Location [Wind Reach] The Sanikas Gates

[Gossamer]

Description: 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. NPCs: An elder craftsmen of the Inarta, Gatekeeper Valtrrrik Imsun otherwise known as Val Imsun is the first line of defense against unwanted visitors and wild creatures. Though the Gatekeeper has many wrinkles on his face, his eyes glow with knowledge of adventures long lived and obtained through trial. Unknown to distant travelers, the Gatekeeper was an Endal that has ridden to other cities and learned their languages. After his eagle was to old to hold him aloft, he retired and now he stands guard against any evil entering Wind Reach. Perhaps, because of his experience in other cities; he track goods coming into the city and knows a round about value for them. Upon answering a few questions, the Gatekeeper shouts into the pipe, with the Inarta language, to ready the Dek which operates a great lift that moves goods and people up a shaft into the city proper. Afterward the Gatekeeper shoots answers about the people and the value of their goods. Mod Note: During the winter the gates are closed, but a small steel door is set in the gate to allow single visitors to enter and leave. The Door is barred and only by pulling the chain will the gatekeeper open the door. For moderator help pm your friendly local storyteller. Location Description by Dreamcatcher.

[Alodian Aviastas]

Season of Spring, Day 88, 510 Av through Season of Summer, Day 1, 510 AV

The first day of summer always brought a smile to Alodian's face. He loved watching the Watchtower gems change color, and yellow was one of his favorites. Alas, today was a very special day for the Vantha. Today was the day that he would arrive at Wind Reach, a place that he would be staying at for the moment. Alodian had never been anywhere besides his homelands, Avanthal, and that was preciseley why he had decided that he needed a change. When he told his mother, she encouraged him to go to Wind Reach and explore the world aside from Avanthal. He could see in her eyes that she was upset, but she pushed him to go anyway. Excited for the upcoming journey, he packed everything he had, not knowing when, or if he would return.

Saying goodbye to his fellow Vanthas, Alodian headed out, embarking on his journey at last. Wrapped in his emerald cloak, he continued walking, and ended up walking until he could walk no more. Taking a rest, he was able to regain some of his strength, as well as grabbing a bite to eat. As soon as he was energized again, Alodian continued on his journey.

Wind Reach Summer 1, 10 AV

The air was warm on his skin, to the point where he had to take of his cloak. Stopping momentarily, Alodian put his cloak in his bag, instantly feeling cooler. Once it was safely put away, he continued walking. As his thoughts wandered to the mystery of the new place he was headed, he smiled. He wondered if the Inarta would welcome an outsider, even though he was just visiting for a while. He wondered what they would look like, and if he would be able to understand them. Suddenly his thoughts were shattered; he had arrived. Staring in awe at the gates, a grin spread out across his face, and his smokey gray eyes turned the color of emeralds. Everything he saw was beautiful: from the stone arcitecture to the scenery. Gatherine his barings, Alodian walked through the gates, to the beginning of his new life.

[Arila]

Arila approached the gates of her home. She nodded to Val. She had just come from a successful hunt. Though she wondered if she would ever be able to ride an eagle, the highest honor in the land. She knew that her father would beproud of her if she gained an eagle.

She grinned ruefully at that thought as she approached her cottage in the Commons. She loved her old man but sometimes he was overbearing. Though she supposed that all parents were like that to their children, especially their only daughter who was the youngest of four, two set of twins.

[Gossamer]

Reafling and Shandora

Val looked puzzled for a moment, as if no one had ever dodged one of his questions before. He glanced skyward at the watchrider as if conversing with the great eagle, then smiled slightly. He started to speak, seemed to change his mind, then sighed. Then he simply shook his head. "No. You can both simply sit out there on the steps and think about things until you decide you want to answer my very questions." He said firmly and turned around to resume his normal post. Reafling wasn't an Endal, wasn't even an Avora, and he didn't actually have to be nice to him if he didn't want too. The youngester owed the elderly man some respect and a patient answering of his questions punctuated with Sir and Thank you.

