Completed [Seasonal Quest] Upon a Star (Open)

[Bob Barton]

If Bob was a lot more experienced with Alvadas then he would really, really take this as a sign but he was not so he only took this as an incentive from Kelwyn to do whatever random thought he had planned. This random thought was of course to have his revenge on the statue but while Bob did not take the eyes, he was in a position to get some paint. Yes, the city of arts had various people around who wanted to market their skills and Bob stumbled upon one such group trying to paint the scenery on their canvas. Whatever they did looked nothing like what Bob saw in front of him but "I suppose your group caters to people with very specific tastes" giving the comment with a smile and a pleasant tone to portray his thoughts differently. He did not want their works but "I am just so jealous of what you can do. Do you think I can try it too?" pointing at the supply of paint they had with them. "Don't worry. I am not going to be your competition since I only want people to see my work and not buy them. I don't mind compensating for troubling you either and you can some and see my work when I am done" to get a good laugh out of it.

Nice thoughts and nice paint was not enough to get the paint which costs "How much?!?" That was daylight robbery! "You don't have to charge me for your workmanship you know..." only the paint and "I am not making a profit out of it either." Bob was getting a little bit frustrated with how these people were trying to scam him preferring the more direct methods used by people in Sunberth but he did his best to keep up his happy face and tone though a little bit of aggression might have seeped out as he continued trying to convince the woman to "sell to me at cost price please?" while he made a display of counting the coins he had with him. Then he switched to another method that "I'll make it worth your while at the tavern for say...dinner tonight? The best part about this plan is that you won't have to share with the others over there" which was the other members of the group he eyed. "I am just hoping so badly that the beauty you show me in your work and through yourself reflects just how smart you are. I always wanted to go out with the rare woman of beauty and brains."

And finally after lots and lots and lots of conversation and convincing, Bob got the paint that he wanted and started to head back at the direction that he came from which was "the statue. You should come and see it later when you are done with your work." It will be a sight to behold when it was full of the bright shade of red that Bob had on one hand and the dark shade of green on the other. Bob's artistic talents is going to shine today but he was not going to be able to claim to be the first one to taint the slanderer because that honor went to "the vagik!" he mumbled quietly in surprise. Maybe if Bob tried hard enough he could keep hidden from Ulric but he just tried too hard. Straight in front of Ulric Bob quickly made a step to his side to keep out of his view but with the paint it proved a hard task and spilled out a little nearly hitting a pedestrian he quickly apologized to before quickly moving along to hiding behind another person this time holding the paint for security instead of the natural look.

[Almech]

Winter 29 511

Almech was roaming the streets of Avadas, it was dark and cold, his claws made a slight clicking noise on the stone street with each and every step, today's sunset was particularly beautiful, so he was in a good mood. He looked up at the moon as it rose, he let out a long and loud howl, upon doing so he could hear the smashing of glass nearby and shards of glass spattered onto his black coat of fur, he should them off "Shut the hell up you damn dog!" another glass was flung at Almech. He walked quickly out of the way of the glass and just continued walking, the streets didn't shift as much as they normally did, this was off, Almech could feel that something odd was going on, call it a sixth sense or whatever you like. It was a gut feeling, one that almost made you sick to your stomach, then it came, a strange light shined throughout the entire city, it was almost blinding for a moment, then it dissapeared as quickly as it came. Almech figured this was merely Ionu trying to get a laugh, his attention was soon averted by a scent, meat, Almech's stomach growled and he followed the scent, leading him to a pile of trash, he leapt into it, his natural instinct. He covered himself in the scent of the garbage in an unconscious effort to cover his own scent, then he found the prize, a few slightly rotted pieces of meat lay at the bottom, he couldn't help himself as he took one of them into his mouth. He chewed on it a while, until he's chewed off a piece and the bulk of it fell to the ground, he swallowed and repeated this process for several minutes the taste was different, interesting even, this didn't taste like most rotted meat he'd tried. He had never eaten garbage before though, but there was a first time for everything as he looted the garbage then sniffed around for anymore food in it, it licked the juices from the meat up off the ground and then proceeded to roll around in the garbage more before he got tired and went to sleep.

