The Wild Series: Reign of Ashes (Main Page/Pridelands)

Jaystep wrote:

Wildwing wrote:Yay, new person! )

Rinka paused at the young she-wolf's words. They were repeated in her mind, their meaning all too familiar.
Yes, they do, the falcon agreed silently, thinking of everyone she had lost, They've taken everyone. And they will take the rest the first chance they get.

Rinka looked to the secretary-bird, and then with a dip of her head she began to address the crowd around her.

"We will return to the city," she declared, "All of you who came to Moonpelt's aid, I thank you for your efforts. You will return to your dens and your posts until further notice. I will be calling a meeting at Queen's Rally and work on organizing a rescue mission. As for those of you who are on my team, your mission is still..."

While she was speaking, Rinka noticed a disturbance among one set of her guards. Her words slowly died off as she turned her attention there, already in defense stance. A heartbeat after the newcomer's arrival, she made her way over.

"What is going on here?" she asked with authority, having missed his introduction. At her approach, the guards moved aside, but were poised to defend her as was their duty.

"He said he overheard your call for witnesses," one of the guards replied, as the question had been aimed at them.

A moment passed before a warm smile graced Rinka's beak. "Did you see what happened here then?" she asked the cooper hawk, looking to his eyes with a friendly gaze in her own as she subtly checked the color of his irises.

The Cooper Hawk blinked his totally normal, brown, non-shade eyes that the narrator forgot to mention and brightened a bit as Rinka approached. He gave a nod at her question, "My apologies for not coming forth sooner, I was keeping distance from your admirable guards. Which, now that I hear your speech makes a lot of sense. Forgive me Queen, I didn't realize you came so far out here for friends."

Wildwing wrote:

Jaystep wrote:

Wildwing wrote:Yay, new person! )

Rinka paused at the young she-wolf's words. They were repeated in her mind, their meaning all too familiar.
Yes, they do, the falcon agreed silently, thinking of everyone she had lost, They've taken everyone. And they will take the rest the first chance they get.

Rinka looked to the secretary-bird, and then with a dip of her head she began to address the crowd around her.

"We will return to the city," she declared, "All of you who came to Moonpelt's aid, I thank you for your efforts. You will return to your dens and your posts until further notice. I will be calling a meeting at Queen's Rally and work on organizing a rescue mission. As for those of you who are on my team, your mission is still..."

While she was speaking, Rinka noticed a disturbance among one set of her guards. Her words slowly died off as she turned her attention there, already in defense stance. A heartbeat after the newcomer's arrival, she made her way over.

"What is going on here?" she asked with authority, having missed his introduction. At her approach, the guards moved aside, but were poised to defend her as was their duty.

"He said he overheard your call for witnesses," one of the guards replied, as the question had been aimed at them.

A moment passed before a warm smile graced Rinka's beak. "Did you see what happened here then?" she asked the cooper hawk, looking to his eyes with a friendly gaze in her own as she subtly checked the color of his irises.

The Cooper Hawk blinked his totally normal, brown, non-shade eyes that the narrator forgot to mention and brightened a bit as Rinka approached. He gave a nod at her question, "My apologies for not coming forth sooner, I was keeping distance from your admirable guards. Which, now that I hear your speech makes a lot of sense. Forgive me Queen, I didn't realize you came so far out here for friends."

()

Rinka's smile wavered slightly. "My loyalty lies with my people," she replied after a moment of thought, her tone patient, "Whether I have close relations with them or not, I will always come to their aide should they need me." The Queen's expression softened and she dipped her head. "Now please, forgive me. I was in the middle of something when you arrived. Do you mind waiting a moment for me to finish up... What is your name?"

Wildwing wrote:"Thank you, Asher," Rinka replied, her smile ever present, backing away as she spoke. And then she turned around and made her way back to the dragon marks while her guards shifted just enough to block Asher from following after her if he decided to. But on her way, she stopped beside one of the birds that was on her mission team, her second-in-command of this team to be precise, and muttered something to them. The bird had the body language that expressed their confusion, but they nodded and stood back while Rinka continued on her way.

"As I was saying before, most of you will head back to your posts. But there are some of you that I would like to have stay for a bit longer."

The Queen then went on to choose a handful of creatures who would stay with her, which included (but was not limited to) Raiya, Rehema, and Thalak. And though she didn't single them out specifically, the two birds that were part of her Queensguard would also stay.

"If you are not of these I've chosen, you may now take your leave."

