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Description
Jorie & Gull
It was an overcast day, as it often was over the north eastern forests. The mountains were hidden from view by the towering old growth trees that ruled over the forest and had done so for thousands of years. The stryx look like regular sized birds playing in the branches as their handlers played on the grassy forest floor.

“So this is where that ugly shapeshifter was living?” Jorie asked as he effortlessly parried a blow from Gull’s silver rapier.

“Yeah…” Gull was less was less enthusiastic about covering the details of the cursed shifter he had been attacked by in the woods. The poor thing had been thoroughly hurt in the end and Gull had to wonder if he and his mentor were the bigger bad guys.

“Better pay attention!” Jorie laughed as his scimitar came dangerously close to cutting the younger boy. Gull stumbled away, breaking off the fight. Jorie looked displeased for a moment but for once he let it go. He sheathed his sword and wandered off a way. “It’s too hot for fighting.” He declared. It was hot. Even under the shade of the trees they could both still feel the strong sun’s wrath.

Gull sat down by his stuff, sheathing his sword and placing it on top of his bag. He picked up the necklace he had removed for the sole purpose of keeping it safe from Jorie’s aggressive sparring. “Day dreaming about your girlfriend?” Jorie asked, causing Gull to start. The older boy was leaning over and looking down at the impromptu gift the girl had left.

“Not my girlfriend.”

“She was pretty cute, wasn’t she?”

“How would you know it was dark!” Gull protested. He got up and moved before the teasing could escalate. Jorie had already stolen the trinket more than once.

Viola and Darius sensed their handlers were feuding and returned to the branches overhanging the sparring grounds the boys had drawn. The two were on the lookout for trouble and that included trouble within the ranks.

Aeron

Aeron was flying with Rune high up above the forest, for she was worried about trying to traverse with her stryx within the twisted branches. That was just asking for an injury to Rune and she wasn’t interested in trying to walk home with him at this point. With more practice Aeron had become a great rider and handler, now being able to look down without become scared or screeching at Rune to land.

“Maybe we should land boy. It’s rather hot up here…” Aeron remarked, looking at the sun with a hand to shield her eyes, noting that it was rather high in the sky. They’d only been in the air for but two hours at the most, but Aeron worried for her stryx in the heat of the day. Rune made no sound but agreed that it was hot with a nod before his keen eyes began to search for a place to land. More or less, somewhere with water nearby.

“There we go boy!” Aeron suddenly exclaimed, her legs pressing on to Rune to point him in the direction she was looking. Down through the trees sparkled a river sneaking through the roots of the trees and carving its way into the ground. Rune made a cry of glee before heading down. Upon landing, Rune managed to just hop down, branch to branch before landing safely on the ground.

Aeron sighed as she dipped her hands in the cold water, watching Rune dip his beak in for a drink before following with his whole body and splashing around. Aeron laughed loudly at her silly dragon as he enjoyed his cool bath thoroughly. She sat on some rocks in the shade of the largest tree beside the river, laying back with a moan. “This is the life for me… not being kept in a castle…” she mumbled aloud.

Jorie & Gull

Gull glanced over his shoulder and saw that Jorie was temporarily distracted by something in the dirt. Gull realized it was his chance to slip away unnoticed. He was thinking of heading down to the stream to cool off. Normally the duo swam in the waters of the river that ran outside city limits but it weather like this it would no doubt be swamped by other city dwellers with the exact same thing in mind. The thought of having cool, clean, moving water all to himself put an extra pep in his step.

Viola broke away from Darius and pursued her little handler by leaping from branch to branch. She was a small and slim bird so it was easy enough for her to keep pace.

Gull was practically running when he heard the sound of rushing water. He didn’t even look before he leapt off the mossy banks and cannonballed into the water. He surfaced to the sound of Viola making an alarm call. Gull turned in the water, and saw that there was another stryx nearby and more importantly a girl on the shore. “Aeron?” He asked though he already knew it was her.

Viola didn’t recognize the two as quickly. She was puffed up and her beak was open and a clicking noise was emitting from within.

“Viola you know them!” Gull snapped. It was more important to him that she stopped making a fuss before Darius heard and by extension Jorie…

Aeron

Aeron was startled by the sound of a huge thing falling in the water, sitting up and looking for the source of it as well as looking to see Rune fluffing up. Another Stryx was calling nearby, Rune hearing it made him defensive and he stepped out of the water and shook his body to remove the excess water from his feathers. He let out a screech before being shushed by Aeron, who stepped over to close his beak with her hands.

