Somewhere I Belong [Open]

[Razeni]

Drawing her cloak tighter around her form, Razeni's gaze darted to the second gentleman at the moment he spoke. From the demeanor of the two men she was able to tell that they were in their own conversation, sensing something untold- and none of her business. Standing somewhat taller than this fellow she took a measure of his appearance, taking note of the teal hue of his optic orbs, the darkness of his tan and hair. Beyond physical looks she felt something more from him, a sense of energy and mystery.

Her chin rose as if she were to say, 'Ahhh..' She gave a soft chuckle, "Here I thought Safe Haven was another city that I would have to travel to. It is good to know it is a place here in the city." Razeni returned the charming smile of this man, now known as Volans as Shadekas had gave an introduction. Relieved to of been able to meet not only one, but two cordial persons she thought herself 'lucky', if you want to call it that. She did not get any feelings from them that they meant ill intent or deception. Her brows rose in question, "Oh, you are currently residing there?" With a not so subtle reminder of the predicament they were in, the falling rain and the way her feet were cold and wet, she quickly gave answer to Shadekas, "Nice to meet the both of you, and it seems you have came at the right time.. Yes, I would very much like to accept your offer of escort to this Safe Haven." She knew the conversation would be able to be continued on the way there.

Reaching with her right hand, she gently took hold of the left lead of Ruze, patting him with her left. The horse gave a soft nicker, with a couple nods of his head then he shook it to fling the excess water from his mane. Razeni giggled, turning her head to hide behind the hood of her cloak. Still with lead in hand she awaited the gentlemen to lead the way.

[Shade]

Shade nodded, stepping back to let Volans and Ranzei speak. He watched them both, curious about the world outside Nyka and yet too polite to speak. They might have thought it odd he stood in the rain, the hood of his robe down. His black curls were soaked, corkscrewing into an unruly mess even more so than his usual style. His hood remained down because among the Monks, only raising a hood and covering your head had special meaning. It meant you were willing and able to fight to the death in a conflict unfolding before you.

Mortal combat.

And there was nothing to fight here. Just two strangers, one in need of an escort and the other in need of comfort. Volans pain was none of Shadekas' business, even though his curiosity rose and demanded he know the other man's story. Ranzei too had a story, Shadekas was sure, he was certain she'd tell it to him with just the asking. The girl had no mystery about her, just a quiet strength and a determination. He ignored her nervous giggles and knew that once she settled into Nyka and grew more comfortable, the tell tail signs of unease would vanish. He'd watched her dismount and walk down the street too. He thought perhaps she'd had some training of some sort, for she moved like she was more aware of her body than most people. It wasn't exactly martial arts, he decided, but something close like dance. She was lovely enough for it.

His curiosity rose again.

"I'm afraid the hostel has poor food. If either of you are going to be staying here any length of time, you should apply for residency and get your food rations delivered. You're horse will eat better there, I'm afraid, than you will. The Monks and officials eat first, then the gentry, then the citizenry, and then whatever is left is given to the Hostel for charity for visitors. The bread is moldy, the cheese will taste off, but you can trust in the drinks. They are always top rate." He said softly. "Anyone who lives here without registry tends to get very good at hunting and scrounging food. There's excellent fishing as well." He added. It was just an unspoken word that the hardest things to acquire were the ones most people needed the most traveling: grains, breads, cereals.

"Food is a powerful motivator for becoming a caretaker of the city." Shadekas added, setting off. He lead them slowly through the streets. All the Quarters lead to the Celestial Square, even the western one which they were currently in. He said no more, still being on patrol and watching as he walked, making his presence known without being overly obvious.

[Volans]

Volans nodded solemnly as Shade gave his warning, the look in his eyes suggesting he knew what the monk was saying full well. It had been a moment of weakness, nothing more. But, as the other man had suggested, even a moment could prove fatal. When Shadekas glanced at him, Volans inclined his head in acquiesce and then stepped forward. He spared a gaze for the girl and horse opposite them. "Safehaven is the name of a place, no worries. And, it is true that I do reside there." his voice was quiet yet assured, soft as a summer breeze. Hands raised in a calming gesture, for he could sense the anxiety about the girl; she concealed it well, which was good in a city such as Nyka. Volans fell silent when Shade spoke of the food at the hostel, only watching him out of the corner of his eye. He spoke truly, but Volans found no need to back Shade up on this. The girl would find out it was true soon enough. Shade made to lead them through the streets, but Volans stopped him with his hand. "Before we go, my lady, do you mind if I inquire as to your name?" Volans gave a wry smile. "I think it's only fair we know yours if you know ours."

[Razeni]

Moving along the cobblestoned street, Razeni digested the information of the city that Shade and Volans gave, and especially of the establishment she would soon be taking shelter in. The sound of the place did not sound to pleasing, but she wasn't worried. All she needed was a place for her and her horse to rest replenishing their energy. She decided that if the food were as bad as they said she had rations still she could sustain herself with for the time being.

Being stopped mid-stride by Volans, she pulled firmly on the lead to also stop Ruze. Turning her gaze to the man as he spoke to her, her expression showed the realization of her rudeness of not offering to introduce herself. "Oh, I must have forgotten my manners.. Yes, of course it is only fair I tell you my name. I am Razeni, so very nice to meet you." She gave a slight bow to not only Volans but to Shade as well. Pressing on towards shelter they picked up their pace once again.

