Location [Riverfall] The Land and Sea Gates

[Sharps Lashscore]

The ship slowed its already painstakingly slow pace (thanks to the fury of lavikua and an irresponsible captain regrettably stingy on the matter of sacrifice) upon approaching Riverfall; ship bough tickling at the docks in an almost learned behavior of weather acclimation; hollow-eyed crewmen gaze forwards at the slithering, threatening towers like they were ready to consume the crew; digesting them slowly, slowly. Sharps clicked his neck upwards inspectively at the monstrous towers and the city wall privy to ward off any unwanted invastion.

He liked the supercharged current of the Bluevein River lapping down the cliffs harmoniously.

Sharps trudged heavily forwards (like a ghostly devil at midnight) into the circumference of steadily-moving fishing boats, the laughing mists setting a dark enchanment in mind and the Suvan Sea dominating the air; forcing the bullying wind to unpredictability. The fog was so dense he hadn't been able to see any of the sights for what felt like forever; heightened his anticipation to a level of reckoning. He could feel his guts turn over from lack of sustenance too.

He gazed stonily at the Akalak all immersed in their special objectives; lending perpetual looks of vigilance around.

A horn must always being going off in their head...

The blue skins went about record-keeping with the fastidious discipline of a woman's finely braided hair...

The tall, muscular, blue-skinned man inquired, ”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."

Sharps worked his mouth slowly, blue eyes leveling on the Akalak before him, and said gravelly. "I agree."

A new beginning is a-lurking, you squanderer, best consider this a bright excursion. You have to be optimistic.

[Lynca]

Autumn 4, 515 AV

Lynca believed she had seen many things, when she was young. Her family moved often about Ekytol, trading wares and mingling with the other families, and weary travelers would frequently settle with them for no more than a day or two. The sands changed from city to city, certainly, and that was what made it a thrill, made it an adventure. Stories told by her family and by strangers were even more exciting, opening her eyes to the idea of cities bigger than those the sons of Malech traveled to. Despite knowing there was a world outside of her family tent, she'd thought she'd already seen a good portion of it.

The grasslands waving like the sea before her made her fast change her opinion on that. She was still traveling, still meeting strangers and hearing stories, but the lack of hot sands - and the lack of her family - put everything in a different light. She felt as out of her depth as her steed did, who hiked his feet higher than it probably needed to as he waded through the tall grass. Many a night it would take Charles' gentle coaxing to get Lynca to let go of the reins and step down from the saddle. The other men laughed and jeered at the sight of a slender, young man carrying a small, younger woman over to the night's fire, but they definitely stopped their jeering once Lynca started her tales. Stories of ancient heroics, long-forgotten cities, and tragic romances passed her lips, overtaking the caravan as if she'd put them in a trance. She's horrid at hypnotism, so it's gratifying to know she doesn't need it to keep an audience and draw their attention away from her anxiety about the new terrain.

Her anxiety passed, as had the horse's awkward gait, with time. The summer heat seemed less harsh, felt softer, without the help of the sand. Charles' sweaty brow seemed to tell a different story, along with his reassurances. "The summer's almost passed," he'd say. "We're drawing closer to its end and autumn's beginning." He'd always furrow that sweaty brow, and he'd always murmur, "We need to get you something warm. A coat or cloak, perhaps. And something other than your sandals."

"We'll need to buy many things," she countered once. "Plates and bowls, forks and spoons and knives, definitely more rugs than this," she'd slap the rolled up cloth tied up behind her, "ridiculous thing."

A sigh passed his lips before saying, "It's definitely ridiculous. Lynca, we will be traveling on our own, if you wish to not stay longer in Riverfall. We may be with caravans, but we cannot afford to waste money on things we do not need."

"Please, we'll need plates and bowls..."

"And who shall carry them? That horse was not meant for such loads. Wagons will only slow us down, not to mention we'd lose more money for extra horses." Charles shook his head. "We only buy what we absolutely need. Food. Extra clothes, perhaps, but we cannot be frivolous with our purchases."

"I can always barter."

"Your bartering methods will not influence these people, it would only upset them. They'd think you were calling their things low quality. And don't try..." Charles hesitated, looking about at those who were no doubt eavesdropping. "Don't go cheating."

