FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Goldeneyes Chapter 7

Deep was Imar's anguish as he mourned the loss of his sister. Alicia was no more, and the temple priest cried out in sorrow. Imar retreated to the shady groves surrounding the avian temple, and beneath the sheltering oaks, the black eagle grieved for his sister.

"Oh, Alicia! I have sent you to your death!" Imar cried sadly.

Imar crumpled to the ground before a great oak tree, and absently traced his fingers over the gnarled roots. Sadly reflecting upon his departed sister.

But then Imar found that his fingers were around the talons of an eagle. Imar looked up, and found that his sister stood before him. A radiant halo of light surrounded her, and upon her head was a crown of leaves. In Alicia's left hand she bore an hourglass, and in her right was a kingly crown of silver.

Imar had a flash of memory, of his young sister Alicia giving the ten year old Imar a novelty for his birthday. An hourglass. Filled with beach sand. And as the young Imar accepted the toy hourglass, he had a sudden vision of this moment in time. Imar had carried this vision, all of his life. Like the lady Alicia's long held vision of landing on the sandy shores of Wake Island, and looking out across the waters to the Sealift Arctic.

Imar slowly rose, and Alicia held out the hourglass, filled not with beach sand, but with the shimmering moments of all the days of Land. Her brother took it into his arms, his eyes wide with wonderment. Alicia then placed the silver crown upon his head, and Imar gasped as the edges of the metal sank into his skull.

The Time Lord's crown merged with the eagle, and Imar was made one with his new station.

Imar cried out as he woke from the dream. The mystic looked around his chamber, struggling to catch his breath. Then, there was a soft tapping of claws upon his chamber door. It opened, and his sister entered. In the gloom of the chamber, Alicia's eyes shone like small stars. Upon her head was a laurel of leaves, and Imar was filled with dread.

But Alicia's face was gentle, and she knelt beside her brother's bed, "Oh brother! What saddens you so? You have not lost your sister!"

Imar shook his head, not knowing what to say. He simply embraced his sister, and traced his fingers over the laurel of leaves that grew from between the feathers of Alicia's head.

"There is no loss here." Alicia assured her brother. "I have simply gained a new calling. Genevieve was troubled by her station because she did not want the power. But I have come to new wisdom, and the power does not rule my being."

Imar hugged his sister, grateful that she was well. But then a cloud passed over his face.

"Nay, there is a loss." He said, "Very soon, by your reckoning, I shall pass away." Alicia bowed her head, "That... is a sadness that I dread."

Imar smiled, "Perhaps as Genevieve sought retirement, there may be another servant of the creator who grows weary from his labors."

Alicia smiled, and tapped her finger on her brother's beak. "Best polish your resume my brother."

Imar groaned. Truly, his sister was still with him. "I love you my sister. You are the only family that I have."

And his sister smiled, "Very soon," she said, "You will know family everywhere."

***

In the cheery afternoon light of Eleanor's gallery, her visitors Ursula and Ulysses Steelspere beheld an amazing sight. One that challenged every belief that they held. Or thought they held. Before their eyes, their daughter's fiance was undergoing an astonishing transformation. And when the slender fox had transformed into the towering muscular eagle, Timothy Buttons stepped back, and awaited his future mother and father in law's reaction.

Ursula sat with her mouth agape, and Ulysses' expression was unreadable. The couple sat for a long moment, and then they slowly cast their gaze from Timothy, to their daughter Victoria, and then back to the tall red harpy eagle.

Finally, Ulysses spoke. "Forgive me," he said, "I need time to collect my thoughts. But I want you to know that I am not repulsed, or frightened by what I have seen." Ursula gripped her husband's arm tightly, "Indeed," the mother harpy said, "I have seen a wondrous feat from you master Timothy. Please tell us, how is this possible?"

Timothy began to relate the story of their voyage to seek the sorceress Genevieve. And of Alicia the black eagle being gifted with the sorceress' powers. Of Shelton's accidental transformation, and of Timothy's request for the gift.

"So that I may father children with my love. My lady Victoria." Timothy said. The red eagle cast his gaze to his wife to be, and then back to the Steelsperes. "I wanted you to know about this miracle, as soon as possible. In case you had reservations..." Timothy said.

He awaited further thoughts from the parents, but instead of words, Ursula rose and took Timothy into her arms. Ulysses too put his arms around Timothy, and his lady Ursula. Victoria rushed to them, and joined her Timothy in the embrace. Timothy gasped with great emotion, and across the gallery, Catherine Brownfoot was moved to tears. Shelly, still in her eagle form, hugged her Virgil tightly. Shelton as his old equine self nestled his head against his husband Hector's chest.

