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+---- Thread: [SE] rise through ashes (/showthread.php?tid=12495)
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rise through ashes - Nova - 02-07-2026
She stands on the cliff, watching the strange birds dip close to the waves before leveling out and curving back up towards the ledges where others sat watching. It's hard to tell what they're doing, but it looks fun. They don't seem bothered by the smoke that has drifted up from the Climb, or the ash that falls like tainted snow from the sky. They appear more interested in whatever game they're playing.
Leaning precariously close to the edge of the sea cliff, Nova watches as another bird does the same, leaning so far forward that gravity pulls it from its place on the ledge. A few birds chirp and squawk at its descent, and her own gasp of excitement joins the rising noise, being drowned out by the crash of waves below - the same place the bird dives headfirst towards. It doesn't spread its wings, doesn't seem worried of the dangerous waters sprinting to greet them, time suspending a moment of adrenaline. Nova's hands raise to her chest, fists tight until it looks like hope is lost, like the bird might have forgotten the most important part of survival.
But at the last possible second - when the salt breeze nearly kisses its beak - the avian snaps open its wings, leveling out for a moment before looking up, the wind snatching it to life it back towards the ledge it had fallen from, and the birds that awaited their turn.
RE: rise through ashes - Noah - 02-08-2026
The smoke rode the thermals in slow, dirty spirals, and Noah cut through them with steady wings, the sting of ash barely more than an inconvenience against the breadth of his griffin form. The heat lifted him easily. He welcomed it, let it shoulder his weight, let it carry him without wasted effort. His eyes scanned as he lifted higher, looking to find the source of the smoke.
He noticed her because she stood too close to the edge. Recognition rose through him instantly, as well as a pulse of panic.
Most creatures kept a respectful distance from the drop. Instinct insisted on it. But she leaned forward, daringly so, attention fixed on something that Noah didn't turn his eyes to look at yet. He circled once, wide and silent, glacier eyes tracking her posture. He angled lower, massive wings tilting, shadow sliding over cliff and girl alike before he was close enough to call out over the attuned bond, [say]"Nova!"[/say]
RE: rise through ashes - Nova - 02-08-2026
Nova released a breath, giggling at the suspense of the bird's dive. But her laughter was cut short, the sound of her name flowing through the bond with a familiar tone of voice.
She straightened, not leaving the edge of the cliff, but leaning back enough to search the area around her and spot a large white creature flying through the sky. It had fur and feathers and large paws and a tail, the strange mixture causing her head to tilt as if the new angle might make it make sense. [say]"Noah?! Is that you?!"[/say] she asked aloud, her voice shouting over the wind whistling in her ears.
Bouncing with excitement, she continued to admire the powerful form, watching it easily glide on the air currents despite its bulking size. Perhaps she should be concerned for the dangerous creature in her vicinity, but Nova didn't seem the least big worried. She tilted her head up, a mental image finally forming from a distant memory of starlit books and galaxies. [say]"Wow! Is that a griffin shift?!"[/say]
RE: rise through ashes - Noah - 02-09-2026
Air held him in a slow hover, wings beating in deep, measured strokes as he fixed his position against the cliffside winds. Relief loosened the spike of fear in his chest when she leaned back. It wasn't far enough for his liking, but enough that he could breathe again. His tail lashed once behind him, betraying the leftover tension. He was a protector before he was anything else, and he couldn't help but be worried at times.
[say]Yes,[/say] his voice carried across the attuned bond, steadier than the surge of instinct that had driven him downward. [say]It’s me.[/say] When he saw, and felt, her excitement towards the skin he was in, he felt a warmness settle in his chest that he let spill over the bond. Only after that did he bank slightly, giving her the full view of him — the white sweep of wings, the leonine bulk, sharpness of talon and claw alike. This was a working shape, built for patrols and storms, not spectacle.
His gaze returned to her, sharp and checking her distance from the edge and her footing. [say]What are you doing out here alone? I am heading to King's End for the rodeo.[/say]
RE: rise through ashes - Serendipity - 02-09-2026
A small group of StarKnight Swordfish moves together through the water, bodies gleaming faintly as they swim in loose formation. Their long blades catch the light as they turn, but their posture remains relaxed.
