Location [Riverfall] The Land and Sea Gates

[Karin]

46th Spring, 516 AV
Approaching Riverfall from the sea, on board the Mischief

It had been what felt like a long voyage from Kenash. She had been glad to leave the place behind, but she felt somewhat apprehensive about the next city they were to stop at: Riverfall.

The stories the deckhands told were curious, intriguing tales of blue warriors and water falling, falling, falling down into the sea. It had seemed far-fetched, but when the girl saw it for herself as the Mischief sailed into the bay, she couldn't help but simply stand there and gape.

The city was glorious. There was no other way to describe it. It stood glistening, somewhere, although the falls and their accompanying mists obscured much of what the lowly girl could see. She grinned, a wide smile that split her burnt, tanned cheeks, feeling the cool mist settling over her hair and shoulders and face like a thousand silver fish suddenly swimming by.

The ship crew was busy though, and Karin soon had to move out the way to let them do their job. She was helping with the unloading, so she wasn't needed yet, meaning she could simply enjoy this ride into dock. Her worries that she wouldn't like the city were lost to her, Kenash seemed a distant memory and the urge to discover set upon her.

Soon, the ship was docked, and the crew began the long haul of goods from the hold, tobacco, alcohol, grains and art and metal, all packaged and sent off to their respective shops and merchants. Karin joined them, her face growing red and sweaty as she lugged heavy boxes and sacks.

This was a busy place, busier than she'd ever seen before. It didn't help that the ground shook beneath her feet, her land-legs not quite there yet after her time on the sea. But after three bells, they were finally finished.

Karin and a few others had been cleared to go on land and see the city, and she wandered about aimlessly, trying to find the way to get to the place. There were some of the blue men about, but she ignored them, carefully studying them from a distance.

However, she didn't get too much of a choice, as someone approached her, looking official. Karin looked up, with an expression of confusion but with a smile writ on her face.

"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."

She took the scroll wordlessly. She would never tell the man that she wasn't very good at reading, so she simply unfurled the scroll and pretended to read it. She recognised some of the words, but not all, and vowed to ask someone what it said later.

"I agree. But I'm sleeping on the Mischief. Can I hand back the scroll when I leave this place, rather than every time I enter and leave the dock area?" The man nodded, and asked, "Anything else?" Karin thought for a moment. She wanted to find out for herself how to reach the city, but... on second thoughts, she would look a fool if she never found out how.

"How do you get into the city?" The man gave directions, and Karin absorbed them, nodding and looking where he pointed. He walked off to deal with somebody else, and Karin was left alone. Time to see what Riverfall is.

[Payle Hazrad]

1st of Spring, 516 AV

It was still early in the morning and the port was bustled with people. Payle walked down the ship, melded with people porters and fellow traveler that ended their journey in Riverfall. However before he got far, a towering figure stepped in front of him and blocked his way. He looked up, like literally look up because the figure was standing almost 2 meter high. The figure of blue skinned man succeeded to stole his breath away.

"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 guard handed out a simple roll of parchment. Payle read the scroll quickly beneath the sharp gaze of the guards.

"Yes... Yes I agree." He replied loudly for he was afraid the guard couldn't hear him.

The blue skinned guards only nod for a confirmation. He also pointed the way to enter the city and a direction to found something called the Labor Aid. "You would need to work if you want to live here. You'll find everything you need there. Aside from that, I only wish you good fortune."

The towering figure moved aside and make way for him as he continued to do his work. Payle murmured a thank you and proceed to the city. Riverfall, a strange city thousand of miles far away from home. Let's see what you got.

[Ardon]

1st of Summer, 516 AV

The walls of the city of Riverfall loomed in the early afternoon sun. The gate into Riverfall bustled with people, a chaotic parade that formed the blood of the city. Ardon departed from the Isurian caravan he had traveled with as he moved towards the city gate, his step hesitant now that he was on his own, taking his first steps into a new life away from the Pitrius citadel.

A tall blue man stood before the gates, handing out pamphlets to the people entering the city. When Ardon was in front of him, he gave a spiel for the benefit of those unfamiliar with Riverfall. "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." Ardon took the scroll that was offered by the Akalak, craning his neck to look him in the eyes. He wished the Akalak wasn't so petching tall.

Reading it quickly, he gave tucked the scroll in his backpack. "I understand, thank you!" He straightened up to his full height, though the moment after he did it made him think that it probably just made him look shorter.

The Akalak gave him some last pieces of advice before sending him off. "Work can be found in the Labor and Housing office, the location can be found in your scroll. We don't tolerate lagabouts. Citizenship can also be attained there." Ardon smiled gratefully as the Akalak waved him off, hurrying away to get out of his sight and somewhere he could plan his next move.

