[Pearle]

PEARLE -- "Peep"

|«| el dorado |«|
the ingénue; Sparrow

The breeze pulled the smell of salt from the ocean across the tribal lands, Pearle breathed in the scent of familiarity with a delicate sigh. Since the sun had peeked over the pyramids, she had been on a mission. Ever since the arrival of the chiroptera and the two large boys, one now their Phoenix, the Crystalline had wanted to seek them out. Pearle was interested in the pair, but set her sights on meeting her Phoenix first, whether it be organic or an arranged chance. Why had  Xiuhcoatl brought them outsiders? Why was this boy their new Phoenix? Why not a member of the tribe? The questions raced through her young mind, frightened and excited at the prospect. Peep had heard the muttering of tribe members, some were not certain about him, others ambivalent. The grayscale woman pursed her lips, she would determine for herself if the boy was a trustworthy leader,

and furthermore, if he was properly educated on the tribe’s history and culture.

As a future Dove and Turul (she assumed) it would certainly be her duty to make such assessments. Icy blue eyes blinked softly as she nodded an affirmation to herself. The Crystalline daughter was well raised and well educated, a league above the others even in her young age, if any of the lower ranks were qualified to assess the Phoenix personally, Pearle imagined it must be her. The other Sparrows and a plethora of the poorly bred would need help forming a coherent decision and she would be there to graciously guide them. Just as a Dove should; the Sparrow would earn her title through acts noticeable. The tiny Aviari let out a whimsical sigh, directing herself towards the sparkling springs. If he was not there she would continue towards the pyramids until she was no longer allowed to continue forward.

Thoughts hummed and buzzed in her small skull, the first and foremost was her fear. She had not seen the Phoenix yet, having missed the arrival but she had heard of his size and his coloration— plus he would bear the scars—. Would he truly be as large as described? The opalescent daughter’s stomach churned but she continued to march forward. Peep had to, there was no other option, she was a Crystalline daughter. The longer she searched the more her legs continued to quiver beneath her and she felt as if she was choking on her uncertainty. For how long this continued, she didn’t know, but finally her blue eyes met the sight of the man she was certain was the Phoenix. Oh he was as large as described.

Her ears and tail shrunk down and for a moment she felt her long, willowy feathers sink to the ground. No. No! The girl puffed up and picked her head up with feigned confidence, she would not show such childishness in front of the new Phoenix. If she was lucky she may one day be his advisor and Pearle took that thought very seriously despite feeling a small bit of vomit trying to creep up her throat. The grayscale girl swallowed hard and cleared her throat and called out with a shaky, sing song voice, ”Phoenix! My Phoenix!” admittedly she didn’t recall his name at the moment so she’d just let it rest.

Her legs felt as if they’d locked in place, but she refused to show it. Instead stuttering out, ”D-dear Phoenix. I-I-I am P-Pearle, a d-daughter of the Crystalline fam-amily. Currently a S-Spa-arrow, a-as-aspiring to be a D-Dove.” her little fangs bared in frustration with herself and she cleared her throat again, this time forcefully enough to almost be painful, trying not to let little tears well up in her eyes. ”I-if you a-aren’t busy, I’d l-love a word with you? I-I’d like to know about m-my new Phoenix...”

Peep took in a breath of air so strong her little body actually shook from the force.


”I’d like t-to know why Xiuhcoatl sent you to us. A-and about y-your family, t-the world out t-there... and uh, h-how you’re so large.”

The last part was said with a sincere and playful grin, even if her laugh was a little nervous.

n/a