You swoop down into the Windhaven clan aerie.
Landing Platform - Windhaven
This broad platform is open to the skies above and to the west, the jagged arch of the Wirtkill mountains soaring high above you to the east. Below to your west is a staggeringly long and steep drop to the foot of the mountain. You can see the roadway winding far below, and further still, the huge open expanse of the great plains. Further west you can see the dark green expanse of a great forest. The wind sweeps almost straight upwards around you, a steady updraft that makes this a perfect place to land or take flight. Flanking the east side of this platform are wide ramps that lead down to the courtyard below.
Stormdancer lands, with four of clanmates. He nods curtly to the guards stationed at the platform as one of those who accompany him lifts the heavy bag she had been carrying in her talons up into her beak.
You walk down the ramp.
Outer Courtyard - Windhaven
You are standing in the outer courtyard of the Windhaven Aerie, a huge open area, paved with intricate patterns of small tiles. A large fountain splashes and burbles against the east wall, providing drinking water as well as pleasant sight and sound. The air here is cool and fresh, though you often catch the unmistakable scent of the gryphons that come and go. This is a busy place, with many exits in all directions, not only on ground level, but also for several stories up above, with ledges and perches for the airborne folk to move easily.
A steep ramp has been recently added. Tucked up against one wall, it leads to one of the lower ledges, allowing injured gryphons access.
You walk into the cool shadows of the atrium.
Atrium - Windhaven
The air in this atrium is pleasantly cool. Tall stone pillars rise up to the arched ceiling, easily seven meters above your head. The base of the walls are formed into a broad continuous bench, easily wide enough to hold a relaxing gryphon. There are other benches and platforms around the base of most of the pillars. This is a very calm, relaxed place, ideal for relaxing after a hard flight, thinking, or talking with friends. In one corner a pair of young gryphons chirp and twitter softly together.
To the south are a pair of very wide arches that open out into the sunny courtyard beyond. On the north wall is a smaller arch that leads to the library. A long passage leads eastward; a small plaque indicates that it leads to the infirmary and the birthing chambers. To the west is a broad, tall archway that leads off toward a large number of ground-level homes.
Rhenemet is resting in the courtyard near the statue - the cold stone doesn't seem to bother him. Although it is out of the wind, and somewhat warmer than outside, the atrium is not actively heated and could not exactly be called warm in winter.
Stormdancer is followed, at some distance, by four of his fellow Grylra, one of whom carries what is obviously a quite heavy bag. The colours of the drake's stormy coat match his disposition at the moment admirably, his dark golden eyes angry and glittering. The Windhaven who had pointed out where the Raigaa was last seen watches for a moment, then moves to talk quietly with one of the guards. "Rhenemet!" Stomdancer calls out firmly, as he stalks closer.
Rhenemet lifts his head slowly as a gryphon approaches - he recognizes Stormdancer after a moment, mostly because the drake has fairly distinctive markings... most gryphons tend to look more or less alike to him beyond those with broad physical differences. He doesn't rise, but his muscles do tighten very slightly, perhaps too little to be noticed as he notes the large group of gryphons, and the tone of the call, "I am here, Stormdancer." He rumbles, cordially, in response, silver eyes gleaming.
Stormdancer nods, advancing to within a meter or so... well within striking range of either. Close enough that a sensitive nose might detect the faint remaining traces of blood on his body, despite a bath, scrubbing in the snow, and a half-day flight. "We need to speak," he rumbles. "I have serious news... but first, I trust you, and your mate, are well?"
Rhenemet nods his head faintly at the first, then rumbles, "We are well, my mate is resting. We have both been enjoying the gracious hospitality of our gryphon hosts - it is a refreshingly different welcome than we have received in other lands."
Stormdancer nods quietly. "She has been with you, here, for the last few days?" he wonders. The other four gryphons wait some distance away, and do not seem as at-ease in your presence as their leader does, looking you over with something that is not quite nervousness... but certainly caution.
