The Return of Darkness

[Strix Moonwing]

In ancient legends told by the long begone Others, it spoke of an dark, evil creature. It was a horrid creature that the ancients described as a black-feathered fowl that flies by night, a harbinger of war and civil strife to men. Legend had it, that the malicious bird had once been a beautiful, dark-hearted woman who's blood-thirsty and cruel nature made an anicent king transform her into an ugly, wicked creature known as Striga, destined to forever only fly in darkness.

Perhaps, even more ancient of legends, foretell of dark goddess of war and death, Morrigan. This ancient goddess relished in blood and hatred among mortals, often claiming the hearts and dreams of weak-minded rulers, whispering lies of deceit and dreams of blood-thirsty glory into their ears as they slept and watching as rulers led their countries into pointless battles. She would take pleasure in soaring over the blood-soaked battlefields, collecting the souls of the fallen and become more powerful with every defeated warrior. As long as there was war and deceit, there was Morrigan.

At one point in history, these two legends interwined into one.

Many centuries ago, the dark bird known as Striga, banished from the ancient kingdoms in the East, discovered the power that the great goddess of death possessed. Morrigan was able to give Striga what she wanted most of all......beauty and power. In return, Striga because a High Priestess for the goddess and brought in worshippers for her. Ambala had been completely under her and her mate's, The Black King, control.

On the night of a lunar eclipse, Lady Striga and the Black King had attempted to use the ancient artifact, the Oaken Staff, to resurrect Morrigan from hagsmire. In order to do this, Morrigan helped Striga and the Black King have an egg of their own, using her consort, Naftur's, own power and energy. However, this had all failed when a forest-bless owl and rabbit ruined their plan by calling up the spirit of Hoole. To punish Striga for not keeping her end of the deal, Morrigan took away all her beauty before being banished back to hagsmire.

Much time has passed since then, but it would seems that the darkness that once haunted the kingdoms is doomed to return once more.

Beneath the full harvest moon, hundreds of crows and ravens flocked the dark evergreen trees that made up the Shadow Forest. No crow flock was left in the Southern Kingdom that hadn't become worshippers of Morrigan and joined Lady Stirge's forces. Not even the ones that had once allied with the Ga'Hoolians had resisted the call of Stirge and Morrigan.

One flock had been a little troublesome in convincing to join. The Knowing Flock in Silverveil was known for being more close to the vile Ga'Hoolians than most of the flock, mostly because of the debt that they owed the queen for banishing the scrooms that had haunted their territory.....

"The Ga'Hoolians are our allies." Kari, a young provider cawed in a dry voice to the ugly bird in front of him. "Why should we choose to abandon our peaceful ways for your goddess, hagsfiend?"

Lady Stirge smirked slyly at the crow maiden and at all the crows gathered around. A male one, Koji, moved closer to the female provider, placing a protective wing around her shoulder while giving Stirge a scathing glare.

"Sisters....brothers...." Stirge spread her ragged wings out wide in a peaceful gesture as she addressed the assembled crows in a matron-like voice. "Why so hostile towards one of your own?"

"You aren't one of our own!" Koji cawed, glaring at her with dark, beady eyes. "You're a hagsfiend!" The rest of the crows cawed in agreement.

"Hagsfiends," The dark bird continued ignoring their outraged shouts, "...crows....ravens. We are all part of the same family. Why brush away your own kind and embrace the enemy?"

"What enemy?" One crow cried.

Stirge's eyes furrowed in menacing rage. "It is not obvious? The Ga'hoolians!" she spat. "And their vile owl queen!"

Confusion ruffled the the feathers of the hundreds of crows as they murmured to each other, puzzled by her words. Kari was the one that spoke up.

"The Ga'Hoolians aren't our enemies." She said. "The Queen and the Phoenix warrior drove away the scrooms that haunted our hunting grounds." Murmurs of agreement from her fellow providers followed.

"Oh, is that so?" Reply the ancient hagsfiend, taking step closer and leaning forward over the small provider that had spoke. "And, my little talkative dear, do you know how the scrooms got there in the first place."

Silence filled the Knowing Tree; not even the Chooser or the Court of Crows made a sound as they all stared at Lady Stirge, blinking in expectation. No one knew actually why the strange scrooms had come into their territory or how they had been driven away so easily by the Ga'Hoolian queen and her warrior. Did this ancient fowl know something that they didn't?

Lady Stirge smirked at their silence. She had their attention.....

"Those scrooms came here..." the hagsfiend said slowly, shifting her gaze around at all the crows around her. "Because Queen Moonwing summoned them here in the first place!"

As expected, shocked gasps echoed through every hollow of hte Knowing Tree at this serious accusation.

"Impossible!" Koji cawed in disbelief. "Why would the owl queen summon the scrooms here just so that she can banish them away again?"

"To gain your trust, of course!" Stirge continued, her voice raising higher and becoming more animated the more she gained their awed attention. "The vile queen wanted you to be indebted to her so that you will help her in battle. Ga'Hoole is in the midst of war and is destined to fall! When the queen calls for your aid, will you fall for her false words of kindness and fall along with it?"

"Queen Moonwing would never do that!" Kari continued to protest, her mate Koji by her side.

"She speaks as if the owl queen is her own." Stirge whispered darkly, loud enough for all to hear.

"She's right!" One crow cried, a member of the Court of Crows. "If what Lady Stirge says is true, the owl queen is no ally of ours, but an enemy!"

More crows began to shout up agreement.

"Yes, it was all the owl's doing!"

"I always said that we should have never become close to em' Ga'hoolians!"

"Never trust an owl, that's what I was always taught!"

"Don't listen to her!" Koji cried, trying to defend his mate. "She's a hagsfiend!" However, their two voices were drowned out in the tidal wave of hatred that Lady Stirge had stemmed. The two providers, as well as the other few protesters including their own Storyteller and Chooser, were pushed away as they all called out for Lady Stirge.

"Now that you know the truth, my brothers and sisters," Stirge cried, spreading her wings, "Join me and I will show you the true power that our dark goddess possesses!"

