((So sorry for the length. I tried to keep it as short as I thought reasonable. Hopefully it's an easy/quick read.))

Beatrice

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a small Griffi named Beatrice. Beatrice despised her name because it was boring. She knew that when her flight feathers came in she would be able to pick a new name, an adult name, and she dreamed each day of what name she might pick. Her new name would allow her to be more adventurous. Would allow her to complete deadly challenges and rescue people. Nobody named Beatrice ever did stuff like that.

Names like Ice Caller were names of power. The great Ice Caller was famous for his defeat of the evil flame beast of Arnich. With a name like that Beatrice could be something better. Of course she couldn't choose Ice Caller, but perhaps Moon Seeker or Iced Avenger would make her a hero.

But with a name like Beatrice all she could do was follow her mother around all day. Checking in on the old grizzly Moroko down the street who had a bad leg and needed ointment. Bringing bread to Mrs. Threadalby whose eggs were always too thin and needed special attention. Even stopping by to say hello to the creepy Vulnyx down the street who was blind as a bat and yet still knew when people were approaching to yell obscenities at them. Beatrice had learned a lot of words she wasn't supposed to know yet from that old cat when her mother was tidying up his small home.

And Beatrice dreamed of more. Of more than this tedious work. Of more than washing clothes for people and cleaning and cooking and all these other demeaning chores. If her name was Moon Seeker she wouldn't have to do this. She would be out completing quests and slaying beasts. When she could change her name she would.

One day, as Beatrice sat a dreamed, a young Qitari walked up the path to her home slowly. Her hide was covered in dust and she was very injured, with green ooze around the wound. Beatrice hopped to her feet to get her mother before remembering that she was out at Mrs. Threadalby.

"I'll run and get mother." She said starting to run and wishing her wings were fully formed.

"Please, help me." The Qitari said as she swayed on her feet. Her front hooves fell out from under her and she ended up on her knees.

Beatrice ran inside and grabbed all the blankets in the house, even the nice ones, and made the mare as comfortable as possible. She got warm water and built a small fire just a bit away. She didn't think about what she was doing, just acted, repeating steps she'd seen her mother do a thousand times. She cleaned the wound, and put herbs in it. After she was sure that it was as clean as possible she wrapped it in the sheets tight to prevent more bleeding. She gave the mare food and water.

Then it began to rain. Beatrice knew that the Qitari was not going to be able to stand. She went inside looking for a way to keep her dry and saw the big table. Dragging it out was hard. Very hard. But she succeeded. She curled up next to the mare and told her stories. Silly stories. About adventures and monsters and the hero winning the day while the Qitari dozed in a fitful sleep.

When her mother returned they got the Qitari into the house and her mother told her how proud she was. Her mother was always saying stuff like that. It wasn't important. She'd done what she had to do.

The next morning they awoke to hoof beats that sounded like thunder traveling up the path. Beatrice was shoved out of the way as an elderly Qitari pushed past and ran straight to the mare. It wasn't this rudeness that stunned Beatrice however, it was the stallion in front of her. Ice Caller. He lived far away, how had he come to be here? The two Qitari talked quietly to one another and the mare gestured toward Beatrice who backed up several steps.

The Ice Caller walked over to her, kneeling down so they're eyes were on the same level. "You saved my granddaughter. What is your name little one?"

"Beatrice"

"That is a good name for a hero like yourself."

"I'm no hero." She said glumly. "Just someone who happened to be around."

"Someone who knew how to tend a grievous wound, who knew to keep the injured warm and dry, who knew what herbs to use to stop the infection. Quite a lot for just someone who happened to be around. My granddaughter reached me in dream and asked for help. I knew I was to far away, but I'd met your mother several years ago and knew that she was close."

"My mother's not a hero either. Just someone who takes care of people." Vaguely Beatrice knew that she was arguing with a legend, but part of her was a bit angry that he came in here and gave her titles she dreamed of, but had not earned.

"A hero is someone who saves lives. Not based on how nice a person is, but because they are hurt, or need help, and therefore the hero helps them. The hero does not pick and choose only the most glamourous fights. The clear rats for a city, stop to help the lost children, help the city rebuild after an attack. These are what makes a hero. A hero like you. You didn't ask who she was, you worry that it was a stranger, you didn't hesitate at the sight of the infection. You did as much as you could do to help them. Because you are a hero little Beatrice. It's right there in your heart. In doing things you don't want to do, but need to be done."