“Shush now…” She told him as she recognized the Stryx above them, her heart pounding as she realized that meant that...maybe those two boys were around. It was then Aeron looked down in the water and saw a familiar face looking up at her. “G-Gull…?” She called from her perch on the rock, before she smiled widely and started to climb down towards the water.

“Gull! I thought I’d never see you again!” Aeron cheered, getting her feet into the water.

Rune watched with confusion as he also didn’t remember the Stryx or the boy that his handler was swimming towards. He went to cleaning his feathers with his beak since the danger seemed to have passed, his feathers rising and falling to help him get dry.

“What happened with that beast in the ruins? Did you boys make it out okay?” Aeron asked, now up to her waist in water.

Jorie & Gull
Gull decide not to make his friend wade all the way in after him. He paddled up to her and grabbed her by the hand and turned her back towards shore. Once he made his way back on to dry land he took the time to explain what had happened once they had separated.

“Jorie beat the beast back into the bedroom it had been nesting in. It got him in the arm but our mentor patched him up and I don’t think there is even a scar left. Jorie was mad about that.” Jorie liked a good souvenir of battle. “We haven’t been back since but Jorie is certain it has healed up and broken free. He didn’t know what it was but he knew it wasn’t a normal animal….” The mention of inhuman beasts crawling around reminded him of the ever present danger in the woods. He had had his own encounters with monsters not too far from where they stood.

Viola had finally shut up but she was looking down on the two humans with mixed emotions.

Gull pushed the thoughts out of his mind and smiled up at Aeron. “What about you? What have you been doing?” He imagined she had had adventures of her own since they had last seen each other.

Aeron

Aeron was so energetic about seeing Gull she hadn’t realized how far in the water she was, until Gull took hold of her and lead her back to shore with him. She listened to his tale of Jorie’s battle with the monster, her heart hurt a bit to find out that he’d been injured at one point by the beast but was slightly glad to hear he was alright. Aeron even glanced around as if she’d spot the rude boy but knew he had to have grown too.

Once she was asked of her adventures, Aeron only shook her head with a smile before hugging Gull. “I had no such thrills while I was away. I only got a little taller.” She teased, pulling back to look into her friend’s eyes. “It’s like I’m in a dream.” Aeron said with a giggle as she released Gull from the hug and looked towards her Stryx. Rune had sauntered closer to investigate the new human and seemed to recognize the boy now, make clicking noises with his beak.

“I’ve also become a better flyer.” Aeron boasted, rubbing the top of Rune’s head with her hand. “My mentor has been showing me a lot now that I’m older, and I’m not as scared of heights.”

Jorie & Gull

Gull was startled by the sudden contact. That familiar burn started behind his eyes but he didn’t want to start crying. He blinked multiple times to stop anything from being shed. He forced a smile for when she pulled away and looked him in the eye. He managed to get out, “I missed you too.” in response.

Gull was so wrapped up in talking with Aeron he didn’t realize her stryx had approached. He spent a lot of time around stryx but he was still weary of strange ones. Some of the city racers were particularly aggressive and Gull liked all his fingers and toes. And limbs too.

The stryx was more interested in his handler than in Gull, much to his relief. “That’s good. I wish I could say the same.” Gull had been in a slump. He’d participated in races but he just hadn’t found his calling and it was making him nervous. His mentor wouldn’t allow him to stay under her roof forever even if he was paying.

“Oh a mentor? Be careful Gull. Girls are prone to finding themselves helplessly drawn to older individuals. Especially ones that have something to show them.” Came that familiar voice. Gull didn’t need to look to know Jorie had found them. The dark stryx that was the older boy’s constant companion was hanging in the trees overhead. Viola hadn’t alerted to his arrival since the two were acquainted already. Jorie sauntered down to the water and flashed a grin at the pair. “Did you miss me?”

Aeron

Aeron watched Gull’s face as he spoke, frowning when he did and slumped over in sympathy, she could see that he had had some trying times in their separation. When she heard the all too familiar voice, Aeron gasped looking in the direction it came from and frowned a bit.

“Hardly…” Aeron snapped back after his very false comment on how girls behaved, they’d have to threaten to kill Rune before she did any sort of fawning over Jorie. “It’s a shame you didn’t lose your tongue in that battle with the monster.” Aeron called to him, looking back to see Rune getting fluffy behind her.

“It’s alright boy..” Aeron said softly, patting Rune’s chest feathers and shushing him, though she thought it would be funny to Rune chase after Jorie...if only Jorie didn’t have a stryx of his own.

“What’re you guys doing out here?” Aeron asked turning back to Gull and trying to avoid anymore contact with Jorie.

