[Flashback][WR] The Sanikas Gates, Drusilla's Entrance

[Drusilla]

68th of Spring 504 AV around 10PM

The tired Symenstra sighed. It had taken her quite some time to walk from the cave she had been seeking shelter in. Drusilla was exhasted and desperately wanted a bath...She knew she must look dreadful, her hair a giant tangle and her clothes no more than rags. Except for a silk scarf wrapped around her for some warmth.

Drusilla aproched the large gate and knocked politely, just because she looked like a a beggar didn't mean she had to act like one. She waited paitently and tried to make herself a little more presentable.

[Dreamcatcher]

Moderator NoteHey Drusilla, wanted to help you out and get this thread going. However, I suggest that since this is a heavy writing forum that you look at some of the other players. Kovac, Cyrill, Haya, Amon, and Kellan are all very good writers. I also have several articles I use for reference while writing if you are interested. Another note is your use of time 10 pm doesn’t really exist in this world, you could say 10 bells after midday or something like that. After the long hard journey up the road, the gates seemed to be a bit of a disappointment to those that are use to much grander sites. The gates seemed to be nothing more than a simple hallway cut into the face of Mount Skyinarta. As visitors peer down the hallway darkness only greets them, as they walk up the first few steps and become level with massive columns to each side, they notice a deep grove set around them. Upon investigation of the groove, there appears to be a solid steel gate that will drop in place, holding the entrance against all attacks. Almost, as if an afterthought, a simple metal chain with a colorful glass handle dangles by the side of the column waiting to be pulled. The few Inarta that travel from Thunder Bay know that the chain is there to announce your presence to the gatekeepers. Pulling it, sounds off a clatter of bells that fill the road with a metal harmony, and brings an old man whose red hair has faded to gray. Perhaps one of the few scholars left that can speak common fluently, the man greets visitors with a voice as fine as old paper crackling. “Hello, may I be of assistance?” As the visitors look around, they see a small alcove where a pot is warming itself over a small coal fire on a stone table. The old man is sitting on a stone bench with soft leather for padding, and next to him are a bronze lever and a bronze pipe opened to the air. Beyond the alcove is a small room, where enterprising people can come and learn different languages from Gatekeeper; all he asks is for a few tea leaves to pass the time. Night had settled upon Mount Skyinarta, while grasshoppers slowly gave a soft eerie chirping as the wind came down from the mountain, a mist of water from the falls fell onto Drusilla. It had been a long and tough walk up the road to the gates, for even though it was spring, snow and ice still clung to the road. The warmer temperatures had only made the road more dangerous with melting ice and falling snow. Owls hooted throughout the night as they caught snow hares and furry mice. The owls had seen the Symenstra coming up the trail talking to Val as he sat down eating the evening meal. Upon hearing that a visitor was coming up the icy path he simply shook his head in bewilderment, for only the desperate travel before the first thaw of the snows. After he finished his supper he made the slow descent to the gates. The trip took two bells, while his bones creaked and the torch burned low. He had enough time to gather simple wools and soft leathers for bedding as he finally entered the gate house. The stone had become cold since this morning, but Val slowly spread the wool and leather down to make a large bedding for himself. He had brought enough bedding for two, but thought that the traveler probably had their own. Softly he laid his head down on the bedding and took a nap waiting for the traveler. Water began to drip on the Drusilla, seemingly to penetrate the little clothes that she had and take away the warmth. Finally an owl hooted not a few feet from her, slowly it seemed to walked into a hole above the stone. To Drusilla it just seemed the owl had gone into its nest, however, it flew to Val simply hooting and tugging at the leathers. Finally Val arose and went over to the gate, he opened a peep hole allowing torch light to briefly fall upon Drusilla. Val stepped up to the peep hole and spoke, Hello Traveler, what is your purpose traveling to our city while there still is snow about the roads?”

[Drusilla]

Drusilla's teeth chattered and she shivered,"P-p-p-please f-forgive me s-sir for a-arriving s-so late. M-my name is Drusilla A-aster a-and I-I'm a S-Symenestra a-and t-thirteen. I met a y-young g-girl w-with a l-large b-b-bird a few d-days ago, s-she s-said she was f-from h-here. I-I-I come here looking f-for a n-new h-home and exsistance. I-I've r-r-run away f-f-from the S-S-Symenestra c-caves. I-I-I've seen w-what they do t-to humans, in t-the c-caves. S-s-some of your w-w-women too. P-p-please S-s-sir, even i-if you w-won't permit m-me to stay in t-the city, m-may I c-come in and w-warm up s-some? I-it's n-not much b-but I will g-give you one of the s-scarves I-I've made." The small Symenetra said shaking violently from the water.