6th bell winter 30 511

Almech couldn't sleep very well tonight, the feeling in his stomach swelling up inside him, he felt as though he would burst, tossing and turning in the pile of garbage he had raided, the juices of slightly rotted meat dried onto his fur. He woke up startled, he must've been having a bad dream, he'd suddenly hopped out of his sleep in a defensive position and growling, then when he realized he'd just woken up he calmed down a bit, as he looked around he saw Kale. He was walking down the street away from Almech, so he got up and started trotting lightly about 10 yards behind his friend, trying to keep quiet, he didn't want Kale to think anything strange was going on, it was early morning. Dangers of the night hadn't completely dissipated, and he felt an urge to keep an eye on the gladiator, the man who he'd come to think of as a father, as of late, he felt odd being out of Kale's presence, but he knew how Kale was. Much like his real father in a way, he was strong, resilient and stubborn, had he known Almech was following him, to protect him, Almech likely would've gotten an ear full. He wondered where Kale was going so early in the morning, it seemed as though he was looking for something, but what? Almech had no idea, his ears flickered upon hearing the voices of a man and a woman, their tones were strange to Almech's ears.

They spoke to eachother with a soft and warm tone, reminding him of how his mother would speak to him when he was just a young puppy, they were arguing about something, but it wasn't a tense argument like alot of others he'd heard. The woman's voice was full of concern, the man, pride, he saw Kale stop then back up back behind the corner again, Almech quickly hid too, keeping an eye on Kale, he didn't want to get caught and have to explain himself. The only scents here were human from what Almech could tell, Almech sensed the woman's scent quickly change upon hearing the words "No, you can't have him" what was going on here, why was Kale watching this? Then the woman disappeared, Almech approached from behind Kale, silently and he sat down behind him and off to the side, just enough to see what was going on, and he saw the woman emerge from the pond. This was frightening the young dog, even though the woman was very beautiful, his fur stood straight up and a look of panic washed over his face, what was this woman? he sniffed at the air, but, he still couldn't tell. He quickly stepped forward putting himself between her and Kale, he showed his fangs, barked and snarled at the woman, he was overcome with the desire to protect Kale.

[Antar]

Sometime between 22nd Bell, 29th Winter, 511 AV and 4th bell ,30th of winter
@Ulric, Bob XD

He lost him, he petching lost him... Damn it , damn it!

Antar's feet pounded on the rooftop slate as he leapt over a gap towards the next building. He and others of his party had only arrived recently in the city, and two days before had been asked by the Alvadas government to help track down a wayward agent amongst their ranks. He still didn't know why exactly such a thing was important and negotiations had been vague as could be the true rationale of their being brought from Sunberth to Zeltiva, Zeltiva to Syliras, and from syliras they had taken passage over the sea to here.

The passage over the Suvan hadn't been much fun either. Though if he was honest, he'd notice Alvadas was a whole different breed from other cities. Even when he toook risks like this. The city itself moved of its own will. Building tended to vanish out from underneath you if you didn't move fast along their roofs and the entire experience was rolling the dice of chance?

So why had he tried to trail his mark over the rooftops before he had come to his current present? It was because his further efforts to track the man had wound up his trail going cold when the city's streets changed on a whim. Twice now, he had literally walked around a corner to find his quarry had simply vanished from Sight. Not just from his vision alone, but from his auristics senses as well.

He should have realized that anything do with that old woman wouldn't have beent as easy as it seemed... Vaulting over a small divide between houses he made a beeline for a hanging trellis and used it to quickly descend back to the streets. The rogue was frustrated, and cold within the midst of the night, and his armaments were thirsting for the supposed traitor's blood. Picking a random direction, the rogue moved through the night along the somewhat empty streets, hoping for another glimpse of his quarry.

His steps were taking him in a direction that bade him consider finding a different route but for necessity he would content himself with merely . Up ahead the sound of insults being hurled about by a stone edifice and the sound of someone urinating could be seen as the rogue walked on by as his eyes searched for his prey.

Only by chance did he recognize the man's features, A gaunt face within an armored cowl like a vague dream to his senses. Still walking forwards, the rogue muttered just loudly enough for the man to hear as he passed."Uhr-Xhyvas, no - no that was that was only a petching dream! Dead gods don't live."

Without stopping for speaking to the man, Noth turned into an alleyway, as his eyes within their Aurasight roamed over where someone was lurking in the shadows. The aura seemed familiar; but it was not the mark's. Shunting djed back from his eyes, the rogue would brook the incident as being of no importance to his present task. In fact, he dismissed the sensation just as quickly as he hastened his pace to try to get to the main thoroughfare of the city.

