Post by Accalia on Feb 4, 2012 15:44:34 GMT -5
C O R I N
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Corin felt free when he flew. He loved the feeling of the air under his wings, feathers fluttering in the breeze, the wind cold and sharp on his face. His paws raked the air in a mockery of running, his wings doing the only real work. His breath came short, but he didn't notice it, young as he was - at least by the standards of his species.
He was quietly aware of things like thermals, and air currents, and the specks of black danger in the distance that were hawks and eagles. But mostly he was aware that he was alive, and happy, and playing, as most of the young are. In time he would come to know the cares of the world. For now, he swooped and soared upon the morning breeze, knowing nothing but the sky.
He spotted a cloud and whooped in delight, soaring into it and feeling the cold wetness on his wings. He loved the mystery that instantly enveloped him, the way all the sounds were muffled, the perfect whiteness... what?
This wasn't white. The clouds in front of him were swiftly turning black and sooty. Corin coughed several times, then folded his wings and dived.
He emerged beneath the cloud and was shocked by what he saw. The broadleaf forest was ablaze, smoke pouring from a wildfire that was completely out of control. He didn't know how such a thing could happen... but it was terrifying! So bright, and hot, and scary. Instinctively, he veered away, flying back the way he had come.
He thought for a second, and came to his conclusion; he must fly back to his Majara, tell her of the news! With the bright confidence and eagerness to please of all those his age, he was convinced that such a course of action was the only real one. He was a Cirrara-Scirion and collecting and taking back information was his job, wasn't it? Well, apart from lessons, but they were boring. This was fun! It was like an adventure! Corin loved adventures.
He soared towards the mountains and then suddenly a huge weight was on his shoulder. He howled in pain as an eagle's claws tore into him and suddenly he was tumbling from the sky. Within seconds he had crashed to earth among the burning branches and all he could think was, I won't get to have my adventure... I won't be able to take the news back!
Then he realised that he was alone, in a burning forest, and his shoulder hurt.
Terrified, the little cub howled.
A tree collapsed in front of him, sending sparks everywhere, and he cut off the sound, backing away quickly, sniffling. He wondered what he could do. He tried to power up and away into the air, but there was no room to run up. He wasn't very good at flying yet - he wasn't very old - he had to launch himself from somewhere high up, like the mountains of his home in the Alliance's territory.
Corin turned and ran, darting through the flames and burning. He yelped as he placed a foot on some smouldering leaves, burning his foot. He had to escape!
fly free