'Don't use hypnotism,' is what he really meant. Whenever he used any variation of the word "cheat" in context with Lynca, she knew he referred to the magic she wish she was better at. The first time he'd said it that way, she'd been offended that he would disapprove of her tactics. He told her he would never judge her and yet he was doing it so blatantly. She'd cursed him in Shiber the whole night until she felt something within her heart, something that begged she let him speak. Once she bothered to listen, he opened her eyes to how others would disapprove of the magic, and how he wished to keep her safe. It would do them no good if the caravan leader forced them to travel by themselves because of his distaste for it. Considering how her family reacted to her request to learn it, she wasn't surprised that others would feel the same. She accepted it, no matter how much she'd enjoy to toy with everyone who she traveled with in retaliation.

Days passed in much the same way - stare across the flat sea of grass, converse with Charles, tell stories to the simpletons - until the city came into view. Soon Lynca's interest dominated the conversation. What was the city like? What sort of people lived there? What would there be to see and visit and "cheat"? Charles told her what he could, though he admitted it was not much.

"I may have been born here," he said, "but Mother didn't want me to have the life she had to endure. So we left." He told her the stories his mother left with him, both sunny and nightmarish tales. The bit about the crime and punishment she had sorely hoped was just a story made up to keep Charles an obedient child.

Either way, the stories and the occasional input from the surrounding strangers made Lynca excited to see the city, to explore its depths and discover its secrets. She was practically shaking in the saddle once they approached the gates where two guards stood. The men were tall, broad, and very blue. What a peculiar color for the gods to choose, she wondered idly, as the guards gave their speech about some scroll or other. Charles took one and read it over, appearing perfectly calm. Something told her that he was far from it.

"Chelsa?" she placed a hand on his head, stroking his dark hair in the hopes he'd feel some reassurance. Charles sighed, and what a weary sigh it was. He sounded as if he'd not slept a single second these past few weeks. It made her frown, her concern growing.

"It's alright," he eventually said, looking up at her. "Just... we're lovers."

Lynca's heart raced just at the mention of their bond. Though Charles had said they'd discuss the details of their bond, it wasn't brought up as she thought. Often, Charles would skirt around it, as if he was somehow trying to protect her virtue in front of the strangers they traveled with. She thought it was him wishing to keep it special. She was proud that no blush came to her cheeks, and she smiled and said, "Well, yes, I thought that was-"

"Lynca," and her smile froze in place, as did the rest of her, at the undertone of warning, urgency. Something told her he was afraid. Afraid for himself, but also for her, for what would happen if... if what? His dark eyes seemed to pierce through her when he repeated slowly, "We are lovers. Yes?"

That was when she remembered his mother's tales. He didn't want them to know he was a Kelvic. But wasn't he a guest to this city? They couldn't just take him away from her, as she was definitely a guest. ...Could they. She took a deep breath, a breath she hoped would calm her heart and mind. And she nodded.

Charles' shoulders relaxed, and he shifted on his feet as he looked back down to the scroll in his hand and started reciting the words to her. "'Respect and deference to those with a higher social standing is expected.'"

"How will I know if they're of a higher social standing?" She asked with a cynical brow raised.

"I'm sure they'll let you know. 'Stealing is not allowed.'"

"Even if they're just secrets?"

"Lynca. Behave. 'The harassment of women and children is not allowed. Trespassing is not allowed. All Kuvan and above must be employed if they remain within Riverfall's boundaries for longer than a season.'"

"Kuvan?"

"Non-Akalak citizens. You'd have to be competent with a weapon, as they wish for you to be prepared to defend the city from any attackers. You'd also have to have a Kuvan marking tattooed on you. My mother had one."

"I'll pass, thanks."

Charles gave a small smile. "I suspected. 'Slavery is allowed though slaves must be maintained in a healthy manner and treated with the same regard as other living property. Slaves who are treated otherwise shall be... shall be relinquished to the Council and reassigned new owners.'"

Lynca wasn't sure what witty quip she could pass on in response to that. Charles didn't seem so forthcoming, either. Apparently, Kelvics and slaves were the same. The lowest in social standing in this city. It looked less beautiful when she thought of it that way.

