Awaken (Open)

[frost]

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[atrb=background,http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l65/Jade_Pheonix90/NeasaTablebottomandmiddle.jpg] OOC: Anyone can join! Please come and bother the Queen, Owlet and Parliament alike! <3 The moon rose from beyond the Sea of Hoolemere, casting its ghostly light over the Isle like a blanket of silvery rain, softening the Great Ga'Hoole Tree in even its roughest locations. The Singer was weaving her tune 'round the tree, calling for the rise of the night, rousing all sleeping owls from their dreams into the world that was theirs. Neasa stirred in her hollow, chestnut feathers ruffling, the darkened spots weaving about in a large huff as the waves of her coat rose in a grand stretch. Almond eyes peeked open to the entrance of her chambers, the dark orbs glinting from beneath ebony lids. Her mate did not stir beside her, did not ruffle his plumage like his mate. No, the King was out, away from the hollow, from Ga'Hoole itself. For now, it was only the Queen in that cozy crevice. Spreading her wings in a stretch, tail feathers fanning, Neasa softly clicked her beak in reaction to the movements. Closing her wings then, the Tasmanian Masked Owl hopped out of her hollow and onto the branches outside, talons settling into the thick bark of the Tree. Other owls were doing similar activities, waking from their daytime dreams of night time hours. Her kingdom was coming to life among the flowered grasses below and the starlit leaves above, and Neasa enjoyed watching it. The Queen nodded and acknowledged other owls as they glided past, on their way to whatever may require their attentions. The gilded queen herself took to the air but a moment later, soaring to the Parliament hollow. There was no meeting today, no, Neasa simply wanted to view the innards of the chamber once before she would be taking off again, towards the teaching quarters the Healing Chaw took up. She would be sitting in on the class tonight, refreshing her memory on the herbs required to treat certain illnesses. She may be the Queen, but she was still a capable healer- her next mission might well be to assist her mate. As she landed at the Parliament hollow, Neasa gazed behind her a moment, as if inviting any who might wish to speak with her to follow, before she clicked into the wooden chamber, eyes settling on the stand in the center of it all, where she and her mate would have stood. At least, She thought, I am not alone. A wry smile settled over her beak as she walked her way over to the centerpiece of the room, talons clicking quietly upon the wood, before she turned around to exit again. It wouldn't do to dawdle too much, after all. Surely the Healing ryb wouldn't be pleased, even if she was the Queen!

[shadow]

[STRIX STREITER]
^{I'll Stand For Nothing Less
Or Never Stand Again
These Are The Limits On One's Buried
This Body's Left The Soul...}

It was time.

Srix Sreiter had recently returned from a routine Search and Rescue mission, and for the last few days, nothing of interest ad been happening in the Tree. In fact, it was all the young Ryb could do to not blow a gasket at every Juvenile in his Chaw. It was now time for new recruits. He couldn't stand the same owls for one more night!

With silent wingbeats, Sreiter made his way from his personal hollow and into the bigger section of the Tree. Owls were just starting to stir, which was all fine and dandy, but a certain Strix really didn't want anyone in his way while he went to speak to their Queen or King. Hopefully the Queen. Though he had no personal qualms with the King, the Queen was the one who had believed his story right off the bat when he'd found out his older brother Strix Sabreclaw had had him captured as an owlet.

At last, the queen came into view. She glanced out at the great hollow, her kind eyes inviting everyone and anyone to speak to her. Thankfully, he managed to catch the female's eyes just before she vanished into the parliament room.

"Lady Neasa," Streiter greeted as he lighted down beside her. "If it's not a bother, I have a few requests to make for the Search and Rescue Chaw." Though his words were polite, his tone was not. The sour tone from when he had woken up was still clinging to his gruff voice, though in all honesty, Strix Streiter didn't care.

[iamontda]

(frost, how do u make character boxes???) ((Sorry about off-topic post...))

