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@Ice On his way through the mountain regions near his home tribe, Mason scouted out the trail before him, stopping every so often to listen and use his earth sense to detect what creatures were around the area. Impressions of beavers and squirrels running through a nearby wooded area filled his mind's eye, but nothing of what he was sent out to search for.
The tribal shamans had foreseen the beginnings of trouble stirring up from a rival tribe of orcs as they bickered amongst themselves and grew restless, their numbers seeking to expand their territory again. The wisest of the Eagle Spirit Tribe's shamans had predicted a battle of some sort from this orc tribe sometime in the future, but it was only revealed through the spirit mists that they had some time before this battle would occur. The other two got similar answers although theirs was more vague and not quite to the point, only indicating unrest in the mountains.
So it was Mason's duty as an Earth Dreamer to scout out the areas as often as possible for any sort of clue as to where these orcs now resided as they were constantly on the move. Their main campsite had been abandoned, at least at the time Mason and a couple others of his fellow tribesmen had checked it out. It also paid to know what they might be planning and any word of suspicious activity was to be reported as soon as possible. Mason would not argue, he would do what was needed for his people. There was no greater cause than that.
It was as Mason was walking past a cavern wall, his Sight revealed to him something out of place within. Taking a deeper look through the walls of rock and earth, the Eagle Spirit Tribesman spotted something that looked to him like a nest. An abandoned nest at that. The nest was fairly large so it was no ordinary bird's nest to be sure. But it was what was inside that nest that got his attention. An egg peeked up from the edge of the woven twigs and leaves, the hint of a caramel light brown color showing.
After scanning the interior with his senses again and detecting no threats nearby, he glided on through the rock face and into the cavern itself. Immediately going over to the nest, Mason honed his ability again to further check for any possible threats. Still clear. Going over to the collection of twigs and crumbled leaves, there was indeed an egg sitting there, all by itself with no parents around to take care of it. Mason frowned. That was surely some type of eagle's egg if his eyes did not mistake him. He wondered where the parents were, before seeing crushed egg shells on the ground a few feet away along with the remnants of bones, its skeletal frame mostly shattered to pieces. It was definitely an adult eagle skeleton, of that he was certain.
Further away, lay yet another skeletal pile of the same thing. It looked like the remains had been here awhile. As to what had attacked this family of eagles so viciously, it could have been any number of things. What really puzzled him as to why this lone egg here was spared. He hoped he was not too late to rescue the unborn bird. What he would do with it beyond taking it to his tribesmen, Mason at this time had no revelations about such. He just knew he had to do something to help if he still could.
Gingerly he picked up the egg, cradling it in both hands for it was of a decent size. Using his earth sense would do no good here, as that ability didn't work on creatures of the air. Mason could only hope the bird was still alive. Wrapping a worn cloth around the egg from his pack to help keep it warm, he moved back outside once more phasing through the stone, the egg along with him harmlessly. Still carrying it, Mason began the trek back to his tribe, his scouting mission cut short for now. Whispering a prayer, he invoked the Great Eagle Spirit for help in this matter. "Great Spirit of the Eagles, I beseech thee to help thy find a solution to this dilemma I now hold in my hands. Whatever aid thou can give me is greatly appreciated. As always, I am your humble servant. Blessed be the Great Eagle Spirit!"
A cool breeze blew over him for a brief moment, but nothing else seemed to happen. Mason was patient though, he knew his prayer had been heard. All things came in their due time after all. He walked on, his feet crunching over pebbles and twigs on the beaten paths before him and then took the fork in the road that led the way back to his tribal home. Mason thought he felt the egg move a bit. That was a good sign! It meant hope was not lost.
With renewed fervor his pace quickened as he hastened to get back so he could put the egg somewhere safe. If he was correct, this egg would soon hatch as another shifting of the egg could be felt, clearly this time. Mason smiled a little. At least this eagle would have a chance at life. Still some ways away from the collection of tents and tarps that marked his tribe's settlement, Mason continued to hurry, anxious to consult the shamans and the tribe's leader on this important matter.
