Location [Riverfall] The Land and Sea Gates

[Zira Nyneve]

39th Day of Summer in 514 AV This was finally it. Zira’s life before had been one of routine, one underwater. She had never dreamed of traveling to places above the sea; the thought had never even crossed her mind. But, here she was, drifting over the sea on the biggest, and only, ship she had ever been on. It had taken her over a year to gain the funds needed to buy passage into Riverfall. She had been forced to sell most of her belongings – you couldn’t carry much with you when you could hardly afford a bag to put it in. However, the funds she gained had helped her buy her place on this ship, and she didn’t regret any of it. Here she was. Finally. As the distant cliffs grew larger, the ship pushed forward, foam sprouting around the bow. The wind whirled around the ship, but it’s resistance was of no use. Neither the water nor the air could stop this ship; it was as if it was blessed by the Divine. Zira pondered this for a moment until her eyes drifted up as the shadow of the cliff overcame the boat. Her hand brushed against the aged wood, softly resting upon its rough surface as if for comfort. She had never been around those of other races before, only socialized with them minimally while scouring a beach for trinkets. Sure, she had been on a boat with mostly humans for the last two weeks, but that was nothing compared to the bustling city before them. The soft mist of the Bluevein River coated Zira with a soft cover of moisture. She had never spent so much time out of water before, and the heat! The heat was terrible. She had never imagined that the air could retain so much warmth. The water shifting beneath her didn’t make it much better. Part of her wished that she had swum here, saving herself the coin and this unbearable heat. Still, she knew that that was nothing but wishful thinking. She could hardly survive a week away from her home city. It would have taken her a season to swim all the way to Riverfall. There were a few other large ships in the harbor, as well as a number of smaller ships, most of them empty. The docks themselves were filled with only a few stragglers, slowly trudging along the dock. Zira noticed very little of this, however, as her eyes were trained on the towering city in front of her. It resembled the Great Coral city, where she had spent so much of her life. Except that it wasn’t made of coral… and it wasn’t underwater. Besides that, she could still be at home. She allowed herself to take in the sight as the rest of the crew rushed around. The few who, like her, had bought their way on to this ship quickly scurried overboard and onto the wooden dock beneath them. It was clear that this was not their first time visiting this city. Almost painfully pulling her eyes away from the city, she quickly followed the rest of the visitors downwards. For the first time, she began to feel decently worried at her lack of knowledge when it came to visiting cities in general. Did she have to sign up somewhere? Where would she ever hope to find bedding with the sun already so low in the sky? What about food? She had lived her life on sea vegetation. Surely, there would be someone selling it here? Right? As she continued her internal rambling, a very tall, very muscular Akalak approached her. With her eyes still partially trained on the landscape of the city, she came very close to completely running over him. However, his loud, trained voice snapped her attention to the blue body in front of her: ”Hello there, can I help you with anything? Here is a scroll of welcome from the city. It contains a list of our laws, a map of the city, and some advertisements from local businesses that sponsor these scrolls to be made. You can feel free to come in if you agree to our laws and turn this scroll back in when you leave so we can reuse it." Truthfully, she was a little startled by his sudden appearance, and missed the first half of what he was saying. With slight confusion, she took the scroll that she was offered and nodded, hoping that would satisfy the male. With that, he turned and made his way towards another incoming group of people. As she walked down the dock, she realized that it was decently more crowded than she had first thought. She dodged around beings of many different races, as she made her way off of the dock. She couldn’t help but stare at a few of the passing bodies, the extent of her interaction with other species very clear. After what seemed like forever, she made her way off the dock and into the city. A deep breath echoed in her chest. Finally, she was here.

