Orangemoon lightning filled the sky. Sheets of electricity flashed and dazzled, leaving afterimages of stars and stripes blurring the vision of any who dared to stare at the approaching storm. The clouds churned and rumbled, as if propelled by some galactic wave. Dusk had fallen, yet the sky retained a brilliant violet hue, broken only by the white-bright brilliance of electric light. Rain had not yet begun to fall, but it would soon, for the air was thick with moisture.

A creature perched upon a lone rock, on one of the cliffs. Mists danced and swirled, as if trying to imitate the bubbling thunderheads above. The creature was large - nearly the size of a bear, but with the appearance of an owl. Its colouring was nearly as impossible as its size; feathers adorned with gold covered a body that seemed to be comprised of royal purple. Enormous claws held onto the rock, as the creature perched easily - large golden eyes reflecting the lightning that continued to dazzle above. The owl waited. He had already invaded the mind of the Queen of these lands, gently calling to her to climb up the cliffs to where he waited. Simultaneously, he gently pushed away the minds of those who might be tempted for a midnight stroll. Tonight was only for him, then Queen, and the other.

@[Kahlua]

Intelligent eyes surveyed the Queen gently as she moved closer. She had bid his call, as he knew she would. He had been watching her - an amazing feat for a creature of his size to be sure. It had all started during Aurelia's challenge. The creature had been nearby at the time, and had watched the challenge with interest. He heard Kahlua's protests to be apart of such a mockery, and ultimately watched as her reluctance to hit back began to crumble. The truly intriguing part, came when Kahlua's hooves ended the life of the youngling snake who had, rather prematurely, been brought into the battle, and the aftermath that followed. The tears shed by the Queen, and the council she sought to try and reconcile her actions. A bird had told him of her visit of the Goddess, and the advice given there, although the smaller avian informant didn't believe that Kahlua had been fully convinced by the Goddess' cold logic.

It was because of this, because of the Queen's inability to simply harm another even when it was called for, justified, or needed, without bearing the weight upon her soul, that she knew she was the one.

She would watch over the other.

"Hello Queen." He responded in a conversational tone. His accent hinted at lands far beyond the Edge - possibly from the other side of the globe. He was well mannered and appeared kind, as his head tilted slightly, silently inviting her to him.

"Your services are required Queen. You, and you alone have been called on for this task, though I must warn you - " He paused, a smile appearing on his beak, as a golden-etched wing slowly pulled back. Therein, cushioned softly and cozily in his feathers, was a pale egg. The shell gave off a light iridescent sheen, that glistened as he moved it before him, holding it under the lightning filled skies. "-it is a task of a lifetime. Will you accept?"

He waited patiently as she retreated to gather her basket, silently musing to himself as he watched the lightning flare overhead. Once she returned, laying the basket before him, his attention fell easily upon her once again. Unseen ears took in her question with a mild amusement - of course she would ask such a thing. He appeared to ignore her, though not rudely, as he set about his task. A razor sharp beak directed itself towards the feathers that adorned his wing and inner stomach, gently pulling out a few feathers here and there. Some were deeply stained with purple, will others bore the golden filigree that lined only his outermost feathers. Humming softly to himself, he dropped these into his basket, created a soft nest for the egg to be placed into. Looking down at his work, and nodding to himself, his golden gaze rose resting upon her once again.

"Because you already do, Kahlua." He answered simply, his confidence in her ability gently lacing each of his words. "Of this, I have no doubt."

Smiling to her, his wings suddenly rose from his sides. Softly, and in near silence, he took to the air. Lightning thrashed above, illuminating the brilliant of his feathers, as he disappeared down the rocky cliff-face, and into the stillness of the evening.