Swiftwing

Swiftwing was a peregrine falcon, who served as the familiar and companion to the leader of Riverfell, Shiloh. His story is ongoing along with hers. Swiftwing was created and RP'd by Quaylak.

## Personality

* ***Introspective***. When left alone, he often finds himself stuck in his own head. He thinks of his life, the lives of those he cares about, and how he can improve both. While this way of thinking can be positive, it can also lead to overthinking and anxiety. Thoughts of what his life's purpose is, where he is going with it (should he return to his own kind?), and what the future may hold can lead to many sleepless nights if he is not careful.
* ***Empathetic***. Swiftwing can sense the emotions of others without them saying a word. He pays close attention to body language and posture. Compassionate to a fault, he will always choose to listen and understand before passing judgment.
* ***Intelligent and Educated.*** His proficient ability to speak is directly tied to the teachings of his parents and the owl he befriended as a child. He is quick-witted and able to think critically when presented with problems and adversity.
* ***Pompous***. His grace and intelligence can often be interpreted as arrogance or "snooty behavior." It's not his intention to come across that way, but he admits that he knows his particular tastes and sense of style are more distinguished than the average falcon.
* ***Diplomatic***. He understands Riverfell laws and practices and respects both the wolves and other predators within the territory. Carefully choosing his words and approach is key to communicating with others, or so he's learned from watching the wolves.
* ***Nosy***. He likes to know things. While he is not one to gossip, his thirst for knowledge and understanding makes him strain a little harder to hear conversations that, *maybe*, aren't meant for his ears.
* ***Loyal***. He is fiercely loyal to the wolves of Riverfell after they saved his life. While he is not a member himself and holds no rank, the wolves treat him with respect and seem to enjoy his visits. He would do anything for them -- especially Kara and her family.
* ***Stubborn***. While it is a delicate balance to strike, Swiftwing is able to be both stubborn and respectful at the same time. If he feels strongly about an idea or notion, he will not hesitate to voice his opinion -- even if the other party is not (initially) willing to listen. If he is passionate enough about the topic, he will make sure they hear him.
* ***Graceful***. Swiftwing takes great care of his feathers and appearance. Even while eating, he is clean and careful not to dirty himself with blood or entrails. He looks down upon birds more "slovenly" than himself; again adding to his pompous attitude.

## Pre-Group History

There was nothing spectacular about Swiftwing in his youth. Born the son of two average falcons, he had a quiet childhood high in the trees with his siblings. What *was* spectacular, however, was the location of his parents' nest.

The pair had chosen what they believed to be the abandoned hollow of a great horned owl. After the eggs were laid, however, the owl returned. Fearing for the lives of their unborn children, Swiftwing's parents came to an agreement with the owl -- they would provide one meal each day in exchange for the ability to continue using the hollow until their young were born and raised. Unhappy with the prospect of becoming an unofficial "landlord," the owl begrudgingly agreed to create a temporary home elsewhere, though he returned regularly to check on his guests.

Swiftwing became accustomed to seeing the owl throughout his childhood and eventually, befriended him. The owl was old and had seen a lot within the lands of Riverfell. He told the most harrowing stories of the animals that lived there, but none were quite as legendary as the story of Siamsa; and, subsequently, the journey of the local wolf pack, which is what initially made Swiftwing so interested in them.

For years during his own youth, the owl would listen to the Sages of Riverfell tell their stories to the pack's wolves late into the night. Those same myths and legends were then told to Swiftwing over several months, much to his parents' disdain. They knew his thirst for adventure, much like the animals in the owl's story, would land him in trouble.

And they were right.

As soon as Swift was old enough to fly, he began his first adventures outside the hollow. He learned the art of "branching"  (gliding from branch to branch) along with his siblings, but one fateful afternoon, his younger brother slipped from his perch. The small falcon fell to the ground, much to the delight of a badger that kept its den nearby. Swiftwing tried to coach his sibling back up into the trees, but the ruckus alerted the grouchy predator to their predicament. It wasn't long before it ventured out and decided to take advantage of the easy meal. Unsure of what to do, Swiftwing left the safety of the high branches and attacked the badger from above. His plan had worked and his brother was able to escape into the forest on foot, but his distraction turned the badger's rage against him. Unable to successfully fly away, he was chased down and attacked.

Fortunately, a passing wolf named Kara had witnessed Swiftwing's dilemma and intervened before the badger could kill him. Citing the laws of Riverfell and the truce between predators being broken, the badger pleaded for mercy beneath the paws and jaws of the much larger wolf, claiming he had not known the birds were predators and confused them with common pheasants. Noting the sincerity in his voice, Kara allowed him to leave with his life. But now, she realized, she was left with an injured falcon who could not rejoin his parents in the owl's hollow.

Seeing everything that happened from above, Kara was joined by Swiftwing's parents, and together, the wolf and falcons discussed what to do. Knowing her pack could help him recover from his injuries, it was decided that Swiftwing would return with her and be treated by the pack's Sages. Once healed and able to fly, he would return to the forest and rejoin his family...

Except he never returned to the forest.

Instead, he decided his place was within the skies of the pack. After all Kara had done for him, Swiftwing felt he owed her his life. When he took to the skies, it was in service to her and the Gold Feathers.

Now as an adult, Swiftwing has also taken up the unofficial role of "tell taler" -- an intentionally silly name deemed by the wolves of Riverfell. "Tell us a tale!" they say. A better description would be that he is a simple storyteller; much like the owl be befriended in his youth.  He loves to entertain with stories of passion, or war, or even Siamsa and Riverfell's ancestors. Legends and myths of great beasts, battles, and love are his favorite.

When not telling stories, Swiftwing spent much of his time traveling with the wolf who saved him -- Kara. Their bond grew over several months until her disappearance from the pack. He spent several weeks searching for her, but she knew how to disappear when she needed to and he found little trace of her within Riverfell or the surrounding territory.

Deciding it best to respect her wishes, despite how much it broke his heart, Swiftwing chose to let her go.

For now.

## Trivia

* Swift is not a fan of being on the ground after what happened in his youth and will rarely be seen walking anywhere. Even when eating, he prefers to take his meals high into the trees.
* His favorite food is pheasant -- the more brightly colored, the better!
* The fastest way to get under his feathers is to call him a hawk. According to him, they are "ruthlessly uncivilized slobs!"

## External Links

* Official Application Sheet
* Quaylak's deviantART Gallery