[I]“Morrigan, Morrigu, Morrighan, Mor-Rioghain, Morrigna! Sister of the Badb!” The hagsfiend matriach cried and instantly, dark twisting tentacles of black energy flowed around her, covering her body in dark light. The Knowing crows watched in awed silence as all the feathers from her glowing body rose up into teh sky like a dark cloud and got swept away by the wind. The dark glow disappeared from Stirge and her transformation was complete.

No trace of the ugly creature that was Stirge was left. In her place was a young, beautiful hagsfiend with dark, jet-black feathers that show in the moonlight. No bird was as evilly beautiful as she. Stirge had finally won back the favor of Morrigan and her beauty had return.

Stirge laughed, not a croaking hiss of a laugh, but a laugh like a dark angel; her laugh was dark and cruel, beautiful but frightening to all that heard. As she laughed, she rose into the air.

"I am Lady Striga, High Priestess to Morrigan!" She screeched into the night. "You have seen the rewards that our dark goddess gives to those loyal to her. Join me and you two shall be rewarded!"

The crows needed no other convincing. Like a rising smoke, the Knowing flock took after her, ready to serve her and Morrigan until they too were rewarded for their loyalty.[/I]

Stirge, now called by her original name of Striga, gazed at herself in the battle shield that one of the ravens had gathered from Ambala. It felt good being young and beautiful once again. She swept a delicate wing over the shield's shiny surface; this time...she would stay this way.

"You!" She pointed at a crow guard. "Send me Nagmora. I must speak with her."

[TurquoisePheonix]

“For the last time, Queen, I did it for your own good. Now, if you won’t cooperate, I’m afraid I’m going to have to tie you up again.” Flametip threatened, glaring back at Strix. They hadn’t exactly been on the best of terms since the battle with the Herr af Loki. For her own safety, Flametip had kidnapped her, taking her away from the Tree. He didn’t know where to go at first, but they had wound up at the Shadow Forest – Flametip was trying to find out about his wing while he protected Strix. The two had argued endlessly on the way there – Flametip had, at first, had to tie her up to bring her to the mainland, as she continued to struggle. She had insisted that she was fine, that she would fight until the end. It was an admirable trait.

“What would your mate think? He wouldn’t want you sacrificing yourself needlessly. Think of Strella and Will.” He assured her. He hadn’t told her about his sighting of Liberwill before the battle. He didn’t want her to have any more on her mind. Flametip had never had a very strong willpower, and sometimes Strix was very overbearing. He felt like he was in Liberwill’s position now, like he was dealing with the same things Liberwill had to deal with when they were preparing for the Final Hour. He had to deal with Strix’s strong will when his was weaker. He had to deal with her reckless courage. And he had to deal with being in love with her. Liberwill had been the same way. The King’s scroom had told Flametip to let go of his grief, but Flametip still was certain that he was the one that had failed the Tree and the royal family. He looked at Strix, his gaze softening. When he got the opportunity, he would tell Strix of Liberwill’s words to the warrior. Those were the reason he had gotten the nerve to kidnap the Queen. Liberwill had told him to protect Strix, and he would until the end. His words softened, less scolding. In that moment, he thought of her less as a Queen he had to protect and more like a person that he loved and would protect no matter the cost.

“Strix…you know that if you had stayed, you would have died. You're the Heir of Hoole, and you have to be protected. You know I love you.” He used to cringe as he told Strix this, but they both knew it by now. He had already kissed her twice – the first time against her will, and the second time, she hadn’t protested at all. However, Fen had come in and taken the moment away. Flametip knew he couldn’t blame the eagle, but what could have happened, had she not been there? What would Strix have said? Maybe she would have kissed him back?

No, that was a response he was sure he wouldn’t have gotten then, and was sure he wouldn’t get now. He looked back at Strix.

“I’m not sorry at all for what I did, Strix. Your Guardians have strength without you. They will resist. But you need to be kept safe until the battle is over. I know you’re not happy with me because of that, but it needed to be done…and I promised your mate I would.” He added the last part as a mere whisper, and afterthought. Whether Strix could hear him or not, he didn’t know – he’d have to tell her sooner or later, anyway. He had promised Liberwill that, too.

All of a sudden, Flametip felt a sharp pain in his wings. He looked away from Strix, landing on the nearest branch. He looked around, alarmed. When his wing pained like this, things usually got very, very bad. It was something about its hunger for nachtmagen that made it detect darkness. It was like that when Rowan or Arche were nearby. Though he knew that those two were not dark or evil, they were still creatures formed of nachtmagen. But that was only a small pain when they were around. This one was immense. He did not cry out – he could not. He looked around a little more hurriedly, searching in all directions.

“Strix…stay behind me.” He ordered. Before she could argue, he growled.

“Do it!” He said, giving her an angry glare. Even she didn’t rebel against that glare. He would only flash it at her if something serious was happening – which, something was. There was an overwhelming evil here. He could almost taste it in the air – the nachtmagen was so thick, so dark and evil. It didn’t seem to come from anywhere in particular, but permeated from everything – the trees, the ground, the rocks. He had meant to bring Strix to safety, but had failed, instead making things worse. He let go of the restraints he had put on himself. His wings seemed to glow, an energy radiating from them – the seemed to elongate, and soon the twin blades were there. They simply were glowing, red things that grew from each wing, but they were there, in their thirst for nachtmagen. They were something else entirely. They were a parasite to his body. Every time they absorbed nachtmagen, it was as if he was slowly losing control of himself. He already absorbed nachtmagen from scrooms, Kroja’s Guardians, and the darkness of the Curse-of-Flesh. All of those things were a part of him. He had done that to pay penance for his sin, yet redemption still was not his. He was aware now, of something more about his wings. They were the result of his sin, the price to pay for creating life. He had found the answer – homunculi. But still, the process had gone horribly wrong, and the Curse-of-Flesh was released upon the world. His wings reddened, forever a mark of his wrongdoings.

