Gale Rider
Legacy Name: Gale Rider

"Ahhhh"

The feeling of release felt wonderful after all that time gradually building her supply up. The deluge though was so short lived. The rest of her time was simply bowing to the wind going from place to place and never staying long enough to enjoy the sites. They drifted high up usually, yet Gale could actually touch the ground if she wanted to. Listening to the sounds of the earth, seeing all the lovely colors, trying to figure out what she was looking at, maybe a strange creature or object. She loved to collect colorful things but truth be told, despite her brothers and sisters accompanying her..she was lonely.

Interesting objects were always picked up and their use pondered upon in a particularly strong wind. It began with a slow pitter-patter of rain bouncing off the roof of houses, then gradually the drops were larger, before the eventual downpour built up to a thunderous roar. She knew from past times that as the liquid she held was released, her course would be pushed to collide with the other clouds, sometimes eliciting loud thunder or even lightning. This was the best time for Gale... maybe there would be not just an object, but a visitor before the wind became too strong? One she could talk to, that they wouldn't be scared to talk to her....

Wait, was that something coming toward her, someone to keep her company in her journey at last? Allowing the wind to slightly wane, Gale slowly moves closer. The soaked red crown on top of its head appeared fairly comical draped expansively over one eye yet didn't stop the strange beast from blustering with chest out and expressing great displeasure at the wet predicament in an ear-piercing screech...

"Cock-a-doodle-doo let me down."

Sighing, Gale gently lowers him to the muddy ground then squints through the sheets of rain being expelled from her body, watching it run away without a backward glance. He was obviously not interesting in keeping her company.

There! Another? Hoping there was time before her liquid was depleted and body floated up high, Gale managed to bring it up to eye level and attempted a smile yet again. With a loud roar emitted from the tiny thing

"Help! I want solid earth on my feet!"

She allowed a downdraft to gently float him to safety though the attempt came with a price.

Gale's helpful wind suddenly howled in confusion, swirling around in a large circle while moving down to hammer on buildings and objects ripping a destructive path in its wake. Watching in dismay, the cloud attempts to help the wind right itself as it tears around the streets of the small town like an out of control locomotive. Anything not nailed down was whirled along and all she could do was follow helplessly, her own body becoming light and airy as the liquid dissipates causing her to float away.

Gale gazed upon the landscape with despair...how many times has this happened? Perhaps she should quit looking for any friends? Gradually able to appreciate a gorgeous rainbow arch left by the storm's wake, Gale suddenly squints hoping she wouldn't drift up too fast, her curiosity now aroused. There was a mar in the rainbow's perfection in the form of a large black object directly in the center. Upon closer inspection it appeared like one of the birds she had seen before. The occiput and crown was lightly flecked with a violet blue on a background of pure ebony and it appeared to sail regally directly toward her.

"Koww" Then..."eh-aw"

Gale was so excited, and with a smile on her quickly disappearing face she attempted to convey her welcome with a whoosh using the last of her wind. Instead of running away the crow accompanied her for awhile as her body eventually blended with the surrounding air. Gale was at peace and not quite as lonely knowing she was sure to see her friend again.

Credits

Straywillow

Shantal