As night falls, Djuhah makes sure lights are lit in each of the rooms in the cliff face so that the galaxy symbol shines brightly in the night. He checks to make sure that all of the preparations are finished, that there is plenty of food and drink for everyone, and the Hole in the Wall and The Roost are both opened up for everyone to enjoy as the celebration begins.
As night falls, Djuhah makes sure lights are lit in each of the rooms in the cliff face so that the galaxy symbol shines brightly in the night. He checks to make sure that all of the preparations are finished, that there is plenty of food and drink for everyone, and the Hole in the Wall and The Roost are both opened up for everyone to enjoy as the celebration begins.
:Looks like the party is about to begin, my nightwing.:
He looks at thier nestlings, and laughs.:I really hope they don't figure out how to shift while they're still in those clothes, though it would be interesting to watch. Maybe I should weaken the seams just in case..:
Lynora
Mmmmm.....roadkill
Lynora
** spoiler omitted **
Arielle ran laughing through the Eyrie, chasing the colored lights and trying to get Keehaar to come and play too.
Djuhah circulated through the crowd with a tray of snacks, making sure that everyone had enough to eat and drink.
Blodwen laughed with delight when she saw the light show.
"You did this?" she asked Sky. "It's beautiful."
LJ smiled as she watched her daughter playing happily. She handed JH another Dark & Stormy and leaned her head on his shoulder.
"It's good to be home."
Blodwen laughed with delight when she saw the light show.
"You did this?" she asked Sky. "It's beautiful."
"Well, I am good with lightning and I thought- Hey, your talking!"
Ellara just stays by the Eyrie's wall, smiling and watching the multi-colored lightning.
"Well, I am good with lightning and I thought- Hey, your talking!"Blodwen laughed with delight when she saw the light show.
"You did this?" she asked Sky. "It's beautiful."
She smiled. "I've been practicing. I still think this vocalizing is strange, but I thought it would please you."
She smiled. "I've been practicing. I still think this vocalizing is strange, but I thought it would please you."
:It's as lovely as your thoughts, my love.:
She smiled. "I've been practicing. I still think this vocalizing is strange, but I thought it would please you.":It's as lovely as your thoughts, my love.:
She kissed him lightly, and looked like she was going to say something else when she was interrupted by Notin trying to roll off of the chair he was laying on. She reached out and caught the baby quickly.
:Uh-oh. I think we're in for trouble if the little ones are learning how to roll over,: she said, amused.
:Uh-oh. I think we're in for trouble if the little ones are learning how to roll over,: she said, amused.
:Guess its a good thing the nest has raised side, huh? And if you think them rolling over is going to trouble, just wait till they figure out how to shift!: His laughter is light as he imagines that day.
:Uh-oh. I think we're in for trouble if the little ones are learning how to roll over,: she said, amused.:Guess its a good thing the nest has raised side, huh? And if you think them rolling over is going to trouble, just wait till they figure out how to shift!: His laughter is light as he imagines that day.
:Next week, I think. They've been paying close attention every time they see one of us shift, but they haven't quite got the hang of it yet. They need to see it a few more times. I think they'll start shifting as soon as next week.:
:Is that normal? I don't know when the normal time for were-eagle babies to start shifting is,: she added, vaguely worried.
:I can't remember the first time I changed shape, and the only young ones in the tribe hadn't shifted yet when...: He sighs.
:But they will shift when they shift, and short of being cruel and binding their abilities, there is nothing we can do about. Not that I'd want anyway.:
:I can't remember the first time I changed shape, and the only young ones in the tribe hadn't shifted yet when...: He sighs.
:But they will shift when they shift, and short of being cruel and binding their abilities, there is nothing we can do about. Not that I'd want anyway.:
:Of course not!: she says, horrified. :You're going to look beautiful in feathers, aren't you?: she coos at Notin, tickling her so that she gurgles with laughter. :I just wondered if they were developing as they should.:
"It's good to see Keehaar playing with someone his own age," she added, nodding to where Arielle was badgering Keehaar to join in a game.
:Yeah, its good for him to be out of the nest.:
"And how are you two enjoying the party?" Djuhah said with a smile, offering a snack tray.
Blodwen looked at the tray, bewildered. She had yet to eat as a human and wasn't quite sure what was okay and what wasn't.
"And look at the little ones, all dressed up," Djuhah continued with a smile. "They're adorable."
"And how are you two enjoying the party?" Djuhah said with a smile, offering a snack tray.
Blodwen looked at the tray, bewildered. She had yet to eat as a human and wasn't quite sure what was okay and what wasn't.
"And look at the little ones, all dressed up," Djuhah continued with a smile. "They're adorable."
Sky beams with pride at the compliment.
"It is a great party, Djuhah. Who would have thought you had such a gifts for throwing them?"
:Blodwen, just pick one up with like this,: he shows her how, :and put in your mouth and chew. When your done chewing, just swallow it like you would if you were in you starhawk shape. It doesn't matter which one you try, or even if you like it.:
"How do you like the lightning I put up, Djuhah?"
Sky beams with pride at the compliment.
