[Riverfall Location] The Sanctuary

[Kavala]

Iredeth

The scent of mint cooking filled the air when Iredeth slipped into the clinic. It distinctly smelled like someone was cooking something herbal and working rather hard at it because the whole place was permeated with the distinctive scent.

Kavala poked her head around the corner of the reception room, hands full of herbs she was busy grinding. The horses needed more liniment and she was about to philter some more to bring their supplies back up to the state they should be at. There'd been a lot of swore muscles lately, and with Kavala's pregnancy progressing, she'd started making oils for her skin as well, to help it stretch and not mark itself in the process. She was barely showing though, but the child had been growing large enough that the Konti was slowly but surely limiting her work to only certain aspects that wouldn't risk its life.

So, she was spending a lot of the winter months in the philtering lab making all sorts of things.

"Hi there!" Kavala said, walking out of her lab still wiping her hands on a damp cloth to remove the mint. "A horse? Sure, we have a lot of horses for sale. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and where you'd like to travel? What sort of horse are you looking for too? I like to match up the perfect mount to the perfect owner so I need to know a few things first." Kavala said, coming over to greet the woman. "I'm Kavala, and in charge of the horses here... and today in charge of making the horse liniment. Sorry for the smell, but its really good for their legs." She said, offering the woman a seat on one of the reception chairs. "It's a good time of year to buy a horse as well, since I've too many horses and not enough stalls when bad weather hits with all the boarders we have at the moment. I'm sure I can offer you a very fair deal on a mount." She added.

"What kind of riding experience, first and foremost, do you have? And, what qualities are you looking for in a horse? Gentle? Spirited? Well trained? Fast? Sedate? All these things are important." Kavala said softly, smiling at the newcommer. She noted her pale skin, her odd features, and wondered about her bloodline. She was too polite to ask though. A customer was a customer in Kavala's mind. And this was a good customer because the girl had gentle eyes. Kavala liked that about her.

[Iredeth]

Iredeth couldn’t help but smile at the woman in return. Her friendliness seemed almost overwhelming, though Iredeth could understand the sentiment from a businesswoman’s perspective. When she had lived in Kalinor, many shop owners tended to forget all about their anti-halfbreed ethics when faced with her as a potential customer. She wasn’t surprised to see a friendly smile and a helpful attitude, but she was surprised to see something genuine in the Knoti’s manner.

“I’m Iredeth,” she returned with a faint smile, lowering herself into the offered chair. “I’ve no riding experience, actually, but I plan to travel soon. Perhaps I’ll go to the Sylira region, though I haven’t quite decided yet. I do think I would spend a fair amount of time in cities, and not so much out in the wilderness, if that tells you anything about potential horses.”

She paused to readjust the sloppy bun of black hair that was teetering atop her head. After settling the locks into a sturdier position, she continued, “I don’t know much about horses, so I can really tell what kind would suit my needs. A horse that’s on the docile side would probably be best. I’m half-Symenestra, which means my bones are rather fragile,” Iredeth seemed uncomfortable with the admission, waving her hand vaguely as if the gesture explained the situation. “I wouldn’t want to be jarred out of the saddle by accident. Which reminds me: I expect I might benefit from some riding lessons as wall, seeing as I’ve ridden on horseback no more than five times in my life.”

[Kavala]

Kavala smiled. "I think I understand. I can show you a few horses that might suit your needs. We'll need to move to the arena though. In terms of riding lessons, I have no problem helping you out there. I'd rather send one of my horses off with someone who can ride them rather than keep them at home unused. I'm busy changing out my breeding program as well, so we have horses for sale that normally wouldn't be at the moment. Come see." Kavala said, leading Iredeth out into the stable yard.

The Horses :

After Kavala had settled Iredeth at the edge of the arena in a comfortable chair that sat up on a small dais, she began bringing horses into the arena to show the woman. None of them wore halters or harnesses of any type, but simply followed Kavala much like large dogs would. She brought them in one at a time, walked them in front of Iredeth, then slipped onto their back to ride them around the arena to show off their movements and gaits.

