Repton gets off his ride and allowed a bit of a smile, feeling the sand beneath his feet. It had been two years now since the last gathering of the tribes. They had almost missed this starting day as they had gotten too caught up in their raiding those they had been paid to attack by Cyclonia. Repton takes a deep breath before exhaling the scent of cooking meat, blood, oil, and raptors on the wind. Looking around, he sees hundreds of tents and many standards representing the tribes and groups the raptors either belong to or formed.
The Gathering of the Tribes is an annual occasion by the raptors where all of them come together for days, sharing stories, showing off trophies, competing with other raptors, forming bands for hunts, finding mates, or meeting their mates if in a different tribe or group and, for those who came of age since the last gathering, there is the chance to find the trade they will apprentice in like a shaman and the chance to join a group for their first hunts or jobs and, at the end of the occasion, the shamans do their rituals and determine when the next gathering should be.
Repton growls and chuckles, looking at the rest of his squadron as they carry any of the kills and spoils they have brought for this gathering. He even takes the chance and hefts a large Blizzaris feline over his shoulder and walks towards the cooking area with the rest as they chatter to themselves about what they can do this year. They all drop their kills on the pile of animals ready to be skinned and cleaned. Done mostly by the females but most of the heavy lifting and large cutting is done by some of the males. Though, still mostly any female Repton sees doesn't interest him whenever he sees or interacts with one. They are just never right for him. And his job as one of the members and leader of the oldest band of raiders for the raptors tends to keep him very busy. He barely even reacts when a female with a burlap sack on her back filled with bone charms places an arm bracelet around one of his arms. Repton just waves her away, not being too dismissive, but acknowledging the sentiment for giving a little good luck piece.
"Hey boss, you think that the raptors who joined the Ravens will show up?" Spitz asks as he and the others had the charms placed on them as well.
Repton hisses. "Have to. You will be missing a lot if you skip it. I bet that Dustin will allow the raptors some downtime since there isn't much I bet," he says, almost hopefully. He then huffs before sniffing something. "Sulfur?"
"Metal byproducts," someone says near him, making Repton suddenly turn his head to the side and sees Salv, the famous blind raptor, standing there. He didn't even hear her approach. "Spend too much time in the forge gauging metals."
"Speak of the predator and they appear," Repton says in a friendly way as he had no ill will toward the Ravens as they do good business with them. Paying them a lot for the ore they find on their terras and also has brought much honor to the raptor species.
Salv chuckles. "Well, my brother is an honored member and he did ask permission for us and the raptors in the Ravens. Most came in fact. So don't worry your tail off," she assures, giving a wave of her tail to him.
"How long did it take to convince? It's no secret that Dustin is very strict with his organization," Repton inquires, thoughtfully remembering the rumors of how hard the training is after you join.
"Not long actually. He knew about the Gathering and when told it is happening soon, he told us in his own words, 'Take as many cruisers on standby and go.' He knows how important this is to us raptors," Salv informs, surprising Repton. Not many outside of the raptors know of the Gathering, let alone its importance to their species.
Repton hums, looking her up and down. "That comes with the territory of him being your mate? Does he have to know it all?"
Salv smirks. "A girl has to keep some secrets. But that is part of the reason," she giggles, somehow looking through him. Repton turns his head around, looking at his group not gathering enough interest in some of the females preparing and cooking the meals. But a few did eye them as they weren't doing anything at the moment. "Maybe you will be lucky this year Repton," Salv assures, crossing her arms under her chest as she still stares at him with glowing crystal eyes.
"I am not looking this year," Repton says dismissively.
"Well, you should at least go to the trophy area. We brought a lot from our expeditions. Even some live animals Dustin let us bring," Salv says, getting Repton's interest.
"Live?" Repton asks, trying to see the trophy area beyond the tents and many raptors milling around. "How many?" he asks, letting Salv notice his tail wagging at the prospect of seeing new creatures and especially ones to hunt.
"A few to show off. We didn't bring them to hunt as they wouldn't do well on this terra because they come from the south where it is much colder," Salv explains.
"Then we should have seen them," Repton hisses. "Where exactly? Tell me your group will soon make a map for us to look over," he asks, turning his gaze back on the female.
"We will be releasing it soon. We just have to rationalize the notes and journal entries. Dustin's alone is three hundred pages," Salv informs, making Repton hopeful as that much most likely means many new terras and creatures.
He chuckles, flexing his claws. "I eagerly await," Repton growls in excitement. "The rest of my band and other hunts will be waiting too. First day out, I will call upon a party to hunt these new creatures," he promises, looking at Salv with a grin.
"Just wait. We have brought a trophy that will set new precedence," Salv says cryptically with a smirk.
Repton hums. "I can see why Dustin is happy for you."
"I do keep everything running well and I am one of the highest ranking leaders of the Ravens," Salv informs.
Repton chuffs. "Quite obvious. Seeing as your brother handles the military side."
"Heh, only the raptors. Rorack is over him because more experienced and trained my brother in how to be a sailor," Salv informs getting a nod from Repton as that makes sense.
Repton sighs, looking ahead of them. "The hunt packs should be gathering together soon. Are you joining or going to stay to prove the kills?"
"I have to join the other shamans for a meeting of our own," Salv informs.
Repton raises a scaled eyebrow. "The shamans? Something bigger than giving other raptors their acceptance into the tribes?"
"The grand shaman said we need to start a few rituals early and welcome those who have completed their apprenticeship," Salv says as Repton understands some shaman rituals and traditions are for shamans only like elevating an apprentice to a full shaman.
