Guide Me [Genesis/Xeria - Quest]

[Fin Cirri]

He moved slowly, blue paws sinking deep in the sand with each step he took. Perhaps he was not the largest creature in all of Drift, but he had been considered large for his species in his family group. But they were far behind him. He sighed softly as he came to a stop, focusing down on his paws as the sand shifted and rolled over on top of them. The tan coloring stood in stark contrast to the blue of his fur, but the water that washed up to lick at his claws matched them rather nicely. His blue gaze became quickly distracted with the water, and he stood still for several minutes watching the waves wash up on the shore rhythmically. It was easy to get lost in, and only the sudden sound of something heavy and large landing on the dry sand behind him turned his attention back to the present. His long tail flicked, the thinned tip twitching back and forth for a few moments before he turned around. His form was slim and almost streamlined, making him look more similar to perhaps an otter crossed with a dog - if he knew of what such things were. The creature his eyes found behind him, however, was much different.

A pale dragon, enormous and towering over him at one moment and standing only a handful of feet larger than him the next, stood looking down at him with pale pink eyes. Almost instantly his rear dropped to the ground in a shocked sit, and his tail flopped next to him and sat still as he stared back up at her. For several minutes they just stared at each other, before Fin realized he was in the presence of a truly powerful god and his behavior was rude and inexcusable. So, as soon as he realized this, he dropped down in a bow-like crouch and flattened his ears back respectfully. "Goddess..." His words trailed off, for he did not truly know her name.

"Genesis."

The dragon completed for him. He swallowed nervously and nodded, thanking her for the introduction. "Goddess Genesis, I am Fin Cirri. It is an honor to be in your presence." He said, his words strong and yet wavering very slightly. She seemed to notice, because a small chuckle left her jaws before she lowered her head so that she could look at him directly.

"Please, there is no need to bow, my child. I have a quest for you, Fin Cirri."

Her voice was wonderful, so soft and sweet, and yet at the same time holding an incredible amount of power. After she spoke the words and he nodded mutely, he pushed himself back up into a sitting position carefully and watched her pull a large oval shaped egg from behind her. She set it carefully on the ground, and his blue eyes studied the ivory and gold shell. It was beautiful, with feather-like symbols traced all throughout it in what appeared to be pure gold. But he did not dare touch it. Instead his eyes watched it wriggle slightly before they ventured back up to the Dragon Goddess that stood above him. "What will you have me do, Goddess?" He asked softly, this time his voice full of wonder and curiosity. She smiled at the change in his tone, for she had watched him ever since his arrival on Drift. He was a curious one, and highly intelligent and strong as well. He truly was perfect for her task.

"You must take Xeria to Vaess, the island in the southern waters. Take her safely to the Kinetic Crystal so she may guard it alongside the gods Zoldor has already placed there."

Her explanation was slow, careful so that he would understand her completely. His duty was important, and as he stared at her for several moments, she tilted her head slightly. However, finally he opened his mouth to speak, and he gave her a small nod. "It would be my honor." And as he spoke the words, a crack formed at the top of the golden-decorated egg. It spread slowly, and then the egg shattered and pieces of the shell went flying in all directions. Fin flinched slightly, protecting his eyes carefully with a paw before he lowered it to look at the creature that now stood where the egg had been only moments before. The bird was beautiful, a stunning white, blue, silver, and gold, with bright golden eyes that seemed to study him curiously. "Xeria." He said softly, bowing his head to honor the new goddess as his tail wagged behind him. He stood carefully, moving forward to lower his head and gently nudge her right wing. It would be quite some time before she was able to fly on her own, and he would carry her if he needed to. She was much larger than average for a young bird of her age, but she was still thankfully a tad bit smaller than he was. He could carry her, as she stood only about half his height and likely weighed a small fraction of what he did.

( @Xeria )

[Xeria]

Her world was an array of muted colors with a haze of grey shadow due to her shell. The young Goddess knew not the moment of her conception, only that she was suddenly roused from a deep and peaceful sleep. Confined and no longer comfortably calm, she stirred until there was a startling crack in the air as everything changed for her.