[David Arnim]

Timestamp: 81st of Summer, 514 AV David Arnim walked along the northern part of the Kabrin road wiping sweat from his brow. He had been walking for some time now and felt like resting, but he knew he was close to Riverfall. It had been awhile since he decided to leave Avanthal in search of better opportunities, but since then he hadn't found much along the way. Summer was nearing an end but it was still pretty hot especially since he was used to the cold all year round north. He had no choice but to but his fine wool clothes into his backpack or risk heat stroke. He still wore his armor knowing that traveling the roads could be dangerous. Though he took off his helmet to better cool off. At his hip was his sheathed long sword and at his back was both his back pack and large wooden shield. He kept them on him at all times not wanting to be unprepared. That is when he saw it in the distance. He could now see Riverfall not to far off and gave a smirk. All this walking would soon pay off. He had heard about Riverfall before and from what he had heard David was rather interested. Stopping for a moment he reached for his water skin. Opening it he took a large sip and then drank even more. After putting the water skin away e wiped the sweat from his brow once more and continued towards the city. After a bit more walking David began to pass by the vineyards on his way to the main gate. At this point he began passing by people more and more. He kept looking forward and towards the main gate. After a bit he made a turn and started heading down the road that led directly to the main gate. David noted how well guarded the gate was as he approached. Upon arrive at the gate he was stopped by one of the guards. "Welcome, traveler. Here is a scroll of welcome from the city. It contains a list of our laws, a map of the city, and some advertisements from local businesses that sponsor these scrolls to be made. You can feel free to come in if you agree to our laws and turn this scroll back in when you leave so we can reuse it." the Akalak said handing a scroll to David who took the scroll before opening it. David began reading the scroll and all the laws of the city. After thinking about the laws for a bit he read some of the advertisments before closing the scroll."I agree to the laws of this city." David said having carefully read the laws. He then handed the Akalak the scroll back who took it."Very good then, go on through." he said after giving David another look over before waving him through."Thanks." David said feeling to a little to tired to say much more like his usual self. Heading on through David wondered what this city had in store for him.

[Eselle]

Timestamp: 67th of Summer, 514 AV

Eselle led her Gilding horse Simon towards the gate. The night before they saw the towers rising in the distance and it was only a matter of time until South Kabrin road led them to Riverfall. This morning though Simon had begun favoring his front right hoof, when the Konti inspected it all she could ascertain was that his leg was hot. Hoping her sweet traveling companion could make the short remainder of the journey the fortune teller packed all of their belongings upon her back. The saddle proved too heavy for her and only a few miles from the gates she had to saddle the bay so he could carry it the rest of the way.

His limp worried her constantly until they saw the Akalak guards greeting the visitors. Waiting was a worrying taxation on her patience. She didn’t have the expertise to say Simon wasn’t being dramatic. The Konti tried not to imagine if real harm had befallen her friend who had seen the terrors of the world with her. She spent her wait fretting like a scared mother and by the time the Akalak gave her the scroll her eyes looked a tad watery. The thought of losing her only friend outside of Mura compounded with the stress of their journey was wearing on the usually constant seer. Still if this was Simon’s destiny to see her safely this far and no more she would celebrate his life, mourn his passing, and never forget his gentle soul.

“Thank you.” She murmured in accented common and nodded in agreement with the laws. She hardly noticed the novelty of his ebony skin that seemed to tint towards red in the sunlight. She had only heard of the Rivarians in Mura and never seen one personally. Her mind was simply too distracted to make friends just now.

Leading the limping horse onward through the gates, she did her best to avoid about bustle and any undue stress on Simon. The Akalak had mentioned businesses in the scroll and so she stopped to take a look trying to find a stable to treat the hurting hoof.

[Gwin]

Summer 51, 514 AV

Gwin hadn’t planned any routes, but when she hit the road again, she stayed on the road. It was easier to just follow the Kabrin and less dangerous. Sometimes she left it to find water with fish, but she always returned. Something about the bricks intrigued her, so she kept following them.

They led her into Cyphrus and towards a proud beast of a city built on cliffs by the sea. After so much earth, forest and sweet waters, the salt prickled in her nose and sent shivers down her back. The Akvatari had visited Riverfall before, three years ago. As she was approaching over the endless grassy hills, she recalled that experience. She hadn’t stayed long, only gotten a superficial glance at best. A fire had been burning inside her, a thirst for the new and fresh, so she had barely tolerated the company of city dwellers. It was Zeltiva that had taught her how much time it took to fully grasp a place and all its wonders.

