Chapter One:
Anna walked nonchalantly through the forest behind the Keep. The forest around her wasn't dense so bright sunlight poured around her. Usually she would be up at a watchtower this time of day, or perhaps looking for missing faces returning from the war, but this past week had been very tame. Only one major battle had raged earlier on Monday, and all the casualties had long since been brought in. One with a weaker constitution would have broken down long before now, but she had been brought up avian and avians don't break down in tears, to all appearances they moved on, respecting the dead, but also the living. Sighing the girl pushed troubling thoughts to the back corner of her mind. They would give her a sleepless night but right now, she wished nothing but to enjoy the sun. It was rare the sun didn't rise to a deluge of blood, so the 16-year-old girl thanked the sky for it's peaceful coming. Though as she thought the silence of the gentle forest filled her ears. Most would think nothing of it, but the heir to the Tuuli Thea found it startling. The royal flight would never let her go anywhere alone, something was wrong. Her wide gold eyes slipped around and instinctively she reached for her dagger and flexed her wings. Though it was not an avian style to wear the demi form wings Anna had recently visited the falcons, then the Mistari. Though the falcons held avians and mixed blood in contempt they had requested Anna visit them. They felt perhaps the feathers in her wings and mane were showing slight magic properties and they wanted to get to the bottom of it. After spending a month with the falcons, her demi form wings always worn in public, then three months with the Mistari, where they encouraged her to display her beautiful wings it felt weird to take them down. The mussels in her back had grown accustomed to their weight, and she would feel naked with out them. Anna Shardae was growing nervous, though she had requested no company the Royal Flight had seen her leave, and would never let their princess walk alone in the woods outside the Keep. She was after all walking next to a battlefield. Thinking perhaps something had happened to her escort that was sure to be around the girl flexed her demi form wings to carry her into the sky, where she would shift completely before flying home, or to find her escort. Though before her feet had left the ground a raven's call sounded overhead then the bird dropped to the ground and shifted to stand before her as a young man. Anna instantly relaxed, recognizing the face even before it became human. Char was her long time friend, and recently had been promoted to her guard. The young man squared his shoulders and ran a hand through is light brown hair, quickly regaining composer. Anna averted her gaze to allow him that time, and looked for the other guards that were sure to be around. She was very surprised they weren't all around her, even walking through the market she had at least one or two. Char quickly recovered, throwing back up avian reserve and spoke, "Be at ease Shardae, I will guard you." Anna cast a glance at her guard and bit back a sigh; almost wishing he wouldn't address her in such a way. To a stranger you would never have guessed they had been long time friends. But when they grew up propriety became important. Bringing her attention back Anna spoke her tone even, "Only you?" At this Char couldn't help but shrugging, "You didn't seem to want company." The frosty tone she had been using to match his dropped and a slight smile sparkled in the corners of her eyes. In other avians you would never know what they were thinking, but Anna's recent traveling had dented her avian mask of reserve. "Was I really so obvious?" Knowing no other guards would drop down around her Anna continued her slow, easy pace, Char falling a step behind her. If the girl hadn't been preoccupied in her thinking this might have unsettled her. She felt strange walking one step ahead of someone she always knew of as a friend. Char seemed to be struggling to find proper words to respond to her and seemed to be coming up blank. Finally he spoke his words slightly betraying familiarity, "It was to me princess." Anna halted her walk suddenly and she could feel Char tensing behind her, as if he had said too much. Only a long time friendship had brought him to speak so plainly and he obviously felt he had misjudged. After living with the Mistari for quite a while, the avian reserve felt wrong to her. She was of course raised a proper lady, so she had her own mask, but during her time with the Mistari they insisted she share their way of life. The tigers were always in contact with each other; even sleeping in large rooms they called dens. At night most slept in their second forms and as wished, Anna had joined them. Each night she had fallen asleep to the sound of their soft breathing and perhaps a warm head by her shoulder. Needless to say this made her wildly uncomfortable at first. But she had grown accustomed to it, and while wasn't nearly as free with contact as they were she had grown to love the Mistari people who made up half her blood. Turning to look into Char's brown eyes she sighed, startling him with the emotion shown on her face. Almost sadly she spoke, "Char, I wish you would call me Anna. As