A clipped bird has no wings Treia !P0dSPtgivA 2012/04/16 (Mon) 14:59 No. 408 ▼ File 133458836488.jpg - (348.04KB, 838x1200 , memories.jpg)
A thousand murmurs, a hundred distant conversations. They mourned and they questioned, their collective cry changed between intrigue and sorrow like the wind changed directions.
One had to wonder if they were more concerned with the commotion, or the wounded.
"Healer, please, this way!"
The delegation met me at the edge of the topmost village. As I proceeded down from Tenma's roost, more and more joined us. They kept a respectful distance, weaving their words into the mountain wind, and I could only catch glimpses.
Her wings, her wings, they cried. Their legs, their legs, they cried. What a dastardly exchange. As a Healer I could only shake my head and continue walking.
"Healer, please, it's right along here now."
The delegation and its followers bow out of the way for me, leaving me to my work. I can only pray to the Dragon god that the injuries are not too severe as I prepare myself for what awaits.
I open the door.
She merely sat there, legs up to her chest, head buried amongst her knees.
"Aya Shameimaru."
I murmur her name, distraught at the state she's in. Only as I move across the dark room do I notice that her shirt has been ripped down the back. What used to be wings are now but bloody stubs, and my own cringe at the sight.
I cannot wait for her, and immediately move to apply the herbs and salves I have brought. She does not move as I clean the wounds, and although I try to be as gentle as possible, I am sure it hurts for her. When I am done, I have little left do but look at her plain, bare, lacking back.
It occurs to me that she might find it shameful, disgusting even, and I offer her my flying jacket in what must be a cold existence. She simply turns her head away.
The minutes pass as I stand there, hoping to offer some small comfort from my very existence. Without warning, my lips begin to move. I remind her of our heritage, of our adventures. I tell her again of when we, the Flock, flew as one unit across the world. I sang the song of The Great Wind, when Dragon flew amongst the clouds with us. By the time I had finished, I realized now the sun was beginning to set. I turned to leave, but hesitated.
"Won't you join me tomorrow?"
She simply turns her head away.
So I walk back up the mountain, past the topmost village, into Tenma's roost. There I sleep, but not before giving sacrifice to Dragon god for her wellbeing.
There was no delegation to meet me as I proceeded down from Tenma's roost. With no excitement today, the Crows had no trepidations about approaching me. They asked and questioned why I again came down the mountain, who had been hurt today. As a Healer I could only shake my head and continue walking.
"Healer, please, there's nothing you can do for her."
The concerned and their followers bow out of the way for me, leaving me to my work. I can only pray to the Dragon god that the injuries are not too severe as I prepare myself for what awaits.
"Aya Shameimaru."
I greet her again as she sits there, legs up to her chest, head buried amongst her knees. Only as I move across the dark room do I notice that my jacket has been draped around her back. What used to be bare is now but textured cloth, and I am relieved at the sight.
The minutes pass as I stand there, hoping to offer some small comfort from my very existence. I remind her of the Wolves and Dai-Tengu, of their lineage. I tell her of how they, too, could not fly at one point. I sang the song of Flight, when all the Tengu were joined in the air. By the time I had finished, I realized now the sun was beginning to set. I turned to leave, but hesitated. I turned to leave, but hesitated.
"Won't you join me tomorrow?"
She simply sat there, her head refusing to turn away.
So I walk back up the mountain, past the topmost village, into Tenma's roost. There I sleep, but not before giving sacrifice to Dragon god for her wellbeing.
Many days does this continue. I walk down the mountain, repeating her name, telling her stories of the heights, and at night I walk back up the mountain.
One day in particular the Flock calls loudly.
The delegation flew at the edge of the topmost village. As I proceeded down from Tenma's roost, more and more joined them. They kept a respectful distance, weaving into the mountain wind, and I could only catch glimpses.
The winds, the winds, they cried! Our flight, our flight, they cried. What a dastardly cruelty. As a Healer I could only shake my head and continue walking.
"Healer, please, won't you fly with us today?"
The delegation and its followers bow out of the way for me, leaving me to my work. I can only pray to the Dragon god that the injuries are not too severe as I prepare myself for what awaits.
She merely sat there, legs up to her chest, head buried amongst her knees.
"Aya Shameimaru."
I call for her. I tense for a moment before my will and strength of the Crow come back. I hold out my hand towards her.
"Won't you join me today??
She simply turns her head towards me, and takes my hand.