Location The Amaranthine Gate

[Narifa]

5th Summer 518 AV

Cold air and grey skies will forever remind her of the day she was finally out of Wind Reach's grasp. Fog frigid and heavy blanketed the world around her. It bit her cheeks and stung her fingers as she struggled to uncurl them from the magnificent beast upon which she had flown. The downward descent and subsequent landing of the Wind Eagle had been surreal, leaving doubts floating in her head about whether or not she was imagining the solid, foreign ground beneath her feet. The solid, foreign, cold ground. Her bare toes were not used to feeling such temperatures.

Narifa finally pulled her hand from the Wind Eagle's back, her head bouncing up and down to try and take in the city she had chosen. It was an impossible endeavor. The abysmal visibility brought with it nothing but a view of the ground about ten feet in front of her. A man pulled her attention away from the rocky path her eyes could just make out, his steps loud but sure, and next to him a large....goat. Or what looked like one. In the common tongue, he directed her to get on the quasi-goat to allow for travel up the path. Tired from her journey and its emotional upheaval, Narifa clumsily complied. A gust of wind accompanied by the sound of flapping wings brought her eyes to her last glimpse of a Wind Eagle. She drank in the sight for as long as she could before succumbing to her guide's practiced introductions.

Once the upward climb was well underway, the Inartan burrowed into her cloak, her only protection against the cold mist. She'd have to invest in some warmer garb when she entered the city. Wind Reach could get cold, but there was always some warmth to be found in the Craft Gallery fires, some leftover summer heat in the walls of the Inner Warrens. Lost in thought and the folds of her cloth, Narifa was woken from an accidental nap by a jolt from the animal beneath her. Her blue-grey eyes blinked in confusion for the shortest moment, then realization hit her. In a rush, the young traveler practically fell from her mount, ignoring the guide's goodbye for the sight rising straight ahead.

The Amaranthine Gate stood proud and beautiful, as if to spite the gloom surrounding it. Its design was a sight for her sore eyes, reminding her that this journey wouldn't be for naught. It couldn't be. Across the distance between her and her first stop, a voice called out,

"Hail, what brings you to Lhavit?"

Narifa's voice caught in her throat, blocked by all of the fears and uncertainties that coloured her dreams on the trip over. What if they turned her away? What if this was just a waste of time? Apparently she had stayed silent for too long, as the guard called once more,

"Traveler, what brings you to Lhavit?"

Before anxiety could claim her, Narifa blurted out,

"Knowledge! I seek...knowledge. Any knowledge you have to give to someone who has only ever known the world in words."

The ensuing pause almost brought the girl to an untimely end. But then, as if in slow motion, Narifa watched the guard wave, and the gate begin to open. There it was - Lhavit, the crystalline city. The traveler shivered. It remained to be seen if it was from anticipation, or from the smog steadily engulfing the life she'd left behind.

[Zeva]

1 Summer 518AV

sometime around the ninth bell

"Off you go."

The words, spoken in Fratava by the Brightshoal Lia, hung in the air long after the Svefra and their ships had left, the Kelvic's attention transfixed on the jagged mountains before her. Generally, difficult terrain would not be an issue to Zeva - she'd just change to her Avikki form and fly over it - but she had her pack and her things to consider. Glancing back at that pack now, she seized it possessively and set her jaw as she slung it over her shoulders before wrapping a hand tightly around the grapple pole she had only freshly liberated. She then wound her fine woolen cloak about her shoulders and began to trudge in the direction the Lia's gnarled finger had pointed towards.

It did not take long for her keen eyes to catch the glint of something shiny standing out against the monotony of the browns and slates of the mountainside and greens of the foliage that dotted the path she traversed. Although foggy, she was able to pick everything out with relative ease, her eyes made for conditions like this. Her pace picked up as she honed in on this peculiar sight that glittered in the hazy morning sun, boots eagerly chewing up the uneven mountain path that separated her from her prize. She watched at the dazzling thing took shape, a structure slowly sprouting out from beneath the glare it gave off, walls glinting and becoming even more dazzling than before. She felt a passing sense of disappointment that it wasn't a prize she could pluck up but her interest remained ever iron hot as she began her approach.

It had to be important. That's all she could conclude - for why else would it exist, glittering like a bauble amongst stone and timber? She passed freckled fingertips over the strange material, studying it quizzically. She had never seen anything like it. However, she was snapped out of her reverie by and equally odd bleat that caused her to jerk her hand away and snap upright, head whipping around to try and spot the source of the sound. There, not even five feet away, was an equally bizarre creature with horns that nearly mirrored the structure, it's brown eyes fixed on her, stout body alert. Her blue eyes narrowed as lips pursed together before she immediately assumed a defensive posture. It was a sizeable thing... and it's horns looked as if it could do considerable damage if it felt inclined to use them. The Kelvic dismissed this and started towards the beast, taking big strides as she spread her arms, swinging the pole she held in a bid to see the thing off.