And so about 3/4 of the animals there started to leave. Kodi lingered for a few moments to watch the newcomer Cooper Hawk before turning and making his way to the front of the pack. As for the bird Rinka had spoken to, they took flight and followed after the pack as well, signalling for the others to follow suite. As the last of the entire group disappeared past the treeline, Rinka went back over to Asher.

"Thank you for waiting. Now then, will you tell me what happened here? What did you see?"

Jaystep wrote:

Wildwing wrote:"Thank you, Asher," Rinka replied, her smile ever present, backing away as she spoke. And then she turned around and made her way back to the dragon marks while her guards shifted just enough to block Asher from following after her if he decided to. But on her way, she stopped beside one of the birds that was on her mission team, her second-in-command of this team to be precise, and muttered something to them. The bird had the body language that expressed their confusion, but they nodded and stood back while Rinka continued on her way.

"As I was saying before, most of you will head back to your posts. But there are some of you that I would like to have stay for a bit longer."

The Queen then went on to choose a handful of creatures who would stay with her, which included (but was not limited to) Raiya, Rehema, and Thalak. And though she didn't single them out specifically, the two birds that were part of her Queensguard would also stay.

"If you are not of these I've chosen, you may now take your leave."

And so about 3/4 of the animals there started to leave. Kodi lingered for a few moments to watch the newcomer Cooper Hawk before turning and making his way to the front of the pack. As for the bird Rinka had spoken to, they took flight and followed after the pack as well, signalling for the others to follow suite. As the last of the entire group disappeared past the treeline, Rinka went back over to Asher.

"Thank you for waiting. Now then, will you tell me what happened here? What did you see?"

Raiya didn't say much, save for flicking her ears in thanks to Kodi and turning to sit and watch the new bird finally speak. A part of her hoped he was about to tell her Moonpelt escaped, but she wasn't capable of optimism at the moment.

Asher nodded politely, his voice was cheery as he replied. "Oh yes, absolutely! There were Shades, about three or four, and they had taken a white wolf captive. He was alive, I believe, but unconscious. Then the dragon came. They exchanged what sounded like a report, then the dragon took the wolf and headed East. That's when the Shades spotted me, I think..."

Wildwing wrote:

Jaystep wrote:

Wildwing wrote:"Thank you, Asher," Rinka replied, her smile ever present, backing away as she spoke. And then she turned around and made her way back to the dragon marks while her guards shifted just enough to block Asher from following after her if he decided to. But on her way, she stopped beside one of the birds that was on her mission team, her second-in-command of this team to be precise, and muttered something to them. The bird had the body language that expressed their confusion, but they nodded and stood back while Rinka continued on her way.

"As I was saying before, most of you will head back to your posts. But there are some of you that I would like to have stay for a bit longer."

The Queen then went on to choose a handful of creatures who would stay with her, which included (but was not limited to) Raiya, Rehema, and Thalak. And though she didn't single them out specifically, the two birds that were part of her Queensguard would also stay.

"If you are not of these I've chosen, you may now take your leave."

And so about 3/4 of the animals there started to leave. Kodi lingered for a few moments to watch the newcomer Cooper Hawk before turning and making his way to the front of the pack. As for the bird Rinka had spoken to, they took flight and followed after the pack as well, signalling for the others to follow suite. As the last of the entire group disappeared past the treeline, Rinka went back over to Asher.

"Thank you for waiting. Now then, will you tell me what happened here? What did you see?"

Raiya didn't say much, save for flicking her ears in thanks to Kodi and turning to sit and watch the new bird finally speak. A part of her hoped he was about to tell her Moonpelt escaped, but she wasn't capable of optimism at the moment.

Asher nodded politely, his voice was cheery as he replied. "Oh yes, absolutely! There were Shades, about three or four, and they had taken a white wolf captive. He was alive, I believe, but unconscious. Then the dragon came. They exchanged what sounded like a report, then the dragon took the wolf and headed East. That's when the Shades spotted me, I think..."

Rinka flicked her wings as she listened to every word, keeping her eyes on Asher. Her facial expression was neutral, but attentive. "What did they do when they spotted you?"

Jaystep wrote:

Wildwing wrote:

Jaystep wrote:

Wildwing wrote:"Thank you, Asher," Rinka replied, her smile ever present, backing away as she spoke. And then she turned around and made her way back to the dragon marks while her guards shifted just enough to block Asher from following after her if he decided to. But on her way, she stopped beside one of the birds that was on her mission team, her second-in-command of this team to be precise, and muttered something to them. The bird had the body language that expressed their confusion, but they nodded and stood back while Rinka continued on her way.

"As I was saying before, most of you will head back to your posts. But there are some of you that I would like to have stay for a bit longer."