Light blinded the little one and she gave a shriek. While the Goddess wasn't bald like normal baby birds, she was damp from the umbilical fluid of her shell. Staggering on taloned legs, the bird shook out her feathers as the great mighty creatures above her spoke with one another. She was focused on preening herself, disturbed by the state of her feathers. She only made her self aware of the other two when her name was spoken by the blue one. Her name was hers and she knew it deep down in her bones even without realizing it.

She looked up suddenly, head cocking as he moved towards her after bowing his head. A light hiss escaped and her head darted forward as she gave the male a sharp peck on the nose for nudging her right wing. She side stepped away from him, chest puffing with wariness and indignation. She tried to flap her wings and ended up falling backwards onto her back where she began to flail about in a squawking and shrilling fit as she struggled to right herself.

( @Fin Cirri )

[Fin Cirri]

To be honest, he did not know what he expected. However, if he were to imagine it he was certain that it would not have been what had actually happened. The sharp peck to his nose made him flinch and pull his head backwards quickly, but almost just as quickly he leaped forward to immediately aid her. "It's alright, Xeria, I'm here to help you. I'm Fin." He said, his face gentle and kind, and his word soft and hopefully comforting. He lowered his head behind her, gently using his nose and muzzle to right her so that she would no longer struggle. Then he sat down beside her and sank down into a laying position. She was small compared to the dragon that had presented her to him, but she was still perhaps just a bit smaller than a normal full grown male eagle. But this bird was most definitely a female, and she would indeed grow much. He had no doubt that she would be an impressive creature someday - not that she was not already. As she cleaned herself he noted the gold color throughout her feathers, and he smiled slightly.

His eyes sought out the Dragon goddess behind him, but she was gone. He stared at the spot she had been sitting in minutes before and frowned. How had she taken off and flown away without him noticing? But he soon turned his attention back to Xeria and smiled. "The Dragon Goddess Genesis has asked that I escort you to Vaess to meet with the other Kinetic guardians." He said, still laying beside her, hoping that his lowered form would put her more at ease. "If you would like, you can rest on my back and shoulders while I walk and swim." He said, somehow knowing that she would be able to understand him and perhaps even talk to him in the common language. Aureus had their own language, as did the lupus and the Equus and all the other species of Drift, but among them was a common language that most creatures knew and understood. It was how Genesis had spoken with him only a few minutes before.

( @Xeria )

[Xeria]

The world was vast and Xeria was absorbing it all quickly. Every ray of light and the way it danced against different surfaces. The colors that light made, the way shadows danced. Xeria adored the warmth of the sun on her feathers as they already began to dry. A breeze sweetened with the taste of freshwater towards the inland made her feathers ruffle up then settle more comfortably. The sharp taste of salt tickled her tongue and now that she was being lifted from the sand. She was grateful, frantically preening herself again for a moment until she realized that Genesis was gone.

More than that, she realized she understood Fin. A bit of guilt filled Xeria for pecking the males nose. All he's done is show her respect and appreciation since he came here to receive her. And now he went as far as lying down next to her. To wait? Until she was ready to leave? Maybe to appear smaller? Whatever the reason, the Goddess slowly turned around and her beak moved with thoughtfulness. She shook out her feathers but still felt sand digging into her skin beneath the feathers. "How is your nose, gentle one? She asked quietly, ignoring his words for a moment as she wanted to speak to him. The rest of the world could wait, she was a Goddess after all.

She had the greatest desire to leave this place and go to where a crystal called to her heart and soul to protect it. But she also felt drawn to Fin in a way that gave her pause. Provided her calm as her body continued to rapidly absorb the world surrounding them both. "Does it hurt? she hopped forward awkwardly. Hissing at the way she sank into the sand. It was unnerving as she lifted one foot and then the other to uselessly shake off the sand while also trying to convince herself to ignore it. She needed to ignore it. She shouldn't be so bother by sand of all things. The frustration could be seen in her golden orbs as she peered at Fin's nose to investigate whether or not she's left a mark.