"Please don't upset the Okomo."

Zeva immediately paused her antics - not that the animal seemed remotely bothered - and whirled around to face the one who spoke. "Oko-?" It was a new word.

Her words were cut off by the man who had spoken, his hand waving, "Come, you must be looking for the gates."

Zeva's brows furrowed, uncertain if she was comfortable with this man divining her thoughts, but did as he beckoned, and the pair began the tricky and gruelling ascent.. that surprisingly nimble beast following closely behind.

The trio eventually made it to the gates the man had previously mentioned and they were far more spectacular than she could have imagined. She had only seen the city from the waters below and had only managed to get a glimpse its grandeur. Here, at the mouth of the city, she was able to get a true sense of what lied beyond and it stirred the eagerness she had felt before.

"Halt, what brings you to Lhavit?"

Zeva had been too preoccupied with the ornate craftsmanship of the gate before her to have noticed the men stationed at it. They seemed so bland in comparison - blending in with the background. However, she stood straighter as she thought, glittering things like that building or that Okomo's horns.

"It's beauty."

This seemed to suffice, for the gates moved and allowed her passage.

She breezed through happily, ready to begin her new life.

[Lucas Skyglow]

The 5th day of Summer, 518 AV.

Lhavit. A city of magic, a city of beauty, and a city that Lucas had only ever read about in books. Lucas had spent the entire time that he was on the boat studying the extensive history of Lhavit, and now the only thing separating him from the city was the small stretch of water between the boat and the port. He was, however, not exited like the other passengers, and was actually extremely worried about what he would do next. He had come to the city for only one reason, to meet his Uncle and to beg him to let him stay, but on his trip to the city he had begun to hear strange rumors.

"The Goddess of Winter, Morwen, has shirked her duty... There is a bounty for the heads of all her followers."

Quickly asking around the boat, Lucas had come to understand that this was common knowledge. He realized that the only reason why his head was not already at the end of a spear, was because of his non Vantha, mixed-blood looks. Being a hermit had never been as bothersome to him now as it had ever been before. Had he known about this before, he would not have even thought of leaving the safety of Avanthal. But it was far too late, he had already sold his old home, and it would be impossible to return to Avanthal without looking suspicious. This was not the end of Lucas' worries though, as he not only did not know exactly were in Lhavit his Uncle was, he did not know if his Uncle planned to let him stay.

"Git ready for th'boat to shake a bit, we're docking!" The captain yelled, interrupting Lucas' thoughts. Every passenger was 'greeted' by the guards as they exited the ship, no doubt a check to see if any Vantha had stowed away. Lucas' turn in the line steadily approached, while he was thinking of a reasonable fake last name.

"What is your name, and what brings you to Lhavit, Sir?" The guard asked courteously as Lucas approached.

"My name... My name is Lucas Anderson. I am hear to see my Uncle, a wizard named Anton." He had decided to go with his mothers maiden name. Every last name that he had come up with, he decided, was stupid.

"Please enjoy your stay, I assume that your a magic user?" Responded the guard as he let him pass.

"I, I think that I am quite good at magic..." Lucas mumbled while he walked past. Looking up, he finally gazed upon the magnificence of the city that he had only read about in books. Lucas started talking to himself as he wandered the crowds of the city "So this is Lhavit... The crystals have something to do with the star goddess, right? I hope that I can find my Uncle, before someone figures out where I'm from..."

Throughout the day, he drifted aimlessly admiring the towering mountains and the beauty of the city, all while trying to avoid as many people as possible. He did notice that strange, drifting fog randomly covered areas, but didn't mind it too much as no one else seemed to care.

