Location The Southern Trading Post (City Entrance)

[Elaine Spade]

Winter 15 AV 512

After Noaru's trick an old lady was walking around. She looked at the paniced man and the guards, and waited a bit. She didn't show any emotion. The old lady was stepping around. The wind became stronger, the sun was going down.

I will be late! I have to go now!

She said it to herself with a strange voice. She came out from the forest and stepped to the guards. The old lady was smiling kindly. She was just like a granny. She held some herbs and plant with her. The guards looked at her. They had a strange feeling. The temperature went down suddenly a bit. The old lady didn't want to show, but she was unpatient now. The guards looked at each other. One of them nodded to the other.The guard let the granny to go to the city. The Old Lady smiling was gone, and the Silent Lady, Elaine flew away from this body and went through the guards as fast as she could and followed Noaru. The Old Lady just standed there like a puppet. The guards asked her what happened, and tried to help her to recover, but the Old Lady mind was lost.

[Tanir Vorot]

Tanir's wood-coloured eyes surveyed the blessing before him, his final destination now filling a vista that would have brought tears to his eyes if he had not been filled with such exhaustion. The Southern Trading Post of Ravok, his home and the den within which he would lick his wounds before moving on to his next attempt at advancement for him and his. He wondered if Tanjun was oaky briefly, dismissing such concerns as frivolously foolish – she had always been able to look after herself. He mostly felt sorry for those whom she came across, especially at night. No, she would be fine and their quarters undisturbed, of that he had sound mind. He sighed and dragged his weary feet towards the six guards at the gate. Not that I could protect her much at the moment, I lost most of my gear in the that ravine. Bastard bandits he growled internally as he pulled his woollen cloak around him, the edges now frayed and the material thinning. It was more out of habit that he wore it not than actual protection against the elements. Still, he had his health for the most part, and his money still. His backpack and its belongings had been kept also, firmly strapped to his back along with the quiver Tanjun had gifted him before he had left, its elegant design an expression of her loving devotion to him. Mist flickered from his nose as he finally approached the guards, their expressions serious and suspicious as always. It was an act, he knew, to intimidate outsiders. As soon as they knew him for a citizen they would be less harsh, though still toughened and coldly aloof. “Halt! Who goes there?” the leader of the group raised his hand to stop him walking further. No other threat was needed, the archer on the walls above more than necessary. “Tanir Vorot, returning from a failed caravan mission. Bandits to the south west, might come this way eventually.” He responded, offering information freely to ameliorate their demeanour. “Business in the city?” the guard responded, showing no hint of acceptance of Tanir’s news even though another had nodded and walked off to relay any necessary messages. “Citizen. Born and bred here, I return to try and rest after a hard journey back” “Really? Suppose you don’t have your papers?” “Not on me” “Weapons?” “Lost them in a ravine” “Very well, pass! But make no trouble. If’n your a citizen you know what’ll happen. Go on, get in then” the guard waved him on with a grunt. Tanir walked past him, hunched slightly from mostly healed bruising, and made his way back into his home. It felt good to finally arrive. With luck he’d be eating a hearty meal, his first in days, within a few hours. He made his way towards the nearest Ravosala and passed a few gold into the hands of the weasel-faced driver and sat down upon the masterly crafted wood. He closed his eyes, let his fingers trail in the water slightly and let the Ravosala take him to his old home. And a hot meal, soft bed and a wench if Tanjun can not kill her beforehand he thought, a smile coming to his face for the first time in a long while.

[Theur]