Rhenemet nods his head serenely, beads of his mane clicking together, "Yes." he murmers, "We have been staying in a cave, not far from the city walls."
Stormdancer nods. "I'm glad for that. I have what may be an unpleasant thing to ask of you." He glances back over his shoulder, chirps something in Shrilkish, and the bearer of the bag drags it foreward, sets it down, her tail twitching and thrashing restlessly. "I need you to look at this, and tell me if you recognize ... the remains." He turns and chirps a quiet command, then watches you carefully as the bag is opened, revealing the rather badly mangled head of the killed Raigaa.
Rhenemet's nostrils dilate slightly as the bag is brought closer to him, glittering eyes examining it cautiously... even before the gryphon begins to slip it open he can scent the blood on it. As the Raigaa's head is revealed, his gaze grows more intense... and he gives a soft, low growl, "Where was this found?" He sounds... perturbed, definitely very tense now, glancing up from the face to Stormdancer.
"She was found at the borders of Grylra," Stormdancer growls, "Sssome distance from the aerie, but well into the foothills. When approached by a guard, she attacked him, and fled. When caught, she fought to the death... killing two of my people in the process. A third may not survive."
Rhenemet growls softly, "In Shrilk." He repeats, a shake of his head - "This makes little sense to me. Aside from raids to neighboring spheres, my people almost never venture from our homeland. I don't recognize this one, but from her black coat she is certainly from the Empire, and not the outer clans. I am... not surprised that she would fight, most of my kind are not fond of strangers. I am sorry for your losses."
Stormdancer nods slightly, and gives a sharp gesture to the hen, who re-closes the bag, then steps back a few paces, remaining rather tautly poised. "Our scouts and seers are working to trace the others. There are at least two more, possibly three, in Shrilk. The signs point to them having murdered at least two gryphons and one outsphere visitor. I need to know why they're here, Rhenemet."
Rhenemet seems, for perhaps the first time, startled, "More?" He growls, "Three. There will be three others. A hunting claw. If there are so many..." He narrows his eyes, "Then this was not simply a rogue, they are here for one specific purpose. I cannot imagine it to be coincidental with the arrival of myself and my mate." He considers a moment, "I did not leave my home land on the good terms of our government. It is... conceivable they might make the effort to track my mate and myself down to be brought back for punishment, or simply... executed. But..." He shakes his head again, "It makes little sense, why would they go to so much trouble to be rid of us? We are no longer any threat to the Empire."
Stormdancer nods slowly, considering. "They have made a greivous error, in coming to Shrilk. They will not leave the sphere alive. We will not be hunted. And we will not allow our guests and allies to be hunted. If they are on a bloodquest after you and your mate, they will find themselves... outmatched."
Rhenemet seems... a touch surprised, again, at this gesture from his host, he had fully expected to be asked to depart the sphere, immediately. It would be the most prudent thing to do. "Arrrrr... A kind gesture." He rumbles, "But my mate and I will not hide behind the claws of others doing battle on our behalf. Those who have come to seek us, will find only death." He curls his claws, looking now, every inch the predator.
Stormdancer gapes something that is not exactly a grin, or smile, though there is some cruel joy in it. "There are four gryphons dead... that we know of, so far. We will not shield you from them..." He pauses, and gives a low, rolling chuckle. "Or them, from you. But neither will we stay our claws, Rhenemet. We very much want to kill these ... invaders."
Rhenemet nods, "They are in the lands of providence now, and if their lives are judged worthy they will again join the living as greater beings. They were murdered by the claws of those with no honour - this will weigh in their favour." This is almost offhand, as though the details need no explaining... his mind is elsewhere, claws curling, "I will join you in hunt then, Stormdancer. First - things that may assist you."
Stormdancer nods, settling back onto his hindquarters... and moments later, the attending hen does the same. The other two remain standing, though their postures have relaxed somewhat. This is obviously very serious business to them all.