She looked up to the gatekeeper. Her face wet from not only the water but tears from feeling utterly hopeless. Drusilla had lost feeling in both legs, her fingers, and mouth. If she didn't get out of the snow, she knew she'd die. "P-p-please?"

[Dreamcatcher]

Val waited for a moment at the door. His blue eyes seeming to examine Drusilla, finally she heard the grinding of stone hinges and breaking of ice as the door opened. What waited Drusilla was what appeared to be a small frail man and a genuine smile. Countless amounts of wrinkles appeared on the man’s face, “Might as well come in. Digging a body out of the snow is just too much work for these old bones.” The inner gatehouse was bathed in soft light of a single torch that was behind Val. Stone pillars were spaced about the covered courtyard, and bird feathers seemed to be gathered here and there about the room. Drusilla could see perhaps at least several dozen birds sleeping in their nests high in the rafters. The room was kept at a mild temperature from a small fire off to the side. A bucket of coal was near the fire and several stone benches were circled around the fire. The Symenestra saw that layers of bedding was near the fire, as well as, tea pot starting to steam. “The Dek won’t be operating the lift till morning. So it seems like it’s you and me tonight, the name is Val, and I am the gatekeeper here.” Drusilla’s saw Val operate a wheel that began to close the door. Val slowly shuffled over to the bedding and picked up several layers. Almost weakly he threw them over to Drusilla as he picked up the rest and placed them over his shoulders. With a pained grunt he sat back down on the stone bench and began stuffing tea leaves into a metal round ball. “Tea will be up soon, if your so inclined.” Val was quiet and perhaps just the sense of age or his own personality seemed to have a mountain of patience. He waited for the young Symenetra to tell him her story, and why she was outside of Wind Reach. Or at the very least ask questions about the city above their heads.

[Drusilla]

Drusilla was overjoyed as the gate opened. She looked at the man who controlled the gate. His face was covered in wrinkles, each wrinkle held a story and wisdom in Drusilla's eye's. This man was to be respected. "Thank you, Mr. Val," Drusilla said bowing politely, "I would love some tea. But if I may ask, what is a Dek?" She asked gathering the bedding,"You're the gatekeeper? What an interesting job it must be, getting to see the all people who come here. And what stories you must hear!" The Symenesta said, her eyes glistening with interest.

" As I said earlier, my name is Drusilla Aster, I am a Symenestra, I'm thirteen, and I ran away from my cave comunity. I have a family...But, I won't be missed. My mother died giving birth to me...Father got remarried not long after to the meanest lady in the world. My step-mother hates me. She had a baby by a surroget human not long afer she married Father. Of corse the human died during childbirth...Then my step-mom decided she wanted another baby. The human this time had hair like fire, and birthed twins, she also died. They treat the humans so nice giving them whatever they want, untill after the baby is born...I heard one women refused to eat so....so they cut her arms and legs off! How could I live in a place with so little respect for life? It's so wrong, human,Symenestra, or Kelvic we all deserve to live! We all have hearts that beat, blood that flows, and bodies that are gifts from the gods above. Why can't my kin see that?.." Drusilla shook her head "It doesn't matter anymore, I have no family now..and no regret.."She wrung out her hair and scarf.

[Dreamcatcher]