Jorie & Gull

“Escaping the heat.” Jorie answered simply. Gull lowered his head and nodded sagely. “It’s so hot back in the city you could cook a stryx egg on the street.” He said grimly.

“The river that runs outside city limits is hot enough to boil the same egg.” Gull added forlornly.

“The dry season is a terrible thing. So we come to this oasis, risking life and limb to stay cool. But looks like Gull is getting hot under the collar so maybe it was all for naught.” Jorie pushed off from the tree he had come to lean against and walked to the water’s edge to crouch down and take a long sip of water.

Gull hadn’t appreciated the comment but he managed to brush it off. “We were practicing sword fighting before you got here. It’s too hot for that now though. What did you come here to do?” He figured they could join in on her activity if she wanted.

“It’s not that hot.” Jorie said suddenly. Gull cocked his head curiously and looked to his blond companion. “I mean, we could keep practicing. Aeron, do you want to give it a go?”

Darius shifted in the trees overhead. Viola had come to join him and just like before both birds were on high alert. The mood had shifted once more and they seemed to be holding their breath.

Aeron

Aeron didn’t understand what Jorie meant by Gull feeling hot, especially considering they were both still standing in the cool waters of the river. She nodded as they mentioned the heat, even in the palace they couldn’t escape the horrible wave of humidity. That’s why she took Rune out for the day, the breeze while flying was nice..but the cool water really hit the spot for them both.

Upon hearing what the two were doing, Aeron seemed a bit interested even though she never thought to try and learn how to use a sword. “I was just leaving my own cage for a little while. It’s no phone being hot and getting lectured.” Aeron explained, realizing that the boys still didn’t know she was a princess and cursed at herself for casually mentioned that she got lectures.

“Um, I don’t know the first thing about using one but..sure.” Aeron said softly with a smile, emerging out of the water so that she could dry off a bit.

Rune perched himself on a rock, cleaning his feathers with his beak as he felt the tension subside for the moment.

Jorie & Gull

Jorie smiled when he got the answer he wanted. Gull didn’t look so confident. “I have my sword. Why don’t you go and get yours?” He suggested. Gull wavered for a moment before turning around and heading back to their landing site at a run.

Jorie unsheathed his scimitar and turned it over so the brass would catch the sunlight filtering through the trees’ canopy. “This kind of blade is used for mounted combat. Not on stryx but horses and similar animals. It still is a good blade if you’re on your feet. Sharp. Great for slashing and it shouldn’t get caught in your opponent. Where I’m from they use them in executions.” Jorie explained. Suddenly the curved blade seemed more menacing in his hands. He came in closer to Aeron. “Come here I’ll show you how to hold it.” He didn’t give her much of a choice. Once he was close enough his hand darted out and he grabbed her. The sword’s grip was forced into her hands.

“What’s nice about swords is that when you have one you’re never alone. In any fight you get yourself into you always have it to back you up. Stryx are nice but they can’t always fit in tight alleyways.” He dictated her motions from her side by puppeting her arms.

Gull returned and seemed put off by Jorie and Aeron’s closeness. Jorie made a point of not moving. “Gull there has a rapier. It’s a general term but for the most part they all serve the same purpose. They’re meant to run people through. It’s a harder weapon to master than mine but it has it’s uses… Gull, do you want her to use my blade or yours?”

Gull stiffened up at the question. His eyes nervously darted from Jorie to Aeron. This was a trick question. He swallowed hard before saying, “Mine. It’s lighter.” Jorie just gave his companion a knowing smile. He took his sword back from Aeron and waited for her to make her way over to Gull and take up his blade.

“En garde?” He inquired as he took up a fighting stance. The stryx shuffled in the branches overhead in nervous anticipation.

Aeron

Aeron hadn’t missed Jorie’s awful way with handling a girl, scoffing when he grasped her hands just to push the blade’s hilt into them. She stared at the weapon, watching the sunlight glint off of its sharp edges. There was a chill that ran through her, this had cut things...possibly people..there has been blood here. Aeron gulped, hardly listening to anything that Jorie was telling her.

It wasn’t until Jorie took his weapon back did Aeron snap out of her stupor, looking at Gull and going to him to learn how to use his weapon. It seemed odd to her that such a nice boy needed such a thing but.. She considered the fact that Stryx can only protect you from so much. Aeron took Gull’s rapier into her hands, noticing the difference right away but didn’t understand the significance of it.

Aeron looked at Jorie, and that fear she had from him the first time they met returned, and she shook a bit as she raised the sword. Aeron was unsure what good it would do her to learn to sword fight but… perhaps she could put the knowledge to use whenever she gained her own sword.

