Aajeja

The Fire-Dancing Sky

written by Tan Shao Han

Every night, Aajeja, a massive owl with feathers like carnelian and gossamer, begins their flight to the heavens, their iridescent form shimmering like a cloak of stars and providing the people of the volcanic deserts with a guiding light. Aajeja strives to ascend beyond Ald-Amura’s atmosphere, but they have never managed the journey to those distant skies.

The Power

Even the most extreme of heat and light do no harm to Aajeja; instead, Aajeja seems revitalized by these energies. During the day, Aajeja feeds on the ambient heat trapped in the desert’s ash and dust, transforming these sediments into the energy they need to propel their nightly excursions into the firmament.

Sometimes Aajeja, exhausted from their flights, seeks out volcanoes to nest and rejuvenate, where they peck at old lava tubes and bathe in exposed magma pits.

When Aajeja recuperates in this manner, the desert folk know it is time to leave the area and return at a later date; Aajeja’s furloughs usually herald the arrival of intense volcanic and seismic activity, which in turn improves the fertility and health of the region’s soil.

People

The people of the volcanic deserts consider Aajeja a symbol of perseverance, reliability, and good fortune; however, they also know, from tradition and experience, Aajeja to be a rather shy and retiring Monster. Out of consideration, these townsfolk do not embarrass or overwhelm Aajeja with overt exuberance or unwanted attention.

The only attention Aajeja seems to tolerate is the townsfolk’ application of prickly-pear salve on Monster’s feathers and feet. Aajeja’s flights to the upper reaches of Ald-Amura’s sky often leaves their body riddled with countless tiny abrasions and sores; the silent great owl bears these pains with characteristic reticence, and continues their nightly journeys.

Brave heroes from nearby towns, moved by Aajeja’s determination, were similarly determined to bring the Monster some relief and encouragement. They sent wise envoys to negotiate with Aajeja, and received the Monster’s permission to approach them with herbal medicines to heal and ease their abrasions.

This quiet relationship has blossomed into a steady, if subtle, friendship; on certain days, Aajeja soars past towns whose people have taken care of them, and flies far closer to the ground than they normally would.

Many of the older townsfolk would laugh gently, teasing the gigantic Monster for wanting attention even as they wave affectionately to the great raptor and invite Aajeja to land and celebrate together. Aajeja has never stopped to land, but at the same time, Aajeja has not stopped flying past these people’s homes.

Notable History

The first accounts of Aajeja arose in ancient times, when a great eclipse swallowed up all the lights in the sky for weeks. The people of the volcanic deserts were lost and confused in this long twilight, but Aajeja’s arrival guided them to safety and shelter.

Epic Destiny

On certain nights, when the moon hangs particularly close to the horizon, the desert resounds with Aajeja’s mournful cries, a sound of fragile hope and sorrowful yearning for something far from this earth. The townsfolk who witness these cries shrug sadly. They call them the Home-Missing Song. After these nights of lament, Aajeja’s starbound flights always seem more desperate and vigorous.

Wounds

1. The tiny abrasions grow in size and number, bleeding forth a miasma of volcanic pus which sears flesh and stone alike.
2. Golden spurs of bone and horn encrust Aajeja’s body, forming a veritable forest of blades that slice at any who approach.
3. Aajeja’s wings glow with golden light as they swell to incredible size; their powerful wingbeats rouse massive dust-storms and shear the tips off mountaintops.
4. Their screeches and shrieks rend the earth, which releases vast plumes of scorching ash and choking smoke.
5. They fly close to the towns, and stare at their people with a look of anguish and desolation, before tearing themselves away and launching themselves into the night sky.
6. They huddle in a nightmare-filled sleep amongst a nest of broken stone and molten gold; as they dream their fitful dreams, volcanoes stir and rumble.