[Shadoran Neckrender]

Timestamp: Spring 90th 510 AV

Shadoran stepped towards the Gates, wrapping her clothes tightly around her. Reafling trailing nervously behind. They looked strange together, she knew. A mostly unidentifiable grey furred humanoid in a strange cloak, and a Inarta. Well, if they stopped her, it was up to Reafling to get her out of any shit.
"So, now that we're here, let's just go through..."
Shadoran tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for Reafling to catch up. It was cruel, making him carry all the bags, but well... he is her slave... Damn, he's panting...

She stepped forward, and removed her sling bag from his shoulders, slinging it around hers, before roughly dragging him towards the gates. As she reached it, she faced him, her voice sharp.
"Now remember, no pointing at me and yelling slaver or anything, other than that, we should be fine... Well, you should anyway. Now knock the door or something."
She smirked, and ruffled his hair, before roughly shoving towards the gate, her claws brushing his shoulders briefly, as he walked to the gate, and pulled the chain.

[Damal]

30th Day of Summer 510 AV

Damal silently went about slipping into the gates. He didn't say anything to guards and since he didn't look intimidating or suspicious and wasn't weilding a sword in plain view or anything they didn't anything back. He bumped into a few people but lucky for him the people he bumped into weren't thieves and he wasn't one. Once inside he headed to the Valintar.

[Mathieu]

Timestamp: 20th of Fall The journey had been a long one. Food supply was running short. Even his trusty horse Dusk was starting to tire, the sound of his steps day by day growing fainter and slower. Under his black cowl, Mathieu was starting to get weary of this seemingly never-ending road to Wind Reach - but an artist has to do what an artist ought to do, travel the world and bring entertainment where there is none. Show them your trade and show them good, show them magic without mages, but most of all, show them the world in your eyes. And for all the stained glass created by Intartas' hands, Mathieu was sure they would enjoy the show. The sight of the Sanikas Gates were a relief. Although it looked somewhat simple, he knew not to judge on first sight things for what they aren't. What did make him slightly frown though was the few stone steps that didn't look welcoming for a horse and its cart. He would have to discuss that matter with the guards... If there were any. That... was disturbing. Mathieu sure hoped there hadn't been a recent conflict in the area, for he would hate discovering the city empty of its people - although that would highly be unlikely since travelers like him were often those who knew the most about such rumors, and no words of battle here had ever reached his ears. Stepping down his cart, Mathieu gently patted Dusk's neck before heading to the door. His horse promptly set to digging what little grass it could find to fill his empty belly as his owner calmly pulled the metal chain. A clatter of bells soon filled the road, drawing a little whine from Dusk whose ears perked up in surprise.

[Gossamer]

Shandora & Reafling

"Oh I'm coming, I'm coming..." Val grumbled as he moved slowly to answer the call of the peel of bells. They were a lovely sound, one that wasn't often heard save in the summer, and because of it he took his job seriously. A watch rider had already informed him of two people coming up the road - one with suspiciously gray skin. Jacketed she could fool most normal people, but the watchrider was mounted on a Wind Eagle that could spot a mouse sunning itself on a rock ten miles away. A zith in Inarta clothing was no comparison. Avinkalas' soft voice had echoed in Val's head even before the old man was on his feet. Sure, it wasn't his Eagle, but all the Eagles treated him as worthy of speech so he wasn't caught off guard. High above, Jaxin and Avinkalas circled their perch, already airborne in case there was trouble.

Reafling was someone Val recognized. "Welcome home, Reafling. Who's your... friend? You know if you bring her into the city, you are responsible for her, right? They won't issue her rations unless she works and they won't give her very decent jobs so it won't be much at that. You'll have to share food if you want to keep meat on her bones." Val warned, not addressing the Zith directly. He didn't need too. Reafling was the one that needed to explain. "And you'll have to take her to see the Valintar and get a status assigned. It won't be any sort of status at all. But then again, you don't have much yourself, do you Reafling? Too bad really. But we do need more workers." He added, addressing only the Inarta, not the Zith.