Jorie & Gull

Gull wasn’t half as bold as Jorie but he made some slight corrections to Aeron’s stance before he moved away just a little. “Okay… But go slow.” He warned his companion. Jorie just gave him a smile before moving in.

“These blades weren’t meant to cross but you don’t get to choose your opponent's weapon. You have to make due.” He swiped his blade from the side nearly knocking the rapier from Aeron’s hands. “You’re open I could kill you now.” He informed her matter of factly.

Gull stepped in and instructed Aeron softly so she’d be better prepared next time.

“Fights only last a few seconds but they feel like eternity.” Jorie came at her hard and even though she knew what to do she stood little chance against Jorie’s practiced hand. He seemed to be enjoying the spar even if it was completely one sided. When the blade was inevitably knocked from her hand he pointed at it with the tip of his blade. “Pick it up.” It sounded more like an order than an instruction.

Aeron

Aeron disliked it when Jorie struck the rapier, frowning as she gripped the sword hilt but listened to Gull’s soft instructions and went at it again. But the last second she feared Jorie would actually cut her so she let the blade go. As she leaned over to get it, Aeron heard Jorie’s command, her heart burned with ferocity. She was a princess, he didn’t tell her to do anything.

Aeron’s eyes narrowed as she finished grasping the blade, before swiftly swinging it and knocking Jorie’s blade away before whipping around and bringing the rapier to Jorie’s throat. Of course Aeron was a practiced dancer, knowing when to stop her twirl just before it scraped the boy’s skin.

She was breathing heavily as she held the blade still, looking at Jorie’s face filled her with satisfaction and she began to laugh. “Hahahaha! You should see your face! You really thought I was going to get you!” Aeron began to chortle, relaxing her arm and making sure the rapier was down and out of the way as her other hand came to hold her stomach. There were tears in her eyes, “Bet that’s the first time a girl has scared you!” Aeron gloated, turning to hand the rapier back to Gull.

Jorie & Gull

Gull winced as Jorie’s blade hit the ground. The older boy stood motionless, looking down his nose at the rapier’s tip pointed at his throat. He seemed thoroughly dumbfounded that he had been bested but then again he hasn’t expected Aeron to actually fight back. Confusion began to melt away and for a second he looked angry. Downright infuriated. Like he might go for his sword and finish the duel like it was a real fight. But that moment passed.

“If you’re not afraid of girls you’re a fool. The only thing worse is a snake.” He backed away so if she were to lunge again, even in jest, he’d be out or range. Gull was quick to take his sword back so that couldn’t happen.

“She fights better than you do Gull.” Jorie mused as he finally went to collect his weapon. Gull didn’t answer. It was safe to say the boy looked unwell. “Let’s call it a day shall we?” Jorie cupped his hands around his mouth and called to his stryx. Darius descended and landed in the water. It was shallow enough that only his feet were submerged. Jorie waded in and climbed up onto his mount. “Gull, come on.” Jorie snapped.

Gull frowned and turned to Aeron. “We better be going…” He hesitated before pulling her into a tight hug. It didn’t last long. Darius was flapping his wings which meant Jorie wanted to take off. Viola swooped down from the branches she had be watching from and allowed Gull to climb up on dry land before walking into the water. Darius took off, escaping between the gap in the treetops created by the stream. Gull gave his friend one last tiny wave before he allowed Viola to follow.

He didn’t want to tell her but he wished she hadn’t knocked Jorie’s sword away. Despite how cool the older boy played it Gull knew he was mad. That anger would all come out directly at Gull during their next sparring match.

But it had been worth it to see Aeron again. If only for a little while.

Aeron

Aeron was smiling a bit even after Jorie basically said that women were bad likes snakes were, she knew he was upset by what she had done. But honestly she felt good that she had shut him up for once, teach him to make orders like that again.

Aeron wasn’t expecting such a reaction from Jorie, at least one that ended with he and Gull just leaving her. She had given Gull a squeeze before he let her go and mounted his stryx. Her heart was heavy as the two boys left, she didn’t move until they had disappeared into the sky.

“Rune…” Aeron called once she had taken a moment to herself, the great Corva landing beside her and lowered himself so she could easily climb on. She clicked to him, and the bird took off back towards the kingdom. Aeron figured there wouldn’t be another chance to see Gull...or Jorie, as her father’s health was depleting and he wouldn’t be able to make journey’s like this anymore. A heavy sigh left her, Aeron stared into the sky and silently prayed for the boys’ safety.

