~Kiwi strolled down the dusty streets of Time, contemplating. Why she had started this mess of plumage, she did not know. She walked back into the room for the seventeenth time and glanced at all the feathers lying there. Her own lay on a silver pedestal in the center, large and patterned with blue, white, and black markings. Those who had placed them here had no clue why they had done so, and even less of a clue why she had done so. Despite it all, there were still hundreds of feathers on every surface. It was beautiful. Just like when the Serene Goat had posted. There were those who had felt annoyed that there was such a blank canvas in the gallery, and there were those who played along and used that canvas to make something beautiful.
Kiwi awoke from her daydream. When she revealed her identity, when these creative minds knew of why she had created this room, would they laugh? Would they be angry? Would they shake their heads and ignore her? Would they thank her? Or would they understand her curiosity? Had all this been worth it? She hoped so.
Kiwi’s attention turned to the open window in the room. She didn’t create that. Had someone... but no, it couldn’t be. Kiwi scanned the room again. Soren. Soren’s phoenix feather was gone. Poor Soren. That one was the most beautiful of all. Kiwi had taken a liking to Soren, even thought of her as a friend, though perhaps Soren didn’t feel the same way. At any rate, most people, even in this mystical place that she fitted in so beautifully, didn’t pay attention to her, and she would have to get used to that. Oh well. Even if they weren’t her friends, she could still act like they were. She pulled out her beech wand. Even though it had a dragon heartstring, not a phoenix feather, it would still help. She waved it, reflecting on how much she loved this place where magic worked. A bronze pedestal appeared beside her own, and sparkled with golden light. Once she found Soren’s feather, it would have a place of honor, right next to hers. Feeling better about herself, Kiwi flicked her wand again, and the window disappeared. Someone blowing Soren’s feather away. Who would do such a thing? A black cat stalked into the room and batted at a woodpecker feather.
Whirlwind, please. The cat looked up at her with large, emerald eyes.
You okay?
Yes. Just reflecting.
Good. The cat attacked the feather once more, then scampered out gracefully. Kiwi walked after her, closing the door behind her, before realizing there was no door. She stared at it. A beaded curtain in her favorite colors suddenly hung in the doorway. That’s better, she thought. Kiwi took one last look before she lifted off, fluttering her wings, drifting through Time till she reached London. She would find Soren’s feather if it was the last thing she did.~
0
submitted by Kiwi, the feather from the jay (July 25, 2018 - 3:31 pm)
I'm abandoning my individual story because there are three other people taking it in different directions/ writing their own. I might make it into a solo write someday, but for now I will be a mere observer.
0
submitted by Alizarine, age unknown, whereabouts uninteresting (July 26, 2018 - 6:23 am)
~Kiwi peeked through the beaded curtain. No one. Wait. Was that a new feather? She couldn’t keep track. Serene Goat. The words bubbled up like a tidal wave. Kiwi turned around. No one. Jayfeather. Words. Words she knew. Someone was talking to her from a long ways away. Featherjay. Returned.
They echoed through Time like distant thoughts suddenly released. A stream of them suddenly reached her like wave, nearly knocking her over.
Are you the Serene Goat returned? So they had read. That was the thing about this place. Everyone could read your thoughts, your every move. Kiwi replied with her thoughts.
No, though I wish I had that much creative genius. There is no better inspiration than a blank page. Why would they think it was her? Because I’m under alias, she answered herself. If they knew my true name, they wouldn’t compliment me so. If? Wasn’t she going to reveal her identity?
They already know.
The thought struck her like lightning.
What do you mean?
At least a few of them know who you are. They know what your writing looks like. You can’t hide forever.
But I want to.
Always keep them guessing? But that’s not how life works.
Battling my own thoughts was always my forte. Kiwi thought. Then I always come up with wise-sounding solutions. But that’s not how life works. It rang out loud and clear. Kiwi understood. She would do what she needed to do, and then maybe, maybe she would tell them. Maybe she wanted them to know. Maybe she didn’t. But for now, she had to find that feather, and it wasn’t in London. Kiwi scooped up the small cat.
Come Whirlwind. We have work to do.
And with that, they disappeared beneath the pages of a book. To find Bethany.~
0
submitted by Kiwi, The feather from the jay (July 25, 2018 - 10:26 pm)
~Fallen leaves crunched underfoot as Kiwi jogged along, scanning the buildings along the street. Library. Library. If only she had not angered Clue, this would be much easier. She pulled the hood on her jacket lower. If anyone saw her wings.... she didn’t want to think about it. She was just about to ask someone, when a raven appeared circling above her. It came to rest on her shoulder.
I’m sorry. I should have known. Do you still want my help?
All forgiven. And yes.