Ursula stepped back, and took Timothy's face his her hands. She smoothed the feathers of his cheeks, and looked deeply into his large green eyes. "I'm so happy..." Ursula said, her voice cracking. And then she hugged her daughter and her future son in law once more. Timothy bowed, "Thank you..." he said. Victoria took her future husband's hand, and smiled happily to him. Timothy never imagined such a moment. But here he was. And he was very very happy.

Paul looked to Ulysses, and asked in a chipper note, "Would you like some brandy?" And the grey harpy eagle father said "Yes!"

Paul rose to fetch his supply of spirits, and Eleanor turned to Shelly and Virgil. "I spoke with the lady Alicia. She suggested something to me, and I agree with her. I want you to know, that I plan on naming my new daughter Genevieve."

Shelly was surprised by this, but reflecting upon what the former green mother had done for her, Shelly was very pleased. "Thank you." the blonde eagle said.

Eleanor nodded, and suddenly Shelly jerked her head up with a start. "What is wrong?" Virgil asked. And Shelly smiled, "Shean says that he is hungry."

"Ah," Eleanor said, let me help you with this. The two women rose, and Eleanor suddenly leapt up into the walkway above. Shelly spread her wings, but was unsure of what to do. Virgil took her hand, and led her up the stairs. "You have to remember that Eleanor was a gymnast in her youth." Virgil said with a smile. "Avian gymnasts are the strongest of the strong."

Reaching Shelly's room, Eleanor sat with Shean in her lap. The golden eagle mother had an odd expression on her face, but Shelly realized that she was likely in communication with Shean. The baby's soul retained much of Justin's memory, and Shean was in the bizarre position of being an infant in possession an adult's intellect. Eleanor looked to Shelly, and said "He says he would not mind me doing the feeding this time."

Eleanor leaned back, and opened her maw wide. Shean closed his eyes, and parted his own beak. Eleanor leaned over the baby, and forced herself to regurgitate. Shelly could see partially digested food pass into Shean's mouth.

The child leaned back, smacking his beak together. Shelly had a look of mild disgust on her face, and Shean entered her mind, "Remember mom, I was an eagle in my past life. I have been through this before." Shelly laughed, "I may have to practice a bit before I can pull that off as smoothy as Mom." Shelly said aloud. Eleanor laughed, and Shean cast a thoughtful look to his new eagle mother. "You look beautiful as an eagle Shelly. I never would have imagined that my eyes would once again be worn by an eagle." A croak came from Shelly's throat, and she clasped her hand to her breast. Shean's eyes widened, "I did not mean to make you sad momma!"

"It's okay..." Shelly said. Eleanor looked to Shelly, and then down to Shean. The baby looked up to the golden eagle mother, and softly peeped. "Oh, you won't be scoring points that easily mister!" Eleanor cawed happily.

***

On board the Sealift Arctic, the ship was preparing a work up for their next cruise. Winter was the busy season for the crew. The Sealift Arctic was, as it's name implied, an Arctic supply ship.

First Mate Janus Daniels made his was down the ship's main passageway, looking for one of his eagle stewards. Sighting one of the golden eagles, Janus called to him, "Jonathan, could I get a hand?"

But the eagle blinked to him, "I am Ashley. Did you need Jonathan?" Janus shook his head, "Just need someone to help in the galley, are you currently tasked?"

Ashley smiled, "I can help out!"

The two made their way to the galley, and Janus set Ashley to work cutting potatoes to fry. The crew loved fresh fried potatoes, and Janus tried to make then whenever possible.

Ashley began to toss the potatoes into the frier basket, and set them into the grease. But the eagle dropped potatoes which were soaking wet, and a violent reaction occurred when the basket hit the grease. Flames shot high into the air, and Ashley screamed loudly. He looked around quickly for a fire extinguisher, but saw the bucket of water which the potatoes had been soaking. Ashley was not a knowledgeable cook, and so made the fatal error of grasping the water, and throwing it on the grease fire.

Thick oily flames splashed the young eagle, and Eleanor's middle son burst into raging flames. The eagle screamed in agony, and writhed upon the galley floor. Janus finally reached him, and threw a blanket over the dying eagle.

Ashley's feathers were melted to his flesh, and most of his beak was destroyed. "Momma..." the young eagle gasped, "momma..."

Ashley began to convulse, and Janus screamed for help. Suddenly the room was lit by a blazing light, and from nowhere the tall black eagle Alicia appeared. She shoved the head steward aside, and put her hands on Ashley's ruined chest. Electricity leapt from Alicia's hands, and Ashley's eyes went wide as a great power flooded into him. Bright bolts of electricity licked the stricken eagle, and his body became restored where the lightning touched him.

