I See Fire

 Khonsu and Rayya

Spring Year 1990, Of the Next Generation

The Marketplace near the Gardens of Elysia, Saraph Territory

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Rayya

    The late afternoon sun painted the tops of the canyon walls in a bright hue, leaving shadows to cover the bottom floor. The early heat still clung to the air, reminding the occupants of the cruel desert they lived within, it would stay that way long into the night until the absence of Roth brought the temperature down and reminded the feathered creatures of why they needed the sun. The night was fast approaching but the marketplace still bustled with activity. Merchants bartered for slaves and jewels while mercenaries looked for their next job from the wealthy folk. It would be this way until the moon was high in the sky, reluctant to close up until it was clear that there were no more trades to be made. From there the wealthiest of tiercels would find their way to an oasis and boast of their acquired wealth for the day, perhaps even buy some company from Madam Axana’s place; and if Rayya had been a male she might have done the same. Instead she was far too busy keeping an eye on her sale stalls where her employees inspected new wares and showed off their pretty items for sale.

    It was a pretty lavish set up for a hen, and without her inheritance she had received from her father’s death it wouldn’t have even existed. She glanced at the top of the canyon, eyeing the light that was becoming more of a sliver on the ridge then a beam, knowing soon that a new wave of customers would sweep through the market, looking to make a quick sale before heading home or to a more questioning place. The mare walked to her store front, the sparks flying from her heels as she went to light the torches and lamps that would brighten her area.

    She snorted and paused to grab a cinder that had been struck hot by her feet and lifted it to the wick, blowing softly and using her magic to ignite the flame. Behind her a few slaves watched with wonder from where they were barred, all of them being fresh from their homeland and never seeing such magic before. Part of her pitied the fools, knowing soon they would be owned and any wonder they found in the canyons would be all but lost to them. They would know backbreaking labor and little of the pleasures of life.

    Rayya went on to light a torch and then another lamp, glancing back to see if the captives were still watching in awe. Most had turned away by now, distracted by the new crop of hens and tiercels inspecting them, but one still watched. The little Austerian doe had been looked over all day due to her size and stature, but if Rayya knew the potential and with the right training and a little patience the hen would buy the cervine creature and use her magic to grow her business. Ideas swam through the winged mare’s head and she smirked before turning her back to the cages and returning to watch over her staff.

    The crowds had lasted longer than expected, offering interesting items and buying up some of her products in return. He staff had worked well past their normal hours, cleaning her shop until it was spotless then covering the openings so the space would be ready in the next evening. By then the moon was high and most had gone home for the night. Across the way the slaves slept uncomfortably in their cells and Rayya cast them one last glance before she herself headed toward home. On any other night she would have flown to her roost and gone to bed, but she was still restless; instead she walked along the deserted marketplace toward the mouth of the canyon fancying a flight over the dunes. She paused at the entrance, lowering her head to remove the purple veil she used during the day to protect her lungs from the sand that was commonly kicked up by others. Once her mouth was free she let out a sigh of relief and hid the expensive headdress behind a rock to pick up later, then stretched her wings and prepared herself for a quick flight.

Khonsu

    The day had been long and arduous for the albino tiercel. As usual his day had begun as Roth ascended the sky, he had been rotated away from guarding the Pools and had been given leave for a sennight from his regular duties appointed to him by the Sultan, to do as he see fit. He could have slept till noon, and lounged about like the pompous wealthy merchants  - the sort that were wealthy enough to employ a score of merchants to steward their stalls at the market - but instead he found himself frequenting the Fire Bird’s Gorge and spared with his compatriots til noon before he departed to quench his thirst.

    He knew not why he meandered down the market streets whiling the afternoon hours away, browsing the stalls with their various wares upon display - bright vivid colours, sparkling gems, gleaming metals and tinkling glassware were positioned just so to catch the light and attract the greedy eye - as it was the saraph way to be extravagant and avaricious, and even a well paid mercenary felt the need to primp the nest, although Khonsu found that the growing urge to deck his roost with sparkling ornaments, luxurious cloth and frivolous trinkets coincided with the upcoming breeding season, although he could not pass blame to reproductive urges this day, for the heady aroma that spiked the blood had passed as the days rolled into a new season and a new year.