( @Fin Cirri )

[Fin Cirri]

The blue male relaxed and allowed the wind to soothe his muscles along with the soft sound of the waves crashing in the distance. It was peaceful, beautiful, and he was certain it would be a lovely way to begin one's life. Was this truly the beginning of Xeria's? He did not know, for Genesis had not remained there long enough to answer all his questions. Still, he supposed that was simply the way of the gods. His blue eyes made their way back to the goddess's form as she spoke, a small smile creeping across his features. "My nose is fine, Goddess." He said softly, brushing his pale blue nose passively with his paw before setting it back down in front of him. His tongue swiped over it gently and though it was a bit raw and sore, it was nothing that he could not handle. After a few moments it was already less uncomfortable and he offered her a sweet and reassuring smile. "How are you feeling? It would probably be best if we found a place to sleep here for tonight before we start the journey across the water. We could even rest for a few days if you are tired." He said, letting his tail thump lightly in the sand beside him. His tail, unlike that of many other Aureus he knew, was slim and streamlined, with the fur clinging to it instead of fluffing out from it towards the ground beneath him.

After a few minutes passed and he was certain she was comfortable with him, he carefully pushed himself up onto his paws. Then he put a small distance between them and shook himself, freeing most of his fur of the sand that had stuck to him when he stood. Then he returned to her, offering her a small smile and tilting his head curiously. "If you would like, I could carry you until we find a safe place." He said, crouching down slightly so that it would be easy for her to hop on his back and settle herself in to get comfortable if she wanted. She had to be tired, after all, it was her first time out of her egg as far as he knew and already she looked rather overwhelmed. It would take her time to adjust, and he could not help but wonder if it would be best to wait at least a few more days before attempting to cross the water. It would not be an easy crossing, and though he was naturally attuned to swimming and enjoying the waters, he did not want to put her through something like that so quickly. They were in no rush, after all, and he would protect her with his life until they got her to the crystal.

( @Xeria )

[Xeria]

Seeing that her newfound companion was not worse for wear, Xeria could let her guilt go and relax a little. Whether she had appreciated the unexpected touch or not. She didn't need to be rude, did she? The Goddess's thoughts were unfocused as the excitement from her first breaths of life invigorated her yet exhausted her at the same time. Dragging her back and forth from eager to irritable with her sleepiness tugging at her muscles and bones. It showed with the constant clicking of her beak and how her feathers would not settle neatly on her still somewhat sticky form. It would take some fresh water and at least two hours of preening before she was comfortably cleaned. How could the beast before her stand the way sand seemed to cling like claws hooked in flesh? It was absolutely maddening!

Watching the way Fin moved and spoke was intriguing enough that she didn't have to focus miserably on her current state of filth too much. Her wings unfolded when the males tail began to swish the sand but she calmed down as she considered things. "I am tired. But I am hungry as well." Xeria admitted as she kept her golden gaze fixated in Fin even though the entire world was calling to her. Restlessly she shifted her weight from one taloned foot to the other. The differences between her and Fin were fascinating as he stood up and padded away from her. At first alarming her until she saw him shake off sand. Sighing in relief, the Goddess craned her neck one way and then the other as he came back to her. She would have been quite upset if he had just suddenly left her behind. It bothered her that such a feeling was there. There was a wildness inside her that needed no one and fretted at the idea of being coddled.

Without another word, Xeria took one moment to assess Fins frame then she waddled forward with as much grace and dignity as she could muster. Her beak opened and her neck stretched forward. Taking a tuff of the male's fur, she used it to pull herself up, talons sinking into and grabbing at fur and flesh alike. She scrambled, wings flailing out, one smacking Fin in the face by accident as she managed to right herself. Almost losing her balance she shrieked but with a few flap of her wings she became balanced at last. Now she was most certainly a disheveled mess. Her heart was a fluttering mess. "Take me somewhere away from sand!" she hissed with a disgruntled huff. She was clinging quite tightly to his fur.

