[Realm: Álfheimr]
[Location: The Great Forest]
"H–HUMAN AND FAIRY! FAIRY AND HUMAN! INVADED FOREST THEY HAVE!"
The cry tore through the canopy with shrill panic that bordered on frenzy, the words mangled by haste and fear. The sound carried, cutting through the forest, it was impossible to ignore.
The voice belonged to a flying form that streaked above the forest in an uneven flight pattern. Four black wings beat the air, feathers dark and brittle-looking, they seemed more like charred forms than plumage. Its body was larger than any common bird, closer to the size of a small hound, built lean and shaped for speed. Two bony tails trailed behind it like hooked whips, clattering with each violent turn. Beady red eyes burned with urgency as it flew.
Its cry rang out again, loud enough that it pulled attention from every shadow below.
Heads lifted.