    The spring days were short and mild compared to the near unbearable heat of summer - only the foolhardy would even attempt to carry on their day under the heat of the midday sun instead of retreating to their nests or earthen storerooms built with packed clay that well to do merchants built at the back of their tent pitch. What thrifty merchant would expend energy and time to retreat to roost at their nest in the Towers when they could have a siesta on their work premises and earn extra coin offering refuge to the ones less fortunate to have found themselves outside with the high sun beating down upon their back?

    But the white tiercel was more fortunate than some, the fire magic of Roth flowed through his veins and sang true, sparing him the discomfort the blaring heat caused to those unfortunate few with a dark coat or fair skin, the light reflecting off his brilliant white plumage rather than retaining and storing its heat, he more often than not saw saraph and slave alike avert their eyes or be bedazzled by its pseudo luminescence.

    But back to the matter at talon, his wine eyes scanning the merchant’s wares with a critical eye, being a merchant’s son - albeit shunned and unwanted - he learnt his fair share of what quality looked like, and could single out the rough gem from the tit for tat. A few items caught his attention long enough to broker a deal and organise a delivery to be made and package to be received by his nestkeeper whilst he was otherwise indisposed.

    By the time all business was closed, the neighbouring stalls had quietened, their sheets down barring access, and Khonsu left the district at a slow pace, his wings twitching at his sides as he meandered to someplace open enough to take wing. As the narrow streets thinned and widened he broke out into a trot, his wings outstretched and flapping, and with a strong downwards thrust he took to the skies, climbing higher and higher till he crested over the sandstone walls of the Gardens and glided over its boundary into the vast valley basin, huge sand dunes to either side. The warm currents gave enough updraft even as the air cooled as the sun disappeared below the horizon and the cool light of the moon took its place, pale in comparison to Roth’s warm radiance.

    But even though the moon lacked the heat of the sun, his feathers still gleamed with ethereal light.

    As the white tiercel danced in the sky, ducking, diving and banking in the dark skies, with each sharp maneuver arcs of fire flew before breaking apart as he clipped it with a wing, a savage swing of a taloned claw or a flick of his tail; once one was defeated he conjured another, and another as he fought the fire like it were an imagined foe, each progressive pass became quicker and quicker as the tiercel fell back into a practised rhythm.

Rayya

    Once her feet left the sand she felt free, flying higher and higher till the canyon looked more like a crack in the moonlight. Her multi-colored wings sliced through the air and stretched to their fullest, filling the hen with a bubbling freedom. She smiled and basked in the moonlight before stopping he flapping wings and tumbling backward, letting the air roar past her till she was quite close to the ground. Her wings opened wide and caught her, letting the hen glide slowly in her decent and saving her from a deadly fall. It was a foolish move but when she did it she never felt more alive.

    The pinto rose again through the air, wondering if she should try the move again; but instead she glided into the night, looking out across the desert. She wondered why others didn’t come and fly in the night, forgetting their problems as she did now.

    She didn’t wonder much longer as a quick movement caught her eye. The hen hovered and peered into the darkness curiously. The stranger was a brilliant white and moved like a star slicing through the sky. For a second she almost thought it was a ghost but when a plume of fire erupted around the other she knew he was no ethereal creature but one of her own blood, and one with rare magic, like herself. Her eyes followed the other as they played with the fire like a chick would play fight with another in their youth. He was strong, whoever he was; trained and disciplined to be dangerous.

    Rayya thought about turning home and forgetting this stranger, but the mystery was too alluring and she sailed toward him; looking to match his speed and perhaps trade some secrets on the power of Roth.

    The volley continued on for a few more bouts before movement caught his eye and he ceased and desisted; the figure incoming at such a speed to fall into his agile pace. His rum eyes scrutinized the newcomer - a hen bedecked in finery, with burnt brown fur with splashes of white which were mirrored on her mottled and patchy wings. He watched her with practised caution, her finery distinguished her as a hen with more than a modest circumstance. As he watched her, he asked a silent question as to why she approached him; as if the fiery display in the sky was not enough of a distraction and reason.

    It was a few tense moments, as his stony eyes stared her down before he found the words upon his tongue.