Soon Ashley was completely healed, at least physically, and Alicia took the young eagle into her arms. Ashley was heavily sobbing in the way that eagles cry. "Momma!" he gasped again.

Captain McGinn stormed into the galley, followed by many more crewmen in firefighting gear. "Who the devil are you?" McGinn cried, seeing Alicia in the galley. Janus waved to the Captain, "She's a friend."

Ashley looked into Alicia's shining eyes, "Please.... take me home." he said. And as Jonathan made his way into the galley, Alicia beckoned to him. The black eagle then looked to Janus, and the mink nodded to her.

"Take them home, I'll explain to the Captain." he said. Alicia smiled to Janus, and in a flash the black eagle disappeared with the two young golden eagles.

McGinn gasped aloud, and many of the other crewmen murmured to themselves, remembering Alicia's past miracles. "The boy was horribly burned," Janus told the Captain, "The eagle saved him."

McGinn shook his head, not comprehending, but the other crew members began to relate the events of the previous weeks to him.

***

Victoria's parents sat in Eleanor's gallery, riveted to their daughter's tale of the battle with the tuskin beasts. Benjamin joined her, telling the proud harpy eagle parents how bravely their daughter had fought, and how fearsome she had been. Ursula smiled to her Victoria, and Eleanor shook her head, trying to imagine her own sons in such a pitched battle. "Well, perhaps my brave young Marine..." Eleanor thought to herself.

Just then there was a bright flash of blue light from outside. And the startled company looked out of the main window to the black eagle Alicia, carrying Ashley in her arms. Jonathan was with her, and the three made their way inside. Eleanor rushed to her sons, and Ashley frantically called to her, "Momma!!"

Eleanor cried out as she threw her arms around her sons. "What has happened?" Eleanor asked. Paul rushed from the kitchen area, a great concern on his face. Alicia stood, and to Eleanor and Paul she projected an image of Ashley being mortally wounded in the fire. But the black eagle spared Eleanor the horrible details of Ashley's injuries.

Eleanor cried out in horror at the thought of another of her sons nearly dying. She hugged Ashley tightly, as the boy was racked with weeping gasps. Paul sank to his knees, and put his arms around Ashley, "I'm so sorry..." Paul said as he shut his eyes tightly. He had nearly caused the death of another of Eleanor's sons. "So sorry..." Paul whispered again. But in that moment Ashley put his arm around his stepfather's neck, and hugged him tightly. "I'm okay." Ashley said, trying to compose himself. "Please don't be upset." the young eagle said again.

Eleanor cupped Ashley's face in her hands, and carefully examined him. The image of Alicia's vision replayed in her mind. Of Ashley on fire. Of him screaming in agony, and calling for his mother. Eleanor held her Ashley close, and looked to Alicia, "Thank you..." she said. Alicia bowed, "I missed your company, and I was looking in on my friends, to see how you are faring. And I saw the accident. I came as quickly as I could."

Jonathan put his arms around Alicia. "Thank you. Thank you." he said softly. Alicia embraced the young golden eagle, and Jonathan felt the odd warmth of Alicia's body radiate through him. Jonathan suddenly felt deep romantic stirrings for the goddess, and Alicia was very flattered by his desire. She knelt down, and put her beak beside his, an avian way of kissing one another. Jonathan's heart soared.

The family settled down, and Eleanor, in the throes of great motherly nurture, picked Ashley up. With impressive strength, she carried him up to his room. Shelton smiled, and winked to the embarrassed young eagle as he was carried away.

Alicia felt that she should depart, but as she stood next to Jonathan, she was unable to move. She looked down to the young golden eagle, and he looked to her. Alicia had never felt romantic urges for anyone. But there was something about her new state that made these feelings come to her. Taking seed within her being, and blooming forth with desire.

Suddenly the room was lit with a pale blue light, and Alicia looked to the vision of a small falcon who bore a silver crown upon his head. Alicia looked to the other members of the company, and they seemed oblivious to the falcon's presence. "I wish to speak to you." the first lord of time said to the green mother.

"I must take my leave Jonathan, I shall see you again soon." Alicia said warmly to Jonathan, and Jonathan's heart soared as he felt Alicia's desire to be with him. "Farewell my friends, I shall see you again soon." the black eagle said. And with a flash, she disappeared. Shelton and Hector were struck by how warm Alicia had seemed. Quite out of character for the usually stoic, and logical temple priestess.

Invisible to the family around them, Alicia stood with Heron, the lord of time. Alicia sensed that the lord of time was displeased with Alicia's interference in healing Ashley, and of her creating shapeshifters.

But Alicia arose in great might before the time lord, and in a loud and commanding voice she said to him "I have not made these decisions lightly, and it is my will that they be done. There shall be no discussion in this matter."