you did when we were growing up. I have enough guards, I could do with a friend." The girl didn't wait for him to respond, knowing he wouldn't and kept walking. He was absolutely still and quiet behind her, probably shocked by her words. But then he seemed to remember where he was and footsteps hurried to catch up with her. She felt someone near her and Anna turned her head, pleased to find Char walking companionably beside her, instead of respectively behind. Catching a glimpse of his face Anna was surprised to see a blush coming over his cheeks. This made the girl herself embarrassed, knowing well she had spoken to plainly. Shaking it aside the pair walked in a companionable silence for a while, until Char broke it, "I suppose you know the Captain of the Flight is dead." Anna nodded mutely, remembering the horrors of Monday. The avian casualties had been few, but the Serpiente had won a tremendous victory. Andreios was a respected captain and a credit to the avians. Anna felt his loss. Speaking quietly Anna cast her eyes downwards, "Yes, I was with him." Char looked at her, but didn't seem surprised. Anna was known for not being flighty, and she wouldn't have let such an honored person die with out comfort. Of course doctors had been buzzing around him, but the girl didn't feel like that would be enough. Remembering Andreios's suggestion before he died Anna looked at Char, wondering if anyone had told him yet. Deciding they hadn't Anna struggled with the decision, knowing it probably wasn't her place to tell him, but also feeling she couldn't keep it from him. "He named you Captain. I think my lady will let it stand." Char halted and chocked, coughing so badly Anna had to stop and pat his back. Regaining composer Char looked at the princess in such a surprised way she couldn't help but laughing, "Nobody told you? The Tuuli Thea plans to make the announcement tonight." The coughing fit threatened to start again and Anna felt pride for her friend. Char was young, only eighteen, though Andreios had been young as well, and this raven would make a proud captain. Remembering the loss of Monday Anna had to push it way from her mind. In avian society one didn't cry or grieve for the dead, at least not in this war. If she felt all the grief she knew was buried in the pit of her stomach she would surely not be able to face everyone with a brave outlook. She couldn't let her people lose hope. So she pushed way Andreios's memory, just as she had everyone else. But this time she had something to turn her mind too. Char stood before her with such a mixture of surprise, humbleness, delight and nervousness written on his face Anna couldn't help but delighting for her friend. Spreading her wings Anna spoke to him, "Come on, I'll help you pick out something to wear for the announcement. My Lady will surely want a banquet hosted in your honor." With this the princess shifted into her griffin form and called to Char. Her hawk call tore at the air, screaming everything she could not as a human. The wind gathered beneath her pumping wings and soon she was a golden streak in the sky, Char's raven form flying quickly, trying to keep up. That evening Anna held back a beam as Char spoke the captain's oath to the Tuuli Thea. Soon the guard would have to say that oath, but to her instead. Anna was old enough to become Tuuli Thea and take over for her cousin, who had been ruling until the girl was old enough. This thought seemed strange and unnerving so she pushed it aside and instead chose to focus and Char, and the honor he was receiving. As if on cue the young man glanced over from his spot knelling in front of the Tuuli Thea as she described his new duties and offered Anna the slightest smile. Anna smiled in reply and when he rose and turned so the rest of the court could see the new captain she joined in their applause. Char was well known and liked; they trusted him to lead the avians in battle. The rest of the night went smoothly. The food was delicious and the avian court mingled, congratulating Char, speaking to the Tuuli Thea, or asking Anna if she felt ready to take the throne. Everyone's spirits seemed to be good and the girl was pleased to see this. It had been nearly a week since the Serpiente had attacked and while this was unnerving to the soldiers, Tuuli Thea and Anna the general population could only be happy more had not been lost in the bloodthirsty war. The never-ending carnage was never far from anyone's mind but tonight everyone seemed to be making an effort to keep it as far from his or her minds as they could. Of course the avian society always seemed calm and composed but Anna seemed to feel their relaxed state was more natural tonight. After all, music played and market was tomorrow. It was hard to feel down trodden when such excitement was sure to come. Market had always been a bright spot for Anna. She could walk among the people with out guards hovering and could enjoy the over all splendor the Avian's had to offer. She did miss the constant laugher, dancing and entertainment the Mistari, rich with culture, enjoyed, and took for granted, but she couldn't help but feeling glad to be home among her people. The soft brown and gold's that dominated the Avian's was a constant warmth, and she had missed seeing feathers in people's hair.