Repton hums. "Well, I hope the grand shaman can give an apprentice to us. We could do well with a shaman on our raid group. Bless us more on our hunts."
"Like the ones who are doing for Cyclonia?" Salv asks with a smirk, surprising Repton as the word shouldn't have gotten around the tribes yet.
Repton levels a glare at her. "That's…"
"Different? No. We all know hunts are the same when you boil it down," Salv interrupts before humming. "Maybe after all this, I can try to place in a good word for you. It is high time that our oldest raiding group gets a shaman of their own. Surprised it hasn't been done sooner," she wonders out loud, starting to walk off but stopping shortly thereafter. "Oh and just so you know. It was Dustin who recommended your group to Cyclonis herself." Salv then walks off herself, making Repton sigh as that explains it. If Dustin is in personal contact with Cyclonis for the last few years, then he would hear from her if she took his recommendation. It also would have carried a lot of weight as some sources say he is practically an advisor to the monarch.
Repton sighs. It's too bad he wasn't born a raptor. Someone like that would have brought more honor than what he was bringing them now.
Repton looks back at his group, still trying to talk to some of the females, but most striking out badly. He rolls his eyes before walking to the trophy area as they either give up and follow or grab some ready-to-go small food and rush up to the rest. "Let's see what will make our hearts stop," he wonders as he slips and pushes through the crowded clearing where trophies and various kills are set on stands and or hanging from ropes. But it's the one that is tied to Raven's ship that captures their attention once they get close enough. "The…fuck…" he breathes out, seeing the large massive skull with long slightly curved tusks and bone spikes around the edges of the cleaned skull. "That's their kill?!" he almost demands, with everyone else looking in disbelief.
Viper, on top of some boxes, jumps down near the small kills they have brought as he smiles at the others looking at everything they have delivered. "Our biggest kill was found around one of the terras names that are still pending. Took almost three of our ships as support to help bring down this beast. Heck, hey Rayden!" Viper calls to the side and up comes walking a Raptor with a few scars on his face and legs and missing a fourth of his tail. "Rayden here was almost eaten by the thing. Bit his tail clean off," Viper informs, gesturing to the raptor.
Rayden scoffs. "Clean nothing. It chewed me for a bit before snapping it off," he mutters as he crosses his arms, eyeing Viper. "And I think it got pissed off even more. Maybe I didn't taste good."
Viper grins. "Yeah. Cooked raptor meat from you isn't tender enough," he jokes, making most of the crowd snark and snickers under their breath. "As for the rest," he announces, leaning against some of the boxes and tables of other kills or skulls and skeletons. "They are found all over the rest of the Atmos. You guys might be lucky if you come across them and strike them down. Even this one," he says, holding up a skull that looks like a Blizzardian feline, but the teeth are more mangled and in many angles at different outward directions. "I say they are much tougher and dangerous than the usual felines we hunt for our rituals. Get your limb stuck in its teeth from it charging and hitting you, you might get it torn off if hooked just right. So I say keep your distance," he explains, putting the skull down. "We also brought a few live examples. Though they are more pet or maybe mounts than kills," Viper says guestering to what looks like a large ostrich with more chicken like features on it's head and thicker neck as a few raptor young were having fun riding around in the saddle on it's back.
"Oh. I could get a lot of respect with that one," Spitz exclaims as many of the crowd start to imagine them killing such beasts and animals.
Repton frowns, looking at every notable kill the Raven raptors have brought. "If they keep searching and finding more to kill, we might need more tribe locations elsewhere to keep up."
Viper then grins, showing a toothy smile. "Now, who wants to go on a hunt?!" he yells, making most of them cheer and yell out. "Anyone who wants to join us, meet us near our ship. We will sort it out into groups."
Repton hums, looking at the large ship-sized skull tied to the Raven's airship. "Come on. Let's get our hunting party together before the good hunters are gone," he tells his group before walking off to their tent that is already set up with a few raptors waiting for them there.
"So how has it been going?" Repton asks.
"Uh…seems about thirteen went to the shaman to be apprenticed," Hoerk says.
"The mechanics have attracted seventeen so far," Spitz reports as he walks into the tent.
"The nice pretty raptor with crystal eyes says that the Ravens are going to share map information with all the hunting parties as soon as they get it all in order," Lougy says jollily.
Repton gives off a growling hum, looking at a map that the Ravens made for a quick look until a better, more detailed, one is finalized and printed. "This year's gathering is going along much better than last time. Such a slow season," he huffs, remembering that the shaman and mechanics were only able to get around a few new apprentices each. Afterward, it seemed almost pressured that each tribe felt to make more of their own until today's gathering. But if they got a good number to last for the next few years to come, they can keep growing each part of their growing culture and people.
"So boss, something is up with the shamans," Hoerk says, making Repton lazily turn his eye to him again. "I noticed a lot of them whispering to each other, but when someone who wasn't a shaman got near, they immediately stopped. Should we be worried?" Hoerk asks. Despite not being the brightest raptor, and being more on the tough side, Hoerk had a healthy amount of respect or fear of the shaman and their ways so easiest to spook when it came to them.
Repton gives off a slow sigh. "No. Try not to be. As our Grand Shaman is getting to that age, he might be approaching his death. It could be they are preparing for the next to take over. Frankly, my money's on that new younger female shaman from the Scorch Fang tribe. She has been showing promise for the future and, if not the next Grand Shaman, then maybe after that one. If she lives long enough."
