Timestamp: 82nd of Winter, 509 AV
The feeling of being watched was increasing while she was approaching the city. She assumed that the guards were scanning the plains for suspicious individuals. Of course they wouldn’t want a Dhani or Symenestra in their city and with the grasslands stretching out to the horizon they had enough sight to be prepared for everything. Quite clever, the young girl mused.
She was riding a Drykas Strider, a beautiful dun exemplar with black legs, mane and tail with the latter two featuring a few pale strands. It was healthy, strong and quick and so the pair was approaching the gates at a fast pace. The girl sitting on its back and clasping her yvas with both hands had been looking forward to that particular day and was therefore eager to reach the city of the Akalak. Her fiery red hair was collected in two braids, but still fluttered behind her in an unruly and chaotic fashion. Her posture on the horse was self-confident, she was eyeing the city with her sparkling golden orbs, but at the same time she was aware of the firm, cool ground under her mount’s hooves and of the endless blue sky stretching out over her head. Her softly tanned skin proved what one could guess at first look: The girl was a Drykas.
Eventually they slowed down and trotted to the gates where they were greeted by a pair of tall blue-skinned guards. The girl hopped from the horse, returned their friendly nod and stated:
“I’m Talasca, and I’d like to stay in your fair city to learn and improve my skill.” Indeed she looked like her words indicated, dressed in green and brown traveler clothing and carrying a backpack on her shoulders.
The guards, of course, waved her through, but then they hesitated for a moment to tell her of Godiva’s Refuge, a location that provided food and shelter for women coming to Riverfall. However, after one week they had to look for work or move on, since the service didn’t last any longer. The girl named Talasca thanked them politely and thought about whether she should use that service or not while following the main street. The hooves of her Strider were clattering on the cobblestone, spreading the sound of a new visitor and her curious enthusiasm.