Fallen snoweagles

*Storm*

"There were 4000 people on board the spaceship Delphys as she left earth 250 years ago. They were all put in a deep cryo sleep for the 50 year long journey..". I look around at my students. "What happened then ?"

"They woke up...". A little girl calls out.

I look at her, she is about 7 with a purr of blonde curls. "Neela what do we do when we want to speak ?"

"Put up our hand... sorry Storm". She smiles shyly and puts up her hand.

"Yes Neela, can you tell what happened then ?" I give her an approving nod.

I am a teacher in Amaranthine, the City of the free people on the planet Nypso 3PO also sometimes just called New Earth or Earth 2.0. I teach the smaller kids. And right now we are talking about our forefathers' arrival here.

"Something went wrong and five of the pod clusters malfunctioned. Luckily the six founders woke... but the other twenty four people died. Those were the ones supposed to be in charge. Our six founders managed to repair the flaw and save the rest of the humans". She explains proudly.

I nod. "Thanks Neela... yes that is how the story goes. They tried contacting Earth, but all they got was a ten year old message that Earth was dying. No contact was possible...so we assume that Earth ... died".

To be honest I have my doubts about this being the full truth, but as I have no way of knowing for sure, this is what I have to teach the kids. I always make sure to tell them that this is what we were told though, and that only the founders know for sure what happened.

"That's sad". Another girl says softly. "Poor Earth".

I give her a small smile. "Finger up Inova... but yes I guess it's sad. Then it turned out that some pods had been damaged and the people in them had been subjected to radiation... they got very sick... aggressive.. dangerous and they were locked up. Upon arrival here, the spaceship had a slight crash and the prison was detached. Those sick people escaped... and their kin is still out there today. What do we call them ? Zandro ?"

"Ferus or ferus humans.. because they are like... really wild". The boy says.

"They are wild and aggressive, yes... the rest of the humans settled in what is now known as The City or Nuova Roma. Some people did not like the way of the founders... All their rules and regulations, so they decided to leave it all behind and moved into the jungle to ... become what ? Nella ?"

She almost jumps in her seat with excitement. "Us... the free people of Amaranthine or the jungle city".

"Right you are Nella... So we have, how many kinds of people here ? Yes, you can answer Nella". I smile at her.

"Free people, City dwellers, ferus humans and the Nypsopians... the native that were here before us... like Sorin". She nods towards the little boy with the sun yellow skin, the only native in the class. Most of them live in the City or on their own.

There are not many Nypsopians left. In the beginning the settlers feared them and their strange appearances, so a lot were killed or taken as slaves and worked to death.

I nod, looking around at them all. I feel proud of them all, and honoured to teach them. "That is right...and I think that ends our lesson for today. Tomorrow we will talk about differences in how we live compared to the City dwellers".

"We are free, they are not and they are bad to girls". Neela calls out, as she collects her things.

"You are not wrong Neela... but let's save it for tomorrow or I have nothing to teach". I grin and ruffle her hair as she walks past me.

All the kids say goodbye and wave as they leave. It might not be a big thing, being a teacher, but I love it. I adore the kids and there is nothing better than to see them grow confident and explore their own talents, as they find their way in life.

I close up the little tree hut I use for school and walk out on one of the wooden walkways. I love life here. The forest and wilderness might hold dangers, but the freedom and the People make up for it.

The twin suns are high on the horizon shining with a mild heat and there is early summer in the air. I think I might go for a little bow hunting later.

"Hi Storm... did they behave today, those little rascals". I hear a warm voice say.

"Hi Cahira. They always do, they are good kids". I instantly notice the clothes she is wearing. "Headed into the City to work again ?"

Cahira is a sweet young woman, but she is also kickass and very capable of handling both herself and others. She is the oneof us who most often goes into Nuova Roma. She goes there to earn money and get supplies, and it looks like it is time for another trip.