"It is a great party, Djuhah. Who would have thought you had such a gifts for throwing them?"
:Blodwen, just pick one up with like this,: he shows her how, :and put in your mouth and chew. When your done chewing, just swallow it like you would if you were in you starhawk shape. It doesn't matter which one you try, or even if you like it.:"How do you like the lightning I put up, Djuhah?"
"Thanks. I do love parties. It seems to be an essential skill for a high-ranking cleric around these parts,' he added with a wink.
"The lightning is great. It's a big hit with Arielle, so you know that's an automatic win."
:Blodwen, just pick one up with like this,: he shows her how, :and put in your mouth and chew. When your done chewing, just swallow it like you would if you were in you starhawk shape. It doesn't matter which one you try, or even if you like it.:
Blodwen gingerly picks up one of the strangely shaped pieces of food and put it in her mouth. She tried chewing, and then had to try not gagging. It was awful. She might have a human shape, but she didn't have human tastebuds. She tried valiantly to keep smiling and acting like she was enjoying it so she wouldn't hurt Djuhah's feelings.
Blodwen gingerly picks up one of the strangely shaped pieces of food and put it in her mouth. She tried chewing, and then had to try not gagging. It was awful. She might have a human shape, but she didn't have human tastebuds. She tried valiantly to keep smiling and acting like she was enjoying it so she wouldn't hurt Djuhah's feelings.
:Maybe we should go find you some water to drink.: He tries to keep from laughing as he excuses them for a moment.
Blodwen gingerly picks up one of the strangely shaped pieces of food and put it in her mouth. She tried chewing, and then had to try not gagging. It was awful. She might have a human shape, but she didn't have human tastebuds. She tried valiantly to keep smiling and acting like she was enjoying it so she wouldn't hurt Djuhah's feelings.:Maybe we should go find you some water to drink.: He tries to keep from laughing as he excuses them for a moment.
[i]As soon as they were out of sight, Blodwen started looking for somewhere to spit out the food. She gratefully grabbed the napkin that Sky handed her and got rid of the awful human food. She wrinkled her nose in disgust.
:How can anyone stand to eat that? It is burnt and sour and disgusting.:
:Maybe its an acquired taste, nightwing. It is safer for humanoids to eat the food cooked, and it tastes better to us that way. Maybe you should try some of the sweets next. In little bites at first.: He keeps chuckling as he replays what just happened over again in his mind.
:Maybe its an acquired taste, nightwing. It is safer for humanoids to eat the food cooked, and it tastes better to us that way. Maybe you should try some of the sweets next. In little bites at first.: He keeps chuckling as he replays what just happened over again in his mind.
:Oh, sure laugh it up.: She tries to take a small bite of a sweet, and starts coughing. :What is this stuff?! This is really what you eat?! It is dry and sticky all at the same time.:
Sky can't help himself as his laughs.
:I'm sorry Blodwen, but the look on your face is priceless. Maybe we should just go get you some sweet berries and a rabbit or something to snack on.:
Sky can't help himself as his laughs.
:I'm sorry Blodwen, but the look on your face is priceless. Maybe we should just go get you some sweet berries and a rabbit or something to snack on.:
:Oh, yes, please. That sounds so much better. I'm sorry, Sky. I am trying so hard, but there are some parts of learning to be human that are so much harder than others.:
:You do not have to learn to be human. Your trying to be something your not, and that can't end well. I'm only trying to help you experience new things. You trying to be human would be like me trying to be a dwarf or a fish. Let's put the little ones to nest and go get you some food.:
Casting wind walk, Sky picks up their young wards and puts them next to their eaglets, wrapping them in a soft warm blanket.
:LJ, we're going to get something for Blodwen to snack on, she doesn't seem to be able to make human tastebuds,: he sends her a mental picture of her trying to eat a sweet, :we'll be back soon, don't worry.:
:LJ, we're going to get something for Blodwen to snack on, she doesn't seem to be able to make human tastebuds,: he sends her a mental picture of her trying to eat a sweet, :we'll be back soon, don't worry.:
:Poor dear.: she said with a chuckle. :It must be very hard being in love with someone who walks on two legs when you were born with wings. It's a lot for both of you to figure out, I suppose. Take all the time you need. We'll keep an eye on the babies for you while you're out.:
:You do not have to learn to be human. Your trying to be something your not, and that can't end well. I'm only trying to help you experience new things. You trying to be human would be like me trying to be a dwarf or a fish. Let's put the little ones to nest and go get you some food.:
Casting wind walk, Sky picks up their young wards and puts them next to their eaglets, wrapping them in a soft warm blanket.
Blodwen kissed the hatchlings goodnight.
:But isn't that what I am doing all the time? Trying to be something I'm not? That's what I've done since I was a fledgling. I'm a shapeshifter after all.:
:But isn't that what I am doing all the time? Trying to be something I'm not? That's what I've done since I was a fledgling. I'm a shapeshifter after all.:
:Being a shapeshifter and going against your nature are different things. A wolf that thinks it is a cat is not going to live happily. That's what I want for you, eranoyeh, a happy life.:
:Being a shapeshifter and going against your nature are different things. A wolf that thinks it is a cat is not going to live happily. That's what I want for you, eranoyeh, a happy life.:
:I am happy, eranoyeh. You make me happy. And our nestlings make me happy. To be with you, to take care of them, I had to learn to walk on legs as well as fly on wings. I am still myself. But this is the first time that I have taken this sort of shape. I've never had a problem before blending in with whatever I was imitating. But none of the other things I've tried to be like to eat their food burnt,: she added with a laugh.