Eventually, she said, "If they... you're my lover. I treat you as you should be treated. They can't take you away. They won't." She didn't know if there was some other law that stated what Kelvics to guests were seen as. But she knew that if anyone questioned her care for this man, if anyone attempted to remove their bond, to take him away... well. She wasn't skilled in combat, but she would kill them anyway.

What she said seemed to bring Charles out of his dark mood, as he looked back up to her and smiled, wider and brighter than before. It was like basking in the summer's first noon-day sun. "I know." He plucked her hand from his head and kissed it, soft and lingering. He sighed against her skin before he asked, "They'll wish to know whether you will accept these laws."

"They're stupid laws," she sighed in Shiber before returning to Common, "but of course, Chelsa."

Another kiss was planted on her hand before Charles turned to the guards, giving them the scroll and their promises to obey the law. A nod from the Akalak eased the weight in her heart that had grown from her bondmate's anxiety, and she held her head up as she confidently rode into the city, Charles walking by her side.

[Lilun]

Fall, 17, 515

Pink eyes looked up to the walls just across the water. Unfriendly, jagged like broken teeth. All she could smell was dead water life and the scent of the unwashed bodies near her. One man clearly eager to get into the city shoved passed making her growl but step aside so not to be knocked over. Looking behind herself Liluna searched for any small sign of the cart that took her brother, but he had truly left so he could seek out his own life and not see the end of hers.

Depression crashed around her head causing it and her eyes to bow, all too soon the flow of people forced her forward and into the ferry where there were pulled across. People were to close, they smelled strange their clothes were odd and some of their eyes made her want to run; yet unless she wanted to drop the sack and doll to change, there wasn’t much she could do as the small craft was pulled along. It hardly took any time before they all moved forward; Lilun reared back refusing to be shoved forward again as she saw the large dark blue men guarding the gate.

She looked back but already the little craft was loaded with people going the way she had just came. Lilun had been told to go here, to find the inn. Gritting her teeth she started walking. The people moved along, some chatting others quiet and a few so full of supplies a few people had to hurry and hand them items falling from their arms. She only clutched her bag and the cat, slowly stepping forward only to crane her neck to look up to the man who spoke to her and handed her a scroll to read.

She opened it, and froze. She knew her letters well enough but this; did all these people around her know what all of this was? Her eyes ran from line to line, words that meant nothing one after another. She clutched the doll hard only to jump when a hand fell to her shoulder. She looked up and turning her head around to see who it was, only to see a smiling woman who gestured to the scroll. “There now don’t fret; these are the rules here that’s all.” Her voice was soft and she had nice eyes. Calmly the woman pointed to each rule and read them, Lilun was soon relaxed. Those were easy rules to follow and with a soft sigh she smiled to the woman showing slightly sharper than normal teeth. “Thanks.” The woman just stroked her head once before moving on.

Turning to the man who handed her the scroll she smiled up at him. “I understand, I will give it back after I learn more.” Tucking it into her bag she started walking through the gates and on the other side she was greeted not with the dreary look of the walls she expected but a place that looked like whole different world. Plants were everywhere, people going every which way and even as she watched Lilun saw animals moving about. This wouldn’t be too bad. Now all she had to do was find the inn; and the man had said a map but she could no more understand that then the rules. Oh well, time to explore!

[Wikus]

33th - Fall - 515

The morning was soon to become brighter, as the sun slowly but steadily began rising on the East. The busyness had already began, even if the night wasn't at all gone - The farmers were already on the fields, preparing their tools in some cases if not already using them. The warriors and fighters were already breaking a sweat, running out of the city as if a plague had laid waste during the night, returning to the every day routine of fitness and exercise. Traders were swiftly approaching the gates, most of them talking boisterously between themselves, saluting the guards, waving around their hats for those whom were still mere silhouettes, far in the horizon.

