Griffin
By: FireflySky
Disclaimer: This applies to the entire story. I in no way own the book Hawksong, Snakecharm, Falcondance, nor any other book written by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. I do not pretend to have anything to do with their writing, I only hope to spin you all a story with even a slice of their genius. The only characters and plotline I take any credit for are the ones from my own imagination. Those I ask you to directly ask me if you wish to borrow any part of my imagination, I would not want to lend it out with out my knowledge. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the story.
Prologue:
Not so long ago three strong nations battled fiercely in a war far to old and the cause of far to many casualties for anyone to win. On the eve of their destruction the Avians flew to the Mistari lands in a desperate plea for peace. To the birds, a tiger was better then a snake. The peace was rocky, but successful and the heir to the Tuuli Thea took the crown prince of the Mistari as her alasdair. Thus the young Tuuli Thea Nacola Shardae became Disa and the newly appointed Dio became Alasdair of the avian court. With this unsteady alliance the Mistari and Avian courts were combined and the war had suddenly turned the Avian's way. From this union came a single child, heir to the Mistari and Keep. Nobody expected this alliance to work, but this strange child was sure to grow strong and beautiful, with a promise of something better. But as this child grew the Serpiente's defenses weakened. The united force of the tigers and birds slowly began to desecrate snake society so a full on attack was waged. This attack was fought with a single goal, to dispose of the monarchs reining over both Mistari and Avians. In a stroke of military prowess the Serpiente attacked, killing Nacola Shardae the Tuuli Thea and Disa. With her fell her alasdair and Dio of the Mistari. The loss of their monarchs was devastating and every eye turned to Anna Shardae, heir to both thrones. Though the girl was still a baby. She could not rule both lands at her young age. The politic prowess needed to govern both thorns was mind boggling, and she was not yet grown. So a decision was reached. The late Dio's brother, Anna's uncle, would govern the Mistari, while a cousin of the late Tuuli Thea would govern the Keep until Anna was of sixteen years of age. Though the lands would no longer be governed under a single ruling house they had been at peace for eight years, and had recently been given a princess both societies instantly fell in love with. The Mistari would drop away from the view of the world. Avians and Serpiente had started the war, though the Mistari had been pulled in they would become neutral, providing no help to either side, and avoiding contact from either. Though this break in union was hard the young princess left the land of the tigers, and move permanently to the Keep when she was not yet three years of age. Nearly thirteen years later Anna prepares for her rule, and the Griffin that was her second form has grown into something from a dream. Her body was of a large cat, with the coat color of a lion. Though her head and shoulders were hawk, providing a mane of brilliant gold feathers that sparkled in the light. From her shoulders rose massive, and stunning wings that easily carried her into the sky. Though their joint monarchy had not lasted long the joining of their blood seemed provide a stunning creature. Though Anna was the only Griffin in existence she did not feel out of place. The Avians thought their princess held all the grace of a whole hawk and she was raised with beautiful avian reserve and manners. Though perhaps the teenage princess showed more emotion and affection then most of the avians. When she turned fifteen Anna spent three months with the Mistari, learning of her strange past. But now she returned and was sixteen years old, and the title of Tuuli Thea waited for her.