"She did look cute. Smooth scales and all," Spitz reminisces, remembering back to when they visited the tribe to trade supplies and seeing her. But she did have that expression always on her no matter what, making sure they listened to her every word. Even a simple hello.
"She kinda reminds me of mother," Lougy says, bringing up his and Repton's deceased mother. Repton thought back to her and recalled her final moments. Disease had claimed her and maybe sorrow as out of the large clutch of eggs they were laid with, Lougy and Repton were all that remained. This is why he promised to look out for Lougy, a promise he does regret at times, but to put his dying mother's mind at ease before she went to be with their siblings, he bore through it.
"Yeah…she leads that tribe many times well enough, she should get fast-tracked to be the Grand Shaman," Repton voices, eyeing the map to busy his mind, taking note that it seems many of the southern newly discovered terras are far bigger than the average terra they are used to by at least twice the size. Though it isn't helping as he can only imagine the trouble the shamans, especially the grand shaman, are going through for the many rituals and new members. Especially in his old age. As of now, he just saw him passing by with some female raptor healers aiding his movements to their spiritual tent. Repton then stopped. That wasn't the face of one close to death. No. That determined look is of someone full of life, yet still having something very important to do.
"Boys…I take it back. Something is going on," Repton suddenly says. All of his crew in the tent look at him, wondering what their leader just thought.
"He should be here now," Lila, the Scorch Fang head shaman, says. Her outfit is of a long robe over her young body that covers most of it. But the additional item on her wrist is a gold band, signaling that she has a mate. Out of the others, most wear similar bone charms and clothes, but a few have similar gold bands on their wrist.
"The Grand Shaman is very old. It takes him a while to get somewhere," the chief of the Silver Spear tribe says.
"Silver…Spear…has…point," the chief of the Blood Claw tribe says in his broken speech.
Another shaman male, a more muscular one, hisses worriedly. "He mentioned something important. All he said right up to now is a vision. But a small taste of it. And he called all you here too," he adds, looking to all the chiefs. "This must be something that affects most of the raptors in the Atmos," Rylic, of the Crushed Stone tribe, says.
Soon the Grand Shaman enters and is helped to the center to join all the chiefs and the head shamans sitting around in a circle while the shamans are sitting around them in a crowd. "I have summoned you all here today to tell you of a vision I and my apprentices shared when we performed a ritual to the spirits at the start of the gathering," the Grand Shaman says, sounding a bit winded.
"Please, speak with ease Grand Shaman," one of his healers warns, making sure he is comfortable with others near him. "You have had a long journey to get here," she says, sounding a bit worried for his health.
"There is no time as the spirits have given me a vision. They have shown me the third pathfinder," the Grand Shaman says, shocking them so much, that some stood up.
"No…a third?" the chief of Silver Spear speaks up. "After many centuries? How can this be? As I surely thought we would have a war chief first for this ongoing war," he guesses, sounding in disbelief over the whole thing. Even the Grand Shaman doesn't get mad as he expected such a reaction, with the war looming on their many horizons.
"I do not pretend to comprehend the way of the spirits the way the Grand Shaman does, but they always have a reason for what they show us," Lila says, quieting them down. "If they show us a pathfinder, it can only mean great changes are coming. So, Grand Shaman, I beseech you to speak and share the wisdom the spirits have shown you."
"Very well. I do intend to show who this new pathfinder can be. As I was confused at first as well," he explains as one of his helpers sets up a bowl with wood kindling in the middle of the tent with blood covering it like it was poured on before lighting it on fire. Another one gives him some crystals which he then tosses into the blaze, making it explode in a torrent of flames. At once, they all see a misty red cloud explode out and soon shower them in the strange scent. All before they feel their bodies lifted away into the air, yet can see themselves sitting in the tent in the same spots. The little tent somehow goes away into a dark void as they all float among nothingness.
Then before them is a huge orb of light as it floats there for a bit before moving, revealing itself to be a great hawk with burning talons and eyes of pure sapphire gems. This is the messenger spirit, the hawk that had been the first pathfinder's pet and hunting partner in life. It flaps its wings and they all feel themselves being pulled along with the hawk spirit as it carries them somewhere. Through the void, they flew, seeing many things like the discovery of fire by raptor kind, the use of a crystal to kill their legendary and now extinct enemy, the great giant sandworms, and conquer their home terra, amongst other things.
The hawk screeches as a terra comes into view. The hawk flies towards it and soon they are over the terra. In the distance, they can make out something as they neared it. Then they see it is a raptor wearing a cape with many sigils around one big sigil that hadn't been used in centuries. The now dubbed Alpha clan sigil. The raptor himself is of average height, so a raptor like Repton could stand a head over him with a dark brown scaled body and yellow underbelly. The hawk screeches and lands on his shoulder. "Hello, old friend. Is it time for us to go?" the raptor greets the hawk spirit with familiarity and the hawk nods as it sits there proudly on his shoulder. The raptor that all of them are sure was the first pathfinder as he cracks his neck and looks up at the starry sky before reaching down and picking up a hiking stick off the ground and starting to walk, leaving very distinct footprints in the land behind him as he walks with the rest being pulled along.