[aakesh]

---

Large owl traveled upon air currents as those eyes of liquid amber glistened in the pale moonlight, an intelligent look fixated upon that neutral expression. Wings beat unnecessarily at some points as he traveled, and that big boy could not help but wonder the safety of his tree. It had seemed like an eternity since he had nestled by his queen's side, and the sudden feeling of loneliness crept upon his heart. Armor of gold seemed dirty and grit-covered, and the sudden memory of them being upon him seemed to weigh him down promptly. What was this sensation? They had been covering his body the entire time, yet this was when the extra weight seemed to bother him? The sea below him seemed to attempt to grab him, to pull him down and drown him. Like owl feet they would extend out towards him, the mass of water causing a large spray to occur, and would close their grasp only inches away from the owl's body. How peculiar, a storm like this hadn't plagued the area of the Great Tree since long ago, and it did worry him. With that new sense of urgency, the owl of mixed hues of browns and sorrel would extend wings outwards and speed up his travel. What a horrid time it was that he had decided to take a trip away from home!

The sound of the ocean beneath him was frightening, for with each wave crashing into the water's surface seemed to summon up their harsh voices. With each rip in the tide, it seemed to extend a taloned-foot towards him, answering the call to that the crash had summoned. It was not a good time for a nice low flight, and Aakesh would take a safe bet to not fly too low to the sea. The clouds rolled across the sky, the sound of thunder booming across the sea, magnifying its effect ten fold with the flashes of lightening that would occur in answer to the thunder's call. Rain pelted his face hard, and the harsh gale was sudden not as pleasant as he had wished. He was no longer in the eye of the storm, for the air currents seemed to toss him up and down, spinning him around in a pointless circle. It was dizzying, certainly, but he would have to persevere if he was to ever see his darling queen again. He would begin an argument with the winds, his voice the wings that would cut cleanly through the currents in the sky that seemed to wish him to crash into the ocean. Now like savage dogs, they leaped up at him as he fought valiantly against those currents.

It seemed forever since he had begun his fight against the air, and he was beginning to tire. How long? How long until he would be nestled in his safe hollow once more? Aakesh closed his eyes, and allowed his gizzard to begin to talk to him; to guide him. It spoke clearly to him, and using it he would ascend into the heavens, wings flapping hard as he cut through the clouds to carry him above. He emerged upon the sea of clouds, and how calm it was compared to down below! He glided easily across the sky, riding the slow moving air currents until gizzard directed him to descend. Pressing wings close to his body, he would dive downwards, second eyelid sliding across his eyes as the tear of the speed was blinding, and he tilted head away slightly to block its blow from it. Gizzard spoke up now, and he would expand his wings outwards. Like a parachute, it carried him gently as the sight of the Ga'Hoole tree came into view. Praise Glaux!

He would feel the chill of travel press against his body as a shiver was suppressed, a glide being given as he would land upon the edge of his hollow. Wings flapping to steady himself, grit-covered armor soaked, he would move into the hollow like a phantom; for now he would have to focus upon the job of drying himself off. Armor still upon his feathers, he would turn around to see his beloved Queen, and Strix Streiter. Wings were stretched and then folded casually at his sides, and he would tip head slightly as he addressed them, "Ah, Strix Streiter, what a surprise. What may I assist you with?" He took position next to his Queen, armor glinting sadly in the pale moonlight.

---

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[shadow]

[STRIX STREITER]
^{Could We Have Known
Never Would I
Have Helped To Nail Down...}

"Lord Aakesh," Strix Streiter regarded with a nod as he too, lighted down. A heated wave pulsed through Streiter as he he took in the sight of the King, his armor tainted with dirt and grime. In some ways, the young spotted owl still wished that he had the position that Aakesh held now,but those were desires rooted in his brain from when he was still an owlet. When his brothers, Strix Sabreclaw and Strix Suraj would tell him that the three of them were the only ones that deserved power. It was a lie, of course. They never did love him. They only wanted to use him.

Ruffling his feathers to calm down, Strix Streiter sighed. Today was not boding well with him already, and judging by the way the King's feathers were ruffed up, there was a storm brewing outside. Perhaps he would fly it later to escape the confinements of the Tree. Both the King and Queen knew of his days as a Kraal, and how he had been bound to no one but himself. It hadn't been long since he returned, and he still wasn't used to... to teaching.

