Hawksong (Suspect x Akela)

[Akela]

Shards of glass spilled over the floor, causing young Lyra to jump back from the dresser in surprise. No gasp escaped her lips, her eyes didn’t even widen, but her heart was thumping against her chest in shock of her clumsiness. Lyra took pride in her grace, something that was taught to girls in the royal family at an early age, and here she’d just touched the empty flower vase, attempting to fill it, and she’d let it fall to the floor with a loud clang.

What else was she to expect, though, within fingers shaking as they were? And even that was understandable with the task she had assigned herself. Lyra Hawke had decided to finally take a stand against the needless fighting, the heartless bloodshed that was occurring between their people, the Avians, and the Serpiente. To find a way to save more family members from being murdered in the name of pride and revenge. She had already lost a younger brother and an older sister who had been in line to take the throne…now it was on Lyra, something she was more than apprehensive about.

But it would be easier if they lived in a world of peace. Perhaps saying it was heartless bloodshed wasn’t the proper way to describe the fighting, for the people certainly put all their heart into it. Most had lost more than Lyra, but she felt the pain of every one of her people. Lyra wasn’t one to shy away from the battlefield. Although her mother had banned her from fighting she always visited the blood filled war zones afterwards, hoping to console the wounded and get a feel for what those under her were going through. It broke her heart…but she could never shed a tear, of course, that would be outrageous.

Avian reserve. It was the reason the Serpiente thought her kind soulless. While they showed emotions freely she kept them in check. Apparently the snakes were so in tune with those around them that they could almost sense emotions, but got a rock hard wall from Avians, blocked out completely. Just thinking of their kind made her blood boil. Lyra sighed and closed her eyes, trying to calm herself. Those monsters, how could they live the way they did? Dressing immodestly whenever they wished, dancing at festivities, drinking on occasion. Even going as far as displaying affection in public, something that was a complete disgrace to the Avians. She’d heard making love with acceptable before marriage, but that was something she didn’t believe. Who would go so far as to break such a sacred bond, to ruin what was meant to be secret behind closed doors between those connected by vows?

It was disgusting, their entire beings were repulsive, but Lyra was still determined to end this. She would give her own life if that was what it took. Ha…if only it were that easy. The shifter bent down to pick up the glass pieces, tossing them into the trash by her plush bed before pulling out another vase and putting it on her dresser. She then lay a bouquet of beautiful lilies within the blue vase, putting it on the right corner. It was a message to her personal guard, a signal they had designed as children. If she ever snuck out on purpose she would leave the flowers out to let him know she was safe. In this case he would just have to trust her and give an excuse to her mother…because in reality she was going to be anything but safe.

Lyra turned her golden hues toward the balcony, everything ready for her to leave. “You can do this, girl,” she muttered to herself. The nineteen year old slipped on sandals that tied up just above her ankles and stepped out into the wind. The weather was perfect today, amazing for flying. A smile came to her lips as the breeze blew through her light brown hair that fell just past her shoulders. She wore a white dress that came down to her ankles, thin enough to show her defined curves when the wind moved the light material. The dress had thin shoulder straps lined with gold thread that led into a deep v-neck at her breasts, the material coming together a few inches down her cleavage. The back was high, showing only a few inches below her neck. It was about as immodest as she got, and still it would be nothing compared to her enemies she would be seeing soon.

It was probably the stupidest thing she had ever done, but with one swift movement Lyra had changed into her gorgeous hawk form, wings carrying her toward enemy land. It would be a surprise, nobody knew she was leaving or going, but it was the only way she would be able to talk to them properly and try to strike up a deal. If her mother or guard came they would go ballistic and be completely bias…someone with an open mind had to do this. Her only prayer was that the cobra royal family would have the same open mind as she and at least let her through the gate alive.

[Suspect]

"There, there, my dear Samuel." His mother said. He was crying his eyes out as he just heard that one of his friends lost their lives in the war that was going to between two kingdoms. He shook his head still not realizing the reality of it all. Maybe he was dreaming. Yeah, that was it. He was dreaming and this was all just a big blur. His mother raised up from her bed and walked over to him, resting a hand on his shoulder which caused him to jump slightly. "Samuel..." She sighed a little then gulped before speaking again. "I know how it is to lose someone close to you but you have to move on." Move on? Move on?! My friend just died yesterday!! He thought to himself but didn't speak out towards her in that manner. He was angry and he could sense that she knew. "I'll be alright." Samuel spoke though clenched teeth as he removed himself from his mother's grasp and left her room.