:I am happy, eranoyeh. You make me happy. And our nestlings make me happy. To be with you, to take care of them, I had to learn to walk on legs as well as fly on wings. I am still myself. But this is the first time that I have taken this sort of shape. I've never had a problem before blending in with whatever I was imitating. But none of the other things I've tried to be like to eat their food burnt,: she added with a laugh.
Looking at her with a with a devilish grin he asks,
:What about sweets?:
Keehaar has been flying off more and more by himself as time passes. He seems very preoccupied.
:I am happy, eranoyeh. You make me happy. And our nestlings make me happy. To be with you, to take care of them, I had to learn to walk on legs as well as fly on wings. I am still myself. But this is the first time that I have taken this sort of shape. I've never had a problem before blending in with whatever I was imitating. But none of the other things I've tried to be like to eat their food burnt,: she added with a laugh.Looking at her with a with a devilish grin he asks,
:What about sweets?:
She wrinkled her nose in distaste. :Arielle can have them.:
:She'll be very happy to hear that, I'm sure of it.:
He pulls his bow out from under his pack, and collects he quiver.
:Should we look for a rabbit or something bigger?:
:She'll be very happy to hear that, I'm sure of it.:
He pulls his bow out from under his pack, and collects he quiver.
:Should we look for a rabbit or something bigger?:
She tilts her head and looks at him oddly.
:Why would we not simply go flying and hunt something the normal way, with beak and talons?:
She tilts her head and looks at him oddly.
:Why would we not simply go flying and hunt something the normal way, with beak and talons?:
He shrugs.
:Every once in a while I like to remind myself I don't need magic and shifting to hunt. Just the way I am.:
She tilts her head and looks at him oddly.
:Why would we not simply go flying and hunt something the normal way, with beak and talons?:He shrugs.
:Every once in a while I like to remind myself I don't need magic and shifting to hunt. Just the way I am.:
She turns away.
:I thought that the shifting, the bird form, was also a part of who you are.:She seems a bit hurt and confused.
She turns away.
:I thought that the shifting, the bird form, was also a part of who you are.:
She seems a bit hurt and confused.
He turns her back around and looks her in the eye.
:It is. My lycanthropy is something I would never wish away, but that doesn't mean I should use it to accomplish everything. I know this is a confusing way to look at it, but I'm like a coin. One side is the eagle, the other is the elf. But whenever I picture this coin, I can see a hole in the middle connecting both sides. I guess I'm trying to say I'm as much and eagle as an elf, with a little bit of both thrown into the other for balance.:
She turns away.
:I thought that the shifting, the bird form, was also a part of who you are.:
She seems a bit hurt and confused.He turns her back around and looks her in the eye.
:It is. My lycanthropy is something I would never wish away, but that doesn't mean I should use it to accomplish everything. I know this is a confusing way to look at it, but I'm like a coin. One side is the eagle, the other is the elf. But whenever I picture this coin, I can see a hole in the middle connecting both sides. I guess I'm trying to say I'm as much and eagle as an elf, with a little bit of both thrown into the other for balance.:
Her expression softens a bit.
:It's hard for me. I'm trying to learn how to be so many things I didn't used to be. I'm not used to being two things at once. I locked so much of myself away for so long. I don't know how to be anything anymore. I'll try harder to wrap my head around the idea of being two things at once, to try to understand you better.:
Her expression softens a bit.
:It's hard for me. I'm trying to learn how to be so many things I didn't used to be. I'm not used to being two things at once. I locked so much of myself away for so long. I don't know how to be anything anymore. I'll try harder to wrap my head around the idea of being two things at once, to try to understand you better.:
:Well, nobody should have think on an empty stomach. Let's hunt.:
Once he's wind walked up and out of the Eyrie, Sky lands and knocks an arrow. Dispelling his active magicks, Sky moves for the grasslands and forests.:Don't worry too much about it, just enjoy yourself and let the rush of hunting wash over you.:
Blodwen thinks about it for a bit and decides that, for her at least, a change of form was in order.
:Okay, eranoyeh. You hunt your way. I'll hunt mine.:
She shifted into a form that looked like a cross between a lizard and a horse, with really sharp claws and teeth and sharp barbs at the end of her tail. The moonlight glistened off her black scales.
:It's a githrahk. They are native to the world I come from. Humans use magic to tame and ride them, but even then, the githrahkizh often find ways to kill their riders. They are deadly hunters. You know, since some of us don't have any weapons or the foggiest clue how to use them.:
LJ smiled as she watched her daughter playing happily. She handed JH another Dark & Stormy and leaned her head on his shoulder.
"It's good to be home."
He kisses the top of her head.
"Home is wherever you two are."