Musings: Tsingis, young and old
//So during class I determined that young-adolescent Tsingis males are known as Tercels and females are known as Shrikes, while adult males are known as Drakes and females known as Sterns.
//Tercels got their terms from how energetic and eager to show off their hunting skills while Shrikes are more opportunistic hunters and usually do what’s easiest in getting fed. These traits continue into adulthood as Tercels become Drakes and Shrikes become Sterns.
//Tercels become Drakes after growibg in their “beards” (full manes) and adult horns, which they use to show off, fight, and compete with one another. They are very proud of their history and often have great deeds and history scrimshawed into their horns and sealed with lacquer or resin. Drakes are fierce and relentless in both combat and competition, so much so that some believe their title as “Drakes” actually comes from their dragon-like ferocity and stubborness.
//Meanwhile, Shrikes become Sterns and develop their scent glands and homing/tracking instincts. Some believe Sterns getting their names from their serious demeanor, while other’s joke that they were named after the aft of a ship. However, when asked about their title’s origin, all elder Sterns agree that ships are mothers, ergo why they’re referred to as “she”, and that all sterns determine the direction the rest of the ship goes. As it is, Sterns are the keystones to keeping Tsingis families together, as males are unable to produce the identifying scents used in family bonding.
//Thus while it is the Drake’s duty to preserve and protect the family and it’s history, it is the Stern’s duty to keep the family bonds alive and together as best as they can until their fledgelings grow up to make families of their own.