She nods. "Someone has to bring in the e-coins and get us the essentials... and there is quite a big bounty out on this guy I am going for".

*Cahira*

Storm nods, sending me one of his always present smiles. "Yeah unfortunately we need that. It's a good thing you are very capable of providing those... things".

"Always the charmer, aren't we ? But thanks". I grin at our handsome teacher with the ginger curls and sky blue eyes, those eyes that have given him his last name; Sky-born.

You see that is how we get our last names here, from our colouring, mostly our eyes, which makes me Cahira Earth-born, due to my brown eyes.

He chuckles softly. "Sorry darling, I can't help it".

"I know Storm". I watch as he crawls down the ladder to the ground. I know it is just how he is, he means nothing by it really. Actually Storm seems to be flirty with all women, serious with none.

Suddenly something grabs my arm and I look down to see the town's wise woman. Her name is Sage and besides knowing about medicines, she sees things. I smile at her. "Good afternoon Sage".

"Seek out the fallen prince...the tamer of the beast. He is the key to humanity's womb". She mumbles, her cloudy eyes unfocused. "The fallen prince will cross your path soon".

"Uhm what ?" It's not the first time she has sprouted out weird prophecies, but seriously what is that supposed to mean ?

But she just turns to look at Storm. "It is time boy... be on the lookout for the snowy eagle".

"I will, my dear". He says, giving her a small bow-like nod.

The old woman shakes her head, like she is coming back from a dream. Then she mutters. "The fallen prince and the snow eagle... the fallen prince, the beast, the snow eagle".

And then she waddles off, as she keeps mumbling to herself.

I look at him as we walk off in the other direction. "Wow, a new prophecy just for me and I guess she was talking to you about the Earth prophecy".

"I guess so, but... well snowy eagles are very rare and very... secluded". He looks slightly confused. "And I am just a teacher".

"Teachers can be heroes...actually they kind of are heroes". I wink at him. "How is it the prophecy goes ?"

He looks thoughtful for a moment then sounds like he recites a poem. "Heroes will rise to find humanity's womb and uncover the truth... salvation comes with the snowy eagle on the new star".

"Never got that... the new star ? Are we supposed to go to space ? But there are no snow eagles in space, there are hardly any here... and humanity's womb ? That just sounds gross". I shake my head.

"Maybe it's not really a star, it could be like a metaphor". He looks thoughtful... Then suddenly he looks like he realises something. "Find humanity's womb, the key to humanity's womb... the prophecies are connected".

I scratch my neck. "So my fallen prince has to do with the prophecy... interesting.. very interesting. The world has a bit of a ... dry spell regarding princes though".

*Blaze*

"Wow, you live here ? Nice". Saskia says, as she pulls off her helmet. I have just parked outside the apartment complex. She is looking up at the tall glass and metal building with awe.

Honestly it's not really anything special, lower middle class at most, but I guess it's more luxurious than she is used to.

I turn off the engine to my motorbike, and am instantly hit by the bustling heavy sounds of the city. This part of town is never quiet.

I pull off my own helmet to answer. "I do.. top floor".

"Top floor ! Are you like... rich or some shit ?" She laughs, swinging her long leather clad leg over the bike, getting off, as her eyes are seeking upwards.

"Some shit would be the answer then". I put the helmets on the holder and press the small remote to lock the bike. Then I slip my arm around her shoulder. "Lets go babe... I'll give you a tour of the place first".

Her arm winds around my waist. "Show the way, handsome".

I lead her into the building, sending a nod to the doorman. "Good evening Odo".

"Evening Mr ... sir... and miss". The elderly man says with a slightly cheeky grin as he nods.

"Please Odo... call me Blaze". I tell him as always, as we make our way to the elevator, but I doubt he ever will.

I press the elevator button and the doors instantly dings open. I lead her inside, before stepping up to the controller, letting it scan my eye, the electronic voice asking. "Top floor, Blaze ?"

