[center][h1]Roc Mission[/h1][/center]

No more rain or drizzle as the storm clouds passed, leaving the skies free of the rain that once poured downward. There was no light drizzle or mist hanging in the air, bring relief to the mother roc at last. It might've been nothing more than a minor annoyance to fly within but it was one the roc could've done without. Most of her focus had been in reordering her nest while she shifted branches and greenery from one side to another, pilling it near the milling herbivores. Every so often her feet gingerly shuffled about to check on her larger eggs. She would nuzzle and gently untangle the brush gathering with each small jiggle, the soft sounds of tapping coming from within. They were close to hatching. Even the small mage novice, hidden among the pilfered goods, would be able to tell it wouldn't be long until she had unwanted company. 

After a few more fussy movements, she looked to the horizon as if expecting something. Or rather, someone. The skies had dimmed to the dusk and lowered the light compared to the twilight midday, casting longer shadows. No sign of the late male which stirred the roc's inner, instinctive dread. Something was wrong. After a bit, the roc's head moved down and preened a loose feather from her chest then moved to the nest edge. 

Branches, trees, and other assorted shrubbery made crackling sounds under her great weight, protesting her massive steps. Herbivores immediately perked their heads up from their feeding and watched careful, mindful where her bulk started to move toward. Their silhouettes tensed in silence as if holding their breathe. Inwardly they were determining if they needed to be fearful and scatter, the roc eager to snatch a snack, relaxing when she climbed the nest edge. Bracing herself, the roc spread her wings and abruptly dropped from sight. The wind whipped up to quickly catch her outstretched wings before it pushed her upward and caused her to glide over the cleared area then into the sky. It would be a few short minutes until Colette would spot the large shape gliding overhead.