RP:Catch a Gryphon by the Tail
Between the Trees
The path which leads through here is calm and quiet, as you glance about between the trees, you can even see a deer of some type sniffing the air and watching its sides. After several moments of travel, you can find that this path will eventually lead to the north, or to the east.
Satoshi sits at the base of one of the many trees that line this lengthy, narrow clearing, small form made nearly invisible nestled amid the snow by her frost-white clothing and the aura of frigid mist gathered about her. In fact, what might give away the kit's presence is her companion, a large, ruddy-coated reindeer that munches placidly at the dead twigs gathered at the tree's roots. Save for an occasional glance at the foxkin, the stag pays little mind to his surroundings, content to remain near Satoshi while she studies the skies. Or rather, studies two occupants of the skies, a duo of young frost gryphons--a hybrid of white eagle upper body and snow leopard lower--that wheel overhead together in impressive aerial displays, calling out in raucous voices to one another.
Redovian appears admist the snowy landscape like a specter, the paladin's entire form garbed in the armor he has come to favor. A mixture of mithril plating and white leather, covered entirely by a long hoari, which bears the royal crest of Frostmaw upon its back. A white-gold medallion hangs about the man's neck, the only item visable besides the hilts of two katanas. The medallion is the holy symbol of Cyris, a powerful relic in its own right, and a cherished item the paladin holds dear. The man's nightblue eyes peer out from beneath the hood he wears, as the towering trees become his focus for a moment, before his Queen is offered a humble bow of respect as her chosen Justice makes himself known, saying. " My Queen, I answer your call." Indeed, it has only been half an hour since he has recieved the letter from the scribe, the paladin having excused himself from his training with Frostmaw's Champion to heed his Queen's summons.
Ivellios is striding through through the forest, his sharp gaze sweeping his surroundings. The ranger's steps are silent upon the snow, his cloak wrapped tightly around him with the hood pulled up against the cold. He spots the paladin first, the man's words reach his ears causing him to snap his head around in the direction the man was facing. Seeing Satoshi Ivellios freezes, worried that he might have stumbled into something private.
Satoshi's gaze remains trained on the gryphon duo above, although a vulpine ear is turned toward Redovian even before the paladin speaks. His steps felt through the snow are ones the cryomancer is familiar with, as is the holy aura he exudes that makes her whiskers quiver. "Cyrisling, you are the definition of prompt~. Although, by the feel of it, none of the others I contacted are the same. I suppose we will have to make do as we are," the kit pauses then to nod toward the soaring creatures. One of the pair seems considerably larger than the other, with a proud crest running down its head and a thick mane of feathers gathered about its powerful shoulders. The two have similar plumage, freshly fledged and likely putting them at the same age, male and female nestmates. "What do you make of those two, Cyrisling?" If she's sensed the second set of footsteps in the snowscape, she makes no mention of it. Wanderers aplenty are there in these forests, and not all of them hostile.
Redovian allows his eyes to lock upon the airbourne duo that circle above, a sense of pride coming over the Queen's Chosen Justice as he replies. " Frostmaw's national symbol, the snow gryphon." The paladin watches as the marvelous creatures continue to move about the sky with ease, as he continues with. " Proud creatures, master's of the sky. Fierce in defending that which they hold dear, and loyal to their kind." It is now the paladin moves his gaze back to Satoshi. " You chose well when you made them part of Frostmaw's Crest, but that is my humble opinion, my queen."
Ivellios was listening to the exchange, stepping forward he offers the queen a bow, "Your majesty, unless I am mistaken you mentioned having to make do with the two of you, perhaps I could be of some assisstance." The ranger shifts slightly, "NOt that I think you'll need it much." He says quickly, with a quick smile, eyeing the paladin, hopefully covering up any percieved insult.