But he would redeem himself. He knew that his wings were of a dark magic greater than that of normal hagsfiends. It was a device of Morrigan herself. But what part it played, Flametip did not know.

“Are you here to see ‘Mother’?” A voice asked. Flametip looked up but found nothing. But then, he looked down – on the ground there was a Burrowing Owl. He had a grin on his face. Of course, that was because Stirge was giving him just what he wanted - the ability to destroy that foolish brother of his, the H’ryth.

“Who’s ‘Mother’?” Flametip asked the Burrowing Owl, a little suspicious. He wore many weapons on him, and he carried himself in a way that told Flametip he had an important role to play in whatever darkness was around him. The Burrowing Owl was important around here, and he was trying to trick him and Strix. He gently pulled Strix to his side. The Burrowing Owl continued to grin. Oh, yes, good, Altair thought. What a catch. Stirge would be quite satisfied. The Queen of Ga’hoole and her little phoenix Paladin – what a reward he would get for this. Finally, he would have enough power to finally take his brother’s place. He would be the lesser of the two no longer. He was curious, however, about the Phoenix’s wings. Yes, they were quite curious, glowing the way they did, elongating into red, semi-translucent blades. It was like they were formed completely of whatever that odd darkness that inhabited Flametip’s wings was.

(OOC: Eh, not too happy with this one. It’s alright.)

[ForestOwl]

Nagmora flew towards Striga. She was beautiful now, much more pleasing to look at than the old, ugly hag that had been there a moment ago. Nagmora was a bit jealous that she wasn't that beautiful, with that lovely voice. The hagsfiend envied Striga for her voice most of all. Her voice was lovely and beautiful in its own way, but at the same time was still dark, just like a proper hagsfiend's should be.

There was a lot that Striga had that Nagmora desired, too. Striga had power as well as beauty now, the power that Morrigan gave her. Perhaps, Nagmora thought, if I show loyalty to Morrigan or Striga, she will give me a share of that power too. As she neared her ancestor, she stopped thinking those thoughts. She was a bit afraid of how much power Striga had. What if she could read minds? She didn't know what she would think of Nagmora wanting power.

"Yes, Striga? Why do you want to see me?" she asked. Maybe Striga was going to talk to her about...some sort of promotion or something? Was there such a thing as a promotion in Striga's cult of crows, ravens, and hagsfiends? Or what if Nagmora had done something wrong, angered Striga? All of those questions raced through Nagmora's mind as she looked at Striga.

OOC: Meh. Short. XP

[Strix Moonwing]

For a moment, Lady Striga didn't even notice the crow guard leave and arrive with Nagmora. She was too busy gazing at her beautiful image reflected against the shield's shiny surface. Oh, how lovely her face looked- sleek sable feathers gleamed and almond, shaped eyes shone lustfully at her own self. How she had lived so long in her old, ugly body was a mystery to her. Striga laughed, enjoying the sound of her own voice, as sweet and light as a swinging chime.

As she laughed, she swung her long, black feathers over her shoulder and gracefully twirled around her shield; nothing brought her greater pleasure than seeing her perfect image dance along with her. No creature of earth or sky was as lovely and beautiful as she. Not even the lovely veelas of legend could match her grace and beautiful. Those dainty, delicate water nymphs would spit at her in disgust and jealousy. Even those flirty tree spirits would have to bow their limbs in shame as she passed. She was the jewel of the night! The angel of darkness! The fairest queen in all the lands!

"And certainly much better looking than that old, spotted Ga'hoolian hag." Striga said, laughing cruelly in her lovely, bell-like voice. She lustfully stroked her reflection and narrowed her eyes in musing thought. "Queen Moonwing could never hold a candle to my beauty. She's nothing but a bundle of dead leaves compared to my crown of cherry blossoms. She laughed again; it was delightful entertainment comparing herself to the ugliness of others.

Perhaps she should consider finding herself a mate? Since her only son, Sklardrog was busy finishing her plans in the Middle Kingdom, she would need something or someone to keep her entertained as she finished up Morrigan's plans. She smirked in lustful delight as she gazed back at her reflection; it certainly wouldn't be too hard to find mate now. Being with the Black King had been good fun for a while and Lung Wang.....

A shiver of delight went through Striga's perfect form. The king of dragons had certainly been someone she could have happily spent an millenia with. He had been so handsome....so powerful........and yet, yet....

An angry, spiteful look filled her eyes and her beautiful face twisted into an enraged scowl. With a distorted snarl, the hagsfiend matriach threw the nearest feather-brush in one single angry impulse. The feather-brusth crashed against the shield sending an echo throughout the chamber.

Lady Striga stood heaving angrily, glaring at her reflection. "You will pay..." she hissed spitefully, "You will pay, Lung Wang as will all your creatures. No one dares breaks my heart and continue to have theirs still beating!"

Yes, Lung Wang would pay for the injustice he did to her. How dare he turn on her! She had only did him a favor, killing off that blue owl. Wasn't Lung Wang the true emperor of the Middle Kingdom and not some pathetic owl? That blue fiend had dared claim that he was the ruler of the Middle Kingdom instead of her and Lung Wang! Shouldn't he had been pleased with her when she presented him with that ignorant owl's severed head? Shouldn't he had been pleased that she had stained her feathers with that idiotic owl's own inpure blood in order to prove her love for him?

She clenched her trembling talons, her body shaking with fury as she remembered the look on Lung Wang's face when she had revealed her dark deed. Instead of being pleased, that fool had been disgusted and furious that she would do such an evil deed. How could he call her act of love 'evil'? He was just as stupid and blind as that boy was.....that stupid boy......that spinkin' stupid boy!

When her plans were complete in the Middle Kingdom, Lung Wang would end up like that boy. The blood of all her heartbreakers would flow like a crimson river. She would find a mate just as handsome as they had been....just as powerful...someone that would appreciate her and her dark deeds of love and power. He would see her for the mighty empress that she truly was!

"For breaking my heart," Striga hissed, clenching her sharp talons, "I'll rip your's out...I swear to Morrigan that I will!"

