38 Winter 509 AV It was cold. Jehriko decided that today, much like every other day, was a great day to fill his gut with as much drink and foodstuff as he could afford. He rolled off his bed, stood up, and scratched his belly. I wonder how much drink I can charm out of Kashal today. He stretched and yawned. He did love the taste of Grath's honeyed drinks, but he did hate climbing up from the undercavern. As Jehriko passed his practice dummy, he playfully pawed its "face"--a crudely painted visage of scribbles that resembled an angry face. He walked over to the door of his apartment and was reminded of his nakedness when the cold cavern air blew against his tender bits. He would need clothes to venture out. He wished he could just bear around the city, but the rope ladders required opposible thumbs, and it was easier on his nerves to climb the stairs as a man, since gripping the trees and vines while walking was nearly impossible for a bear. Jehriko hated getting dressed, but he could almost taste Grath's Special. That Jamoura has a way with honey. It was totally worth the effort. After getting dressed and scraping together some Mizas, Jehriko trudged outside, still drunk with sleep. He left the Undercavern and made his way to the vine ladders that would take him up into the city. He walked around the Foliage until he got to the ladder that led up to the Outer Petals. He gripped the vines and closed his eyes. He wouldn't let fear get in the way of that sweet, sweet drink. He imagined a tall, cold pitcher of Grath's Special. The honey. The fruit. The... gods knew what that monkey put in that drink, but it was so good. Jehriko swallowed his fear and began to climb. The cold wind was like daggers against his skin. He had to focus everything on not thinking about the climb. He was having second thoughts. He had had to do this many times, but it never seemed to get any easier. After a few chimes, which to Jehriko felt like days, Jehriko made it up into the Outer Petals. He moved away from the ledge up which he had climbed, relieved to be done with that chore. He could see Grath's Rest, that wonderful oasis carved in a tree. Jehriko happily swaggered over to the tavern. He was here, at his very favorite place in The Spires, and that made him a happy bear. |