Open light it up.

[Caelum]

Timestamp: 27 Spring 514 AV The Riverfall horizon was a conflagration of color. It was as if the sun itself had seen fit to create a glorious display upon her setting so as to make the perfect backdrop for Alement's grand opening. Caelum was quietly grateful. A crystalline quality of light hung over the sprawling patio that fronted the new tavern. It caused the reefed sails of the catamaran tied up at the attached dock to glow like pearls in the dusk. Copper lanterns threw firelight at the slow trespass of shadows, but even the darkness seemed to soften when held up to the colored glass that displayed cycle patterns of the sky in floor to ceiling windows. The patio was spread with waxed wooden tables and chairs that boasted collections of flowering herbs as centerpieces. The wind off the water was light and sultry, and the air inside Alements smelled equally as good. Through the cherrywood door with a paneled glass was a stone floored tavern littered with a collection of thick rugs that varied in pattern but were connected in their color design. Copper sheeting was behind the bar and was a mirror shine and the curve of the bar along the back wall was topped in a warm, creamy marble richly veined in ivory and gold. The light was warm and everything was scented with the herbs spilling from the window heights from recessed ledges. There were more of the cherrywood tables and chairs inside, but scattered cozily among them were sitting areas furnished with cushy armchairs and low divans. Everything was natural textures and light. It was fire and earth, air and water, the elemental aspect that was a play off of the name immersive and comfortable. Tonight, the food and the first drink was on the house. Artfully arranged platters of cheeses, nuts, and fruits were laid on a number of tables so that no one would have wander far in order to sate their appetite. It was the drinks, however, that made Alements unique. The menu was hand lettered in a painstakingly neat script and set in small wooden stands along the bar and at tables for easy access. Once read, all of the puns involved in the tavern's name would abruptly make sense. Ale (mug) – 1sm Ale (pitcher) – 3sm House Wine (glass) – 1gm House Wine (bottle) – 10gm Specialty Wine (glass) – 5gm Specialty Wine (bottle) – 20gm House Tea (cup) – 1sm House Tea (pot) – 3sm Juice (cup) – 1sm Juice (pitcher) – 2sm Coffee (cup) – 1gm Coffee (pot) – 10gm Medicinal/Therapeutic Herbs Added to Single Serving Beverage: *Price includes basic health consultation to determine type of herbs. Common– 2gm Uncommon– 3gm Rare– 4gm Medicinal/Therapeutic Herbs Added to Pitchers/Pots/Bottles Beverage: *Price includes basic health consultation to determine type of herbs. Common – 8gm Uncommon – 12gm Rare –16gm Specialty Tinctures: *3gm per cup/12gm per pitcher. Weeper’s Wine – Calming solution and stress relief. Problem Solver’s Spritzer – Clarity of mind. Libation Liberator - Hangover cure. Wake Up Wine - Energy booster. Snake Oil – the Cure All. Fruit, Cheese, & Nuts Plate (1 serving) – 2sm Fruit, Cheese, & Nuts Platter (6 servings) – 1gm Treatment for Minor Injury/Illness - 2gm *Price excludes any necessary medicine, herbal or otherwise. Notably, use of the healing gnosis will eradicate the need in most cases. This is for treatment of things such as minor cuts, burns, pulled muscles, rashes, colds, sore throats, ear infections, et cetera. Treatment for Major Injury/Illness – Price Varies The tables were being served by a young human woman who introduced herself as Elise. She had hair so dark a brown it was almost black and wide, intelligent eyes the color of indigo. Tonight she wore a simple, elegant dress the color of good port and with a cotton apron tied about her narrow waist. She was lovely and soft spoken and she knew her business, serving all with a speed and grace. She seemed very much in her element and worked seamlessly with Caelum. The proprietor appeared as if by magic should a medical consultation be required and he handled it with warmth and a friendly smile. It was impossible not to feel drawn to him at least in flickers. Magic was afoot. Caelum, still in his ethaefal form as the sun was not yet set, was most often behind the bar though handling a number of solutions and decoctions, mixing them into mysterious tonics that turned out invariably pretty and often decorated with flowers or springs or wedges of complimentary fruit. Some drinks, however, were short and fast and dark as the wolf's hour before dawn. It depended, really, on what the customer needed at the time. That is, what the proprietor decided the customer needed. The miracle was that he was right every time without fail. Nobody finished their drink unimproved. OOC : Welcome one and all! Please feel free to NPC Elise within reason to serve drinks, et cetera. Let's get this party started.

