63rd of Spring, 514 AVAfter stumbling down the street in a dizzy haze, still feeling weak from the ferry ride, Hirem eventually managed to make his way to the front door of the Labor Office. It's location should have been obvious, really, since Hisham had very clearly told him that the Office was located at the end of the main road... but after gazing up at the impressive domed buildings of Riverfall for the first time, Hirem had temporarily forgotten which direction was up and which was down. It was miracle that he had not just collapsed upon the side of the road and stared up at the sky in a comatose awe, struck down by the immensity of the world and the wonders that it possessed.
Even this office, as mundane as it was to native Rivarians, amazed and perplexed Hirem.
This is a building where... one finds jobs? And buys property? And becomes a citizen? All at once? It is so strange to think that you must come to a desk and write paperwork before you can achieve any of those. Regardless of how unfamiliar he was with the concept of an Office, Hirem knew that this was the place to be. He had refused Hisham's offer to stay with the caravan, working as just another member of the trading company, precisely because he wanted to immerse himself in Riverfall as a more permanent guest. The caravan, after all, would be leaving for Eyktol in just a few weeks. He did not plan to become ingrained into this city, having so much more to see in the world, but staying here for a few seasons could not hurt.
Taking a deep breath, the Benshiran steadied his nerves, opened the door, and pushed his way into the Labor Office. Immediately, he was struck with the fact that there was an Akalak secretary manning the reception desk - two, in fact! One sat behind the desk while the other lounged beside it, apparently ready to switch shifts with his comrade. This was his first real look at an Akalak up close, and Hirem could not help but be amazed at the strangely coloured skin the two men possessed.
Nadia tells me that there are no female Akalaks... only males. The gods must have been crazy when they created them.While he stood gawking at them, the Akalaks noticed his presence, grinned, and exchanged a joke in their native language. One of the secretaries backed off, slipping towards the far wall, while the other smiled comfortingly at Hirem and ushered him forward. Embarrassed, the Benshiran man complied.
"Good day," the secretary began, with a smooth and confident tone.
"My name is Malin, how may I help you today? Is it a job you seek? Housing? Citizenship?"Malin seemed an experienced and fluent communicator in the Common language. Feeling his own ability pale in comparison, Hirem slowly nodded.
"A job, yes... I am not sure yet as to whether I desire to become a citizen of this place."Laughing pleasantly, the Akalak shrugged his shoulders and began combing through the desk's cabinets for his files.
"Fair enough. If ever you decide to pursue citizenship - or Kuvan status, as we call it here - feel free to return for the proper forms." Grabbing a sheet of parchment, Malin leaned over the desk and handed it to Hirem.
"Please, sit down," he offered, gesturing to the wraparound desk at his side. Obliging, the Benshiran seated himself, grabbed a pen and a jar of ink, and set to writing. The other Akalak secretary returned to the desk, and resumed his engaging conversation with Malin.
Petch, Hirem thought as he stared down at the empty form.
I haven't written in Common for years. It wouldn't look good to a prospective employer if I botched the general trade language, now would it? Gritting his teeth, the Benshiran took extra care to make sure his writing was correct and appropriate - though he was sure that a few mistakes had slipped in nonetheless.
Name: Hirem, from the tents of Alachi, of the sons of Rapa.
Race: Human - Benshiran.
Age: 29
Relevant Skills: Familiar with Yahal's faith, experienced wilderness survivalist, physically strong, adept brawler.
Preferred Employment: Religious Aide, General Labourer, Bodyguard
Expected Stay In Riverfall: Until I am compelled to follow Yahal's will Until the end of Summer.
Setting the pen down, Hirem passed both forms back to Malin.
"There you are, Abi."