themselves truthful while we keep -pardon the pun- an eagle-eye on them."

:Okay, I'll find an Eagle I think is up for this kind of debate. See you in an hour.:

He veers off as he sweeps across the Eyrie, casting his mind out for a good enough Eagle for the job. He's hard pressed to pick one though, because they are all good candidates. He finally chooses one of the older, veteran Eagles and meets with Blodwen and the Temple.

"Hello Djuhah. It seems we rarely have to meet unless something important is happening."

:I think that it's probably going to be easier just to go over this once. Basically round up a representative for all the different groups and go from there.:

:It was fun watching him hit his head like that every time I spoke,: she added mischievously.

:So an Eagle, a Starhawk, possibly Frost, you, me, and Djuhah? Do you want to sweep the upper or lower parts of Eyrie for the representatives?:

:And yes it was.:

:We'll be back.: Sky thinks to the goblin as he flies off behind Blodwen.

:So my dear, do we talk to the Eyrie as a whole or see what Djuhah thinks first?: He asks Blodwen as he enjoys the feeling of wind again.

"So you want us to give you sanctuary so your Order may survive a little longer? This is something we need to discuss with Djuhah, if not the entire Eyrie, first."

:Well, they seem to know who we are and what we can do atleast. Time to dive.:

Descending quickly, Sky's landing kicks up large amounts of dust and small debris. He returns to his humanoid form.

"What news do you bring that is so important?"

:Okay, I guess we can try it your way.: He thinks with a wink at Blodwen. He runs and jumps off the cliff, shifting in mid-air to let the wind catch under his wings.

:Stay close though, I don't want you getting hurt in your "condition":

:*sigh* Of course, I start teaching the little ones and this happens. I'll be right ther, my nightwing.:

:Hlawith? Blodwen and I need you to watch our nestlings for a bit, we have some visitors that may need much of our.. attention. They'll be in the nest and watched by Freefall so they don't try flying without you to supervise."

Once the young ones are in the nest and playing with Freefall, Sky flys to Blodwen and shifts to elven form as he lands.

"So we have some Servants at our door, huh? I wonder why they are here. Should I go down to meet them or let one of the Starhawks Wings ask why they're here?"

The white dragon glances towards them, and decides that attacking would be too risky.

He flies into the Eyrie, and looks around for an authority figure.

Sky is busy try to teach Lark, Amiri, Notin, and Nodin how to hunt using live mice. As eagle-hawks, they are doing well as long as they don't have to fly. Turns out glinding from ground level doesn't work.

The shadows vanish.

"Woe! a vulture screeches. "Board help us all, for we are beaten and scattered! Board help us a--"
From a cloud above comes an enormous talon, which snatches the creature up. The other birds scatter.

"Any idea what they're talking about?" Frost asks a passing celestial eagle. He munches on the vulture. The eagle shakes its head, eager to be away from the hungry dragon.

Because I can't stand the silence, and want to get this moving...

There is a popping sound. About two dozen grey-clad men and women appear. Solemnly, they begin marching towards the boundaries of the Eyrie. At their head is a robed one-legged goblin. He uses a staff-like flail as a walking stick.

That's it, I'm sending word to the Guardians right away...

*flies in wearing heraldic clothing*

The Herald of your alter-ego LJ has arrived Lynora. I have to say this seems a step up from the Jack threads,

Looky what I remembered...

:::My grandparents told me that when I am stronger and more skilled, my blades can become, uh, what was it, Uh ghost-touched and wraithstrike weapons. I'm not sure what that means...:::

:mmm. From what I've seen of Starsong's troubles, I think it invites more trouble than it deters. Let's keep it secret for now.:

She looked up at him with a smile. :I happen to know that there is an unoccupied cave just over there. And we have people to watch the fledglings until morning...:

More than a hint of amusement sneaks in with his thought.

A bit of sarcasm follows his next words.
:Well, who are we to deny people the pleasure of drop-cloth changing?:

:No more trying to do everything alone,: she says, relaxing into his embrace, her anger fading away. :There's strength in numbers, remember, and yes, there are a lot of enemies to face. But you're not alone anymore. And power isn't always the answer to everything. Just, please, don't shut me out again, eranoyeh.:

Good to see my ability to distract is still working. I was worried when Aidan couldn't distract everyone and get away...

:Never again.:
He opens his mind to her, allowing her to pass through barriers other couldn't even dent. He lifts his left arm.