[Shijara]

Shijara was feeding off the energy of the room, its vibrant activity drawing her in like a moth to a flame. She had heard talk of the business opening around town by passing residents, but her arrival had been mostly coincidental. She still did not know the city well enough, but she was slowly learning the streets. As she weaved herself into the building, she was pleasantly surprised by the decor and overall atmosphere. It was... special. Alluring. Intoxicating. She liked it.

A soft smile rested upon her lips and she found quickly found a menu. After letting her hands trail along the perfect script, she admired it for its beauty and preciseness, and was overcome with the desire to eventually learn it herself. She quickly turned, hoping to find a server and ask them questions when she bumped into someone, "Oh, excuse me," Shijara gave an apologetic laugh, and was about to move out of the way when she decided this was the perfect opportunity, "Can you read this to me?"

She did not seem embarrassed by her illiteracy, nor was she. Dark hair shielding a side of her face when she looked down, she passed the slip of paper, hoping to hear of the potential wines. Shijara, by habit was not a big drinker. She could store liquids at an amazing rate, thanks to her Chaktawe heritage, but alcohol was still somewhat foreign to her. It was not like she had never tried it, but her experience was rather... limited. Liquor tended to 'dry you up', as her uncle used to say, and that was not something particularly aimed for in the desert.

The person patiently read off the menu, pointing to the words as they said them, and Shi was nodding gratefully. She finally took back the menu and smiled, "Thank you very much!" And then she quickly tried to locate the server, and was pleased to have the woman Elise pointed out to her. She tried to wave down the female and when she did, Shi had already found a place to sit by the window, "Can I have a glass of wine, please?"

Shi took off her bag and hung it over the chair, sliding into place. She was not much of a bar goer either, and found this place interesting. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood, and it was contagious. Shi looked around, spotting a man who oozed 'owner'. She raised her eyebrow, stuck between deciding if he was what she expected or not.

The Chaktawe was pulled from her thoughts when her first drink arrived. She quickly thanked the woman again, and brought the red to her lips, taking a tentative sip. She blinked in surprise, and took another drink. And soon the wine was gone.

That was not bad, she thought, wondering if the drink would kick in or not, I liked that. She raised her hand, ready to order another one. After all, she didn't feel anything and it was delicious. She pulled out the amount of mizas she remembered being told to her, and held them in her hand, rubbing the coins together. Tonight would be fun.

[Adi Skyglow]

The news of a new tavern opening up in Riverfall surprised no one. The port city was a good place for those hoping to make a few mizas off a sailor's wages. It was the name that truly stuck out to Adi Skyglow, as it was called Alements. Ale and thoughts of it brought back memories of a very interesting day she'd once had with a pair of Svefra sailors. As she walked, she reminisced and smiled. Her journey was shorter than she'd expected, though what it was from she couldn't quite tell.

The Vantha's entrance was a quiet one. Alements' front door swang open slowly, cautiously, and Adi, cloaked as usual, slipped through. Her hood was up, concealing her head and face from those who would watch her. With her right arm pressed firmly to her side to avoid straining it or hurting herself more than she already had, she began scanning the building. It felt surprisingly comforting, easing her worries and fears with a simple breath of calming air. As her eyes, a navy blue, flicked around, they also reddened to a bluish violet. The bar seemed a logical place for her to sit, unaccompanied as she was by anyone else. This place, Alements, was quite honestly the most interesting business she'd ever been in. It was well decorated, brand new, and held a certain air of mysteriosity she enjoyed.

So she made her way over to the bar, its counter a beautiful slab of marble, and slid the hood of her cloak off her dark hair. The copper-toned light from the lanterns hung around the bar glinted off her hair, reflecting streaks of colors seen only in the skies of Avanthal at night. Adi sat at the end of it, where the bar met a wall. Behind her was a woman sitting alone at a window. A polite smile graced Adi's features. She offered a nod to her before turning to her menu. Her left hand traced gold veins in the marble counter, which was cool to the touch.

When her eyes hit the bottom segment of the menu, she raised an eyebrow. "Treatment for Major Injury/Illness – Price Varies." The hand that had rested on the counter a moment ago moved without a second thought to her right arm. When attempting to kill a rabbit on her journey to Riverfall, she had accidentally struck a solid rock with a full-forced blow from her dagger instead of the small animal she'd been aiming for. That had shattered the iron dagger she once had carried and her wrist with it. Her right wrist hadn't healed yet. Adi was starting to think it never would.

She raised her left hand and waved it slightly, hoping to flag down a bartender or even the owner. It was, after all, the owner of this place she wanted to speak with. Hopefully, the owner would heal her arm.