Clue took flight, soaring high above the block. She suddenly dipped behind the houses, then glided higher now and again. She circled for a time, then veered off slightly. This time, when she dove, a clear sweet note arose with her. She repeated it twice. Kiwi charged down streets toward where the bird had indicated. As she got closer, the ringing in her ears grew louder and louder. Emblem; the phoenix will arise. Emblem; the phoenix will arise. Kiwi stopped. It was the library alright. She hoped her answers lay inside. She hoped she wasn’t too late.
She slipped through the door, hoping she looked as if she was just another local kid, looking for a Saturday afternoon book. Greeted by the happy smell of paper and ink and a friendly smile from the librarian, Kiwi turned to the shelves labeled FICTION. She couldn’t believe her luck. A red-headed girl a couple of years younger than her was scanning the shelves intently. When she looked up, Kiwi smiled at her motivationally. Instead of smiling back, the girl frowned and continued her search, pretending to be more engrossed than before.
“Bethany.” The girl jumped and stared at Kiwi wide-eyed.
“Who-“ Bethany’s mouth stood open, but no words came out as Kiwi unzipped her hoodie. A silhouette of a cricket shimmered on her t-shirt.
“You-you’re a-“
“Can you help me?”
“I-“
“Please?”
“Y-yes-I-what-who...?”
“Julia. Call me Julia.”
“But is that your-“
“No, but I can’t say.”
“I won’t-“
“I know you won’t, but people can read my thoughts, my actions, and my words. I can’t say my name.”
Bethany looked puzzled, but nodded.
“You’ve read more stories than many, I mean, experienced them-“ Kiwi started. Bethany nodded again seriously.
“I need to know... what do phoenixes value above all other things? Besides their feathers, I mean.” Bethany thought for a moment.
“The phoenixes... they value the freshest and finest raisin cookies, but not just any. To attract a phoenix in this universe, you need one of the few magical cookies that are only sold in the only bakery in Time. But in your realm, that means...”
“...I have to catch it.” Kiwi mused. She stood up sharply. “Thank you.” Before Bethany could say anything, Kiwi gifted her with a perfect jay feather and dashed outside. She whistled to Clue and jumped out of the book.
The musty smell of Time greeted Kiwi’s nostrils. Clue sat atop her shoulder.
You’ll need this.
An indigo light swirled about Clue, then evaporated. Clue took off through Time to Home. Kiwi’sThank You whispered after her.
Kiwi turned, and reentered Inkwell Hall. Fifteen doors lined the hall, constantly shifting as Tops battled to bring lower rooms closer to #1. Words appeared in front of her. Submit New Post floated in front of her. She waved her hand, and was whisked away.
“A blue jay glided to the window ledge of the only bakery...”~
0
submitted by Kiwi, the feather from the jay (July 28, 2018 - 12:54 pm)
~The glittering feather glowed brightly in the gray winter landscape. A vestige of Ignit’s magic remained, pulsing through it, warm on Kiwi’s skin. She stood transfixed, still holding the feathers in the icy wood. The cold finally tingled her skin reminding her where she was. A clear thought raced to the top of her mind. The teleportation spell. She appeared in front of a beaded curtain, lower down than it had been before. She pushed it aside to reveal the dusty feather room. The only thing not covered lightly with dust was a small gray feather near the door. Viola? was etched into the side. Kiwi gingerly stepped over the mounds of feathers dotting the floor and tables, and stopped before the center of the room. The silver pedestal and the bronze were still glittering in their places. This wasn’t right. Kiwi waved her wand again. The bronze pedestal turned to gold, and Kiwi placed the two feathers, gold and silver upon the honored platform. A magic burst from it, blinding Kiwi, and filling the entire room with golden sparks. When the magic cleared, the room was no longer dusty and dim. Everything was bathed in golden light, and shone brightly. The two pedestals stood side-by-side in crowning glory with the jay feather, silver feather and phoenix feather resting upon them. Kiwi backed away in awed silence. The beaded curtain disappeared with a pop, and was replaced with a golden archway no longer hiding the room from view. Kiwi removed her hoodie and fluttered her fairy wings happily from the sudden warmth. The song returned.
Emblem; the phoenix has arisen. Emblem; the phoenix has arisen.
Kiwi flew away, haloed by a golden light.
The phoenix has arisen.~
0
submitted by Kiwi, the feather from the jay (August 2, 2018 - 1:50 pm)
As I've said: Feathers. Simple things turned into complex mechanisms. I love it." ;) You're fine, Soren.
(July 21, 2018 - 10:49 pm)
Viola? here. Sorry about the weirdness in the location, I ran out of characters.
(July 22, 2018 - 10:01 pm)
~Kiwi strolled down the dusty streets of Time, contemplating. Why she had started this mess of plumage, she did not know. She walked back into the room for the seventeenth time and glanced at all the feathers lying there. Her own lay on a silver pedestal in the center, large and patterned with blue, white, and black markings. Those who had placed them here had no clue why they had done so, and even less of a clue why she had done so. Despite it all, there were still hundreds of feathers on every surface. It was beautiful. Just like when the Serene Goat had posted. There were those who had felt annoyed that there was such a blank canvas in the gallery, and there were those who played along and used that canvas to make something beautiful.