Already she could see the massive walls, the water and tiny figures moving at the shores. This time it wouldn’t be as short a visit. Gwin’s heart remained a vagrant’s, but that thirst had ceased its roar and turned into a subtle glow now. After all, Riverfall was a port city with the ocean and beaches nearby. The water flowing and falling down its tiers had its appeal too. How fertile a ground it provided for art and music! This time she wanted to taste it all and make it her own.

The Akvatari adjusted her satchel and violin case before crossing the river near the ferry route, taking care not to block its way. Her butterfly wings, patterned like stained glass, and furry tail created a broken reflection under her fins as if grass was growing on the surface.

As soon as the Akalak handed her the scroll, Gwin remembered the procedure executed at the gates. She bowed her head in unspoken gratitude. “I will abide by your rules.” Being granted admission, she passed through the majestic archways and took to the skies. First she’d find a quiet place to read the scroll, drink in the architecture and listen to the sound of the city.

[Ashford Yendorin]

71st of Summer, 514 AV

The grunts and distance mumbling of the sailor chatter slowly came to a low roar as the splash of the water took the ear's significance. Ashford stepped across the deck of the ship placing the last of a forty pound burlap bag filled with grain on the stack of others. With his hand wiping the brow of his head from the slight workout he noticed the change in the pace among his shipmates. The toll of the bell abroad the merchant vessel pinged through pausing and ringing signalling to the crew of the Fluyt class ship out of Zeltiva that the vessel has arrived at another port. Ashford took in the sea air with a deep breath as he made his way to the bow of the ship as the First Mate could be heard entering the lower deck shouting "Shake a leg, Shake a leg!" His father's old friend, Captain Ordlan, stood with spyglass extended viewing the docks of Riverfall.

"I wanted to thank you before I disembark Captain. I am forever in debt to your generosity."Ashford sincerely shared.

Captain Ordlan pulled closed the retractable spyglass, turning to see Ashford "Ash, your father would be a proud man! It is the least I can do. You served well under the Sailors' Guild and you never hesitated working beside my crew. You earned your transport, then, and now." Both men locked in a forearm shake.

"Now off with you! Before I put you to work!" Captain Ordlan declared hiding his laughter as he closed his sentence. Ashford nodded with a slight smirk. Ashford stepped off onto the dock with his belongings as he turned looking up at the shout of his name.

"ASH, knowing your love for the sea, I recommend the Kuahala Estates. Great view and if your lucky you'll hear me once and awhile kickin' this crew in shape!"
The Captain bellowed out over the edge of his vessel, pointing in the direction of the residence.

As Ashford neared the exit of the docks he agreed to the rules and took suggestions from an employee of the Portmaster for his stay in Riverfall. He made his way in the direction of the suggestion given by the Captain. Riverfall was never a city he had entered in his nine years of sea travel. He would soon realize the splendor and beauty so highly discussed in many of tales of sailors who had walked the garden lined streets.

[Salumi Ahera]

3rd day of Summer, 514

The first glimpse Salumi had of Riverfall was not it's harbour or the city's brilliant side carving its way out the cliffs, but of the streaming blue mineral flood from the veins as they laced their way through the sand underwater. She'd urged Reedweaver to slow as she stared in awe; sunken cargo, abanndoned trash, lost fabrics and bottom-feeding fish blossomed around the city like a reef and the taste of fresh-water flooded her senses as a strange, gritty sensation that made her ears quiver from the oddness.

The keel of a ship passed over Reedweaver's head and the seahorse darted to the side in fright, ignoring 'Lumi's urgings for him to calm until they were no longer being shadowed by the wooden vessel. She stroked his coarse skin, singing reassurance to the seahorse before she urged him higher and toward the surface so she could break the water and take in the sights.

She took a moment as her eyes adjusted slowly to the brightness of the morning and the water dripped from her forehead, but when she found herself staring up at the imposing, strange city, it did indeed take her breath away. It was nothing like 'Lumi had expected, and everything like she had wondered. There was no coral edifice, no sea-sculptured design; just rock and land and a waterfall so much bigger than the small bubbling rivers she'd seen once or twice.