"Yes please". I turn to look at Saskia, who is giving me a sexy smirk and looks clearly impressed. "The security here is rather nice to have".

"I see something else that is nice to have". She steps up to me, running her slim hand up my chest and around my neck. I grab her waist as she pulls my face down for a heated kiss.

I press her against the wall, deepening the kiss as my fingers grip more firmly. She pulls at the hair at the nape of my neck, making me groan slightly. I have a feeling she will be fun to spend the night with.

My lips move over the soft purplish skin of her neck, making her giggle softly. "Oh you really are a scoundrel Mr Blaze".

"Please just Blaze darling...oh God would also be acceptable". I grin as I suck softly, wondering what colour a love bite has on purple skin.

When the elevator door dings open I grab her hand, pulling her with me to the door, unlocking it fast, and letting her inside.

"Honey I'm home". I call out softly, then I turn to Saskia, giving her a small grin. "I promise she isn't dangerous... she is a sweetheart really".

"Wait, you are married or something ? Cause I am not dealing with that". She gives me a look telling me that would most likely cost me a kick where it hurt the most if I say yes.

I hold up my hand. "Oh no... it's just Eirlys, my... pet".

Just then there is a swoop of big wings and Eirlys lands on the back of a chair, cocking her head and clicking her beak as she looks at Saskia. "Darling this is Saskia...a friend. Saskia this is Eirlys, my...".

"A snow eagle ! Are you kidding me ? You keep a freaking snow eagle as a pet ? Those things are dangerous". Her eyes are blown wide.

I look at the snowy white and ice blue bird of prey. She is even small for her species, just over 2 feet and about 13 lbs with a wingspan of 5 feet. Why do people always shy away ? "She really isn't".

"You are something else". She looks at me. "Actually it's kinda sexy... you know taming wild dangerous animals".

"I guess". I grin at her. It doesn't really matter what her view is on it, even if it's hardly true.

She walks over and kinda winds herself around me like an ivy branch, kissing up my neck. "A bit crazy and very sexy actually".

"I think you are very sexy". I mumble, letting my hands slide over her leather clad body. She is strong and in great shape, just like I prefer a woman to be. Not that I am very picky to be honest, charms and a good personality goes a long way.

She purrs softly... as in literally purring, like a cat as she kinda rubs against me, and I push her back against the wall, kissing her again. I feel her hands slide up under my shirt, roaming over my skin.

Eirlys starts making little annoyed sounds, and I break the kiss. "I better make sure she has food and water or she is going to make trouble. Do you want a cold beer or something when I am in the kitchen anyway ?"

"Sure... A cold beer sounds good". She smiles softly, trailing her hand down my arm in a suggestive way.

"Just make yourself at home". I tell her, before making my way into the kitchen. I put some raw chicken in Eirlys bowl, knowing it's her favorite and if she is happy she will give me space to have my... fun.

I open the fridge and am just about to grab a couple of beers when I hear my eagle squeak and flap her wings angrily.

I hurry into the living room, seeing Eirlys flap around on the floor, as Saskia kicks at her. "Hey... what the fuck do you think you are doing ?"

"The stupid animal tried to peck at my feet... Keep it away from me ! Get it out of here". She backs away from Eirlys who is clicking her beak.

"What about you get out of here... right now". I hold back the anger in my voice, knowing it only serves to make me sound more venomous. Trying to kick my bird, that's an instant mood kill for me.

She looks at me, with an almost comical expression. "Seriously, that menacing animal attacks me and I am the one who has to leave ?"

"Oh yeah and ... uhm please be quick about it". I cross my arms on my chest and Eirlys jumps forward squeaking angrily and flapping her wings, looking very much the dangerous animal she can be.

Saskia lets out a small squeak, then turns and halfway runs out of the apartment, slamming the door behind her, screaming as she goes. "You are insane... they were right about you".