Kiwi awoke from her daydream. When she revealed her identity, when these creative minds knew of why she had created this room, would they laugh? Would they be angry? Would they shake their heads and ignore her? Would they thank her? Or would they understand her curiosity? Had all this been worth it? She hoped so.
Kiwi’s attention turned to the open window in the room. She didn’t create that. Had someone... but no, it couldn’t be. Kiwi scanned the room again. Soren. Soren’s phoenix feather was gone. Poor Soren. That one was the most beautiful of all. Kiwi had taken a liking to Soren, even thought of her as a friend, though perhaps Soren didn’t feel the same way. At any rate, most people, even in this mystical place that she fitted in so beautifully, didn’t pay attention to her, and she would have to get used to that. Oh well. Even if they weren’t her friends, she could still act like they were. She pulled out her beech wand. Even though it had a dragon heartstring, not a phoenix feather, it would still help. She waved it, reflecting on how much she loved this place where magic worked. A bronze pedestal appeared beside her own, and sparkled with golden light. Once she found Soren’s feather, it would have a place of honor, right next to hers. Feeling better about herself, Kiwi flicked her wand again, and the window disappeared. Someone blowing Soren’s feather away. Who would do such a thing? A black cat stalked into the room and batted at a woodpecker feather.
Whirlwind, please. The cat looked up at her with large, emerald eyes.
You okay?
Yes. Just reflecting.
Good. The cat attacked the feather once more, then scampered out gracefully. Kiwi walked after her, closing the door behind her, before realizing there was no door. She stared at it. A beaded curtain in her favorite colors suddenly hung in the doorway. That’s better, she thought. Kiwi took one last look before she lifted off, fluttering her wings, drifting through Time till she reached London. She would find Soren’s feather if it was the last thing she did.~
(July 25, 2018 - 3:31 pm)
Kiwi posted 39 seconds ago.
(July 25, 2018 - 3:33 pm)
A fallen feather posted 3 seconds ago!
(July 25, 2018 - 3:33 pm)
*gasp* The Serene Goat?! A Feather From A Jay, are you the Serene Goat returned?
Also, I abandon my story. Carry on, majestic beast. :/
(July 25, 2018 - 6:16 pm)
Wait. Where are you going? Why are you abandoning this? Don't leeeeeeave! *Puppy dog eyes*
(July 25, 2018 - 9:38 pm)
I'm abandoning my individual story because there are three other people taking it in different directions/ writing their own. I might make it into a solo write someday, but for now I will be a mere observer.
(July 26, 2018 - 6:23 am)
~Kiwi peeked through the beaded curtain. No one. Wait. Was that a new feather? She couldn’t keep track. Serene Goat. The words bubbled up like a tidal wave. Kiwi turned around. No one. Jayfeather. Words. Words she knew. Someone was talking to her from a long ways away. Featherjay. Returned.
They echoed through Time like distant thoughts suddenly released. A stream of them suddenly reached her like wave, nearly knocking her over.
Are you the Serene Goat returned? So they had read. That was the thing about this place. Everyone could read your thoughts, your every move. Kiwi replied with her thoughts.
No, though I wish I had that much creative genius. There is no better inspiration than a blank page. Why would they think it was her? Because I’m under alias, she answered herself. If they knew my true name, they wouldn’t compliment me so. If? Wasn’t she going to reveal her identity?
They already know.
The thought struck her like lightning.
What do you mean?
At least a few of them know who you are. They know what your writing looks like. You can’t hide forever.
But I want to.
Always keep them guessing? But that’s not how life works.
Battling my own thoughts was always my forte. Kiwi thought. Then I always come up with wise-sounding solutions. But that’s not how life works. It rang out loud and clear. Kiwi understood. She would do what she needed to do, and then maybe, maybe she would tell them. Maybe she wanted them to know. Maybe she didn’t. But for now, she had to find that feather, and it wasn’t in London. Kiwi scooped up the small cat.
Come Whirlwind. We have work to do.
And with that, they disappeared beneath the pages of a book. To find Bethany.~
(July 25, 2018 - 10:26 pm)
I got you. Wow, when I read your post it was like a changing of leadership or SOMETHING. It was majestic and scary... Hm. Sounds familiar. XP
(July 25, 2018 - 9:07 pm)
~Fallen leaves crunched underfoot as Kiwi jogged along, scanning the buildings along the street. Library. Library. If only she had not angered Clue, this would be much easier. She pulled the hood on her jacket lower. If anyone saw her wings.... she didn’t want to think about it. She was just about to ask someone, when a raven appeared circling above her. It came to rest on her shoulder.