Rhenemet rumbles, "These hunters will be skilled... very skilled, but young. They would have known this assignment to be dangerous - none with high rank would risk it on a search so likely to prove futile. But those with little to lose, and very much to gain if they were successful..." He lets his voice trail off with a simple nod, such is obvious. "We are night creatures by habit, although we function well enough by day, the sunlight of these spheres is a constant grievance. Through trade and contact with other lands, my mate and myself were able to obtain goggles that ease the pain of foreign suns, I doubt these hunters have any such advantage. They will hide and rest by day in caves, under dense trees, in rivers and lakes, and move primarily at night when risk of detection is lowest." He pauses a moment, "Our vision is very acute at night."
Stormdancer nods. "And ours is, as a rule, quite poor. This one was found just at dawn, as she was seeking shelter. Our scouts are ... quite expert." He pauses, then chuckles, allowing himself a moment of pride - "One of my daughters contribuited greatly to the capture. But... if the others are aware of what happened, they will be more careful in the transitional times... yesss?"
Stormrider enters from the courtyard.
Stormrider has arrived.
Rhenemet nods - "They will hunt independantly, until they have found their quarry, then the claw will close in to entrap their quarry. They will know within a day or two that something has happened to one of the claw, though not the details unless one was near enough to see what happened. It will make them warier. They will surely be concealing their trail, but it is possible your scouts could develop skills to make it out in any case, a creature of our size does not pass without any trace...
Stormrider walks in from the courtyard, feathers ruslting a little as he thinks, heading for the library to check out a scroll, at first he does not notice the grylrans, or Stormdancer, talking with the rather large, whatever it is, but something does cause him to glance over, to spot Stormdancer, he winches a little, then shakes his head, slowly moving twords Stormdancer, figuring he might as well get it over with, if Stormdancer had come out here anyways.
Stormdancer nods. "They've been working to hide their tracks, but the snow works to our advantage. They can hide something well enough it's not visible from the ground... but from the air, subtle patterns become much more apparent. Knowing that they're hunting seperately is ... very fortunate. Ssso we have a day, or two, in which to strike down another, or two, before they become too well alerted. Very good."
Rhenemet nods slightly, and rumbles, "If my mate and myself were to move from this city, without concealing our trail... And they were to find that trail, and follow it, we could lure them... It might be easier, than hunting them individually over so large an area..."
Stormdancer nods thoughtfully. "But doing so would put you and your mate, and your ... slave ... at risk." He is quiet a moment, then nods. "Though perhaps not so much risk, mrhrhr? Their claw is somewhat blunted, and I sussspect they have grievously underestimated their quarry."
Stormdancer obviously hasn't noticed Stormrider's approach yet, as his attention is fully focussed on the Raigaa before him.
Rhenemet nods, "My slave has fallen... ill. She is in the care of the skilled healers in this city, there would be no reason for her to accompany us, I would willingly entrust her care to those of the city. She would be a... liability on an exercise of this nature." He chuckles huskily, "If they believe they are still closing in on a quarry unawares, they will be most unpleasantly surprised. In particular though - I would think we could lead them out over your great plains to the west, where there are few lakes or rivers for them to hide, and little cover from the air... They will be stuck burrowing into the snow by day... something that while familiar to the outer tribes of my mate, will make those of the empire quite miserable." He seems to find that a pleasing prospect.
Stormrider stops a little ways off, and listens to the conversation, partly to find out what he can, and partly becuase he really is not sure he wants to intrude and talk to Stormdancer at all.
Stormdancer gapes a broad grin, and arches his head foreward to brush his beak lightly against the muzzle of the larger creature... making the difference in size suddenly more apparent, for the moment at least. "Far better to have you as friend, than enemy," he rumbles. "You're ... quite clever." 'Cruel' was the word he had originally intended, but somehow doubts that common could convey the subtle distinction of language. "They may not expect some of the other things we have working for us. It will be... interesting."
