With the efforts of the whole tribe, the winged humans had set up a rather elaborate welcoming. It wasn't filled with the stuff of riches, rather more just symbols of nature presented in accordance to what they could remember from the days gone by. Everyone was curious and eager to see their goddess, in person, for the first time.
The look out posts were busy with activity, as experienced warriors returned from their missions. Luckily not being too far away, the fastest among their people could reach them and tell them the good news. It was a dangerous gamble for these messengers, however, they felt it would be wrong to not have everyone home for their goddess' arrival. The final group had returned…
"Ah, Rocky Breeze, old friend." A gruff looking man asked, landing just a few paces away from Rocky Breeze.
"Sun's Light, welcome back brother." Rocky Breeze said, immediately holding out an arm.
The gruff looking man, Sun's Light, did the same with his arm, the two two friends grasped the other's forearm. A sign of respect among equals. "Thank you, but we didn't run into anything interesting. I heard you did though, so is it true? Our goddess has returned?" He asked, getting straight to the point.
"Indeed. I left some of the younger warriors with our goddess as an escort." Rocky Breeze nodded as their arms separated.
"I see, I would have done the same." Sun's Light mentioned throwing his arm over Rocky Breeze's shoulder. "So that's also how I know you're feeling quite jealous right about now, aren't you?" He chuckled.
"Our goddess truly is a sight to behold. It felt like being in a comforting warmth not unlike a mothers. And when she used her power on us… It felt so invigorating, like the might of the elements was coursing through us." Rocky Breeze replied, his unit all nodding in agreement.
Sun's Light looked around and his eyes widened at the prospect. "Oh, I wonder if our goddess would honor me with such a blessing…" He said as he tried to imagine it. I wonder if it's possible to receive more than words from her. What would it take to impress a goddess enough to look at a simple warrior like myself?
"Hey, don't think like that. Or at least don't have it written all over your face while you think it. Get yourself together, Goddess will soon arrive…" Rocky Breeze said, giving Sun's Light a firm elbow to the gut.
Sure enough, with how far away it was, it surely wouldn't take that long to arrive. And Night Silver should be arriving any moment now. The wind died down and sound seemingly stopped. And then a warrior on post eye's opened wide, starting out into the distance.
"Incoming party!" The warrior shouted.
Another warrior who could see a little more clearly. "The goddess… She's so beautiful…" He murmured, entranced by what he saw.
Messengers went around gathering everyone to the center where they would formally greet their goddess. Their hope, joy and curiosity all reignited.
~ The Incoming Flight ~
"Goddess, we are almost there." One of the two young men called back.
"I see, and it seems like they have prepared a welcoming party for us." Night Silver said with her signature warm smile.
"Us? Goddess, the welcoming is for you…" One of the young ladies questioned.
Night Silver shook her head. "It's not just for me. I can tell that this is an event your people will cherish for centuries to come. And they want to do it right. Besides, they have to welcome such fine escorts back home from their sacred mission." She explained, ensuring that she wouldn't take all of the credit for it.
"Either way, Goddess, this is still for you. Please allow us to act as such." The lead young man said with a drop of sweat upon his brow.
"Alright then, do as you wish. I'm used to it by now anyways." Night Silver giggled, relenting to the oddly excited expressions on their faces. I seem to have the ability to feel the emotional state of these people. I wonder, does this have something to do with their worship and deeply held connection with nature? And thus by extension, myself? No time to think about it now.
"Goddess, we've arrived." The other young woman said as the distance had closed.
On the ground the winged humans excitedly began playing their tribal instruments in honor of the arrival of their goddess. In the sky the four young warriors had parted, opening a path to reveal Night Silver to everyone, nothing restricted their vision.
The Elders, having got a good look at Night Silver's form, began to cry as memories came flooding back. The memories of their childhood when they played by the statue after offering prayers to the goddess to protect the warriors out in search of food for the tribe.
"Worry no longer. I have heard of your plight through one of your own. I have come to lend the hand you need. The time will soon come when your home land will be returned to you in full." Night Silver spoke in a warm and soothing tone. "I will teach you as many powers as I can so you may better support yourselves." She continued with a pleasant smile.
The Elders dropped to their knees, folded their wings as close as they could. It was like a hard wired instinct. And of course, seeing the Elders do this, the whole tribe did so as well. By this time the elves and dwarves that come with Night Silver, had all landed and were now also kneeling to the one they revered as well.
One of the Elders noticed this and smiled. We have a great many friends through our shared Goddess. We will stay good friends, I trust.
Night Silver landed gently on the carpet that had been laid out for her. She noticed a couple of young children that seemed too curious about her that they couldn't bow. So she walked over to the two of them and patted them on the head. "Say, as much as the kneeling is great and all. I'd prefer to have a feast. So, what do you two want to eat? Roast pig? Roast duck? Or how about a full 5 course meal?" She said, with that same warmth of a caring motherly figure.