Galyx - Violent and Godwit

The wind was brisk and forceful as Falakros and his dracostryx Godwit took off from the coastal cliff.  It was not the sort of wind Falakros--a werecormorant--himself would fly in, given the choice, but he felt restless allowing the Common Corva to transport the two of them during the big hunt—their final Tribute.

Godwit was by far the most strong-willed and rambunctious stryx Falakros had ever trained.  He had a mind of his own, liked to be the center of attention, and was prone to reckless displays of bravado to keep himself in the limelight.  That’s the main reason I’m nervous about riding instead of flying myself, thought Falakros, as he looked back at the second stryx and rider pair taking off from the cliffs. 

Fellow Corva Violent and her rider Gniess had accompanied Falakros and Godwit on their Tributes to Daius and Nokt.  To say that Violent was… competitive… was putting things kindly.  She was slightly smaller, sleeker than Godwit, but fast and fierce, and the two definitely instigated rivalry between themselves.  Who knew what stunt Godwit might pull attempting to outshine--or impress--Violent this time? 

Godwit swooped low over the choppy waves.  The ocean was whitecaps as far as the eye could see, and the wind was only stronger just above the water.  Violent and Gniess cut in beside them, her red eyes gleaming as she eyed the sea.

Suddenly, they saw their prize.  Ahead, the dorsal fin of a massive sturgeon crested the surface briefly before slipping under again.  Sturgeon were tough prey.  Thick bony scales covered several hundred pounds—over a thousand in the biggest specimens—of muscular fish.  It would take two Corva working together to haul one back to shore.

Violent made the first move.  She gave a throaty raven cry, then launched herself at the fish talons-first.  Her wings beat upward as soon as her feet latched on, every tendon straining to prevent the fish from diving deep out of reach.  Godwit came in above her head a moment later, grabbing the fish by the head.  Together they hoisted it from the water, flailing as the fish writhed and struggled within their grasp.  Time to bring it back to shore.

Once the Common Corvas were no longer at risk of being pulled under by the powerful sturgeon, their cooperative dynamic shifted.  Godwit back-winged, tugging on the sturgeon.  Violent yanked back, refusing to give up her share of the prize.  The conflict sent both stryx wheeling, and Falakros was forced to cling tightly to Godwit’s neck to avoid being tossed off completely.

“Cut it out!” Falakros snapped.  Godwit grumbled, but leveled off his flight pattern.  Gniess must have spoken to Violent, because she begrudgingly stopped pulling at her end of the fish too.  Nonetheless, it was a contentious flight back to the beach, with each Corva tugging surreptitiously whenever they thought their rider might not notice.  By the time the two brought the fish to dry land, it was a little worse for the wear.  Fins were ragged and scales torn.  However, everyone remarked on the tenderness of the meat when it was served at the feast that night!