Satoshi nods along to Redovian's words. "Aye. That they are. One of their kind died to defend me once. They're remarkable creatures. These two I've watched grow from hatchlings in the past few months. They'll be fully grown soon, and they're at the prime age to be partnered with a rider. That's part of why I called you out here. Ever tried to capture a frost gryphon~?" The look Satoshi wears when she glances toward Redovian is a mixture of impish and adventurous, the expression hardly faltering as it's shifted to the stranger stepping out from among the trees. She doesn't seem surprised so much as curious about his presence, and lifts a thin white brow in response to his words. "That depends, stranger. I need hands skilled and strong enough to catch a pair of powerful beasts, but gentle enough not to harm them. There's hell to pay for those that spill the blood of Frostmaw's gryphons, after all~."
Redovian has developed keen senses while training and living in frostmaw, and thus, even a ranger's footsteps were heard, and his presence was known before his voice was ever heard. But more than any normal sense, the paladin has an almost uncanny ability to feel out if an unseen person, or beast, is of a hostile nature or not. Divine intuition? Who knows. But the paladin is at ease, from outward appearences, though Satoshi knows how skilled the man is with the blades at his side, so thus the Justice simply continues his conversation with his Queen, replying. " I have never attempted to catch any creature. I helped with one of my father's horses, and once broken in, he was mine. A powerful stallion, spirited and high strung." The paladin eyes the two gryphons, though the larger one seems to become his focus. Perhaps Satoshi could see a look, his expression almost saying. " I accept the challenge." as the faintest hint of a smile can be seen upon the man's clean shaven face.
Ivellios hadn't been trying to hard to be undetected so he's hardly surprised that the two of them brush it off, actually his respect for them both climbs a little higher. He smiles a small cocky half smile, "I believe I might have some skills that might help, your majesty." Offering the queen another bow, "I am Ivellios by the way, a pleasure to finally meet you in person." With that the ranger turns his attention to the gryphons, "They are magnificent creatures." He muses out loud.
Satoshi looks between the two males with a half crooked, knowing smile. Confidence in one's abilities is something the kit is eternally fond of--her own bordering on vanity and pride, for the most part, and downright arrogance on her bad days. "Welcome, then, Ivellios~. I recall your letters, in fact. If you can move among the trees as silently as a shadow, you must have some skill in forest know-how. I'll take you up on your offer. Consider this your test for a position among Frostmaw's rangers: capturing these two gryphons without harming them." Rising to her feet then with fluid grace, the kit shakes off the snow clinging to her coat and gestures toward the still sky-dancing gryphons. While the male gives off the air of being proud and powerful, his smaller counterpart seems of a sleeker, swifter design, with fierce blue eyes that blaze with cunning as she watches the trio below. She will prove a challenge in her own right, there is no doubt. "Take your pick of target. Although I think Cyrisling's got his eye on the larger of the two~."
Redovian's eyes never leave the gryphon he has set his eyes upon, even as his queen address the ranger before them. The paladin seems to be thinking of a way to get such a powerful, wild and elusive beast on his level to capture. He is afterall, just a human, and even with his augmented abilities, he isn't flying through the air anytime soon. To the ranger, the paladin says. " If you can get them low enough, I might be able to get one, and try to force it to the ground." THe man looks to his queen and adds. " Though I've never ridden a flying animal a day in my life, shouldn't be hard, right?" A small smirk forms as the paladin awaits the rangers answer.
Ivellios gives a simple nod. His mind races trying to remember what he knew about the behavior of gryphons, suddenly the ranger's body fluidly relaxes into a non-threatening yet powerful stance, his eyes drift up to the smaller of the two. Letting out a sharp high pitched whistle he aims to get the attention of both of the beasts, specifically the female, when she looks in his direction the ranger would lock eyes with her. As he had been trained Ivellios shifts his position slightly to one of invitation and companioship, he had seen his old master do this once so knew it was possible. His first goal is to get them to land, he never breaks eye contact as he continues to coax the female through body language, a few whistle's now and again, and a mental call into trusting him, hoping the male will follow. He just has to get the male low enough for Redovian to act, then he can focus soley on the female.