Rhenemet rumbles softly as you touch your beak to his surprisingly soft muzzle - after a moment's pause he lets his head slide forward and back, then withdraws his head again, slowly sitting up and stretching, silvered eyes blink lazily, "And I am honoured to have such powerful allies - few enough creatures can boast to have killed one of the Gods Chosen, your warriors have great courage."
Rhenemet adds, "And my compliments - to the honour brought to your family by your daughters deeds."
Stormdancer nods quietly, glancing to the side... his gaze pausing on Stormrider for a moment, offering a quiet nod of greeting to him, before returning his attention to Rhenemet. "I am... very pleased by her selflessness and ferocity. I suspect we could more effectively strike down these intruders with dropspears, but many of my people are more inclined to face them more directly. More... perrsssonally."
Stormrider sighs a little as he is noticed, then steps closer, offering, softly, "How are you this evening father?" to Stormdancer, and a nod to Rhenemet.
Stormdancer actually rouses a bit, and turns his gaze again to Stormrider. "Very well, son," he rumbles. "I had hoped to find you this trip. I need to spend the night... it's too late in the day for the flight home. Will you be available?"
Rhenemet nods slowly - "I have seen such weapons used by your kind in practice. Forrgive me for saying such - but unless they were taken by complete surprise I find it unlikely such weapons would be effective against the hunters of Abydos. They seem most suited for a creature that moves on a predictable path - and my brethren are surely aware they face winged beasts in this land, they will be anything but predictable in their movements, and they will be watching the sky carefully. One of the lands neighboring ours is also a land of winged creature... a place that the empire has raided quite... successfully, throughout our history."
Stormrider bobs his head a little, "Umm, yes, I am sure you can share my quarters."
Stormdancer ahhhs softly at this advice from Rhenemet. "That's very useful to know. Few prey ... or predators ... are skywary. But we would not release a few simple spears, but a rain of them. Nothing escapes," he says firmly, before turning his head to Stormrider, and nodding... though he looks a bit surprised at the offer. "No need to give up your privacy," he rumbles, "But I had thought to share a meal... "
Stormrider chuckles a little, "I have better quarters than the guest rooms, and better food than most." He rouses a little, "It helps, being one of the better hunters of the aerie, and an adaquate trader as well."
Rhenemet simply nods politely - perhaps he should reserve judgement until he has seen them in action.
Stormdancer lifts his head slightly in surprise at that claim by Stormrider, then nods. "I would be quite pleased to spend the night with you, then," he agrees. "But I do need to finish my business here. Perhaps you can return to Gryrla in the next day or two. I suspect Faekawn would be pleased to see you."
Stormrider shakes his head a little, "I doubt that Faekawn would want to see me, we parted over something and I do not think she would want to see me at this time."
Stormdancer's crest flares slightly, an expression of curiosity. "We'll discuss it further this evening, then," he says, before returning his gaze to Rhenemet. "What else can you tell me about this hunting claw? And what do you need from us, if you choose to lure them out after you?"
Rhenemet allows the two to speak in their own language without interuption - in any case, the most important things have already been discussed. He will soon take his leave to rouse his mate, and make more concrete plans on what actions to take...
Stormrider bobs his head a little, "Do you know where Surukk's rooms where?" He asks.
Rhenemet rumbles thoughtfully, "Difficult to know what is pertinent enough to share." He rumbles after a moment - "I think you know that which is most important. The claw will fight to the death. They will not hesitate to kill any who get in their way, or put to the question any who they believe may be useful in their search."
Stormdancer nods, his hackles lifting, and talons tightening enough to drag slightly across the stone of the atrium. "We have sssssome small evidence of their habitssss in this. It would please me greatly to return the favor." There is blood in his words, and there can be little doubt what he means.
Rhenemet nods his head slowly, he doesn't fully understand gryphon body language, but the tone of Stormdancer's voice is clear enough. "Perhaps you will have the chance." He rumbles - though, he himself will seek to kill them as quickly as possible, playing with one's prey is for cubs.
Stormdancer chuckles softly. "I doubt it... but it would be interesting to work with one to learn more about this attack. To see if it will be repeated, when these four fail to return home."