He couldn't believe she just told him to move on like that. Who in the hell do she think she is? He lowered his head, walking down the hall towards his room as he opened up the door, seeing his twin brother, Stephen, laying down on his bed. "Oh great, what news do you bring me?" He hissed harshly towards him then flopped down on the foot of his bed. "Nothing dear brother. Just wanted to see how you were doing." Stephen responded while getting up off the bed and walking over to stand in front of his brother. "Yeah right. You want something. Now what is it?" Samuel folded his arms over his chest and huffed slightly while waiting for a response. "I just want to borrow this little shirt right here." He waved his hand to dismiss him, since was the heir to the throne, with him being first born of the twins.

Samuel crawled up to where his pillows were and screamed into them.

After a few seconds of screaming, he had to get ready for the festival that was going on tonight. It was an annual get together that lasted usually all night. People were to fill the streets, most corners to be fill with people sharing their intimacy together. A soft smile curved among his lips as he opened up the double doors to his walk-in closet and turned on the light switch, which lit up his whole closet. He knew that something was to happen today but couldn't quite put his finger on it. He tapped his chin to see what he was going to wear and snapped his fingers, picking out the perfect outfit. Samuel grabbed the hanger and walked over to his bed, laying the clothing down as a knock came over his door. "Come in!" He yelled loud enough for the person on the other side to hear him. "Sorry to bother you, Sir Samuel, but I am hear to change your sheets." It was Marissa, their maid. He waved for her to come on in the room and to do her job as he walked in his bathroom.

Samuel stared at himself in the mirror, his stomach turning because he had a feeling that something was going to go down today but what. Whatever it was, it needed to happen and happen fast. He couldn't quite wrap his finger around it though. He sighed and shook his head while leaning down and turning on his bath water as he turned away from it, walking over to his mirror and feeling his hands over his face. His skin was so smooth and so tanned. His piercing blue eyes staring right back at him, his raven colored hair trailed all the way down his back and his height and weight sculptured his entire body. He was six foot flat and one-hundred and sixty pounds. Even measurements. He went into a metamorphosis of some sort then snapped out of it as he felt hot water touch his feet. "Shit." He whispered to himself, slipping and all falling on his back. He shrilled loudly but managed to crawl and turn the water off.

'Just forget about the bath.' He thought to himself while getting up off the floor and walking out of his bathroom, water dripping from him slipping and falling. "Sir, are you okay?" Marissa dropped the sheets and ran over towards him, reviewing over his body. "I am..." He paused after hearing the bells ring. His ears twitched as he grabbed nothing but his pure white robe and tied it tightly, running out of his room and down the stairs, passing his mother. "Sammie, don't!" She said while trying to stop him as he didn't listen and just kept on running. He ran towards the gates and panted heavily, since he was almost out of breath. "Wha..Wha.." The guards tended to him as they waited to hear him. "What is going on? Why did you ring the bells?" Maybe this was it. Whatever he felt was going to happen, was happening now. He had no clue what was going on but he was damn sure fixing to find out.

"What is it? What's going on? Have my beloved husband returned home?" His mother asked with the look of worry in her eyes. His twin brother was also present, along with his younger sister. "Where have you been all day?" Samuel hissed towards her. She raised her hand up towards her cheek and repeatedly slapped his face gently while smirking. "Don't you worry your pretty little head off about that." He rolled his eyes as the royal family stood at the gates, wondering what the meaning of all this was about. "Whoever is approaching, let them through." The guards nodded towards Samuel as they also waited for someone to come towards the gates.

[Akela]

It had been a long, grueling three hour flight. Not that the distance bothered her, or even the heat, but just the dread of what could happen to her. What if the guards killed her on sight? Surely one lone bird didn’t seem like that much of a threat…ah, better to be safe than sorry though, right? Lyra tucked in her tired wings and dove down when she was about a mile away from where the people lived. Once her claws were firmly on the ground Lyra changed forms, walking hesitantly with the sun at her back, along with any promise of safety.

‘Lyra, you’ve got this. If they kill you, it only proves even more that they’re in the wrong,’ the young woman thought to herself, hands clinched into fists at her side. Any moment now she expected the guards to be on top of her, searching for any weapon; which she had none. Lyra Hawke was smart enough to not bring a weapon, not even the smallest dagger.