[Velindor Calendula]

3 Summer 518 Velindor shivered in the brisk mountain air. Despite the arrival of summer, the temperatures near the grand city of Lhavit were unseasonably cold, and the Symenestra was decidedly less than enthused. He had endured suspicion and isolation on the voyage from Alvadas. Having made an arrangement with a svefra captain to bring him on as an assistant to the ship’s doctor, Velindor had spentthe winter headed south past the point of Falyndar’s thick and for doing jungles, and the spring sailing in the opposite direction, skirting the great mountains of Kalea, including the range that he knew sheltered his beloved home of Kalinor. Now, at long last, the peaks of Lhavit were in view. But as the ship docked and Velindor gazed up towards the city on the peaks, he knew his journey was not over yet. Gathering his few meager possessions, Velindor made to disembark the majestic casinor. “Many thanks for safe passage, captain!” Velindor spoke in silk tones as he half-waved, half-saluted the taciturn captain, receiving only a brusque nod of acknowledgement in return. The Symenestra paid the gesture no mind; long months of travel had inured him to the barely-restrained hostility masked as simple indifference of the crew members, and Velindor was glad to put them behind him. He didn’t expect a much better reception in Lhavit, but at the very least he would have a different audience. Velindor made his way along the path from the harbor towards a small, glittering shack at the base of the central peak. An old human stood nearby feeding a strange, goat-like creature. As the Symenestra approached, the animal perked up, prompting the man to turn towards the newcomer. “Hail, traveler. Do you seek passage up to the Amaranthine Gate?” Feeling slightly on edge at the man’s apparent affability in the face of a male Symenestra, Velindor shrugged and nodded his affirmative. With a similar shrug, the man retreated to his shack before returning with a saddle and riding tack, and proceeded to attach it to the strange animal. “Okomo’s the only way up the path, go ahead and get on.” Velindor approached cautiously, he and animals rarely mixed well. Even still, the old guide’s presence seemed to keep the okomo calm while he and Velindor mounted the animal. The ride up the mountain was long but mostly silent, for which Velindor was grateful. Instead, he took in the sights of the countryside below the majestic peaks. Alvadas had had its own form of ever-shifting beauty, but even that paled in comparison to the misty landscape around him. Upon reaching the end of the path, the guide allowed Velindor to dismount before turning to depart without a word. Before the Symenestra stood a massive, elaborate gate that hinted at the many wonders beyond. As he approached, the two guards stiffened, exchanging a look between them that Velindor recognized no matter where he went. Symenestra, particularly full-blooded males, were rarely welcome in most cities. “Hail, traveler,” spoke the guard on the right. “What brings you to Lhavit?” Velindor swallowed. “I am an...herbalist. I have traveled a long way from Alvadas to study under the great stages of your grand city!” He was only half-lying; he doubted mentioning his indebtedness would do much to convince the guards to grant him entry. The guards exchanged another look before conferring quietly. After an uncomfortably long wait, the same guard spoke again. “You may enter, but we have arranged an escort directly to the Catholicon. There will be no trickery, and you are forbidden from wandering the city without explicit permission from Miss Alessia.” Velindor paused. He had never heard of this “Alessia,” but if her approval was required, he determined that he would obtain it. Feigning a gracious bow, Velindor gave each guard a polite smile. “Of course, you are wise to be cautious. I will follow at your pleasure.” Apparently satisfied, the guards tapped twice on the gate, which began to swing open, revealing the magnificent city beyond. As well as another pair of guards. Velindor sighed but willingly resigned himself to their escort as he embarked on this next chapter of his life. What wonders does this city have in store for me, I wonder?

[Tamas]

15 Summer 518 The wind made the waves crashed to the shore and erupt in mist as the ship arrived at the dock. Sails were run down and tied off and lines were thrown to those on the dock to tie off. Tamas was still green from being sea sick as the gangway was lowered. Tamas made it to the shore before "feeding the fish" again between the ship and the dock. She just wanted to lay down for a while. As she approaches the guards, she pauses as her stomach was still rolling. "Name?" one of the guards asks her. "Yes, I have one, thank you," she responded looking in her pack for something. "What is it then?" he asks again. "Oh, Tamis," she replied politely then continued, "I think I lost my handkerchief." "What is your profession?" the guard asked. "Paper maker and book binder," she smiled as she responded, "I am hoping to train more in my art." She had been told by her father, to keep her magic to herself. She shifted her quarterstaff into the crook of her arm. They informed her of how to find work and pointed her to the stairs. She started the long climb, long because she still had sea legs.

[Zach Grasswind]

50, SUMMER, 518 A.V.

Zach took a moment to stretch out his limbs before squinting ahead up the path before him. A thin mist hung in the air, sending a chill down the back of his neck. With a grumble, he flicked his collar up and pulled his coat tighter before shrugging his bow and backpack on. "...I thought it was supposed to be summer."

Slowly he made his way over to the most curious building he had ever seen. Even in the clinging mist, the glittering structure stood out among the otherwise plain foliage surrounding it. Wandering around outside the structure was an equally curious animal. With a stocky body and large horns it was definitely some sort of livestock animal. It fixed bright brown eyes on the Drykas as he approached. The horns seemed to be made of the same material as the building, for they sparkled in the weak sunlight that was managing to break through the mist.