[Orin Fenix]

1st of Summer, 516 AV

The telltale sounds and signs of a ship slowing its approach caused Orin to emerge from the depths of the hold. He blinked against the early morning sun, shading his eyes with his hand. It was the first time he’d be outside that day, though he’d been awake for a while. Their captain had informed the passengers and crew that they’d be arriving in Riverfall that day, and Orin had spent the night thinking, lost in the past and afraid of the future.

Unlike last time Orin had been to the city, he was just a traveler, and a lost one at that. The Akvatari had no need of his arts. His shipmates had disappeared on the long journey down. And his bondmate, he himself had ended up casting out. Though it was for both their goods, it had hurt more than Orin could ever have imagined. Even now, almost a year later, Orin still found himself prodding the portion of his mind where Sylvette had used to reside, and every time he was shocked and saddened.

It had been an odd year, a bad year for Orin. Fall had felt like he was dying. Winter had gone past in a fog. And Spring, that time of rejuvenation, had done nothing for Orin. It took him that long, though, before he’d felt healed enough, inside and out, to travel, to leave the desert and melancholic isle and make his way back. But he couldn’t go home, not with this failure and his sorrow riding upon his soul. So he’d come here, to Riverfall, the only other city he’d ever known, hoping to find a new start here, or, failing that, lose himself in a city where no one knew him.

Once upon a time, the majestic sight rising before him would have filled his heart with joy. Now, though, the darkness inside, the prison he felt locked in was preventing any such positive association. The music of the falls hammered on his ears instead of singing softly. The rainbows of the waterfall appeared as if through a black veil that deadened their light. And the smell of the sea and the shore meeting, the two worlds colliding, turned his stomach.

Orin didn’t know how long he stood there, but it seemed to take an eternity, although everything did these days, his bells stretching long. As he shuffled off with everyone else, his meager belongings gathered around him, Orin let the tide of people push him forward. Soon, though, he found himself in a small empty space as everyone else moved on or past, leaving him abandoned once again.

Not for long though. Almost instantly, an Akalak materialized and Orin found himself craning his neck to look up at the blue giant. Almost immediately, the Akalak began speaking and Orin found himself listening dumbly, as the clearly memorized speech was recited to him. ”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."

Orin found himself taking the proffered bundle, and responding automatically. ”No, thank you, I’m fine.” Realizing that the Akalak required Orin to respond, he quickly opened the scroll, the laws at the top. Reading quickly, Orin noted that the laws seemed fair, if some of the terms were confusing. While the slavery clause rankled, at least it seemed they treated their slave fairly enough. Orin couldn’t change a whole society’s attitudes, but he’d have to examine whether he could accept living here long term if slavery was perpetuated. Seems that some Syliran habits died harder than others. ”I agree.”

Duty done, the Akalak stepped away as quickly as he had shown up. Orin took a moment to look over the laws. Examining the map, Orin spotted the words Housing and Labor. For lack of anything better to do, Orin hoisted his pack, and started making his way to that office. Whatever else he did here, he’d need a place to stay and a place to work. Besides, cooking was who Orin was and losing himself in his work had always soothed his woes before.

Remembering something, Orin paused. He’d forgotten his morning ritual, the words he said everyday. Here, surrounded by the bustle of a city once again, familiar, and yet different from what he’d become used to, Orin turned his head upward, facing the sky. ”Thank you, Leth for guiding us through another night, and Syna for bringing us another day. And thank you, Priskil, for giving me the strength to fight off the darkness for one more day.” With that, Orin set off, soon just one more person weaving through the crowds.

[Phante Faunus]

Finally, Phante had come to his destination, Riverfall. He couldn't believe he was here and no longer in the confides of the KRI (Kelvic Research Institution) back in the corrupted Ravok city. Months of travelling, the elephant Kelvic watched as people of different races made there way toward the gates of the city. The morning Sun shining against his dark skin, lifting his once broken spirit up from the ground. His heart was still broken from months prior of the unbending of his companion that allowed him to be free. He rubbed the back of his neck, once remembering a collar being around it. Having a good memory had it's backlashes especially when you've had a childhood like Phante's.

"Thank you." Phante whispered, taking a map from an Akalak before he step foot inside of the beautiful city. This was going to a fresh, new start for him.

[Eisen Axt]

22nd Fall 516

Eisen sits up, as the caravan nears the city. He falls back with a smile, he was finally here! All this time and now the adventure can truly begin! He began to gather his things until he reached the gate. He heartily thanked the owner of the caravan for letting him come as he entered. It. Was. Incredible! Tall blue people, like the size of hills walked here, buildings, ton of buildings painted white, but it wasn't snow, it was paint! Then there was the fountains spurting water! Spurting water! It was amazing! Who knew that places like this existed and he now gets to see them, but more importantly, he had to find an inn. One can not learn with out a place of rest...of that's what his father told him anyway. He went one of the people and asked for the directions. He smiled, nodded his thanks and went on his way. Hopefully, he won't end up lost, but whats the chance of that happening?

