Of Feathers And Flames- A Wings of Fire AU RP

[Crestcrazy2]

“He’ll probably stay with me,” Phoenix said. “More like I’d stay with him. I don’t make the decisions.”

She looked out at the landscape for a few moments, then down at her talons. “Theoretically I should go look for him. That’s what he’d want, but I know he won’t stay gone forever. Ugh that sounds awful of me.” She used the heel of her talon to press between her eyes. She could feel a headache coming on. Too many new things.

King nodded his understanding, deciding to stay silent due to the fact Phoenix looked stressed.

They landed in the center of the Nest almost silently, dragons were heading inside and giving friendly waves goodnight. Everyone in the Nest knew each other well and acted like one big flock. Even those who didn’t know Phoenix and probably would’ve been hostile towards her in any other situation offered her kindness and a friendly wave, not just because of King being next to her, because that’s just how things went in the Grebes Nest. Everyone knew the struggle of learning how to live outside of captivity or joining a new flock and treated each other kindly.
King smiled at all the cloudwings he passed and let himself feel at peace. He led Phoenix to the end of the island, where a stone courtyard lay. Beds filled with flame retardant moss and sea sponge (idk lol) lined the walls on one side and a stone writing desk and bench along the other. A lantern hung from the ceiling with a small puddle of wax underneath it on the floor, casting a dim light over the room. “It’s not much, but it’ll be easier then flying out to the safe camp every night. I’ll go look for Corvus unless-..”

“Phoenix!” A voice called.

(Do you want that to be Corvus kiwi? Lol we’re just like..two days behind everyone else lol. Tryna make the day end! @-Kiwi- )

 

[-Kiwi-]

King nodded his understanding, deciding to stay silent due to the fact Phoenix looked stressed.

They landed in the center of the Nest almost silently, dragons were heading inside and giving friendly waves goodnight. Everyone in the Nest knew each other well and acted like one big flock. Even those who didn’t know Phoenix and probably would’ve been hostile towards her in any other situation offered her kindness and a friendly wave, not just because of King being next to her, because that’s just how things went in the Grebes Nest. Everyone knew the struggle of learning how to live outside of captivity or joining a new flock and treated each other kindly.
King smiled at all the cloudwings he passed and let himself feel at peace. He led Phoenix to the end of the island, where a stone courtyard lay. Beds filled with flame retardant moss and sea sponge (idk lol) lined the walls on one side and a stone writing desk and bench along the other. A lantern hung from the ceiling with a small puddle of wax underneath it on the floor, casting a dim light over the room. “It’s not much, but it’ll be easier then flying out to the safe camp every night. I’ll go look for Corvus unless-..”

“Phoenix!” A voice called.

(Do you want that to be Corvus kiwi? Lol we’re just like..two days behind everyone else lol. Tryna make the day end! @-Kiwi- )

Uhhhh maybe?

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

Eclipse was only half listening to the commotion, wondering if she could fall back asleep despite the constant chattering and movement. Does that Cloudwing ever shut up? She thought crankily with a loud huff. She didn't hear Sol among the activity. The Leafwing, despite never saying a thing, treaded surprisingly heavily around. The Cloudwing--Shrike, as she had overheard--couldn't seem to go 5 minutes without making some snarky comment. The human chatted quietly to all the dragons and the Mudwing was mostly silent through it all. She allowed herself to sink deep into her thoughts in an attempt to ignore them all, and it was somewhat pleasant to not be directly disturbed for once in this place. At least she wasn't being moved out of here yet.
The sound of a cage door creaking open pulled her out of her thoughts, and she lifted her head, turning to look over her shoulder at the rest of the lot. The human was letting the Mudwing out of his cage and then paced slowly toward her, smiling, which seemed somewhat suspicious to Eclipse. She had eaten the chunk of meat from earlier a few hours before and was shocked at the fact she felt she could probably eat more. But from her time in the Den, she'd learned quickly that food was more of a luxury, and if it was available, it was wiser to accept it. She watched the scavenger through slitted eyes, the tip of her tail twitching as he approached. But otherwise, she didn't move from her position.

Yessssss!

Lol well Helios woke up and asked Neoma a question about where eclipse was!