But nobody saluted the newcomer - nor his donkey. Wikus and his animal advanced slowly forth, towards the gates, while captivated by the sudden lifethat was blooming all around them. In all honesty, he'd never have left the Orchards if it wasn't for the animal's constant complains, constant brays that resounded like an alarm once they were repeated long enough. The flowers, the fruits, and the smell of it all combined was... hypnotic. But still, there was curiosity by both traveling companions as to what laid inside the city that hosted the home of those farmers, botanists and florists that gave life to that small paradise outside the gates - at least by Wikus' part, the donkey being more worried as to what pleasures would await for him.


One of the Akalaks that stood near the wide open gate came forth towards the impressed male and his donkey, whom dragged a bizarre wagon wrapped in a camouflage tarp. He proceeded to deliver his usual message to the dazzled man.

"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."

Wikus, whom had never seen an Akalak before, stood frozen. Blue men were welcoming him into the city. A light frown came from his brow, yet also a hand that accepted the scroll. Wishing to cut the eye contact with the bizarre creature, he'd instead eye what he just received - words and drawings that meant nothing to an illiterate man. Looking back up at the guard, in absolute silence, the donkey's light bray finally brought him out of the odd reasoning that was going on inside his head. Delivering a nod was enough to move the guard back to his post, and without hesitation, the confused man and his whimsical donkey stepped forward into the maze of buildings that was the city.

[Lian Windrunner]

42nd Day of Fall, 515 AV
6th Bell, morning

The caravan traveled slowly along the Kabrin Road. A man rode beside them, near the end of the group of wagons. He had a short bow and a quiver full of arrows slung over his back. His dark, tan skin suggested that he had spent much of his life outdoors. As the gate loomed in the distance, the man couldn't help but wonder at the sheer size of the gate. Who had built such a thing? And how? Why was obvious. It was for protection from the dangers out in the Sea of Grass, and from people who would harm those that lived within. A vague sense of unease filled the man, but he did not know why he would feel that way.

Two blue skinned men approached the leader of the caravan when they had arrived at the gate. Words were spoken between them.

"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."

Scrolls were handed out to each member of the caravan. The man glanced at his uncertainly. He could read it, but the words were strange to him, written in a language that was not his own. Understandable, but only with considerable effort. Finally, he nodded. He was not one to disobey the laws of a place. At least...he did not think that he was. He hoped he wasn't, anyway. And he would have no use for the scroll once he left the city. If he did. So of course he would return it. The man agreed to the polite request, and passed through the gate with the rest of the caravan..
.
.

[Tura'lu Darkstalker]

I ride my horse alongside Ashlyn wondering why she wanted us to come here she know I am not comfortable with citys too easy to get lost or get robbed but if we have come for supplies and such I will keep quiet and follow her as I always have But for some reason why do I have a feeling we will be mugged at some point

[Maya Lark]

Ashlyn smiles as she rides across the plains finally seeing the gates to Riverfall. "That a huge wall," She said looking up at it amazed. Ashlyn moved her hair out of her face as the wind began to blow hard across the plains almosy as if it was trying to stop the two young Drykas from going inside of the city. Ashlyn was buzzing with excitement at the idea of a new adventure since they had left the clan with very little food. "I can't wait to see what it looks like inside," Ashlyn said and looked over to her husband before kissing his cheek. "I know you are nervous but just give it a chance. Nothing can be worse than dealing with Glassbeaks or Journeymen," Ashlyn said with a knowing look as he was stiff while riding.

Ashlyn looks up when they approach the door and the guards stop us. "State your business here," One of the men said looking at the two of them. "We are here to live for the season if not longer," Ashlyn said looking at the men as they allowed to two inside. "Welcome to Riverfall." The other man said as he had stood back while the other had question our intentions making sure we were not on any wanted posters. Ashlyn clicked her tongue and rode into the city with Tura'lu, "see that wasnt so bad." She said with a smile.