:What about this? Should our divinity remain a secret to use against our enemies, or should it be know to all so as to deter attacks?:

He kisses her again.
:Or should we just not care right now?:

:Sky, that's...completely insane! I'm not going anywhere. You aren't going to lose me. How could knowing the truth about what you did lead to my death! Look at me.: She put her hands on either side of his face and looked up at him intently. :You have got to stop letting this fear rule you, eranoyeh. I am here. I am with you. I am not going anywhere. We have a nestful of younglings who we love and another on the way, and we are both going to raise them. Together. You can't push your family away from you because you're afraid of losing us. You can't lose me. I'm part of you, and you of me. Let go of this. Please. Whatever happens we can face it. Together. Both of us. The past doesn't have to be the future, Sky. Please.:

:Your right my nighwing, as usual. But I do worry. Now more than ever since I am only LJ's herald in title. Now that I realize enemies seem to be coming from everywhere. Now that I realize enemies from my past, so distant the world now seems so old, may still be around to distroy the life I've carved out here.:

:But you are right, no matter what happens, we'll handle it together.:

He leans in and kisses her lightly.
:No matter what.:

:I didn't lie, not entirely. I told you the Ritual would allow me to fight three times as much as I could before."

He shudders.

:I guess I thought I was protecting you... and myself. Everyone I trusted or loved ended up being horrible or dead. The parents I never knew? Dead. The family that took me in? They were nice until I told them about my lycanthropy. My tribe? Dead, because I unknowingly led a giant to out home cliff, and it came back a week later with it's clan. I knew you wouldn't be horrible to me, so what did that leave for you? What did it leave for me if you did die? Death because I did something or told you something!:

The feeling of great loss and terrible suffering accompanies his words.
:I didn't want to lose a fourth family and I didn't want our little ones to grow up with no real family.:

She glares at him. :You wanna take it outside the wards? Fine.:

She teleports them both to a nearby mountain and slaps him. Hard.
:It wasn't bad enough that you put both our lives at risk for that little stunt the first time through, then you have the gall to keep the truth from me. For weeks. You bastard! Did it ever occur to you that there might be risks to what you were doing? For both of us. And don't you dare tell me I shouldn't be worked up!:

He takes the slap well. "Just like Shamaness Osprey," he thinks to himself.

"I considered a lot of things before I performed the Ritual of the Three. I considered what would happen if I didn't do and you died because I couldn't fight well enough to stay alive defend you, our home, and our little ones. But what I considered most of all, was how much I love you. That was what made me do what I did. People do stupid things, Blodwen, when they're in love."

He closes his eyes.
"You really should calm down, the baby is getting upset."

He looks at the sky above them, and Blodwen can hear the remorse in his next thought.

:I wanted to make sure there was a chance the little ones had someone take care of them, should I die. Someone who would tell tham about me, teach them to read the winds and make sure they could survive on their own. Someone... who loved them:

When Sky returns to their nest Blodwen is waiting for him with a meaningful, :We need to talk.:

:Well now, for a moment I thought you were Shamaness Osprey. Gave me a bit of a fright there. Should we be outside the wards for this? I have the strangest feeling I may be slapped.:

He pauses for a moment.

:Understand, I did what I had to in order to protect our family. You shouldn't be so worked up considering your condition.:

The 9 Layers of Hell hath no fury like an angry shape-shifting lady starhawk who is pregnant and possesing a myriad of powers! ;)

:Sky, I'm sorry I couldn't give you more warning about this, but you won't be able to be my herald anymore. Not that you ever needed, or let's be honest, even used that power. You have plenty of your own. Djuhah will be taking over for me. I'm...not really sure what I'm going to be doing from now on.:

:To tell the truth Starsong, I did use it what I believed were the most important things. My young ones are quite the handful even for Blodwen and I. And a simple scrying to dertermine th- I think Blodwen should be the one to tell you. Don't tell her I said anything, okay?:

:And I'll always be your Herald. You've done to much for me for that to stop now.:

No longer having to hold the storm against the five casters, the Skies let it return to normal and entrust it to Arielle. They walk over to stand by LJ.

"We do not believe he is listening anymore Starsong."

"Do not worry LJ, you will not need to fight him, We am your Herald after all."

Kobold Cleaver has the Cleaver poised to strike when Sky speaks. He hisses in anger. "What is this?"

The winds carry three voices speaking in unison to KC.

"This is but only part of my power. Compared to me, you are but a hatchling with a few tricks. I have chosen to act in the defense of my home, my friends, and my family. Go head Kobold Cleaver, test yourself against my lightning, and feel the strength of Ancient Ones used as a response."

He eyes the spirits warily. Despite the fact that he has ceased chanting, Sky and Arielle can still feel his magic opposing theirs.

Sky grits his teeth, and his rings flash brightly.

"If he means to stand against me, so be it.."

He'll have to fight me. With Body.
He takes a step foward, and lightning strikes next to him.