The Queen then went on to choose a handful of creatures who would stay with her, which included (but was not limited to) Raiya, Rehema, and Thalak. And though she didn't single them out specifically, the two birds that were part of her Queensguard would also stay.

"If you are not of these I've chosen, you may now take your leave."

And so about 3/4 of the animals there started to leave. Kodi lingered for a few moments to watch the newcomer Cooper Hawk before turning and making his way to the front of the pack. As for the bird Rinka had spoken to, they took flight and followed after the pack as well, signalling for the others to follow suite. As the last of the entire group disappeared past the treeline, Rinka went back over to Asher.

"Thank you for waiting. Now then, will you tell me what happened here? What did you see?"

Raiya didn't say much, save for flicking her ears in thanks to Kodi and turning to sit and watch the new bird finally speak. A part of her hoped he was about to tell her Moonpelt escaped, but she wasn't capable of optimism at the moment.

Asher nodded politely, his voice was cheery as he replied. "Oh yes, absolutely! There were Shades, about three or four, and they had taken a white wolf captive. He was alive, I believe, but unconscious. Then the dragon came. They exchanged what sounded like a report, then the dragon took the wolf and headed East. That's when the Shades spotted me, I think..."

Rinka flicked her wings as she listened to every word, keeping her eyes on Asher. Her facial expression was neutral, but attentive. "What did they do when they spotted you?"

Asher maintained his cheery, polite disposition as he spoke, "Oh, I did as best as I could. I wasn't nearly prepared for them as I thought. Unfortunately they ended up getting the better of me. I like to think it was quick, but I distinctly remember that I died screaming, like your hatchlings." He smiled.

Wildwing wrote:

Jaystep wrote:

Wildwing wrote:

Jaystep wrote:

Wildwing wrote:"Thank you, Asher," Rinka replied, her smile ever present, backing away as she spoke. And then she turned around and made her way back to the dragon marks while her guards shifted just enough to block Asher from following after her if he decided to. But on her way, she stopped beside one of the birds that was on her mission team, her second-in-command of this team to be precise, and muttered something to them. The bird had the body language that expressed their confusion, but they nodded and stood back while Rinka continued on her way.

"As I was saying before, most of you will head back to your posts. But there are some of you that I would like to have stay for a bit longer."

The Queen then went on to choose a handful of creatures who would stay with her, which included (but was not limited to) Raiya, Rehema, and Thalak. And though she didn't single them out specifically, the two birds that were part of her Queensguard would also stay.

"If you are not of these I've chosen, you may now take your leave."

And so about 3/4 of the animals there started to leave. Kodi lingered for a few moments to watch the newcomer Cooper Hawk before turning and making his way to the front of the pack. As for the bird Rinka had spoken to, they took flight and followed after the pack as well, signalling for the others to follow suite. As the last of the entire group disappeared past the treeline, Rinka went back over to Asher.

"Thank you for waiting. Now then, will you tell me what happened here? What did you see?"

Raiya didn't say much, save for flicking her ears in thanks to Kodi and turning to sit and watch the new bird finally speak. A part of her hoped he was about to tell her Moonpelt escaped, but she wasn't capable of optimism at the moment.

Asher nodded politely, his voice was cheery as he replied. "Oh yes, absolutely! There were Shades, about three or four, and they had taken a white wolf captive. He was alive, I believe, but unconscious. Then the dragon came. They exchanged what sounded like a report, then the dragon took the wolf and headed East. That's when the Shades spotted me, I think..."

Rinka flicked her wings as she listened to every word, keeping her eyes on Asher. Her facial expression was neutral, but attentive. "What did they do when they spotted you?"

Asher maintained his cheery, polite disposition as he spoke, "Oh, I did as best as I could. I wasn't nearly prepared for them as I thought. Unfortunately they ended up getting the better of me. I like to think it was quick, but I distinctly remember that I died screaming, like your hatchlings." He smiled.

(Oh, that jerk.)

The change in Rinka was immediate. 'Dark' couldn't even begin to describe the look on her face. Members of her group gaped at Asher during the long moment of her silence. The Queen's two guards did not move from their places just behind and on either side of her, but they were 110% combat ready.

"I'm truly sorry to hear that," the Queen finally spoke. Through the shadows cast over her eyes, her gaze was locked on to the Cooper Hawk like a pulled back arrow in a crossbow. She couldn't even manage a small smile as she continued speaking to him in a polite manner. "If you don't mind me asking, what happened after that? After you died?"

Wildwing wrote:Rinka held out a wing to the side, signalling the others to hold their positions. Her eyes scanned the Cooper Hawk's form for the blood he mentioned, checking for the wounds that had caused his death.
"A shame. It's been three years since last we've met, hasn't it Zarrock? What have you been up to these days, apart from abducting my subjects?"