The time lord was shocked by the black eagle's display, and he meekly bowed to the goddess, "It is not my intension to displease the mother of nature." Heron said. Alicia looked intently upon him, and then she smiled. "I apologize for disrupting the flow of time with my actions regarding the young Ashley Brightwing. But as the time lord, you have the power to make repairs to the continuum."

Heron bowed, "Indeed," he said. "I merely sought explanation for your actions. But I see that the mother of nature has personal reasons for her interference in the natural order..." Heron's voice trailed off as he saw the fearsome menace that radiated from Alicia. The golden light shining from Alicia's eyes had turned to a deep red, and she flexed her talons with great anger. "Forgive me," Heron said, "I meant no disrespect."

Alicia stilled her anger. "You must also forgive me, there are so many new emotions within me, emotions that I have never before felt. I feel as if I have become a stranger within my own body." And Heron nodded, "You speak some measure of truth." he said gently.

Heron then drew near to her, "I have watched your brother Imar. I think very highly of him. He has great wisdom, and I could think of no more worthy a successor for my office. Tell him that if he wishes to confer with me, that I should like to meet with him." Alicia was surprised, and she bowed to the time lord. "Thank you..." she said softly.

Heron departed, and Alicia stood for a long moment in Eleanor's gallery. Invisible to all of the family, save one. At the far and of the gallery, Shean Proudfoot sat upon a sofa. Looking to the black eagle. Apparently witnessing the entire conversation. Alicia realized that Shean was more than a mere soul with a window to the spirit world. The black eagle crossed the gallery and bowed to him, "Your family will benefit from your skill Master Proudfoot. Indeed, I sense your brother Ashley will have great need of your mastery of dreams." Alicia said to Shean. "Perhaps there is a gift I could impart to you. For I see an adult's intellect trapped within an infant's body." Alicia reached out, and touched Shean's small head.

And Shelly, seated near her son, suddenly saw a bright blue flash come from Shean. The infant let out a loud squeak, and suddenly, his body began to grow. The household looked over to Shean with wide eyed surprise as the infant seemed to age before their eyes. Years of growth passing in the space of only a moment, until at last Shean was the age of Justin when he had passed. That being nineteen years. Shelly looked to her son, her hands over her beak.

And Alicia, still invisible to all except Shean said to him, "Your years are not lost to you. To the natural flow of time you are still only four days old. You may now move your physical body through your years, as you do in your dreams." Alicia said. Shean looked over to his mother, and he struggled to speak. Eleanor came down the steps and beheld the newly adult Hippogriff. Ulysses Steelspere stood up, confusion upon his face. Ursula looked to her daughter, and Victoria smiled to her, "We are... a strange family." Victoria said with a smile. Ursula laughed, and Ulysses shook his head. "Indeed." he said.

***

Deep within the avian temple, Imar the black eagle sat within his study. Pouring over old tomes, carefully studying the mysticism surrounding the incarnations of nature. The living animals, tasked with maintaining the harmony of the creator's world. Imar had just finished reading a scroll regarding the incarnation of nature, and now began reading an account of the three time lords. The lord of the past, of the present, and the lord of the future. These three animals were forever separated by their office, yet were intimately connected through their work. Seamlessly bringing the flow of time from one moment to the next.

Greatest of these lords was the lord of the present. The first lord of time. The second time lord was of the future, and the third being the keeper of the past. Imar was amazed that he had not the wisdom to see Genevieve for what she truly was. But the lioness had carefully masked her power. And the temple mystics had falsely believed that the incarnation of nature had not yet arisen from the long slumber following the cataclysm, when the fiery mountain had devastated the surface of Land.

Imar was startled by a bright flash of light coming from the passageway outside his chamber. Talons then clicked upon the stone floor, and his sister Alicia came to him. Her expression was bright, and jovial. Imar had never before seen his sister so jolly. And he stared in wonder at her broad smile. "I bring tidings my brother!" Alicia sang in a bright voice, "My brother, the next lord of time!"

Imar was startled, and Alicia sat down near him. "Indeed! Heron, the first lord of time has conferred with me. He speaks highly of you, and seeks an audience with you." Imar's eyes went wide, and he smiled to his sister.

But then Alicia's face grew stern. "But beware, if you accept this position, the only respite is death. You will be bound by your station." Alicia then softened, "But together, we may live happily together as we carry out our duties."

Alicia then smiled to herself, her expression seemed far away. And Imar recognized the gaze. He had seen it before on the faces of those who had fallen in love. Imar was momentarily alarmed that his sister might have romantic feelings toward him. But then he saw beyond, and realized that it was another that Alicia thought of. "What is his name?" Imar asked.