[Tura'lu Darkstalker]

"I know Ashlyn let us hope nothing else goes badly for us " Tura'lu rides with Ashlyn into the city hoping Ashlyn is right as He look around as he can already tell he don't like the city its too easy to get lost as He tries not to sigh

[Persa]

Persa Day 2, Winter, 515 AV After the happenings in Ahnatep, Persa found the courage to abandon her familiar Eyktol for a new, strange place that she hadnt yet decided. She had heard humors of the Riverfall, a city with strong, protective walls and relatively political stability and tranquility. This is what Persa needed right now, a place to settle in, a stable ground to recompose herself and her thoughts and find out what should she do in the future. The travel from Ahnatep to Riverfall was relatively easy and peaceful. Her Mother, once a prestigious noble of Ahnatep, hadnt lost all of her influence yet. She managed to find a wealthy merchant who was offered, upon payment, to accompany Persa to Riverfall with is fine horse. When Persa arrived in Riverfall from the north section of the Kabrin road, she was astonished by the impressively tall buildings of the city. Having lived all her life in Eyktol, she never had such an extended interactions with other cultures, settlements and people, up until now. She wondered how come the savages who lives in lands other than the Eyktol, would manage to afford the technology and the knowledge required to build such strong and impregnable walls. The sight of those walls laid the seed of a subconscious question over whether the Eypharian culture is so much superior after all. Approaching the gate, she locates two guards protecting the gate. They give her a scroll containing the rules, the map and some information of the city, though her common language was poor and didnt understand half of what the map says. She reads the rules in a quicky read-through and agrees to them.

[/quote]

[Eldrid]

3rd Winter 515 AV

Eldrid sat on the saddle of Dune, her Eyktolian Desertbred as he continued leisurely up the Kabiri road.
"Almost there . . . I think that's it coming up on the horizon. . . "
Eldrid murmured softly to Dune. She released a long tired sigh at the thought of yet another attempt to inspire her artforms. What's more, if the reputation of Riverfall was anything to go on, she would need to make a sale or two to stay here for a full season. Accommodation was certainly not cheap.
"I could pour all my heart, and all my soul into a beautiful work of art Dune. And yet, when I hand it over to them . . . They will look at my heart, my soul and all the meaning held in them, and simply sign it off as some meaningless number of gemstones. . . "
She said to the horse who snorted back. It was something Dune tended to do after long walks, especially walks as long as this, but Eldrid, she saw it as a conversational response. It certainly helped that her conversations usually took the form of complaining. That way Dune's annoyed snorts always sounded like agreement.
"Exactly . . . And yet, if it weren't for the world's love of money, there would be no need for luxuries, nor for artists such as me. . ."
Eldrid responded with another sigh and adjusted her silk Toga slightly as they arrived at the ferry point. The crossing was quick and uneventful thankfully, had it been spring things may have been quite a bit harder.

Dune continued his gentle walk down the road with his Akvatari rider upon his back down the final stretch of the Kabiri road in silence. The beauty of the magnificent city was lost on the listless desertbred. Eldrid appreciated it slightly more, but felt more apprehension than awe. The city had a distinctly predatorial feel about it. Something which made the young Akvatari feel as if she were about to be stepping right into the beasts jaws . . . Well, Dune would be stepping. She would hopefully not be stuck shuffling along the ground very often, for the sake of her sanity and all the hapless people who would be stuck behind her.

Eldrid approached the gates silently, still feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the size of the city. The Akalak guard stepped forward,
"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." He said, unphased by the appearance of an Akvatari. Eldrid accepted the scroll and opened it delicately, reading the laws of Riverfall. Her mouth opened slightly as if she were about to speak, but then she closed her lips and gave the guard her best smile and a nod.

As she was admitted to the city she sighed and stowed the scroll in her backpack for the time being.
Weapon skills? Duels? Slavery? . . . Seems even shining gems have violent sides. . .
She thought to herself as she navigated her way through the streets on the back of Dune.
"Well Dune . . . We're here. . ."
She said to the horse who snorted dismissively. Eldrid said nothing in reply as they headed to the stables.

The stables were as busy as ever and Eldrid could at least see her horse would not languish from loneliness here. She handed him over to the Drykas woman named Nell and bade them farewell before she shuffled closer to the door and spread her wings. As she fluttered through the air she could not deny that the city was beautiful, and wings helped the view quite a bit. However she also recognized that her destination was likely going to lead to much disappointment. The backpack she held in her hands contained her coinpurse which she recalled only had somewhere around 85 Gold Mizas left. Accommodation would very easily eat that last little bit of funds up, and there was nowhere she would be allowed to erect her tent either.