A few months later when Beatrice's flight feathers came in she decided that she would keep her name. It had been the name of her grandmother, and her great-great-grandmother. Both of whom had been, heros.

Chimera.
A word that conjures thoughts of monsters, pieced together from many animals in a horrific manner. Chimera, a hybrid monstrosity.
Not this one.
She was a dazzling mystery, a perfect chimera in which lion, horse, eagle, and peacock were all visible, yet flawlessly incorporated. There was no malice in her, only innocence and curiosity. Whatever spirit or god had created her had not done so to punish, as gods were wont to do, but simply for the joy of the act.
She was Omorfia, beauty personified.

-

Kept it short and to the point. ^^ Based heavily on Greek mythology.

Name: Galaxia

Born from a dying star, one of the greatest sights ever to be seen, Galaxia emerged. Traveling from galaxy to galaxy exploring the vast wonders of the universe she never actually felt complete until finding a single planet. This planet was full of bright colours and unseen creatures, even some like herself, but one creature intrigued her and after watching them for a considerable amount of time introduced themselves to them with a faint nudge and knowing this creature was not a normal one from this world and because of its high stature they were thus named Galaxia.

Noelle's Reflection

Far in the north, where the aurora hunts the sky, you are travelling a frozen land. As always searching for rare sylesties. Always searching for the sylesti of dreams. And at your side, as always, walks your companion, a Griffi called Noelle. The Winter Festival is underway, and you stop by a village to buy some supplies. However, you cannot stay for long. The villagers are afraid of a stranger like you and of a beast like yours. Noelle is a creature with claws and hooves. Her fur is dark and rough, her wings are cold as ice, and she does not show a single pretty trait or pattern.
Looking back, the lights of the village left behind melt into the starry sky. Before you lies the cave that you choose as a shelter for the night. You get a fire going and cuddle up close to your companion. Tomorrow, you might find what you always wanted: the sylesti of dreams. Following thoughts like these, you slowly drift off. You do not know for how long you have been asleep, when the dripping of water brings your mind back into the cave.
As you open your eyes, the place is suddenly transformed. All around, the air is warm, the ice is melting, and plants begin to sprout. In the far back of the cave, a dark green light is louring. You get up, thinking for a moment -- and then you walk towards the light alone. Upon taking a few steps, you find the floor littered with emeralds glowing dulled. Around a corner lies a small lake, its shores covered under sheets of iridescent mists. Something beyond these mists calls your name.
You stop to listen, but a noise behind your back makes you hesitate: a clicking of hooves and a rustling of feathers. In the reflections of the water, you see a most majestic and beautiful Griffi standing behind you. She shows wondrous patterns you have never seen before, and as you turn around and reach out with your hand, you cannot believe the softness of her feathers. Somehow you know that she asks you to come back with her. You awake, shivering. The fire has burned down, leaving behind cold ashes. The Griffi's breath forms small clouds in the chilly air, and she huddles closer to you, giving you warmth. Your cold hand caresses Noelle's rough dark fur. There she is. All you ever wanted: the sylesti of dreams.

Some species are more vain than others. Take the magnificent peacock, strutting like permanently on a catwalk, showing off his feathers like "Look at me, I'm better than you!" It's similar with griffis. Noble and strong, territorial, yet merciful, are some words than come to mind, but just like Helen of Troy, as noble as she was, she was certainly vain. Katoptris, the knife of prophecy, was the namesake of the griffi daughter of the griffi that wandered, wild and free. She raised the girl to keep her head high and to be superior above all else. Where others had failed, she felt the need for Katoptris to succeed, father or no father.

The vain mother flew, eyes as observant as eagles, when she realised her daughter, although as beautiful and spectacular of a peacock, was not surely as self-consumed, had no longer followed her, and, only thinking of her own self, ignored it, assuming that Katoptris would come back to the nest, crawling when she couldn't cope being alone for much longer.

Except, Katoptris didn't.

She scouted, paraded is a more suitable word, knowing the world only watched her. Until she saw... well, me. She shied away from the gaze, edging slowly. I turned. "Hello. I'll call you Katoptris."

There was a Zolnixi that lived in a group in the mountains, with several of his friends. He'd long ago left his family in search of adventure, and was eagerly seeking yet another one. For days, he'd pestered an old Qitari for old tales, hoping to find a new adventure. Finally, out of annoyance, the Qitari relented told him a story. Beyond the mountains was an icy forest, where a beautiful Griffi made her residence. Any creature that managed to coax her down from her tree and from the sky would be rewarded greatly- although the exact reward was unknown. The young Zolnixi took off in search of the forest, while the Qitari was quite satisfied that he had gotten the Zolnixi out of his way, not believing the tale himself.