Rhenemet hrfs softly at that thought - "I would... doubt it, strongly. But then - I never anticipated such a hunt would be made in the first place. The reward offered must be truly vast to motivate these hunters to roam so far from Abydos."
Stormdancer rumblechuckles throatily. "Perhaps you underestimate your value, or the importance of your transgressions. Regardless.. good hunting to you and your mate. The head will be flown back to Grylra in the morning. If there's any further news, I will be sure you, and Windhaven, are informed."
Rhenemet nods slightly - "I will set out towards the plains on the morrow... too obvious a gryphon presence will certainly alert any pursuers, but... a discrete guard, keeping low , or very high, would probably not be noticed."
Stormdancer nods. "Very high is most likely.. and far from directly above you. Which will place them too far away to offer immediate aid, but I doubt it would truly be needed. Our hunting parties will work from the south and east, toward the northwest interface." He nods sharply, then rises up to all fours. "Safe journey to you. My best to your mate..."
Rhenemet nods again - "Thank you, Stormdancer." He rumbles, seemingly he means it.
Stormdancer arches and stretches a bit as he turns to the others from his aerie, speaking with them in his native tongue - giving instructions for finding lodging, as well as for searching out some of Windhaven's leadership for a later meeting.
Time passes as Rhenemet and Stormrider take their leave, as do the four gryphons with Stormdancer. Stormdancer takes the free time to rest a while in the cool atruim of Windhaven when more arrive to speak with him. It seems Aubri will not be left behind in Grylra.
Aubri pads into the atrium and chirrups at Stormdancer, flicking his tail. "Did you find him?" he asks, cocking his head a bit..
Ceylana exits the council chambers after having been informed of a visitor seeking a council member to speak to about important buisness. Upon seeing Stormdancer so easily, she heads directly to him. Inclining her head to him, she speaks with her usual soft tone. "Greetings, Stormdancer. What winds bring you to Windhaven this day?"
Stormdancer lays couchant on one of the many benches. He lifts his head, as Aubri approaches, and nods, "I did," he rumbles in answer, "And his reply was most interesting." He rouses a bit as Ceylana approaches, nearly at the same time, and bows his head slightly to her. "The need to speak with your visitor Rhenemet. And with some representative of your council."
Ceylana remains standing proud. "I am here. I have been told you have also spoken to Rhenemet already. I assume this has to do with the brutal murders that happened outside our very gates and near the festival grounds recently?" She is a well informed council member.
Aubri flicks his tail and nods at Ceylana quietly.. he'll ask about Rhenemet later. He sits on his haunches, letting Storm do the talking for now.. the crescent of tooth marks on his shoulder still angry and raw.
Stormdancer nods somberly. "Yes, my immediate business with Rhenemet is complete. This morning, we caught, and killed, one of the killers. A Raigaa. I brought the head here for Rhenemet to identify... but it was unknown to him. However, he did have some interesting information about what the reason for them being here most likely is. And his response."
Ceylana does not look surprised that the killer has been identified as a Raigaa. While she originally first thought it was a dragon, the thought of Raigaa's had also crossed her mind after seeing Rhenemet after the nearby murder was discovered. Her tone remains soft and neutral for now. "I am glad to hear the murderer has been caught and brought to justice. I am, however, curious as to what he said about the possible motives are myself and if there are any more we need to worry about. Would you care to share any of this information?"
Stormdancer shakes his head slightly. "One of the murderers," he corrects. "She killed two of our scouts, and one of our guards lays grievously injured. There are at least two more of these creatures, and Rhenemet confirmed our suspicions that there are probably three. They are here, most likely, hunting ... him, and his mate."
Aubri bobs his head to confirm Stormdancer's comment, based on their seer's insight, at least. "The don't appear to have any ranged weapons, so that may be the best way to fight them--but they also are incredibly quick to avoid attacks."
