Location [Riverfall] The Land and Sea Gates

[Kyo]

1st of Fall, 514 AV (morning)

The coyote had been running for some time to get here. Now that he was, and he could get near and look at this beautiful human-place without his dogs bothering him, he felt like he was a part of the sky. And he just had to go in.

But as soon as the coyote came to the door-place, he was shooed forcefully away. When he persisted on getting inside he got a thump behind the ear by one of the blue-men, and so he reluctantly left with his tail tucked behind.
...
Kyo again stepped towards the door-place. The blue-men did not look friendly, and he shook his head as they spoke strange sounds that he did not understand. One of them stopped and spoke again, and this time his throat-sounds were understandable, if thick like his tongue had been stung by a bee.

"Hold on. What do you think you're doing?"

"Friend," Kyo said, holding up both of his now-human hands and edging slowly closer to the door-place. He had been practicing the human-sound. He was certain he had made it right, good.

"You're not getting past these gates without clothing, boy. This is a civilized city. Return with proper wear and you may enter. Now go."
...
This time Kyo approached what he now knew were called the gates with scratchy-itchy cloth hung over his head and a few lonely items clutched in sweating fingers. These were things he had found once on a dead man in the huge, wide grasslands; the man had had a holding-thing, and in the thing had been stuff which even Kyo recognized as clothing --shirts and shorts-- and glittering-gold pieces. He had run to his hiding spot to get them, had pulled on the long-shirt which just reached to his thin human knees, and had run back, human-form.

The blue-guards were not smiling, but they did not stop him as he came up again with the things held all-tight in his human hands. One of them muttered sounds that Kyo did not recognize, but then spoke again, more loudly:

"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."

Kyo was surprised when the speaking blue-man reached forward and tucked one more thing into his arms, the strange rolled thin-thing that he had been holding as he spoke --called the scroll of welcome?-- which was something with human sound-squiggles and pictures on it. Kyo looked down at the writings blankly, and stood without moving.

One of the blue-gatesmen sighed and stepped forward, before taking back the thin-thing and unrolling it, pointing to some of the pictures. "Listen up, because I'm only going through this once, okay? Good. We're here. The Land Gates. If you want to stay in the city, you must have a place to live. Understand? We do not accept homelessness. And you will find work, and be useful. Or we'll throw you out to the Sea." Kyo looked over at the blue-man's face and nodded, not wanting to make him angry and get another thump. The man moved his finger and pointed again at the pictures. "Go there. It's called Atri's Place, got it? Atri's Place. It's right in there, just inside the city entrance." The blue-man turned and pointed, this time into the gates.

"Aht-ris Place," the young man repeated.

"Yes," the blue-man said. "Ask for a room and give them this bag of coins." The man touched one of the things in Kyo's laden grip. "Atri will give you a place to stay for a fair price and will not cheat you. But you must abide by the rules of the establishment, as well as those of the city. Understand?"

"Ah~ good," Kyo said, fumbling with the sounds, "Ah~ yes. Dunt woo-ry. Kyo good."

"Alright. Then hurry up and go in. You're holding up the line. Get going. Remember. Atri's Place."

[Aoren]

86th of Fall, 514 AV
Morning

Magnificent.

That was the first word that came to Aoren’s mind as he viewed the alabaster city of the Akalak. For practically an entire season Aoren had sailed with the crew of the Suvan’s Grace from Zeltiva to Riverfall and when he lay eyes upon the city he knew then it had all been worth it. At his side, Isikai stood quite eager to get back onto dry land off the deck of the ship. The poor dog had lost some weight during the journey. As had Aoren. Living on rations as well as constantly exposed to the harshness of the sea had trimmed away what weight they might have gained living the scholarly life in Zeltiva.

Aoren ran a hand through his hair. The long, shaggy tresses were a sun kissed, bleached a lighter shade than was normal for the typically sandy blonde Drykas. He stood shirtless upon the deck of the ship, his bare skin was tanned having spent the majority of the season exposed to Syna’s golden rays. On his face grew a thick beard, the product of so many days at sea without the ease of being able to shave. He scratched at it. The hair was coarse and wiry. Looking down at Isikai, the dog panting as he stared out at the shore before letting out an excited yip. He was happy to be getting back onto dry land on a more permanent basis. They had accompanied the crew to shore when they’d stopped to make port along the way or at trade outposts but for the most part they had been stuck aboard the ship.

