#sp:flying

For reasons unknown to anyone else, a mother wyvern has rejected her newborn wyvern and refuses to care for it. The task is now up to some brave volunteers to acquire a friend for life… or the scars. [Grants Flying +1]

Eyes sweeping over the mission board, Hilda began to ponder. On the one hand, it would be pretty convenient to have a flying friend to carry her and her axe around -- that thing was heavy. On the other hand, taming a wyvern sounded like it wouldn’t just difficult, but dangerous. Supporting from the back was much more her style. There was only one thing for it: she needed to enlist somebody else to do the dirty work. 

Most people were in training at this hour, but Hilda had pulled off a pretty convincing twisted ankle and managed to get the period off to rest. Even now, she limped slightly, just in case anybody was watching. However, the scarcity of students made finding somebody to work her wiles on a difficult task. But she was conscious that, if she waited, there would soon be a queue out of the stable doors of those willing to try their hand at taming a baby wyvern. 

Just as she was thinking she might have to tackle the mission alone after all, she spotted a student lying on the grass. Despite the slight chill in the air, his eyes were half-closed as he dozed as if it was a glorious sunny day. 

“Linhardt!” She recognised him from the Black Eagles house, despite never having officially met. “Come with me! It’s an emergency.” 

She began tugging at his sleeve, hoping her urgency would prevent him from asking any further questions.

For reasons unknown to anyone else, a mother wyvern has rejected her newborn wyvern and refuses to care for it. The task is now up to some brave volunteers to acquire a friend for life… or the scars. [Grants Flying +1]

Elincia carefully dismounts from her pegasus and approaches the abandoned wyvern nest. Gusts of wind threaten to blow her off course as she carefully navigates the rocky ledge of the mountain. Almost there, she shoots a triumphant smile towards Leanne, and Naesala, who the heron princess had managed to drag along into their escapades for the day. Shuffling across the outcrop, their target finally comes into sight.

It’s hard to believe, that this tiny, vulnerable little thing will one day be large enough to carry men into battle. Daring and proud, unwilling to back down. An instrument of war. For right now, it’s scales gleam in the sunlight, it’s wings too fragile and underdeveloped to lift even it’s petite body from the nest. Large, round eyes stare up at her in trepidation, and Elincia can physically feel the way the feeble creature tugs on her heartstrings like a harp. There was no turning back now. If the wyvern’s draconic mother would not care for it, then she’d just have to be enough, somehow.

Tentatively, Elincia makes her way closer still. Her footsteps are light, delicate so as to not startle the infant. Once within arm’s reach, she stretches out cupped hands, gently lifting it from the ground into her embrace.

It doesn’t stay there very long.

Fire gushes from the dragon’s nostrils, racing up her arms. It’s all she can do to pull her face away just in time, to avoid it too being engulfed in the raging flames. Instinctively, she let’s go of the baby wyvern, sending it arcing into the air as she tries to summon a spell to put out the fire, licking it’s way up her arms.

Brisk winds whipped at Elincia’s face as she exited the infirmary tent, in dire need of a moment to herself. There was so little she could do to help the sick and injured when their water supply was stained black as ink. Trying to rehydrate patients was futile, the dirty water simply made them even more ill. Rinsing wounds to prevent infections was a losing battle too - whatever was in the water smelled foul and was akin to rubbing mud into the wounds. She let out a deep, long sigh, allowing her shoulders to fall. The situation felt utterly hopeless.

It was then that the first drop of rain splashed against her cheek. Turning her face up to the heavens, Elincia took in the dark storm clouds gathered above. As if struck by lightning, she had an idea.

If she could manoeuvre through the storm succesfully astride Chrysaor with some buckets, the water could be boiled to sterilise it and used in the infirmary. It was risky but she believed in him - proud and brave as he was. There was only a brief window of opportunity though and it would be difficult to gather enough water alone.

“Lord Andrei?” Elincia approached the young man, one of the only other students here and thankfully, another pegasus rider. They’d barely had occasion to speak, what with the chaos they’d found here. “I was hoping you could assist me with something.”

It was one thing to put herself in danger but another entirely to request that of another. Her gaze dropped to the floor for a moment before rising to meet his face. This wasn’t a demand and he was free to turn her down. Cowering away and hiding from his eyes just showed her own weakness and insecurity. Who would be convinced by a woman so meek? So Elincia straightened her posture and did her best to smile in spite of their circumstances.

