[Video / Open to Both Courts]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[Who doesn't like waking to a present? He recalls asking for a Tayledras bond-bird, but there is a big difference between asking and receiving. The white raven is three times the size of a normal raven and she has clearly told the Herald-Mage that her name is "Alshoa".

Silver eyes glowing with delight and pride, Vanyel tugs on a leather gauntlet and coaxes the raven onto his wrist. She steps into place and flutters her magnificent wings, her blue eyes keen and sharp.]

The Fairies have given me my first boon. Her name is Alshoa, which means "spirit" in Tayledras. She is a bond-bird - a common companion for Tayledras Mages. [He strokes over her breast feathers with two fingers.] I had not thought I would ever have one.

[He snickers at her response, giving her an admonishing look.]

I did not mean it that way. She doesn't approve of anyone "having her", it seems. She is free to choose her Master, though I sincerely hope she chooses me.

[The raven makes a soft sound, walking further up his arm and onto his shoulder.]

Tokast, alsh'sh'aen. ["Thank you, soul-sister."]

Comments

video;

[thebreakingwave]

[ Both Harry and a crow are visible in the locket's image. ]

What exactly is a bond-bird?

video;

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[Alshoa watches the crow avidly, sending Vanyel a vague sense of surprise.]

A bird which has the ability to bond with a Mage. They are generally touched by magic, which causes them to grow larger than their natural cousins. The magic also gives them enough intelligence to speak.

[Mentally, that is.]

I see you have a handsome companion yourself.

[thebreakingwave]

I do. Her name's Linnaea.

[ The crow clacks her beak and tilts her head. Curious, curious. ]

So, they sound a bit like a familiar, but not quite. We usually have owls or cats, sometimes a toad, and it doesn't really get bigger, but I do think they end up smarter.

[vanyel_ashkevron]

A proper name for a intelligent lady. [Magic has a strange effect on many creatures.] Those that dwell near Nodes or Heartstones are visibly changed - usually for the better. But I could do without the Cold Drakes.

[thebreakingwave]

She chose it herself.

[ Linn shrugs, in as much as a bird can, and hops off his shoulder to go do something more interesting. Have fun talking on the lockets, Harry, she's got a book to read. ]

What's a Cold Drake?