The Other Clans

Introductions

Lilias and Brooklyn glided next to each other as they went to go find their companions. Brooklyn's friend ran into them first.

"Who's your new friend Brooklyn?" the large grey-blue gargoyle asked as he caught up with the two. Lilias nearly attacked him, but she held back seeing Brooklyn's relaxed body language. He led them to a rooftop to continue introductions.

"You'll never believe it," he started with a smile. "She's a gargoyle like us. Apparently, she and her clan are descendants of the eggs that were in the rookery."

"Cool!" the other gargoyle exclaimed.

"Yeah, I'm Lilias." She extended out a hand as she gave him a small smile.

"Broadway," he replied and shook her hand.

"Well Broadway, where did you last see my friend?" Lilias asked with a smile, knowing full well that Shona had lost him.

"Soon after she turned down the street actually. She must've gone down an alleyway soon after because I didn't see her when I followed after." Broadway glanced between her and Brooklyn.

"I'm not surprised. Even her rookery sister has problems finding her sometimes." Lilas hopped up onto the edge of the building before emitting three piercing notes. After a minute or two, three notes sounded a response.

"What was that for?" Brooklyn asked.

"Our clan agreed to meet up at midnight. She's going to go let them know we're okay and gather them here."

"Clan?" Broadway asked.

"There are just eight of us, but..." Lilias trailed off as she heard a pair of wings quietly approaching the building.

"What is-" Brooklyn cut himself off as someone else landed on the roof. "Goliath, Elisa. You'll never believe who this is!" Lilias stiffened and turned around to face the new gargoyle. He was taller than Brooklyn or Broadway. Her wings were about as tall as he was which made her even more conscious about them. He had darker skin than Broadway did but it was still the greyish color. His wings were fitting to his size and were sectioned out. He had a neat mane of hair that trailed down his back. He also held a woman in his arms.

"And who is this?" he asked seriously. Lilias could see the protective and untrusting light in his eyes. It was obvious to her that he had been betrayed multiple times by those he has been close to. He set down the woman--Lilias assumed she was Elisa-- and crossed his arms over his chest.

"She's a gargoyle like us. She's here with other gargoyles, and there are even more where she comes from," Brooklyn told the new gargoyle, Goliath, excitedly.

"Is that true?" Goliath asked turning his gaze on Lilias.

"Yes. There are three more clans that I know of. Each with at least thirty gargoyles. Only eight of us came over though. And the only reason that we did was because we heard rumors of you guys," Lilias told him simply. "The rest of my... group is on their way here. And I'm sure Duncan Faulkner, the human who helped us get here, would be happy to verify my statements."

"If you are a gargoyle then why are your wings-" Lilias cut him off there.

"Before you even try to dive down that rabbit hole, my wings are different from anyone I know. And I have absolutely no idea why they are so large or colored the way they are. On the other hand, us modern gargoyles have developed the ability to actually fly. So don't be surprised when the others come in with wings beating." Lilias was a little tired of people always commenting on her wings when they met her, or in general. The three gargoyles and the woman stared at her in shock. Lilias just shrugged awkwardly and explained herself. "My wings have gotten a lot of attention over the years and this is three times is one night that they've been brought up and I'm a little tired of them being the first thing that others question."

"My apologies. They are just not what we're used to." Goliath seemed sincere.

"Trust me, you're preaching to the choir." All of them looked at her funny except Elisa. "Nevermind. My name is Lilias," she said, holding back a laugh as she extended her hand out to the larger gargoyle. Goliath took hers firmly.

"I am Goliath, and I assume you already know Brooklyn and Broadway." Lilias nodded her head before turning towards the woman expectantly.

"Elisa Moza. Detective." Lilias shook her hand as well. "I'm assuming it was your group that I saw being moved this afternoon?"

"Most likely. Faulkner entrusted us to a dear friend of his. This friend knows of us and that we may move roosting spots, but I can't say if he knows of you guys." Three notes split the air before anyone could say anything else. Lilias turned and responded with one high, sustained note. "They're here," she said as the seven others of her group landed in various spots on the roof. As always, Ivar and Aileen stood next to each other and Bonnie hovered near Shona. Gillian and Donnan were as far away from each other as possible and Elspeth was bouncing up and down in excitement. The three Manhattan gargoyles gapped at the new group.

"The rumors were true," Ivar said in awe as he looked at the three. That seemed to give Elspeth the go ahead.

"Hi, I'm Elspeth. How long have you guys been here? How old are you guys? Have you always been friends with humans? Are there more of you? What are-" Lilias clamped a hand down on her friend's mouth.

"Sorry about that. Elspeth is quite the curious individual." She took her hand off and Elspeth smiled sheepishly. "Anyway, time for introductions. The couple over there are Ivar and Aileen. The two males are Gillian and Donnan." She pointed to each gargoyle respectively. "The shy female over there is Shona. She's the one who was with me earlier. Next to her is Bonnie. Obviously, this is Elspeth and you already know my name." Lilias finished and silence filled the air between the two groups. Both groups had questions for the other side, but neither side wanted to be the one to break the silence. Lilias looked at the sky and sighed.

"It is almost dawn," Goliath voiced the thought that was running through her head. "We need to go back."

"Same here," Lilias told him. She nodded towards Ivar to lead the others back. Lilias herself lingered. "Though we would like to meet again. Possibly work together. I know that you've been betrayed once. And from the look in your eyes when we first met, it wasn't only from humans." Goliath looked at her, a little shocked at her powers of perception. Lilias only smiled and shrugged a shoulder. "I've gotten good at reading others." With that she leapt of the edge and followed the others back to their rooftop.