Eirlys cocks her head, looking at me and I swear the damn bird is smiling. "Seriously girl...was that necessary ? You couldn't let daddy have his fun ?"

Taking flight, she folds out her impressive wings and does a victory lap in my living room, looking way too pleased with herself.

"Eirlys !" I say sternly.

She flaps her wings once and glides to land on my shoulder, then she nudges her head against mine, telling me she wants attention. "No... daddy is angry with you right now... that wasn't nice you know".

When I ignore her she starts to affectionately nipple at my ear, making small loving sounds and I give up and lift my hand to scratch her head. "Seriously girl... no more jealousy outbursts... You are fucking up daddy's dating life here".

She just makes what I assume is a happy sound and flies out into the kitchen, where she starts to wolf down her meat. I go grab one of the beers and sit down on the couch, throwing my feet up on the table. So another lonely evening for me, alone with my bird and the tv. I guess that is normal when you are kinda living outside of society.

*Novalie*

"You need a new dress". My mom says, as always, taking charge.

"Uhm isn't that why we are out ? To try on wedding dresses". I ask, hurrying the best I can to keep up with my very efficient mother.

Behind us Dira, our house slave struggles even more to keep up, due to her limp leg. I feel sorry for her, but I do not dare say anything to my mother.

"I mean for the outing... remember Daxton is picking you up to take you out this afternoon... you need something new, to make him happy".

Looking around I just follow along, this part of town and these stores are strictly for the very rich. Everything is built to look pretty and exclusive, but it has an air of fakeness to it. Like an old woman with too much makeup...like the houses have been dolled up in cheap costumes and the decay of the world lurks right under the surface.

Here are mostly women, either alone, or in pairs, with their slaves trailing along. Actually slaves are a harsh term, they are not sold and not whipped, so it's not like back on earth... from what I have read in the files. But they own nothing. They work for their masters for a room, food and clothes and sometimes gifts or a bit of spending money if their master is nice. It is a hard life and most are either born into it... slave-born... or sentenced to it for some crime.

"Move along you daft girl". Some middle aged and clearly very rich man hisses at his young pretty wife, as she shuffles along 2 steps behind him as a sign of respect. Only her clothes and beauty reveal she is his wife and not a slave.

I sigh. I should not feel relieved that it's not me. I should feel sorry for the girl and I do, but firstly I feel happy that I am not to marry a man so much older than me.

"Here we are Novalie". My mother says as the doorman opens the shop door to us. I just know this will be a very long morning.

Same afternoon:

I look at myself in the full body mirror, worried I might have gained a couple of pounds and happy to see that my pale skin is still flawless... Well beside that infuriating birthmark just over my hip.

Oh well, there is a long time till the next evaluation and I have recently passed one, being told that hadn't it been for the birthmark I would be a perfect woman. I have been assigned a class A man and am allowed to get married. Which is a big thing for someone my age. I have just turned 18 and it was my first evaluation.

Was I scared standing there to be judged, sure... I mean even knowing that I am pretty, skinny, well groomed and have good manners, as a woman it decides your life, the points you get decides what level of man you will be presented to and if you will be allowed to marry and reproduce. Basically everything depends on your evaluations.

"Nova... he is here". My mom calls as a horn honks outside.

"Coming". I call back and quickly pull on my new dress. It is cornflower blue and made from the finest silk that has been stiffened to create the fashionable geometrical style.

I hurry downstairs and my mom smiles at me. "You look stunning darling. You will surely make Daxton proud".

"Thanks mom. I look forward to getting to know him better". I give her a light hug, making sure not to ruffle anything.

"Now hurry, a good woman never lets her man wait. He has more important things to do". My mom says, ushering me to the door, our male slave servant Fintan opens it with a bow.

Outside I see my fiance Daxton True-born, leaning against one of those fancy secured cars. True-borns are the best blood lines, the leaders. My family is high-born, the second highest rank to be born to.