It was not long before the Zolnixi came upon the forest. He searched for many days in hopes of finding the fabled Griffi, and finally, one day, he was greeted by the sight of a dark shape flying overhead. He caught up to her at a tree, where she had been waiting for him. "Why have you come?" She asked. "You have been in my forest for many days now, and no traveler stays for so long."

"Why, I have come seeking you, fair lady." He answered. "Won't you tell me your name?"

"I do not know why you have stayed, there is nothing for you here." She declined to answer his question. "Have you been told of treasure, of riches, of glory? I am an incarnation of the forest itself, and believe me, you will find none of that here."

Although disappointed by the Griffi's reaction, the Zolnixi still lingered in the forest. The Griffi began visiting him frequently, attempting to make him leave. She constantly told him that there was nothing there, that he should just go home. Still, the Zolnixi persisted, and eventually another adventurer arrived. The Griffi went to him as well, and gave him the same message. This new adventurer, however, had far more malicious intentions. This challenger was also a Griffi, and knocked the forest's guardian out of one of her trees. The Zolnixi rushed to her aid, and assisted her in fighting off the ill-intentioned adventurer. The Griffi looked at him with surprise, and asked, "Why did you help me?"

"I feel I've come to know you in my time here." He answered. "I couldn't just let him sit there and attack my friend."

The Griffi considered his words, and the Zolnixi considered hers. After a while, he set off to leave the forest, deciding that he should not bother the Griffi with his prescence. She, of course, took notice, and interrupted him at the border of the forest. "Why are you leaving?" She asked.

"It's time to go home." He answered. "I shouldn't burden you anymore."

The Griffi flew to the ground, standing beside him. "You asked my name once." She said. "I am Maiella."

The Zolnixi was surprised that she had decided to join him on the ground. "What are you doing?" He asked.

"I will return to your home with you." Maiella answered. For a moment, the Zolnixi watched in surprise- she began walking and he followed.

Name- Pavo (named for the peacock constellation, of course)

Story-
The mountain air is brutal and bites at your skin. The sky is so white it blends into the snowy ground, leaving no sense of the horizon. You sit huddled beneath a pine tree, curled into fetal position. The tree isnt much shelter, as chunks of snow continue to break through its branches and pound against your head. You narrow your eyes in an attempt to protect them from the bitter winds but it provides little comfort. The storm seems to be growing worse. You sit perfectly still, cursing your own stubborn nature. There was no way to make it to the village before the storm. You cant outrun mother nature, after all. But, no, you had to try. You were sure you could make it. Its such an unfortunate mistake to make, and such an unfortunate mistake to be your last.

You look back at the expanse of white in front of you. You have no real idea of where you are. You have no real idea what time of day it is now. Time seems to have slowed to a stop. But, just as youre losing that last bit of hope, you see something break through the snow. A smear of color on the pure canvas. A blue shape appears to be moving towards you. You rub your eyes, assuming its some desperate hallucination, but to your surprise the shape persists. In fact, its getting closer and closer. Soon you can make out what it is. Its a Griffi? A brilliant blue Griffi, with lustrous feathers that seem to shimmer with no discernible light source. She steps closer to you, her head low. As you take in the beautiful sight a name comes to mind. Pavo. The name spoken of by mountain children, the spirit only believed in by the young at heart. The guardian who was supposed to protect lost travelers but she was only a myth, right? This Griffi seems quite real, however. She steps closer, a gentle cooing noise escaping her beak. She blinks slowly and stares at you with a loving gleam in her eye. Before you can react she wraps her lithe body around you. As she settles in you feel an incredible warmth like youve never felt before. It seems to not originate from her, but from within your own body. You lean back against her silky fur and close your eyes as a wing envelops your body. Before you know it, youve fallen asleep.

You awake the next morning to see the storm has stopped. Someone, miraculously, youre alive. You immediately recall the Griffi, and the stories youd heard about her. You remember the feeling of her fur and the warmth of her breath but that part... It was a dream, surely. It couldnt have been real. You shuffle to your feet and gather your things, filled with a new energy. But as you grab your satchel off the ground you notice something fall from it. You look down to a see a stunning, peacock blue feather. You stare at it for a moment. Was this real? You remove your glove and lift the feather with your bare fingers. Once again, you feel that incredible warmth grow within you. You smile as you press the feather close to your chest. Youre certain you can make it to the village now.