[Pulren Marsh]

Fall 80, AV 516

Forty five days was longer than Pulren had ever spent at sea. It was a blessing,however. Every time he had swam or even dipped his hands into the Suvan, his heart pushed him farther. Now, the longest of voyages was nearly at an end. He had literally left his own map, lacking the orientation to fill in any more of Cyphrus. That would be for a later time. Riverfall, if it lived up to the stories he had gathered from ports and sailors, would provide Pulren with the life he had sought in so many other places. When the call came out that they were near, he gathered himself among the others at the bow to stand agape.

It surpassed the stories. The massive waterfall, the bustling city, beautiful in its architecture. The great number of blue giants among the dock workers. Scanning out and above, it was clear to see that the Akalak were plentiful and dominant in their home city. Wanting to make as bold a statement as he could to those he would soon ask for shelter from, he donned his leathers and arms and armor. He had spent many days and nights cleaning and polishing his weapons and armor. Not much else to do for half a season. Pray. Tell tales. Dream. Before long, they were lashed to the dock and workers began to flood the deck and port. It was very reminiscent of Zeltiva.

Before long, he was greeted by an Akalak possessing purpose. Clearly a greeter, or at least one to make way for real workers, he greeted Pulren and handed him a scroll. Listening to the man's well practiced questions, he looked over the paper diligently. He found it interesting and odd. Much to learn. Nodding as he read, he looked back into the man's eyes, which meant up at them. " I do agree. Thank you for this." Brandishing the scroll, he spoke with the ship captain and promised to return within the day to retrieve his things. First things first, home shopping.

A Gossamer Template

[Aliana Hilt Terras]

☾ 1st of Winter, AV 516 ☽

Aliana yawned rubbing her face while stretching. She had been with this caravan for entirely too long. Though she had managed to find work to keep her mind off of it. A call sounded out letting everyone know that the great city of the Akalak people was ahead of them. Getting up the dark haired girl looked ahead seeing the wall rising up before them. Crawling up beside the driver the Isur took the empty seat beside him. She was not sure how the blue men of the city would see her. Many in Avanthal had been scared of the woman's size and general muscle tone. They had all been so lithe and artsy, even the carpenters and "blacksmiths" had been very tiny like the rest. Several customers that had come in were intimidated by her confidence and general size.

"Halt. State your business in Riverfall," One of the blue men called out while walking up.

With a slight jerk the wagon pulled to a stop as the two men spoke to one another about the merchant's haul. Keeping her coat wrapped around her Aliana tried to keep her head low. She would need to find out information on where to get a room at, a job, and a possible map of the city.

"And you woman?" The man called to her.

"I plan to become a resident and get a job sir," Aliana explained.

After some time of going through the contents of the wagon the men allowed the pair through. Letting out a soft sigh the girl was happy that everything was okay for them to go in. Looking up, she looked at the large buildings around her. Gently putting her hand on her stomach the woman was scared and nervous about having the baby. No matter what Aliana planned on making this new city her and the child's home. Giving her thanks to the merchant, she got down and grabbed what little she had and walked off into the crowd.

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[Ezra Anansi]

3rd of Winter, 516 A.V.

A low mist hung along the surface of the harbor as The Waif knifed into port. It was early morning, and surprisingly warm given the fact that Watchtowers arounf the world had flared the tell-tale color of Winter not two days prior. Ezra stood top-side on the ship, leaning over the railing and staring out at the incandescent colors, the deep purples and royal blues, which flew from the Bluevein River as it crashed down in a distant roar on the water below it.

Being from Black Rock, Ezra hadn't seen much like this in his life. The grim island where he was raised had its own dark, sort of beauty to it, but nothing to this scale or color. Black Rock was a place of peace, of calming blacks, whites, and grays. To his unaccustomed eyes, Riverfall seemed a much more colorful, much livelier place than Dira's Isle.

Ezra would have been content to stare at the awe-inspiring city from afar for hours, but as the tide drew the ship he was on closer and closer to the docks and the din of sailors calling out their orders overwhelmed the quiet solace he had enjoyed moments before, the young man forced himself to tear his eyes away from the beauty above and focus on what he was truly seeking.

He wasn't here to sight-see. He wasn't a tourist or, in truth, even a traveler. Ezra was a Spiritist from the island the Goddess of Death herself called home. A Cicerone from a family of Cicerones that stretched back generations in service to Dira and her goals. A bloodline dedicated to fighting monsters and finding peace for the undead.