"Jonathan, the young son of the lady Eleanor." Alicia said. "I do not know what stirs me so. But I sensed such feelings of love and desire in the heart of the lady Genevieve." Alicia said thoughtfully.

Imar smiled, and Alicia looked sheepish. "I do not know what to do." she said. "Do what feels right." Imar said. "For that is ultimately the correct course to take." Alicia nodded, and took her brother's hand. "Farewell," she said, "For the next time I look upon you, you will no longer be Imar Majoris, high priest of the avian temple." Imar's beak parted thoughtfully, and Alicia gripped his hand tightly. "I love you my brother." Alicia said warmly.

And with that, she disappeared in a flash. Imar's eyes were momentarily dazzled, but as he recovered his vision, there was another in the room with him. A falcon, from whom shone a pale white light. The falcon carried a staff of silver, and upon his head sparkled a kingly crown. Imar bowed to the time lord, "Greetings, please... welcome to my home." Imar said.

***

Evening time was coming, and the Silverstone home was settling down to bed. Shean Proudfoot had one of Shelton's jackets tied around his waist. Preserving his modesty, until suitable clothing could be purchased for him.

Virgil hugged him tightly, and lamented that he would miss holding his infant son. Shean reflected upon this, and in his mind's eye, he envisioned himself as an infant once more. And there, before his startled parent's eyes, Shean reverted back to his infant state. "Okay, that's interesting." Virgil said. Shean let out an amused squeak, and Shelly put her hand on her son's head. "You're in it now mister, going back to being a baby won't get you out of the household chores!"

Hector and Shelton settled down in their chamber, and as his equine self, Shelton brushed his lips over Hector's bare belly. His eagle cooed, and patted Shelton's face as the pony pleasured his husband.

Across the home, Jonathan visited his brother Ashley. Ashley smiled weakly to his brother, and Jonathan hugged him tightly. "I'm so sorry Jon." Ashley said. "For what?" Jonathan asked, smoothing his brother's feathers.

"I was so stupid, doing what I did in that galley. Pouring water on a grease fire." But Jonathan gripped his brother by his shoulders, and gently shook him. "So just remember not to do that again when we get back to the ship!"

But Ashley looked away. "I'm never going back to the ship. I want to stay with Mom, I never want to hurt her again." Jonathan took Ashley's beak in his hand, and forced his brother to look at him. "The accident has only just happened. Give it some time, and then see if you want to go back. You can't stay with Mom forever you know." Jonathan said as gently as he could.

Ashley hugged his brother tightly, "I love you Jon." Ashley said. "When I was laying on that floor... dying... all I could think about was you and mom." Jonathan's throat choked up, and he hugged his brother again. "I love you too Ash. You silly bird."

Jonathan bid his brother goodnight, and then made his way back to his temporary room. Jonathan's chamber had been given to Mister and Misses Steelspere while they are visiting, since at the time the boys had been away on the ship.

Jonathan now chose to sleep in a large storage room across from the kitchen. As Jonathan made his way into the kitchen, he found the black eagle Alicia there. "Hello Jonathan." Alicia said, nervously smoothing her feathers. "I wanted to see you again, I hope..." But Alicia was interrupted by the young golden eagle hugging her tightly. Alicia put her arms around him, and held him for a very long moment.

Back within Imar's chamber, the black eagle enjoyed a stimulating conversation with lord Heron. The time lord was impressed with Imar's wisdom, and eloquence. "I can think of no greater successor." Heron said to Imar. Then the time lord bowed his head. "Imar, please know that once you hold an office of an incarnation of nature, you can never again be reborn into the world. After death, you shall travel to the creator, and there you will dwell with him. Such is my fate."

Imar looked very thoughtful. And Heron looked deeply into Imar's eyes, "You shall never know another birth, if you take unto yourself this office." Imar looked across his chamber to the small hourglass that his sister had gifted to him, all those years ago. It was a treasured possession to Imar, and it was a fitting portense to his future path. Imar was born for this position, and the black eagle was ready. "I accept." Imar said.

The falcon rose, and held out his silver staff. The staff became an hourglass, and the time lord spoke an ancient hymn, "From the tome the word is spoken, that a crown of a servant of the creator can only be removed when a worthy successor comes forth."

Heron grasped his crown, and took it from his brow. The falcon closed his eyes, and a great relief crossed his face. He drew near to Imar, and looked up to the towering eagle. "You best kneel down son, you are quite tall."

Imar smiled, happy for the weight of this moment being lightened by the humor.

Imar knelt, and Heron placed his crown upon Imar's head. The metal painlessly merged with Imar's flesh, becoming one with the black eagle. Heron then presented his hourglass to Imar, and the black eagle took it into his arms.