And that was precisely why he was here now. Strix Streiter knew he had to keep on track before his wondering thoughts led him to spit out an insult or some other outburst that could get him in trouble.

"I just would like to give an update on the students in my Chaw. Search And Rescue has been... doing moderately well. Our group is small. I fear that they are losing motivation under my instruction. Perhaps a few new Juveniles could do us some good to get us back in the system of things. Are any of the young'ns ready to be assigned Chaws?"

Streiter puffed his feathers out again, making himself look bigger if only to show some authority. He wanted this request to go through, and he wanted both the King and Queen to know how much he needed some kind of change. A spark to bring the life back to both him and his students.

The next routine Search and Rescue mission isn't until the moon is half dwenked, Strix Streither thought. And we've been sitting around here doing nothing! Owls are in need out there.... captured owls....

If he was still the fragile young owl he had been, a shiver would have gone down his spine at the thought of being kidnapped. Never had he been so fearful in his life, and so angry, when he had been taken away from the Great Tree.... but then this problem persisted. Now that he was back... it hardly felt like a home. Why was he so damn miserable here?

[aakesh]

---

As he watched Srix Sreiter nod in recognition towards him, he watched with unblinking liquid amber eyes, of which appeared very near the pigment of freshly excreted sap off a tree in this pale moonlight. Expression of somewhat irritation of not being allowed to have a spare moment upon his return to his hollow with his Queen and mate, he would allow this to hide within him like a troll hides beneath a bridge. Armor would not be removed from his body, seeing as they had a visitor, and even if he was king he certainly would have to honor this one by continuing with his business when they had the 'floor'. Head was lowered slightly, and eyes posed that silent question of "Well?", a stern gaze that was slowly mixing with impatience. Silly bird, getting his feathers ruffled merely because he could not do what he pleased. That was why he accepted this position of King, right?

Of course, watching this other relax would somewhat soothe Aakesh as he watched him, ears attentive and body language speaking welcome. Certainly, he was an actor, for who else could hide their impatience and boredom as easily as himself? Beak opened and closed as he stretched his jaw, frozen atmosphere outside taking its effect upon the hollow bones within his body. Ah, so now he spoke of reporting? How casual. A sigh would be released, though cloaked in a shroud of an interested 'hoo'. Wings would once more stretch slightly as they would flap to keep themselves positioned correctly upon his body, and they would slide neatly into place as he continued to listen 'attentively'. Surely, mind had wandered elsewhere, even though he looked so clearly interested. Eyes would only blink on occasion, and mind would begin to form into distant memory of the past.

Dark night seemed to form before his eyes as he was stuck in darkened, unknown place. Another beating had occurred today, and poor wing was broken. It was held slightly separated from his body, for pain was great as he attempted to bring it to its center. There was nothingness in this darkened place, and it all seemed two-dimensional to him. Not a sound would be heard, nothing to be observed; how dull it all was. The silence seemed broken by the loud chattering of ruffians was heard, and that would cause Aakesh to give that sigh coated with a 'hoo' sound. Let it be once more, that he should endure this torture that they would bring upon his body. Let him survive, o' Glaux, let him survive it. They would come forth and screech loudly at him for him to tell them all about the Great Tree, but not a single word would be uttered by the prisoner, the rag doll. Ruffians would pin him, and step on already broken wing, and the screech of pain would not be with held, even though he knew that that was what they wanted to hear; his pain.

It all dissolved so quickly, and he was once more gazing down towards the Ryb leader, and he would allow beak to open and close once more with near silent click, as if he were tearing flesh from bone. His report was moderately interesting, and thus the owl would respond, "Ah yes, it appears that this is the case. While your group is petite, young one, take this as a great opportunity to get to know your chaw better. I am afraid that my absence from the tree upon confidential matters has kept me from knowing which owlets are doing what, so I shall have to make up for lost times, yes?" It was always like that. His speech pattern was irregular, and he would often add 'yes', 'no', or 'aye' to the end of his sentences to make them questions, to confirm what he was saying. He feared the lost of motivation? Hm. "Your troops are not as motivated as they used to be? How peculiar indeed. Perhaps enhancing the level of training will make them want to become better? Take them on missions more often, then or something."