Despite her readiness…nothing came. No yelling, no spears pointed at her back…only bells ringing somewhere close. Soon enough the gates came into view. Big, black, daunting gates that were attached to walls lined with archers. Everyone knew walls could not keep her kind out, so such a thing was understandable, even if it wasn’t a welcoming sight right now. Yet- Lyra’s eyes widened when the gates opened, almost willing her to come in. But no, there was no way she was going to go through them, not without an escort! Was this some sort of trap? Did they know she was coming? The princess sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. Every Avian had a few feathers there, at the nape of their neck at the hairline, and touching them made her feel at home again, a little more secure.

[Suspect]

Their eyes watched as they female made her way through the gates. His mother stepped in front of him, placing her hands over her stomach in a greeting manner then smiling gently. "Welcome. You poor thing." She paused while walking up to the female and running her hand to remove some locks of hair from her eyes. "You look tired. Are you alright dear?" She asked sincerely while looking towards Stephen, waving for him to come forth. She placed a hand a hand on his shoulder and whispered in his ear. He nodded then ran back towards their home as her daughter then stepped forth. "You are a beautiful little lady." Her mother smiled then nodded in agreement. "Come, we are about to partake in our festivities." She said while turning around and walking forward, along with her daughter and Samuel. Samuel was quiet as he started to walk towards the castle, along with everyone else.

In the head of the line, Samuel broke away from the crowd as he walked into the castle and ran upstairs into his room, taking off his robe and placing on the outfit from earlier. It was a blue outfit, along with a pair of blue boots. He made sure that he was looking up to par before exiting his room, his sister standing there, her arms folded. "So, who is the lovely lady you are getting all spiffy for?" Samuel rolled his eyes and pushed her aside as she chuckled to herself. "Don't make me banish you from our own land." He winked towards her with a smile as he ran down the stairs, running into his mother. "She seems very intelligent but I am concerned about the feathers on her neck. She might be an Avian." She hissed while stroking her chin then smiling down at him. "No. No. No. I will not." He turned away but she grabbed his arm in the nick of time. "How would your father feel about all of this? Hm?" He sighed while lowering his head. The good old guilt trip worked every single time. "Fine." He snatched his arm away from her then started walking outside but turned around. "Where is she?" She waved her hand out towards the front of their castle.

Samuel walked up behind her and touched her arm, so that she can recognize his presence. "Sorry if I have startled you but..." He paused then licked his lips before asking her a question. "Where did you come from?" He stammered his words then spoke clearly. "Where is your home basically?" He smiled softly while continuing on down the stairs, wondering if she was going to follow him or not. "You've come on a good day, tonight we are celebrating the Snakes Presence. It should be a fun event like it always is." He then rubbed his hands together while asking her another question. "Will you be joining us? Or are you just passing through?"

[Akela]

The entire time Lyra couldn’t believe her ears. The entire family standing right in front of her, all assuming she was some traveler here for the part. Like she would ever partake in such childish, corrupt acts as their festivities. Who knew what they would expect her to do!

The young woman avoided eye contact, not sure if she should believe the rumors or not. Some said that if you stared into a cobra’s eyes long enough you would lose the ability to move, allowing them to strike. And that was the last thing any warrior wanted. “N-no, I’m not here for any festivities.” Her mind was drawing a blank…she’d missed so many of the administrative meetings at home that she no longer recalled the mother’s name. Some ruler she would become.

Granted, it didn’t seem they remembered her either. When was the last time she had been present in a negotiation with these people? Seven, eight? Of course it had gone horribly wrong, causing everyone to disperse before any real taking was accomplished. Finally Lyra looked up just enough to see Samuel, her cheeks showing a hint of a blush at what he was wearing. A robe, that was it? Very informal for a prince, wasn’t it? “Yes, I’m a bit tired, but I’ll be fine. I-“ Lyra didn’t know how to speak to these people. Why were they so kind, so willing to accept a stranger? Surely they knew who she was, if they had all come to greet her.