All he knew was that no matter what happened tonight, the white haired assassin felt more energized then he could think of reasons for. It was as if this circumstance of the contract with the Alvadas government had brought clear crips focus back into his mind as he continued on. His goal was to find his mark tonightNot going to happen , though who knew where his steps would lead him tonight on the cusp of the morrow?

[Laute]

Laute knew of snow, of the bone-chilling cold that came from the northern lands. Even better than that, he knew of heat and the dry skin that came with it, parched throats desperate for water. With the changing seasons, the weather adjusted somewhere between the two extremes for the most part.

In Alvadas, though, this didn't occur. The weather dipped slightly every now and then, rarely reaching one peak or another, before returning to a mild middle. There were no 'seasons' in this city.

For that reason, Laute was surprised by the cold that gnawed at his bone that night. In the building below him, his slave restlessly curled in her cot, her quilt pulled up over her. Even the warmth of the fire was not enough to keep her warm on this night. He left her earlier like that, curled in a small ball, the cloth tucked under her to keep the cold out.

The roof was empty when he flew up. Wide awake, he settled onto the rough shingles, the moon bright above him. At this time, he should be hunting wild prey, his wings tucked in as he traveled through the forests of his homeland. In this foreign city, he stalked other things: the small movements of the citizens as they slithered about, the groaning of a city as it changed its form.

His wings remained folded around him, keep part of the keen wind at bay. Such a strange, frigid night, the icy moonlight making it seem colder than it is. As he was contemplating this, he was suddenly blinded.

Hissing in pain, he shut his eyes immediately, an arm raised to stave off the light. No natural light was ever that bright, that sudden. Especially at this time of night.

No, this was something unnatural, and hesitantly, he cracked open an eyelid. Nothing met it and he opened both further. Only the stars and night sky greeted him, the quiet of the night.

Unnatural. He didn't like not knowing what it was. When dawn broke, he would have to investigate the matter further. For the moment, he cocked an ear on the building below, listening for the steady breathing of his charge.

[Shai]

22nd Bell, Win 29th , 511 AV

Two bells ago, Shai had been in the stables, tending to her newest animal pet; a dark cinnamon stallion by the name of Chivalis. The animal was showing its use for travel and she had lingered there to decide her level of attachment to the beast. Chi’ was too useful to become emotionally attached too; if he became a potential for her sacrifices she would need to find a new mount. Unfortunately, the spider concluded that she liked the animal.

The next few bells Shai spent aimlessly wondering the city and considering how she might avert her mount’s fate. It had been evident after only a short time in Alvadas that her intentional destination didn’t matter only the city’s did. Eventually her meandering brought the petite Sysmenstra right back to where she had begun her journey. Absolutely infuriating! Spinning around on the toes of her boots Shai stalked back in the other direction.

Swing around the first corner she was greeted with full view of a human relieving himself upon a statue. Oddly enough, the sight was a bit comforting it made Alvadas seem far less alien in comparison to Sunberth. Shai’s racial night vision allowed her to permeate the darkness as humans often couldn’t. At first, she didn’t consider why this advantage might be important but relevancy was quick in revealing itself. Distance would hopefully hide her from the men.

The small commotion Bob had instrumented with his paints caught the spider’s attention and her head jerked towards him in response. What the- is he trying to hide? Paint, why Bob? Inwardly sighing she forced the derisions to filtered away, revealing that the very fact that Bob would need to hide alarmed her. Tracing his attentions, her gaze was led back to the urinating gentleman.

Clenching her black cloak tightly to her lithe frame the thief side stepped into a nearby wall-provided shadow. Whatever about that man had Bob on edge was enough to make her cautious as well. She had yet to see real proof that Bob was anyone spectacular but he simply had to be. No one survives Sunberth who is actually as thick as that man. A gentle shake of her head brought her hood down; providing cover for the amethyst eyes that could so easily mark her position. Leaning back against the wall, Shai tried to take advantage of the deepest sections of the shadow, but still look nonchalant enough that if she was found it wouldn’t look horrendously suspicious.

[Zenai]

Season of Winter, Day 30, 511 AV

He’s only been in Alvadas for a few days and he’s already hating it as well as contemplating going back to Sunberth where at least buildings and roads were always where they were and he doesn’t feel need to fire projectile-vomit every so often. Alvadas is supposedly the city which is divined over by Ionu, the God of Illusions and Trickery. Zenai is a straightforward person and not one to beat around the bushes if he can help himself. However, this was Ionu’s city and he might as well get used to it and accustomed himself to the ever-changing city.