The first one was a frostmarch mare, young, named Ice. Ice was as gentle as a kitten and a beautiful dappled gray color. The mare was pretty, though not overly large, and had a graceful fluid motion. "This is Ice. She'd do wonders for you and is definitely well trained. She doesn't mind the cold either. She's for sale for 150 GM." Kavala said.

The second horse she brought in was a black desertbred named Cress. "This is Cress. She's good in the heat, well trained, and fast as lightening on sand. She loves running on the beach. She'll take good care of you, Iredeth. And if you want a smooth gait, this mare has a lovely trot. She's offered at 150 GM as well." Kavala said, and then brought in a third horse. The other horses she simply left running free in the arena after she brought them in. Most of the mares gathered up near Iredeth, curious about her, as they waited for Kavala to finish her parade of available horses.

The third mare proved to be a slightly luminous sungold by the name of Anasha. "This is Anasha. She's a sungold and as smart as they come. She looks a little rough because its winter, but I swear to you there's no more beautiful mare in the summer. She's for sale for 300 GM. They sell for 500 elsewhere, but I do not need her in my breeding program any more so I don't mind discounting her. The special thing about a sungold is that she will protect you through thick and thin, and is more of a body guard than mount." Kavala said.

The next mare she brought in was a Zavian. "I got this mare in Endrykas and paid dearly for her even though she has none of the wild blanketing that other Zavians of her kind have. It's only when the sun hits her rear that you can see the patterning. It's as if her spots are just one or two shades different than the rest of her. But she moves like water and is incredibly graceful. I've gotten a fine colt out of her, in fact one I traded it to a merchant for lumber enough to build my mews. Her son will be started next year and he's going to make a fine fine warhorse. She's in foal to a Seme for next year, so this is a two for one package. Her cost is only a 100 GM." Kavala said.

The fifth mare Kavala brought in was obviously another frostmarch but this time one with a massive amount of mane and tail. "This is Mirrow. She's an excellent horse. Broke to ride and drive, she'll pull for you and work all day. She's priced like Ice and Cress at 150 GM." Kavala said, slipping onto Mirrows back and riding her around in a series of fancy side passes and delicate lofty parade trots.

The final horse she brought in was a firemane she'd taken in on trade. The lovely little mare was smaller than the others and seemed to dance in place excitedly, but when Kavala settled on her back she calmed right down and paid attention taking Kavala all over the arena. "This is Spark. She's 200 GM and worth every miza. She'll be a good mount." Kavala said thoughtfully, then smiled.

"I'll throw riding lessons in with any one of these. I have others too if you don't see anything you like here. These are the best most suited for you though. I promise.' Kavala said with a smile, then took beckoned Iredeth to come into the arena and pet noses and get a closer look. "Come say hi. I'll toss you up on anyone you want to try." Kavala said.

[Daeva Timandre]

86th Day of Winter 510AV Courtesy of the Drykas, Daeva had traveled to the borders of Riverfall or what she had been taught was the haven for the Akalak warriors of stories often told among the Konti. The other halves. Was this true? Daeva wasn’t particularly keen on finding out. She was here for a reason, and one reason alone. To find a horse companion that was right for her, as the ones in Endrykas seemed far too attached to their Drykas caretakers and would not do well among strangers and strange lands. Perhaps she was right, perhaps she was wrong. Either way, her travels on the back of a swift seme had taken her to what appeared to be an establishment not too far from the city itself. It was a beautiful area, with the beach so near from what she could see from her position, and the breeze sending her hair flying across her cheeks. She walked slowly toward the gates, content with taking her time, as her newfound worry of her feral companion had her glancing behind her to make sure he had not collapsed from exhaustion or pain. Once she had crossed the border into Sanctuary, Daeva took a moment to soak in the scenery. It was bliss, pure and simple, and in a way that wasn’t so utterly despicable to the dark sister. Citlali, for once, had been quiet, no doubt enjoying the time spent away from the large bustling Akalaks that perused the streets of Riverfall. She ushered Masou closer, and the wolf obliged, taking his time to apply pressure on the leg that had not suffered from impalement. The doors were closer in view, but Daeva made no move to enter. She stood just several feet away and called out instead. “If anyone is in there, I’ve come to find the right horse, I was told this was the place to come.”