Hardly anyone can say anything or move. It is almost like they are the first pathfinder tribe members and are going into their newfound lands. However, he suddenly disappears as if he is made of sand and the wind blows his body away, but new footprints are made as if he is still there. They keep going through until they come across another figure in the distance. However, this one is different. They pass by the tops of tents with tips of tails and heads moving around, but it is like a heavy invisible fog is covering the land, hiding who is down there. But the figure slowly comes closer, uncovered while a weak makeshift tent is nearby him. He merely is found to be another raptor, staring deep into the fire in front of him before glancing toward the group. But he could be staring at the tribe below him covered in the fog. "The wind blows strong again. Does time move forward once more?" the raptor asks cryptically, turning back to stare across the fire where the first pathfinder now sat.
"Only if we do. Will you?" the first pathfinder asks, with the hawk flying from his shoulder and landing on the ground between them.
"It is time," the raptor says standing with the first. "Let us go. Let us go meet the third who shall move us all forward," the raptor says, pulling out a compass from his satchel. The wind starts to blow hard around them and all of them see the wind spinning the compass's arrow before it stops, pointing sharply in one direction even as the wind keeps blowing. To those watching, they now knew who this was. This was the second pathfinder, Nameless.
The two raptors start to walk with the hawk now flying up and landing on Nameless's shoulder. They travel into the void of dark space, leaving footprints behind them in the colors of crimson and sapphire. However, they soon disappear with the group still traveling and going through the darkness. However, storms suddenly fall with dark torrential rain, blinding most of them through this journey. They even lose track of their own time while they keep going, unable to tell what is going on as they seem blind. Only Salv could see barely swirling around them were the dead bodies of dragons, old skimmers, and cruisers torn apart. Standards are being whirled around, burning as they go. Some are burned up or others are just buried under rubble and dirt.
Soon a single bright shining orb of light appears far away, making all turn their attention to it. The orb slowly grows in size as they approach, going through the end of the rain and appearing on a metal platform floating in space. In the middle is a table with various precision cutting tools laid around it. The middle of the table has a glass structure, taking the shape of the pathfinder's hawk, but the glass shines brightly, somehow making its light from nothing. Two footsteps, the same crimson and sapphire, approach the table while the two previous pathfinders appear in front of it before placing their tools and bags on the table as the void starts to fill with stars.
"We bow to the next pathfinder, the one greater than either of us," the two say in unison and bowing. Before them slowly appears a chair with a hooded-robed figure sitting in it. The person soon rose to his feet before pulling down his hood and shocking all watching the vision. It is a human. A human that none of them recognized, but seemed very familiar to Salv who squinted, trying to make out more details until it clicked. Dustin? An older Dustin or maybe a child of his?
"Where shall we go?" the two ask in their own way as the hawk lands on the table as if asking the same thing.
'Dustin' says nothing and just points to the stars before starting to walk and the two pathfinders and spirits follow as they follow their path and it starts to rise. Those seeing this vision are no longer being pulled along but they see a path appear under their feet, one made of silver that keeps rising to the stars. Then all of them fly up so they can see the platform entirely. It is the Raven's symbol.
At this point, they feel their bodies slump and their eyes close. All sight is lost until they open them again, seeing they are back in the tent while the fire in the metal bowl is only burnt wood and embers now. They all look at each other before Salv sighs. "Dustin…a human. Our next pathfinder…is a human," she voices, now worried about what this can implement.
That caused the entire tent to erupt in an argument. This argument lasts for several minutes and it starts to get heated and blows are about to be thrown until the Grand Shaman roars. "SILENCE!" the Grand Shaman, for added effect, smashes one of the stones in front of him with a punch, reminding so many that the Grand Shaman, while old, is still a warrior and never has been defeated. The tent falls silent and all of them go back to their previous positions for this meeting.
"Human…raptor…fucking Blizzardians and Wallops. It doesn't matter. What matters is that our kind is led by someone great. Someone who leads us down a new path of enlightenment and purpose," the Grand Shaman speaks, letting one of the healers mend some of the cuts on his hand from the rock smashing. "There is nothing that says all our titles have to be held by raptors. We merely held that standard because it was all we knew. Now, as the spirits show, times are changing."
"But is it Dustin? The one we saw doesn't look like him yet. So maybe older or someone from his line?" Salv informs.
The Grand Shaman sighs, turning to the girl. "I know you worry for him. Who wouldn't for their mate? The title of pathfinder is important for all of us and lays colossal responsibility on the one chosen. But if the spirits say him or another time or lineage of him, then they are sure he can take it. As of now, I understand he does more for all of Atmos on top of everything related to us. But if he understands, he will prevail as I believe in the spirits and their choice, but your argument is valid. The spirits could be showing us a vision of him in the future as that is when he is ready or it could be one of his line. Therefore, we will only share this with the leaders of the hunting clans, chiefs, and full shamans who are not here about the vision. For the vision of the second pathfinder came over a century before Nameless even hatched."
"So we are to watch with interest rather than to see which it is," a head shaman concludes.
"In case it is him though, I will be assigning more shamans to join his group. Shaman Salv, step forward," the Grand Shaman instructs. Salv blinks before getting up and walking to the middle of the room, standing before the Grand Shaman. "I hereby grant you seniority over all shamans who we choose to send," the Grand Shaman informs, surprising a few. This basically gave her authority over all shamans in the group, though many of the head shamans pondered why not just make her a Head Shaman.
Salv tries to speak before bowing before him. "Thank you Grand Shaman. I will appease the spirits and all raptors with this role. But may I ask…why not a head shaman rank instead?" she questions, looking up towards him.
"When you receive the answer from the spirits, then you will be ready to become a Head Shaman," the Grand Shaman says cryptically.
"Thank you. I will await their answer," Salv says, sighing in some tiredness with all of this happening.
