[Riverfall Location] The Sanctuary

[Vanator]

Naihla

The sun was dipping towards western horizon, soon to disappear behind Sanctuary's walls. The facility's staff were preparing for the end of the day. Kavala, Aweston and Larik had gone out to gather the herd from the grass, Chalce and Dust were tending to the mews, and Tia and Cadra were down Within preparing a meal. That was the subject that occupied Vanator's mind the most as he picked out the last of the stalls in the broodmare barn. Even though everyone at The Sanctuary had specific roles, when it came down to it, they all pitched in when things needed done. The Drykas' stomach growled in anticipation of the hearty meal the cooks were readying.

The dogs began to bark, and Vanator strode down the narrow barn to the wide doors to see what stirred them. In a quick glance, the armsmaster saw the back end of an unfamiliar horse walking into the clinic. His brow knitted together. Setting aside the pitch fork, the Drykas made his way across the courtyard to the clinic.

Stepping inside, he was greeted by strangers. Both the horse, a Zavian by appearance, and the woman appeared travel weary, and Vanator donned a welcoming smile. "Hello, welcome to the Sanctuary. I am Vanator Denusk, what can we do for you?"

[Vanator]

Zakar
Things had suddenly gotten busy, and still no one around to help. Vanator had seen to Nailha and her Zavian, then went to finally dump the manure when he heard another voice call out from the courtyard in a Shiber accent. Stepping out of the barn, the Drykas spotted the new arrival, a Benhsiran indeed, by the look of his long garb and swarthy skin. He lead a sturdy Desertbred mare by the reins, and both looked travel weary.

The Denusk made his way towards the visitor, raising his hand in greeting. "Good day, welcome to The Sanctuary, I am Vanator Denusk, what can we do for you?"

[Daekos Volundur]

4th of Summer, 513 AV

The idea had been occupying his thoughts during his leisure time ever since the previous season was mid-way through, and it had somehow taken on a concrete existence, becoming an urge, a desire - a need for companionship. Perhaps he was becoming less of an Isur and more like the other races after a decade of living in Riverfall. But he had no occasion to engage in even the slightest hint of a romantic relationship, and this, he hoped, would suffice.

Walking into the courtyard of the Sanctuary, Daekos glanced around, searching for an employee.

"Hello there? Is anyone on duty? I'm looking to purchase a canine companion - a dog, if you will, preferably one of the hardier breeds."

[Zakar]

Zakar turned to Zanator as he made his way towards them, introducing himself kindly. "Ah, yes," he replied quickly, requiring a moment to think about translating what he wanted to say to common tongue. "I am Zakar... from the tents of Lehar, of the sons of Benha." It was the first time he introduced himself in the new city. It felt strange. "My horse, her name is Taheyatt... She needs rest. I can take care of her, I just need a stall for her to stay. I hope you can help, " he said nervously. What was the common etiquette in conversation here in Riverfall? At least his man was human, and not one of those intimidating Akalaks. Still, he had no idea how to ask for help, and how much money it would cost him.

[Vanator]

Zakar

Vanator walked around the desert horse, examining her condition. She was in good health, though he saw the weariness in her large brown eyes. She had brought her master far from his home. He returned to the Benshiran's side.

"She is welcome here, she can stall in the barn over there. The fee is two silver mizas a day. Follow me. If you need transport into the city, let me know." The Drykas lead the traveler to the boarding barn, indicating the stalls that were free, each one clean and freshly strawed. Vanator indicated where the man's tack could be stored at the end of the row of stalls. Fetching a fresh bucket of water for Taheyatt, Vanator receive Zakar's payment and left the man to tend to his horse.

FeePlease remove 2 sm from your ledger

[Vanator]

Daekos

A young redheaded woman appeared around one of the smaller buildings, a falcon perched on a heavy leather gloved forearm. She replied to the stranger in Common, accented by an Inartan lilt. "Greetings and welcome. Yes, we have several breeds for sale. We have Silkena, Alkinva Deersalkers, Imperial Watchers and Ghosts, all about two years old. The Silkena are fifteen gold mizas, the Akivna twenty and the Watchers and Ghosts are fifty. What would you be interested in?"

[Daekos Volundur]

The names were confusing. Unfamiliar.

"Darn it." Daekos muttered. A few awkward seconds passed before Daekos replied.

"Er... I'm not sure what these breeds are. Could you take me to where they are, and perhaps explain the characteristics of each breed?"

[Vanator]

The falconer glance around the courtyard and arena, the raptor on her arm fidgeting. "Let me get someone that can help you. Kavaka...Van!?"

The Drykas man appeared around a corner, dragging a board. "Whats up Chalce?" He hollered back, eyeing the Isurian. "Can you show our visitor the dogs?"

"Sure, follow me." Vanator tossed aside the board and motioned for the Isurian to follow him. The Denusk lead Daekos to the kennels, pointing out the breeds.

The tall, thin ones are Silkena, they are fast, and good for hunting small game, and for protection too. The thick ones with cropped ears are Akinva Deerstalkers, they are good hunters as well, and tenacious fighters. The tall, strong ones there are Imperial Watchers, they make excellent guard dogs. The smaller ones with the long hair are Jivatalus Ghosts. They make good companions and have the knack of detecting ghosts.

[Daekos Volundur]

"Ah... I see. Quite an impressive place you have here."

Daekos was quite impressed with the variety available - he knew that the Sanctuary had only started running a few years after he arrived in Riverfall, and it looked like it was already a well-run, well-established business now. Perhaps it was his ignorance of such matters that made his opinion so, but nonetheless it was true to him, and that was all that mattered. Or was it?

Blast this conundrum of philosophy. Not my place to decide between internalism or externalism.

"Who do I choose then? The Silkena's out - I can't run very fast or for long periods of time, and their fur reminds me of Symenestra silk for some reason. Hate those spidery buggers. Besides, I won't need to have a hunting dog in Syka, Mathias should have bought enough provisions to last us years. The Jivatalus Ghosts... Intimidating, though small in size. I could swear that one's staring straight through me."

Still muttering to himself, Daekos walked around the kennels once, observing the reactions of each puppy to his presence. Some cowered, others barked excitedly and a few ignored him in favour of doing a synchronised barrel roll.

"Sorry for taking this long, it's just... I need to consider."

Daekos frowned. It was, interestingly enough, hard to express his current state of mind.

"The Imperial Watchers... Well, perhaps. A guard would be rather useful too. And the Akvina Deerstalkers. Perhaps. I'll start with the Jivatalus Ghost dogs first. They are quite interesting."

He turned to Vanator.

"Could you let me into the kennel housing the JIvatalus Ghost dogs? I'd like to... well, have a look at them."

[Vanator]

Daekos

Vanator looked at the Isurian curiously, somewhat surprised that Daekos was not familiar with the breeds. He agreed to let the visitor examine the dogs, separating one out of each breed, selecting a candidate that seemed suited for the mysterious man, starting with a Ghost. He then brought out a young Imperial and a Deerstalker individually, staying with the dogs to ensure they behaved well around the guest.