They do not scatter or react when approached, simply adjusting their course slightly before continuing on.
The group remains calm and self-assured, content to share the space before drifting onward as one.
StarKnight SwordfishAreas Found: Torchline, Maria Mundi — Uncommon Swordfish with tails that leave a trail of bioluminescent sparks as they swim. They navigate warm coastal waters in groups, often interacting with sailors and guiding them safely through the seas or offering protection to swimmers.
Challenge Rating: Moderate HP: 769 | To Hit: +45 | Dmg: 27 Movement: Swim 60 ft.; Burst 80 ft.; Leap 10 ft. (surface breach) SPECIAL SKILLS Guiding Wake: their glowing trails outline safe passages through shoals and reefs at night; Guardian Sweep: schools will circle swimmers to deter sharks and other threats; Spark Curtain: a sudden flare of tail-sparks dazzles and confuses predators for a moment; Storm Sense: subtle sensitivity to pressure shifts warns of rough seas ahead |
TRAITS Bioluminescent Tail: leaves a sparkling trail that lingers in dark water; Schooling Instinct: coordinate movements in tight, elegant formations; Warm-Water Native: thrives in coastal currents and reefs; Sailor-Friendly: curious and unafraid around boats and swimmers; Hydrofoil Build: sleek bodies accelerate quickly and turn on a fin-tip ACTIONS Spear Dash: a lightning-fast straight-line charge that parts a path through hazards; Wake Guide: traces a luminous route for a vessel or swimmer to follow; School Shield: several individuals wheel into a living barrier to block or bump away threats; Flash Flick: snaps the tail to release a brighter spark-burst that startles pursuers |
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RE: rise through ashes - Nova - 02-09-2026
Grinning bright at the display of his shift, Nova clapped her hands and nodded her head. [say]"So cool!"[/say] She particularly liked the strength rippling through his every movement, each flap of his wings and throw of his head. It was a brilliant white majesty that she was nearly salivating for.
Totally oblivious of the concern, her attention snagged on his own reasons for flying near the cliffs, switching to telepathy as she gasps. [say]Oh! I forgot about the rodeo![/say] In all honesty, she hadn't decided if she wanted to go this year. It was too weird without Vesper, especially with Colt running it and all. She wasn't sure how he'd feel if she went, and she wasn't sure it was something she'd like to find out.
As for her reasons for being here, [say]I came out to watch the birds! I have this weird feeling that I can communicate with them...[/say] Tilting her head, she looked out to them again, feeling a connection that she hadn't experienced before. As she did so, she noticed a shimmer in the water, grinning to see a group of glowing marine creatures swim past, easily distracted by their beauty.
RE: rise through ashes - Noah - 02-13-2026
The approval in her reaction loosened something in him, a quiet rumble of amusement threading the attuned bond. With one pwerful movement of his wings, Noah landed on the cliffside with the hybrid, keeping himself between Nova and the sheerest part of the drop.
[say]You’re not imagining that feeling.[/say] he told her, tone certain. [say]The gods have not only tied attuned to themselves, but also to Caido. You can communicate with them, with intent.[/say] He let the thought carry the weight across the attuned bond, forgetting momentarily about the rodei and focusing on what he was teaching to Safrin's daughter.
Keen eyes caught sight of the glistening group of starKnight swordfish in the water below. Honing in on them, Noah spoke to Nova through the attuned bond, but cast out towards the fish. [say]It's like casting a net, or a snare. Once it catches, you can bring the creatures to your will.[/say] He demonstrated by pulling two of the fish from their group, willing them to turn away and to leap from the water.
As the attuned and the hybrid perched on the cliffside, the wind shifted. [say]Now you try, with one of the birds.[/say]
[ Can call any animals for assistance (3 large, 6 medium, or 10 small)]
RE: rise through ashes - Nova - 02-13-2026
Tilting her head, she listened to Noah with rapt interest, intrigue bright in her eyes that only flashed brighten when he appeared to connect with some of the swordfish. Two of them broke away from the others, leaping from the water in a small shower of droplets that glitter in the sunlight. Gasping, Nova grinned at the beautiful display of color and light, wanting to create something similar herself.