"Now…speaking of assigning shamans, I have received a request from our oldest raiding group for a shaman of their own…" the Grand Shaman pauses as he scans the crowd. "Allela, step forward," the Grand Shaman instructs, getting Salv to scoot over as she had yet to be dismissed.
The named raptor female stands from the crowd, walking over and standing by Salv. Although she doesn't wear the shaman robes, she wears very modest clothing as it seems she is working in part healing and administrative work. "Yes, Grand Shaman," she says respectfully, bowing before him. Already standing a bit higher than Salv but only an inch or two and slightly more muscle on her limbs.
"You shall undergo the rite of ascension and be the shaman of the group," the Grand Shaman instructs.
Allela gasps in some shock before still bowing. "Thank you, Grand Shaman. I shall fulfill the wishes of the spirits that watch over us."
"Just keep them in line. They tend to go a bit over the top," the Grand Shaman informs.
"Then I look forward to whipping them into shape," Allela says with a predator smirk, reminding many of how much of a disciplinarian she can be.
"Oh, and take your three apprentices with you. We will be sending a fourth for you to teach as well," the Grand Shaman informs.
Allela hums and nods. "Of course. I will teach them to the best of my abilities."
Salv smiles, rolling her eyes. 'Well Repton, you got your wish. Just don't regret it.'
The Grand Shaman then frowns, turning his gaze towards Salv. "What are you still doing here?" he asks, making her jump. "You better go tell your mate what to expect. We will inform the rest of the raptors I have decided on the title soon. We don't want him barging in and demanding answers as to what is going on. Though, him coming here makes things easier on me," he adds as a joking afterthought.
Salv nods before rushing out of the tent to do as instructed. After leaving, the Grand Shaman hums and strokes his chin in thought. "Now that I think about it, maybe she could use an apprentice as well. Well, we will inform her later," the Grand Shaman considers, making the head shamans and chiefs sweatdrop.
"Pick up. Please," Salv says to herself hopefully as the radio crackles on the open line.
"Yello. Viper…Salv? Is that you?" Dustin answers.
"Oh, thank the spirits," Salv voices, picking up the microphone. "Is there anyone else there in the room with you?"
Dustin is silent before she hears his fingers snapping and then a door closing. "Now there isn't. What happened? Chiefs want to see me for something big or secret?"
"Bigger. Dustin. You have been named as pathfinder," Salv says before facepalming as she remembers she hasn't told this to him yet of most of her culture though he already was very knowledgeable of most of the basic information for some reason.
"Um…okay. So…I find new terras?" Dustin guesses, humming as he tries to remember what kind of title this entails.
Salv takes a deep breath. "No. Dustin, in all of known raptor history, both written and told, only two pathfinders have ever been made. One is the original raptor chief that brought us to Atmos and the second is a tribeless raptor that helped spread us out among the lands. You being named the third is a big thing. Either when you are older, one of your lineages, or even now, this is big. There are only three titles in all of raptor culture."
"Yeah," Dustin speaks up, letting her breathe. "The Grand Shaman and the War Chief I know. But Pathfinder…never heard of it," he sighs, trying to remember.
Salv gulps, taking another deep breath. "Right. The Grand Shaman leads our spiritual prowess, the war chief which is a title used by a chief or leader of hunting or raiding party voted by others for use in times of war, and pathfinder. The title that at times supersedes both of them. Dustin, all of raptor kind will follow the pathfinder. Even the Grand Shaman and War Chief. They have to listen as they are told to lead our kind to new heights, revelations, and new life overall. It would be akin to you leading us to a brand new land and helping us settle in new ways and live our lives. I wanted to tell you so you don't get shocked by everything once it is announced. Even the Grand Shaman recommended it. He either does or doesn't want you coming here to talk and want answers."
Dustin hums, sounding like he is thinking very deeply about this. "But…wouldn't it make more sense that your titles are held by raptors? Heck, you mentioned tribeless on the second pathfinder. So…"
"No. Titles are just that. Titles. Raptor or not, they are held by those who have proven their worth or are chosen by the spirits. You got chosen by the spirits it seems like. As for the tribeless…it's a term to describe a raptor who has no tribe under their name," Salv explains, starting to pace around.
"I guess…" Dustin starts. "He got back in after being tribeless?"
"No…it's complicated," Salv sighs, running a hand through her hair. "According to known stories and tales, the second pathfinder's parent or parents were cast out. They committed a grave crime that counted not equal to death, but heavy enough to mark them as tribeless. Now, according to rules that existed even back then, they can never return to any tribe as other tribes and all raptors know of the offense. But the hatchlings of the tribeless can earn their way back in. It would be a deadly hunt, but it is possible. And they would have the choice of which tribe they want to be a part of. However, the second pathfinder never chose such a thing. He stayed out of any tribes. He saw it as a hindrance when he decided to start helping tribes. His trial wasn't a hunt. It was helping many raptors find new lands, animals, plants, and everything to help them live. Especially as many started to deal with hallowed lands and foul crops. He helped so much that he earned that title from the chiefs and shamans. No matter which tribe a raptor belonged to, he helped them out. That's a pathfinder."
Dustin is silent for a long while as he listens to this tale. He then takes a deep breath before groaning as she hears metal creaking when he possibly takes a seat. "Fuck…okay. So this is way bigger than it should be. How…How does this affect you? Should I be worried that our relationship will…"
"No!" Salv interrupts, not wanting him to continue that line of thought. "What is between us, is only us. You being named pathfinder or me being given more responsibilities as a healer shaman doesn't interact with our relationship. If you wish, we can still be together. I would like it to be that way," she admits, looking sadly out the small window of the airship towards the terra the Ravens are hiding out in.