Ceylana pauses to think on the words spoken. Aubri's nasty wound does not escape her notice. She calls over to a nearby gryphon standing watch near the council chambers. "Go get Rhiannon from the infirmary, tell I need her attentions please." Ceylana turns back to her visitors as the guard rushes off to carry out the order. "This is not good news. The most recent discovery just outside Windhaven was a day before Rhenemet and his mate arrived here. I was escorting others on foot when the body of one of our scouts was found in the path." Her voice is strained, tense at the memory of the horrific discovery. She takes a few calming breaths before continuing. "That was only a few days ago. That one was found this morning near Grylra almost confirms the fact there are more than one. I will have the diviners look into it further now that we know what to look for."
Stormdancer nods to this information, and summarises the most salient points from his conversation with Rhenemet. "They are skilled fighters, but young. They will fight to the death, without question. They most likely do not have the goggles that Rhenemet and Nefer have, so they will be very uncomfortable in daylight. And they are skywary - they will be watching for us above. However... in our favor.. they most likely are working seperately, and will not know of the firt one's death for another day or two, when she fails to meet with them."
Ceylana looks up and over at a dimmed magelight hovering in a corner. Uncomfortable in daylight? Good. "Is there any news on where they have been meeting at, or is it at random that anyone can tell so far? Perhaps we can arrange a little surprise if we knew where they were headed to next."
Stormdancer nods. "That's the problem. I suspect our seers will have an easier time knowing, now that contact has been made. And now our scouts have a better idea of what to look for, as well. Rhenemet means to lure them into the open spaces of the western grasslands, where they will be forced to burrow into the snows to hide during the day. I intend..." he continues, looking to Aubri, "... to reform the speardropping wings that were so effective against the Krrzn'tai. But rather than throwing single strikes, I want them to rain metal onto the ground. Wash a region with death. These creatures are incredibly fast and agile, and could probably dodge single strikes. But no single creature could escape that."
Rhinannon follows the messenger from the infirmaries, heading over to Ceylana as the guard returns to his post. In the presence of visitors, she keeps her voice low and respectful. "You needed me, councilor?" Ceylana points at Aubri's shoulder. "Please see to this warrior's wounds. He has need of your talents."
Ceylana turns back to Stormdancer. "A bold plan. Have you enough spears to hit two Raigaa with?"
Aubri rumbles and nods at Stormdancer. "I was thinking similarly.. a synchronized hail." He gives a low hiss. "And if they do survive.. we have a wing in place and ready to attack."
Rhiannon steps up to Aubri and asks politely, "May I tend to your wounds, warrior?"
Aubri flicks his tail and blinks a little at Ceylana.. he'd refused healing before, at Grylra, but he won't turn it down now--now that he's got a wait anyway.
Aubri nods at Rhiannon.. "Thank you..."
Stormdancer looks to Rhiannon for a moment, then returns his gaze to Ceylana, and nods. "We have some thousand or more spears. Most need some work to be truly lethal, as a lot of them were used already against the Krrzn'tai, and recovered from the field afterward. We don't have enough to be wasteful, but we have enough to drive holes through at least one of them. And I know full well there are many of Grylra who would like nothing more than to meet one of these creatures claw to claw, if it comes to that."
Ceylana does not wish to sound rude, but gets to the point. "So you wanted to speak to a councilor to inform Windhaven of your findings and to let us know that Grylra is taking care of the situation?"
Stormdancer shakes his head. "Not entirely. I had heard there was a murder nearby, and wanted confirmation of that... which I now have. Very distressing, to realize they have travelled so deep into our lands without our noticing. And to inform Windhaven of our plans, to better coordinate... for I'm sure Windhaven has no desire to let the death of one of your own lay unavenged... nor for the threat against one who is now your guest go unanswered." His expression is very serious, as he growls, "Nothing hunts gryphons, councillor Ceylana. I know Windhaven will not allow it any more than Grylra."