"Mind."
The ring on his left hand shatters as lighning strikes near him again, and his eagle form stands beside him.

"And Soul."
The ring on his right hand shatters as lightning strikes close once again. His hybrid form stands beside him.

All three speak in unison.

"Powered by Three,
I call this storm,
come to me,
In purest form!"

The storm above sweels mightily, growing in power until it is stronger than any storm has ever been before. Airelle finds herself cut off from the magic as Sky voice echoes in her mind.

:This is far beyond anything you can handle right now. If something happens to me, the storm will return to normal and you can shape it again. No arguments. Please.:

Swirls of blue and black mix freely into the winds of the storm, as spirits fly amongst the streamers of wind. For now they circle.

As a shaman, KC can sense them. They grow in numbers.

*Looks at own profile sees "Spirit Shaman/Druid" as class*

:That's new...:

Sky Cloudgather wrote:

He looks back at the enemies, and raises his hands s his eyes crackle with lightning. A storm rolls in, lightning leaping from cloud to cloud as winds begin to howl. Sky sends a message to all of those residing in the Eyrie that he considers allies.

The Servants scatter. After a moment, they reform into a group, farther behind. Five men in white-clad robes come out from the group, each on some method of unique levitation. They begin chanting, banishing the storm.

Straining to keep the storm, Sky contacts Lynora-Jill.

:You had better be, eranoyeh. In case you had forgotten, my life is tied to yours. Do not take unnecessary risks with all three of our lives. Stay safe.:

She hesitates.
:I cannot stay out of the fighting entirely if it comes to that. I have no intention of wading into combat, but I am hyea and my people need me. I promise I will stay close to our little ones though.:

:You need not fear for your life or our child's, of that I can assure. In one way or another, I will always be with you. Do not forget about the Ritual of Three I performed not very long ago-the one that awaken your other powers?-it will allow me to fight three times better than I normally could. Ward yourself, though, there is no telling what the results of the Ritual's success will do to you when I use it. Eranoyeh, there is nothing I would rather be doing right now than to be curled next to you and watching our nestlings play. I will do all I can to ensure that I can when this is done and the threat gone.:

Sky Cloudgather wrote:

.... wrote:

Outside the Eyrie, there are Servants of the Board. They don't even bother to hide now. They keep their distance, none being fool enough to try to enter. Likewise, the guards steer clear of them. The Servants seem nervous around the Eyrie, but thus far have not budged. They are not letting anybody out if they can help it.

At the top of the mountain, Sky waits, the rings he wears glowing faintly...

:::Mr. Sky sir, what's going on? I can see commotion throughout the Eyrie.:::

Sky doesn't answer for a while.

:It is possible... that the Eyrie is about to be attacked. I will fight, but I must ask you to do something for me. Do not fight. I want you to go with the nestlings and help keep them safe. If our enemies get past us and the wards, I want you to get them out of the Eyrie anyway you can. Freefall will be with you, and he has harnesses for those to young to fly or fly far. Defend yourself only if you need to.:

He looks back at the enemies, and raises his hands s his eyes crackle with lightning. A storm rolls in, lightning leaping from cloud to cloud as winds begin to howl. Sky sends a message to all of those residing in the Eyrie that he considers allies.

:Do not fear the storm, it is mine. It's wind will allow you to fly faster even as it hinders our foes. It's lightning will warn you even as it strike the enemy. Fly high Windriders!:

His next message, almost a whisper, is sent to Blodwen only.

:I want you to stay with the little ones. If by some horrilbe luck they get past us and the wards, the little ones will need protecting. Do not worry about me... I'll be fine:

Something about those last words worries Blodwen

[ooc]This battle may very well cause his little "I can't shift" secret to be revealed.[/i]

Outside the Eyrie, there are Servants of the Board. They don't even bother to hide now. They keep their distance, none being fool enough to try to enter. Likewise, the guards steer clear of them. The Servants seem nervous around the Eyrie, but thus far have not budged. They are not letting anybody out if they can help it.

At the top of the mountain, Sky waits, the rings he wears glowing faintly...

Dragonborn3 wrote:

lynora-Jill wrote:

Dragonborn3 wrote:

[fake angry voice]Just so you know, I had a good time on my vacation...[/fake angry voice]

Well, I'm glad you had a good vacation then. :)

Thank you. KC won't like the shirt I bought(and am now wearing), it has a large spider on it's web on the front.

...

...when the Servants have overrun the Eyrie, you shall be the first to die.

Only if you can get past the wards LJ and I put up. I think I'll distract you with spiders...