The falcon then slowly lowered himself to the cool stone floor. "Thank you." Heron said softly. And Imar's vision was momentarily blinded by an intense light as the power of the creator flooded into him. Filling his being with the strength to endure his new office.

When at last Imar's vision returned to him, he saw Heron's spirit alight from his body, and travel across the veil to the waiting arms of his creator. "Farewell..." Imar said softly.

***

Sometime after midnight, in the stillness of the Silverstone home, the young Elizabeth Brownfoot heard a voice cry out in fear. The badger gently rose from her parent's bed, and went across the hall to Ashley's chamber. She heard the eagle stirring, in the grips of a fearful nightmare.

"Momma..." Ashley cried in his sleep. Elizabeth padded to Ashley's bed, and climbed onto the large cushion with him. "Shhhh," Elizabeth said, doing her best to mimmic Eleanor's voice, "It's okay sweetheart, Mommy's here."

Ashley settled down, and murmured softly as he drifted back into a restful slumber. Elizabeth snuggled against Ashley's soft feathers and she too drifted back to sleep. Downstairs, in the storage room, Alicia held Jonathan in her arms.

The golden eagle pressed himself tightly against Alicia's magnificent form. And the black eagle slowly ran her fingers up and down Jonathan's thigh. Jonathan burned hotly with desire. He had never before been with anyone. And to be here with Alicia was overwhelming to him. He wished to become erect, but his manhood was paralyzed with nervousness.

Alicia sensed his desire, and she gently cupped her large hand between his legs. Jonathan's eyes went wide as his serpentine penis began to extend from his body, into Alicia's waiting hand. The black eagle gently guided his tip between her legs, and Jonathan felt himself penetrate Alicia's folds. Alicia also relished this moment. She too had never been touched by another, and the two eagles lost their virginity to one another as Jonathan's penis slowly penetrated deeply into the lady Alicia.

Alicia let out a long breath as Jonathan hilted himself. Moving on instinct, the young man began to make slow circles with his hips. Thrusting into Alicia as his breath came in deep gasps. Alicia rolled onto her back, and spread her legs wide. Jonathan relished the awesome physique of the back eagle as he mated her. Alicia felt the thrumming waves of orgasm coming over her, and she threw her head back and urged Jonathan to thrust harder. The golden eagle complied, as he felt his own release building between his legs.

Alicia put her long arms around his neck, and drew his face to hers. She breathed into his mouth as he mated her, and Jonathan savored the sweetness of her breath. "Yes..." Alicia gasped, "Yes."

Jonathan felt Alicia clamp hard around his member as she climaxed, and instantly, he came inside the black eagle. Jonathan threw his head back, and cried out as the intensity of the moment overwhelmed him. From upstairs, Ulysses Steelspere heard the young eagle's cries of passion. And beside him, his wife Ursula gave a soft chuckle. "It gets frisky around here." Ulysses said to his wife. "Indeed." Ursula said with a smile. And with that, the father harpy eagle put his hips to his wife's shapely bottom, and mated her with a newfound youthful lust.

***

The next morning, Eleanor made her way across the ornate walkway to her son's room. Looking in on Ashley, she saw him sleeping peacefully with the young Elizabeth. The mother eagle smiled, and then vaulted over the railing to the gallery below. She made her way to the kitchen to prepare her day, and there she found Alicia and Jonathan seated at the table. Jonathan waved to his mother, and Alicia smiled warmly. Eleanor raised a brow ridge, and gave her son a knowing smile.

"Did you have a restful night?" Eleanor asked her son, and Jonathan smiled sheepishly. "We did indeed." Alicia said. And Jonathan did his best to hide himself under the table. But Eleanor put her arms around both of the eagles. "I am glad." Eleanor said, and looking deeply into Alicia's eyes, she said softly "Thank you for saving my son."

Alicia put her large face against Eleanor's breast, "His loss would have been felt by us all. I could not withstand such a sadness."

Eleanor hugged Alicia's large head. Inhaling deeply the sweet scent of the laurel of leaves that crowed the goddess' head. "Ah," Alicia said suddenly, "My brother draws near."

Just then the doorbell chimed, and Eleanor went to answer. Jonathan and Alicia rose, and followed. Eleanor opened the large door, and there stood Imar, the black eagle. His shining silver crown dazzled Eleanor's eyes, and his long silver staff sparkled with a strange inner radiance.

Alicia smiled to her brother, and Imar bowed to her. Imar slowly made his way into the home, and from above Ulysses was just emerging from his chamber. Looking down, he caught sight of Imar's majesty. His eyes went wide, and he retreated back into the chamber. "This is truly an interesting household." Ulysses said to his wife. And Ursula smiled, "Isn't it wonderful?"

