Naveena Clematis
50th Day of Winter 515 AV
The White Swan Inn was finally winding down after a steady stream of customers throughout the evening. Naveena, still dangling from the beamed ceiling of the Inn, twisted and spun within the Symenestran silk in a gesture usually reserved for ending a performance. The Inn was one of the few places in Syliras that had the space and facilities for a full demonstration of aerial dancing. It allowed her to swing, spin, and drop amongst the folds of silk as customers ate and drank their fill.
As the last of the patrons exited the doors of the Inn, Naveena began looping the Ranekissra silk around her slim figure. After the deep purple swath was secured, she stood atop the ceiling beam and lightly made her way to the wall in which the beam was secured. Naveena reached the wall and gripped the seemingly smooth surface with a black-tipped hand. Since the silk was wrapped strategically around her shoulders and torso, leaving her arms and legs free, she released the microscopic hooks from her skin and latched onto the wall. Simply and expertly, she climbed down the wall from the ceiling beams, a skill that brought on praise and disgust from from unprepared people. Luckily, the White Swan Inn hired her specifically for her Symenestran traits to provide a unique performance for their patrons during their evening meal.
Naveena touched down on the wooden floors of the inn, releasing the microscopic hooks from the walls, and striding towards the individual responsible for her wages. After a quick word of praise while the coin changed hands, Naveena thanked her employers, retrieved her black cloak, and headed out the door. The winter chill hit her pale skin fiercely, reminding her that Syliras weather was quite different from the caverns of Kalinor. Her lavender eyes scanned the empty streets for predators looking to ambush those with full pockets before moving on past the Inn.
Naveena kept the hood thrown over her silver hair as she made her way back to her cramped living quarters in Stormhold Castle. Her stomach rumbled with anticipation to the liquefied rabbit currently waiting for her at home. The rabbit, caught in the Mithryn Outpost amongst the fields, would be a welcome meal after a night of dance.
Click. Click. Click.
Naveena heard the distinct clicks of shoes upon the cobbled streets of Syliras, not too far behind her. She didn't look back, didn't alert that she knew of the presence behind her. Naveena breathed in, trying to catch the scent but could detect nothing besides the reek of the city. Experimently, she picked up her pace and turned down the street on the right. Not a few seconds before she was down the street, Naveena heard the click clack of shoes hasten to catch up to her.
To her left on this alleyway, was the small tavern that had appeared to have been vacant for months before Naveena had discovered it. It's location was troublesome at best for patrons and the lighting was so poor down this alleyway, most didn't realize it was here. However, Naveena had discovered it and used it to practice her dancing forms before performances throughout Syliras. As Naveena sped up and went towards the door, she only hoped the poor lighting worked in her favor and her pursuer wouldn't realize there was a door hidden in this alleyway.
Naveena slipped inside the taverns, the click clack sounds faded and in the distance. She closed the door quickly behind her and stepped back into the tavern, surveying the area. While the tavern was mostly bare, Naveena had pushed the bits of broken chairs and tables against the walls to provide additional space. While there were candles along the bar waiting to be lit, Naveena didn't want light to be seen under the entrance door. After a few moments of silence, Naveena breathed a sigh of relief and walked back toward the bar to light the candles. It was then that she heard the echo of the door open.
Naveena slowly turned back towards the door where the darkened silhouette of her pursuer stood. With her fangs slightly lengthening in warning, Naveena spoke with silky words laced with venom.
Who are you?
