Forum Thread

Azure turned around to face the beautiful creature. She cocked her head to the left and the eagle did the same, mirroring her position. She moved her head to the right and once again, the great bird did the same. Azure smiled and Mika put a hand on her shoulder. "An Ornate Hawk Eagle. Very proud and fierce creatures." She handed Azure a browned leather glove. "I trust you know what to do?" Mika asked, still holding another glove for Ivy. She nodded but put the glove down and undid the latch on the cage. The Hawk-Eagle called and flew out of the cage and onto it's roof, studying Azure.

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Ivy stood there, watching and murmuring to the barn owl, enjoying the communication. Ivy was proud of Azure but she didn’t look away from the owl. Ivy took the glove and spoke quietly to the owl as she put it on. She glanced over at the hawk-eagle when it left the cage but turned back to the owl with a small smile and whispers to the owl. “That’s my best friend”

The Hawk-Eagle cocked his head and this time, Azure did the same, copying his movements. She smiled brightly. Not many people see her smile, except for Ivy.
“That’s my best friend”
"She's my best friend too. Like a sister. She's the only one I really have.. her name's Ivy." She spoke softly. Suddenly the great bird flew towards her, forcing Azure to duck and fall backwards. His feathers brushed her head and he settled on the floor, just centimetres from where she was sitting. She laughed gently and held her hand out to the him. He came a little closer, just enough for her fingertips to touch his soft feathers.

"I haven't asked for your name, have I? Do you want to tell me?" But the bird just let himself be showered with affection. He didn't have a name. Azure grabbed a spare notebook that had a few doodles - probably scribbled by a bored student - and thought of the most unique names. This was how she had been named: her parents had written all the names that suited her personality and threw them into the air. The slip of paper that was the last to fall down was her name: Azure.

Azure wrote many names that suited the personality of the Hawk-Eagle and threw them high into the air. She had to bait him with a treat in order to keep him from catching the paper. But the last two fell at exactly the same time: Colt and Glade. Azure held them out in front of the beautiful creature but he kept himself busy, cleaning his feathers and flapping his wings every now and then. The only other option was..

"..Ivy. Colt or Glade. Don't even think about it. Just answer." This was how she'd get an answer, though under pressure.

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Ivy was happy Azure was smiling again, Ivy was sure Azure’s smile could break hearts if she wanted it too. Ivy giggled when Azure was knocked over. “You okay there?” Ivy watched as Azure threw paper in the air then she was questioned. “Glade” she said automatically “why?” The owl next to her called and Ivy looked at the barn owl in fascination.

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Azure gently rolled her eyes. "All good. It's the only way I can get an answer from you. And you've helped me decide Glade's na-" The Hawk-Eagle called loudly. "You've helped me decide Glade's-" She raised an eyebrow as Glade did it again. "You've helped me decide his name. I think he knows it too, right Glade?"

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Ivy laughs. “He likes interrupting you.” The barn owl shuffles her feathers so I offer my gloved finger to her. “Hello Glade”

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"I think that Glade likes you Ivy, even if he belongs to Azure. That's great to hear. How are you girls? Once you're ready, I'll show you how to attach their messenger holds. Then you're having lunch. The first day for prefects usually mean lunch with the Seniors, including me," - she grinned in a ridiculous way - "and the headmistress but we've decided to let you girls take it all in. Remember, all these perks are optional so you don't need to come to every lunch or event. Let me grab your special messenger holds. Ivy, you might want to think of a name for that gorgeous bird." Mika stroked the owls feathers and hurried out of the room, clattering outside.

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“Do you have a name?” The owl chirps and Ivy writes the alphabet on a piece of paper. “Tell me when to stop and we’ll spell it?” The owl chirps so Ivy hovers her hand over the paper, slowly going over the alphabet, writing each letter and redoing it over and over until the owl replies no more. “M-i-n-e-r-v-a? Minerva? Like the Roman goddess of wisdom?” The owl nods and Ivy smiles. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance Minerva, I’m Ivy” airy bows slightly out of respect. When she stands again, a gentle smile is one her face, one often found only in the comfort of their dorm. “Minerva, this is Azure and Glade.” Ivy smiles as she introduces her chosen-sister to her new friend.

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Azure grinned as Ivy and her owl worked together to name her. She was always one to think outside the box and do something new, a gift that very few people had. They eventually spelled out 'Minerva' and she was introduced.
"Nice to meet you, Minerva. Your name suits you: very intelligent and wise. Ivy, she's beautiful. Do we.. uhh... get Mika to get our messenger holds? If she's done clattering about that is." She raised her voice towards the end, ensuring that Mika would hear her.

"Azure, I can hear you: just give me a moment. Where did I put those darn things..."

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Ivy laughs. “How did you lose them is my question?” Ivy smirks and glances at Azure before bursting out laughing. One of Ivy’s hands gently plays with Minerva while the other offers Azure a low five.

(Sorry it’s so short!)

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