Post by Onyx on Nov 1, 2015 15:17:21 GMT -5
This is a fool's errand. He thought to himself as he made his way across the rocky expanse of the cliff side. Onyx knew that this would be the most grueling part of the Agoge, but he was ready to get it done and over with. He had already filled his belly with a few hares he had managed to catch and was feeling comfortable- but not too comfortable. He had weighed his options, whether he would rather go up against the giant moa or take a chance with the haast eagle. He figured that the eagle would be his best option, considering he was already smaller in stature in comparison to the others in the Agoge he would need all the help he could get when stealing an egg. Going up against a moa would be hazardous, even though they were stupid creatures. The eagles had intelligence and speed, but he was just as equally intelligent. He had done his best to scope out the area ahead of time, had even watched as the parents had come and gone from their massive nest. The nest was impressive, even from a distance. They had managed to have it perched precariously on a ledge surrounded by outcroppings of boulders and rocks. The tricky part would be being able to perch himself on that very ledge without toppling over and more then likely falling to his death. This was no easy task but he didn't want to over think things. Onyx knew that the more he mulled it over the more nervous he would become. Which that certainly would not do him any good- not now. He needed as much concentration as possible, which was why he lowered himself to the ground completely, flattening his form against the ground. His ebony and silver hued fur allowed him to briefly camouflage himself against the terrain as he began a tedious army crawl up the cliff side. The only give away was his bright orange occuli, which he managed to keep hooded as he stared only at the ground. He would pause here and there, collecting himself and keeping an eye and ear out for the parents of this precious eagle egg. The closer he came the more giddy he began to feel, he was so close!
Onyx pulled himself to an immediate halt as he glanced upward, staring at the last little bit of room he had to overtake in order to climb up on the ledge. He had managed to stay hidden for now but the instant he would rise off the ground he could easily be seen, and more likely attacked if the parents were anywhere near the nest. They were gone for now but he knew that it would not stay that way for long. His window of time was closing but he would not let this opportunity slip through his grasp. Without hesitation he jumped up and took a bold leap upward, his front paws and talons gripping into the sides of the large nest as he used it for traction to climb up onto the ledge. As soon as he was able to balance himself the wind was buffering him from all sides. He moved forward hesitantly until he was crouched inside the nest. There were two eggs and he reached for the one closest to him. As soon as his jaws wrapped around the nest he heard the warning screech of the mother eagle. Onyx didn't have any time to react as the mother swooped down, her talons outstretched and aiming for his face. Without hesitating Onyx took a leap of faith off of the cliff side. As he hit solid ground he could feel the pain almost instantenously. His paws crumbled beneath him and he began to topple forward. The egg rolled out of his mouth and began to roll down the cliff side. His vision was blurred from the pain in his legs and sides but he forced himself upward and darted as fast as he could manage after his egg. He was half running half sliding down the cliff side and managed to snatch the egg up before he felt the painful rip of skin on his right haunch. A growl escaped him as he clamped down on the egg just hard enough to keep it firmly grasped in his mouth. Onyx bolted forward, continuing onward until he managed to hit a level area of ground. For the moment the mother was hovering overhead and this gave him only a split second to react. Just a few feet ahead of him was an outcropping of boulders and Onyx immediately went for it. He bolted as fast as he could and darted in between them before dropping flat onto his stomach. Leaning against the rocks he managed to camauflage himself and continued to hold the egg in his mouth, meanwhile he panted and tried to catch his breath. He could hear the angry caw of the haast eagle overhead and knew that he wouldn't be leaving anytime soon. Slowly he lowered his head to the ground and delicately placed the egg in between his fore legs. His front left paw was a little wonky and seemed like he might have sprained it, meanwhile his right flank burned and stung while the warm liquid of his blood rolled down his leg. His muzzle had also suffered a few abrasions during the scuffle- he could feel the blood trickling down his maw. Alright, all I have to do is wait out this eagle and then I'll be home free. Easy peasy. He spoke to himself while he kept an eye out on the sky. Soon it would be dark enough and he could continue down the cliff side with his prize, if he didn't crack it in the process.
notes: This is open to anyone, don't mind Onyx while he hides out from momma eagle lol
tagged: OPEN
muse: high
word count: 1131
status: complete.