Azuri'ith can take care of Arielle for a bit. Actually that works since he needs to teach her weather magic[/ooc]

*Watches lightning jump from one finger to another*

Sky Cloudgather wrote:

Sky tenses, his body trying to shift out of instinct. One hand goes to his bow, in case things go badly.

"Pray you see chromatics from farther away should you ever see another."

:::Are they really that powerful? I'be heard stories about that.:::

Sorry for the delay, vacations can cause them easily. ;) I'll be able o post more often Monday, when we go home.

:Aye little one, they really are that powerful. Why don't we see if you can aim that sword of yours huh? I'm sure the training dummies can handle it.:

Arielle wrote:

Tristan the Waif wrote:

Tristan gives chase, but after a brief while he finds Arielle talking to her vinyards. He's about to say something via mindspeech when he notices the great white wyrm.

:::WOW!::: :::A Dragon:::

His mind speech is loud enough for the dragon to hear. He stands in awe, starstruck, in the presence of the great dragon.

"Huh? Another one?" Arielle shivered a little as she remembered the last dragon she had seen. She looked up and saw a white dragon talking to her mother. She relaxed a little.

"Oh. It's a white dragon. Okay."

:::I've never seen a dragon so close...:::: His thoughts trail off.

Sky tenses, his body trying to shift out of instinct. One hand goes to his bow, in case things go badly.

"Pray you see chromatics from farther away should you ever see another."

:::Not funnny,::: He frowns. :::I don't have my wings. Maybe someday.:::

He doesn't have his wings? That settles it, the Eyrie causes mutations! ^~^

:::Come on a feel something big near the Eyrie. Let's go find the others!:::

The children of the Eyrie sure are full of surprisse.

:Let's hurry, and hope it is just a giant piece of candy Djuhah made for Arielle!:

Reaching deep into his ancestral blood, Tristan seems to clasp something with between his fingers. As the essence of ethereal planes flows around his fingers like a fog, Tristan concentrates deeper, harder, more focused. Opening his hands, he gestures with the raw essence allowing his mind to focus an undesired effect.

Tristan opens his eyes.

:::I did it!:::

He says then he looses his concentration. The raw ethereal essence solidifies into slender metallic blades and flings itself from his fingers into the opposite face of the Eyrie. with a long shriek, the blades embed themselves into the clifface. The sudden release of magical energy sends Tristan falling backwards on his posterior.

:::OW!:::

There is a sharp wave of pain, follow by the surprising excitement of discovery.

::Did I do that?!:::

Hope you feel better soon.

Sky smiles and helps Tristan to his feet.
:Yes. Looks like the children of the Eyrie are more talented than any could have guessed. Congratulations on this discovery, but try to practice where you can't hurt someone okay? We don't need the wards sending you on an extraplanar vacation, now do we? At least, not unwillingly, a trip to the Elemental Plane of Air could nice.:

Ch'ack Hammer wrote:

Two men, two worlds. One a dream, one real. Which is which? To separate one's spirit is a dangerous thing.

O.o Oh no...

Really shouldn't have done that Ritual. Now my spirit is spilt three ways.... *blocks that thought from Blodwen*

Up in the nest, Sky tries to remember some of the things he overheard the pregnant women of his tribe talking. When he remember one particular detail, he starts to laugh uncontrollably.

Two men, two worlds. One a dream, one real. Which is which? To separate one's spirit is a dangerous thing.

O.o Oh no...

So much for the morning....Afternoon folks. Ugh... :)

Don't worry, there is plenty for you to read! ;)

:Yeah, your out like a light.:

He begins to hum as he thinks through the different possible names for their child. He watches the Eyrie wake up, trying to imagine what their reactions to the good news.

She laughed and shifted back into her human form. She hugged him, bubbling with happiness now that her initial panic was past.

:I suppose I'll learn to deal with naps. So, eranoyeh, do you already have a name in mind? I wonder what our baby is going to be like. What does a half-eagle, half-starhawk even look like? I'm not really sure when we should tell people. We have a lot of nestlings, but this is the first time I've ever had a baby.:

:Well, I have one idea, if the child's a girl. But I think I'll wait before I commit to a name. As for what the baby will look like? A little like you, a little like me, and a little like out ancestors. At the rate the nestlings are growing, they may not even be in the nest by the time the baby arrives. You can ask Hlawith about ways to make the pregnancy easier, and you can say you just want to be ready when the time comes, since you are sharing a nest. It will be my first baby too, technically, and I know less than you do.:

Sky looks up and smiles, because Freefall is back with a young stag in his talons. He places it in front of Blodwen, and bobs his head in congratulations. He settles down next to the little ones, and watches as Notin shifts in her sleep.

:Oh no, Devlyn's going to want to buy me drinks...:

Boy, is he going to be surprised when he logs in the morning! ;)