At that moment, her faithful follower, Nagmora entered the room. Immediately, Lady Striga composed herself. The fury was hidden away behind a mask of cool, collected beauty and she quickly hid the broken feather-brush away from view as she gracefully turned to face her subject.

“Ah, my dearest Nagmora,” Striga trilled in her satin voice, her long, shimmering feathers flowing behind her like a ripple of water. “Come in, my faithful daughter, and let us talk in private.”

As Nagmora entered the room, Striga gave a sharp nod the giant, wooden doors slammed shut behind the hagsfiend merchant.

Striga took her time as she glided back to her cushioned sit on graceful talons. Once she was settled and comfortable, Striga settled her jeweled gaze upon her much plainer kin. A coy smirk tugged at the corners of her beak- she was fully away of Nagmora’s discomfort. Not that she blamed her; not everyone could be blessed with such beauty that Morrigan had given her.

“My dearest daughter,” Striga began, staring at Nagmora with dark, unblinking eyes. “You have been most faithful to myself as well as our great goddess, Morrigan, and for that, I believe that you should get rewarded for your services.”

She paused to let her generous words sink into the hagsfiend before continuing again.

“But, before that happens, there is one more thing that I need you to do for me.” Striga said in a voice as calm and causal as if she was just having a pleasant conversation. If Morrigan was to be called forth once again, Striga would need to see how much her old kingdoms have changed since the times of her reign.

“I need you to travel to the forest regions of Ambala and Silverveil.” Striga said. “And visit their rulers…offer your services to them, but return to me with information about them.”

She stood up and gave Nagmora a piecing stare. “What they look like, how they rule, who serves them, what they like, dislike, their friends, family, allies,…enemies. Whatever information you can get your sharp claws on.”

The hagsfiend mistress leaned in close to Nagmora, never breaking her knife-like gaze. A devious smirk had slid upon her beak as she stared down Nagmora.

“I want to be able to see through these pawns like glass…” She delicately tugged up one of black feathers upon Nagmora’s head. “….be able to see the slimmer of puppet string that holds them up, controls their every move and decisions…all their hopes and dreams…”

In a flash, the feather had been plucked from Nagmora’s head. Striga’s talons flashed out in a dark blurr, slashing the sleek feather into bits. The severed feather slowly floated to the ground in sad, broken bits. Lady Striga watched them fall with sinister satisfaction.

“…..So that I can rip it in half. Is that clear, Nagmora?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Queen Strix Moonwing shot her companion, Flametip, a scathing glare. “You wouldn’t dare,” she snapped, “Don’t you dare come near me at all, Flametip!” It was quite unusual and unheard of to hear the Ga’Hoolian queen speak in such a furious manner outside of battle. She was usually very kind and gentle among her friends and comrades, especially to Flametip. However, at this moment, Flametip was the last creature that she wanted to be with. In fact, right now, she would be happy to never have lay eyes on him again. What he had done to her was unforgivable! How dare he kidnap her away from the battle with Loki! She was the queen of Ga’Hoole! It was her duty to be fighting along side with her guardians to protect their home. Did Flametip think that she was too weak to fight her own battles?

When Flametip dared to mention her beloved mate, Liberwill, and her children, Strix whirled around to face the boreal with burning flames of anger in her dark eyes.

“Don’t you dare talk of Liberwill! You have no idea what my mate would have thought! He sacrificed himself to save the tree while I was gone when it should have been me! I would never run away from my duties as queen, even if it means sacrificing myself for the guardians’ and the tree’s safety!” She didn’t say anything about Will or Strella. It was true that she didn’t want to leave them in the world by themselves, but they were growing up. Will had a mate and children and Strella would soon grow into a good monarch for the tree; they would go on without her. If sacrificing herself was what it took to save her children’s home, then so be it. Her kingdom and her family were above all things to her, including her life. This was her duty as a mother and queen.

Flametip’s softened words hardly simmered her anger towards him; instead, it only made her even madder. She turned away coldly when Flametip told her that he loved her. Before the battle with Loki, Strix would had an answer for him. She had been so sure about her feelings for Flametip a while ago, but none she was just as confused about them as before. How could Flametip truly love her…how could they ever be together if he wouldn’t trust her enough to make her own decisions? Allow her to fight her own battles? Flametip and her mate Liberwill had been alike in so many ways- both were more scholars than warriors though events had thrust them to take up weapons and fight against darkness, however, Liberwill had trusted her to go into battle during the Final Hour to face Sklardrog. He had feared for her, yes, but he had still let her go. Why couldn’t Flametip do the same thing?

“The Guardians are strong, but I still need to be fighting with them.” She replied, in a steely voice. “As Heir of Hoole, don’t you think it’s my duty to be fighting against Loki instead of hiding like a coward? Bylyric and Vladimir are fighting along side their creatures, I have to do the same. Liberwill let me battle, why can’t you?”

She didn’t trust her army of guardians to be left alone with the other leaders. Vladimir, she respected enough to not try and take advance of them, but Bylyric was different. She didn’t trust him at all. If he taken over the Pure One army then she was sure that he would try the same thing with hers. However, she knew that her Guardians were loyal to her and Ga’Hoole, and, unlike the Pure Ones, weren’t taken in by power. She remembered Fenryb and a Ice Talon soldier trying to stop Flametip from kidnapping her. Hopefully, Fenryb would be able to protect and lead the guardians until she returned. Strix only hoped that Fen wouldn’t go head to head with Vladimir.

“They need me more than you do, Flametip.” She said in a low voice.
Suddenly Flametip turned sharply and landed on the nearest branch. Strix reluctantly landed a few branches away from him. She saw him look around franticly in all directions. She riffled her spotted feathers, trying to sense what he was so worked up about. A moment later, he ordered her to get behind him. She was about to argue, but he said it again in a more threatening tone. Strix blinked in shock before returning his angry glare with one of her own. Even though she was more furious with him than ever before, she realized there was probably danger about and got behind him. However, the tension and anger radiating in the air only deepened the rift forming between the couple. Strix wasn’t even sure if the rift could be filled anymore.

