Location The Southern Trading Post (City Entrance)

[Vanari]

Fall, Day 10, 513AV

So...tired...

Vanari yawned heavily into her palms, then trudged her way to the entrance flanked by several guards. She had done this a million times. Same old, same old.

As soon as she approached, the guards began barraging her with questions and inspections. The Vantha let them at it, throwing back answers as quickly as she caught them. She had undergone this process so many times in the last five years that all the right information just flew out of her mouth of their own accord. She barely even had to think, and even had her hood down, coat open, and belongings hung open to speed up the entire process.

The guards seemed somewhat surprised at both her cooperation and bedraggled appearance, but made no comment on either. They simply shooed her in and moved on to the next set of travelers in line.

All the better. Vanari was utterly beat from racing to the city of Ravok as though her life depended on it. In fact, it kind of did, but she chose not to dwell on it. She had pushed her horse as much as she dared, remembering her old but firm promise to a young Drykas long ago. It tore her heart to have to give Mara away, as she had grown fond of the gentle horse, but it would do the beast no good to follow her into the shady city. In the end, she had to trade the dear creature for a ride with a passing caravan, trusting the kind travelers to take good care of the horse. Now, all she wanted was a nice bath and soft bed, assuming such things would be available for her in this strange, controversial city.

The Vantha walked on to the docks, confident the layers of dirt hid most of her gender, and thinking of little else other than getting some blessed sleep.



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[Ariella Rainecourt]

Fall, Day 2, 513 AV

Far from view, something slinked through the grass, and if one was close enough and quiet enough, the sound of a deep, rumbling purr could be heard. The tigress wasn't interested in leaving the trees and open land just yet. As she reveled in the brush, napping briefly, her nose caught a whiff of something that made her leap up immediately. Steak.

A merchant and his horse-drawn cart had recently arrived in the outer area of the city gates to set up shop. Smacking her jaws, Ariella treaded towards him. When the grass could no longer cover her, she halted and sunk down towards the soil. With her ears back and eyes focused, she glared jealously at the meat the merchant unloaded from the cart.

When he turned and walked towards the guards, she knew it would be her only chance. Surging forward, the tigress reached the cart in no time and snapped up the biggest hunk of meat she could find. As she did, she caught a glimpse of the archers on the wall and it made a shiver go down her spine. Please, please don't shoot me. She thought, ignoring the angry cries of the merchant and the gasps of those around the cart, who had just come within inches of herself.

Upon returning to her secluded spot beneath the trees, she settled down and consumed her prize with pure bliss. Nothing better than steak.

After a few hours of dreaming in the sunshine, Ariella awoke and stretched idly. A small spring on the other side of the clearing provided a water source with which she washed herself of the blood and juice from the meat. She then retrieved her shabby dress from a nearby branch, slipped on the skirt and blouse, and laced up the black bodice. Boots were next. When she was finally ready, she ran a hand through her hair and made a half-hearted attempt at smoothing it.

One with a great deal of knowledge of Kelvics, she supposed, could possibly make the connection between herself and the thieving tiger, but it was doubtful. Nonetheless, she trudged on towards the entrance, where she was promptly questioned by the guards. "M-my name is Ariella... I'm just looking for a place to get something to drink and rest a while." and after some time, having no weapons or goods to check, she was allowed to pass on through the gates, where she took the path down towards the docks. From there, she concluded, she could probably find a ride across the water and into the rest of the city, where she would be able to find a place to wash down the aftertaste of the raw meat.

[Isabel]

Summer, 513

It was already sundown when Isabel arrived the tower. She was tired and was itching to get home and rest.The dust trail left by the wagons pulled by horses or the hot summer air didn't help her tired condition. All thoughts of being tired left her body when she the tower and behind it, the sky that has the stunning shades of purple, pink orange and red, a few dark spots and a bit of yellow.