Val continued on with his ritual, while Drusilla talked. Slowly the copper tea pot began to boil and using the leather gloves he moved the tea pot off the fire and opened the lid. The hot water was steaming and slowly Val submerged the metal ball into the pot. The ball was connected to a copper chain and he brought it up and down. The steam began to take on the smell of flowers and freshly cut plants. As Drusilla finished Val, continued the up and down motion of submerging the metal ball. Slowly he finally drew it out and allowed the water to drip from it, the tea now had a light green tint, and a faint glimmer of happiness came to his eyes. A soft voice came to Val, “Yes, Drusilla, gatekeeping is an interesting job, and I hear many stories.” Val moustache wiggled like a worm on a hook as he spoke. Slowly with hand shaking Val brought out two glass cups. Though they were chipped and held tiny cracks, Drusilla never seen such glass before, the cups had thousands of dotted colors appearing all over them. While the simple sleek elegance of the shape and glass pattern spoke of a master glassworker. They were old, but probably worth a fortune none the less. Val set one of the glass teacups in front of Drusilla and then himself. Slowly with shaking hands he poured them both a cup of tea. Val placed his hands around the tea cup and brought it close to his face, allowing the steam and smell to warm him. “Life, human life, is only worth what one does with it, and that is a basic tenant of Wind Reach. Like this tea before you, some tea is good and strong, while other cups are weak and foul tasting. I have heard stories of the caves and what they do there, I longer judge others by my code.” Val took a deep breath, “During the Valterrian, people were forced to find new ways to live, without a God of Civilization to guide them; they made deals with whoever would have them. Drusilla there is no shame in letting go of your past, but make sure our future is better. In Wind Reach our beliefs are based on a person’s value to the city. The Dek are the lowest value, it doesn’t mean we kill them without thought, but if one should die there isn’t much morning over them. Sexual couplings with the Drudges are also permitted, even if the Dek in question does not permit it. However, without them jobs like cleaning the waste tanks or moving ore from the mines could not be done." "If you wish to continue into the city and stay with us that means you must accept our ways as your own. A Dek only value is in the backbreaking work they can do. A Chiet is a worker that can be trusted to do his or her best for the city. Their labor is more valued because of that trust, we can leave them with our children or allow them to copy books. The Avora are true craftsmen, men and women who’s mind and hands can create things of great beauty and need. Lastly we have the Endal, the eagle riders, men and women who have bonded with the ancestors of our past. We hear the eagle’s voices and understand that they help us eat and provide great protection. We a rider bonds with an eagle, it’s like finding a long lost brother or finding true love, you are unable to keep any secrets from one another because you communicate with your mind.” “Drusilla you spoke of family, in Wind Reach most of us don’t know who are fathers or mothers were. We were born to a Dek or a Chiet and because of their workloads we’re given to a communal nursery. This is our way of life, and though our way isn’t based on breeding or hair color, it is based on work.” Val finally took a slip of his tea and then gently set the cup back down. “I tell you these things so that you understand who we are. Understand come tomorrow you can try and brave the wilderness again, you can try and trade with an Endal to leave, or you work with us till you have enough resources to make the journey by yourself. If you decide to stay and work, you should know that I will bring you to the Valintar tomorrow morning, and he will give you a place to live, work, and a caste.” He brought the cup back up to his lips and slipped the cooling tea.

[Drusilla]

Drusilla listened closely to what she was told, her eyes never looking away from Val. She nodded occasionaly, making mental notes and sipping tea. "The way this city views the wind eagles is simplely beautiful. I envy that you can speak with the birds. They too, must have wonderful stories to share..." She nodded to herself.

"Although I cannot speak to the birds, I do hope you will share your city with me. I feel like a butterfly coming here for it's transformation. In the caves I lived a completely different life, just as a cattapiller does. As I traveled I learned many things and viewed many things differently, slowly changing like a creature in a cocoon. I will accept your laws and study them closely, and I will cut free of my cocoon for my new life." She smiled carefully as to try and hide her fangs."Although, I don't believe I will try to force a Dek into anything sexual."

Drusilla remembered what she had told Val from outside the gate.She reached into the once beautiful dress that had become rags. "I made you a promise, and now you've given me tea and a place to sleep. I must insist in giving you this as payment.." From the rags she pulled a folded scarf and handed it to Val. "I've heard rumors that the Wind Reach people love scarves. My Symenestra family was quite well-to-do, and I was taught silk weaving at a young age by private tutors." She paused thinking a bit. "Do you think I could be an Avora if I tried hard enough?"

[Dreamcatcher]

Val simply shrugged as Drusilla talk about her being the one to force a Dek. He had given her the warning, because he wanted to warn her of the possibility of becoming a Dek. She seemed so bent on the idea of become something grand and wonderful, Val didn’t want her to think it was easy her in Wind Reach. People worked hard, even weavers of cloth to provide enough clothes for everyone, and the dangers of starvation were quite real. Val looked down at the silk scarf and spoke, “Drusilla, my people love all types of cloth. However, their main textile is finely spun wool, not silk. If you insist on the payment then I will take it, but in truth I suggest you keep it for market day and try to barter for something that will help you survive.” Once again Val drank the last bit of tea from his cup and then poured himself another. “I don’t know if we need more weavers to be truthful, and I don’t know if your silk weaving can be used on wool. So as far as you become an Avora, I have no idea. It is more likely that you will become a temporary Yasi working for weavers; if you learn and work hard they may elevate you to Avora status in a few years. It’s even possible for you to breed your own silk worms by then and use your old skills, but anything is possible with time, work hard and learn from the weavers and one day you can become an Avora.” “Do you have any other questions, because it is getting late and we should be getting to bed soon, if you want to try and impress the Valintar tomorrow.” Val drank for his cup feeling the warming effects winding its way through his body.

[Drusilla]

" No, I believe all my questions have been answered. Thank you very much for your hospitality, Mr. Val." Drusilla gave a small bow and forced a smile to her face. Mr. Val's words had lowered her hopes greatly, although she refused to show any change in her demeanor. "Where shall I place my sleeping items, do you favor a certain spot?"