All of a sudden, the queen heard a voice from below. She looked down and saw the an old, Burrowing Owl with a strange, creepy grin on his face. Strix blinked curiously at the owl, wondering who was this ‘Mother’ that he was going on about.

“Who are you?” she asked, “and what do you want?”

[TurquoisePheonix]

“Nothing much. I just wanted to see who was here.” Altair explained. He stepped forward, looking up at the trees.

“Mother will be very satisfied with my find. The two most powerful creatures in Ga’hoole…we haven’t had such important guests for a long time here.” Altair explained. Oh, what fun this would be. Love was such an entertaining toy. And playing with these two would be marvelous, especially with something like love dividing them like this. Flametip loved Strix, but Strix didn’t love him back. Or, at least, she said so. There was so much sorrow in Flametip’s eyes. Altair was steeled in the fact that this would be so much fun. Ga’hoolians were all fools. Anyone who could oppose Mother was. Mother would win in the end, no matter what. And Altair had made the right choice – the smart choice – of joining up with Mother. Oh, how lost he had been without her. Mother was so kind, and comforting, and she helped him in so many ways. And Altair never made a decision without her consent. But she was strong, too – very strong. Mother could protect him, and anyone who incited her wrath had made a god as an enemy.

But, oh, what to do? He was dazed and confused as an owlet – should he go and tell Mother about the two new arrivals? That would be rude – Mother hated it when people were rude. He should stay and entertain them, and be entertained. They were their special guests, after all, and Altair had promised Mother that he would take extra-special care of their special guests. But if he did, Mother wouldn’t get the pleasure of their company – he was so confused! And he didn’t want to make Mother angry. That was a very, very stupid thing to do.

“I’m afraid I shall have to leave you two for a moment. But I know you two can entertain one another until I get back!” He said cheerily, a disturbingly bright smile on his beak. He turned, disappearing into the brush. For most, Shadow Forest was difficult to navigate, but Altair had picked it up quickest of all. Stirge had talked to him of this, explaining in her lovely, cooing voice that he was a genius among her children, the smartest of them all. That made him feel good, to know that he was the best at something in her eyes. It was only a few moments before he hurriedly worked his way back to where she was…

To be shocked. He had special permission to enter without a guard escort – after all, he was her Son. She loved him the most. But to look at her, to lay his eyes upon such a vision of beauty – he felt his gizzard swell with pride.

“Mother!” He cried out, quickly approaching her. He saw Nagmora there, but ignored her, his eyes were focused on this vision of beauty, this perfect female.

“You…the ritual worked? You look beautiful, Mother!” He crooned – he moved forward, wanting to feel those feathers for himself, but stopped himself. As much as he wanted to touch the glossy, beautiful feathers, he did not. Just because she was beautiful, it didn’t mean that she still couldn’t get angry. He temporarily forgot about the two owls he meant to tell her about.

(OOC: Short. I may or may not add later, but I’m eager to type a reply to the Ultimate Heist. And I want Strixy to see this. XP)

[ForestOwl]

Nagmora nearly gulped as the bits and pieces of the feathers fell to the floor. "Yes, Striga. I will leave immediately." She wasn't sure whether to feel excited about a chance to gain power and sell her wares to the rulers of Ambala and Silverveil. Kings and queens often had a pretty penny to pay, so she could probably make money too. Though if she failed or made a mistake....she didn't want to think about what Striga might do to her then.