She huffed when she saw how long the line was but did her best to wait. To pass the time, she looked around and try to spot a few interesting things. She saw a merchant who was talking to one of the six guards hopped off his wagon and yelled at the guard. She couldn't understand what he was yelling about but out of the corner of her eye, she saw a few guards on the tower shift their bow and arrow to the direction of the merchant, ready to fire on command. The merchant seemed to notice it too since he went back to his wagon and turned back.

Before she know it,it was already her turn. The guard looked at her with anger? Disapproval? Annoyance? Isabel can't tell. He asked her her name, her business and weapons."My name is Isabel, I live here,and no, I don't have any weapons." She said. The guard observed her for a few seconds then checked to make sure if she really has any weapons. After he was done checking, Isabel blurted out, "Can I go now? "

Her tone sounded a bit whiny, that is was irritating, even in her own ears. She was afraid that it will get her in trouble with the guard but he just grumbled a yes then let her pass through the gates.She descend the stone path down to the docks where a ferry was, waiting for another journey to the floating city of Ravok.The noise around her was ringing through her ears. A few moments later, the ferry set off and Isabel could only watch as the Southern Trading Post fade from her view and was replaced by the city's main docks beautiful scenery.

[Ariella Rainecourt]

Fall, Day 8, 513 AV

The putrid iron scent of her blood as it dried around her bandaged wounds combined with her exhausted, ragged appearance made the vendors she passed by shy away. It was true, the girl could use a bath; she had been sleeping in the dirt since midday. Still she emitted a faint whimper as her horse walked along, each thud of each hoof producing a new ache. A set of clothes made for men dressed her torn body, yet still could not hide her slender figure. Various spots on the outfit seeped a deep, crimson color from her gashes. The white mare that the young woman laid sprawled atop slowed to a halt as they approached the guards. A pair of feline eyes lifted to acknowledge the guards, who were at the moment evaluating her condition. One stepped forward, apparently with the intention of assisting her injured self. Seeing such, Ariella lifted a hand and managed a smile.

“I’m alright, thank you. My name is Ariella Rainecourt, and I have come seeking the safety of your city while I heal.” The guards took their time looking her over, and eventually inquired as to whether she was carrying any weapons. “No, just an eating knife.” She replied, and soon after she was ushered through the gates to the docks, where a ferry sat awaiting passengers. Ariella was hesitant to board and relinquish her easy access to open land, but there was no use for so much space when she was unable to run and hunt. Perhaps staying in the city for a while would give her a chance to find a bondmate. It was important to look on the bright side of things, she figured, and stepped onto the ferry. After some time she disembarked at the main docks and made her way into Ravok, but not without enormous effort.

[Sisas]

45 Fall, 513AV

Sisas studied the ferry warily. He had traveled for many days, unsure of where he was going, but eventually, the Dhani had arrived here. He had heard of Ravok-- city of the god Rhysol, the god of chaos. It seemed like a good place for Sisas to study his favorite pastime, and perhaps make it his craft-- torture. There was nothing quite like knowing that, even as small as he was, Sisas had the upper hand over another being. No feeling could compare to that of the satisfaction that coursed through his cold-blooded veins upon seeing someone curl in agony at a poison he'd just administered, especially if it was a new poison, one whose recipe he had made himself.

However, as a Viper, Sisas was... uneasy with water. Which would be problematic, considering the entire city was situated in the middle of a lake, but Sisas was willing to make sacrifices for his passion. "One crosssing," he announced. The guard looked him over critically and asked him whether he was carrying any weapons or other dangerous items. "Only what I need for my work and ssself-defenssse," he said, showing the guard his bracer with spring blade and vial sheaths. "And an eating knife."

After a moment's deliberation, the guard admitted Sisas through and ushered the Dhani onto the ferry. The gentle motion of the boat was enough to make Sisas more than a little uneasy, but he forced himself to remain calm; he knew of Ravok's reputation for outsiders. If he could not pass for human, then he would have a much harder time in this city.