Finally, he turned to the Zith and stabbed at her with his walking stick. "You girl. There are rules. See the Valintar once you get inside or your life will be forfeit in short order. Understand?" He asked, his voice brokering no argument.

Damal

Symenestra were always welcome in Wind Reach as long as they behaved themselves. If they didn't, then the eagles ate well with little effort. Damal was let into the gate with the standard warning of 'See the Valintar right away...' and that was that. No fuss. No issues. Just simple courtesy and politeness. The Inarta were not unfriendly as a group. But they were quick to cast judgment if any of the upper class or riders were bothered. Women, among the drudges, were easy prey for the Symenestra and no one looked twice when one or two of them disappeared each year or died mysteriously in odd births. They often didn't get the right to see a physician anyhow and got almost no care up to the birth so no one really paid any attention to who the fathers were anyhow. As for the Symenestra in Wind Reach themselves - the volcano was somewhat homey and comforting. Half were there looking for prey. Half were there looking for shelter away from their own culture. Regardless, as long as they worked hard, contributed to society, and minded the rules they were treated as equals alongside the Inarta themselves. It was the same with humans.

Mathieu

The old man that answered the gate frowned at the horse and then at the rider. "The stables is just off to the right. I suggest you take care of your horse first, young man, because it can't come into the mountain." The old man said, gesturing with his cane. He glanced skyward and noted the watch rider was present but not overly excited. The man was definitely alone - and if he'd come to Wind Reach alone in the fall, then he was decidedly crazy. "You beat the snows. Lucky lad. In a few weeks there will be no travel at all. Best put your horse up and then we'll discuss why you are here." He said softly, leaning against one of the stone pillars that flanked the gates. The gates themselves were open. Mathieu could have strode right in past the old man - perhaps even leading his horse. But the old man didn't seem concerned.

[Shadoran Neckrender]

(ooc: Gossamer, i have posted in the Valintar.)

Reafling smiled weakly.
"Hello Val, are you in good health?"
He nodded solemnly.
"And, yes sir, I will take full responsibility for her. She's more of a hunter... It is alright to bring her in?"

Shadoran however was not impressed by this old man, batting aside his stick, she muttered under her breath.
"Yeah... Sure thing."
Old man... bossing people around... he already said go to this valintar place twice... bah.

[Mathieu]

An old man to guard a door? That was utterly ridiculous. That being said... It didn't seem right at all. Something, somehow, had not been taken into account here. Mathieu offered the old man a slight courteous bow before starting to talk. Thank you, good sir, I was about to ask you about that. However, as you can see, my cart is full of equipment I will later need in Wind Reach - is there any way to transport them if my horse cannot accompany me? he asked in an even-tempered tone. Going back to lead his horse to the stable, he stopped by the old man, waiting for an answer. It was than he realized they hadn't been alone - with his host's quick glance to the sky, he reminded himself that what he couldn't see and what wasn't there were two separate matters. Especially coming from the Inarta, renowned for their friendship with giant eagles. While his face didn't show much excitement, he surely was eager to see that from his own eyes - perhaps not tell the tales afterwards, as he was no story teller and would surely bore out anyone even with the most epic story ever. Is there anything else I need to know? How much per day will I owe you for him? he asked while patting his trusty horse's neck. The difficult part had yet to come, as any guard posted on the mountain or soaring through the skies were surely able to see (provided they had good eyes) a fair deal of weapons lying in his cart among other strange bottles and other regular items such as a tent or a frying pan. Mathieu had never been one to hide his tools of trade, lest there might be a misunderstanding. He would need to be convincing to get past these gates - as always, he mused - but this old man was no mere guard, and it would take more than a few tricks to impress him.