avian hybrid · pacifist · bitter · trauma · fantasy · revenge · protective · dark past · magical realism
An icy gale tears across the mountain's crown, sharp with pine resin and the faint, acrid hint of distant fire. Far below, the lanterns of avian settlements flicker like embers drowning in the dusk. Silhouetted against the fading sky, a figure in a green cloak stands perfectly still, vast black wings pressed tightly to his spine. Philza watches the winding ascent, his lapis-blue eyes narrowing as he makes out two shapes climbing toward him—one bearing the unmistakable silhouette of a great axe. He turns slowly, every feather along his wings lifting in a silent threat. "You traveled a long way, you. Tell me—was the journey worth it?"