Attention was quickly grabbed by the owl before him puffing his feathers forth, and Aakesh would mirror him, a non-verbal to show dominance in the situation. He could be the leader of his chaw, but the King was in charge of it all. He could change his mind about this predicament after all. Battle talons of gritted gold were tightened as he flexed his feet, those amber eyes gazing downwards into that others face.

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[frost]

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[atrb=background,http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l65/Jade_Pheonix90/NeasaTablebottomandmiddle.jpg] OOC: -prods Aakesh- Just to make sure you saw it right, they're in the Parliament hollow not their private hollow. Sorry I took so long to get in here- didn't realize someone had actually picked up the thread! xD Streiter's gruff greeting met the queen's ears with little hostility, and the small tasmanian masked owl had turned to greet him in turn, dark eyes glinting with hints of ruby. Perhaps a storm was brewing, settling itself into the hollows of her bright orbs to cause such a glint... perhaps she was simply tucking away her emotions as she usually did. "Streiter, no, you're never a bother." She churred quietly, settling fluffed talons upon the branch she stood, lowering her form to be less intimidating. She did not mind playing the submissive one in any encounter, though the gruff buck before her usually did not require her to. As she awaited his response, her mate arrived, clad in his armor and coals, soaked through to the bone. Neasa blinked in surprise, feathers ruffling and wings rising ever so slightly from the slim form of their owner. "Aakesh! I did not expect you back so soon..." She began quietly, her voice wavering with concerned happiness. Her eagaline mate, however, seemed more interested in hurrying along the completion of whatever it was Streiter had come to ask for. Within moments the larger owl was at her side, asking for Streiter's explanation of appearance. Neasa settled back into place again, wings at her sides and eyes on Streiter. Her mate would receive his welcome later, it seemed. Neasa pondered Streiter's response then, listening quietly as she searched her memory for any owlets still in the pre-chaw instructions. She could only think of a few, but none extremely suited to the Search and Rescue chaw. Later, perhaps, she would take Streiter around to the hollows she knew to have owlets, and allow him a chance to see their progress. Surely at least one would be a good choice for the Search and Rescue chaw? She said nothing as Streiter puffed up his feathers again, making himself appear larger than he was. Authority, perhaps, but Neasa was sure he knew they had more authority than he did. Aakesh's response to the ryb's words did little to ease the situation, it seemed. He meant well, but sometimes her mate seemed a touch unsympathetic towards anything involving drops in morale. Neasa turned her attentions to Streiter again, clicking her beak quietly. "Do you know why morale has been low lately? I heard rumors of a monster being spotted, called by the Pure One herself. Such a thing surely would affect the moods of our Search and Rescue chaw." The idea that a monster, one specifically noted as matching the ancient description of a Fabled One, could be out and about would sink the light hearts of anyone in the Great Tree. Even the queen worried over the possibility of such a beast happening upon their location. "As it were, perhaps a rallying cry would be better used in this situation. The owlets in the area are generally too young for chaw induction, though a few promising young ones have done well in their pre-chaw work." She said soothingly, eying the mirrored puffing of one male and then the other. Smoothing ruffled feathers was probably Neasa's best known talent. "As Aakesh has said, take them on a few more missions, but make them more attuned to reiterating why your owls were chosen for their chaw. Group work, you know, successful work that builds strong relationships- it always does wonders for low confidence. And I will bring you around the pre-chaw students later, Streiter, if you would like to have a look at the young ones." Had a crisis been averted? Hopefully. Neasa looked from one puffy male to the other, smiling softly. Men. Even simple conversation was a battle.