The hagsfiend turned away and knocked on the door to signal she wanted out. The doors slid open and Nagmora looked at Striga one last time. "I will not fail in this mission, Striga!" was all she said before flying out into the dark night.

~~~~~

Nagmora flew towards Silverveil. It was only a few hours' flight away from Striga's hollow. She had heard at some grog trees that there was a civil war in Silverveil, but the most powerful warlord was Le Diamant. Le Diamant would probably eventually rule Silverveil then. So she would go to the castle of Le Diamant, offer her services to him, and make him trust her. She would pretend to be a friend to him, and learn everything there was about him.

She smirked, hoping that she was becoming as evil and calculating as Striga. Even if the hagsfiend was pretty creepy, Nagmora looked up to her.

OOC: Kinda short. XP

[Strix Moonwing]

Strix stared down at the old Burrowing Owl, instantly not trusting him, mostly because of the disturbingly creepy smile upon his face. There seemed to be something not right with him.

“Mother will be very satisfied with my find. The two most powerful creatures in Ga’hoole…we haven’t had such important guests for a long time here.”

.....Slash that, there was definitely something not right about this owl. What in Glaux's name was he talking about? There was no way that the mother of this ancient-looking owl could still be alive. And how did he know that they were from Ga'Hoole? Who was this 'Mother' person?

"I'm sorry," Strix politely told the strange Burrowing Owl from the branches, "but my companion and I cannot stay to be guest for you and your...Mother. We have an important event to be getting to." Like a battle, the queen secretly thought. All she wanted to do right now was get back to her beloved Ga'Hoole and join her guardians in battle. Who knows what was going on right now back at the Tree? Were they winning? Was Fen alright? Had Bylyric and Vlad defeated Loki? Was there still any Tree left to save?

“I’m afraid I shall have to leave you two for a moment. But I know you two can entertain one another until I get back!” With that the strange, mental owl disappeared through the shadows of the forest, leaving Flametip and Strix alone once more.

Finally!

"Let's leave before he comes back." Strix told Flametip, "I don't want to stick around to see this 'Mother' he's talking about."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Be sure that you don't." Lady Striga whispered darkly, watching Nagmora leave through gleaming narrowed eyes. The hagsfiend merchant would have no choice but to succeed in this mission. Either that or never have a taste of one of Lady Striga's own personal potions.

“Mother!”

Lady Striga's thoughts were disrupted by the loud, scratchy voice that came from the hollow entrance. Her lovely honey-colored eyes momentarily flashed with anger. How dare someone burst into her chamber uninvited! However, her rage melted when she saw that it was just her most loyal servant- Altair. A sweetly-sick smile spread across her beak as a thought of how handsome the old owl would look a hundred years younger. Perhaps with a little bit of Morrigan's magic, she would have a male to play with until she hold of one of the Silverveil or Ambala rulers.

"Altair, my precious son," Lady Striga stroded forward as if walking on air, a lustful smile on her face as she approached the devoted Burrowing Owl. "What a pleasant surprise."

“You…the ritual worked? You look beautiful, Mother!”

Her devious smile grew. Just what she wanted to hear- beautiful compliments. Of course, the compliments would spill with every male that saw her. Still, it never got old. It was clear by the look in the old owl's eyes that he had been snared by her beauty and power. Perhaps she should give him a little taste of what would be in store for him if he continued to be a loyal servant to her and the dark goddess.

With a toying flip of her hair feathers, she leaned in close to Altair's face and gently stroked his cheek with her feathers. "Tell me, my most loyal son, what brings you into my chambers?" She word dripped like honey from her lips, slow and sweet, just for him.

[TurquoisePheonix]

"I...I..." Altair looked into Striga's eyes, hypnotized by their yellow glow, the beauty pof her dark feathers, and he felt an intense desire deep within him, a very unfamiliar one. He sighed as she stroked his cheek - he wished he wasn't quite so old; perhaps he would have a chance? No, no, that was too foolish a thought to even consider. How could he, even if he was younger, have a chance with such a perfect, beautiful creature? Still, he knew what he wanted. Altair had fallen right into her trap, and she was exactly what he wanted. He wanted her, more than he had ever wanted anything in his whole life, or at least that he could remember. Her smell had gone from that of an ancient, vile hag to a flowery natural perfume - with her touch, he felt invigorated, felt his old, hollow bones become filled with life, but it did not last. Still, she contineud to stroke his cheek - even her words seemed beautiful. Her breath smelled strange, but most certainly not in a bad way - like all of the beautiful, pretty scents in the world combined.

Next, he fell to her talons, as he always did, his feathers a crumpled, dirty heap, nothign compared to her. He would kiss her talons before speaking to her - it was custom, of course. His clouded mind was cleared, but not to what was truly going on. Only to the beauty and perfection of the female before him. As he usually did, he bent forward, his beak making contact with one of her talons. He stopped - before, he had revered her, but now, she was more than a Goddess, something far greater, something ineffable. She was perfection, no, more perfect than perfection. As his beak made contact with the talon, he inhaled deeply. It smelled like a sea breeze. Instead of moving his beak to her other sets of talons like usual, he moved it to the next claw over, kissing this one, too. This one smelled like fresh strawberries. The next, the grass after a rainfall. He repeated this process, lauding over her talons.

"Mother, I have found the two Ga'hoolians." He said after bowing to her countless times and kissing each claw. He looked at the beautiful hagsfiend, the angel.

"Flametip and Strix Moonwing are here in the Forest, Mother, I can bring them here..." He continued to stare at her. His next words were perhaps slightly random, but it summed up everything on his mind.

"May I touch your face, Mother?" He requested, shrinking away slightly - he was fearful that he would be requesting too much.

~

"Er...yeah." Flametip agreed quietly. He looked at Strix. "Please, Queen, stay behind me...ugh." He sighed as Strix flew ahead of him, in the opposite direction. He loved her so much, but she could be so difficult. Didn't she see that he was just trying to protect her? He sighed, flying after her.

"Strix! We have to stick together! Please! I love you!" He called.

(OOC: Flamey's is way short...but gimme some more interaction next time. XD)

[Strix Moonwing]

Hundreds upon thousands of years of perfecting her powers of trickery and deceit were the only things that kept the delicate, beautiful smile upon her beak and she, herself, from yarping up her lunch upon the head of ancient owl as he threw himself before her and started to kiss her talons. She wanted nothing more than to jerk away from his touch, but she knew better. Yes, the time to be violent and bloodthirty was not now. She would have to keep back these urges as only the Queen of Deceit could.

So instead of showing disgust and revulsion, she continued to stroke his greasy, dull feathers, her dark eyes luring him on. She needed his utmost devotion and loyalty so that she and the dark goddess would have the support of the Hashishin. The more followers, the better. Soon the Morrigan's reign would swept like a dark tide across every forest until not even the sun itself would be able to shine through their shadows. As Morrigan's High Priestess, it would be Striga that would rule over all in her goddess's name. None would be powerful enough to stop her, not even Glaux himself.

