BELLONA

Where she had once been concerned of the shire's lack of conviction, the bird can now be assured that her worry is for naught. Her direct ascent towards the giant has finally caused him to stir, and the nasty maiden is enthralled to find that her heartbeat has quickened in excitement. The thrill of the chase is pulling her into its unrelenting grasp, preventing her from perceiving the bay's laughter in a negative tone.

Normally a quiet creature, the peahen succumbs to the joyous chaos that her mind has become, allowing her feathers to flare up and pulsate in time with the beat of her heart. Has she finally found someone that she is willing to plot with? Someone who is deserving of prying into her deceptive mind, and sharing in her elaborate thoughts? But that is the extent of her celebration, for the bear's words have caused her usual brutal self to breach the surface of her pool of emotions.

You will learn soon enough that I only owe who I wish to owe. It is a silent threat that she is not quite ready to make, although she has a fierce desire to put the brute in his place. The hybrid is far too cunning to dive into such dangerous waters, however. There will come a time when the unicorn's demands will not be met by the bird, but she has a mind to keep her only ally. The pair of them still have much to discuss.

Postponing that conversation for another day -- perhaps when the bear has sobered? -- the peahen spreads her wings and launches herself towards the heavens, wrenching her tail free from the bush that has captured it. Just because her new companion has to struggle through the purple-tinted field does not mean that she has to suffer.

+ After a long, and perilous journey to the Falls... +

The bird has reacquainted herself with her land-bound guide, her wings tucked in neatly at her vibrant sides. She has taken in as much of the scenery as she can in an attempt to imprint any important landmarks on her mind. Too many days have been wasted in search of this very place, and the chieftess has no intention in throwing away any more of her time. It has been moons since she has last taken part in battle, and she fears that if she is to be challenged now she may not be capable of defending herself. Perhaps it will be best to turn away from spars for a time, or at least until the warrior regains her prowess.

It is weakness to win the war yet flee the battle. Alecto's words ring clearly through her cranium, and Bellona is disgusted with herself for entertaining the idea of denying any challenge. It is simply against her nature. Gods do not cower in fear when they think they have lost. My people did not flinch at the thought of death when they chose to protect me.

The peahen's eyes burn like the flare of the sun on that day. Even the briefest of memories can cause her blood to boil. It is a good feeling, this rage, but she has no need to be angry now. The Addict has brought her to the Falls, and he has already announced their arrival.

Her orange stare scrutinizes the area, taking in the lush green foliage and mist-stricken air surrounding them. The spray from the barely-visible waterfall ahead of the waiting beasts carries the broken image of a rainbow, but the maiden does not welcome it. It is far too hot for the moisture to be appreciated, and the humidity of the air makes the bird's feathers droop. The scenery is lovely to look at, but there is no comfort to be found from the illusion.

What a suitable residence for those with brutality hidden beneath beauty.


Walking "Talking"