Description
Jorie & Gull
It was an overcast day, as it often was over the north eastern forests. The mountains were hidden from view by the towering old growth trees that ruled over the forest and had done so for thousands of years. The stryx look like regular sized birds playing in the branches as their handlers played on the grassy forest floor.

“So this is where that ugly shapeshifter was living?” Jorie asked as he effortlessly parried a blow from Gull’s silver rapier.

“Yeah…” Gull was less was less enthusiastic about covering the details of the cursed shifter he had been attacked by in the woods. The poor thing had been thoroughly hurt in the end and Gull had to wonder if he and his mentor were the bigger bad guys.

“Better pay attention!” Jorie laughed as his scimitar came dangerously close to cutting the younger boy. Gull stumbled away, breaking off the fight. Jorie looked displeased for a moment but for once he let it go. He sheathed his sword and wandered off a way. “It’s too hot for fighting.” He declared. It was hot. Even under the shade of the trees they could both still feel the strong sun’s wrath.

Gull sat down by his stuff, sheathing his sword and placing it on top of his bag. He picked up the necklace he had removed for the sole purpose of keeping it safe from Jorie’s aggressive sparring. “Day dreaming about your girlfriend?” Jorie asked, causing Gull to start. The older boy was leaning over and looking down at the impromptu gift the girl had left.

“Not my girlfriend.”

“She was pretty cute, wasn’t she?”

“How would you know it was dark!” Gull protested. He got up and moved before the teasing could escalate. Jorie had already stolen the trinket more than once.

Viola and Darius sensed their handlers were feuding and returned to the branches overhanging the sparring grounds the boys had drawn. The two were on the lookout for trouble and that included trouble within the ranks.

Aeron

Aeron was flying with Rune high up above the forest, for she was worried about trying to traverse with her stryx within the twisted branches. That was just asking for an injury to Rune and she wasn’t interested in trying to walk home with him at this point. With more practice Aeron had become a great rider and handler, now being able to look down without become scared or screeching at Rune to land.

“Maybe we should land boy. It’s rather hot up here…” Aeron remarked, looking at the sun with a hand to shield her eyes, noting that it was rather high in the sky. They’d only been in the air for but two hours at the most, but Aeron worried for her stryx in the heat of the day. Rune made no sound but agreed that it was hot with a nod before his keen eyes began to search for a place to land. More or less, somewhere with water nearby.

“There we go boy!” Aeron suddenly exclaimed, her legs pressing on to Rune to point him in the direction she was looking. Down through the trees sparkled a river sneaking through the roots of the trees and carving its way into the ground. Rune made a cry of glee before heading down. Upon landing, Rune managed to just hop down, branch to branch before landing safely on the ground.

Aeron sighed as she dipped her hands in the cold water, watching Rune dip his beak in for a drink before following with his whole body and splashing around. Aeron laughed loudly at her silly dragon as he enjoyed his cool bath thoroughly. She sat on some rocks in the shade of the largest tree beside the river, laying back with a moan. “This is the life for me… not being kept in a castle…” she mumbled aloud.

Jorie & Gull

Gull glanced over his shoulder and saw that Jorie was temporarily distracted by something in the dirt. Gull realized it was his chance to slip away unnoticed. He was thinking of heading down to the stream to cool off. Normally the duo swam in the waters of the river that ran outside city limits but it weather like this it would no doubt be swamped by other city dwellers with the exact same thing in mind. The thought of having cool, clean, moving water all to himself put an extra pep in his step.

Viola broke away from Darius and pursued her little handler by leaping from branch to branch. She was a small and slim bird so it was easy enough for her to keep pace.

Gull was practically running when he heard the sound of rushing water. He didn’t even look before he leapt off the mossy banks and cannonballed into the water. He surfaced to the sound of Viola making an alarm call. Gull turned in the water, and saw that there was another stryx nearby and more importantly a girl on the shore. “Aeron?” He asked though he already knew it was her.

Viola didn’t recognize the two as quickly. She was puffed up and her beak was open and a clicking noise was emitting from within.

“Viola you know them!” Gull snapped. It was more important to him that she stopped making a fuss before Darius heard and by extension Jorie…

Aeron

Aeron was startled by the sound of a huge thing falling in the water, sitting up and looking for the source of it as well as looking to see Rune fluffing up. Another Stryx was calling nearby, Rune hearing it made him defensive and he stepped out of the water and shook his body to remove the excess water from his feathers. He let out a screech before being shushed by Aeron, who stepped over to close his beak with her hands.