It took a long while before she was able to tear her gaze from the mist-shrouded landscape and examine the docks. They were busy and full of ships, although, she saw immediately there were berths at water-level for smaller one-man fishing vessels. She'd have to use one of them.

It might have been early morning when she glimpsed the city, but by the time she found a small cove half a bell down the coast that Reedweaver could enter, and stored her camping gear, it was closer to midmorning. She waited until the small dock was unused and pulled herself out of the water there; clicking at Reedweaver to go find himself something to eat or head back to the campsite while she explored. Her arms shook with nerves and excitement as she undid the seal on her watertight packages she'd gotten from traders and pulled out her plain tunic and skirts, fumbling around in them still-wet until she had the very non-Charodae clothing on and her very plain blue cloak pulled around her.

She was still putting her mostly unused sandals on when one of the local greeters poked his head around the corner of the dock. "Thought I saw someone docking here..." although there was no ship with her, so his frown was one of confusion."Welcome, traveller. Here is a scroll of welcome from the city. It contains ........"

'Lumi found herself nodding dumbly and quickly to the flood of Common; she'd known that she'd have to improve her speaking skills- she was definitely better at reading and writing common- but she hadn't thought about listening skills. He spoke so fast and so rapidly it left her catching every few words and wondering what some of the terms were. And then he was off to greet a ship that had just come in, leaving her clutching a scroll in her hand.

'Lumi glanced down at the object, still a little shocked and unrolled it. What she'd been lost understanding in words, was quickly evident in text as she read the neatly printed lines. The small vessel dock had a step-ladder up to the main warf and she took this, awkwardly gaining her barings as she reminded herself how to walk without currents. she'd been in the saddle for weeks now and it was nice to stretch her legs, even if it felt unnatural to have no buoyancy.

A few minutes passed as she slowly read the scroll of entry and made her way through the docks as nimble and graceful as though she didn't just climb out of the sea. She tried to keep her hood up over her head, not wanting to alarm anyone too much, although it was clear whatever was under the hood was no Akalak or human; even with her dark skin, it was not as dark as theirs. Although with all the other race travellers, she was certainly not going to be the most unusual visitor to the city. Although, hardly dressed for the winter chill, but she didn't really notice- the ocean was a cold place and dripping wet in winter did little to upset her.

'Lumi noticed the scroll didn't outline where the libraries or important schools were, but she figured she should get a feel for the place before she tried to find them herself. Besides, the Akalak seemed friendly enough. Certainly, they were all armed and she was reading something about trial by combat for crimes, and that was pretty barbaric as far as she was concerned, but they had vast knowledge as well, and... she resigned to try and not judge them too harshly. And, as her stomach growled, to find some lunch.

[M'Wanii]