It had certainly given Aoren a fine appreciation for life at sea but he was ready to rejoin civilization. As the ship began to come into the port Aoren made his way below deck. He managed to sway and move with the rocking motions of the ship as it sailed through the waters. It had taken him many days to finally get his sea legs. The endeavor had been a rather amusing development for the crewmembers of the Suvan’s Grace. When he finally had gotten his sea legs the crew had put him to work. A fact that Aoren had been grateful for. He would have gone stark raving mad had be done nothing productive the entire journey.

Gathering his belongings Aoren pulled on his worn leather vest then swung his packs over his shoulders grunting slightly as he shifted under the weight. Everything he owned, he carried with him. Reaching out he grasped a hold of his quarterstaff getting his balance as the ship swayed with the tides. Slowly he made his way back to the deck of the ship just as they were making port. He very nearly stumbled as he got back to the deck. Isikai padded beside him, his fur a little lacking in its normal luster. Like Aoren he was shaggy in appearance. The both of them needed a good bathing, a haircut, Aoren was in need of a shave and most definitely a good meal.

He wasted no time in making his way down to the docks once the ship was properly anchored to the pier. Practically the moment his feet touched the wooden planks he was face to chest with a tall, broad shouldered, dark skinned Akalak who stared at him intensely. Aoren blinked up at the man.

“Hello.” The man nodded offering Aoren half-smile.

“Hello. Can I help you with anything?” The Drykas man nodded clearing his throat. He was travel weary. He needed to find a place to relax if only for a day before getting himself situated in the city.

“Yes, Sir. I am looking for a place to stay for a few nights. I have coin. I have no intention of bringing any trouble with me. You have my word on that.” The Akalak gave another nod producing a scroll which he extended to Aoren.

“Very well. 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.” Aoren accepted the scroll. He unfurled it perusing its contents for a moment. When he looked up to ask a question the Akalak was gone. It wasn’t long before Aoren spotted him tending to another traveler on the docks. The Drykas man shrugged his shoulders looking down to Isikai. The dog seemed just happy to be back on solid, well, almost solid ground. Aoren scanned the scroll until his eyes fell upon the name of an establishment that made him smirk.

“Alements, huh? Well, we’re ailing aren’t we boy? Tired. Ready for a good meal. Maybe we can find one there, eh? Come on.” Rolling up the scroll Aoren set out for the tavern listed. No doubt it would take some time but for the moment? Aoren was just happy to be off the blasted ship.

[Sheaya]

Fall 8th 514 Late Afternoon Sheaya approached the gate of Riverfall with weary steps, her arm slack as she lead the horse she was using to carry the burden of her few possessions she had left after such a long and dangerous journey. As they neared she pulled down her shawl to better look up towards the sky to see how tall they ran, finding herself amazed at the majesty of the construction. In her mind it was one of the most impressive looking walls she had seen as the stone was not buffeted by sand storms as every building back in her home lands appeared. A sense of relief was washing over her as the gate came closer with every step knowing that she was safe at last. She had spent every day and night since the night of her husband's death wondering if she would live to see the next sunrise. The fear had only grown since the moment they had crossed into the grasslands where she felt she understood nothing and had been unable to trust anything she saw. She was done with this region, she only wished to make it home and if she could find guidance here to get back there she would stay here however long needed to achieve it. She stopped when she neared the gates and the guard halted her. Unsure what he wanted she secured her headpiece once more by wrapping the slack around her neck in a loose scarf fashion and waited for her instruction, praying it wasn't a refusal to enter. If it wasn't for her exhaustion and uncertainty of entrance to the city she might have marveled at the physique of the guards as this was her first time seeing an Akalak in person. "Good afternoon Sir, I seek shelter in your city ." She quickly made let known, hoping her clear intentions would displace any unease the sight of her might cause. She was not knowledgeable about the customs of this land or city or what was considered acceptable or common. To some of her surprise she was greeted by the towering man and offered a scroll which she took into her free hand and opened to read. It was written in common tongue, the first part listing the rules of the city. Her reading and writing in the language was not as fluent as she could have hoped in this situation, but after a few moments she was able to make it through the list and found herself having no issues with abiding by what was written here. She nodded as she unrolled more to glance at the guard with a weary smile,"Thank you, I am fine with these rules. I will take good care of this scroll until I leave." She told him. The guard seemed pleased enough, allowing her to travel on through with the scroll in hand now. It felt good to feel some sense of peace again and to have some sense of direction of where she needed to go in this strange city she found herself in.

