I knew the flight to the white city was long, most avians couldn't make it. I was hoping that I would have enough falcon blood in my veins that I could make the long difficult flight. There was about one rest stop the entire way.
I flew to the ocean; there I would rest for the night. I prepared for the long flight, stretching my wings. The first part of the flight was nice; I was hoping to get to the island before I did. The sun was set when I finally reached the volcanic rock in the middle of the ocean. I sifted back into my human form, rotating my shoulders to release some of the ache.
The soft waves gently beat on the rock, rising slowly. I knew I wouldn't be able stay there for long. The tide was rising far too fast for me to stay for longer than maybe an hour.
I ate quickly, then stood stretching my spine and stretching. The water was almost to the top of the small island. I shifted back into my other form, shaking out my fur to get rid of the last tingles of the shift; I stretched my wings, preparing them for the next part of the long flight. I probably wouldn't lucky and have another rest stop again.
The next half of the flight was awful, my wings hurt and sometimes faltered, threatening to let me fall into the cold, cruel waters below. The city came into view just when I almost had given up. I begged my wings to continue to carry me at least until I made it there.
I was closing the distance between me and the city quickly. When I was closer my wings faltered one more time, dropping me into the icy waters below. But thankfully I was close enough that I could swim the last of the distance. The water made my wings ache at first, but the cold water finally numbed them by the time I reached the shore.
I shifted into my demi form, my wings close to my back, refusing to move. I wanted to pull them in front of me so that I could massage them after the flight but moving sounded too painful. I sat on the beach, watching the waves beat on the shore.
It was afternoon and I was starving. My stomach rumbled its fifth growl before I stood up. My balance was shaky, I needed food and sleep. I was hoping I could get both before someone questioned me. My wings and hair were mostly dry when I made my way into the city. I attracted a few curious glances but nothing more.
I managed to trade one of my older necklaces for some food, and even a place to stay for the night. I ate quickly because exhaustion was quickly taking over. I lay down on the small bed in the small room; I was passed out before I knew it.
Nightmares haunted me all that day and night. Visions of the falcons not accepting me, of them locking me up. Of them taking away my other self, never being able to shift into my unique wolf/falcon form. And even after that long, tortuous journey, being lost to ecl.
I awoke many times, I never managed to do much, maybe change positions, before I was swept back into the horrific dreams. I don't think I had a dream that didn't haunt me, a good dream, the one I have wanted for so long. To finally be accepted. Maybe I made this long journey for nothing. But I would never know until I got up and tried to find the place for me. I hoped this would be it.
The falcons came and woke me up, giving me cautious glances, but said nothing of my non-falcon half. I said goodbye and they gave me a sorrowful look.
The city was beautiful, the white city held up to its name. There were intricate designs in the building and walkways. They seemed to change colors of their own accord. Also there seemed to be music everywhere but of no source. The city truly was beautiful and magical.
I had barely made my way to the main street when I saw falcons approaching me, guards from the looks of it.
"Your presence is requested by Lady Araceli." One of the guards said. Others taking my arms in a firm grip.
"What-Why?" I asked. They didn't reply. I knew struggling would be useless, there were far too many of them, and I was far too weak.
We approached a grand building that looked like it was made entirely out of crystal. The doors opened and I was dragged in. other guards nodded at one who was caring me and moved out of the way, opening the door as he went.
Sitting on the throne, was a royal looking falcon which I guessed was Araceli.
"Hello." She said dryly, like she had little interest in me. "So you are the mongrel who arrived yesterday." She said looking up at me with no interest at all.
"I-I'm not a mongrel." I replied defensively. I finally realized it was a mistake coming here. If I wasn't accepted at the obsidian guild, or wyverns court I was a fool to think I would belong here.
"You're not a pureblood. Not one shape shifter, but a mongrel trying to pass as a pure falcon." Araceli stood up, and walked over to me. I flinched when she raised her hand, she stopped and studied me.
"Do not worry child, we will not harm you." I remembered that children are far too rare to falcons; they would never harm one, no matter if it was a mongrel. Or else I hoped.
"You will stay on this island," she paused when she saw the look on my face. I didn't like being controlled. "It is for your own protection child. And you are, from this day forward, not allowed to grow out you demi wings. Or sift into your other form. You are to stay on the land; the island isn't nice to strangers."
She stood waiting for me to hide my demi wings, I wanted to tell her no, that she couldn't control me, but she didn't seem like someone you could deny. I slowly drew back my wings, hiding them.
"We will watch you for a few months, if we feel it is necessary, your powers will be bound." She said, turning and walking back to her throne. I couldn't believe it, no way were they going to bind my powers. I never had problems with them before, and I will prove it to them. I will prove to them that I was worthy to wear the wings of my demi; I will prove to them that I am worthy to have the falcon blood running through my veins. I will prove to them that I am proud to be me, no matter how different that is.