55 Winter, 512 A.V It had become gloomy these past couple of days. Thunder roared off in the distance and grey clouds consumed the sky; Theur wouldn’t be surprised if it was going to rain. Nonetheless he continued forward, more dead than alive really. What kept him going was the promise of a town just off the horizon. Countless days and long nights have passed since then, Theur’s clock was ticking if it wasn’t today, then never. Still he continued his sorry state showed as he walked. Buffeted by the winds, he could barely walk straight; baked by the sun, his strength waned; with no water his senses faltered. A couple of more bells later and that would be the end, but off in the distance a city rose. Theur’s heart leapt as he saw it. He wasn’t hallucinating, a genuine city after all this time and finally there it is. He didn’t know when or how but he was running. Faster and faster he went, sprinting now but still not fast enough. His legs flexed and relaxed with each bound he took, forgotten strength coursed through his body. He felt light as a feather and strong as an ox, the city grew ever closer. Smells and sounds entered him as he grew closer, some made his mouth water and some made him cringe his nose but all made him happy. Theur didn’t realize it but as the city neared so did the lake surrounding it. He never did see the lake. Suddenly the world around him went black and wet. He couldn’t see, couldn’t breathe all he could really do was struggle. For a brief moment his hand would sometimes break the surface of the water before sinking back down, occasionally his foot would too but with no idea which way was up… …and then he felt something cold wrap around his leg. A sudden sharp tug was all it took, with one swift movement his upper body was above the water and with another he was on solid ground again. Instantly he began to cough as he struggled to take his few first breaths of air when he heard a man’s voice. "Buisness" said the man to Theur or he assumed that it was. In his current state Theur didn’t know how to reply other things occupied him. He couldn’t see or rather couldn’t open his eyes, his hearing was off, he was still coughing up water. It was as if he wasn’t even there, his mind was still back in the water. "ExCusse mEe" Theur said struggling with every word; the man just sighed. What are you doing here in Ravok said the man deliberately making it slow on Theur, even in a daze he could feel the annoyance coming off the man. Slowly Theur began to speak choosing each word carefully as to buy himself some time to think. "I come in peace…no need for…I…Theur!...business???" Clearly he did not buy himself enough time but while he talked he gave four gold mizas to the man. One moment he was on the ground and the next he was being dragged this way and that and then with a loud thud Theur assumed he fell (that or he hit a wall and now he’s stuck). Theur felt another thud on him almost as if someone had thrown something at him before he had enough time to respond the floor began to move. He would have panicked should have panicked but heard two simple words Welcome to Ravok and he opened his eyes. oocthe thing that was “thrown” to Theur were his stuff

[Liena]

Liena was warned about the road between her home, Mura, and her destination, Ravok, but she hadn’t quite anticipated the reality that her travels had become and the creatures that would find her to be a possible meal to fill their stomachs. By the time she reached the small ‘village’ for the Southern Trading Post her black cloak, new when she left home, was worn and torn at the hem line and her white outfit beneath was subtly splattered with blood, some of her own and some of the creatures she had to fend off. Her suvai was held tight in her shaking grip tainted with the blood of animals and her naturally pale knuckles turned pure white around the handle just as her hair stood in a tangle of leaves and twigs. Scratches lay in vibrant reds and pinks along her pale white arms and beneath bits of torn clothing though she covered those as best she could with her cloak. Liena, however, couldn’t cover the rather strong looking mark that traveled the length of her left cheek bone and marred her otherwise flawless skin with stains of battle.

She was sure a sight to see, at least in her mind she was – it was rare for a sister to return to city in Mura looking just as she did in that moment but she doubted the guards here cared for they must see people in various states of array when they arrive. Pausing only to take in the sights of what stood between her and what she believed to be the place her Calling was leading her to she took a deep breath and attempted to straighten her appearance with her free hand before making her way to the tower. Liena’s steps forward were quick and her head was bowed keeping her eyes off those she passed in the small township, raising the hood on her cloak she used it to cover her hair and face as much she could keeping only the door of the tower in her sights.

Reaching the base of the tower she grasped the handle of the large wooden door with her left hand and pulled it open causing her to take a quick step out of the way of its heavy swing. Finally the small Konti set eyes upon the six guards within though she kept her head bowed still attempting to hide what she was without making them suspicious at the same time. The suvai that was still grasped in her hand lay hidden in her right hand beneath the folds of her cloak when a single guard stepped forward and stopped her in her tracks.

“Name?” His voice was gruff and rather commanding, perhaps he was or wasn’t the leader of the group Liena wasn’t quite sure but it was a voice that forced her to raise her eyes to his in return when she answered.

“I’m called …. My name is Liena….” Her own voice held a note of worry within its soft spoken tones, worry over possibly being denied entry into the city that she felt drawn to. She came across as meek, as unthreatening at the very least then again all of her sisters often came across that way with their soft appearance and their kind demeanor.

“What is your business here?” The guard continued to speak as he looked her over attempting to find any form of visible weapons though he didn’t appear to notice what she was, or perhaps he didn’t care. Either way Liena wasn’t going to argue with the guard who was at least twice her size.

“Business?” Confusion laced Liena’s voice – business? She had no work yet, how could she tell him her work when she didn’t have any? The next words that fell from her lips stuttered and flipped over one another with her basic knowledge of the common language “…I am here … to live? …” She questioned the guard as if he would give her the answer “I wish to live here.” She finally responded after taking a deep breath and calming her desperation to get into the city.