[Kavala]

Daeva

Kavala was in the stable yard mending one of the arena rails when the voice called out. "Come on in. Shut the gate behind you." Kavala said, setting another nail in place and beginning to hammer the rail back in place. She was sweating and hot, her pale hair plastered to her skull and escaping her pony tail that made her look years younger than she was. The image clashed with her form, which was swollen with child. It was probably immediately obvious she shouldn't be attempting to hold up a rail, hammer in nails, and be doing the work she was.

Kavala had no choice though. Sanctuary was a big place. With only Aweston and Raiha currently working there, Akela wandering and Descant still on the mental mend, there was no one else. She had to do it. Kavala just worked carefully and tried not to push too much even when the work was difficult.

When the rail was in place and there was no more danger of it falling or injuring a horse or rider, then and only then she turned and leaned against the post that supported it. She brushed her long white hair out of her eyes, and offered a smile to the newcomer. Her smile almost died though, instantly, with her surprise. An Akontak? Kavala blinked, the smile returned, brighter.

"Hello there. You said you wanted a horse? We have several for sale. Can you tell me what you are using one for? Travel? And if so where too... and do you want one that can fight, guard, is swift, strong? Hows your riding ability... we have both very well trained horses and those that are a bit fiercer." Kavala said, looking apologetic at all the questions.

[Daeva Timandre]

It seemed like Daeva did not need to wait long. When she heard the voice of the proprietor of the establishment she heeded her words and entered, shutting the gate as she went. Of course, the akontak was a bit surprised to see a pregnant konti working what appeared to be a rail. The flash of white was crucial in returning her thoughts to the past, but the stubborn Daeva refused to allow herself to. For all it was worth, she was done with that white haven for now, and what was important was finding herself a steed. So she approached the woman and stood with her hand on Masou’s head, who sat faithfully by his mistress’ side. When the questions came rolling off the tongue, Daeva was momentarily overwhelmed. “I can understand why you were so well-spoken of. You know your stuff,” Daeva said, “I’m looking for a horse that can travel fast, but can fight. Loyal, intelligent. If that’s at all possible, that’d make my day.” She paused then, unsure of revealing the fact that she had not ridden a horse in quite a while. If you don’t tell her and we set off not knowing a thing about taking care of this horse and how to ride it…. Oh, shut up, Citlali. It doesn’t look ridiculously hard to master. A horse is a horse. Just a mode of transportation that just happens to be able to kick some dipshyke senseless. Tell. Her. “How much would horse lessons be?” If it’s over 50 gold I’m not doing it. Fair enough.

[Kavala]

NoteSorry I took so long to get back to you! I wanted my studbook finished so buyers could just review their purchases here.

Price List & Sales Catalog of Horses

Kavala nodded and smiled. "I wouldn't send anyone out of here with one of my animals not knowing how to take care of it or how to ride, even if its the most basic of lessons. They come free with the purchase of a horse." Kavala said softly, smiling. Then she turned and lead Daeva towards the mare paddock. Kavala had managed to sell off or trade all the geldings on the place, so the only males she had were the three stallions. Well, four if you counted Vahn. "The sale horses are over here all in a paddock with my brood mares. The weather's nice today so everyone's outside. If you see a very pregnant horse, they are likely not for sale and are in my breeding program. But if you see a horse in good shape, no belly, and old enough to look ridable they are. I'll just let you look around and see if there's anything you'd like. I know each of these mares by name, and feel free to move around them. Each one has a lovely tag braided into her mane that reads her name, age, and breed along with a special record number we use for our studbooks. Most of them will let you approach. If they do not, then you do not want them for a mount anyhow... " Kavala said.