"Ok, good. Also, Cyclonis has green-lighted it at the first meeting showing her it," Dustin says, surprising Salv as she was sure it would take more convincing for them to sell her on the theoretical ship class they had been working on and off over breaks for the past year and a half.
"Good," Salv voices as Dustin hears the wariness in her voice. "At least if raptors now approach you, you won't be surprised to hear them call you pathfinder," she tries to giggle.
"Salv…" Dustin says in a certain tone that makes her stop dead cold. "Are you worried that with it all, we might never have time together? Or is it something else?"
Salv's tail twitches around at the accusation before she sighs. "Yes. All these new things, responsibilities, and your damn title, I am afraid of what we might come across. You might be labeled as a pathfinder, but I always want my Dustin. My mate. Not Dustin the pathfinder to me."
"You know I will most likely ignore this title as well and just get back to work right?" Dustin asks.
Salv sweatdrops, hearing that. "Yeah. That is what the second did as well so that will reinforce that title," she informs. "I just want to know you as my mate. Not as whatever these titles make you be. Even around other raptors," she hopes, getting a small chuckle in return.
"Whenever you want Salv, I will treat you as a mate. I owe that much to you as you keep me grounded. If another raptor calls me as such, I will just acknowledge it and move on. You matter most to me," Dustin admits, letting her feel a smile behind it. "Also…if that old Grand Shaman wants to see me, I will send a luxury custom ship for him. Those old bones I bet are not getting any younger," he jokes. "And he can keep the ship."
"And that just proves you earn the title from the spirits," Salv mutters, smiling and trying to not laugh. "Though I did notice a few of our designs parked on the terra," she admits.
"Hey, they are good designs coming from us," Dustin says a bit off-handedly.
Salv chuckles before sighing tiredly. "It's just been a long day. All of this is thrown at us and me giving you the bad news. I just wish we can just sail away into the sunset and…go to the beach and live our lives. But that would be boring as I could blink and you would have made everything new and advanced just because you are bored," she jokes, making laugh at the prospect. Salv smiles as well before her tail wags behind her. "I love you, Dustin."
"Love you too," Dustin replies.
Salv smiles, turning to look out another window at the gathering still happening. "We still have a few days here. A couple of hunts, apprenticeships, official recognition of raptors into their tribes, and so on. In the end, they will announce you as a pathfinder to certain raptors so it will get out little by little, but be prepared for it. But I do promise to bring you something nice and also good stuff to eat. You deserve it for being away from me," she says cheekily.
"I may still be in Cyclonia. I will be talking about a few things and having to go over the budget with Cyclonis on showing her how her investments are being spent and being professional and efficient. She trusts us, but her accountants are looking to cut costs where they can," Dustin informs.
Salv hums. "That's the job. Fixing the money issues. But I am sure you and Cyclonis can handle it easily once they see the ROI. I left it for you on my table of various technologies and ships. Made it on a whim."
"I will kiss you for a full minute when you get back," Dustin chuckles.
Salv smirks. "Only a minute?" she teases.
"…okay. I will make room for an hour for you," Dustin corrects, making the raptor giggle.
"You forget. I control your schedule. If I wanted to, I could make that a month," Salv teases.
"…you want that?" Dustin asks innocently. "I mean…I wouldn't mind," he admits, making Salv's smile all the bigger.
"No. Knowing you, your mind will wander and, next thing I know, we would have designs for a dozen new ships in the first week," Salv says, shaking her head.
"Or maybe designs about you," he says to the side, making Salv's tail wagging behind her and her face ends up blushing bright red.
"I best go. We both have things we must do. But what about the sky knight squadrons? How will they be handled?" Salv asks.
"You know…the darndest thing is there are no longer any prisoners. They staged an escape and stole three Thunderstrike cruisers. By the time the Cyclonians could go after them, they were long gone. The superior Cyclonian engines at work," Dustin informs.
"No help from you then? Must have been someone very skilled to pull that off," Salv informs.
"I have my suspicions. Also, Sickle subdued a young sky knight. Get this, the young fool flew in on a skimmer and charged through like he was some kind of hero in a book," Dustin says, laughing a bit.
Salv smirks. "And how did the little biter handle it?"
"One of his scythe-like arms cut the crystal guard staff he stole after being disarmed and then was tackled to the ground before I called him off. Any longer and Sickle most likely would have torn out his throat or torn open his ribcage," Dustin informs.
"Or sliced the limbs," Salv adds, imagining the spectacle. "We were almost this close to making a war chief happen ourselves with the threat of the war."
"You or Viper haven't shared the prediction I made with you two, have you?" Dustin asks.
Salv hums. "I think most of the chiefs and shamans feel it. It is almost like we don't have to say and they know. But saying it will just make things worse for us all. I choose not to. Viper is more than likely using the trophies and running hunts to keep his mind off of things. If the time comes for a war chief, then we will be called upon to protect our kind and way of life to the best we can."
Dustin says nothing as he thinks about things. "We will continue this later. I will see you in a few days then," Dustin says.
Salv smiles. "Good luck with dark and brooding," she jokes and he hears a sharp snark from him. "Knew that would get a laugh from you," she giggles. "I will send some food to you once I get back to our base so you know. And it will have any extra paperwork I made to shut up that coin counter," she promises.