The guard raised his brow, her nervousness seemingly unsettled him and he might as well have growled at her as he demanded to see her weapons next. When she held out her suvai he snatched it from her hand and looked over every inch of it before a twisted smirk crossed his lips like that which would grace a bully on the playground. “Lower your hood girl.” He waited until she did before his suspicions seemed to be correct. “Looks like we have a Konti here boys…”

There was something in his tone of voice that made Liena take a step back from him only to have him match her retreat with an advancement of his own including his five guard-mates. “Please, I just wish to enter the city….” Her voice was a whisper now and her blue eyes wide but darting between the men as they circled her.

“Why is a little girl like you traveling to such a dangerous city? … I could get a pretty price for you….” One of the other guards spoke up with a slightly more weasel-like tone of voice that held a twisted laugh beneath the surface

Another guard reached out and plucked at the black cloak that surrounded her “It looks like something … or someone thought you were tasty …” He sneered while her eyes shot to him next.

The original guard that approached her just stood there allowing his men to poke and prod at her causing her to jump at various intervals before he spoke up. “Enough.” The command was to his men and not to her however and with some annoyance and very resistant obedience one by one they all backed off of her and the original guard handed her back her suvai. “Your pack.” He pointed to the backpack hugging her form indicating he wished to search it. With stumbling hands Liena handed the sack over and waited as he took out her small traveling goods one by one before putting them all back and tossing it back to her. “You are free to pass.” He grunted though his eyes seemed to hold more darkness and more threat then his boisterous companions and it sent a chill down Liena’s spine.

Without hesitation Liena pushed herself through the men and out the other door only to pause at the words of a man behind her “Come visit us soon … little Konti….” Taking a deep breath she pushed forward again heading for the ferry and raising her hood once more to hide herself from all that she could. She had no idea where she would go once she reached the docks but she had several bells to get some rest on the ferry and to figure out her next move.

[Floh]

67th Of Winter

So she had finally made it, the journey in the treacherous snow was almost an unbearable endeavor.

But she had survived the harshness of the snowy forests.

It was a step by step journey all the way from Sunberth.

The chill wisp in the air was as unpleasant as it was unforgiving.

When she had seen the guards they had asked her a few of the standard questions.

Who are you, what do you want to do in the city, do you have any weapons. It was the typical check point to keep the crazy sketchballs from entering the domain of Ravok. Standard procedure.

Her answers were short and to the point.

Floh

Mercenary

I want to join ravoks army
Or find employment suited to my profession.

No I am not a citizen, looking to collect my pappers upon entrance.

No emotion in her words, just a level of straightforwardness that is well respected to those who have to deal with smartasses all day.

She nodded her head silently, and he nodded his head to her in return.

And she was now free to enter city.

[Noaru]

Nightfall,
Summer 52 , 513 A.V.

[font=garamond][left]There were dark clouds moving across the night sky, thunder roared in the far distance ahead. A ferry traveled quietly across still waters, away from the city docks and towards the southern trading post. The boat creaked and swayed side-to-side as pure water pushed against its wooden surface, propelling the ferry and its passengers towards their destination. The passengers were dead quiet no one exchanged a word--all three were dressed exactly a like with the exception of one having a hood over his head. The hooded figure was a young man, brown skinned with dull grey hair, he was calmly standing amongst the others with both hands resting within his sleeves.

The others were all male and simply wore hood-less black robes, one was caucasian while the other was dark skinned. These individuals, all of them had calm expressions which concealed the actual madness and rage that was circulating within them. A grin formed across the young mans cheek, excited about his departure away from Ravok and other things, he didn't have any plans on returning as the city was to quiet for him, not enough darkness and mischievous activities going about. However, despite being the only visible passengers on board--one would get the feeling that there were many others with them, others that could not be seen.

A tall stone tower came into view, its shadow loomed over the waters edge as guards awaited ahead armed and poised to attack any potential threats with their arrows and weapons of solid steel. These brave soldiers, willing to sacrifice their lives to defend the city did not change at all in the young man's eyes. The ferry arrived at the towers dock and stopped with a loud !!THUMP!!. The three stepped from the ferry and walked towards the tower gates. The guards did not bother to ask any questions, seeing as they had already seen them approaching the tower while they were on board the ferry boat.

The three proceeded up the stairs and were allowed to pass through the first door. The young mans expression as he walked through the last door, went to one that was calm to that of a madman in a seconds. A guard looked towards the hooded figure and flash of lightning illuminates the darkness around him! The guard eyes widened as the dark clothed man looked towards him with dark red eyes, piercing eyes that glowed slightly in the dim light. The surprised guard closed and rubbed his tired eyes and looked again but the cloaked figure and his host was gone--all of them had vanished.

