Arcaea/Dining Hall Late 08-09/Aerywyn's Sympathy for Sparrows
The cold white had gone and through it the greenery of spring was breaking free of winters entrapment, and a young oak tree had provided a very good nest for a young bird. The sparrow flew swiftly from the young saplings extending to the walls of Nocaneb to the mighty gates, seperating itself from the search for a mate to enjoy the feeling of the wind on it's little wings. Though it was dangerous to be in the open when there were the lords of the sky on the prowl, the men who walked on top of the fortress kept them away, and there were many places to hide in the ancient walls. It placed itself on top of the ivy covered walls of the fortress, where a troop of mounted soldiers were riding through the gate.
Aerywyn watched the little sparrow settle itself amongst the ivy leaves, and was intensely intrigued when he realised that the bird was looking straight back at him. He even stopped his horse to get a better look, though only one of the men turned his head and realised their lord was still behind them. He merely shrugged and busied himself with tending to his own steed.
High above, higher than either the man or the sparrow could see, a hawk had caught sight of the sparrow's unique red crest, and circled closer the ground. It waited. Then with predatory cunning it dived, it's form hidden by the sun.
The red-crested sparrow, brave as it was, saw death approaching in the bone breaking strength of those claws, and threw itself away. Little wings flapping as hard as they could, he tumbled through the sky, certain the little sparrow was going to die.
The young lord had barely any time at all before the little sparrow had crashed into his chest, sending him reeling back in the saddle with a suprised expression. Annoyed once again at the interference of these men the hawk ascended again into the sky, searching for another hapless prey to feed upon. Whilst he was steadying himself, Aerywyn looked down at his saddle to see the little bird shiverring with fear. It's wing had been broken, and it had no idea what to do.
Aerywyn took the sparrow gently in both his hands, careful not to scare it further, and urged the grey destrier slowly on. He stroked the red crest to calm the bird with the care of an estranged child.
Aerywyn Haerthorne Banker of Arcaea
Stroking down the gray charger, Aerywyn whispered a few words of sweet nothings to the young horse. It's ears turned this way and that as he was lead away by the stableboy, but seemed to be calm enough leaving his rider. Aerywyn let a smile ease across his features, turning his face towards the sparrow cradled in the crook of his arm. The cleanest part of his cloak was bundled up to keep the bird comfortable, and to hide it from wandering eyes.
He walked into the great hall, his mind turning to the relationship between Edara and Jenred. Certainly she would marry him sometime, at least to make sure he couldn't escape from her grasp. Thus, what then? When the wedding, and where? Who will be invited? He stopped at the next set of doors, leading to the personal quarters.
How big will this thing be?
No one doubted that Jenred and Edara were well loved by the people, and the two of them seemed to have a charm that was infectious amongst the nobility. Additionally, the accolades the fell upon Jenred were staggering... it sometimes it appeared he was the sole force responsible for the rebirth of Arcaea.
Bah, theres no point gossiping with myself.
Aerywyn grinned at the thought of a group of himself, gossiping like kitchen maids. He stifled an outright laugh as he looked down at his hands. A rugged sight with the grime and dust (and blood in some places) covering his face and body, and the cold steel of the bastard sword on his back.
He would talk about the matter later. Right now he needed a nice, warm bath.
Aerywyn Haerthorne Banker of Arcaea
