with a reverence unimpaired

The sudden storm is fierce, gale-like, and for a moment Amalia fears her words will be stolen by the wind. Her raised arm becomes a shield, feathers sprouting as she attempts to guard against the rising zephyr. It stings and whistles, yet when Delah suggests she retreat inside the girl can do nothing but shake her head, a sudden laugh tearing from her throat. Not for the world would she miss this sight, give up this chance to view such beauty. Snow could fall, lightning strike, and still Amalia would not retreat. When Delah nods Amalia is swift to shift, her wings beating hard against the force of the gale. Powerful, they carry her up and up, closer to the lip of the pit, the whales, the storm. She pauses as she reaches the top, talons touching the dampening ground, her promise one she intends to keep. Except- Except- A mournful sound, like a million hearts breaking. Amalia turns her eyes to the sky, where the great whale is now obscured by clouds. From her owl's beak comes an echoing devastation, sorrow ringing in a great, low note. No-! And then a light is falling, crashing, plunging through clouds and sky and down, down, down- And Amalia glances once at Delah, her wide eyes expressive with unspoken intent, begging forgiveness but not asking permission. I have to. Without waiting for consent or reply the owl beats her wings once more, launching herself into the sky and toward the falling star, no thought in her head except for the creature, that note of sadness an echo in her soul. Amalia Her eyes, they know too much. She'll treat you like somebody but you just can't touch.