[Lyn'nice]

Lyn'nice had arrived before the crowd it seemed, she had tried to get here as quickly as possible and now the expectant Konti was winded. She managed to haul her tired body to a seat at the bar not far from her new mentor Caelum, and collapsed onto the bar. She sighed, the marble counter was cool against her forehead. She hadn't even taken the time to look around at Caelum's new place, right now she just needed to rest. After a few ticks of resting Lyn'nice sat up and began to take note of her surroundings. Her eyes moved to the patio first, taking in the view. It was gorgeous, almost dreamlike with lanterns hung glowing softly. She wanted to go out on the patio, but convinced herself she'd have plenty of time later to stare out at the water. Besides there was still a lot inside to look at the rugs, the bar itself, plush seating areas, and of course the people. Lyn'nice didn't like to admit it but she found an odd joy in watching people and the Alements was drawing a crowd of different races and features. One patron caught her eye, a woman happily drinking wine. Her eyes were coal back all of her eyes, they lacked any whites or colors like most eyes. She was beautiful. A desert race none the less judging from her earthy skin tone. Lyn turned her focus to a different woman she wore a cloak, but long dark hair that almost seemed to shimmer peeked out from her hood. Such beautiful people, she could barely wait to see who would come in next. Waving down the girl serving Lyn'nice ordered a pot of tea to which the server brought quickly. Pouring herself a cup and reaching out to a platter of fruits and nuts she was set for the night and ready to enjoy the alluring charm of the herbal bar. She sipped her tea and smiled to herself and then to the man behind the counter, "You never disappoint, Caelum. You know that?" With that said she returned to her tea.

[Caelum]

"The first glass was on the house," Elise informed Shijara with a smile like the sickle moon, arriving between her table and the end curve of the bar where it met the wall with a hinged door. A tray was balanced against the curve of her hip and color flushed her cheeks. It was a sign of quiet happiness. This place, this opening, this work was a long awaited delight for the waitress and sometimes bartender. "A second one will be one gold, oh--" And a soft laugh came out, seeing that the Chaktawe woman already held the miza. "Would you care to try one of our specialty tinctures instead? They're three golds, but well worth it." Her smile was hopeful, but not pressing. Elise knew how to upsell without being irritating about it. While Shijara considered, Elise noticed Lyn'nice at the bar and lifted one hand in greeting. Elise also lived at the Sanctuary, though she spent the majority of her time shadowing Caelum around and speaking with Larik. It wasn't until tonight, in fact, that the recently freed slave seemed to come at all out of her painfully shy and wary shell. She wanted, no needed, Alements to succeed as much if not more so than Caelum. "Evenin'," Caelum drawled while arriving before Adi Skyglow and the familiar face of the pretty konti near her. His smile was easy as anything and tinged with self deprecation at Lyn'nice's compliment. "You're flattering me," he told her, smile sharpening to a smirk. "How is the tea? And hello --" Caelum offered his hand over the marble topped bar to Adi, golden eyes coming to study the Vantha woman's face. Slowly, his smirk faded with concern. "Name's Caelum. And this is my friend Lyn'nice here. It seems like you might need a little help, eh?" Nikali's gnosis of ranuri was almost unnessary, because Rak'keli's gnosis -- emblazoned on the back of the hand he offered Adi -- was more than enough for him to catch the pain lurking in the back of the Vantha's prettily colored eyes.

[Stefan]

Stefan was strolling through the docks –one of his favourite places for a walk –, mandolin strapped to his back, when he heard some appealing news; there was a new bar opening, right at the piers. It didn’t take long for him to decide to take a look, just to see what it was about. How knew? Maybe it could become his favourite tavern. So he strolled around, looking for some “new” place, and he quickly found it, almost if he could smell the wine.

The place had a nice naturist look, and was just along a pier, so when Stefan entered, the herbs changed completely the scent that lingered at the docks. It was nice, if not sudden, change, which made Stefan take a deep breath. It was nice indeed.

The young Human went to the marble bar, when he heard that the first drink was free; that was pure music to his ears... speaking of which, Stefan thought that this place needed some music, and he could help with that, but first the drink. The list was slightly odd; it seemed like a mix between a bar and a clinic, but he was nowhere to judge. It was practical, to say at least.

He smiled slightly when he saw the barmaid; she seemed pretty, so this was getting just better and better.

“My dear, could you please give me a glass of wine?” the answer was quick, and soon he took the glass on his fingers “It is a nice place... but for someone as gorgeous as you, my dear, I would come every day, just to see you.” He said winking an eye at her, and then continued with his wine. It was particularly good... must had something to do with the herbs. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but the taste was pleasant, and so were the smell and the colour.