Noaru departed from Ravok with a small host of ghosts.

[Tallis Ishtari]

Tallis had been away from home for two months. His father sent him away to Syliras to pick up some gemstones from a dealer there. That was the excuse that was given to his mother so she would not get suspicious about he was really doing in Syliras. Despite the excuse Tallis was almost certain that his mother knew that he was an errand boy for organized crime in Ravok. He never asked what was in the package he was delivering and to whom it was destined for. All he knew was that he was to deliver it to a ‘so-and-so’ and that person would deliver it elsewhere. In the distance he could see the Southern Trading Post walls and the linear bricks that made up its surface. The only thing that would spoil a good home coming would be to be delayed by some overzealous guard looking to make a name for himself. He was ready for them. The only extra thing he was carrying was what his father sent him to get, gemstones for the family business. And those gemstones where still in the packaging from the dealer he got them from. A little butterfly action started in his stomach as he slowly approached the guard station. He noted that they did look extremely happy to see him. Each of them looked dower with their mouths downturned and brows furrowed. Maybe it wasn’t him they were looking at as each of their eyes darted in his direction. Granted he didn’t have the cleanest reputation in Ravok but who did? So he could only hope that they would let him go to his island home. Tallis flashed a smile and tried to be cheerful despite what was going on inside his head, and stomach. “Tallis Ishtari! I’m returning home to the island. All I have to declare is a package of gemstones legally purchased in Syliras. And the only weapon I have to declare is a dagger.” He said smoothly. Tallis waited, anticipating that he would be waved through. He couldn’t wait to see his parents and his brother and sisters.

[Snouit]

Timestamp: 1st of Spring, 513AV

Dreadfang tried her best to pull the confining cloak closer to herself. She so hated the thing, and rightfully so! It crushed her wings to her body, leaving her with a claustrophobic feeling. Still, she kept the hood up and her eyes down, hoping to avoid any confrontation for now. This time, all she wanted was to get into the city. Up ahead, she could hear him speaking in a slow, bored voice. It was still extremely early in the morning so every one of the guards were still half-asleep- just as she had hoped. Dread tipped her head up slightly to risk a look at the inspecting guard.
"So you're a citizen? Do you have any weapons on you?"
The guards eyes lazily wandered over the few people waiting in line as he waited for the response. His eyes caught on the girl concealed in the cloak. She could see the recognition like a sudden fire in his eyes. Although he probably didn't know she was Zith yet, he sure knew something was up. Dreadfang closed her eyes with a sudden snap and waited without breathing. Did he see my eyes? Does he know? Her heart beat loudly in her ears, so loud that she hardly heard the man call for her."You! Are you coming or what?" Dreadfang nodded and stepped up to the man. Her voice rolled easily off the words she had rehearsed for days now.
"Yessir. I am coming to visit Ravok. I used to live in a tent out there as a hunter, and now I have come in to sell my meat."
The story was common and therefore, believable. The man barely gave it a second thought, even when she left out her name.
"Any weapons?"
"No."
"Alright then, welcome to Ravok. And may Rhysol take mercy on you."
His voice dropped gradually as he went, and by the time he mentioned Rhysol, his voice was a whisper. Is hating Ravok a crime? Dread wondered, but wasted no time to stop and ask. Instead, she bowed her head, tugged her cloak tighter, and proceeded into the city. Dread only let out her breath once she could see the docks. She knew then that she was safely within the city. I made it! With a satisfied grin, Dreadfang strolled through the rough streets. Only one thought captured her mind, Home sweet home.

[Miro]

66th day of Summer, 513 AV

Miro had what he believed to be the first sight of Ravok before him. It was not much to behold, a small post, but a sign of civilization it was. The undead had already bid farewell to his travel companion, but he would not remain lonely. This location was far from busy, though it was definitely occupied. There were a few merchants being checked over by guards, and of course the other guards eyeing the rest of the lot. The wizard with staff in hand was put on the defensive with the looks shot at him. There was something about them, something he couldn't place. It was eerie, almost startling, yet somehow attractive. Devious glaces were often enough to draw his attention. Still, despite the onlookers and fellow new arrivals to the city, he continued on. Beyond the post was a stone leading uphill towards a toward. Now that was more like it.