Satoshi takes a step back, content to observe the methods each man intends to use in capturing the winged pair. The first of these two, the small female, instantly fixes her attention on Ivellios at the sound of his whistle, keen eyes narrowed in a searching, vaguely suspicious manner. Young as she is, she's made easily confused by the mixture of sounds and body language. Part of her mind telling her this is another of her kind, perhaps an eligible male, while the more intelligent aspect warns against her falling prey to instinct. This stranger looks nothing like herself or her brother. Not a single feather on his person. But he speaks like father. That must count for something. Looking quickly back toward her sibling, the young female swoops lower until she's hovering a short distance above Ivellios. Safely out of range for the moment, but near enough to offer a questioning screech in return as her wings flare out around her in a prideful display. The male isn't so quick to follow, only dipping in altitude so that he's midway down the height of Frostmaw's lofty trees. From there his own golden eyes dart between Redovian and Ivellios in search of the potential threat against himself and his sister. Talons flex unconsciously at the promise of battle, for this young buck is a warrior through and through, and won't be coaxed into service by pretty whistles or skilled body language. No. He'll have to be bested before he'll bow to any soul.
Redovian is a kindred spirit in that aspect, and the ranger's subtle approach is noted, but disregarded as the paladin makes his own move. The rings, a gift from Marcellus, High Priest of Kanos, are focused upon as the divine warrior channels the blessings bestowed upon them by the Ascendi, and uses the unique power to his advantage. Time seemingly stop, to those not wearing the rings. But in fact, time has only slowed to a crawl. In this, the paladin, who bears both rings, is able to move normally, while the rest, unless protected against such divine magic, are trapped within its effects. The paladin unsheathes his blade, Tenbatsu Kaji, and tosses the masterwork weapon with deadly precision into the thick trunk of the tree before him quite a good way up its length, augmented abilities utilized to propel the leather clad crusader into the air to land upon the blade, in which he uses to leap to a branch and thus begin a swift climb into the canopy and into concealment, just as the time altering magic wears off. His breath is heavy, but still silent enough not to draw attention. To those present, unless uneffected somehow, Redovian seems to have vanished without a trace...
Ivellios fights back a smile as the female grows nearer, the ranger makes a mental note of the paladin's disappearance. He keeps eye contact with the gryphon. Since the female's mindset has changed to one of interest Ivellios sends a small mental push towards the female, once more sending nothing more than feelings of companionship and partnership. His body language continues. In response to the gryphon's screech the ranger takes a deep breath and responds with an earsplitting screech of his own, an incredible imitation of a frost gryphon.
Satoshi's highly sensitive whiskers are the first to alert her to the influx in magic, as well its divine nature, mere seconds before Redovian enacts the powers of his Kanos-given rings. Being a creature molded by godly hands, and reborn by the will of the Dragon Triarch, she possesses a faint, innate sensitivity to such magicks, although arcane has always been her calling and affinity. As such, while Satoshi is not immune to Redovian's ability, her station as a servant of the Balance entities allows her a certain degree of awareness to time's manipulation. The realization is dull and vague, like a half-forgotten dream, sparking a faint intrigue within the kit to be mulled over later when she witnesses the paladin's unnatural, difficult-to-follow movements. The male gryphon is not so fortunate as to have any natural awareness of divinity in action. All he knows is that the figure below has suddenly disappeared in the same instant his sister has swooped lower to investigate the ranger. An ear-splitting screech comes from the male then, a cry of challenge and warning alike before wings are folded and he's diving toward the ground, bulleting past the female, talons unsheathing to absorb the shock of his descent into the snows beside Ivellios. Wings flare out with an audible snap then and he rears onto his hind paws, foretalons lashing out in feigned swipes as he continues to scream defiance at the man. Yet, for all appearances, it is pure bluster, as the gryphon does not currently intend to attack Ivellios, but instead scare him off before any perceived harm can come to himself or his sister. Aforementioned sister gryphon is, to say the least, startled by her brother's sudden assault, surprise so abrupt her young wings lock and send her plummeting the short distance to earth where she crash lands into the snows. A last minute, cat-like movement returns a bit of grace to the landing, although she's still left momentarily sprawled out upon the snowbank, blinking dazedly. The pair's youth is beginning to show, for all their elegant flight dances.