( @Fin Cirri )

[Fin Cirri]

He had to admit, the way she was all flustered and disgruntled was perhaps a bit adorable. But he would not dare say such a thing out loud, and to a goddess no less. He watched her quietly before he nodded when she spoke of being tired and hungry. Yes, it would be best if they did not leave for a few days. She would need her strength. The way she struggled to climb onto his back told him everything he needed to know. But he was not focused on that, for the feeling of her beak and talons digging into his flesh and fur made him wince and brace himself to keep still until she had settled. His cheek was a bit raw from where her surprisingly hard wing had struck him, but he would be fine. He smiled as she hissed and huffed on top of him, and then he carefully began to walk away from the water and towards the nearby trees. He was certain there was a river in the territory, and he could easily take her there to clean up while he hunted something for them to eat. "Alright, there is a river nearby you can rest at and clean the sand from your feathers in while I find us something to eat." He said, really struggling to keep the good-natured chuckle from his voice.

His tail swayed back and forth behind him as he walked, though he did not move too quickly because he did not want to dislodge her from her perch on his back. Odds are the picture of the two of them together was fairly odd, but Fin did not mind if others judged him for it. He was just glad that he had a purpose that was for the good of all of those with Kinetic powers - which he knew he also boasted. But he had not yet discovered exactly which branch of abilities she would be nurturing. Surely they would discover at some point, and until then he would patiently protect her and travel with her to Vaess. When they reached the crystal he was certain she would be ready, and he just silently prayed to the Dragon gods that he would be strong enough to make the long journey with her on his back without tiring. It was an impressively long swim, and though it was not impossible, there were surely unknown dangers in the waters if he were to take too much time swimming there.

It took him only a few minutes to reach the trees and only about ten or so more minutes before he spotted the water. He smiled and sighed softly as he made his careful decline down to the edge of the water, where he slowly laid down on his belly so that she could hop off of him. Once she was on the solid ground beside him he lifted himself back up, shaking his body slightly to free his muscles from the awkward cramping that her talons had caused. He would have to get used to that, and he was certain he eventually would. "I am going to hunt. Will you be alright here for a short while alone?" He asked, anxious to leave her so soon. Then his eyes moved to the water curiously. "Actually, never mind on that. If you don't mind eating fish, that is." He said quickly, offering her a smile before he trotted up to the water. Then he closed his eyes, dipping a single paw into the water in front of him. It took a few minutes, but as he took a deep breath and then exhaled heavily, a pair of fish shot out of the water and flopped to the ground beside her.

( @Xeria )

[Fin Cirri]

Her compliment of his fur's softness made him smile, but he was focused. When she squawked at him for sending the fish in her direction, he simply chuckled softly and watched her calmly. He was not one to be easily goaded into an argument, and it was simple for him to let her words and accusations roll of his shoulders like water. He pulled himself away from the water, moving towards the female and smiling as she killed the first, and then the second before she looked up at him and announced that she had killed one for him. His tail wagged back and forth slowly behind him as he closed the distance between them, placing himself carefully between her and the forest so that she stood near the water where he was certain they could easily see dangers if they approached before they came close. "Thank you, Goddess. That was very thoughtful of you." He said, and though some creatures might have said such a thing with sarcasm, he truly meant every word. He had initially meant for he to eat both of the fish, but he was grateful that it seemed she was offering him one instead.

He tilted his head and his tail wagged a bit faster as she complimented his cleverness, and his smile widened. "Are you sure you do not want them both? I can always hunt something in the woods for myself later." He said, unsure of how much food she really needed. He wanted to make sure that she was not sacrificing anything for his sake. He would be alright either way, and he would do his very best to make sure that she made it to the island of Vaess safely. She was a strong young bird, and he knew there was much more to her than what he had seen in other birds before. She was a Goddess, after all, and with time she would develop amazing powers and abilities that he could only dream of. "Once you have eaten we can look for a place to sleep for the night. I know most birds typically sleep in trees or in nests, but I do not suppose you would be willing to share a den with me instead? That way I could keep you safe while we sleep and no one will find us." He said, frowning slightly as he sat down and thought things over. He knew she would most likely feel safest in the trees, but he could not protect her up there. Especially since he knew that there were so many species of predators that could fly or climb in the trees where he could not.