"Mother, I have found the two Ga'hoolians." Lady Striga barely raised a feather at this news. Two Ga'hoolians got lost all the time in these parts doing their little experiments. If they weren't of any use, then they would end up at food for her followers or as a blood sacrifice to Morrigan.

However, his next words felt like a thunderbolt had struck down upon her.

"Flametip and Strix Moonwing are here in the Forest, Mother, I can bring them here..."

"Queen Moonwing is here?" Lady Striga hissed, for once, losing her control. Her dark eyes gleamed with undisguised hatred and loathing towards the Ga'Hoole Queen. Just the sound of the vile female's name made Lady Striga want to slash open the nearest creature and watch their life's blood spill before her. That usually calmed her down at least. Flametip, she had heard of this one too. Some crows and raven mentioned him as the Phoenix now, for his blazing red wings. Two of the most important figures of Ga'Hoole here, alone, in the Shadow Forest....together?

"Oh, how deliciously foolish." Striga chuckled darkly, eyes narrowing with pleasure that replaced the surprised rage she had felt a moment before. She heard Altair speak again.

"May I touch your face, Mother?" His voice was fearful, yet desperate and pleading.

She turned back to Altair, a strange gleam lighting up her opal eyes. A smile was on her beak, more dark and dangerous than that of a wildcat as she strolled before him.

"Is that what you truly want, my dearest Altair?" This was the first time she spoke his name. She hissed it out, barely above that of a whisper, but it seemed more loud than a shout. He nodded, shrinking back in fear even more.

She smirked at his response and silently began to whisper. Strange words flew from her beak, each bathed in the darkest of magic, filling the air with static and pressure. A dark aura covered Altair's ancient body and as the Striga fell silent, the aura disappeared. The dark sorceress's eyes gleamed with lustful pleasure at the result of her work.

No longer did Altair carry the body of an ancient owl but, with the help of Morrigan's magic, had been restored to the prime of his youth. The Burrowing Owl's brown feathers gleamed and his body stood tall with youthful strength. Now that he was much more pleasant for the eyes, Striga gracefully held the sides of his face and pulled him forward into a lustful, passionate kiss.

"Find those two," she heatedly whispered to Altair as she pulled away, "And bring them here alive." She gave Altair's cheek one last stroke and hissed. "Perhaps, then we can do much more than kiss."

With that she left him and strolled back into the private corners of her chamber. There was no way that Altair would fail her now, not after that. She smirked evilly at the look of pleasure on his face. Males were all the same. Toy with them and pleasure them and they would practically jump off a cliff if you asked. She would let Altair have his share of fun for now, just to ensure his loyalty and to keep her enterained until she could get to the new rulers of Silverveil and Ambala. From what she heard, both were males and thus, both kingdoms were doomed to fall under her clutches.

Then she thought of Queen Moonwing's companion....Flametip, the Phoenix. She couldn't help but smirk. The Phoenix....not a title that one gives to just any owl. The smile deepened and her eyes gleamed once again.

Tonight would be a fine night. Tonight would be the night that the Ga'Hoolian queen's blood spilled upon the altar of Morrigan and Lady Striga would have what she desire....in more ways than one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beneath the dark trees, a bush rustled and a silver head silently peered from an opening in the leafy froliage. Selena hardly dared to breath or move an inche as two crow noisily flew overhead. The silver-furred wolf waited until they had flown on before leaving her hiding place.

It was rare that the Selena, the silver wolf that stood as Guardian of the Palace of Mist, left her hidden sanctuary. When Bane had died two months ago, she was left to fill in the position as Knower and to guard and take care of the secret place. It was the single light that shone on in the Shadow Forest, now more than ever. Selena had once loved Shadow Forest- it was a place of quiet mystery that few were able to appreciate. However, now it felt like a prison. An evil darkness had fallen over the forest and now there were enemies behind every tree. The Palace of Mist was the only safe place for Selena, one that she wouldn't leave for the world.

Then why had she left her sanctuary? Why had she left behind the comfort of her books and the sound of bells chiming? The ancient scent of Others and the warmth of stone walls? The moist feeling of mist curling at her paws and the vibration of water tumbling from the falls? These were all questions that filled the silver wolf's mind as she questioned her actions. However, she already knew the answer. She left because she knew she had to. Selena was born with a sixth sense, a feeling of knowing what one must do even if it made no sense. Long ago, it had told her to leave the MacDuncan pack and go south. She had followed without question and found the Palace of Mist. Now it told her to go into the forest. It was where she had to be.

"Great spirits, please help me not get caught by these demons." She whispered, eyes lifted upward towards the heavens. It was times like this that made her miss her older brother, Solar. She knew that he was well and happy, back with their pack. Perhaps he even had a mate by now? A faint smile of amusement spread across her muzzle at the thought. Like any female would ever be able to put up with her brother!

Her triangle ears flickered at the sound of voices coming towards her. She flinched and stood with fangs bared, tense and ready either fight or flee. However, too her surprise, what she saw wasn't followers of Striga. They were Ga'hoolians!

"Queen Moonwing!" She gasped.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Queen Strix neither turned nor made an sound or gesture to show that she had heard Flametip's words. To tell the true, she was merely ignoring them and everything else that Flametip was calling out to her. She just coldly stared straight ahead at the direction she was flying in.

Once, hearing the words 'I love you', from Flametip would have filled her with warmth and happiness, but now they were nothing more than an annoyance that reminded her why she was in this situation. It was because of Flametip's over-protective affections that she was stuck here in this Glaux-forsaken forest, miles away from the Guardians that needed her most at this moment.

Strix made up her mind right then and there- she was flying back to Ga'Hoole either Flametip liked it or not. She would fight him if he tried to stop her. She was the Queen and Flametip had no right to force her away from battle. She needed to stand by her guardians' sides with them either they live or die. She knew now that her heart belonged at the Tree and that it was her destiny to protect it at all cost. If Flametip could not understand it like Liberwill had, then...perhaps....they were not meant to be after all.

The Queen unexpectedly stopped and landed upon one of the branches. Without warning, she whirled around to face Flametip, her dark eyes cold and serious.

"Flametip, I'm going back to the Tree." Strix's voice had lost all its warmth as she spoke to him. "I'm going back to fight with my Guardians. Whether I live or die is up to Glaux, but I will not run away again. They need me more than you do, Flametip." She paused to let the words sink in before continuing, her voice as hard as steel.

"I only want to know whether you will come with me. If not, then do not try and force me to stay. I will fight you if you do." The queen was not making a threat, but a promise. Nothing would keep her back away from defending her Guardians...not even Flametip. This was her test for him.