Redovian watches like a hawk from his new perch atop one of the towering trees elongated branches, and examines the male gryphon's defiant display of aggression with a smirk upon his lips. This creature's nature, protective and proud, seems to be one the paladin can relate to. And it is in this moment, that Frostmaw's Justice opts for quite a surprising move. He jumps. Silent as the snow that falls from the heaven does the chosen champion of Cyris decends upon the snow covered ground, his hoari whipping about him wildly. The paladin lands into the snow with some measurable force, the plummet causing snow to fan out and create a slight haze. Redovian, kneeling for a moment with one hand supporting his leather armor clad frame, looks up to the male gryphon, and inhales a deep breath, before, out of a sudden and rash idea of how to demonstrate to such a powerful beast a show of dominance, the man stands up before the winged guardian and locks eyes with it. His divine aura is magnified by the passion he invests into the act, thus release a wave of pressure about the area that anyone could feel. It is quite impressive, the difference in the paladin's own power, since his first arrival here in frostmaw, and now, after training with the land's champion, Gunnar Stormbeard, and the king, Kasyr. The pressure is such that one would feel heavy, as if a tremendous weight has suddenly been thrust upon them. Unless of course, for one like Satoshi, who posseses considerable arcane power, the pressure would be noted, but not otherwise effect her. Indeed, Frostmaw's Justice is flexing his muscles, so to speak, in a test of wills with this marvelous beast, to see if the gryphon will be humbles, or lash out to contest this newfound rival.
Ivellios ignores the male's show of bravado, trusting on the Paladin to handle him. The female remains his focal point. At her landing the ranger sends out a mental call, questioning her about her health, still never losing the form of companionship. Slowly he begins to walk towards her until the Justice's appearance and accompanying pressure catches him slightly of guard. He automatically assumes that the female will bolt at this strange power and so instantly lets out a long low soothing whistle. Insuring her that everything is all right. He still moves towards her, though slower than originally due to Redovian's divine pressure. All the way trying to soothe the startled creature and gain more trust.
Satoshi can most definitely sense the pressure Redovian is emanating, and finds her ears folding back in instinctive displeasure at the dominating aura. The gryphon, however, greets it with another screech, voice heavy with challenge and even a sort of warrior's delight. Blustering ceases as he settles down onto all four legs and wings fold neatly at his sides, head turned to stare levelly at the paladin with golden eyes. He takes a slow step forward in the snow, beak half parted to allow him to pant from his prior exertion and present anxiety, but he does not show any immediate signs of yielding to the man's stare. His sister, however, is not so dominate a creature and, as Ivellios had predicted, her first instinct is to flee from such a powerful presence. Yet the ranger's soothing calls and comforting presence halt her midway. An uncertain squawk is voiced and a tentative step is taken toward Ivellios, and then she tosses a look toward the paladin and her brother before she rushes forward, intent on ducking behind Ivellios for the sake of safety. Between Redovian's fierce dominance and Ivellios' gentle coaxing, the young gryphon's sharp wit has been overridden by natural instinct for the time being. She's more determined about seeking shelter with this soft-voiced not-quite-a-gryphon, than to question exactly what he is, and see if she can't taunt him endlessly.