49th of Summer, 514A.V. It was about noon when the city first came into view, a pale dot on the distant horizon. Said dot soon became a naturally sloping bay formed over hundreds of years as water plummeted from over the cliffs. Drawing ever nearer, the outlines of buildings seemed to detach themselves from the stone face of the cliff. The closer they got the more that could be identified, details carvings littered every available surface with architecturally distinctive domes and arches towering up into the sky. It was beautiful, M'wanii couldn't stop herself staring as she lounged over the side rail of the ship. Sailors scuttled about the boat, disappearing below deck and tugging at pieces of rigging, their actions growing more and more frantic with each wave crested. They were far too excited, restless from their long voyage and ready to make port in the stunning city of stone and water that was laid out before them. The Charoda couldn't blame them, many days stuck with the boat had been driving her near crazy even with the freedom of swimming along side in the water. The sun blasted down on the crew as they glided pasted the edge of the land, the faint flickerings of people moving between the building becoming more distinct. The harbour was huge much bigger than the ones in Syliras or Kenash, it warmed the heart of the sea born traveller. Here was a city that embraced the water openly whilst still clinging to the land. No pretending, no ignorance, just accepting the fact that while the sea would never truly be theirs, they could honour it in a way. This was going to be a good city, M'Wanii could feel it in her fins. Keeping an ear out, the amphibian strained to catch the joyful exchanges of Fratava from the fishing boat they pasted. Something about 'sailing' and 'weather' with the rowdy tone suggesting a positive comment on both, who knew. She had learn pretty early on from her father that the blue eyed land dwellers known as Svefra could say many morbid things joyfully. Something that had always baffled her. The dock came to run along side as the braver of the crew leapt on the wood, ropes attached to the vessel held in their hands as they carefully drew the ship closer. Quickly tying the lines in intricate knots around the posts lining the walkway, a gangway was set up and the cargo began to move from the ship to the land. Meandering down on to dry land for the first time in nearly a moon, the Charoda had barely walked a few paces when a flash of green skin caught her eye. Knowing only one species to have such a skin tone, her neck snapped to follow the body only to find a very odd looking land dweller. The man was bare chested in tight leather trousers skin coloured greener than kelp and was looking pretty handsome for an air breather. M hadn't realised she had been gawking at the man's arse as her chatted away to the dock hands till the captain of the vessel she had just got off snuck up beside her. “Admiring the scenery, are we?” Grey skin flamed a coralish pink as she spun around in shock, three sets of teeth a gape at the Lia's nerve. Who said things like that to someone they barely knew!? True she had been staring but- but- Apparently her mental short circuit was visible enough to evoke a wicked cackle from the captain, turning a few heads. Slapping her roughly on the shoulder, the woman shot her a toothy smile and a knowing wink. “Can't really blame ya. T'is a beautiful city in more ways than one. T'as been a pleasure to have ya wi' us. Have yeself a ball here, won't ya. Oh and see that gent yonder, he will have some useful info for ya.” Following the woman's motion to a tall vibrantly blue male stood by the harbour's exit, the Charoda bid her goodbyes to the Lia and swiftly paced over to the also good looking male. Dang it, was the whole city going to filled with these men? If so M would no doubt become the first pink coloured Charodae in history. Noticing the female's approach, the man shot her a gentle smile that made her go weak at the knees before handing her over one of the many scrolls he held. ”Hello there, can I help you with anything? Here is a scroll of welcome from the city. It contains a list of our laws, a map of the city, and some advertisements from local businesses that sponsor these scrolls to be made. You can feel free to come in if you agree to our laws and turn this scroll back in when you leave so we can reuse it. “ Quickly opening and scanning over the scroll's contents, Charoda could feel the man's gaze resting on her skin. Yes, she was going to be coral coloured if this kept up. Done reading she returned her attention back to him, pleased with what she had read. It seemed like the citizens of this city lived by a fair system and she could see no faults with it. “I be agreed to your rules. Could please point me to suitable accommodation?” “That's good. For someone of your race I would suggest maybe trying the Blue Gem. It's located just across the bay from here so you could either swim over to it or travel up and round the cliff face. Either is up one is up to you.” Squinting through the mist from the falls, M could just make out the other side of the city. She gave the man a curt nod before taking off running back down the walk way, plunging into the water beyond. Stretching the webbing between her toes wide, the amphibian set out on her casual swim across the city taking full advantage of the fun under water currents generated in the Bay.

[Kyo]

1st of Fall, 514 AV (morning)

The coyote had been running for some time to get here. Now that he was, and he could get near and look at this beautiful human-place without his dogs bothering him, he felt like he was a part of the sky. And he just had to go in.

But as soon as the coyote came to the door-place, he was shooed forcefully away. When he persisted on getting inside he got a thump behind the ear by one of the blue-men, and so he reluctantly left with his tail tucked behind.
...
Kyo again stepped towards the door-place. The blue-men did not look friendly, and he shook his head as they spoke strange sounds that he did not understand. One of them stopped and spoke again, and this time his throat-sounds were understandable, if thick like his tongue had been stung by a bee.

"Hold on. What do you think you're doing?"

"Friend," Kyo said, holding up both of his now-human hands and edging slowly closer to the door-place. He had been practicing the human-sound. He was certain he had made it right, good.