Rhiannon simply gets to work first looking over Aubri's wound and how ugly and red it is. She looks down through her slingpouch for a small jar she carries there of a numbing agent in cream form. She sets the pouch and jar down, untying the lid. An off-white cream with an herb scent fills the jar. She reaches in with a bent claw, using her knuckle as a fingertip to scoop up the cream and slather it thickly into and around the wound. It stings but for a few seconds, but then goes soothingly numb.
Aubri takes the attention without comment, barely wincing at the sting of the numbing cream..
Ceylana narrows her eyes faintly, an inner fire slowly growing in the pupils it seems. Her voice goes dangerously soft. "Oh no, Stormdancer. Windhaven does not let such injustices go unpunished. Please inform us when and where the ambush will take place at, for we will have a few surprises of our own. We appreciate the efforts of Grylra in the manner and we grieve of your losses as we do our own in this matter."
Rhiannon looks at Aubri, "That really should be stitched up. The cream will numb the pain and slowly kill any infection, but it can't stay on indefenitely. Will you please follow me to the infirmary where we can take care of that really quickly?"
Aubri nods and follows the healer. "Thank you, again.." he rumbles, nodding to Stormdancer. "Brief me later."
Stormdancer nods firmly to Aubri. "I'll be there before nightfall," he promises.
Rhiannon then leads Aubri to the infirmary where he is tended too.
Stormdancer is pleased to see that even within the depths of the Windhaven council, there still burns fire worthy of gryphonhood. "Ceylana, don't underestimate these. I saw for myself how fast, and powerful, these creatures are on the fight. She broke the neck of a strong and experienced scout with no visible effort. She tore the flesh from the hip of another, with a passing gesture. I have no question that Windhaven's best are up to the task, but... have them take care, mrhrhr?"
Ceylana looks at Stormdancer in an eerie way, the fires of anger still there, mixed with ironic humor. Her voice reflects as much. "Why Stormdancer, did you not learn anything about the Windhaven during the festival? We have more than just slings and spears here."
Stormdancer rumblechuckles softly, and nods. "I know... but I also know that spells of such greatness take weeks of preperation, and minutes to execute. Effective against advancing armies... but not so very, against single attackers."
Stormdancer tilts his head slightly, cocking it back in an expression that is almost coy. "Unless, of course, one who's magics were not afflicted with such demands of time were to make his will known, mrhrhrr?"
Ceylana sighs, letting her anger fade away. "I am afraid such magics are leaving. The only one with such speed of skill remains in Grylra now. But do not think Windhaven waits to prepare such defenses until they are needed. We have other spells more suited to defense than entertainment. Some are capable of being dropped, others can be set in the ground under the snow to await unsuspecting strangers to step on them."
Stormdancer arches his head back slightly, blinking in surprise to have that which his spies have wondered upon... that which he has begun to suspect, so easily answered... and apparently.. confirmed. "Ahh," he says adroitly... then manages to follow with relative grace, "If we can help to guide, or lure, the Raigaa into your traps, we will work with you to do ssso, of course."
Ceylana has no problems telling of the capabalities of the attack spells in storage, for the ground ones are meant more for ground-based creatures, not gryphons, while the others were left vague enough so only the threat is known, but not the number nor the power yet. Can't give everything away, now can we? She inclines her head once more. "I thank you for the chance to repay these murderers. Again, let us know the when and where as soon as possible and we will be ready."
Stormdancer nods. "I had presumed on Windhaven's hospitality for overnight lodgings for myself, Aubri, and the four who flew with us. Given the urgency of the information I had to convey, it seemed reasonable. Your seers are given free access to the head of the slain for the night, but I intend to return with it to Grylra, to give our seers time with it as well. My son has offered use of his place for the night," he adds, seeming a bit surprised by this, "Ssso... you'll not need to have anything available for me."
Ceylana nods. "You are all welcome here in Windhaven for the night. It is the least we can do to repay you for what you have done to help solve these murder mysteries. I will have someone come for the head later. But I would like to speak to you on some other matters, the first of which being your son..."
Stormdancer tilts his head slightly... -that- was an unexpected conversational turn. "Mrhrhr? Of course... what of Stormrider?"