He then took a look at what he thought was the owner of the premises, a man with horns attending what looked like a Vantha, judging by her eyes. Riverfall was indeed a colourful place. “Hey lad, quite a nice place you got there. Very charming!” he said cheerfully and raising the glass, then drinking it slowly, enjoying the fine wine like it should.

[Lysaea Frostfawn]

Lysa walked up to the nice-looking building and entered Alements. It was an attractive building she'd have to admit although she hadn't expected any different. Stopping to admire the outlook, she decided that it had been a good idea to take a look at Caelum's new business since she wasn't doing anything much. Curiosity flickered in her eyes as they entered the newly opened Alements. So this is what it looks like she thought to herself. Eyes shifting from a sapphire to amethyst, she allowed a small smile to grace her usually stoic face. It wasn't good to be unhappy on happy events; that was what she believed. As she gazed around the place, she noticed several people in the bar. She didn't really know anyone besides Lyn'nice and Caelum and even then, she didn't know them that well. The only person either than that she recognised was Elise although she had only seen the girl once. Walking towards the bar, she recognised the looks of a Vantha getting her arm healed. She didn't think she knew herself. Even so, she tensed up a bit, eyes touching a dark green for a second before returning to violet. Sliding her gaze over to Caelum then to Elise, she walked over to the girl and smiled softly at her, the smile reaching her eyes. "Do you or think Caelum will need any help? And I'd like to order a cup of coffee," she decided to ask her instead of Caelum since he appeared to be somewhat occupied to her.

[Vanator]

Getting Alements up and running had become Caelum's passion, and it been entwined with the Eth's desire to make a home and family for Elise. Vanator knew, he watched his friend over the past few seasons as the concept came to fruition. For his part, Van did all he could to support Caelum's plan. It consisted mostly of labor, but it had become a labor of love for the Drykas as well. He knew what the business meant to the Ethaefal, and what it meant for Sanctuary. Alements would serve as so much more than just a unique tavern.

Van had been in the storage room, bringing in a few last minute supplies from the catamaran and arranging them. He had hoped that some of Sanctuary's home brew would make it for the opening, but with Sybel gone, the brewery had laid dormant. Vanator's goal was to start it up again himself and ultimately sell his brews at Alements as they had planned.

Satisfied that things were in order in the stock room, Vanator brushed off his leather pants and strolled out into the main room. The tavern still smelled new, of clean wood and metal, the aroma's of the various beverages providing an atmosphere almost exotic. It was a far cry from places like the Blue Bull, the furniture and floor long ago saturated with drink, leaving a permanent smell of ale in the air. Alements was a long cry from the establishment he had once loved to visit, a crude tavern set up under a pavilion in Endrykas. The Denusk's green cotton shirt had survived the last few tasks unstained, and with a drag of his fingers through his tawny mane to comb out the tangles, Van was about as ready for the opening as he was going to get.

He surveyed the crowd, a good show for the opening. There were familiar faces from the Sanctuary. Lyn'nice was at the bar speaking with Caelum. The elusive Lysaea had also made an appearance. Van was happy to see the dour Vanthan show up, the girl needed some good social interaction to draw her out of that hard shell she hid behind. A patron seated at a table caught the Drykas eye, an attractive young woman whose eyes were orbs of ebony. It was disconcerting at first, Vanator had seen very few Chaktawe, and none in Riverfall. It took a moment before he could break his gaze from those eyes. Eyes were truthtellers, but a Chaktawe's gaze kept its dark secrets.

Eyes too drew Van's attention to the bar again. Caelum was greeting a dark haired woman, her own vibrant gaze much like Lysaea's, rich in saturation, Van assumed she too was Vanthan. A young man with a mandolin strolled, no, sauntered up to the bar near her. Vanator remembered him from the Masquerade, and had heard of him from tales of Sybel's bachelorette party, and reportedly a liason with his sister. From the Drykas' observations, Stefan certainly appeared to be smooth, a ladies man, bent on a good time, and not above mischief to get it. His etiquette was as civil as the Drykas' was simple. Whether Van liked the man or not, well, he attempted to withhold judgement until he got past the cover and read through some of the pages.

Vanator ducked behind the bar and poured himself an ale, allowing Caelum and Elise to continue tending to patrons. He moved around to the front, stopping near Stefan. He remained standing but leaned one elbow on the bar. "Enjoying yourself? I would say, maybe a little music would be welcomed tonight, seeing it is a special occasion." He glanced at the instrument on Stefan's back. "By the way, I am Vanator, Vanator Denusk." The Denusk extended a hand towards the man.

