Audubon

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A U D U B O N Windsinger's Feather Collector Mistral Jamboree 2018

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~ Wise words from Audubon ~ "He will cover you with feather armor and under his service you will find really great friends."

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____ Who is Audubon? Audubon was born on a fine spring day in the Zephyr Steppes. He spent his childhood flying kites and playing in the clouds. He was cared for by the whole clan, so he has no distinct memories of a set family. As an adolescent, he found himself in the service of Windsinger, and Audubon began working with others of the Windsinger's Realm to carry out the deity's requests. He hunted feathers with remarkable enthusiasm, and was very grateful to Windsinger for letting him continue to follow his passions. Audubon happened to find his new lair on a weary search for a Dusk Swan's wing feather. The clan let him stay the night, and the next, and eventually they asked if he wanted to stay indefinitely and help the clan out. Audubon, having not had a permanent home for many seasons, thought it was a great opportunity and he settled down with Aello. Audubon's feather collection continues to slowly grow. After his heart-to-heart talk with Windsinger, Audubon's feathers and collected spices began to disappear in bundles whenever his satchel grew full. After a brief moment of panic and a reassuring note from the Windsinger, Audubon went back to what he was doing and helping the clan by going on hunts, leading forage crews, and sorting the clan's hoard. His reassuring connection to Windsinger has brought a rebounding time of peace, prosperity, and relaxation to all who encounter him. After Windsinger's Realm and then the desperate apology search for feathers, Audubon is slowly re-learning how to relax and take it easy. He speaks less with the Windsinger, but has never-ending and often humorous stories about his feather hunts for any hatchling who asks.

BEST FRIEND . Aello Stormcloud Harpy _________ _________

Audubon had always loved birds. His earliest memory was laying on his side in the nest, surrounded by siblings, an adult nearby, and staring at a couple of Zephyr Sparrows. Audubon had been captivated by their green color. He was told they were green because they could fly as high as the Windsinger, and they were very tasty.

These days Audubon still liked birds very much, maybe even more. He’d spent the past year trying to catch as many as he could and gather the most beautiful feathers of all sizes and colors. It was his penance, but, at the same time, it was not quite a punishment. He wasn’t sure he could have penance without it being a punishment, but he was also sure that Windsinger didn’t like actual punishments when it came to messing up.

And Audubon had messed up.

Mistral Jamboree was coming up again, and he knew this was his best chance to get a formal audience with Windsinger to complete his atonement. If he simply asked, Windsinger would probably just come get him and take him home, but Audubon knew he had messed up and wanted to do the right thing in the right way. This year he would not make the same mistake.

He’d eaten too much at the last Mistral Jamboree and been deep in a food coma when Windsinger collected the less strong flyers who needed help getting through the vortex around the entrance to Windsinger’s home. Audubon had missed his ride and been left in the Mortal Realm to fend for himself.

He was the premier Feather Collector for Windsinger, specializing in unique feathers imbued with magic and used to make the armor Windsinger gave the dragons that fought the Shade on Windsinger’s behest. Audubon figured if he just collected enough of all the different wondrous feathers on Sornieth, Windsinger would understand how sorry he was and how much he wanted to remain in service.

Audubon hated to admit it to himself, but the birds of the mortal realm were much more varied and interesting! This past year had been incredibly eye opening, not to mention he found the food was much better than in Windsinger’s realm. Those who served Windsinger ate well, there was just more variety here and the spices from distant lands, like the Ashfall Waste, were exciting! Windsinger didn’t always remember to bring home the more exotic spices from his travels for his kitchen staff. Not that Audubon and others had asked him to… more than once… every couple of weeks. But now he was just a short flight away from gathering anything he wanted for himself!

He had even visited his mother, well, the female who raised him! She was doing great, very proud of him, but still Audubon didn’t feel like he had enough feathers yet. He sorted through his collection by firelight as his dinner cooked. The checklist in his mind was nearly complete, now including many feathered creatures he hadn’t known existed: Java Sparrow feathers, Lovebird feathers, Jade Peacock feathers, Sweet Songbird feathers, Swan, several different hummingbirds, and so many more. He lost himself in the memories of each feather as he touched them.