Reaching the building they led her to, as they walked she took in the appearance of the structure and of all that around it. Lacing the lead around the post to secure her horse she gave a nod to the men, "Thank you for the escort, I am glad I was able to meet helpful people such as yourselves." She made to turn to the entrance, brushing her locks behind her ears with both hands, she gave another glance smiling to them.

[Shade]

Shadekas wandered along slightly behind them, scanning the crowd for trouble as Volans and Ranezi spoke. He'd forgotten to ask the girl her name, true enough, but he blamed it on her lovely features and the fact that both her and Volans were new to Nyka. They were a curiosity to him, one that he'd love to hear more about. But truthfully Shadekas was a bit shy about questions. Volans had seemed not to want to speak too personally and Shade respected that. Razeni herself seemed open and friendly, but he didn't want to seem to be grilling her if he asked questions about the rest of the world. So he followed along and kept quiet, making sure the two newcomers to the city of Nyka got to where they were going safely.

The weather was shaping up with no rain threatening the trio moving through the city. Even though it was cold and the day was lengthening, there was no tang of snow in the air which made things even more pleasant than they would otherwise be in Nyka this time of year. So close to the water, the wind was blowing, but it was not as bad as normal. In the summer it was even refreshing rather than chilling.

When they paused before the facility, Shade spoke after Razeni finished her statement. "If either of you need anything, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'm glad to help out visitors and guests in Nyka. And if you choose to stay on even longer than a visit, there's also a number of places you can find employment and take care of basic needs above this place. There are far more interesting places to live than Safe Haven if you've an urge to stay." He added, smiling at them both sincerely.

[Volans]

Volans bowed, some strange emotion prompting him to histrionics. "A pleasure to meet you, Razeni." he said, smiling his slight little smile. "...I'm sure our friend agrees." his smile grew a bit larger as he aimed a sideways glance at the third member of their party, the ever-vigilant monk.

From there on out, Volans was quiet, but his spirits seemed to have been raised. His gaze constantly danced from Razeni to Shade and back again, eagerly devouring whatever they noticed about the other two. He walked with purposeful grace, the way back to his current resting place clear in his mind.

They arrived, and Volans ushered the woman to the front door. He paused as Shade spoke, his hand on the knob. "Thank you, Shadekas." he pronounced finally, a measured glance directed at his erstwhile companion. "I'm as grateful for your help as Razeni here. It was a pleasure to meet you."

He directed his eyes back to the very woman he had mentioned. "And it was nice to meet you as well. I'll travel with you a bit further, if only to reach my room. I'm sure Vysia will be delighted to make room for another foreigner." he smiled wryly, and then he stepped indoors. A smile still lingered on his face.

OoCAfter one more round of posting, you think here is a good place to wrap it up?

[Shade]

Shadekas waited, part of the couple and yet not part of them. He often stood alone, apart, protective yet not quite able to blend. He listened for both to respond and then bowed to the woman and then to the gentleman when they had. "My best wishes to both of you. May you thrive in this city and find whatever it is you need here." The Monk said, a slight smile on his face. He retreated a few steps, giving them room and then turned. He adjusted his robe slightly then scanned the area for trouble. He gripped his staff and with a final nod to the pair he'd escorted, started on his way back to his quarter.

He seemed content with his course and sure of his path. He did, however, give a slight glance over his shoulder at both Volans and Razeni. Nyka was definitely improving, he thought, with a broader grin on his face.

In the end, he hoped both people would find their place in Nyka and perhaps even some place to belong.

[Razeni]

Feeling pretty light, and somewhat carefree, Razeni's stance would be casual as she listened to both the men that accompanied her to the much needed haven. Both these men had welcomed her and made her feel comfortable, something she will not forget. Having been travelling for quite some time now, she is well aware on how there are some people who wouldn't of been so friendly and kind.

Her eyes had alit on Volans, and at his innuendo she reddens, lowering her gaze for a brief second before raising them once more. The blush giving evidence that her thoughts of them must of been discovered. She shifts her stance as she continues forth once more into the establishment. She gives the appropriate nod to Volans, smiling. "Yes, it is a pleasure to meet you, Volans. As is to meet you also, Shadekas." Her eyes shift to the monk. "Thank you for your escort and guidance, and also the welcome you have shown by the time you have taken to ensure that we were housed."

Razeni hoped that she didn't sound too rehearsed or scripted, for she truly was thankful for the duo. If most of the other people she runs across treat her in the same way, she just may consider making Nyka her new home. After the greetings and farewell's were completed, she turned her attention to acquiring housing.

[Liar]

EXPERIENCE AWARD Volans Skill Points Rhetoric 1 Astronomy 1 Lore An Exception to Prejudice The Volans Constellation Location: The Safe Havel Hostel Street Plan: the Celestial Square Notes Rhet for the discussion and explanations, astronomy for teaching about the constellation. And I gave you that lore, for good measure. :P Shade Skill Points Leadership 3 Rhetoric 1 Observation 3 Interrogation 2 Socialization 3 Teaching 4 Lore Compassion for Strangers Recognizing a Vantha The Volans Constellation Location: The Safe Havel Hostel Street Plan: the Celestial Square Notes Rhet for various discussion and explanation, observation for catching the boys, leadership for keeping the peace with the boys and guiding people through the city. Razeni Skill Points Riding 1 Animal Husbandry 1 Observation 1 Lore Location: Safe Haven Hostel A Thief’s Attention Street Plan: the Celestial Square Notes Riding and Husbandry for the stuff with Ruze, observation for descriptions of staying aware.