Rinka made subtle gestures as she spoke. Thalak turned completely around, facing the area woods Rinka had her back on. Other land animals moved to stand in some sort of tight-knit defensive formation, some falling in line with Thalak, and the others at their backs facing the Cooper Hawk behind Rinka and her guards. Three birds moved to Thalak's back, two of them facing forward and the other facing Rinka. Other birds had moved to the back of larger animals as well, and their gazes were scanning the skies. Not including Rinka and her two guards, there were about 15 animals on her side present.

Wildwing wrote:Rinka threw her wing out to the side again, much more sharply than before.

STAY BACK.


The Queen's chin was tilted downward now, her face obscured from Zarrock by the tilt of her head. Her stance was still tall and strong, but she was fighting to keep it that way. Her shoulders had haunched in the slightest and her entire frame, more obvious in her outstretched wing, was trembling. The breath she took in was long and shaky, and when she exhaled, smoke plumed from her beak. Her right middle talon was pressing deep in the ground, outlined with a golden glow, as she just listened to him laugh.

"What does Agathar want with Moonpelt?" Her voice, despite the sight of her, was even, low, and determined.

Wildwing wrote:Rinka silently walked toward Asher. Her guards bristled and started after, but once again Rinka gave the order to stay put. The Queen stopped right in front of Asher. Without a word, she cupped her wings against his cheeks. Gently holding his head in place, she lifted her chin and smiled sweetly. Her murky green eyes changed to a bright yellow as she looked into the Cooper Hawk's eyes.

"I know," she admitted, "But I hope you know that I will get him back. So would you mind making this easier on me, and tell me where I can retrieve the white wolf?"

Wildwing wrote:Rinka nodded her thanks. Then, her smile growing slightly wider and friendlier, she shook her head in small quick movements.
"Nah," she declined, "You're not the one I'm reaching out to."

What happened next was something Rinka would need to ponder before she could try to explain. Basically, she empowered what was left of Asher. His soul, his memories, whatever it was, she gave it power with her inner fire, and for just a second, it was almost as if he had life. His memories were gathered into one, and with her help they dealt a quick, massive blow to Zarrock's presence, like they were hitting the dark Phoenix out of Asher's head with a sledgehammer.
Rinka withdrew her fire immediately afterwards.

(Can I do that? XD)

Jaystep wrote:

Wildwing wrote:Rinka nodded her thanks. Then, her smile growing slightly wider and friendlier, she shook her head in small quick movements.
"Nah," she declined, "You're not the one I'm reaching out to."

What happened next was something Rinka would need to ponder before she could try to explain. Basically, she empowered what was left of Asher. His soul, his memories, whatever it was, she gave it power with her inner fire, and for just a second, it was almost as if he had life. His memories were gathered into one, and with her help they dealt a quick, massive blow to Zarrock's presence, like they were hitting the dark Phoenix out of Asher's head with a sledgehammer.
Rinka withdrew her fire immediately afterwards.

(Can I do that? XD)

(Yes, but I think you misunderstood what Zarrock was talking about~ )

For a split second Zarrock was ejected from the body two things happened simultaneously. Asher's eyes flashed with moment of consciousness, a rapid flash of emotions coming from his ball of memories as his spirit tried to convey gratitude and respect to Rinka when he passed on. At the same time, Rinks had touched a piece of Zarrock's mind. For the eternity of a second, all three consciousness' were linked, and Rinka could see a flash of what the Dark Phoenix was seeing. Five little flames lighting a dark, familiar room. Zarrock's laugh was the last thing she would have felt from him before Asher's eyes became blank and lifeless again, and his corpse fell to the ground.

Wildwing wrote:Smoke...


Wherever the smoke came from, Rinka gazed ahead at it, her dread multiplied by however many plumes she witnessed.


"I think I'll take one of these little fires with me."




I have to know exactly what's happening before I race in there. Please everyone, hang on for a few more moments!


Rinka braked mid-air, and then continued flying right above Thalak. "Onward, to the city!" she cried after landing on the bear's back. And then after hunkering down and holding tight, she closed her eyes and put her focus on the fire that had been moved from it's place.

With her eyes still closed, another scene appeared and she could see all around her. What she saw was...


(Rinka Ability Noted: Flame Seer- A unique (?) ability which allows a Phoenix to see and hear through their own flames. A master at fire magic can use this ability in their non-Phoenix form.)
*The glass bottle hinders Rinka's ability to hear through this flame.