Kether arrives through the archway to the ground level homes.
Kether has arrived.
Kether moves with measured, even steps; not exactly slow, but certainly not even a brisk walk.
Ceylana trys to think of how to go about this. "I told you he was interested in becoming a mage, did I not? He has expressed that desire yet again. He knows the consequences of his actions I believe, yet I think he still does not truly understand his own reasons for doing it. He says it is partly because you do not approve of magic at all and all he wants to do is be useful and make practical things such as magelights and the sort. He..." She drops her statement midword as she spots Kether walking about. What is he doing walking around? He should be resting still! "Kether? Is everything alright? I thought you were in your quarters."
Stormdancer nods slightly as he listens to Ceylana... then lifts his head sharply, uttering a faint chrk of surprise to see the Great Mage... alive after all? So the rumours of death were untrue, at least.
Kether makes a face, but remains polite. "They're boring."
Ceylana remains polite, but stern as a gentle mother does. "Boring perhaps, but you must rest and you know it. If you would like some company, I will come visit to talk to you about an few things and I don't doubt that Stormdancer here wouldn't mind doing the same. He has information on the murders that have been taking place. It seems the Raigaa have sent others to hunt our two visiting Raigaa for some reason or another."
Stormdancer is not exactly fond of Kether, and he's made that quite plain from time to time. Especially in the aftermath of a certain firestorm that swept through Grylra. But he does not hold overt hatred or anger, and simply nods slightly in the direction of the Great Mage, as Ceylana makes the offer. "Though not for long, as I need to meet with Stormrider soon," he cautions.
Kether's expression is curious, but stoic. "I look forward to hearing all about it." He turns to Stormdancer and nods respectfully. "Welcome, old friend. I'm sorry I was unable to properly congratulate you on the hatching of your brood and on the success of your festival plans. Please accept my apologies for being so... late."
It might strike some as odd that Stormdancer would put aside meeting with the most powerful mage in the sphere, and members of Windhaven's council, in favor of meeting with his son. Stormrider, above all, would most likely be disbelieving of the fact. "Of course," Stormdancer rumbles, "I understand you have been... occupied. You missed quite a spectacle, at the Festival. I suspect you would have been proud of your students."
Kether allows a wry smile to tug the corners of his beak. "With rare exceptions, I have always been pleased with them."
Ceylana looks between Kether and Stormdancer. "That is also something I would like to talk to Stormdancer about that you might find of interest, Kether. Stormrider wishes to be a mage of Windhaven and has shown signs of talent, yet he still lacks focus and proper goals."
Kether looks from Stormdancer back to Ceylana, his eyes moving a bit more than they really should in their sockets. "Have you spoken with Telgan or Thaliara about the notion?"
Ceylana shakes her head. "I have not as yet. Telgan has taken on a new student that I have a feeling may be his mate soon. Thaliara has been busy with other affairs and I wished to get Stormdancer's opinion on these things considering what part of the child's motives are for becoming a mage."
"And his father's known dislike for certain applications of magical study," Kether says bluntly. "A wise choice. Has he offered an opinion on the matter yet?" The old Mage looks carefully at Stormdancer.
The lower part of Kether's beak trembles perceptibly, and a shiver seems to run down the front of his neck in a vague blur of feathers. But it's soon gone.
Stormdancer sighs, slicking his feathers slightly, rubbing his talons over the bridge of his cere, looking rather tired. "I have not. And I'm not sure I should. Contrary to what he may feel, I don't want to interfere with the choices of his life. He finds himself more comfortable being a tailraiser, being Windhaven, being a mage..." He shrugs his wings slightly. "My son speaks precious little good with me these days. That he offers to share his home with me tonight is a considerable surpise."
Ceylana watches the change in Kether and does not like what she sees. "Let us continue this in private, please. You really need to rest Kether."
Ceylana leads Kether back to his quarters as Stormdancer bows out to go meet with his son, Stormrider.