"You're not getting past these gates without clothing, boy. This is a civilized city. Return with proper wear and you may enter. Now go."
...
This time Kyo approached what he now knew were called the gates with scratchy-itchy cloth hung over his head and a few lonely items clutched in sweating fingers. These were things he had found once on a dead man in the huge, wide grasslands; the man had had a holding-thing, and in the thing had been stuff which even Kyo recognized as clothing --shirts and shorts-- and glittering-gold pieces. He had run to his hiding spot to get them, had pulled on the long-shirt which just reached to his thin human knees, and had run back, human-form.

The blue-guards were not smiling, but they did not stop him as he came up again with the things held all-tight in his human hands. One of them muttered sounds that Kyo did not recognize, but then spoke again, more loudly:

"Welcome, traveler. Here is a scroll of welcome from the city. It contains a list of our laws, a map of the city, and some advertisements from local businesses that sponsor these scrolls to be made. You can feel free to come in if you agree to our laws and turn this scroll back in when you leave so we can reuse it."

Kyo was surprised when the speaking blue-man reached forward and tucked one more thing into his arms, the strange rolled thin-thing that he had been holding as he spoke --called the scroll of welcome?-- which was something with human sound-squiggles and pictures on it. Kyo looked down at the writings blankly, and stood without moving.

One of the blue-gatesmen sighed and stepped forward, before taking back the thin-thing and unrolling it, pointing to some of the pictures. "Listen up, because I'm only going through this once, okay? Good. We're here. The Land Gates. If you want to stay in the city, you must have a place to live. Understand? We do not accept homelessness. And you will find work, and be useful. Or we'll throw you out to the Sea." Kyo looked over at the blue-man's face and nodded, not wanting to make him angry and get another thump. The man moved his finger and pointed again at the pictures. "Go there. It's called Atri's Place, got it? Atri's Place. It's right in there, just inside the city entrance." The blue-man turned and pointed, this time into the gates.

"Aht-ris Place," the young man repeated.

"Yes," the blue-man said. "Ask for a room and give them this bag of coins." The man touched one of the things in Kyo's laden grip. "Atri will give you a place to stay for a fair price and will not cheat you. But you must abide by the rules of the establishment, as well as those of the city. Understand?"

"Ah~ good," Kyo said, fumbling with the sounds, "Ah~ yes. Dunt woo-ry. Kyo good."

"Alright. Then hurry up and go in. You're holding up the line. Get going. Remember. Atri's Place."

[Aoren]

86th of Fall, 514 AV
Morning

Magnificent.

That was the first word that came to Aoren’s mind as he viewed the alabaster city of the Akalak. For practically an entire season Aoren had sailed with the crew of the Suvan’s Grace from Zeltiva to Riverfall and when he lay eyes upon the city he knew then it had all been worth it. At his side, Isikai stood quite eager to get back onto dry land off the deck of the ship. The poor dog had lost some weight during the journey. As had Aoren. Living on rations as well as constantly exposed to the harshness of the sea had trimmed away what weight they might have gained living the scholarly life in Zeltiva.

Aoren ran a hand through his hair. The long, shaggy tresses were a sun kissed, bleached a lighter shade than was normal for the typically sandy blonde Drykas. He stood shirtless upon the deck of the ship, his bare skin was tanned having spent the majority of the season exposed to Syna’s golden rays. On his face grew a thick beard, the product of so many days at sea without the ease of being able to shave. He scratched at it. The hair was coarse and wiry. Looking down at Isikai, the dog panting as he stared out at the shore before letting out an excited yip. He was happy to be getting back onto dry land on a more permanent basis. They had accompanied the crew to shore when they’d stopped to make port along the way or at trade outposts but for the most part they had been stuck aboard the ship.

It had certainly given Aoren a fine appreciation for life at sea but he was ready to rejoin civilization. As the ship began to come into the port Aoren made his way below deck. He managed to sway and move with the rocking motions of the ship as it sailed through the waters. It had taken him many days to finally get his sea legs. The endeavor had been a rather amusing development for the crewmembers of the Suvan’s Grace. When he finally had gotten his sea legs the crew had put him to work. A fact that Aoren had been grateful for. He would have gone stark raving mad had be done nothing productive the entire journey.