“The patients and villagers require clean water. If we can collect enough from the storm and boil it, we could save lives. I intend to fly close to the clouds to collect the rain.” A pregnant pause passes between them. Her appeal was inferable but she owed him the respect of voicing it aloud. “I was hoping you’d be willing to do the same. The villagers need safe drinking water and the patients need clean water. There’s some danger but I trust in both of our skills.”

A flock of winged creatures with beautiful tassel-like feathers have been spotted nesting near monastery grounds. Most have never seen these animals before, but students from Nohr and Hoshido have been calling them “kinshi.” Apparently, these giant birds are common mounts back in Hoshido. Perhaps you’d like to tame one for yourself… [Grants Flying +1]

Spring sunlight warmed her bones as she stretched out her legs, resting in the verdant grass. A study session outdoors had been the perfect idea, what with such gorgeous weather and the blooming of the season’s first buds. Her mind felt renewed afresh and deftly prepared for the upcoming exams.

As Elincia rose to her feet, preparing to return to the monastery, she overheard whispers. Tales of golden kites known as kinshi with the most pristine feathers imaginable come to roost nearby. Interest piqued, she hung back a moment and noticed one of her classmates in particular. The young Princess Macedon’s eyes were alight with wonder and excitement, even after most of the group had gone their separate ways. Elincia herself lingered behind with an idea forming just on the tip of her tongue. She reached out and tapped Maria von Medon gently on the shoulder.

With winter in full swing, every pegasus in Garreg Mach rejoices in the cold, crisp mountain air, playing and racing during their time outside. This is the season where pegasi perform at their peak, a perfect time for a racing tournament! The students have come together with the “White Heron Derby” to determine which pegasus is the fastest in the school. Grab your winged mount and get ready for a wild flight around campus. There’s a twist though: all riders are decked out in absurd hats and if you lose your hat, you lose the race! [Grants Flying +1]

Achaeus nuzzles against her face as they step out of the stables. Garreg Mach’s scenery has a similar, hallowed beauty to it, so very similar to her beloved Frelia. It seems her pegasus agrees, what with his elated nickering as they take in the fresh, mountain air. It’s not quite as ethereal she thinks - Frelia’s mountains and forest are truly heaven sent! It’s... close though. Helps Tana feel a touch less homesick.

Another sing that takes her mind off wistful thoughts of her homeland are her dear friends. Tana has never had much trouble forging new bonds and getting along with others but there’s something special about seeing her best friend every day.

Speaking of, she spots Ephraim, Eirika’s twin and another person she cherishes, as she makes her way to the ‘White Heron Derby’. Excitement flutters in her chest as she rushes over to him, boots crunching through the snow. Achaeus follows her lead but approaches a little more slowly. Frelian pegasi are by nature less open and comfortable around men but she and Achaeus have been partners in crime for so long that he defers to her judgment. Her heart beats faster than a pegasus’s wings in flight as she stands before him.

“Ephraim! Oh, it’s so lovely to see you here too!” Her hands clasp his as she speaks, a gesture born of long established familiarity. There’s a strange sensation in her stomach, as though she is standing on the precipice of a cliff. Perhaps here and now, without Innes’ shadow looming over her, he will finally see her in a new light. Shining with strength and radiance. “How have you been? I arrived only recently but I hear dear Eirika is here as well. I can’t imagine anywhere I would rather be!”

Tana pauses her gushing for a moment, a sly smile on her lips. Oh, she will make sure he can’t overlook her. Casually, in spite of her racing heart, Tana takes his large, calloused hand in her own.

“I simply must insist you come join me for the ‘White Heron Derby’. I won’t take no for an answer and neither will Achaeus! Heehee, we’re going to have so much fun today!” Tana turns to wink at him as she leads them forth. He really has no idea what is just around the corner for him! “I have big plans for you, my friend. Let’s not be late!”

With winter in full swing, every pegasus in Garreg Mach rejoices in the cold, crisp mountain air, playing and racing during their time outside. This is the season where pegasi perform at their peak, a perfect time for a racing tournament! The students have come together with the “White Heron Derby” to determine which pegasus is the fastest in the school. Grab your winged mount and get ready for a wild flight around campus. There’s a twist though: all riders are decked out in absurd hats and if you lose your hat, you lose the race! [Grants Flying +1]

Outside the ground is blanketed in a layer of thick snow. Ares wraps the saddle blanket he’d be given after the night at the ball around Ebony, making sure she’s snug and warm before they leave. Certain she’s relaxed and comfortable, he guides her gently out of the stables, coaxing her step by step with freshly sliced pieces of apple.