"Never seen an Okomo before eh?" Zach turned towards the voice to see a wizened old man approaching and shook his head. "Uh... no." The old man smiled beneath his beard. "Well then you must be new here. You'll get used to the sight soon. You heading up?"
Zach frowned. "Up?" The man chuckled. "Up to the city boy." He gestured to the towering peaks above them. "You didn't think it was just round the corner there did you? Come on, I'll take ya."

Without so much as a backward glance, the man turned and started towards a winding path that disappeared up and round the base of the mountain. Diligently, the stout little Okomo trotted behind him, much to Zach's amusement. He peered up at the vastness of the peak before trudging after the man, who was moving at a surprisingly fast pace.

Eventually, the mismatched trio made it to the top to be faced with a daunting stretch of beautiful, shining bridge. The mist had thickened significantly on the way up, and Zach supposed that not being able to see all the way down to the ground might be a good thing. Having grown up on the lands of Cyphrus, he'd never really had to face heights before. Squinting through the mist to the other side, he could see more of the glittering structures reaching up beyond an equally impressive gate.

Swallowing his nerves, Zach carefully stepped onto the bridge. One foot first, then the next, and so on until he was sure the whole thing wouldn't collapse beneath him. The man was still by his side and the funny Okomo was still following, its hooves tip-tapping away behind them.

"Hail, what brings you to Lhavit?"

Guards were stood before the gate and the Drykas paused before answering. "I'm looking for a fresh start. I need to make a new life for myself." The young man's sorrow had most definitely followed him, but hopefully here he could dampen it down until it was bearable to live with. The guards didn't ask him any more questions, and the grand gates before him opened to allow Zach passage into the shining city beyond.

[Martini Elwood]

7th of Autumn, 518

Martini paused as she was left in the forestry. She had expected to find a large gate with guards - much like she had in Riverfall. Nothing but open air and heavy greenery surrounded her as she realized she was pretty much alone. At the sound of movement behind the brush she was quick to grip her dagger - her only form of defense.

But just as quick as she had drawn it had she put it away. In front of her a man and beast - something she’d never encountered before. But for the man riding the beast seemed harmless in his aged state - he smiled down on her as he gave the creature a soft pat.

“Sorry I’m late, Didn’t get too much notice this time.” Puzzled, the brunette tilted her head. What did he mean by notice? Was he supposed to be here? She silenced her thoughts as the older man spoke again - this time she understood.

“Looking for the city, yes? Let’s get you there then!”


Upon finally arriving Martini’s expectations were met. There surrounded by shrubs and greenery was a large gate. The guards smiled pleasantly at her - but otherwise didn’t move. Once she dismounted the creature she said a quick thanks to the older gentleman who had escorted her.

“Hail, what brings you to Lhavit?"

“I wish to start fresh here, maybe even make a permanent home.” She was nervous - the shake in her voice had been obvious after all. But more so she wanted to be in the safety of the city where random beasts couldn’t attack her. Just then the gates parted and she was allowed entry. Her first step into the city brought excitement - but anxiety as well.

[Madeira Dusk]

53rd of Fall, 518

The path was steep and the climb treacherous. Madeira clung to the shoulders of the great goat-like creature as its sure, steady hooves found purchase on the crumbling path. Hachia Koat, their guide, twisted in the saddle of his own Okomo to check on her, pity shining out of his deeply hooded eyes.

“Alright there, lass? Not too far now. Keep steady.”

The Spiritist grit her teeth and wiped a stray hair from her dew-slick forehead. She had thought that stepping off the ship would have been the end of their adventures. The goodbyes were short and curt, punctuated with relived sighs. There were no shed tears, no well wishes, just a few handshakes and a mighty sack of gold for the captain that had taken her and her people halfway around the world. Madeira was glad to see the back of the Bellipotent, and the Bellipotent was glad to see the back of her.

But having been disgorged on the docks of Port Tranquil with Allister, Jomi, Emma, their luggage and various animals, Madeira’s eyes had swept back, then back farther, as she realized the distant glint in the mountain was the city they were trying to find. Now they were scaling the side of a mountain under the power of these strange creatures with glassy horns, swept by the wind and dizzy under the thinning air. Madeira kept her eyes firmly on the path ahead, one hand tight in the coarse fur of the creature and the other wrapped almost protectively around her swollen belly. A learned sense was reaching behind her for the two spirits, and another intrinsic sense was reaching into the Kelvic’s mind to assure herself they were still near.

