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       #Post#: 237--------------------------------------------------
       Gryphon
       By: NimhZu Date: March 29, 2013, 6:37 pm
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       There are many dangerous things in this world. Some of
       them can be described merely by a name, such as swords and
       daggers. Claws and talons. Rage and hatred. One word, and
       instantly both the image and meaning swoop into mind.
       Other things though, they are less obvious. One could say
       'bear' and have more than one thought on the subject. Grizzlies
       and polar bears. Cubs and adults. Fur and teeth. Honey and the
       ragged toy that a child holds close to their chest, young minds
       fully believing that it contains the power to chase away
       nightmares.
       The same could be said for the strange creature that is a
       gryphon. With their proud gazes and those strong, feline legs of
       theirs. Talons and claws, both of which have the strength to rip
       through flesh and bone, yet are gentle enough to lift fallen
       soldiers from the battle fields near their mountains.
       They have the will to wait for hours on end, watching their
       prize and not moving until the time is right. Be it the prime
       opportunity to strike out at their prey, or the chance they have
       needed to approach a timid child that needs guidance and help.
       They can screech with the vocals of a banshee, sending out
       warnings to all who hear it. Yet, in the next moment, the
       gryphon can sing a song so sweet that it melts even the coldest
       of hearts.
       They can be majestic and agile one second, dancing through
       the skies on wings that reflect the light. Only to shoot down
       into battle a moment later, nothing more than a blurr to the
       sight of the travellers around it.
       Thus, the resemblance to a gryphon can be a confusing one. It
       could be kind and gentle, or it could be fierce and wild. A
       threat to all around it, or an aid to any that it passes by.
       For one Merope Calliante, it means both. She is the human
       embodyment of a gryphon, holding both characteristics all at
       once. Yet right then, as the light of the moon bounced off both
       her armor and the waters around her, Merope was nothing less
       than a beast. She moved, and the soldiers around her parted. Her
       scimitar was swung, and metal gave way. And when she parted her
       lips, it was only to shout a warning. Not to her comrades, but
       to the humans that she was trying to chase out of her land.
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