***

The next day, all assembled in the garden, and Ursula stood with her husband Ulysses. The mother of nature stood with them, and Alicia smiled warmly to their daughter Victoria. Victoria's eyes shimmered with great emotion, and she held her parent's hands tightly as she waited for Timothy.

From the house, Benjamin and Catherine Brownfoot emerged with their adopted son. For the ceremony, Timothy chose to wear is natural reynard form. Alicia stood before the party, and smiled to the fox as his parents led him to the altar. "We present our son Timothy Buttons, to enter into matrimony with his beloved." the proud badgers said.

The eagles Ursula and Ulysses took their daughter's hand, and led her to Timothy's side. Hugging her, they said with great emotion "We present our daughter Victoria Steelspere to enter into matrimony with her beloved."

Alicia took the young couple's hands, and placed them together. A brilliant golden light came from the goddess, and in a loud voice that sounded like a thousand trumpets Alicia cried "Rejoice! For thou art now married!"

Timothy was moved to tears, and he threw his arms around his eagle. Victoria closed her wings around her new husband. She sighed happily, and rested her chin on her fox's head. "I love you, Misses Victoria Buttons." Timothy said through tears of joy.

***

Alicia made her way through the happy crowd. She smiled at Sherry and Hector as they hugged and congratulated Mister and Misses Buttons. Priscilla and Joshua Morningside warmly embraced their daughter in law Shelly in her new eagle form, and they marveled at their grandson Shean, magically transformed into a young adult.

The black eagle Imar found the lady Eleanor looking to her grandson Shean. Reflecting that he had once been her Justin. "I once told you," Imar said to Eleanor, and the mother eagle suddenly looked to the time lord, "I once told you not to hope to find your son." Imar said, "But as you look across your garden, behold, you have found your son."

Eleanor smiled, and Imar put his arms around the golden lady.

"Do not withhold your love lady Eleanor, go to your grandson. Rejoice that the creator, through his mercy, has restored your Justin to you."

Eleanor hugged Imar tightly. Alicia drew near, hand in hand with Jonathan. Ashley smiled to them, and then looked to the towering Imar. He wished that he could take the black lord's hand in his. Ashley was surprised at his feelings, he never really felt that he was homosexual, until this moment.

Imar turned to Ashley, and he did reach out and take the young man's hand. Ashley was very surprised, and shyly lowered his eyes. But Imar cupped the young eagle's beak in his hand, and brought Ashley's eyes up to meet his.

"Have faith Ashley, you will find your perfect mate." Imar said, and hugged the young eagle.

Ashley felt the strange coolness of Imar's body. He remembered the radiant warmth of Alicia's body when she had carried him. But Imar seemed very cool, almost like stone. Or metal. "Thank you." Ashley softly peeped.

That night, Shean walked the Silverstone home. He looked to the large wall of photos, and saw the photographs of Justin. Reaching out, Shean touched the photo of Justin proudly wearing his freshly presented Marine sash.

Tracing his fingers over the photographs, his claws came to rest on a photograph of Eleanor holding Justin when he was a small baby. Shean opened his mouth, and struggled to speak. And in that moment, he found his voice, "Mother."

Looking to the walkway above, Shean made his way upstairs. Passing Ashley's room, Shean looked in. Ashley sat on the edge of his bed, his hands between his knees. The young eagle looked up, and he smiled to Shean.

The hippogriff made his way into the room, and sat down beside Ashley. "Hello Ash." Shean said in Justin's voice. Ashley's eyes widened upon hearing the voice, and Shean put his arms around his brother. "Tonight, you will sleep soundly. There will be no nightmares of the fire this night." Shean said, holding his brother close.

Ashley slipped his arms around Shean, and sighed. Shean touched his beak to Ashley's and then rose to take his leave. But Ashley called after him. "Justy..." Ashley said softly, "When I was burned, I felt what it was like to be dying. It was so scary."

Shean smiled, and cupped Ashley's face in his hands. "I know." Shean said, "But should the dreams of the fire come upon you, then I will be there to comfort you." Shean hugged his brother once more, and then bid Ashley goodnight.

In Eleanor's chamber, Paul lay on the large bed, reading a romance novel. The happy couple had found that reenacting scenes from their favorite books was stimulating role play. And Eleanor relished the fun sex that they had.

Just then there was a soft tapping of claws on their archway, and Shean peeked inside. "Ah, Shean..." Paul said, beckoning the hippogriff to him. Eleanor emerged from the bathroom, and smiled when she saw Shean. "Hi Mom." Shean said in a voice that Eleanor recognized as her Justin's.