Dred walked out of his cage with a yawn and did a massive stretch, his back and shoulders cracking loudly. “Finally, my bones can’t handle being cramped up much longer.” He stated in his oddly deep voice. He stretched his wings next and then his neck, looking around the room. “Is Sol alright, He looks….not so great.” He asked in between bites of the food he’d picked up.

Tobias offered the LunarWing the remaining steak. "If you aren't hungry it's not a big deal. But I don't think I'll cook anything till dinner." He sat down beside the silver dragons cage. "My name is Tobias. I want to, uh, clarify a few things." He repositioned himself, crossing his legs as he sat directly in front of the LunarWing. "First, and Shrike, Kapok, Dred, I already gave you the talk so I want zero commentary, right Shrike?" He grinned, winking at the CloudWing then turning back to the LunarWing. "I'm not your master, boss, owner or nothing- though I am responsible for you. This is the best you're gonna get here." He motioned around the lot. "I trust you, you trust me. Takes time, I get it. Most these guys have been in The Den for years- I understand you just got here? Do you have a name?"

 

[Crestcrazy2]

Uhhhh maybe?

Lol that’s ok if not! You good?

 

[-Shade-]

Tobias offered the LunarWing the remaining steak. "If you aren't hungry it's not a big deal. But I don't think I'll cook anything till dinner." He sat down beside the silver dragons cage. "My name is Tobias. I want to, uh, clarify a few things." He repositioned himself, crossing his legs as he sat directly in front of the LunarWing. "First, and Shrike, Kapok, Dred, I already gave you the talk so I want zero commentary, right Shrike?" He grinned, winking at the CloudWing then turning back to the LunarWing. "I'm not your master, boss, owner or nothing- though I am responsible for you. This is the best you're gonna get here." He motioned around the lot. "I trust you, you trust me. Takes time, I get it. Most these guys have been in The Den for years- I understand you just got here? Do you have a name?"

Eclipse hesitated, staring at Tobias. He seemed to be genuinely trying to connect with her. But she still didn't know what that meant. If it was manipulation or if he actually cared, there was no way she could tell. Despite it all, she wasn't ready to accept being in the Scorpion Den for the rest of her life. She didn't think she ever would. Even if Tobias really wanted to give her the best life here, there was still a problem. It was here. In this moon-cursed place. And the best "here" had to offer was still infinitely small compared to freedom.
"Why does it matter," she huffed dryly. "I don't plan on staying here anyway. Unlike some of you, I actually have a life outside of this viper pit. And no amount of cooing and preening with your glorifying entertainment can replace what you've taken from me." She slumped back onto the ground, feeling her throat tighten with grief again. "If I have no other choice but to be stuffed into this life, I might just rather starve." She muttered, trying to keep the trembling out of her voice. She covered her head with her wings again, hiding the fresh glossy cover of tears that seeped into her eyes.

 

[-Shade-]

Eclipse hesitated, staring at Tobias. He seemed to be genuinely trying to connect with her. But she still didn't know what that meant. If it was manipulation or if he actually cared, there was no way she could tell. Despite it all, she wasn't ready to accept being in the Scorpion Den for the rest of her life. She didn't think she ever would. Even if Tobias really wanted to give her the best life here, there was still a problem. It was here. In this moon-cursed place. And the best "here" had to offer was still infinitely small compared to freedom.
"Why does it matter," she huffed dryly. "I don't plan on staying here anyway. Unlike some of you, I actually have a life outside of this viper pit. And no amount of cooing and preening with your glorifying entertainment can replace what you've taken from me." She slumped back onto the ground, feeling her throat tighten with grief again. "If I have no other choice but to be stuffed into this life, I might just rather starve." She muttered, trying to keep the trembling out of her voice. She covered her head with her wings again, hiding the fresh glossy cover of tears that seeped into her eyes.

@_-Captain BRM-_

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

Eclipse hesitated, staring at Tobias. He seemed to be genuinely trying to connect with her. But she still didn't know what that meant. If it was manipulation or if he actually cared, there was no way she could tell. Despite it all, she wasn't ready to accept being in the Scorpion Den for the rest of her life. She didn't think she ever would. Even if Tobias really wanted to give her the best life here, there was still a problem. It was here. In this moon-cursed place. And the best "here" had to offer was still infinitely small compared to freedom.
"Why does it matter," she huffed dryly. "I don't plan on staying here anyway. Unlike some of you, I actually have a life outside of this viper pit. And no amount of cooing and preening with your glorifying entertainment can replace what you've taken from me." She slumped back onto the ground, feeling her throat tighten with grief again. "If I have no other choice but to be stuffed into this life, I might just rather starve." She muttered, trying to keep the trembling out of her voice. She covered her head with her wings again, hiding the fresh glossy cover of tears that seeped into her eyes.