Her, Allister and Jomi; the people who had stepped onto that ship were not the same that stepped off. Madeira had grieved for the city and the love she had lost, and had come out the other side with acid eyes and bitter teeth. And in that raw, aching wound where this love used to be she had found Allister anew, and their bond was ripped open and reconstructed into something stronger and more resilient. Allister himself had lost his sick, brittle body. Nearly two seasons working at sea had carved him into something tall, tough and lurking. His savageness had been sharpened on the whetstone of her neglect, and he had surfaced with a taste for blood. Jomi’s hostility was ever present, but his actions bellied a deeper conflict as he followed his new master to the other side of the world rather than return to the hunt for his beloved bondmate.

In time, as Syna was stroking the mountains in the last of her golden light, a great gate appeared. Tall enough to puncture Leth’s domain and carved in a way that Madeira was sure was meant to inspire awe in immigrants like herself. But even knowing this she couldn’t help the slack in her jaw and the tightness in her stuttering chest as she marvelled at its beauty. Two guards stood on either side of the gate, holding tall spears and endless patience as the pregnant woman was helped off her mount.

"Hail, what brings you to Lhavit?”

So close to their goal, with the end in sight, Madeira felt the weight of their adventure settle over her tired shoulders. Everything they had been though; the murder and an angry flock of Otani, black spires and a lost magic, all of it stopped in the tracks of these little men with spears who asked them why.

“Obligation”, she all but snarled, her red rimmed eyes passing from one smiling guard to the other. “I have been sent by my family at the behest of your Dusk tower. Let us pass.”

x

[Var Kiris]

1st of fall, 518 av

The black, tangled strands of Var's hair lashed at his face uncomfortably as he stood before the gate guards, cloak wrapped tight around his shoulders against the frigid wind and over Eyes High, the young Pycon he had met on the journey to Lhavit, was nestled into the fur trim of his cloak, comfortable as anything. The ship they'd taken into Port Tranquil had arrived at dusk, and it was deep into the evening by the time they had reached the summit of Zintia, only for him to discover that there was still a guide awake and ready to escort them by the name of Hachia Koat.

Lhavit kept an odd schedule, by the looks of the city ahead, which was lit from bridge to towers in iridescent, tranquil colours. This suited the night-loving Kiris well, but Var was tired and cold. A light rain had picked up the time he'd reached the intricate gates, and a pair of welcoming, if not slightly imposing, Shinya guards greeted Var with a hail.

"What brings you to Lhavit, Akalak?"

The travellers who had entered before him heard no mention of their race, which gave Var to understand that he was somewhat of a novelty. 'They haven't even seen the Pycon, yet,' commented Kiris. Var was not in the mood to make much of a fanfare of anything, as Kiris would have it, and simply said, "I am seeking a home and employment." He was an Akalak of few words, unless Kiris held the reins. Var left it for Eyes to introduce himself/herself (he'd yet to discern if Pycons even had a gender) and swept aside his cloak to allow her dog to trot from beneath the Okomo Hachia rode, where it was sheltering from the rain, to his side.

word count: 297

[Dev'Ania]

Season of Fall, Day 73, 518 AV Stepping off the ship at Port Tranquil, Dev’Ania could feel the cool autumnal air on her cheeks, causing them to blush a light pink. In the distance upon the great mountains, she could see the night lights of Lhavit shining. Prior to arriving, the young woman had read about the cities culture. She was amazed by their creative nature. What astonished her most, though, was their predetermined resting schedule. She found it quite odd but fascinating at the same time. Ahead of Dev’Ania were a set of steps leading to the Amaranthine Gate. Located next to the path sat a small shack. She began making her way toward the shack when an old man stepped out. “Hello, I am Hachia. I take it you need a guide?” the old man asked. Dev’Ania looked at the old man and gave a warm smile, revealing the front of her white teeth. Accompanying the man was an Okoma. “Yes please, that would be wonderful.” With that, they mounted the Okoma and climbed up the steep slope. As they ascended the mountain, the air got cooler. The wind whipped Dev’Ania’s hair around her face, so to avoid having to constantly moving out her face, she put the hood of her cloak over her head. It also added warmth to her small ears that were a bright pink from the cold. Arriving at the entrance to the city, the young woman looked up at the ornate gates. To the sides of the gate were two guards. "Hail, what brings you to Lhavit?" one would ask. “I am here to settle.” she removed her hood as she answered the guard to reveal her face. The two guards looked to each, nodded, and opened the gate. Before proceeding though, she thanked the kind old man and the guards. Here is where her future began.