“What are you doing?” a small female voice asked.

“Counting my feathers,” he answered as he twisted his beard with his pointer claw in thought.

“You’ve got a lot.”

“Mm,” he certainly agreed. “Not all of them, though. Not enough. There are still so many birds,” he gave a dreamy sigh. So many more to find! What an adventure. Some were incredibly tasty, too! Maybe he should wait another year to talk to Windsinger…

“You don’t look happy.”

“I am. Just not at the moment,” He knew he REALLY should get back to his duties with the Windsinger, especially since he was sure Windsinger wasn’t really mad. He wondered, not for the first time, if Windsinger had even noticed he was missing.

“Aw, it’s okay,” she said, and patted his paw.

“Thanks,” he huffed, then looked at the claws on his own. Who in the Many Winds was he even talking to? He finally looked up from his collection and memories to find a little Stormcloud Harpy! It didn’t surprise him to find one here in the Harpy’s Roost, but it did surprise him that one was actually talking to him.

“I like this one!” she trilled, and picked up a Jade Peacock tail feather. “I take.”

“I have two. It’s all yours,” he laughed, and watched as she incorporated it into her red dress. “Where are your parents?” He was certain a Harpy that small should still be under supervision.

“Watching the Roc,” she sung, and continued to look over his collection. “I am the first of my egg-sisters that can fly, so I sneak off a lot.”

“Isn’t that dangerous?”

“Sometimes, but I am top of my fight class, too,” she said with a shrug. He put his head on his paws so he could watch her better.

“Can I have one of your feathers?” he asked.

“That’s rude!” she squawked, and put a fist on her hip. Then she relaxed and laughed. “Not that you would know. Only special friends share feathers. But you did give me one of yours, so I guess it’s okay.”

“I’m Audubon,” he held out his hand in greeting.

“I’m Aello,” she chirped, ignoring his claws. She studied her feathers for a long time until finally she plucked one from her shoulder, and laid it with his collection. “Why do you collect so many feathers?” she asked. “ Are you friends with so many birds?”

“I-”

“Ooh, what is this?” she hopped to his campfire where two Poultrygeists cooking. He laughed again at her quick jumps in focus, so much like his own, feathers and food...

“Are you hungry? Would you like one?” At her excited fluttering, he plucked an appropriately small sized leg, and set it before her. “Careful, it is hot. Here.” He blew on it to cool it off. He had cooked it with some tasty Cliff Lions and Sweet Grass stuffing, a recipe his mother taught him. They ate in companionable silence, even as Audubon continued to worry about what he was going to do at the upcoming Mistral Jamboree.

“Oh no, it is raining!” Aello squeaked, bringing Audubon’s mind back to the moment. She scrambled to collect his feathers and put them in their pouch before they all got blown away. He extended a wing so she wouldn’t get soaked and they put the last few away together. The storm soon grew worse, so Aello tucked herself up under his folded wing to stay dry and warm by his side. The water didn’t bother Audubon, so he just curled up for the night, the rain taking care of the fire.

Around midnight, Audubon was roused by the storm going suddenly quiet and he opened his eyes to a gentle green glow and the soft sounds of bells.

:Doing well then?: Windsinger asked with a smug look. Audubon jerked in surprise, now wide awake, though not disturbing the little harpy he protected. Windsinger twisted lazily in a break in the dark clouds above Audubon. The storm raged around them, but now they were in the eye, where the bitter winds were peaceful breezes and the rain was blown away around them.