Still, Zenai had to talk through the same street thrice even when he thought he had taken a turn into another street. Also, from a distance, he thought it was the place he intended to go but upon closer inspection, it was an entirely different place. Zenai guessed he has been walking through this city for a few bells and considered asking for directions from anyone he had passed by but he was a man and it wasn’t manly to ask for directions from other people. That and he doubted that there were any directions of any kind. One has to gain some kind of seventh sense i.e. so happen to know where places are at the right time and right situation.

Maybe it was a stupid idea to separate himself from the others and go off exploring the city by his lonesome. He would give anything if he could just catch his of anyone he could recognize. Eridanus. Shai. Antar. Bob? Yes, he would go with Bob if he got the chance. Surely that midget of a man would know how to navigate this damnable city and its paradigm streets. Eventually, he came upon a statue. “Finally, a new landmark!” Zenai gave some thanks to Ionu in his heart for this small mercy. A sharp smell entered Zenai’s nostril; a smell that he thought would be limited to Sunberth. Looking around he saw a man doing a business against the statue. “Wonderful… A barbarian taking a wiz out in public and not ashamed of it.” He looked the other way hoping that prying his eye from the scene would make the smell less pungent. In doing so, he caught the sight of Bob. Finally! A friendly face which Zenai could accept if Bob ever took a piss in public. He was sneaking around for some reason; probably in or getting into trouble. Zenai tried to keep out of sight as he doesn’t want to get involved…yet. The thing about Bob is that you will be eventually be drawn to “assist” him. Maybe it was that charisma of his.

[Ryce]

29th Day of Winter Ryce pushed of the building with his right hand and rose to his feet. Having seen the figure gave him pleasure in knowing that he did indeed hear something. Now fulfilled Ryce was no longer interested in the current situation so darted back to his clothing and possessions. He reluctantly re-dressed himself first wiggling himself into his wool trousers and then sliding into his shirt, despite the fact it was littered with slashes which he had inflicted upon it a few short moments ago. Dressed and prepared he continued his investigative tour of the city, smelling and witnessing the inconsistency of the buildings and streets with every glance. Ryce had already noticed the rustlings of others around Alvadas spotting a few and hearing others. He had chosen to pay no mind to them though, not being a threat or potential meal, it seemed insignificant to bother with the fact. 30th Day of Winter It was already several bells into the next day closely leading to dawn and Ryce still walked around in search of nothing in particular. Having already eaten some wrapped meat from his bag he was no longer in search of his "potential" meal. As he continued forward the remains of what would be greenage came to view, the fact of it being winter had left it in a rather dying state, while some thrived perfectly deeper within the thicket. Happiness erupted from within Ryce as he leapt and began running towards the view. It would be thrilling to scurry about piles of leaves and just roam the wild in general. He was careful to place his belongings in a known spot and transformed. Jumping and spinning the small ferret began indulging in the scene. Ryce hoped onto and off of trees then when hitting the ground he would sprint around as if it was his first time of such frolic plays. Coming to a calm Ryce now had his nose in action smelling for anything that may be of interest. Laughter erupted from deeper in the thicket, intrigued Ryce naturally headed in the direction weaving through the various roots and other plants. More commotion had come from the same area, so he hit into a sprint moving with agile and precise movements. He didn't stop until noticing water in the distance, his sprint became a tentative creep not knowing clearly what to expect. Growling could be heard, but he couldn't get a clear view of exactly where or what it was coming from. Attempting to get closer for a better view he lowered and somewhat crawled forward paying special attention as to not drag his body against the ground, in fear a causing a sound and welcoming unwanted meetings. Ryce was now looking at a suspicious scene, there was the dog, which was causing the disturbance of a rather calm night. Also, the man just behind him seemed to have a fixaited gaze upon a lady which was seemingly rising from the depths of the pond. Wonder filled Ryce and caused the hairs along his spine to raise, he couldn't find a reason as to explain what was occuring. He lowered his body to the ground, deciding it was best to just watch as the events played out.

[Dhalvasha]

30th of Winter 511 AV

Alvadas held all the familiar curiosity of a corpse. It lay the way he left it, it smelled the way he left it, and to some extent, it even had the same parasites crawling over its putrifying flesh. However, it wasn't the same...as certainly no bit of flesh left for long on the Purging tables would be. There was difference, now and forever and likely forever more. The doctor moved with a hobble, nearly imperceptible by the graceful standards of Symenestra, but to Dhalvasha it was an anchor that grounded him in the petty thought of revenge.