"Can't wait for some hard cooking to go along with that expression of his," Dustin jokes.
"Love you," Salv sighs, getting off the chair now.
"Love you too," Dustin signs off before the radio is cut out.
The next day, Repton rises a bit tired still. He had spent the night drinking and socializing with the chiefs and leaders of other groups. He had gone to covertly ask what the meeting was that had the Grand Shaman have such a serious expression, but he wound up being drunk under the table with most of the other leaders and chiefs by the chieftess of the Rolling Sword clan.
"You suck in that gut! You stand up straight! You call yourself a raptor with that expression! Let me see your war face!" Repton hears a female voice coming from his team's tent.
He groans, holding his head in a headache-filled pain while stumbling towards the tent. Only to find a strange sight. A female raptor who is wearing shaman robes and ordering his almost equally drunk teammates from their nighttime stupor who was now standing up straight and looking afraid. "Excuse me…?" he speaks up, making the female turn her head towards him with a frown. "Who are you? I don't remember seeing you among the shamans," he recounts, hissing as he walks up to her.
"I am Head Shaman Allela. From this day forward, I am assigned to your raiding group," Allela informs and he pales a bit. He had heard of this Allela. She had a reputation for being a real disciplinarian amongst the tribes. If you were to ask what raptor represents order the most in the species, then they most likely would say Allela.
'Sky shark shit,' Repton thinks, his tail wagging nervously. And it is an action Allela does not miss as she watches it move.
"What is this?" Allela demands, walking up to Repton and grabbing his tail, yanking it and making it stop moving. "Excited to see me, huh? Then maybe it would be better served to keep yourself from falling over once I am done training you slackers," she exclaims, letting go and walking around Repton. This lets him see the crystal marks showing at times on her back under her robe and the bone charms all over her arms.
'I had to ask for a shaman,' Repton thinks, regretting his choice.
"Also, it will not just be me. I have three apprentices and one new one assigned to me from this year's recruits. They should also be of some help," Allela informs, walking away.
'New shamans too…so perfect,' Repton thinks, inwardly groaning as he can't show much in front of this one.
"This is…" Salv starts, staring ahead with her brother at the large area cleaned out. It is set up with many obstacles and 'traps' for one to run through. In this case, many younger raptors are taking the run through it. Even one older hunter keeps an eye on the time taken to go through it. From simple wall climbing, crawling, jumping from platform to platform, and so on. It almost feels like a military training camp course. "New," she finishes as one of the chiefs walks up to their side to watch the spectacle.
"One of your tribe mates recommended it. She saw it back when they passed by the military base and school in Cyclonian territory. So we thought it be nice to have ones made for us, including defeating a deadly animal in the quickest time possible," their old tribal chief says, smirking at the sight of the new young raptors running the course. "Some of the other chiefs are counting this as their trial based on how much time it takes and if they get below a threshold. Not all, but some," he shrugs.
Viper hums approvingly, watching the latest runner grab a very flimsy spear and try to kill the animal with sharp fangs near the end. "I say it works. Keep them on their claws. Plus, could make it a competition for the next gathering."
Salv hums before frowning as she spies something on the next contestant running the course while the next animal is released from its cage. "Yes…but I doubt that one can," she voices, walking along the course fence near the end where the timekeeper is waiting to approve the time and kill. Salv does not say anything until the runner comes over and kills the animal easily in one strike. The animal barely had time to move even before it died with a spear to the brain. At this point, he then runs up and slams a fist on the button to stop the time.
"New record," the timekeeper says, impressed as he marks it down on his clipboard.
"Disqualify," Salv speaks up, stopping them both. She even catches the attention of those waiting their turn to run and the other raptors watching the whole thing. "Check his left pocket," she orders, frowning at the contestant.
The timekeeper, knowing Salv's reputation to spot things no normal raptor can see, does as she asks. He grabs the raptor who ran the course and holds him still. Then he digs into his pocket and pulls out a bag of some kind of black dust. He takes a quick whiff of it before hissing in disgust at the sharp smell that quickly goes away.
"No wonder the animal didn't move," Salv huffs disappointed before walking back to her brother and old chief.
The timekeeper frowns at the raptor before grabbing his shoulder and tossing him out of the course. "Get your tail back to your tent you disgrace," he growls, striking off his name and time from the list. Even those watching frown at him for such underhanded tactics for a fair competition.
"Maybe we should do it for fun instead of competing if we will have more like that," the chief laments.
"How about you let us set up the next course? If you want to test them," Viper says smirking.
The chief smirks, eyeing the two. "Knowing what your group goes through, I will personally recommend it to the shamans and other chiefs."
"Oh, you want the dangerous kind? I was just going to do the work out course Dustin puts our recruits through for the security and exploration teams," Viper says bluntly.
The chief laughs. "Please. You know us. We don't take things lightly or the easy route," he says proudly.
"They have poison spear and arrows shoot into the course during the run. Much to my disapproval with how many end up in the medical wing," Salv says, glaring at her brother.
The chief smirks at the sound of that. "We can work with that. We have many healers for the gathering so why not make use of them and train them at the same time?"
"Oh, that reminds me. I have to defend my honor and put some new recruits from this in their places. They were unsatisfied when told initial assignments would be training and most likely guard duty at first," Viper explains.
"Just don't send all six of them to medics, it will set back their training," Salv reminds.
Viper chuckles. "I am only going to mess them up a little," he promises, holding his claws close together.
