2Journal of Dr. Margaret H. Bethel (1843-1925)
I began my journey into the Arctic, never knowing the amazing events that would ensue. Of course, it would have been impossible to predict, and even today, I am amazed at my luck and fortuity. Studies for the museum should have kept me busy; studying the wildlife proved exiting enough for 10 biologists. However, a strange occurrence beside the frozen waters engulfed my attention instead. In the beginning, I thought it was the light flickering off the bergs and monolithic ice formations that covered my campsite. I soon realized it was much more than that.
One day, when my curiosity overwhelmed me, I abandoned the polar bear texts I should have been studying, and wandered off to shore. I'll always remember the frigid, salty air, and the waves that gently beat against the ice that day. I'll always remember the first time I saw them, Rieena and Rhaphson, shooting from the water like bullets from the barrel of a gun. I'll remember their glittering wings, and their ice-covered fur as it glistened in the never-ending twilight of the north. I'll remember their voices, which echoed across the caverns of crystalline water in an amalgamation of laughter and music. I'll remember Rieena and Rhaphson, the first haelionites I ever had the phenomenal opportunity to study.
When I would get to know them later on, during my explorations into their part of the shore, I would learn about a marvelous world that I can only imagine as my own. Their culture, a complete opposite of our own, could only be rivaled by their incredible personality and compassion towards each other. Family ties are nearly unbreakable, and when threatened, the females of the rivaling Chlomalies (Hael for family), will take place in climactic battles called naiomads. The females are the predominant fighters, hunters and protectors of the species, and they use horn-like extensions of their skulls to defend their homes and Chlomaly. These extensions are covered in a thick skin, and the sharp tips of the scull are only visible when the female is angered enough to fight. Rieena was kind enough to demonstrate her head crest to me, so I might sketch it (called a Tiarcet by the Hael), but the process of extending the Tiarcet is very painful. When a female does do this, her nails will extend as well.
Rhaphson was shy, but proud to talk about his musical abilities. Hael find great joy in listening to music, and once again, this revolves around the females. The female Hael has a large ear, which is very sensitive to any sound. Hael music can help to relieve pain in the ears, which often occurs after long hunts or naimods. Their music also helps them communicate with one of their only co-existent species: humpback whales. Humpbacks are peaceful, and do not fight, but their large size helps to steer away other predators, who might be trying to hurt any Hael.
Most hunting is reserved for killer whales and polar bears, the two main predator beasts. The meat of the large animals is shared amongst most Hael, save for the dueling or rivalry families. (This is why naimods are so rare and far between)
All Hael are also capable of flight, and their thick white fur keeps them safe from wind-chill and frozen water. This fur also marks a symbol of status; the whiter the fur, the better. Rieena and her brother came from a middle-class family, and their fur was a smooth cream color that I found appealing, but they hated. (Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder)
After spending several moths with these creatures, I realized that they had to be shared with the rest of the world. Who knows what kind of co-society we could create? Eager to share my discoveries with my colleagues, I rushed back to the Museum.
My insight was not welcome.
If you are reading this, you may know too much.
You are the only one other than me, who can save these amazing creatures. You are the only one who only other soul.
Unto you falls the responsibility to keep them safe.
Burn this record, before the Museum does.