Anna moved casually through the crowds, stopping when somebody spoke to her, or when she spoke to them. Walking across the hall took a while with these constant stops, everyone seemed to have something to say, and Anna couldn't help but being interested in everything that happened around her. For better or worse the girl was known for her curiosity and the avians were glad to explain anything, or just stop and chat with the princess as they hid smiles behind hands. They couldn't openly say so but it was obvious Anna was much loved among her people. It was part of the reason everyone was asking when she planned to take the throne. While the current Tuuli Thea was well liked and respected she was simply a cousin of the last ruler. Everyone would be glad when Nacola Shardae's daughter took her rightful place among the avians. Evening seeped into the night and soon everyone was fighting back yawns. The court generally ran late, younger members leaving earlier but while Anna was young she was never thrown out of court as some her age where. The avians were very careful about how much their young was exposed to, and stories spoken later in the night tended to be about the way, and not fit for children's ears. But the court seemed to except Anna was far from being harbored from the war. Their princess had occasionally joined in the battle when things had become desperate. Though being the only heir to the Tuuli Thea she had to be careful. Occasionally she felt useless as she sat in her room, knowing a battle was going on. But she also knew her people needed her alive and well. But despite peoples fear she had trained with the Royal Flight, arguing she at least needed to know how to defend herself. Fighting had seemed to come naturally and her claws aided Anna in her second form. Though avians were at a huge disadvantage on the ground Anna had more protection. She could defend herself until she could escape to safety of until the Royal Flight came to aid their princess. This was probably the only reason she was allowed to go out at all. That and the knowledge they needed every fighter they could get and combat came to naturally to the griffin to be ignored completely. Though the court stayed up late, and Anna enjoyed staying with them she felt her eyes begin that ache and a fit of yawns coming on. If she wanted to wake early in the morning she needed sleep. She cast a glance around and Char watching her caught her eye. He seemed to realize his princess needed to get to sleep so excused himself from the rest of the royal flight crowding around their new captain and made his way across the hall. Anna groaned, inwardly, so not to startle the polite avians and looked for escape. Though she knew she needed to sleep she never liked being brought to her room. Now that Char was captain of the Royal Flight she was his main charge, and he had the power to order her as only the Tuuli Thea did. Though the Tuuli Thea ruled the avians and her heir was greatly respected the Royal Flight was very much apart of the decision making, and the Tuuli Thea and her heir, or in this case, heir. Many other societies didn't even realize how much power the royal flight had. The Mistari and Flacons were surprise, to learn of their control. Anna knew she couldn't, and shouldn't escape from Char so she stood and waited for him to approach. A slight smile was on his face and Anna knew that if he didn't have the avian reserve he would be flat out grinning. He couldn't help but enjoying, or at least find it amusing to boss around his friend and princess. Speaking, rather smugly, as only one so close to the heir would dare he voiced his opinion, stumbling slightly over using the casual when addressing her, "Shardae…Anna, you should get to sleep. Shall I escort you?" Though he could not order her to sleep, he might as well. When the captain of the Royal Flight thought something should be done, it got done. Anna nodded, knowing there was no way around it, and knowing full well he was right, she did need sleep. Walking over to the open dais both shifted, spreading wing and flying to the upper levels of the Keep, where Anna slept. Char seemed to think it pointless to delay the trip and flew directly to Anna's balcony. The rest of the avians wouldn't have brought the princess to back entrance to her rooms, for that meant walking through her private quarters, but Char had known her so long it was a useless formality. Both slipped into the room Anna had made her own in a most distinct way. The girl slept in a giant nest held in place by beautiful wood sculpted into a tree, which could only be credited to fine avian craftsmanship. Rich silks and satins of gold and crimson made her sheets and blankets. The nest of course varies from a normal bird's, in size and its building materials. The wood and feathers it's made of were hand picked for beauty, comfort and strength. It was crafted to delight the princess but also for safety. Unless you could grow wings reaching the test was a job and a half. In the incredibly unlikely event someone got into the princess's room they would never be able to reach her nest with out waking her up. Books are stacked in one corner while a think blanket woven with bird feathers cover a large desk (no birds where harmed in the making of this desk). Other possessions scattered the room and the scent of lakes, streams, trees, and forests hover in the room. Tokens of Anna's travels were displayed with pride. A beautiful blanket, crafted to look like tiger was draped over a chair. The Mistari didn't want her to leave and not be able to remember the feel of a great cat's fur. The falcons also took it upon themselves to present the princess with a gift. A delicate horse, made of a material that was yet to be identified reared, its front legs pawing at the air and majestic wings sprouting from its shoulders. The falcons said she was a strange mix of creature so she might enjoy this one as well. Many would take that as insulting, Anna was rather touched. To tell you the truth she was surprised they didn't toss her into the sea the moment she arrived. She had of course been called to their majestic white city but you could never tell with the Falcons. She learned their motives were never black and white. While the room's occupant was accustomed to the sight and waltzed in, happily sighing with relief of being home, Char looked around with wide eyes, trying to take it all in at once. He had been in her room before but avian society found it very inappropriate, so his visits were short and only when necessary. The newly appointed captain tried to put his eyes back into his head, manners said it was impolite to stare, and walked quickly across the large room, acutely aware of whose room it was. He reached the door, and turned to bid Anna good night. He found her relaxing, changed back into a human form, but still holding large demi form wings on her back. The balcony door was still open and gossamer gold curtains were pulled aside, fluttering gently in the soft breeze. The sight the princess, golden brown hair spilling around her shoulder, intense orange gold wings rising above her head and soft gold eyes giving at him slightly betraying the friendly affection she held for the raven was enough to take a different man's breath away. But instead Char kept the composer expected of a soldier and bowed slightly, bidding her goodnight. Anna nodded in return and watched as he slipped from her room. Remembering something, Anna poked her head back through her formerly closed door and spoke, "Char, who will be watching my door tonight?" The guard turned and smiled slightly at her, "I will princess, sleep easy." Anna nodded, knowing she would and prepared for bed. She barely had time to slip under her gold blanket before she fell asleep. Snuggling down into her nest the girl slept, dreams tainted with the horrors she had seen but at the same time the warmth of the Keep kept her asleep and as peaceful as anyone was these days.