"It is too bad the Grand Shaman banned the fighting competitions we had back in my younger days at the gatherings. Though it did lead to bruised egos and infighting," the old chief laments.
Salv smiles. "Maybe the fact it leads to more infighting in the tribes after the gathering is the reason."
"That is the reason he gave after knocking out all who objected with a punch," the old chief informs chuckling.
"It is about time for the final ceremony to determine the next gathering will be," Repton comments, walking up and looking up at the sky, seeing the sun is nearly overhead.
Salv smirks now. "Like your new shaman?" she asks teasingly.
Repton puts on a forced smile. "Couldn't be happier," Repton says, knowing one of her apprentices is nearby.
Salv giggles, knowing the real answer. "Better get to the ceremony then."
"I guess I will have to beat them after that," Viper says.
All the raptors gather around the center where a large stone platform is with a large beast being restrained by raptors with chains and a large brazier burning brightly. The Grand Shaman is slowly led up to the platform with the other chiefs and head shamans close behind. The large beast growls at the offenders, almost wanting to bite their heads off.
Every raptor in the crowd cheers and screeches happily, feeling the excitement of such a successful event. Some of the young raptors in the front line up, ready to be called up for receiving their acceptance into their respective tribes. At once, the Grand Shaman raises a hand, quieting them down. "We shall begin our ceremony to welcome our new young raptors into our tribes," he calls, clearing his throat a little as one of his assistants takes over, holding a paper with a list of names.
Salv smiles as each new raptor is called up, receiving the blessings and markings for their various tribes. And each one going back to their family or mates gladly with their new fresh marks. She almost imagines what it could feel like if she brought Dustin over in the future for their family. Even his hatchlings. No doubt there might be a new category if they are steadfast inventors like their father. She giggles a little, thinking it would be nuts to do so, but lets it pass as the last raptor leaves the stage. The Grand Shaman then takes his place again, stepping up to the front, and leaning on his staff for some support.
"And with this joyous dusk of this gathering, I have two pieces of news. One is the final coronation ceremony. However, our believed guest of honor is not here, you will know him. I have received a vision from the spirits. One vital for all raptor kind. And that is who our new pathfinder is!" he announces, making all the raptors in the crowd mutter and starts to chatter loudly at this point. "Silence!" he calls again, making them quiet down. Most eager to know this new raptor pathfinder. "Most of you know who this might be. He has made great strides not just for us, but all of the Atmos. My dear raptors. Our new pathfinder is Dustin, the leader of the Typhoon Ravens!"
The crowd is quiet for a moment before loud talking and yelling occur. The idea that a human is their pathfinder is a shock to many. Even the chiefs don't stop it as they rather let their kind empty their sudden thoughts and almost a few protests. They don't even have to do much as the Grand Shaman slams his staff repeatedly against the stone platform, making the area crack enough to be noticeable. The sound itself is catching but the strength is more so putting them to silence.
"I know. This is a shock to you all. A human pathfinder. After all these centuries. But the spirits have given us this lead, made it clear who it is, and what direction he will take us. I would place my trust in the spirits," the Grand Shaman states, standing up straighter. "And so we will do so. We have followed the spirits for our lives and they have never led us astray. Even those who are tribeless among us do not lose faith in them. As such, if you see Dustin, treat him with kind respect. He may not be a raptor, but he is our pathfinder. One who is worthy of respect and understanding. He may stumble at times, but his goals will lead us to greatness and a new future." The old raptor then sighs, relaxing his posture. "Now, we shall begin our final ceremony. The time when our next Gathering of the Tribes will be," he announces, waving a hand to the animal handlers keeping the beast held down.
'Oh, if only all of you knew what the boss had planned,' Viper thinks as a head shaman brings the Grand Shaman the ceremonial dagger and he proceeds to slice open the beast's throat to collect its blood. All the blood drips into a large metal bowl below, pooling into a deep red pond. The beast's head slowly dips forward until it lies dead and the animal handlers slowly let go of the chains holding it down. The other head shamans slowly drag the bowl over, bringing it to the middle of the platform. The Grand Shaman reaches into his cloak, pulling out some large glowing purple crystal as it shines before them all in the setting sun. He then tosses it into the blood, making it explode out into tiny droplets with fine red mist that reaches and covers the entire crowd. All who are there breathe the misty blood, finding their bodies going limp for some moments, before, four seconds later, they can stand once again fully awake.
The Grand Shaman smiles, seeing all their reactions. "Four seconds. The spirits have made us join them for four seconds of our life. We shall honor them in four years, celebrating our kind and spirits. Our next Gathering of the Clans," he announces, making them cheer or give war cries.
Salv smiles as she is almost ready to go before another old raptor worms his way through the crowd to her. "Ah. My master," she bows, giving respect to her tribe's head shaman. "Is there something needed?"
The raptor chuckles, looking over the girl. "Frankly, I need to meet with Dustin. If you can set up a meeting between me and him personally, that would be okay. Tell him I have things to teach and they relate to your health. He will follow and come to me if my thinking is correct."
Salv blinks, slightly confused. "Oh. I will be sure to tell him. He might be interested in asking you questions as well."
The old shaman laughs. "I will be waiting for that day. Either in my place or his."
Salv smiles, turning to see her brother collecting his things from their large tent. "I should get going and help with packing up. It was nice to see you and everyone else again."
"Likewise," the old raptor says in turn, watching as she leaves to catch up and help her brother pack to go back to their base. "Oh and congratulations. It is a big step for us shaman," the head shaman adds as he walks away.