Redovian keeps his stare with the male gryphon, the two kindred spirits locked in a test of wills and dominance. As the young majestic beast assumes a defensive posture, Redovian starts to walk forward, showing he is unafraid, yet making no hostile action towards the animal. It was a display of courage, and confidence. With Tenbatsu Kaji still lodged in the tree, the paladin seems unarmed, and thus, with arms open wide, Frostmaw's Justice stands before the male gryphon, staring him right in its eyes, but leaving himself seemingly open and attempting to earn the creatures trust.
Ivellios smiles softly and gently lays his hand on the female's back petting her soothingly, his voice voice still soft and low. His eye's finally break contact and turn towards the other pair taking up a position between the two male's and the female, seemingly in a defensive stance, ready to cover the gryphon's escape should this come to blows between the other two.
Satoshi remains silent and observant, beholding the twin scenes as they unfold together. Without instruction or hint, both have found the methods used to bring Frostmaw's regal gryphons into service, methods that spare the creatures injury of body and mind, methods that allow them to keep their pride intact and better safeguard their futures--for while frost gryphons are fearsome, powerful, and clever beasts, their numbers continue to dwindle in the wilds as they fall prey to the large, mobbing flocks of wyverns, among the other northern terrors living in the forests. Satoshi, while not attempting to capture and preserve every gryphon, has made a habit of noting younglings here and there that would suit partnership well, and setting about their safe captures in hopes of them adjusting enough to rebuild their numbers in securer conditions. And Redovian and Ivellios are doing so rather marvelously. The smaller of the creatures flicks her gaze from paladin and brother to the ranger standing defensively in front of her, sharp mind putting two and two together swiftly as the pieces fall into place with an almost audible click. Feather tufted ears perk forward then and she clacks her beak before, following cautious steps, she nudges her forehead lightly against the small of Ivellios' back in a gryphon's gesture of greeting a friend. Should the ranger turn around, he'll find a bright eyed young gryphon standing tall and proud as she gazes levelly at him, blue slitted eyes glistening with promises of playful pranks and mischief to come as a gift for allying himself with her. Her brother hasn't so readily been won over. Not quite yet. As the paladin steps toward him, fur and feathers rise along the gryphon's neck in an attempt to make himself look larger, and he too steps forward with golden eyes afire with eager light. While he shows no obvious signs of backing down, if Redovian just holds out a bit longer, the gryphon's youth will prove its undoing, for already brief images of the beast's fierce father flicker through his mind, and instinct has begun to beg he give in to the dominate male staring him down.
Redovian can feel it, the climax of this battle of wills is nigh, and the paladin does not know the meaning of failure. Confident that this young and proud gryphon will not strike at him, and even more confident that his display of dominance and pride has won the majestic beast over, Frostmaw's Justice takes a final step towards the rare animal, and stands tall before it, his nightblue eyes locked with the beast's golden flecked eyes as for one last time, the paladin channels the divine power his has been blessed with, to attempt to show the young male the full extent of his power, while leaving his arms open in the universal display of neutrality. That immense pressure, that heavenly aura, once again dominates the area with incredible pressure. Redovian, in an act of faith that he has won the gryphon over, reaches out to grasp the animal about its head gently, all the while holding his stare, as he says. " You and I, young gryphon, shall serve this land and protect it and its inhabitants with our lives, by Cyris I swear this, you are not my slave, but my companion." He didn't know why he was talking to the beast, or if it could understand him, but it just felt right..
Ivellios turns and looks over his shoulder, seeing the female's intelligence. With a smile he overs the gryphon a playful wink and lightly places his hand on her head running his finger's affectionately over her feathers. "Better now?" he asks her, turning he looks over the other pair, his eyes dart quickly to the queen, gauging her reaction. Seeing that things between the other pair seem wrapped up, he relaxes into a casual stance, awaiting the conclusion of the battle of wills.