[TurquoisePheonix]

Altair heard his 'mother's hiss, and he felt fear rise up within him. He shrunk back somewhat, but still nodded. He wanted Striga - it was an effect she had on many. Creatures that shouldn't even be attracted to an avian, such as squirrels or even mice, could find themselves attracted to her. But Altair wanted her and deserved her more than any of them! He was loyal, and he always made sure he did exactly as she said, word for word, and anything, from bowing at and kissing her talons to touching that beautiful, flawless face, if he could have just a little more of this drug, this goddess, he would be happy. There was a strange light in her eyes now, and Altair felt scared. The fear grew into raw terror as she began whispering words that a more sane Altair, the old Altair, would have recognized. But this Altair, this senile, ancient Burrowing Owl panicked. Was she going to punish his bold and rude words with a spell to harm him? Raising his wings defensively, he sputtered out apologies. "No, no! Mother, I am sorry, I am so very very sorry for my-" His voice was cut off as he felt a warming, comfortable sensation wash over him, rather than the cold, painful one that he expected. It felt so very nice. He felt strange. Like energy was slowly entering him, energy that had long been lost to time. He felt stronger, power entering him slowly.

And then, he blinked. He was taller, stronger. Younger. He was...he was himself, but minus a hundred years! He was young! He looked at his mother, wanting to thank her so badly, but she had closed the distance between them and locked her beak with his. If he had been invigorated and gleeful before, now he felt bliss and charged with an energy that only the Lady Striga could give. He felt those things, and more. Lust for the creature before him, a lust that only she could invoke. He blinked as she separated from him and gave him orders, along with a promise. A promise of things to come. All his fantasies could become a reality now. Finally, he could have her! He could have the most beautiful avian in the Southern Kingdoms, no, surely in the world! He stood there for a few seconds more, disbelief and wonderment filling his body. He stared at her.

"Thank you, my love." He whispered, the new word feeling strange on his tongue. She was...his love. And now, he could have her, or at least her body. All he had to do was bring her two owls, neither of whom could hope to match his power in his current state of excitement. "I will not fail you." He said, his voice no longer cracked and old. This time, it was youthful, and invigorated with his own promise of prisoners. It would not be hard, he told himself. What would be difficult, however, was waiting long enough to get the prisoners and back without exploding with his need for Striga. Perhaps he was foolish, to have fallen under her spell, or perhaps when she set her eyes upon him, it had been unavoidable. In any case, she was far more dangerous than he had realized, but now, it was far too late.

~

"Strix..." Flametip whispered her name quietly, looking at her with hurt eyes. She would really fight him? She didn't need him? He looked at her, many emotions flashing through him. Liberwill...what would he do? What did the old King want him to do? He needed to know, if only so that he could make the right decision. He closed his eyes, thinking, hoping that maybe, his spirit would come to him, as it had before. But this place was too dark. Flametip felt his wing burning in pain now. It was dangerous here. But was it safer here, or at Ga'hoole? Was it truly safe anywhere anymore? Wars were going on in Ambala and Silverveil, and there were rumours of trouble starting in Tyto and the Beaks as well. Kuneer was plagued with the remnants of the Hashishin, the faction that had split when Altair tried to lead them to Striga, the organization now cut in two. Where could she really go where it was safe? Nowhere was truly safe any more. He sighed, looking at her.

"I...Strix..." Her words had hurt him, but he could not respond angrily. Instead, he felt distraught. They were simple words to say, but hard to take back. Perhaps she would regret them later, but right now, she felt no remorse. He wanted to be with her still. But now she hated him for taking her away.

"Liberwill...he...he wanted me to protect you, Strix. When the battle started, I was near his burial hollow..." Flametip admitted, reverting to his quiet, timid self. He looked at the Queen, wondering if she would believe him at all. "He said he loved you, Strix. And that I had to keep you safe..." Flametip said.

"But..." Flametip paused. There was so much confusion in all of this. What would Liberwill want him to do? Try and convince her to stay away from danger? Move her somewhere else? He did not know, but he did not have much time to answer. He spoke finally.

"I...will accompany you back to the Tree...but you must promise me that you will do nothing rash." The 'Phoenix' said finally, dissatisfied, certain that his own decision had been the wrong one. He tried to smile at her, but then the world turned black and he fell from where he was to the ground.

"Oh, I do hope he is alright." Altair said, grinning madly at the Queen.

[Strix Moonwing]

"You...you saw him?" Strix, for a moment, seemed to wilf at Flametip's confession. Neither of them had to speak of what she meant. The queen was referring to her late mate's scroom. It was not unusual for the scroom of a deceased owl to visit another, especially when they still had unfinished business to take care of. But why, Strix sorrowfullyy wondered, had Liberwill chose to visit Flametip instead of her?

Flametip's timid voice continued on. "He said he loved you, Strix. And that I had to keep you safe..."

Strix's heart skipped a beat and a lump painfully rose in the back of her throat. "He was there..." she whispered in a soft voice, mostly to herself. Her heart felt like it was about to shatter with grief. Liberwill's had wanted Flametip to protect her. Even in glaumora, her beloved mate was still watching over her.
Tears pricked the back of her eyes- it was like she had lost Liberwill all over again.

"But..."

Strix swung her bowed head to face her friend again, blinking back the unshed tears in her black eyes.

""I...will accompany you back to the Tree...but you must promise me that you will do nothing rash."

Relief, sweet relief and gratitude washed over Strix at Flametip's declaration. She was glad that her friend finally understood how much it meant for her to be back at the tree. A sliver of shame filled her gizzard as she recalled the harsh words she had spoke to him before. Strix did not want to be angry anymore -especially not with Flametip.

"Thank you," Strix sincerely said, reaching out with one wing so that her feathers briefly brushed with his. A single tear fell from her sable eyes. "This means more to me than you'll ever know."

At that instant, their moment of bliss was interrupted when out of the night, a large Burrowing Owl came bursting through the treetops and rammed into Flametip, knocking him in the head with a strong talon.

"FLAMETIP!" Queen Moonwing shrieked in shocked rage when she saw her friend fall to the ground. Ignoring the grinning owl, she lifted her wings and took off from her branch and soared to the ground where Flametip laid.

"Flametip, oh, Flametip, please be alright!" Strix ran her beak through his chest feathers, trying to hear or feel a heartbeat. "Oh Glaux, I beg you, I've lost Liberwill already, please don't let me lose Flametip as well!" She didn't think she could bear it if she lost another loved one.

She almost cried in relief when she heard a heartbeat. He was alright! Then she remembered the strange Burrowing Owl and looked up at him in the tree. He looked just like the other one they had seen in the Shadow Forest but much, much younger.

Rage filled her gizzard when she thought about the harm he had just caused and she shouted up at him.

"Leave us alone, you mad bird! What do you want from us?"