Gathering his belongings Aoren pulled on his worn leather vest then swung his packs over his shoulders grunting slightly as he shifted under the weight. Everything he owned, he carried with him. Reaching out he grasped a hold of his quarterstaff getting his balance as the ship swayed with the tides. Slowly he made his way back to the deck of the ship just as they were making port. He very nearly stumbled as he got back to the deck. Isikai padded beside him, his fur a little lacking in its normal luster. Like Aoren he was shaggy in appearance. The both of them needed a good bathing, a haircut, Aoren was in need of a shave and most definitely a good meal.

He wasted no time in making his way down to the docks once the ship was properly anchored to the pier. Practically the moment his feet touched the wooden planks he was face to chest with a tall, broad shouldered, dark skinned Akalak who stared at him intensely. Aoren blinked up at the man.

“Hello.” The man nodded offering Aoren half-smile.

“Hello. Can I help you with anything?” The Drykas man nodded clearing his throat. He was travel weary. He needed to find a place to relax if only for a day before getting himself situated in the city.

“Yes, Sir. I am looking for a place to stay for a few nights. I have coin. I have no intention of bringing any trouble with me. You have my word on that.” The Akalak gave another nod producing a scroll which he extended to Aoren.

“Very well. Here is a scroll of welcome from the city. It contains a list of our laws, a map of the city, and some advertisements from local businesses that sponsor these scrolls to be made. You can feel free to come in if you agree to our laws and turn this scroll back in when you leave so we can reuse it.” Aoren accepted the scroll. He unfurled it perusing its contents for a moment. When he looked up to ask a question the Akalak was gone. It wasn’t long before Aoren spotted him tending to another traveler on the docks. The Drykas man shrugged his shoulders looking down to Isikai. The dog seemed just happy to be back on solid, well, almost solid ground. Aoren scanned the scroll until his eyes fell upon the name of an establishment that made him smirk.

“Alements, huh? Well, we’re ailing aren’t we boy? Tired. Ready for a good meal. Maybe we can find one there, eh? Come on.” Rolling up the scroll Aoren set out for the tavern listed. No doubt it would take some time but for the moment? Aoren was just happy to be off the blasted ship.

[Sheaya]

Fall 8th 514 Late Afternoon Sheaya approached the gate of Riverfall with weary steps, her arm slack as she lead the horse she was using to carry the burden of her few possessions she had left after such a long and dangerous journey. As they neared she pulled down her shawl to better look up towards the sky to see how tall they ran, finding herself amazed at the majesty of the construction. In her mind it was one of the most impressive looking walls she had seen as the stone was not buffeted by sand storms as every building back in her home lands appeared. A sense of relief was washing over her as the gate came closer with every step knowing that she was safe at last. She had spent every day and night since the night of her husband's death wondering if she would live to see the next sunrise. The fear had only grown since the moment they had crossed into the grasslands where she felt she understood nothing and had been unable to trust anything she saw. She was done with this region, she only wished to make it home and if she could find guidance here to get back there she would stay here however long needed to achieve it. She stopped when she neared the gates and the guard halted her. Unsure what he wanted she secured her headpiece once more by wrapping the slack around her neck in a loose scarf fashion and waited for her instruction, praying it wasn't a refusal to enter. If it wasn't for her exhaustion and uncertainty of entrance to the city she might have marveled at the physique of the guards as this was her first time seeing an Akalak in person. "Good afternoon Sir, I seek shelter in your city ." She quickly made let known, hoping her clear intentions would displace any unease the sight of her might cause. She was not knowledgeable about the customs of this land or city or what was considered acceptable or common. To some of her surprise she was greeted by the towering man and offered a scroll which she took into her free hand and opened to read. It was written in common tongue, the first part listing the rules of the city. Her reading and writing in the language was not as fluent as she could have hoped in this situation, but after a few moments she was able to make it through the list and found herself having no issues with abiding by what was written here. She nodded as she unrolled more to glance at the guard with a weary smile,"Thank you, I am fine with these rules. I will take good care of this scroll until I leave." She told him. The guard seemed pleased enough, allowing her to travel on through with the scroll in hand now. It felt good to feel some sense of peace again and to have some sense of direction of where she needed to go in this strange city she found herself in.