Tobias stared at the LunarWing, conflicting emotions playing at his heart. He'd never talked to a dragon so recently introduced to the Scorpion Den.
Every truthful word she bitterly said tore into his mind.
If Sol wanted freedom, would he give it to him?
Tobias hesitated.
Of course he would.
Tobias saw a world where men and dragons coexisted peacefully together- in unity. How else was one to do this without domesticating a dragon? A dragon would never do the same for humans, at least that's what he thought.
But thousands of dragons were brought into The Den, traded, killed, tortured, starved, beaten, and so. much. more.
Perhaps.. it was time to put an end to it.
The only other person Tobias could think of that respected their dragons enough to truly befriend them without devious plots in their mind was...
There was a sudden knock at the door and Tobias jumped, standing quickly and rushing towards the exit, still lost in thoughts as he opened the door to see Gongll, who smiled, her hair a wild mess, the ends dyed deep blue.
"Tobias, I tried to call. But- I came to be sure Sol is alright?" She asked quickly, stepping into the lot as Tobias motioned for her to come in.
Her dragonet was perched on her shoulder, shaking as she tried to balance and take in the new smells and dragons.
"Yes, yes, Sol's doing alright. It's been a long night. But.." Tobias motioned to the red dragon. "He doesn't stay in the cage or anything- just needed it for transport."
Gongll nodded, her eyes obviously drawn to the LunarWing.
"Want to see her?" Tobias whispered, grinning slightly.
"I do." She replied slowly, following Tobias over to the cage.
Gongll kneeled down beside the LunarWing, smiling gently as her dragonet leaned, leaping off a moment later and snagging one of the cage bars, sliding down.
"You are beautiful." She whispered in dragon, a heavy sigh following her words. "I am sorry... for your lose."
Tobias kept his gaze on the LunarWing, unsure of what to make of that comment.

 

[-Shade-]

Tobias stared at the LunarWing, conflicting emotions playing at his heart. He'd never talked to a dragon so recently introduced to the Scorpion Den.
Every truthful word she bitterly said tore into his mind.
If Sol wanted freedom, would he give it to him?
Tobias hesitated.
Of course he would.
Tobias saw a world where men and dragons coexisted peacefully together- in unity. How else was one to do this without domesticating a dragon? A dragon would never do the same for humans, at least that's what he thought.
But thousands of dragons were brought into The Den, traded, killed, tortured, starved, beaten, and so. much. more.
Perhaps.. it was time to put an end to it.
The only other person Tobias could think of that respected their dragons enough to truly befriend them without devious plots in their mind was...
There was a sudden knock at the door and Tobias jumped, standing quickly and rushing towards the exit, still lost in thoughts as he opened the door to see Gongll, who smiled, her hair a wild mess, the ends dyed deep blue.
"Tobias, I tried to call. But- I came to be sure Sol is alright?" She asked quickly, stepping into the lot as Tobias motioned for her to come in.
Her dragonet was perched on her shoulder, shaking as she tried to balance and take in the new smells and dragons.
"Yes, yes, Sol's doing alright. It's been a long night. But.." Tobias motioned to the red dragon. "He doesn't stay in the cage or anything- just needed it for transport."
Gongll nodded, her eyes obviously drawn to the LunarWing.
"Want to see her?" Tobias whispered, grinning slightly.
"I do." She replied slowly, following Tobias over to the cage.
Gongll kneeled down beside the LunarWing, smiling gently as her dragonet leaned, leaping off a moment later and snagging one of the cage bars, sliding down.
"You are beautiful." She whispered in dragon, a heavy sigh following her words. "I am sorry... for your lose."
Tobias kept his gaze on the LunarWing, unsure of what to make of that comment.