“Shush now…” She told him as she recognized the Stryx above them, her heart pounding as she realized that meant that...maybe those two boys were around. It was then Aeron looked down in the water and saw a familiar face looking up at her. “G-Gull…?” She called from her perch on the rock, before she smiled widely and started to climb down towards the water.

“Gull! I thought I’d never see you again!” Aeron cheered, getting her feet into the water.

Rune watched with confusion as he also didn’t remember the Stryx or the boy that his handler was swimming towards. He went to cleaning his feathers with his beak since the danger seemed to have passed, his feathers rising and falling to help him get dry.

“What happened with that beast in the ruins? Did you boys make it out okay?” Aeron asked, now up to her waist in water.

Jorie & Gull
Gull decide not to make his friend wade all the way in after him. He paddled up to her and grabbed her by the hand and turned her back towards shore. Once he made his way back on to dry land he took the time to explain what had happened once they had separated.

“Jorie beat the beast back into the bedroom it had been nesting in. It got him in the arm but our mentor patched him up and I don’t think there is even a scar left. Jorie was mad about that.” Jorie liked a good souvenir of battle. “We haven’t been back since but Jorie is certain it has healed up and broken free. He didn’t know what it was but he knew it wasn’t a normal animal….” The mention of inhuman beasts crawling around reminded him of the ever present danger in the woods. He had had his own encounters with monsters not too far from where they stood.

Viola had finally shut up but she was looking down on the two humans with mixed emotions.

Gull pushed the thoughts out of his mind and smiled up at Aeron. “What about you? What have you been doing?” He imagined she had had adventures of her own since they had last seen each other.

Aeron

Aeron was so energetic about seeing Gull she hadn’t realized how far in the water she was, until Gull took hold of her and lead her back to shore with him. She listened to his tale of Jorie’s battle with the monster, her heart hurt a bit to find out that he’d been injured at one point by the beast but was slightly glad to hear he was alright. Aeron even glanced around as if she’d spot the rude boy but knew he had to have grown too.

Once she was asked of her adventures, Aeron only shook her head with a smile before hugging Gull. “I had no such thrills while I was away. I only got a little taller.” She teased, pulling back to look into her friend’s eyes. “It’s like I’m in a dream.” Aeron said with a giggle as she released Gull from the hug and looked towards her Stryx. Rune had sauntered closer to investigate the new human and seemed to recognize the boy now, make clicking noises with his beak.

“I’ve also become a better flyer.” Aeron boasted, rubbing the top of Rune’s head with her hand. “My mentor has been showing me a lot now that I’m older, and I’m not as scared of heights.”

Jorie & Gull

Gull was startled by the sudden contact. That familiar burn started behind his eyes but he didn’t want to start crying. He blinked multiple times to stop anything from being shed. He forced a smile for when she pulled away and looked him in the eye. He managed to get out, “I missed you too.” in response.

Gull was so wrapped up in talking with Aeron he didn’t realize her stryx had approached. He spent a lot of time around stryx but he was still weary of strange ones. Some of the city racers were particularly aggressive and Gull liked all his fingers and toes. And limbs too.

The stryx was more interested in his handler than in Gull, much to his relief. “That’s good. I wish I could say the same.” Gull had been in a slump. He’d participated in races but he just hadn’t found his calling and it was making him nervous. His mentor wouldn’t allow him to stay under her roof forever even if he was paying.

“Oh a mentor? Be careful Gull. Girls are prone to finding themselves helplessly drawn to older individuals. Especially ones that have something to show them.” Came that familiar voice. Gull didn’t need to look to know Jorie had found them. The dark stryx that was the older boy’s constant companion was hanging in the trees overhead. Viola hadn’t alerted to his arrival since the two were acquainted already. Jorie sauntered down to the water and flashed a grin at the pair. “Did you miss me?”

Aeron

Aeron watched Gull’s face as he spoke, frowning when he did and slumped over in sympathy, she could see that he had had some trying times in their separation. When she heard the all too familiar voice, Aeron gasped looking in the direction it came from and frowned a bit.

“Hardly…” Aeron snapped back after his very false comment on how girls behaved, they’d have to threaten to kill Rune before she did any sort of fawning over Jorie. “It’s a shame you didn’t lose your tongue in that battle with the monster.” Aeron called to him, looking back to see Rune getting fluffy behind her.

“It’s alright boy..” Aeron said softly, patting Rune’s chest feathers and shushing him, though she thought it would be funny to Rune chase after Jorie...if only Jorie didn’t have a stryx of his own.

“What’re you guys doing out here?” Aeron asked turning back to Gull and trying to avoid anymore contact with Jorie.