The mother eagle dropped the book that she was holding, as Imar's words echoed in her mind.

"Rejoice, the creator has restored your Justin to you."

Eleanor took a step toward Shean, and from the edges of Shean's sky blue eyes, tears began to well up. Something that would be impossible for an ordinary eagle's eyes. "Mom..."

Shean said again, and he held out his arms to his former mother. Eleanor rushed to him, and threw her arms around her grandson. "Oh baby..." Eleanor said softly.

Shean softly wept as Eleanor held him close. His equine ears swiveled atop his eagle head, and Paul watched the two with gentle concern. He could not fathom what it would be like to lose a child, and then be reunited with them in such a way. But he was happy that through this miracle, Justin could return to his mother in the form of Shean Proudfoot.

Just then, there was a soft peep. Eleanor's feathers stood on end, and Paul quickly looked to the corner of their room where Genevieve's egg sat. A peep was heard once more, and Paul thought he saw the egg move.

Shean wiped the tears from his eyes, and dashed to the walkway outside. "Mother's egg is hatching! Come and see!"

Quickly, the members of the household poured into the room. Elizabeth struggled to look past the large eagles, but Virgil took the young badger in his arms, and set her down right next to Genevieve's egg. The peep from within the egg became stronger, and a crack appeared down the length of the egg. Elizabeth's eyes widened, and Eleanor was overwhelmed. The mother eagle softly gasped as her new daughter emerged from her egg.

Paul held his wife close, and together they smiled down upon their new daughter.

***

That night, Shean made his way into Eleanor's gallery, and settled down upon the large sofa. He slowly drifted off to sleep, and as always, Shean appeared amongst the darken groves of the creator's forest.

Shean rose, and made his way to the great reflective pool. He sensed his brother Ashley was in the throes of a terrible nightmare, and Shean went into the troubled eagle's dream.

In Ashley's nightmare, he stood before the ship's oil friers. The grease was scalding hot, and it roiled high into the air. Ashley loaded the frier basket with the wet potatoes, and prepared to relive his terrible injury of that day.

But Shean reached out, and turned the boiling oil into cool water. And as Ashley dumped the basket into the frier, nothing happened. Ashley braced his arms upon the frier, and frantically looked around. "Come on!" he cried.

Shean took Ashley into his arms, but the young eagle struggled in the hippogriff's embrace. "No!!" Ashley cried, "I'm supposed to burn!" Ashley struggled to break free of Shean's grip, but the hippogriff held him with an immense strength that came not from his muscles.

"Ashley..." Shean said softly, "There is no fire. You are healed. You are safe." Ashley moaned, and slowly, Shean eased his brother's dream self onto the galley floor. Shean smoothed the golden eagle's feathers, and smiled gently to him.

"Ashley, I know you suffered a terrible trauma. And I know you are haunted by the darkness that you saw." Ashley looked wide eyed at the hippogriff, "The darkness!" he cried, "I never want to feel that darkness again!"

But Shean gently hugged his brother, "No Ashley, the darkness is nothing to fear. Can I show you? May I take you to the place that you glimpsed?" Ashley looked very fearful, but he nodded to Shean.

And the image of the galley slowly darkened, and the ceiling supports of the Sealift Arctic's galley grew tall, and became beautiful tree trunks. The two boys were now in the midst of a darken forest. A pale white moon shone overhead, and brilliant shining stars glinted beyond. Shean gestured to the deep dark sky above them, "This is the place that you glimpsed Ashley. This is the place that your spirit was preparing to cross over to."

Ashley looked up into the dazzling firmament, "Where are we?" he asked softly.

"I'm not sure," Shean said. "But I think this is the mind of the creator. We are inside of the creator Ashley."

The two sat for a long long time. Gazing out beyond the forest to the darken sea beyond. The moon lit a great shimmering shaft of silver upon the waters. "Do you see the ship?" Shean asked, and Ashley softly gasped, "Yes."

"That is the servant of the waters. When we finally do pass from life, we shall meet the mariner, and he will carry us across the waters to the veil." Ashley shook his head, not understanding, but very much at peace now.

"I'm not afraid anymore." Ashley said, and hugged Shean tightly. Shean closed his eyes, and returned Ashley to his own dream of the Sealift Arctic. But the vision of the ship's galley became Eleanor's garden. Shean leaned back in the cool grass, and smiled. "Now that's better." the hippogriff said. Ashley looked back, and smiled to Shean.

Then, Ashley conjured an image of Imar the black eagle. Ashley went to his dream man, and put his arms around the towering eagle. Shean sat and watched the two, but then the hippogriff covered his eyes in embarrassment, "Oh, well... let me leave you two alone."

-by Chris Sawyer