[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

[bondedgryphon]

[Zhaneel looks on with pleasure, her facial feathers fluffing up around her beak. She had not spoken with Vanyel since the incident with the fear dogs nearly a week ago.]

She is lovely, sh'el. [Golden eyes are pleased.] A more common companion would not suit you. [A shame that the gryphon does not know about Companions. Sorry, kitling, there weren't Companions before the Founding.]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[He brightens at the sight of her, relieved to see her doing so well.]

I fear she knows. [And that's fine by him. Yfandes had been a proud lady too.] Since I was torn from Yfandes's side, I think the Fairies are trying to make up for it.

[Alshoa butts her head against the Locket, making soft crooning sounds at Zhaneel.]

[bondedgryphon]

[She thrums low in her throat, chortling in amusement as she nods her beak once.]

Well, or course she does... a bright and brilliant lady such as she will clearly know her worth.

[Zhaneel cocks her head to one side, eyeing the white raven with keen interest.]

The faeries seem to do their part in making us comfortable here. [Mostly.]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I cannot complain overmuch about their hospitality. [He just wishes they hadn't kidnapped them first.] Would you mind teaching Alshoa about these lands?

[bondedgryphon]

[Zhaneel fluffs up her facial feathers, beak gaping in a gryphonic grin as she bobs her head once.]

It would be my pleasure, sh'el... I think she will settle in quite quickly once she learns the paths best flown.