[shadow]

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[atrb=background,http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p30/shadowolfdemon/TopAndBottom.jpg] "Monsters are the least of my concerns until they're on my doorstep," Streiter responded tartly. "The Pure Ones remain a threat, as do the owls of Saint Agelous, however, it is not low morale that seems to have stricken my chaw. Just an unwillingness to work hard. It seems as if they have lost sight of the importance of what Search and Rescue chaws do. Even the ones that were saved by my chaw all those moons ago. They're lazy now, uninterested. I take them scouting as much as I can, yet rescues are sloppy and performed with an uncaring demeanor. Do you really think rumors of a monster that may or may not exist should make the owls of Ga'Hoole lazy from fear? Whether or not the monster exists, there are still owlets being captured, and I am not going to stand by idly and let them be tortured... and yet, if I could save them all by myself, I would have by now. They don't listen to me, I believe, because I am close to their age. I'm barely out of the Juvinile stage myself. Discipline. That's what these owls need. Discipline." He stopped, calming himself as the Queen spoke soothing words. She did have a way of making things seem lighter, "No need to take time out of your daily routine to help a youngster like me. I know the tree well enough to look at some of the younger owls and speak with them. You probably would like to welcome the King back, after all." He nodded to them both once again before turning around, and spreading his wings. But before he took off he said, "We have been at peace for so long, we now fear fighting because we have not had to lift a talon in violence for years. Not since the time of Soren. If I were you, I would send a warning to the owls here. Tell them to buck up, or get slaughtered, because you know that's what will happen." And then he flew away.

[aakesh]

---

Mighty king would allow body to shake, much like a dog, allowing feathers to poof out as water droplets splashed the surrounding area. Oh yes, how regal of King Aakesh to do so during such a meeting as this. Yes, Queen was quite pleased to see her knight in gritted armor, standing beside her and radiating her day. That was, at least, how he imagined it all. Neck would twist in an awkward way, allowing it to release a soothing crack before he got really comfortable next to his Queen's warm body. Yes, Neassa's words agreeing with her King's judgment were a comfort, and he felt his temper settle slightly. Ah, that ol' girl Ness. She knew how to unruffle the feathers of those who are about to go at it, beak and talons. Feet flexed as he situated his weight once more evenly upon his aching feet.

This ryb seemed to share the same view of him about this supposed monster, and while most of it seemed valid to the King, he became quite irritated once more as he heard Strix Streiter's last statements. As the youngster spread his wings wide and began to fly away, Eagle Owl would feel the sudden urge to snap at him for his unreasonable statement. He would happily lunge into war, battle-talons brandished and mighty war shriek being echoed as he made his warriors attack and defeat those 'Impure' Ones. Heh, nice joke. Perhaps queen would laugh? Head would swivel upon its axis, eyes of liquid amber staring directly into his Queen's face with a smile shining in his eyes. Owls could not smile, due to having a beak and no soft lips like you and I do. While in this world they can cry, they certainly continue to have the incapability of smiling.

Beak would part with such happiness in his eyes, and he would hoot merrily to his mate, "My dear, why should we worry about these 'Impure' Ones? They are of no current threat, and if they were I would certainly be the first one to rise to arms." He sprung up into the air, wings flapping with much ease as he demonstrated what actions he would do upon the nearby tree bark, a shanty being sung immediately,

"I'll spring into battle,
And they shall have to tattle
To their mummy as I slash their gizzards out.

They go yeep,
As I approach,
No doubt 'bout it, fair lassie.

I'll extend my talons wide,
And make 'em sink into the tide,
For who don't want to fight o'er the sea?

My talons, serated,
Will leave them all grated!
Only shreds will be what they'll bury!

I'll grab one o' their wings,
And make their swans sing,
As I headbutt, and slash, and punch, and kick, and
beat!"

He swooped all through the hollow, demonstrating what wonders he'd perform on the battle field. It all ended with an extended note on 'beat' and he would swoop down to his Queen's side. Oh what an image he must've looked like; covered in gritted armor, tired looking eyes peering forth from behind the gold, feathers ruffled and somewhat wet from being tossed about like a ragdoll in the storm. Wing would be lifted from his body and placed around his smaller 'other half', cloaking his fair lass with his dirt colored feathers. While he certainly would've put his head on top of hers, like he had done so many a time before in a sign of affection, he would not like her to feel pain from being hit by the gold armor full on. Cautiously, he would proceed to resting skull upon her own, making sure that gravity would not take its part in causing a collision of metal and flesh, "I love ya babe."

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