    “Good Evening” he gruffly greeted, the bare minimum pleasantries given to a stranger. He felt his inner fire lap at his insides, punching at his gut and gnawing at his heart - demanding to be set free but he refused to answer the call in its whole desperate entirety - the vulnerability of the hen an unknown to him - he clenched a taloned claw, sparks catching alight and within its grasp lay a small flame.

Rayya

    She approached him, her eyes locking with his as he slowed. The terciel looked over her with disinterest clear in his eyes and at once she felt smaller than a newborn chick and twice as foolish. O be glanced at so passively made her wonder what he must be thinking. By no account was she an ugly saraph but his gaze could have fooled the hen.

    She bowed her head in a submissive greeting. The moon hovered above the horizon telling how late it actually was. The light blazed across the landscape below, lighting the pair  giving the male an ethereal glow. Rayya swallowed roughly and looked away politely. Before she could apologize he spoke, it was a short and cold greeting but one none the less.

    The chestnut hen looked back at that and gave him a soft smile, “Good evening sir. Forgive my rudeness; I did not mean to impose.” She knew she was feigning innocence but anything would be better than being on the receiving end of his harsh stare. She listened to the sound of their wings slicing through the air, their beat falling into an almost rhythmic motion. “I just saw you practicing with your magic, and it is so rare to see someone with such control over a flame. I just wanted to meet you after that amazing feat, but I am truly sorry for bothering you.”

    Her heart pumped nervously as she wondered if the terciel would scold her. Sure she was a well off hen, admired in the community, and truly liked by most; for a hen at least. She worried if he spoke ill of her in the market her reputation would be tarnished.

    The male’s talons clenched  and she flew back in surprise as a shower of sparks ignited in his claws and a small flame flickered to life. Ray peered at the spark, admiring his control over his magic. She herself couldn’t create more than a bit of sparks with her hooves and talons or a hot cinder every once in awhile. Her breath escaped in a soft gasp, showing her awe and she flew a bit closer to look. “You are quite talented…” She whispered softly, almost too quietly to hear. She wondered if he might teach her but she knew it was a foolish idea.

Khonsu

The hen seemed… sincere enough in her greeting and apology. He cocked his head as he scrutinized her once again; his countenance less steadfast and stony, almost hopeful and openly curious. The novelty of encountering a saraph that did not second guess after taking in his fearsome appearance: his tall stature, sharp beak and talons but most worrisome were the ones that discredited him due to his red eyes and gleaming white coat, did not grow stale for the albino tiercel since the encounters were few and far between… but slowly over the years his reputation as a mercenary and his skills outshone even his luminescent coat on the brightest of days.

He felt the small gust her wings sent his way as she flew back, in surprise perhaps, but that did not stop her from peering curiously at the fire contained within his talons, the flames dancing along his skin as they lapped at the breeze that blew over them and grew as they sated their hunger, once their meal had been consumed and with no more fuel to burn it shrank back to its original and sustainable size. He flicked his ears, almost missing her words thrown to the winds. Curiouser and curiouser.

He cautiously flew closer to her, keeping the fire locked talon away from her until his question was answered.

“Do you take a personal interest in fire magic, hen, or do you wish to compliment me or for your own ends and gains? Speak freely and truthfully for I do not take compliments from simpering hens as payment if you have need of my services”, he asked sharply although she had not stoked his ire.

“I do not have time to while away days whilst on leave from the Sultan. Nor do I fly after a hen who has been sent by her Merchant Father like a green tiercel.” he added for good measure, it would not been the first time a sly merchant had sent his daughter to... loosen him before trying striking a deal for his magical services.

Rayya

    Rayya was aware of his closeness, his body less tense than it had before. He kept the flame away from her still, holding it as if it was a bargaining chip; but when he spoke, all prior interest had gone from him, and instead the stranger had regained the sharpness he held before. “Do you take a personal interest in fire magic, hen, or do you wish to compliment me or for your own ends and gains? Speak freely and truthfully for I do not take compliments from simpering hens as payment if you have need of my services, I do not have time to while away days whilst on leave from the Sultan. Nor do I fly after a hen who has been sent by her Merchant Father like a green tiercel.”