Eclipse was still trying to get a grip on the tears that were flowing down her face when another human entered the lot. She had resigned to ignore it, keeping to herself, both out of spite and to avoid showing the mess of salty liquid that streamed from her eyes. She heard something slide over the bars and she tensed, waiting for some sort of device to prod into her scales again.
"You are beautiful." a human voice spoke next to her, gentle and deeper than Tobias'--ironically--thick with an accent that was... different for a human. Eclipse swallowed hard, brushing the tears off her face with her talons and trying not to rub her eyes. She didn't want them to appear swollen.
"I am sorry... for your loss."
It was almost enough to make her burst into tears again. So much she didn't understand. Why did the human's supposed kindness make her even more emotional about it all? Because she maybe wanted to believe they cared? But couldn't because... well, there were lots of reasons. She wasn't about to dive down that rabbit hole though. They were still expecting a reaction of sorts.
Eclipse took a deep breath to steady her voice and lifted a wing ever so slightly to peer at the new human. She hoped that it still left her face in enough shadow to hide any signs of her uncontrollable grief. She didn't expect, however, to end up staring into the face of a Rainwing dragonet, evidently, the thing that had slid down the bars. The human was kneeling behind her sullenly, watching Eclipse and the dragonet.
Eclipse said nothing, only held out a talon gently to the child. For her own comfort or for the curiosity of the dragonet, she wasn't sure.

@_-Captain BRM-_

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

Eclipse was still trying to get a grip on the tears that were flowing down her face when another human entered the lot. She had resigned to ignore it, keeping to herself, both out of spite and to avoid showing the mess of salty liquid that streamed from her eyes. She heard something slide over the bars and she tensed, waiting for some sort of device to prod into her scales again.
"You are beautiful." a human voice spoke next to her, gentle and deeper than Tobias'--ironically--thick with an accent that was... different for a human. Eclipse swallowed hard, brushing the tears off her face with her talons and trying not to rub her eyes. She didn't want them to appear swollen.
"I am sorry... for your loss."
It was almost enough to make her burst into tears again. So much she didn't understand. Why did the human's supposed kindness make her even more emotional about it all? Because she maybe wanted to believe they cared? But couldn't because... well, there were lots of reasons. She wasn't about to dive down that rabbit hole though. They were still expecting a reaction of sorts.
Eclipse took a deep breath to steady her voice and lifted a wing ever so slightly to peer at the new human. She hoped that it still left her face in enough shadow to hide any signs of her uncontrollable grief. She didn't expect, however, to end up staring into the face of a Rainwing dragonet, evidently, the thing that had slid down the bars. The human was kneeling behind her sullenly, watching Eclipse and the dragonet.
Eclipse said nothing, only held out a talon gently to the child. For her own comfort or for the curiosity of the dragonet, she wasn't sure.

@_-Captain BRM-_

The dragonet wordlessly squeezed through the cage bars.
Roe grabbed Tobias' arm as he quickly reached out to stop Wren, "It is alright."
Wren stopped directly in front of the LunarWing, staring at her for a moment, then reaching out, poking the dragon's wing. Her scales flashed yellow, then back to a reserved, deep blue, watching in anticipation.

 

[-Shade-]

The dragonet wordlessly squeezed through the cage bars.
Roe grabbed Tobias' arm as he quickly reached out to stop Wren, "It is alright."
Wren stopped directly in front of the LunarWing, staring at her for a moment, then reaching out, poking the dragon's wing. Her scales flashed yellow, then back to a reserved, deep blue, watching in anticipation.

Eclipse watched the dragonet, feeling a flicker of defensiveness as Tobias reached toward her. The Rainwing poked her in the wing experimentally and then stared at her, waiting for a reaction. Eclipse knew her warping was practically useless, but maybe it would entertain the young one a little, even if it was just a mess of floating liquid metal. She focused on the scales that surrounded her eyes and dotted around her horns. Silver liquid began flowing gently from them, and Eclipse tried desperately to ignore the intensifying vibrating in the band around her neck. The metal broke up into clumsy globs of light, hovering and shifting like suspended raindrops. The buzzing gradually became more and more violent, and Eclipse held the warping as steady as she could for the dragonet, clenching her teach against the pain. After what felt like an eternity she finally let go, letting the liquid drift softly to the ground, closing her eyes against the throbbing headache that had sprung into her skull. She wasn't exactly sure why she had done that. Maybe just to provide something special and beautiful to this dragonet, a moment that the young one could enjoy in this terrifying place. The pain was worth it if it meant she could provide someone else a speck of joy.

@_-Captain BRM-_