[F\I/G\H/T] or [F|L|I|G|H|T]
Dec 6, 2010 18:36:39 GMT -5
Post by Stare on Dec 6, 2010 18:36:39 GMT -5
The icy wind pulls my bright red hair back, out of my face. I shiver, but don't dare bring my arms in to keep myself warm. Athena's talons would rip my jacket, and maybe some skin. Not that I'm blaming her. It's not her fault they're so sharp.
The trees loom over me, dark and slightly mysterious. The sun has fallen below the horizon, but the sky still has a dim blue glow to it. The dead grass crunches beneath my black boots, and Athena shifts restlessly. I bring my other hand up, lightly stoking her feathers and murmur soothing words.
I can almost feel the temperature dropping. Only foolish people come out at night when it's this cold. Foolish people, or little girls with demanding fathers. I deserved it, though. I put off training Athena too long.
My bruise aches so much, though, it's impossible to ignore. Maybe he could have been a little more gentle, though. Recent experiences have taught me that not all people live the life I do. And I can't help but dream of a life like theirs. A life where I don't get bruises on a daily basis.
Finally, we reach a small area that is free of trees. I stare up at the sky, which has become much darker than when I set off. Athena and I will both have trouble.
I begin to coo her name softly. "Athena... Athena..."
She begins to move on my arm, and I reach over and take off the silver helmet that I make her wear so she doesn't get scared when we move.
With a loud screech, she launches up, into the sky.
"Shhhh!" I scold her. "Shh!"
I pull out the stick with a rabbit skin attached to it by a long string. I begin to swing the in around in wide circles. Athena dives down silently, desperately trying to dig her claws into her "prey". She lets out another screech of frustration when I swing it away at the last minute.
"Quiet!" I shout, even though I know she doesn't know what I'm saying. "You won't catch anything if you keep screeching like that!"
But I'm smiling on the inside. Training birds is one thing I actually enjoy in my life. Suddenly, the cold air doesn't matter. The bruise vanishes. I throw my head back to watch Athena shoot upward, my eyes wide and shining. I'm never this way in public. But something happens when I'm alone, with Athena.
I come alive.