[Adi Skyglow]

Thankfully, the owner was quick to attend to her. He was a tall man who seemed to shimmer with a golden hue and-whoa, were those horns? It struck her that he might be an Ethaefal, souls slipped from the realm of the divines. His golden colors suggested he was one of Syna's fallen. Petch, I can't shake his hand! This...may be odd. Adi made a note of his name, Caelum, as well as that of the Konti next to her. Allies and acquaintances in this town would be a treasure.

"Adi. Adi Skyglow. To answer your question, yes, I do need help. A while ago, I broke my arm. Aimed wrong and smashed my dagger into a rock. My arm hasn't been the same since. I hope you won't take offense if I don't shake your hand." She offered him an apologetic smile, lifting the arm in question up on the counter. Jostling it intentionally hurt, and the grimace on her face showed it. It took a moment for the pain to recede to more acceptable levels, though her eyes betrayed her with a shift to gold. It wasn't a color usually seen in her eyes, though lately it had been more and more common.

Adi took a moment to glance around the tavern, surveying the patrons of the place. Besides the women she'd noticed earlier-the Konti next to her and the dark-eyed woman behind her-several others had entered while she'd looked at the menu. Most were at the bar. There was a young man with messy hair-Kel? No, he and Ty and the rest are probably gone by now...-and a stringed musical instrument strapped to his back. The sight of another Vantha surprised her, but it brought a smile to her face, reminding her she wasn't alone. She didn't recognize her from Skyglow hold, though. Most likely from one of the others. And there was a blond man who emerged from a back room. Hopefully he worked here. Behind the bar was a woman she hadn't noticed earlier serving drinks to patrons.

"It's nice to see a Vantha here," said Adi in Vani towards the woman and her curly hair. If she spoke the language, too, she'd hear what the Skyglow had said to her.

[Kel Tempest]

Day 27 of Spring in the Year 514 AV

The doors of the Alement swung open and crashed against the wall. A black haired Svefra stood in the doorway, both thumbs hooked in his black sash. He shook his head, brushing his unusually dark hair out of his eyes. A cocky smirk plastered itself across his face as his dark blue eyes pierced across the room.


He could smell the “new” in the bar. The tavern was drastically different than what he was used to. He was at home in the bars reeking of booze and smoke, the rickety stools and the rough crowds. He cocked an eyebrow skeptically, taking in the marble countertops and polished furniture. His smirk widened into a grin as he stepped through the door and threw out both arms gallantly.


“Ahhh, finally! A fine establishment, fit fer Kel.” The incredibly prideful Svefra strode through the room, a slight hitch in his step, boots thumping on the wood, a swagger in his step. He had a wound from a knife that had been jammed into his calf at the hands of a bandit and was still recovering from. His kukri rested against his lower back, tied to his sash, hilt jutting out. The last time he had been in the Alement was to accept work from Kavala but sadly it had yet to be opened.


A small animal scurried through the open door behind him, his whiskers twitching as he took in the new surroundings. The sea otter pattered across the floor, limping slightly, having also taken an injury from the same incident, weaving between Kel’s feet. The tavan companion chittered. Kel looked down at his friend and glared. “What do you mean I don’t belong here?! You’re a petching ANIMAL for Laviku’s sake.” Kel growled at him but refused to let the little critter’s crack get to him. “If anyone doesn’t belong here it’s you, you little shyke…”


The Svefra gave his tavan a scathing look and rested his elbows on the marble counter. Kel eyed the bartender and lifted a hand to catch his attention. “Aye mate, how bought yeh’ get me a pitcher of yehr’ finest ale. This place, well, tis’ makin’ me want to live like a king!” He chortled at his own comment and turned, leaning on one elbow as he looked at the other patrons of the new establishment.


His eyes rested on a familiar face and he burst out laughing, astonished.


Those penetrating black eyes. Only one person he knew had those.
Kel sauntered across the room and stopped at the table where the Chaktawe sat, a smug look on his face. “Well, well well. Lookee’ who it tis’. Shi Shi, yeh’ haven’t as much as come by teh’ docks to say hello.” He shook his head, feigning injury. Kel hooked a foot around the leg of a chair, across from the woman and pulled it back before sprawling out in the seat, uninvited. He rested one arm on the back of the seat and one leg kicked out in front of him.


His deep sapphire orbs bore into the depths of her black irises. This was their third meeting together, each happening by chance. Kel thought each had gone pretty well. The first he couldn’t really remember, granted he had blacked out from his drunken stupor. But the second time was fairly eventful seeing he had faked his own death in the tank of a shark at the Aquarium. At least she would never forget him.

NoteDeduct -3SM from Ledger for pitcher of ale


“So Shijara, how has me woman been doin’, eh? Enjoyin’ yehr’ drink?”