A bloodline he had betrayed in order to come to Riverfall. He had broken every oath he had ever sworn so that he might leave Black Rock. Abandoned his duty to the ghosts on that unliving isle, his oath to the Cicerones, and his dreams of making a name for himself in that order.

"It truly is amazing what family can motivate you to do," the young man thought glumly to himself. He looked back up at the city which hugged the cliff-side, this time bearing a look akin to determination rather than wonder.

"Don't worry mom, I'm coming," Ezra said aloud, his voice lost among the many deckhands which ushered the boat he was on into port. Slowly, the ship shuddered to a stop. Having docked into Riverfall's harbor, Ezra walked down the gangplank onto the wet wood of the dock.

Always comfortable in a crowd, the Spiritist went with the flow and the ebb of the people around him. It took only a moment for the imposing figure of an Akalak to stop Ezra in his tracks. The man gave him a quick once-over, as if apprising his worth to the city or his capability of causing a scene.

"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," the muscular, blue man said in a flat tone. Ezra doubted he was the first person today that the Akalak pulled aside, or that he would be the last. Black Rock also had a few administrative measures that he would help out with in his free time, but they were never nearly as direct as this.

"No questions, but thanks for the scroll," he smiled up at the behemoth which stood before him. After giving the laws a quick read, wrinkling his nose slightly at the 'Slavery' and 'Respect and Deference' clauses, but overall agreeing to the laws of the city. One would be surprised how many former slaves became inconsolable ghosts, or how many phantoms formed from severe class divides. Ezra usually had an issue with any laws that encouraged the creation of restless souls, but bit his tongue. He wasn't from around here, and it wouldn't do any good to cause any unnecessary trouble. Not yet at least. "I don't find anything here too objectionable. I'll follow the laws of the city."

The Akalak raised a wary eyebrow at Ezra, but found his response satisfactory. Moving with surprising haste, no doubt to dutifully inform another newcomer of the laws of the land, the young man was left alone to ponder the scroll further. Smiling, Ezra's brown eyes lingered on the 'High Spirits' shop. Apparently, Riverfall had a Spiritist of their own. Who better to ask about a rogue wraith than the city's resident expert?

With renewed vigor, Ezra set off to venture further into the city. His first step to finding his mother had been taken today. No doubt the first of many, but still Ezra found a certain comfort in that fact.

He'd save her. No matter how many steps it took. He'd save her.

[Jez Firetongue]

Jez Firetongue 33rd of Spring 517 AV Pavi/Grassland Sign , Common, Nari ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Jez could already feel the absence of Wind as he stepped onto the branch in the Kabrin Road that led up to the massive gates of Riverfall. His Strider was boarded in a place called The Sanctuary, where he would live for Jez’s duration in Riverfall. Jez had made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that the utmost care and respect was to be shown to Wind. He had never left the stallion in somebody else’s care and was on edge to have done so now. He could do it; he wasn’t staying in this city for too long, having come out of curiosity more than anything else, but he wasn’t happy to have Wind penned up somewhere away from him. The Sea of Grass, even just outside of Riverfall, was too dangerous for Jez to leave the stallion to roam outside however, so he had to stay in the stables. The absence of his Strider may have dampened his mood a little, but not enough to quell the awe he felt looking up at the city. Having never been close enough to even see it in the distance before this season, the immense size before him was almost overwhelming. Its imposing presence struck him more so than any natural feature, and he was both excited and terrified to see what lay beyond the walls. The thought of a settlement without tents was almost other worldly. Surely beyond these walls the grasses would be ruined, the animals and people competing with each other viciously for food and shelter; he knew objectively that the city functioned, many traders had spoken of it, but he couldn’t imagine how it worked. Only one way to find out, he thought as he stepped up to the entrance gate. He gulped as he noticed the two Akalak blocking the gate, shocked as one stepped up to him. Handsome, he winced as the thought escaped his mind before he could squash it back down. It wasn’t often that he gave in to those thoughts, but the tales from female traders who had come back to Endrykas speaking of the beauty of the strong Akalak race had not done the race the justice they deserved. Jez’s shock relaxed slightly as he was told in Common that he needed to agree to the rules of the city before entering. He looked to the scroll he was handed, glancing over it briefly. The rules seemed more common sense than anything to him so he nodded, speaking in his second language, “I have no problem with your rules.” Though the Drykas did not write their thoughts down often, Jez could read well enough to understand the scroll. He was helped, of course, by the fact that he was close to his younger brother Salva, who kept the records for the Firetongue Pavilion. Jez grinned as his agreement to the rules granted him entry to the city, another burst of excitement flooding though him as he surged forward. First he would need to find a place to sleep and put down his gear, but after that he couldn’t wait to see what this city held in store. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ || Jez Firetongue || 25 years || Drykas || Amethyst Clan || Firetongue Pavilion || Strider-Wind ||