Oh, that reference. 

Yeah, Angry Birds.  

I got the reference from the beginning, as an Angry Birds fan (the movie was very disturbing, though, I DO NOT recommend it at all), but decided not to comment. I know, I sound like a faker right now, but I swear it's true xD

Turns out I'm changing courses and heading back south, towards the Barelands.

Oof, I would RP, but I'm a little busy... I think I have a lot of reading and thinking to do on top of all the drawing. Feel free to control my charries in the meantime, although not to excess. Notes on personality: Nygrune is sociable, observant, and a tad impulsive. Lycaella is more reserved and thoughtful, and often writes things down or doodles in her sketchbook. Nieke is sort of capricious; she can be motherly, professional, cold and/or distant, bubbly, hyper, enthusiastic and serious, but of course not all at once. She is also 20, which means she's technically an adult. Karune is outwardly invincible, but has a weak spot for her sister, whom she can be overprotective of. She is often very businesslike and formal, and has more on her hands than she lets on.

Hm, what to do... *drums fingers idly* I guess I could have a party by myself. But that would be work, energy spent on something not much that I could use to draw or write or read. I do have a lot to draw. I suppose I'll go do some of that now.

Hey, where'd everyone go? I'm posting here, but it's not just this thread that people are gone. No one's posted in over a day besides me, Icy and that topper an hour ago.

Huh. Maybe they're all at a con. Or maybe the squirrels got them. Darn things. Better reinforce my defences and post an extra watch. (I may or may not be joking. It's up to you.)

I only get like ten minutes to post every day (normally) so I only post when I think it is important. Sorry.

Hmm, I suppose I should RP something... I'll do it later. I have enough of a bit to finish right now.

Lycaella~

I kick my feet lightly against the side of the bed I'm sitting on. Alexandria is dead, shadow is gone, Connie is somewhere, Mina is probably on her way back from the ball, Sprocket is making automatons, and Nygrune is in the room next to mine. I swing my feet up and think.

Catastrophe left Jökull when we weren't there. Or at least I think that was when he did it. He was at the meeting with the Oracle, and now nobody has seen him in a while, which means he's likely holed up somewhere, and where better than his fortress?

I don't know if we have the forces to take him on, but I do know we should do everything in our power to keep the Shield and Crown safe. And we should find the Power of Hoof if we can, wherever it is.

I know magic by now, a little more than Nygrune did a month ago. He's learned more, too. Together we're pretty powerful, although we haven't tested the full strength of our spells yet.

I don't like to use it all the time; magic takes energy, after all. But now I call my sketchbook and a pen with a levitation spell and begin to plan.

Nygrune~

Brynn lands softly with a quiet flutter of her wings. I can't believe it. She's here. Brynn is here. She can save shadow.

I find myself unwilling to say any word, make any move, like this is a
dream and any action will shatter the illusion. But it can't be a dream;
it's too vivid. A hallucination? No. I shake my head to clear my mind
of doubt, remembering too late that I wasn't supposed to. But when I
look up, Brynn is still there, talking to Jake. It isn't a dream. She's
there, walking... away? What?

Lycaella inhales sharply and touches my hand. She's seen, too. It's not a dream. I nod, and then follow as she goes after Brynn.

Lycaella~

At first I don't see her, but Brynn is here. It's really her. She's the
Angel of Death; she can bring shadow back! She talks to Jake for a
minute before walking off towards the trees. Where is she going?

I take a breath, just now remembering to, and I glance at Nygrune to
make sure he's seen, touching his hand to get his attention. He looks at
me and nods, and I walk after Brynn. I hear him trailing behind.

I stay at a distance I could easily close and watch as Brynn collapses
on the ground in the forest. I hesitate for a moment, but nothing else
happens, and I run forward and pull her onto her back, cradling her
head. I check her pulse--fine--breathing--also fine. I check for darts
or other wounds. A few bruises, a slight scrape. She wasn't drugged. I
listen to her breaths. Is... Is she asleep? ...I guess she just stayed
awake too long and passed out.

Nygrune stands over us, having run with me. "Is she okay?" 

"I think so," I murmur. "It looks like she's just asleep. Is there anyone around?" 

He looks up and throws a few glances in different directions. "Someone
from the funeral seems to be coming. Most likely they're just curious.
No one else."

"Hm."

Brynn continues to breathe, otherwise motionless. I move her onto her
side to make sure the airway is clear. I wonder what she's doing here. I
rub my eye absently. I don't want to wake her up if she's tired. I
guess that means I'll be waiting for now.

Lycaella~

The person steps off the path, and I hear them move quietly through the underbrush, then emerge again near Nygrune, Brynn and I.

"Who are you?" she imposes. I look up as if I've just noticed her.

"I'm Nygrune, and this is Lycaella," Nygrune says. "We're friends of shadow."

I nod confirmation. "We saw her come here, and followed because we were worried."

"Who are you?" Nygrune inquires.

"Anethia," she replies. "I didn't know shadow personally, but I'm with
the Resistance." She looks down slightly. I give a small, sympathetic
smile and return my attention to Brynn, who soon stirs.

"Brynn, are you okay?" I ask. She sits up and takes a breath in, as if
regaining her bearings, then smiles sadly and looks at us.

"She's not coming back."

I start at the unexpected words, all my hopes crashing down, but nod.
The hollow laugh of contempt at my ever having built them up now echoing
inside me manifests as a wry grin on my face, mixed with sorrow and
half-false reassurance. It must have been too late. There was nothing
she could do.

"I understand." I think my voice cracks, but I'm not sure if the others
hear. "Let's go tell the others." I help Brynn stand up and hold her
hand as we walk back to shadow's grave.