A low huff escapes the stag at Satoshi's side, liquid brown eyes turned in a placid stare at the display before them while the kit wordlessly pats the beast's thick neck. Here stands proof that she's made the right choices in who to rely on for calling these gryphons to earth. Not a feather is out of place on either creature, nor have their prides been damaged, leaving them intact, safe, and compliant. Well... at least the female, for a few moments longer, as her brother continues to stare at the paladin. But with each passing second and each increase in that divine pressure, the young gryphon's resolve fades. When Redovian's hand comes to rest on the beast's crest, he'll find the gryphon's head bowing, gaze broken for the merest of seconds, but long enough to signify he is deferring to the capable human. And entrusting their fates to one another. Redovian's exact words aren't understand by the gryphon, although it is clever enough a being to comprehend the meaning and tone well enough--in time it will begin to grasp language, despite an inability to speak it. His promise of fighting, protecting, and a warrior companion is replied to with a screech of fierce delight as the gryphon rears onto his hindlegs and outstretches his wings, sunlight playing through the feathers in a dazzling display of silvers, whites, and speckled black. His sister takes up the cry as well and lightly headbutts Ivellios, eyes bright with amusement and excitement. When the pair settle once more, Satoshi steps forward to glance from creature to creature, a faint smile on her face. "Well done~. You've earned their respect and trust, and you'll learn just how loyal a companion a Frost Gryphon is soon enough. And flight." Her smile widens then and she offers her single hand out to the female standing beside Ivellios, a sprig of pine needle in her grasp. While gryphons are carnivores, Satoshi's own experience and observations with these creatures has taught her they have a fondness for the plant to settle stomachs, soothe riled emotions, and gift to those they're fond of. "Flight on gryphon back cannot be described with words. If you're willing to learn, I'm willing to teach you, and see you all outfitted properly. The Eyrie's doors are always open to those that understand a winged mount is a companion, and not a slave or pet." Ivellios has passed his ranger's test with flying colors.
Redovian looks to his Queen as the male gryphon bellows out his prideful cry, and smiles a genuine smile. This day his Queen has given him the opportunity to gain an ally, a friend and the chance to help save one of the land's rare treasures. Indeed, Satoshi is a marvelous woman, and has truly earned the paladin's respect as a leader, a warrior, a mage and as a woman in general. If only there were more like here. Wait.. no. No,no,no! One Satoshi is good enough! Lets not get outa hand here, but back to the topic at hand. Redovian looks to Ivellios, a new face, the gryphons and his Queen. The paladin may not be a wealthy man in terms of possessions, but in allies, he was rich indeed. He reponds to his Queen. " I would be honored, my Queen, to learn to fly in tandem with this valiant and nobel creature, to serve the land of Frostmaw!"
Ivellios smiles his cocky half smile again, "I think we would be up to the challenge." He says speaking of himself and the female nodding as she takes the offered gift from the Ice Queen, taking mental note of it. The ranger bows, "If that is your will Milady." He turns to Redovian and offers a bow to him as well, "It'll be a pleasure to serve with you." Straightening up he watches the gryphon fondly, trying to decide what name would fit the fantastic creature.
Satoshi bows the the four in turn. The reindeer dips his curling antlers in a similar gesture to them, its breath pluming around nose and horns alike. "Then we, the Eyrie, will be honored to have you all, in return~," the kit replies formally before she falls quiet. A long moment is spent simply gazing at those gathered, eyes unfocused as if she's seeing more than what's readily available. She's engaging in one of those rare moments of reminiscing, calling up the memories of the Snow Gryphon that had once died to save her, a companion she'd met my happenstance and bonded with through trial. It's unlikely either of these two younglings are related to Frostwing--as she'd been raised in the Larket zoo--but they still bring up memories. "It's good to see those teamed with the gryphons again..." With that, and a salute to the two men, Satoshi turns on a heel and begins making her way into the snow-clad trees, but not before she calls over her shoulder, "Welcome to Frostmaw, by the way, Ivellios~. Roytoc will hear of your skill, I promise."