Samuel’s questions surprised her, though his change in close was a positive thing. Lyra’s golden hues finally flickered up to his, her heart practically stopping she was so frightened. Yet her face showed none of this, her voice clear though a little quiet. “No, no festivities, no passing through. But I’m not here to stay either.” The girl sighed, putting a hand to her head. This was not how she expected things to go. “I’m Lyra. Lyra Hawke?” she said suddenly, giving the smallest bow to the man to show she meant no harm. Now that name, the last name, he should recognize. It would also explain her gold eyes, and if she moved her hair he would see the feathers.

“I’m here to speak with whomever is in charge. I wish to speak of negotiations…I wish to speak of stopping this war. I came alone and unarmed to show my sincerity,” Lyra explained, opening her hands as if to gesture she truly had no blade.

[Suspect]

Samuel nodded at her answer about the festivities. He wondered why she was really here but never wanted to ask her so soon. When she stated her name, he raised a brow then mouthed then last name before speaking it entirely. "Hawke?" He said while looking into her gold eyes. "Are you an Avian?" He asked while waiting for a response, listening to her go on and on about negotiating some kind of peace treaty between their two kingdoms. He chuckled a little bit while responding. "I'm not the one in charge, yet, but you know the Avians and Serpiente has never gotten along." He said in a sincere tone then changed his expression quickly. "So, I advise you to get out of here, you Avian! Be gone with you!" He waved his hand towards the way she entered while roaring his voice.

His mother quickly walked down the stairs, holding her dress up as blonde locks flowed behind her. "Whoa. Whoa. Deary, what's wrong?" She stepped in-between the two while looking at Lyra then back at her son, Samuel. "She's an Avian!" He hissed while pointing his index finger at her then lowering it while turning to look towards his mother. Her jaw dropped and she couldn't believe what was being said. "She wants to negotiate with you about stopping the war. Don't listen to her, mother." He looked at his mother as she spoke. "Samuel, stop it. She traveled all this way, I'll be sure to hear her out." He stomped his foot on the ground then stormed off to his room, where he slammed the door shut. She sighed to herself while resting her hand against her head, shaking it in the process.

"If you'll follow me, we have to discuss this matter immediately." She said while turning around, holding her dress up and walking up the stairs back into the castle. She smiled while turning her head around then looking forward with a smirk that she couldn't see. Lyra just didn't know what was coming towards her since she was going to be speaking with the Naga, the head snake of the kingdom. She was fierce and vicious when it came to important matters but she will hear the Avian out, first then she'll eat her up and spit her right on out. Probably literally.

[Akela]

When Samuel lashed out with his voice toward Lyra the only sign that she heard him was the girl flinching just enough to notice. Besides that she kept her hardened eyes on him, fists clinched at her sides. How could he not know she was royalty? Did he not keep up with politics, with whom he was dealing with? She thought everyone would recognize her name. Surely this man was not to be the leader of his kind!

When his mother came in she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding for so long from being nervous. “Yes, thank you,” she answered to following, not hesitating in picking up her own dress and falling in step behind.

When they reached a room that was proper for the two to speak Lyra cleared her throat, deciding to remain standing. It would help her be taken more seriously despite her age, and help her defend herself if she was attacked. Not that it would help…she was surrounded and Lyra knew that if someone here wanted her dead there was no stopping them. “I did come a long way, as you are aware. I’m Lyra Hawke…I don’t believe your son recognized me by face or name,” she muttered almost bitterly. “I just wish to speak of peace, that is all. I am open minded to negotiation and am hoping you are the same. I’m afraid there are people on both sides of this war that are too wrapped up in revenge to consider talking on good terms…”

[Suspect]

((Sorry for the Crap Post.))

She walked into the castle and heard the Avian speak. She wasn't really listening though as she rolled her eyes. "He knew who you were. And I assure you he meant no harm." She turned around and smiled. "Marissa, can you please fix me two cups of tea?" Marissa nodded and quickly went towards the kitchen. "Shall we continue this..." She rose her arm up towards her office. "Elsewhere?" She hissed slightly. She looked at the little Avian figure in front of her, licking her lips a little. "I know you want peace but what do you think will bring the peace? Hm?" A smirk was coming across her face as she looked at her. "Ending the war and everyone acting like nothing has happened? An arranged marriage?" Her brows furrowed while looking at the female.

Marissa returned with the tea. The Naga turned heel and walked towards her office. "Follow me, sweetheart." Of course, she was talking to Lyra since Marissa already knew to follow.