To be honest Daxton might be an attractive man now, at the age of 25, but it is clear to see he has a tendency to pack on the pounds and his hairline is already retracting, his blonde hair thinning. It doesn't matter though, he is rich, and from a good family. His father is a leader, most likely in line to be the next great leader, as the current great Leader lost his only son. Daxton will be one of the leaders one day, if he plays his cards right.

"There you are my dear, I was afraid you would keep me waiting". He says grinning, as he greets me with a kiss to each of my cheeks.

"Sorry I am late, but I wanted to look perfect for you". I bow my head slightly, as a sign of my submission to him.

He lifts his hand and pad my cheek, a little harder than he intended I think, it actually hurts a bit. "It's okay, just don't make it a habit. Now get in the car I have a surprise for you".

"Oh, what is it ? Where are we going ?" I get into the car, feeling excited. I don't get to go to many places and it's a chance to get to know my future husband.

"Have you ever been outside the city ? Seen the farmlands ?" He says as he slides in beside me, looking like just presented me with a great gift.

I shake my head, feeling slightly nervous now. "No, never...isn't it dangerous, with the free people and the... ferus humans ?"

"The free people are nothing to fear, they are really just half savages too dumb to cut it in the city". He looks disgusted. "And the ferus doesn't come this close to town. But just to be extra safe we are bringing two armed guards and the driver is a trained soldier too... and you have me to protect you".

"That makes me feel better". I say with a small smile, looking out the window as we glide through town.

In all honesty it doesn't really make me feel much better. I do not know Daxton and if I can trust him. On the other hand, he is my husband to be, so I am sure he would do what is needed to protect me.

I spent the rest of the way listening to Daxton. Only answering when asked, keeping my answers short and not too opinionated. It is the way a good woman acts when in the company of a man. I think I am doing pretty good, I have been well prepared and trained for this all my life.

It is interesting seeing the farmland outside the city, where the land-born people are working in small groups, harvesting the crop.

Daxton starts talking about wanting to expand the city, by building cheap homes and selling them to people who are wanting to get out of the slums of the city. Sounding like he is very sure that he will one day have the power to do this

"But what about the farms, the people working here and the food they produce ?" I can't help asking.

"Who cares ? Food can be made in the factories or they can make new farms farther away, basically their problem, not mine". He shrugs.

I forget to moderate myself for a moment. "But wouldn't it put them in danger from ferus attacks ? Having the farms farther from the city. And make the food more expensive ?"

"Didn't I just say 'their problem not mine' ? They are low level citizens. If they get eaten, we will get some others to do it". He gives me a look that tells me to shut up now.

"Of course". I feel myself shrinking away. I should not have questioned it of course, he knows better than me, even if it seems wrong.

After some moments of silence he leans forward, speaking to the driver. "Take us to the compound area".

"Are you sure, sir". One of the soldiers asks, but he just gets the same look as I received, the 'you better keep quiet or..' one, apparently that is Daxton's way of dealing with things he doesn't want to answer.

We turn away from the fields and through a small wooded area ending by a little lake, where Daxton, from the safety of the car, shows me the land where he wants to build a private compound and summer home. Being able to get out of the city, breathing the fresh air. It does sound great, I have to admit that.

But honestly hearing him gushing about it is really boring, and my mind trails off, looking at the plants, flowers and birds and watching the sun reflect across the surface of the lake.

As we turn to drive back, we realise that a tree is blocking the small dirt road and my fiance curses in annoyance. "Typical... go on, move it or something".

The soldiers get out, but even if it is a small tree, they can not move it alone. First the driver gets out, but when they are still struggling, Daxton looks at me and I fear he is going to tell me to do it... but then he gets out with a sigh and help.

And then it happens, big wild looking men with clubs and knives come out from the trees, yelling and screaming, they look murderous and wild. I hear another scream, realising it is me. I have no doubt this is the ferus humans.

I cover my eyes, hearing screams, growls and shots outside.. then silence.