( @Xeria )

[Xeria]

Xeria was having trouble keeping track of time. For her, things felt still and unmoving. But the subtle crawling of the sun told another story as it traveled across the sky. They had a few hours left of daylight at most and then she would experience her first night of darkness.

Not that, that was on her mind. Not just yet. She was too preoccupied with her fascination for Fin and her sudden realization of what hunger was. The meat she took chunks from was absolutely mouth-watering. She ate rather quickly, eagerly tearing up the fish with her talons to get at every morsel she could jab her beak into.

She was getting used to and beginning to appreciate Fin as she watched him settle down near her and his fish. Lifting her head and swallowing a bit, she somehow managed to shrug her shoulders. "You can't protect me on an empty stomach or away hunting. So please. Eat." she lifted a taloned foot and gestured to the waiting meal at his paws. Xeria was figuring out that his swishing tail meant some form of happiness and she wanted to see that often. It made her feel needed, wanted. Important even. The feeling was good so why not want it more?

A breeze rustled her features and her head darted back to her meal as Fin continued. She nearly choked on a bit of fish as she began to laugh. She didn't understand why his worry about sleeping arrangements amused her but it did. Her wings unfurled a little as she laughed harder. "It's not like I have much else of a choice, now do I? I can't fly and certainly couldn't climb my way up there." Her left wing lifted to gesture the length of a nearby tree. "I do not picture you as a climber either. So its the ground for us, my blue friend." Xeria mused, voice tickled with warmth and a giggle.

To her, Fin was being silly and on purpose to make her smile. Whether he was not, didn't seem to matter. Xeria was quite charmed by the male. She did begin to wonder what Fin thought of her. She paused in her feast and cocked her head at him. Blinking for a moment she took a deep breath and finally brought herself to speak up. "Why are you helping me?" Xeria asked with a hint of seriousness in her tone.

( @Fin Cirri )

[Fin Cirri]

The blue male gave her a small smile and nodded when she told him to eat. And then he did just that. His nose lowered and he opened his jaws, tearing at the fish and carefully eating around the larger bones and unappetizing pieces. It did not take him long to finish, and when he did he groomed himself carefully. His fur was unique, altered quite perfectly for streamlined swimming and slicking away moisture that would normally cling to his coat. It was perhaps similar to the oil on a duck's feathers, though he had less of it. Instead he still got wet when he went swimming, but dried faster than most. When she laughed, his attention was brought back to the present and his large ears perked and his head tilted slightly as he looked over at her. Then a smile crossed over his muzzle and his tail wagged. He was glad she was in a good mood, even though she would be forced to sleep in a den with him instead of in her natural habitat. She did not seem to mind much, which he appreciated. It would make his job of protecting her that much easier.

Then she asked him a question, one that made him frown for a moment and crawl forward so that he could very gently nuzzle the soft feathers of her chest. He was careful not to mess them up, for he had seen how carefully she had been preening herself before. "The Goddess Genesis asked me to." He said plainly at first. But then he looked up at her from where he crouched in front of her on his belly. "But I also want to see you to where you belong safely. I would never be able to live with myself if you were harmed." He added, offering her a small smile. "I really like you, Xeria, and I know you will become a powerful and wonderful Goddess that my kind can worship and adore." He said, his tail wagging behind him before he shifted backwards so that he could sit up and look down at her. "I am your guardian, Goddess Xeria. But I would also like to be your friend." His words faded as he smiled down at her, his tail still wagging and his ears still perked curiously as he watched her.

( @Xeria )