He puts off wearing that ridiculous hat as long as possible.

They take a serene stroll around the monastery, unhurried and peaceful. Both of them shy away from the crowds of students throwing snow at one another, sticking instead to the treescapes that lined the mountaintop. A short while later they reach the gathering of students and Ebony starts to lag behind, resisting and hiding behind him.

“It’s alright, Bonbon. You’re safe, no one’s going to hurt you.” Ares keeps his voice low and steady, urging her forward one foot after the next. She’s obviously nervous so he takes things slowly, careful to reassure her and praise her bravery. “Good girl. I’m with you, there’s nothing to fear.”

Turning his attention back to the small crowd of students assembled for the White Heron Derby. He spots a now familiar pair of blondes and waves over to them.

“Dimitri, Ingrid! Good to see you both.” Bonbon shyly follows him, ducking her head as if to cower behind his shoulder. He sighs, not with exasperation but affection and turns to scratch her in her favourite spot, just behind her ears. “These are friends, I promise. The lady is Ingrid and Dimitri here is our house leader. Don’t be shy, they’re good people.”

How many people does it take to herd a chicken out of a weapon room? The local training jocks are bearing new battle scars, trophies of having gotten past the Demon Hen of the Locker Room. She pecks at any and all intruders who step foot in her domain, and she has the strange ability to summon more chicken comrades to aid her cause. If you want access to the training hall anytime soon, you had better find a way to deal with this plumed menace. [ Grants Flying +1 ]

A henpecked Ares picks up another one of these chickens that have appeared out of nowhere and tosses it out of the door. As soon as one is scooped over his shoulder and away from the training hall, the feral Demon Hen seems to have replaced it with two more. When would this madness stop?

He flings another one out as quickly as possible only to hear a thwack as it collides with a person. Within moments, an irate knight is at the doorframe, yelling at him despite not having the courage to come here and deal with this carnage himself. Pathetic.

“What do you want me to do then? Stab them?” Ares shouts back before promptly engaging in a staring contest with the Demon Hen. It would be much simpler to just whip out Mystletainn and have it’s head within seconds. It would be quicker and, given the state of his hands, a less painful solution. At least for him. Still, staining his holy weapon with the blood of chickens felt a little... excessive. “If you aren’t here to help keep your complaints to yoursel-- aAaaaAhrgh!”

The Demon Hen lunges at him, trying to twist off his fingernails. This could only mean war.

You make arrangements with the village for part of the delivery to be sent ahead early, hoping that it will reach its destination safely with a less conspicuous party. In the early hours of the morning these villagers arrive at your camp, and after a few words and easy smiles you watch them pack their wagon with your gifts and go on ahead of you. An hour later, another set of villagers arrive at your camp, insisting that they are here to pick up part of their shipment, as arranged. They even show you the letter that you sent to them confirming the exchange, something those first villagers definitely didn’t have. A fast rider should be able to catch up to the thieves! [Grants Riding or Flying +1]

To say Constance was furious would be quite the understatement.

That they had been fooled so easily was unacceptable! How on earth could they return to the monastery in such disgrace? Who had simply allowed a group of bandits to take off with the supplies, not even checking for adequate paperwork? What a damnably foolish thing to do and how the common-folk would suffer if no one moved to act.

She strode towards her pegasus, assured and confident. There was nothing else to it - she would have to give chase. However, even with her spectacular abilities and talents it would be absurd to head out alone. Naturally, Constance rounded upon the only other student she was sure she recognised.

“You there! Kiran, is it not?” Before they even had chance to respond, Constance was speaking once more. Already mounted in her pegasus’ saddle, she continued swiftly on “Do you ride? If not then I suppose you’ll just have to climb on behind me and hold on tight. We must make haste at once!” It would be rather handy, having someone else hold her parasol for her. Alas, there really was no time to dawdle, lest they be thrown into further disrepute. Constance delivered her final commands to the group before ascending into the air, determined to rescue the stolen goods and make those bandits rue the day they crossed a member of House Nuvelle.

“If you can ride, follow me! There is no greater calling than to aid those in need. The rest of you, take care of these poor villagers and await our swift return.”