In To Deep

[littlewing]

Ferin flew as fast as he could but they were faster, pure ones. Two grabbed him and flew him out to sea. They slashed his wings so he couldnt fly and dropped him into the sea. He was sinking to the bottom. It was beautiful though the fish shimmering and the sea weed, the moon direcly above, what a great last sight. He closed his eyes as he passed out.

[Gabjas]

It had been three days since the Pure one attack, and though it hadn't been greatly successful, some had been lost in the battle. The tree had fallen silent, save for the sudden shuddering sobs of an owlet as they were led away from their parents graves.

Ankha sighed heavily, passing an elf owl staring forlornly at the ground. The owl had done her best to save them, and many had thanked her for sparing their lives from the cold clutches of death. Some had not been as lucky. Of course, Guardians were accustomed to great tragedy. We had seen our fair share of battles and raids, but what had troubled this rybs soul was the rapid increase in recent attacks. It seemed as though every other day was spent hidden away in your hollow, families screaming and soldiers donning their helmets.

Ankha shuffled down the roots from the Parliament, where she had just met the council for a brief discussion on battle tactics and security. With all these attacks, many were suggesting a large investment in enhanced battle gear to protect our soldiers more efficiently. She yawned, rubbing at her eyes drowsily.

Due to the alarming number of patients that needed tending to in the infirmary, she hadn't had the privilege of a good days rest in quite some time. She spread her wings, stretching her aching muscles before taking off.

"Matron, what are the conditions of these patients?" Ankha asked quietly, gesturing to three wounded owls asleep in the mossy rest beds. With the shortage of staff, her limited amount of medical knowledge was highly valued.

"Recovering quickly, ma'am. Except... for this one." the owl said sadly, her wing pointing to an owl with soaked feathers, his eyes shut tightly. Wounds and gashes scattered his body.

"The one I saved from the ocean? Is he not waking up?"

"Afraid not, ma'am."

Ankha peered down solemnly at the owl, the very sight of his drenched feathers putting a shiver up her spine.