She opened the paddock gate and lead Daeva inside. Instantly mares who were across the field came wandering their way, expecting treats and wanting to mill about the two women. Daeva would have a great chance to see each horse and look it over carefully. Meanwhile, Kavala quietly closed the gate and kept watch to see if one of the three stallions on duty were about.

[Lakara]

Season of Winter, Day 83, 510AV

After what seemed like an eternity of travel, Lakara had finally arrived in Riverfall. Well, technically she had arrived the previous day, but she had waited till now to venture into the more populated areas.

She wandered slowly, leading her faithful Windrunner - Xypher - behind her. The horse would affectionately nip at her hair every now and again, and Lakara would smile and pat his nose. She was headed for The Sanctuary. The Konti had heard that it was a place for animals and horses alike, and she had a feeling that it would be the perfect place for her to spend some time. Maybe she would even settle.

On approaching the entrance, Kara stopped and turned back to Xypher. She ran a hand down his next and murmured a few words to him. There was no need to tie him anywhere, he would never move without her. With a last glance to her horse, she entered the building.

She cautiously approached what she assumed to be a reception desk. Glancing round, the Konti couldn't see anyone, so she called out tentatively.
"Hello?"

[Daeva Timandre]

Daeva didn’t waste time to enter the paddock after Kavala listed the essentials of what to know about the horses living here. She would at least, when it came to this, take her time. After all, the akontak wanted a horse that could take her across Mizahar, and would not completely shy away from a fight. Maybe she was getting her hopes up, but seeing several mares that, thankfully, had no expanded bellies made her content that this might be possible after all. So Daeva waded through the mares that approached, and from the corner of her eye noticed the discrepancy between those that seemed sociable and those that stood near the corners of the paddock, as if they oozed vehemence. A blue hand reached forward, stroking mane and nose and rump. She was already attracted to two buckskin mares, one that was named Liva from the tag and the other Dana. They seemed strong, fit, and agile, a perfect addition to Masou and her. “Miss?” Daeva called after fifteen chimes of looking and debating with her inner twin. Niceties were hard to garner, but when it came to business... “These two fit the bill, but deciding between them is a pain. Liva and Dana.” She added as an afterthought, her hand resting on the thick neck of the one named Liva and pointing to Dana who had wandered off. “They’re beautiful…” Perhaps it would be wise to acquire a job here, Daeva. We could use the money. It was a cumbersome suggestion, but seeing these horses and their gracefulness had her wonder if this could be possible. After all, who didn’t desire money to buy all that they ever wanted? Weapons, armor, lessons. It was all very enticing to the dark twin. So as Kavala approached, Daeva glanced up at her and asked uncharacteristically, “Are you hiring, by any chance?”

[Kavala]

Lakara

Kavala was mixing up a bit of liniment in her philtering lab when the visitor arrived. The whole place smelled like a combination of brewed alcohol and mint in fact. The stench was so strong that both the doors to the exam room which opened out onto the Veranda were open. Her lab door was open, and the front door in through which Lakara came was thrown wide. The scent poured out of the lab along with the sound of a konti singing softly. At Lakara's soft 'hello', Kavala turned down the wick on her oil heater and wiped her hands on a towel. She made her way into the reception and waiting area, smiling.

"Hello, I'm Kavala. This is Sanctuary. I'm sorry for the smell. I'm making liniment for the horses today. It tends to water the eyes something fierce which is why all the windows and doors are open. Thankfully its cool today but not freezing. I thought I'd take advantage of the slightly warmer weather and do the batch. How are you? And how can I help you?" She asked, offering a clean hand to shake and a warm smile.