When Noah encouraged her to try with a bird, Nova narrowed her attention to the shimmering thread that led to the creatures. It spread like a spiderweb connecting them all, too broad for her to grasp at first. In her concentration, Nova's tongue crept slowly out between her teeth, her brow furrowing as she tried to grab all the strings at once. Despite her efforts, nothing happened, the force feeling too great for her to pull at.
Annoyed, she crossed her arms and stared more intently at the gathering of birds. Noah had said 'one' and she huffed a breath before releasing her hold and trying again.
She reached more cautiously along the bond, selecting a single thread to pull at. A connection seemed to form, one of the birds stilling on the cliff to look at her with a tilted head. Nova giggled and leaned forward as she gave a single command, [say]Fly[/say]. As if it could hear her, the bird took to the skies seemingly without purpose or direction, simply lifting into the air with a powerful flap of its wings.
Nova gave Noah an excited look, pride and joy gilding her features despite the hazy air of smoke.
RE: rise through ashes - Noah - 02-19-2026
Pride moved through him the instant the bird responded. It was a deep, steady warmth that pressed across the attuned bond like a hand settling on her shoulder. Noah dipped his head once in approval, feathers shifting as he watched the bird fly without fear or confusion.
[say]Good.[/say] Noah rumbled across the bond. His tail flicked as he considered her with glacier eyes. [say]Now test the edges of it,[/say] he encouraged, [say]see if you can guide direction. Ask it to land somewhere specific. Or to circle once and return.[/say] He shifted his weight on the stone, preparing to demonstrate again if needed, but the wind betrayed them. Noah released any hold he had on the fish below, and they surged back into formation and away with their friends.
The thermal that had held him steady fractured into uneven currents. Smoke rolled over the cliff in a sudden, suffocating wave, thicker and lower than before. The horizon vanished behind a wall of gray. Noah’s head snapped toward the advancing haze, instincts overriding the lesson immediately.
RE: rise through ashes - Nova - 02-19-2026
The approval was thick, warming her despite the cold sea breeze brushing her cheeks. Nova beamed at the praise and bounced her feet in the snow. Nodding her head at next steps, she watched the bird fly up, adjusting her instructions with a flicker of her eyes. [say]Do a loop then land next to me.[/say] The words filter out with an experimental tone, waiting to see if the bird would follow suit.
Like a kite at the end of a string, her command guided it, wings tilting to take it on a lap around the ashen sky. Nova's smile spread slowly wider, basking in the ability to direct its actions; however, just as the white and brown bird coiled lower to land near them, a gust of wind buffeted across the Tundra. It disrupted the bird's path in a fluttering of feathers.
Caught in the concentration of the compulsion, Nova didn't feel the wind until it was almost too late. It pressed against her back, pushing her closer to the edge and the crashing water below. She snapped her attention down, a small gasp escaping when her balance threatened to give, surprised more than scared of the descent below. In a flurry of instinct, her magics cushioned her, air pressing back to hold her in place, a tenuous balance she attempted to maintain.
RE: rise through ashes - Noah - 02-20-2026
Instinct erased thought the moment Nova’s footing faltered. The Sentinel moved. His wings snapped open with a violent rush of air, claws scraping stone as he lunged forward. The smoke, the lesson, the rodeo, all vanished beneath the singular, primal need to keep her from falling. A sharp pulse of alarm tore across the attuned bond, edged with fierce protectiveness he didn’t bother hiding.
He drove himself between her and the open drop, one foreleg planting hard against the rock. His wings beat once, twice — not for flight, but to counter the wind shoving at her back. The force of it whipped ash into a blinding swirl around them, stinging eyes and clogging breath.