"Would you care for some tea?" She waved a dismissive hand towards the cups of tea that Marissa had freshly prepared. "So Lyra, is it? I am Sarah. Sarah The Naga of this Kingdom." She rose her hand over her head happily while walking over to her desk, sitting on top of it. "Now, I am willing to hear you." Her eyes cut to Marissa. "Please leave and close the door." Marissa nodded and left the room immediately. Her eyes then went back to Lyra as she smiled a little. "Come on, don't be scared to share your opinions."

[Akela]

At the mere suggestion of an arranged marriage Lyra’s eyes widened, a light flush for once showing on her cheeks. Why would she say such a thing, was that the idea she had? Yes, it’d crossed Lyra’s mind a time or two, but it was impossible. Nobody would agree to it, royal family or otherwise. Besides, the snake would kill her in her sleep no doubt.

Wait…no, it was that kind of thinking that kept them in the war so long. She had to be more open minded. But was Sarah saying it sarcastically or as a real option? “No, no tea. Thank you,” Lyra said before clearing her throat. She didn’t know whether she should keep her eyes on Sarah in case she attacked or look at the ground so she wasn’t caught in the cobra’s terrifying gaze.

“I’m not scared,” Lyra challenged when Sarah offered for her to speak. The Avian remained standing on the other end of the room, finally looking at the snake with hardened eyes. “And I know who you are, I make a habit of knowing the faces of those who want me dead,” she added, then sighed and looked at the floor. “Forgive me, I’m not being very polite. My opinion is that I’m willing to do whatever I need to for this war to end, just as I’ve said before. My mother would die if she knew I was here. I came having faith in you and the rest of your family.”

Lyra took a step forward, looking a bit desperate by now. “Each of you were at the gate when I arrived, most with warm smiles. I know you’re good people, and I want to show you that we are as well. Perhaps we could call a truce. Send vendors into the market to show we’re trying to work together…” Lyra shook her head, putting a hand to her head. “Honestly I don’t know, I’m not as good at the political meetings as my mother, or at coming up with a plan. But…why did you mention an arranged marriage? Surely that- that’s beyond what anyone would be willing…who are you talking about?” she asked, narrowing her eyes slightly, a hand on her hip.

[Suspect]

Sarah looked at the Avian when she spoke. 'Ahh, little bird got heart.' She thought to herself while listening to her. She hissed silently then crossed her legs, placing her hands on top of them. "I don't want you dead hun. Yet." She spoke that last word under her breath then continued to listen to her speak, nodding at every word she was spoke. When the arranged marriage came back up, she rose a brow then smiled while uncrossing her legs and slithering off the top of the desk. "Ahh, an arranged marriage." She took her tongue and rolled it over her lips. She then walked past Lyra and opened up the door, leaning out of it just a little bit. "Samuel!" Sarah hollered while continuing. "Could you come down here please?" She asked in a gentle tone while turning back towards Lyra, smiling warmly.

Samuel was upstairs pacing back and forth in his room, sighing softly as he paced. His ears twitched when he heard his mother called him to come down the stairs. He rolled his eyes then walked out of his room, walking slowly down the stairs and reached the office, where he only stuck his head in. He seen that the Avian was still present then wander on in even further. "What's the matter mother?" He asked while walking over to her side, staring down the Avian. "Everything alright?" His gaze turned deadly as he continued to stare.

"Everything is fine, sweetheart. We were just talking and the talk of an arranged marriage came to the topic." She said while placing Samuel beside Lyra. "And I think that the two middle children should get involved." She said sweetly while adjusting them side by side. She smiled then rubbed her chin while laughing. "Yes. I love it." Samuel looked at Lyra then towards his mother. "Why can't the two youngest children get married? Better yet, the oldest?" He was stammering over his words as he hoped that Lyra wouldn't comply with his mother. "I won't go through with it." He said in a raised voice tone while turning his back. "Do it..." His mother said while walking towards him but stopped beside Lyra. "Or you will be banished from these lands." She stood her ground and folded her arms. Hell, this was her Kingdom and no one, especially her son was going to tell her how to run things.

"Lyra..." She turned towards her and placed a hand upon her shoulder. "It is settled, if you agree, along with your parents." She said with a smile while removing her hand from her shoulder. "I'll be waiting for a reply but I don't see why they wouldn't say yes, do you?" She walked towards her chair and sat down behind her desk, leaning up and placing her face in her hands.