He had not left yet, and although being here for less than a few weeks already his skin crawled for release. He could not readily cross the sea again, nothing had interested him abroad. No, instead his mind turned to revenge, that bubbling demand that he avenge himself on those who tied him up and interrogated him. Shai, lovely Shai, he could forgive her the anger she felt. Certainly she had a right as the symbolic mother of the Symenestra child. However, the moment she turned to a human to assist her, the revenge given to her by right was forfeited. No pink-skinned surface dweller had the right to intrude on what was a family matter. Even if the little Widow had been satisfying her urge on his prick every night, that didn't make him part of their world.

The audacity still burned in his stomach, fanned flames over a bubbling pot of seldom disturbed anger. Admittedly his reluctance to leave was tied to Antar's reluctance to leave. The only point in staying was to find some manner of emotional or physical harm to visit on the archer and the willfull Symenestra woman.

His stomach recoiled at the thought of hurting her, but some deep part of his psychosis wanted to lash.

All had not been said, all had not been done.

It was the unwelcome smell of urine, the trailing tail of steam across an equine statute that pulled him from himself and the Doctor saw the man, Ulric, relieving himself on a horse.

How quaint, not even humans had respect for their city, darling revelation.

Rather than interrupt the likely drunk, invite his misplaced urination on a less immobile target, Dhalvasha folded against the walls of Alvadas, letting the night cloak his fair form with tranquil moonlight and breathless shadows. Not even the night dare steal its touch from a Symenestra...and hopefully by avoiding conflict he would thus avoid pointless violence.

Besides, he winced as he looked at his long thin fingers and black edged claws, he hadn't the body for fighting or prolonged exertion...a fact his father never understood that was made all the clearer the farther Dhalvasha traveled.

No, he would strike from shadows with poisoned claws and a black heart, merciless and sudden. Cowardice was reserved for those who had strong bones and frames to shatter steel. But what did the spider or snake fear of it? Little.

A coward was one who had the strength to stay in fight.

The difference...was simply that Dhalvasha never fooled himself into believing that in the first place.

[Ihnar]

Ihnar felt utterly lost and confused by the ever changing streets. He sweared he had been following Eri, but apparently doing it was impossible. He had strayed from the road once, and now he was already lost, with no sign of Eri anywhere near.

'Hellooo?' The pycon asked the wind silently, not really expecting a reply. Things were not going like he had planned. He could see no-one nearby. Ihnar sighed and sat down, waiting to see if anyone would reply to him. If not, he would just wait here and see if someone would walk past him, and possibly stalk him, or her. Surely the people who lived here knew where everything was.. right?
This place.. is insane.

Suddenly there was a bright light. It hurt the pycons eyes, having been in the darkness of the night for so long. He bounced up and gazed at the sky. Whatever it had been, was not there anymore. Ihnar did not like this. It was far too strange for him. All the pycon wanted now, was to find someone he knew and get to sleep. The weight of the day was already feeling heavy on his body and mind.

However hours passed as he sat there, and the day turned to a new one, the sun starting to dawn.

Ooc/ Short post due to being in a hurry.

[Miro]

30th day of Winter, 511 AV

Miro's bed was just as comfy as it ever was. The weather was cool, making it even more comfortable. Even Miro's arm was doing better. He just remained in bed, eyes wide open, resting his arms behind his head and staring at the ceiling. He tapped his foot anxiously, noting the disturbing feeling that loomed around.

"Alric, Grimkon, Ricky, do you feel it too?" Miro rolled over off the bed and stood up stretching his arms a bit. Magic was in the air, so to speak, and Miro would not rest until the feeling subsided. The city was worrying him, but he was sure that he was not the only person. He took his magic staff from its resting place near his wardrobe, carrying it in his left arm. It still felt a bit weak from being out of commission for a while.

All day Miro had been awake without the time for a nap, though he did little. With the staff to guide him on his walk he left into the city. The night was finally leaving, soon the first touch of sunlight would poor over the city and the people would flood the streets. For now he would go to the Akeldama Colosseum and pass some time. Perhaps Shale would calm his mind. Being in a fight was always distracting.

Miro left through the door in a hurry. He carried only his staff and the clothing on his back. the Colosseum would appear sooner or later. The once broken arm was now feeling fine, and now it was time to make up for the season of being careful.