Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC Rosemary and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
Rosemary: Apes Together Strong Chapter 2
What a fine day it is for the young to venture out and brave the wilds in order to acquire the means to achieve full adulthood in the eyes of the whole of Eagle Clan and their home.
The sun is shining, the wind is in their favor, and there are so many eagle nests out there with eggs ready for the choosing for the four adolescent chimps, Noa, Anaya, Soona, and Rosemary.
Upon reaching the appropriate spot on the outskirts of the territory, on the edge connecting to the borders of the forbidden valley, the four eagerly abandon their horses in a sheltered spot and begin the dangerous climb upward to the most desired and dangerous nests.
Outside of such sacred rights, rituals, and patrols, none in Eagle Clan would dare come this close to prohibited sectors without it being sanctioned.
Thankfully, this is a special occasion at that.
These various eagle nests are classified as perilous for these very coming-of-age tests for a reason.
Where once tall buildings stood shining in the blazing sun, now they are rusted over and overgrown by various vegetation completely. The generations of eagles that have resided there had picked these spots because it perfectly suited their needs for both natural protection and shelter.
The height granted them natural protection from whatever predators out there would seek to raid their nests for much-needed nourishment in sustenance.
Unfortunately, for the eagles, there is one species that the wild eagles have no escape from.
And that is apes.
Determined to obtain an egg of his own for the bonding ceremony, Noa is in the lead. He expertly maneuvers, swinging and catching himself with practically no fear of falling.
After all, what need is there for any of them to be afraid when they have been climbing all their lives since birth?
None.
Although there remain nail-biting moments where they have to treat very carefully.
For example, major gaps between levels of neighboring structures have to be leaped over. Noa, Soona, and Rosemary all carefully judge the distance before jumping and then landing safely on the other side.
On the other hand, Anaya is far more reckless, being the self-proclaimed best climber of the entire group.
Taking a charging start, Anaya lands way above them one-handed and all the while eating an apple.
Peering down at them, Anaya takes another chomping bite, grinning at them quite obnoxiously.
Rosemary sticks her tongue out at him in a retaliatory response to his behavior.
Good-naturedly, grunting, Noa signed "Show off."
At last, the group of four reached their desired destination.
One of the highest nests in the cloister. Not exactly from the tallest point, but still a height that garners much recognition and respect.
At present, there is one parental unit guarding the nest.
Crouching low in the shadows, the four of them need to wait patiently for this eagle to depart before attempting anything, otherwise they run the risk of getting injured from this fiercely protective parent.
Eyeing the nest, Soona whispered "Elder Luna says make your heart still. The right egg will sing to you."
"Elder Luna is elder," retorted Anaya, crossing his eyes and making a sign to emphasize that Elder Luna is up there in age and, because of it, a bit senile in his opinion.
Lightly elbowing him in the ribs in admonishment, Rosemary said, "Enough. Be respectful."
Noa shoves at Anaya, and the latter playfully shoves him back.
Waving a rapid hand for them to cease this foolishness, pointing at the nest, Soona said, "The eagle is leaving."
Releasing a screeching cry, not detecting any danger and figuring the nest was safe, the eagle takes off to hunt.
Seizing this chance, the four initiates approach the nest.
Peeking over the side, they then discover three eggs clustered together in the center, surrounded by downy feathers, leaves, moss, and fur from long-deceased prey.
Three eggs.
A decent amount, yet not enough.
Two of them will have to go without.
The question is, which two?
Making this observation herself, Soona informs, "Three. Only three."
Pant hooting, Anaya said, "We take them all."
Emphatically shaking her head in opposition to that idea, Rosemary objected, "No. Never. The eagle will be without all her offspring then."
Standing with his sister, Noa said, "Rosemary is right. Leave on always." He even goes as far as to lightly punch a fist knuckle down into his palm to stress the significance of this rule. "That is the law."
Anaya huffs but wisely doesn't argue further.
Shoulder slumping in dejected resignation, grimacing, Noa sighed, "Bonding day is tomorrow. Anaya. Soona. These are yours."
"By length of a sunset," contested Anaya.
"Is older," said Noa, resolutely.
Rosemary rubs a sympathetic and comforting hand on her brother's shoulder, knowing how difficult it must be for him to admit this. For Rosemary, while this initial bonding between ape and eagle is important to all, she has the patience and perseverance to wait a bit longer on that. Noa is more desperate for it. He wants to pass the test so he can stand tall, gain the whole of Eagle Clan's full respect, and make their father proud.
This is a big deal for Noa.
As his best friends, recognizing this, Anaya and Soona fall silent, not putting up a fight against Noa and Rosemary's joint decision.
Gesturing at the trio of eggs, quietly, Noa said, "Soona. Which one sings to you?"
Considering all three, Soona delicately reaches in and picks the egg that calls to her the most.
"This one," she said, softly.
"Silk," said Noa, pulling out some rabbit fur and handing it to Soona so she could use it to insulate and properly pad the pouch for which was wrapped across her chest.
Anaya hastily claims one of his own and gawks at it in awe.
Giving them each congratulatory pats on the back, smiling in happiness for their good fortune, Rosemary said "Well done."
As pleased as he is for them, Noa still can't conceal his own disappointment at not possessing an eagle egg of his own.
Noticing this, in an attempt to cheer Noa up and keep him included, gently, Soona said "We will raise them together. Like we were raised. It will be the same."
Soona can say that all she wants, but the truth of it can't be ignored. Eagles only bond to one. So, it won't be the same.
If Noa is going to get a link of his own with an eagle, then it must be now.
Just as they're about to depart, the screech of an eagle draws his attention.
An eagle whose nest is situated on the highest point of them all.
A nest where another group of eggs possibly could be waiting for the taking.
The Top nest.
Authors Note:
I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
For those of you just starting out with my stuff there are other works on my profile that may catch your interest. I highly recommend you take a look as soon as the opportunity presents itself to you. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure. I swear it's like they're getting worse and worse all the time and it's like officials are simply just ignoring it or pretending it doesn't exist entirely just to go on with their daily lives. Especially those in multi-million dollar companies that rely on certain elements of our planet that we rely on to naturally keep us safe instead of adapting and finding new safer ways to keep in business. There are so many options out there where they can adapt, but they just refuse to see it because all they care about is money. Climate change is altering so much faster than anyone can really keep track of.
So, in light of all this, it is important to live life to the fullest as much as anyone can.
I know I am. ;) See you guys next time.