Jorie & Gull

“Escaping the heat.” Jorie answered simply. Gull lowered his head and nodded sagely. “It’s so hot back in the city you could cook a stryx egg on the street.” He said grimly.

“The river that runs outside city limits is hot enough to boil the same egg.” Gull added forlornly.

“The dry season is a terrible thing. So we come to this oasis, risking life and limb to stay cool. But looks like Gull is getting hot under the collar so maybe it was all for naught.” Jorie pushed off from the tree he had come to lean against and walked to the water’s edge to crouch down and take a long sip of water.

Gull hadn’t appreciated the comment but he managed to brush it off. “We were practicing sword fighting before you got here. It’s too hot for that now though. What did you come here to do?” He figured they could join in on her activity if she wanted.

“It’s not that hot.” Jorie said suddenly. Gull cocked his head curiously and looked to his blond companion. “I mean, we could keep practicing. Aeron, do you want to give it a go?”

Darius shifted in the trees overhead. Viola had come to join him and just like before both birds were on high alert. The mood had shifted once more and they seemed to be holding their breath.

Aeron

Aeron didn’t understand what Jorie meant by Gull feeling hot, especially considering they were both still standing in the cool waters of the river. She nodded as they mentioned the heat, even in the palace they couldn’t escape the horrible wave of humidity. That’s why she took Rune out for the day, the breeze while flying was nice..but the cool water really hit the spot for them both.

Upon hearing what the two were doing, Aeron seemed a bit interested even though she never thought to try and learn how to use a sword. “I was just leaving my own cage for a little while. It’s no phone being hot and getting lectured.” Aeron explained, realizing that the boys still didn’t know she was a princess and cursed at herself for casually mentioned that she got lectures.

“Um, I don’t know the first thing about using one but..sure.” Aeron said softly with a smile, emerging out of the water so that she could dry off a bit.

Rune perched himself on a rock, cleaning his feathers with his beak as he felt the tension subside for the moment.

Jorie & Gull

Jorie smiled when he got the answer he wanted. Gull didn’t look so confident. “I have my sword. Why don’t you go and get yours?” He suggested. Gull wavered for a moment before turning around and heading back to their landing site at a run.

Jorie unsheathed his scimitar and turned it over so the brass would catch the sunlight filtering through the trees’ canopy. “This kind of blade is used for mounted combat. Not on stryx but horses and similar animals. It still is a good blade if you’re on your feet. Sharp. Great for slashing and it shouldn’t get caught in your opponent. Where I’m from they use them in executions.” Jorie explained. Suddenly the curved blade seemed more menacing in his hands. He came in closer to Aeron. “Come here I’ll show you how to hold it.” He didn’t give her much of a choice. Once he was close enough his hand darted out and he grabbed her. The sword’s grip was forced into her hands.

“What’s nice about swords is that when you have one you’re never alone. In any fight you get yourself into you always have it to back you up. Stryx are nice but they can’t always fit in tight alleyways.” He dictated her motions from her side by puppeting her arms.

Gull returned and seemed put off by Jorie and Aeron’s closeness. Jorie made a point of not moving. “Gull there has a rapier. It’s a general term but for the most part they all serve the same purpose. They’re meant to run people through. It’s a harder weapon to master than mine but it has it’s uses… Gull, do you want her to use my blade or yours?”

Gull stiffened up at the question. His eyes nervously darted from Jorie to Aeron. This was a trick question. He swallowed hard before saying, “Mine. It’s lighter.” Jorie just gave his companion a knowing smile. He took his sword back from Aeron and waited for her to make her way over to Gull and take up his blade.

“En garde?” He inquired as he took up a fighting stance. The stryx shuffled in the branches overhead in nervous anticipation.

Aeron

Aeron hadn’t missed Jorie’s awful way with handling a girl, scoffing when he grasped her hands just to push the blade’s hilt into them. She stared at the weapon, watching the sunlight glint off of its sharp edges. There was a chill that ran through her, this had cut things...possibly people..there has been blood here. Aeron gulped, hardly listening to anything that Jorie was telling her.

It wasn’t until Jorie took his weapon back did Aeron snap out of her stupor, looking at Gull and going to him to learn how to use his weapon. It seemed odd to her that such a nice boy needed such a thing but.. She considered the fact that Stryx can only protect you from so much. Aeron took Gull’s rapier into her hands, noticing the difference right away but didn’t understand the significance of it.

Aeron looked at Jorie, and that fear she had from him the first time they met returned, and she shook a bit as she raised the sword. Aeron was unsure what good it would do her to learn to sword fight but… perhaps she could put the knowledge to use whenever she gained her own sword.