Regal was the most beautiful Griffi any Sylesti had ever laid their eyes on. Her fathers were like the night sky, her eyes like blue arrows piercing the hearts of other Griffi. But Regal only had room for one Griffi in her heart, and none of the other Griffi could melt the ice in her soul. Regal was beautiful, but cruel. She could gaze down at a hatchling begging for a scrap of meat, and walk away without giving anything.
"I," thought Regal, "do not need to give to this world. This world clearly has enough to give to me." Then one day, an Aurleon with wings of fire flew above and called to all Sylesti.
"Run, my friends! This place is no longer safe for us!" We must leave everything, time is running out!"
Regal adjusted her wings. "That's ridiculous. Surely I have enough time to take some things with me." So Regal began to put her belongings into a small satchel a bandit had dropped. Then, the ground began to shake, trees falling as if gravity had multiplied. It felt like the ice in her soul had shattered into a thousand pieces, and she realized her danger. She flapped her wings violently, veering to get away, but she was too late. Her paw was caught beneath a tree, and she was stuck. She began to call for help, but she saw the Aurleon above.
"Why do you deserve mercy? You have taken enough from this world!"
Regal cried, struggling to get free as the Aurleon disappeared into the sky. Then, a Griffi came before her.

He looked just like her, but red and brown, his eyes like fire. "Stay still. I can help you." he said. His strength lifted the tree, freeing Regal. Regal flew into the air, finally free. "Do not forget this. I will see you again." the Griffi said as Regal flew into the valley.
"I guess you really never know what it's like to be free until you're truly trapped." Regal said as she landed in the grass.

Aerinoth Awakens
the Griffi's name is just "Aerinoth", though

Drip, drip. Golden shafts of sunlight danced gently upon the glimmering pool. Twin water droplets magically transformed into a pair of sparkling gems. Except they weren't water. They were tears. Ripples danced outwards to the farthest corners of the shimmering mirror.

Drip, drip. A thousand delicate butterflies, silent as moonlight, floated above. Water beaded upon outstretched fingertips. Except it wasn't water. It was blood. Crimson blossoms bloomed upon ghostly wings.

Drip, drip. The ripples broke upon a great stone pedestal, embedded deep within silent depths. Water slid softly over mossy stones, as ancient as time itself. But it was just water. The stones stood as silent and imposing as they had for countless centuries.

"Please..." a desperate voice whispered. "Come back to us, o Guardian." Cloth rustled as Aela struggled to raise her hand to the majestic statue before her. "The Bandits never came like this before. They never burned our villages like this, never took our families like this..." For an instant, delicate fingers brushed the great bowed head before slipping off. As her vision faded, her gaze fell upon a faint inscription on the mighty Griffi's chest. "Come back to us, o mighty Aerinoth."

With a muffled thump, golden locks hit the cold stone floor. The ripples died, the soundless breeze faltered, and all the world seemed to hold its breath for an ageless instant, before something truly breathtaking occurred. Ancient stone feathers ruffled, smooth stone wings shook, and a great stone back arched in a luxurious stretch.

Aela awoke as warm breath stirred her hair and a dark form nuzzled her shoulder. Take me there. Show me. She smiled weakly as she was lifted onto a strong, feathery back. The Bandits would never know what hit them.

The Night's Gift
On a clear night, two shepherds were standing watch over their flock. They looked out over the small valley where the animals grazed, the backdrop a light show of galaxies, nothing hidden by any light as one would find in the city. Suddenly, a star fell from the tapestry of night and cascaded to earth leaving a delicate tail behind it.
The Shepherds were frightened as the star seemed to have fallen only a short distance away, the only sign of impact a bright flash of light. They hurried over to find what they thought was an egg with what appeared to be dark flames of crystal lapping around it. The egg shook slightly and the Shepherds back away, frightened for what they did not understand. This was nothing they had ever seen before and there was no telling if it would harm them or not. A crack ran through the egg as it shook and just then something small and blue poked its way through the shell. From where they stood, the shepherds could see that it looked like the beak of a bird.
The majestic creature came bursting forth from the egg, feathers aglow almost as if they held all the stars in the sky. The shepherds stood in awe, admiring the creature as it gained its balance on its legs for the first time. "What is this? Am I dreaming?" asked the younger shepherd of his companion. "I think it is a gift, a gift carried to us from the stars themselves to guard and keep us company as we watch our flock." With that, it was settled, and she stood watch over her shepherds and their flocks for all of the shepherds generations of families.