He didn't focus on the way she kept herself from falling with her air magic, the only thought threading through him was that Safrin's daughter could be in danger. He leaned more of his weight into the space between her and the edge, a living barrier of muscle and feather. Beneath the smoke, his heart almost started to hammer as he coughed. It was thickening rapidly now, turning each breath into work. His ears flattened; his tail lashed once in agitation. He crouched slightly, lowering his body to make the offer unmistakable. [say]Climb on. I’m getting you out of this smoke.[/say]
But if Noah took one moment to fall back on what they were just doing, the Sentinel would tell her to shift and use her own wings. But all he could see was Safrin's face, then Seren's, then Nova's. He couldn't let her stay in any form of danger when he could protect her.
RE: rise through ashes - Nova - 02-20-2026
Nova didn't need the alarm further breaking her thoughts. With the compulsion already broken, her instincts clutched to the magic holding her upright, blocking out the Attuned bond that threatened to panic her. But Noah's commotion sent her reeling back, coughing through the bit of smoke being shoved into her face by his wings.
Blonde curls whipped around as she raised her arm to protect her eyes, bracing until the moment passed and the wind settled to reveal the griffin crouched for her. She could have argued that she has her own shifts and magic to protect herself, but Nova only saw the opportunity to ride a griffin and her eyes turned bright. All thoughts of danger and mortal injury were buried in the thrill of Noah's shift, no hesitation in the chime of her voice, [say]"Okay!"[/say]
Her hands reached for his mane, pulling herself up and onto his back with an excited giggle. Birds were forgotten for adventure.
RE: rise through ashes - Noah - 02-23-2026
The instant her weight settled across his back, Noah adjusted his weight and readied. His talons tightened against the stone as his shoulders shifted, redistributing his balance so she sat securely without being jostled. Relief moved through him in a choking exhale, as smoke continued to curl thick and black around the cliffside, turning the air heavy with heat and ash.
[say]Hold on. Don't rip any of my feathers out.[/say] The griffin set across the attuned bond, voice laced with what seemed to be humor in an attempt to loosen the tension within his chest. Nova herself seemed oblivious to the kind of danger that the hunter sensed. [say]And lean with me when I move.[/say]
It was clear as her excitement flickered bright and buoyant against the tension coiled inside him, even as he tried to untangle it. The air was worsening too quickly to indulge the moment. He rose from the crouch in one powerful motion, wings spreading wide as they caught the fractured thermals. With a heavy downbeat, he launched from the cliff, ash and loose snow bursting outward beneath them.
For a heartbeat there was only the drop, the open air yawning beneath them, before instinct and strength carried them forward into steady flight. Rather than climbing, Noah angled them downward, deliberately seeking the clearer air closer to the water where stronger winds cut through the haze. The choice was instinctive and calculated in equal measure — thinner smoke meant easier breathing, and the open stretch of ocean below meant that if Nova slipped, the fall would be water instead of the stone of the cliffside.
[say]Are any of your birds following us?[/say] He asked, trying to distract herself more than her.
RE: rise through ashes - Nova - 02-23-2026
Scrambling up his back, she laced her fingers through hair, chest puffed to the sky like a dignitary atop their noble steed. Her hair billowed in the breeze, a golden crown where Noah's voice found her. She angled her hips along his spine, settling deeper into the dip there, ready for whatever movement the griffin might make then shouted, [say]I got it![/say] Her voice was confident enough to falsely suggest she might have actually ridden a griffin before.
When he took off, Nova gave a gasping giggle, torn between the urge to throw out her hands and the need to hold on tighter. She stared up into the smokey sky, the blue turning thick and gray, a yellowish hue hinting at the sunlight beyond. Then Noah was dipping, the world falling around them in a moment of weightlessness that made her laugh, drawing her eyes back down to the snowy ground below.
As he leveled out above the water, the question had her looking back to the cliffs, her mouth scrunching when she saw that they weren't. [say]No. The wind knocked my focus.[/say] The admission was laced with annoyance at her own lack of ability. As she tried to reach for them again, Nova felt that they were too far, the distance growing with each second, stretching the thin connection tighter while they snuggled closer to the rocks. [say]Now they're tucked against the cliff. I can't reach them.[/say] Exasperated, she looked pointedly forward again, preferring not to focus on her own failures.