Audubon was flustered, “I-I’ve been working really hard to get you a suitable offering for this Mistral Jamboree, and-”

:Chill Audubon,: Windsinger hummed on a happy note. :Your feathers are wonderful. I’ve checked on you from time to time, but now, in honesty, I don’t think you should come back to the Realm.:

Audubon’s stomach dropped and his eyes widened as he stared up at his deity. “But I want to keep working for you, I-”

:You’re happy here! With the food and your bird studies. Now, I didn’t say leave my service, I just mean you can do it from here.: Windsinger nodded and smiled. :I am sure others will appreciate you collecting spices for us to try, just let me know so I can have someone pick them up.:

Audubon could not believe his ears. Was he dreaming? He pinched his shoulder. Well, that hurt, so he must be awake. Windsinger gave a quiet laugh and slipped his head down to look under Audubon's wing.

:The world could benefit from your careful study of birds. Besides, you have found your charge here.: Windsinger gestured to his wing where Aello was safely tucked away.

Windsinger’s words put Audubon at ease at the same time throwing his mind out of orbit. He’d never considered serving from the Mortal Realm. He hadn’t even realized he had made Aello his charge, but thinking about her now solidified a warm feeling in his chest. He did want to protect her and show her more of his collection, as well as learn more about the Harpies from her.

:The study of birds, the study of food, procuring trade deals, and working to form ties between the Harpy Beastclans and dragons? Especially those of the Windswept Plateau? I can hardly think of a better task for one of mine.: Windsinger hummed again. It was a soothing sound that made Audubon feel warm and safe. :If that is alright with you, of course.: Windsinger raised an eyebrow.

“I would like that, all of it, very much,” Audubon eagerly replied.

:In that case, I am going to offer you a boon.: Windsinger produced a scroll from thin air. Audubon accepted the gift from Windsinger’s large claws to his small claws.

Audubon unrolled it and saw it was a Skydancer Breed Change Scroll! He had never seen one before and eyed it with wonder.

:You always stare longingly at the Skydancers with their feathers. I think you need to try them for yourself.:

“Thank you,” Audubon whispered, his voice quiet with awe. It was true, Skydancers were more agile and graceful in the sky. He would finally be able to catch the fastest birds!

Windsinger hummed again. His spinning quickened. With the sound of happy windchimes, the Wind deity was gone. The storm moved back in, and continued its quest to soak he and his charge to the bone, but Audubon shifted to make sure Aello didn’t get wet.

Audubon had a task to do. He had a duty to share his research with the world, to continue it, and to make friends with Aello’s family. He was even more eager for all the food he was going to experience for the rest of his time in the Mortal Realm. And Mistral Jamboree was coming up again! He went back to sleep, dreaming of being a Skydancer and drooling over the roast birds he would cook...

C R E D I T S Bio template by @Levanaael & @Paintminion "Who is Audubon" written by @EverAthena Lore written by @xparapluiex and @Paintminion Trained to Level 25 by @Blackwyld MJ2018 Siganture Art by @KKorven Mistral Jamboree banner (c)FR Fancy Wind Flight Divider Set by @osiem found here. Wind bursts Left and Right by @Summerstorm found here. (Wind Forum) Short hanging Wind Flight Banners by @osiem found here. Windsinger Silhouettes by @TinyGryphon found here. (Wind Forum) Quote based on quote from the Bible, Psalm 91:4, adapted by @Paintminion Wind Cloud by @Ecci found here. Windsinger Seal of Approval by @Tzinoka and found here. Statistics from @Mibella and found here. Small Bamboo Framed Square found on Mibella's Watchtower Template here. Mistral Jamboree Sign by @Saya found here. (Windy Only) Windy Stamp by @Sanrixian found here. (Wind Only) Small Windy Lanterns by @Sylwyth found here. (Wind Only) Moving Clouds Wind Symbol by @vetica found here. (Wind Only) Gen 1 and Level 25 Buttons by @nm8426 found here. Short Windy Divider by @Diamondsuits ffound here. (Wind Only) Feather recolors by @Osiem found here. Food Items by @frostkingdemetri found here. Floating Windsinger by @Georgieanna found here. (Wind Only) Mistral Jam 2018 Banner by @TinyGryphon found here.

Art by @dogcreep