    At first she felt belittled by his orders but when he insinuated that she was merely a pawn for her sire a spark of anger filled her chest. She held her head higher and cast a cool glare at the male. How dare he assume anything about her. He didn’t even know her, now she was done being meek and submissive. The hen had done nothing wrong, she had simply asked a question; one that did not warrant the level of scrutiny she was receiving. The chestnut snorted angrily, flying back from him. “Lucky for you my sire is dead.” She stated coldly, as if the words didn’t affect her but on the inside her blood ran hot; as if punishing her for being so dismissive of Hamond’s death. She flicked her ears back. “I am Rayya Al-Shakir, my father’s only child and his heir; and no, I do not do anyone’s bidding but my own sir.” She nearly spat and she could feel cinders sizzling in her talons as she clenched them. Her nostrils flared and she looked away, back towards the way that would lead home. One more word of belittlement and she would head out and forget the dazzling stranger for good.

    “Here I was hoping to strike a bargain with you for some simple training. I am willing to pay handsomely for some much needed guidance; either in jewels, luxuries, or labor.” She frowned at that, it wasn’t often she offered an even exchange for labor. Building nests were hard work and most of the time she had to hire more help or rent a few disposable slaves to make the palace that the commissioner desired; but those occasions were reserved for only the most wealthy clients or the few that promised they could pay her with what they had. But if this terciel wasn’t tempted by her offers than that was fine as well. She would just have to teach herself.

Khonsu

    His words struck a chord with the hen it would seem, as he watched her hold her head higher and her gaze grew harder, flying further from him before she retorted,

    “Lucky for you my sire is dead.”, her voice was cold, her ears flicking back.
“I am Rayya Al-Shakir, my father’s only child and his heir; and no, I do not do anyone’s bidding but my own sir.”, she all but spat at him, and he felt his crest rise up at the underlying challenge. Well deserved of Roth’s fire, he silently praised, as he watched cinders sizzle in her talons. The pinto hen looked away, unto the horizon presumably the way she had come, and Khonsu felt apprehension niggle at his gut at the thought he might have driven her off. What was the entertainment in that? Pity… she had caught his interest.
“Here I was hoping to strike a bargain with you for some simple training. I am willing to pay handsomely for some much needed guidance; either in jewels, luxuries, or labor.”
Oh. Hang on…
He clicked his beak out of habit as he contemplated her offer, tilting his head curiously. Fascinating…
“I do not usually take pupils, my schedule usually does not allow it, but Roth has seen to it that I am free for six more days before I return to the Sultan’s service.” he said slowly, as if he were still contemplating his final decision. “If you are worthy of the fire Roth has gifted you, I shall impart knowledge unto you - at a price - now show me the limits of your skill”, he declared, backing away from the hen to allow her space to perform.


Rayya

    Her words seemed to drive home with the proud terciel whose crest had risen at her original spite. His head fell to the side in thought as his jaw clicked together. His eyes sparkled with interest. He let out a slow breath before telling her, “I do not usually take pupils, my schedule usually does not allow it, but Roth has seen to it that I am free for six more days before I return to the Sultan’s service.” He paused as if to think for a second, his sharp beak shut tightly. One of Rayya’s ears leaned forward as she waited to see if he would continue.

        “If you are worthy of the fire Roth has gifted you, I shall impart knowledge unto you - at a price - now show me the limits of your skill” Well that was a change, she thought as he gave her some space; his dark blood-colored eyes watched her movements, looking to see if he would be impressed or disappointed. She snorted and gave a small nod.”As you wish.” She could feel her nervousness grow; all she had ever accomplished before were sparks, some cinders, and some occasional command over a flame’s flicker. She closed her eyes and concentrated. The stress made her jittery and she just prayed something happened. At once she opened her eyes and she plucked a feather from her inner wing. It was a piece of down, nothing special but as she held it up sparks flew forward and lit the item on fire. At once her magic pushed forward, and before her eyes the flames moved, flickered, floated, and transformed. Becoming a bird that fluttered for a moment then shriveled up and disappeared. She gasped realizing her emotions must have helped her create the image and she looked to the white stallion. “Well, how was that?”