I’m sorry. I should have known. Do you still want my help?
All forgiven. And yes.
Clue took flight, soaring high above the block. She suddenly dipped behind the houses, then glided higher now and again. She circled for a time, then veered off slightly. This time, when she dove, a clear sweet note arose with her. She repeated it twice. Kiwi charged down streets toward where the bird had indicated. As she got closer, the ringing in her ears grew louder and louder. Emblem; the phoenix will arise. Emblem; the phoenix will arise. Kiwi stopped. It was the library alright. She hoped her answers lay inside. She hoped she wasn’t too late.
She slipped through the door, hoping she looked as if she was just another local kid, looking for a Saturday afternoon book. Greeted by the happy smell of paper and ink and a friendly smile from the librarian, Kiwi turned to the shelves labeled FICTION. She couldn’t believe her luck. A red-headed girl a couple of years younger than her was scanning the shelves intently. When she looked up, Kiwi smiled at her motivationally. Instead of smiling back, the girl frowned and continued her search, pretending to be more engrossed than before.
“Bethany.” The girl jumped and stared at Kiwi wide-eyed.
“Who-“ Bethany’s mouth stood open, but no words came out as Kiwi unzipped her hoodie. A silhouette of a cricket shimmered on her t-shirt.
“You-you’re a-“
“Can you help me?”
“I-“
“Please?”
“Y-yes-I-what-who...?”
“Julia. Call me Julia.”
“But is that your-“
“No, but I can’t say.”
“I won’t-“
“I know you won’t, but people can read my thoughts, my actions, and my words. I can’t say my name.”
Bethany looked puzzled, but nodded.
“You’ve read more stories than many, I mean, experienced them-“ Kiwi started. Bethany nodded again seriously.
“I need to know... what do phoenixes value above all other things? Besides their feathers, I mean.” Bethany thought for a moment.
“The phoenixes... they value the freshest and finest raisin cookies, but not just any. To attract a phoenix in this universe, you need one of the few magical cookies that are only sold in the only bakery in Time. But in your realm, that means...”
“...I have to catch it.” Kiwi mused. She stood up sharply. “Thank you.” Before Bethany could say anything, Kiwi gifted her with a perfect jay feather and dashed outside. She whistled to Clue and jumped out of the book.
The musty smell of Time greeted Kiwi’s nostrils. Clue sat atop her shoulder.
You’ll need this.
An indigo light swirled about Clue, then evaporated. Clue took off through Time to Home. Kiwi’sThank You whispered after her.
Kiwi turned, and reentered Inkwell Hall. Fifteen doors lined the hall, constantly shifting as Tops battled to bring lower rooms closer to #1. Words appeared in front of her. Submit New Post floated in front of her. She waved her hand, and was whisked away.
“A blue jay glided to the window ledge of the only bakery...”~
(July 28, 2018 - 12:54 pm)
(July 28, 2018 - 5:06 pm)
Viola? here, just keeping up the theme.
(July 28, 2018 - 8:25 pm)
I fear that Ignit is fading. That explorer must show up soon... Help! Anybody who wants to be the explorer!
Captcha says cuff. Yay! Second actual word! Once this Thing is resolved I'll tell you who I am.
(July 29, 2018 - 9:55 pm)
~The glittering feather glowed brightly in the gray winter landscape. A vestige of Ignit’s magic remained, pulsing through it, warm on Kiwi’s skin. She stood transfixed, still holding the feathers in the icy wood. The cold finally tingled her skin reminding her where she was. A clear thought raced to the top of her mind. The teleportation spell. She appeared in front of a beaded curtain, lower down than it had been before. She pushed it aside to reveal the dusty feather room. The only thing not covered lightly with dust was a small gray feather near the door. Viola? was etched into the side. Kiwi gingerly stepped over the mounds of feathers dotting the floor and tables, and stopped before the center of the room. The silver pedestal and the bronze were still glittering in their places. This wasn’t right. Kiwi waved her wand again. The bronze pedestal turned to gold, and Kiwi placed the two feathers, gold and silver upon the honored platform. A magic burst from it, blinding Kiwi, and filling the entire room with golden sparks. When the magic cleared, the room was no longer dusty and dim. Everything was bathed in golden light, and shone brightly. The two pedestals stood side-by-side in crowning glory with the jay feather, silver feather and phoenix feather resting upon them. Kiwi backed away in awed silence. The beaded curtain disappeared with a pop, and was replaced with a golden archway no longer hiding the room from view. Kiwi removed her hoodie and fluttered her fairy wings happily from the sudden warmth. The song returned.
Emblem; the phoenix has arisen. Emblem; the phoenix has arisen.
Kiwi flew away, haloed by a golden light.
The phoenix has arisen.~
(August 2, 2018 - 1:50 pm)