Open Rocs of a feather

[Shadow]

Winter 17, 124

A jagged silver flash cut through the sky. A powerful booming sound seemed to emanate from the stars themselves. A second flash erupted through the sky which shone brighter and sharper than the first to cast a brief light over the forest.

elves stirred. From their tree-homes their doors creaked open as figures stepped out and they looked up into the sky. Quick flashes of electricity zoomed haphazardly throughout the sky. Yet, instead of striking the earth, the bolts shot in random directions then raced off towards the horizon.

Near the foot of a tree an elf released a soft gasp into the air. She whispered "It's happening" while her voice struggled to rise above her kin's growing murmurs. "The thunderocs are mating." Word travelled quickly. It was an event as uncommon as an eclipse and if you weren't in the right place at the right time you wouldn't get a glimpse of the birds.

A child who had just reached the age to receive his first bow reached up to pull at an elder's sleeve. "Is it true? Do they reach the size of mountains?"

The elder emitted a gentle laugh while his gaze stayed upward toward the heavens. "No, not that big," he replied.

Older elves went back to bed. The younger ones were the most excitable. Something new had happened and the ones who had seen the bolts were regaling how awesome it had looked. It was a good time for a lesson and the elders went over the thunderoc's biology and abilities. They learned that they housed near or on electric trees and that they probably flew towards the Thundershroud Mountains. Though the children demanded to go on a trip to see them up close, the elders pointed out that it was incredibly dangerous to go where they lived.

This sighting may have put the idea into the heads of some of the more competent elves that a trip might be worthwhile. Several groups of elves made plans to go, especially those who wanted to go on an adventure or even benefit from the flora and fauna from that area.

Anyone who wished to go would be provided a portal to the mountains where they would be free to seek out what they craved.

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[Engill]

A burst of silver light tore across the sky as thunder crashed around Engill causing her breath to stop and the tree roots to tremble. Her glowing eyes tracked the wild electrical movements above while her heart matched the timing of thunder's distant sound. She pressed her trembling fingers against the tree's bark next to her. Her words to Kage nearly got lost as she spoke softly while the other elves continued to whisper among themselves. The familiar ease in her face vanished as her widened eyes sparkled with pure amazement making her seem eager.

She questioned him with an excited edge in her voice while the forest lit up again. "The thunderocs… they're mating. It's happening, Kage. It's really happening." She moved nearer to him as her interlocked hands helped her control her happiness. "I can't believe I actually saw them."

With earnest eyes Engill looked at Kage seeking support. "I want to go. I want to see them up close."