[Dreamcatcher]

Val finished his cup, “I favor my room up in the city, but I am going to spread out close to the fire and hope that it keeps the floor warm.” Val placed his leather padding and wool blanket down on the floor. He rolled up a leather hide to make a head rest for him. Slowly as he began to settle down a rack of cough and bones popping seemed to ring throughout the gate house. Val didn’t seem to play any attention to the noises his body was making as he pulled the blanket over his legs. Val gauged the fire and added a few more coals onto it. The fire seemed to briefly heat up and but as the new fuel burned down the fire became a beacon of warmth during night. Val began to snore gently and as he moved during the night a sing song language was spoken. As dawn reached the enclosure the light began to spread throughout the gatehouse as beams from mirrors brought the glow within. When Drusilla awoke Val was talking into a pipe with a language that sounded suited for a bird instead of a man. As he looked back to her he smiled nicely and then began to hit his feet hard against the stone. “Starts the blood flowing and warms this old body.” He explained as he stomped his feet. Drusilla could hear a great rumbling for several minutes, a bronze cage finally came down against the far wall and nested into a indent. The platform appeared to be secured to the wall with rollers and chains. Val went over to the platform, he waved his hand for Drusilla to enter. When she did, he closed a bronze rail and tugged the chain four times. Slowly the platform began to rise, it moved up and down ever so often as the men operating the mechanism grew tired or adjust gears. Val for his part seemed to simply relax and prop himself up on a small bronze stool and the rail. The trip didn’t last for more than half a candle mark, and as the finally arrived into an open cavern, Val stood back up. A young boy perhaps no more than nine or ten stood by the door. Val looked at him and spoke once again in the sing song language. As he did so the boy nodded and waited. “Drusilla, the boy will escort you to the Valintar, he has been made aware of everything we have spoke of last night. I must depart for the morning meal, and get back down to the gatehouse to began classes for the children. My advice is be honest and straight forward. Make sure to follow the boy exactly, to outsiders this place is a maze and sometimes we lose our own people to never be found again.” Val waited for her response, and then departed down a corridor. The boy waited till Drusilla was ready. He took her hand and began to lead her up through twists and turns of caverns. If Drusilla asked her anything he would simply smile and say something in the sing song language to her. After perhaps a quarter of a candle mark she entered the Valintar. Set just a short walk from the inside the Sanikas Gates of Wind Reach on the ground level of the 'City' the Valintar's office is an impressive display of the glassworks of the Inarta. The office itself is in essence a huge stained glass atrium visible from both the air and the ground floor of the twin lakes as a platform that extends out partially on stone pillars over the lower lake itself. It has a small dock and pier attached to it, as well as an 'inner sanctum' portion that runs deep into the walls of the volcano where a small reception room is sheltered inside the volcano proper. A magic called 'sheilding' protects the exposed glass atrium from rock falls and landslides that often frequent Mt. Skyinarta. The reception lacks a secretary as Kaden handles most of his affairs himself and always maintains his office hours. If the door is unlocked, he's there. And if he's not there and the door is barred, there's always a sign with the return time clearly posted in neat magnetic-backed glass lettering. There's a large bird stand near the door to his office proper, and one can often see one of the large thunder bay eagles (though far smaller than a Wind Eagle) perched. Kaden keeps several birds as pets and often carries them with him save for the thunder bay eagle whos name is Starvine. Starvine roams the twin lakes areas and maintains a permanent residence in the Valintar's office or Kaden's personal quarters. The space itself looks out over a pier which has a sailboat tied up to it. The sailboat was one Kaden hand crafted himself. Meals can be taken on the dock part of the atrium, while business is conducted inside the reception itself. Kaden's office is offlimits to most people who aren't craftsman or riders, and is probably one of the most magnificent structures in Wind Reach. A side door off the atrium reception leads to Kaden's personal quarters, a large stone suit with its own set of windows looking over the lake. One doesn't need to knock to get Kaden's attention. All they need to do is open the door to the reception and walk in. They can marvel at the lit glass covering the walls and ceiling illuminated from behind until the structure stretches out over the water itself past giant double glass doors. There is a comfortable sitting area with sunken couches that people can relax in while they are waiting for an audience. The boy motioned for Drusilla to sit on some padded cushions. The boy looked at the door and then opened it. Drusilla briefly saw a man red haired man with hawk like features, an aura of quiet awe came from the boy as he spoke in hush tones. The man stood up from the desk and walked out to the reception aura. “Hello Drusilla, I am Kaden and by outsider standards leader of Wind Reach.” He sat down in a padded seat opposite of Drusilla. “So besides silk weaving, do you have any other skills?”