… I am…
This was the first thought that came to the slumbering mind. The time of dreams was drawing to a close. She had dreamed long, ghostly images of falling to a rough, rocky world, phantom visons of storms, rain, cloudy and sunny days, thousands upon thousands passing within instants, spectral visages of life growing around her, covering the hill with grass and plants. But now her mind’s eye was finally turning from the timeless series of visions and images. Dreams faded, and visions were forgotten.
I am Kastheen.
The thought returned, clearer and determined. Sensation flooded her mind, and her eyes opened. She felt her back and wings upon the damp grass where she had slept. She saw the grey canopy of clouds above, and the rain falling down towards her to gently rinse her face and body. She heard the howl of the wind as it blew mist hither and yon. She smelled the air, moist and cleaned by the falling rain. She smiled, pleased with the storm heralding her waking.
Slowly, she stood to her feet, and held out her hands to the storm, spreading her wings of mist wide. The mighty wings flapped, and she began to lift up from the ground. Eagerly, she flew into the storm, feeling the fury of nature around her. She soared through the clouds darting to and fro in the grey mists, chasing bolts of lightning through the clouds. She laughed as she glided through the storm.
But eventually, it began to feel hollow. She had seen birds and animals and insects, but none intelligent. No one else able to recognize the beauty of the storm. Or indeed, even comprehend it. Kastheen began to feel lonely. There was no one else here able to enjoy the storm. But soon on the heels of the loneliness was a determination. She felt power in her limbs, potential in her mind and being. If there was no one else, then she will make someone else. She looked among all the creatures of the world she was born into.
She selected a small group of grey feathered birds that frolicked in the rain. She flew down to them, and they up to her. She put forth her will, and the birds began to change. Their form grew changed to a more humanoid, upright position. Their heads shifted to accommodate a larger brain to house a sentient mind. Their faces still bore the curved beaks of birds of prey and the large eyes keen for vision, but otherwise became like Kastheen’s own. Their wings grew fingers and thumbs at the second joint of the wings, so they might be able to use tools if they wished. Their feet retained the scales and talons that they had in their earlier life, but their legs were more upright, if still reverse jointed. On their body, the grey feathers grew thin, but upon the top of the head, they became long like hair. The Mayura were born.
Kastheen flew into the air again, and the Mayura flew with her. They were not a perfect creation, but they could appreciate the beauty of the storm with her. Later, she would make improvements to the race, but for now she was tired. She was content to simply fly through the air and enjoy life with her new creations.
Kastheen created the Mayura, a race of bird people with long grey feathers for hair and a shorter covering of feathers over their bodies, large eyes and sharp curved beaks, and small hands on the second joint of their wings. They also have scaled feet like a birds, complete with talons, and reverse jointed knees.