[Lotwrenc]

31st of Fall 510,AV

soaring in through sahova Lotwrenc noticed a few fondly evil faces.

this place is perfect

thought Lotwrenc as he descended meeting the ground.

"Lotwrenc, Zith." he spoke to the guards who to no little surprise were armed and ready to pierce Lotwrenc a million times over. "i wish to practice law here."

[Johdin]

Day 2, Spring, 514 AV To Johdin, Winter always seemed to last longer than it should. If he had it his way, Winter would never start at all. In fact, the temperature would never drop below 75. But alas, he was powerless as always. It was midday when Johdin arrived at the Southern Trading Post. For a brief moment Johdin contemplated simply trying to sneak past the guards and all and sliding unseen into the city. Pulling his cloak around him tighter, he quickly dispelled the idea. It was too cold to try anything like that in an area he didn't know. Too risky, he thought. So for once, he'll do things the legitimate way. Besides, it would be nice to get out of the cold for a few minutes. And so he did. Johdin opened the doors to the Tower and walked in. Instantly, his mind began counting the people in the room. To avoid suspicion, he took down his hood and moved off to the side of the room. 3...4....5...6 guards. Possibly more I'm sure. There were three others as well. None of them looked like he should be very concerned about them. As he thought, a Guard approached him. "What's your name son?" He asked. His tone was dry. Lifeless. Boring. This man has done this job for a very long time. "Marcus." Johdin lied. In his line of work, digression is best. The less people who knew him personaly, the better. "Ok, Marcus. Follow me." Soon, Johdin found himself emptying out his pockets on a table while the first guard and another began writing things down and sorting through his belongings. "Marcus. You mind explaining what all this stuff is about?" Johdin knew what the guard was talking about without having to look. His thieving equipment. Lockpicks, a saw, skeleton keys, things like that. Standard issue for any successful thief. "Oh, that? I'm a locksmith sir. Tools of the trade really. I came here looking for work. You see, my mother is poor and my father can't..." With a raise of his hand, the guard interrupted. He had said enough to convince them. Before he knew it, Johdin was being loaded onto a ferry across the lake to Ravok. A new place full of mystery and, of course, valuables.

[Naia Whitewater]

Naia's Speech | Thoughts| 81 Spring, 514AV

By the time the ride was done, Naia's bones ached and her form shook, her own lack of experience when it came riding, even in company, leaving her bruised and beaten only the slightest portion less than in her attempts towards Syliras. Perhaps it would have been easier with her own mount - not one on generous lend in return for even less rations and greater watching hours, the entirety of the season thus far one massive reminder as to why she'd never sought out work as a guard any time prior.

It was two bells past noon by the time that the Svefra was free from her duty, the condition of work leaving her with no coin and little more than the gear she'd initially left Nyka with, a scoff and nod from her makeshift employer hinting that she should have counted her lucky stars.

Her own sense of pride had her walk with shoulders back and head held high, her gaze slipping from left to right as she feigned a walk of purpose, relying on the slight motions and gestures that guided her to the Tower and through it's doors.

Name, intention, equipment and weapons on hand.

Her lips curled into a soft smile, the sound of a voice that was not familiar sparking a surge freshness. "Naia Whitewater, I'm here as a tourist and possible resident, a good friend referred me here, spoke about Lord Rhysol and his grand city for bells on end." She was as polite and cordial as ever, smile widening at the mention of Ireth, the words of exaggerated flattery slipping from her lips such a common thing she scarcely realised she'd done it. "My only weapon is my cutlass," a short gesture to her belt was given, her curious look meek and unsure as to where to go from there, sliding the blade up and out of its sheath as though to prove her point.

A gruff nod followed, the guard scratching his nose before ensuring that the rest of her gear checked out, exhaustion leaving much of the woman's next journey little more than a haze, her gaze constantly drifting in the direction of the sea.