Jorie & Gull

Gull wasn’t half as bold as Jorie but he made some slight corrections to Aeron’s stance before he moved away just a little. “Okay… But go slow.” He warned his companion. Jorie just gave him a smile before moving in.

“These blades weren’t meant to cross but you don’t get to choose your opponent's weapon. You have to make due.” He swiped his blade from the side nearly knocking the rapier from Aeron’s hands. “You’re open I could kill you now.” He informed her matter of factly.

Gull stepped in and instructed Aeron softly so she’d be better prepared next time.

“Fights only last a few seconds but they feel like eternity.” Jorie came at her hard and even though she knew what to do she stood little chance against Jorie’s practiced hand. He seemed to be enjoying the spar even if it was completely one sided. When the blade was inevitably knocked from her hand he pointed at it with the tip of his blade. “Pick it up.” It sounded more like an order than an instruction.

Aeron

Aeron disliked it when Jorie struck the rapier, frowning as she gripped the sword hilt but listened to Gull’s soft instructions and went at it again. But the last second she feared Jorie would actually cut her so she let the blade go. As she leaned over to get it, Aeron heard Jorie’s command, her heart burned with ferocity. She was a princess, he didn’t tell her to do anything.

Aeron’s eyes narrowed as she finished grasping the blade, before swiftly swinging it and knocking Jorie’s blade away before whipping around and bringing the rapier to Jorie’s throat. Of course Aeron was a practiced dancer, knowing when to stop her twirl just before it scraped the boy’s skin.

She was breathing heavily as she held the blade still, looking at Jorie’s face filled her with satisfaction and she began to laugh. “Hahahaha! You should see your face! You really thought I was going to get you!” Aeron began to chortle, relaxing her arm and making sure the rapier was down and out of the way as her other hand came to hold her stomach. There were tears in her eyes, “Bet that’s the first time a girl has scared you!” Aeron gloated, turning to hand the rapier back to Gull.

Jorie & Gull

Gull winced as Jorie’s blade hit the ground. The older boy stood motionless, looking down his nose at the rapier’s tip pointed at his throat. He seemed thoroughly dumbfounded that he had been bested but then again he hasn’t expected Aeron to actually fight back. Confusion began to melt away and for a second he looked angry. Downright infuriated. Like he might go for his sword and finish the duel like it was a real fight. But that moment passed.

“If you’re not afraid of girls you’re a fool. The only thing worse is a snake.” He backed away so if she were to lunge again, even in jest, he’d be out or range. Gull was quick to take his sword back so that couldn’t happen.

“She fights better than you do Gull.” Jorie mused as he finally went to collect his weapon. Gull didn’t answer. It was safe to say the boy looked unwell. “Let’s call it a day shall we?” Jorie cupped his hands around his mouth and called to his stryx. Darius descended and landed in the water. It was shallow enough that only his feet were submerged. Jorie waded in and climbed up onto his mount. “Gull, come on.” Jorie snapped.

Gull frowned and turned to Aeron. “We better be going…” He hesitated before pulling her into a tight hug. It didn’t last long. Darius was flapping his wings which meant Jorie wanted to take off. Viola swooped down from the branches she had be watching from and allowed Gull to climb up on dry land before walking into the water. Darius took off, escaping between the gap in the treetops created by the stream. Gull gave his friend one last tiny wave before he allowed Viola to follow.

He didn’t want to tell her but he wished she hadn’t knocked Jorie’s sword away. Despite how cool the older boy played it Gull knew he was mad. That anger would all come out directly at Gull during their next sparring match.

But it had been worth it to see Aeron again. If only for a little while.

Aeron

Aeron was smiling a bit even after Jorie basically said that women were bad likes snakes were, she knew he was upset by what she had done. But honestly she felt good that she had shut him up for once, teach him to make orders like that again.

Aeron wasn’t expecting such a reaction from Jorie, at least one that ended with he and Gull just leaving her. She had given Gull a squeeze before he let her go and mounted his stryx. Her heart was heavy as the two boys left, she didn’t move until they had disappeared into the sky.

“Rune…” Aeron called once she had taken a moment to herself, the great Corva landing beside her and lowered himself so she could easily climb on. She clicked to him, and the bird took off back towards the kingdom. Aeron figured there wouldn’t be another chance to see Gull...or Jorie, as her father’s health was depleting and he wouldn’t be able to make journey’s like this anymore. A heavy sigh left her, Aeron stared into the sky and silently prayed for the boys’ safety.