The Reimancer walked the path and arrived at the fore of the impressive structure where a small posse of guards were stationed. One walked forth to greet him, though it was not the most greeting of attitudes presented. His harsh grungly voice overwhelmed ears like fire does oil. The spewed putrid breath was enough to cause even the unbreathing wizard grimace in displeasure. "H'alright, hol' up there. Gimme your name and reason for traveling to Ravok. But before that, what weapons are you carrying? Be sure you ain't leaving nothing out. " His yellow grin and malicious eyes were hardly the greatest features one could possess, but something about his scarred stubbly face was growing on Miro. He lifted his cloak with the end of his staff revealing his gladius and gave a grin in return. Wicked fangs caused his interviewer to raise an eyebrow.

"This gladius, the fine weapon it is, and my staff, if you would include such a thing. My name is Miro, and I am here on very important business. A dastardly figure is believed to be here, and he is my quarry. I intend to follow up on this lead, to find trail, and to right a wrong. One can not be sure if I will find what I seek, but it is all I have to follow. Has a man named Forus passed through here?" The leering man leaned in before scoffing and spitting on the ground near the Chained One. "Don't forget those fangs of yours...creature. Ain't no Forus I heard of. Move along now, but watch yourself." And with that the undead passed through the wooden doors and followed yet another path. It was not long before he was upon the docks. It was there he caught sight of Lake Ravok for the first time, the magnificent view it was. Still sparkling waters that seemed to stretch for an eternity, and in the distance a vessel could be seen. Here there were others, all likewise waiting for the ferry to arrive and take them to the city.

"Finally we arrive. It has been a long and strenuous trip, but rewarding, when given sight such as this. I do not know if you will find what you seek, but Fate has always had a way of finding you. Good luck. But, do try not to do anything stupid too soon, okay? I would at least enjoy a few moments of peace in a city." But Miro did not care to reply. Instead he just grinned and let the cool lake breezes wash over him. It was indeed nice to be free from the wilds. What Ravok held in store was a mystery. And for some, the wait for the ferry was slow, but not for Miro. This time at the water's edge was calm, secure, something he hadn't the pleasure of in recent times. The vessel nearly surprised him upon arrival, though the excitement of those around him gave it away. All loaded on and began the final step to entering. Soon they would cross a threshold that all anticipated. Perhaps none more than the wizard himself. New places always held a grand excitement in his heart, even in its eternal rest. He was finally where he needed to be.

Of course the trip across water was not any more entertaining than the wait on the docks, and many had taken to chatting idly. Perhaps the only thing keeping the wizard from settling in and questioning his fellow shipmates was the fact that each moment the anxious tremor in his chest grew. Each moment was a moment closer to gratification. Or perhaps it was that he did not care to draw any attention, and did not hold an ounce of fear in mind. The trip was a slower one, but the city in the distance was quickly revealing itself. Oddly enough, even upon arriving at the main docks however, he felt all of his excitement slip away. Other passengers unloaded with haste, but not Miro. There were various vessels about, grand sights, but it did not change one simple fact. He was at his destination, the end of his quest to find Ravok. He hadn't given much thought as to what came next, or even where to go from here.

Well, at least one person walked away as if he knew how to get around the city. The Reimancer took to following and observing him. There were days of information gathering ahead, and an entire city to learn. For now he would sit by and see how the people flowed through this strange place. Moving about appeared complex enough as it was. How he would ever learn to navigate and learn locations was going to take some getting used to. Luckily his partner had a keen eye for such things. A new journey began here.

[Wrenmae]

Summer 1, 513 AV
Among many, Wrenmae stepped forward to present himself. The two black armored Ebonstryfe looked him over. One did not seem to think much of him, but the other was marked of Rhysol and could feel the mark on Wrenmae. He singled the man out of the rest and beckoned him forward. Without question, he came.

"I don't recognize you," The Ebonstryfe said, raising an eyebrow, "Are you one of us?"

Wrenmae shrugged his shoulders, his voice low enough to be heard only by the man questioning him, "I have never been to Ravok, though Lord Rhysol bid me come. Are there many marked within the city?"

"Enough," the guard said, pursing his lips, "Anything to declare?"

Wrenmae held his cloak out, letting the guard have full view of the weapons on his sides, "I come armed, but mean no disruption in the city."

Nodding, the guard motioned Wren to continue along. "If you're much good with those blades you hold...look into the Ebonstryfe. May have to prove your worth, but tell em Drugar sent you. At least that'll get you someone to talk to."

Wrenmae nodded, thoughtful, and continued on into the city. He paused for a moment before passing the gate, turning back to Drugar.

"Where is a place of worship I might commune with Rhysol?"

Drugar laughed. "The city is a place of worship, but if you want somewhere specific...the Temple of the Black Sun in the central city should do you fine. Seek out the Boatmen, they'll know the way."