[Evalin]

53rd of Fall, 514 AV
Location: Sea Gates

Evalin had begun to grow weary of the constant rocking of the ship, day in and day out. It never stopped, never slowed. A steady motion and rhythm which would increase in intensity at times and then return once more to how it was before. If Evalin were still of the living she might have found sickness to overcome her, but as she was not there was only an irritation at the repetitiveness of the motions.

"Ready am I to leave this tedious journey and step foot on land once more..."

To the side Evalin heard a retching sound, and did not bother to look at the large man bending over the railing to relieve himself of his latest meal. Straightening, holding onto the railing for support, Gresshal wipped his mouth with the back of his hand, unfocused eyes glaring at Evalin, "Yeah, you are not the only one. Dhani were never meant to travel on the sssea."

This of course made the nuit smile and she pushed back her hood to smirk at the Dhani, "Perhaps it is only you who holds such a weakness. Now take up my belongings. We are docking."

Today Evalin wore her child form, her dark black hair falling in straight locks bast her shoulders. Thin and deathly pale, she looked like a child who bore some long sickness and never quite recovered. This was in part true, though perhaps not as most would suspect. As the plank was lowered and passengers began to depart Evalin took up her staff, leaning it against her shoulder and waving absently for Gresshal to follow. The Dhani hefted a medium sized trunk on his human shoulders, a grumble in his eyes though his lips were silent.

Upon the docks Evalin was quickly greeted by one of the large, very large, blue giants of Riverfall. He towered many heads above her own, but seemed to not give Evalin a second glance, instead moving to talk with Gresshal instead.

He sees you as a child it would seem, in the care of your own servant. the amusement in the Irylid's voice was apparent, but the Immortal ignored and and turned her back on Gresshal who was speaking with the Akalak.

Closing her eyes Evalin took in a deep breath, the scent of this place filling her senses as she heard and felt a whole new world around her. It was strange, completely different from the caves and tunnels and the Jungle in which Evalin had found herself for the last year. It was busy and bustling, bodies moving about, laughter in the distance and smiles... It made something in her stir somewhat.

Blinking her eyes open Evalin shook her head, pressing her palm against her temple as she furrowed her brow.

Is something wrong?

After a tick Evalin shook her head, lowering her hand to gently stroke the icy gem on her chest, No. It was nothing.

"Come Gresshal, let us be off." She stated, heading into the city. The Dhani came quickly behind, hefting the chest into a more comfortable position on his shoulder, doing his best to avoid running into anyone as he tried to keep up with his Master's small frame.

[Zarkaia]

Riverfall

Zarkaia was relaxed and quite within the hull of a ship heading towards Riverfall the journey had been unpleasant to the small pyco that snuck on board the vessel at first but he now enjoyed it away form stress and life just crossing the sea until the boat reached its distension he had a piece of clay in his hand but then heard a few voices saying that they have docked " time to go" he said to himself before sneaking off the ship.

"Welcome to Riverfall" he heard a human man say as the crew began unpacking while Zarkaia went to the gates he was spotted by two guards but they did not see him as a threat so he walked on through the gates exited and in awe of this place "well il be staying here for a while" he said to himself.

The pyco now wandered the streets making sure not to be stepped on looking for somewhere to put a tiny tent he saw a market place and got inside a stall before setting it down and eating some clay he was stuck here for now being a living clay statue he would need to find someone nice to stay with.

[Ebbagale Tidemount]

1 Fall 514 A.V. Inevitably the falls of Riverfall never failed to leave Ebbagale breathless. And as she carefully maneuvered her casinor through the ever shifting labyrinth of arriving ships, she found the primal beauty of the cliff side city no less arresting than she remembered. Of all the ports that her pod frequented this was, by far and large, her most favorite. There was simply something about the city that stirred her soul, much as the falls churned the waters of the bay. And as she docked her ship, she felt a swell, like a great ocean wave, at all the possibilities that the city may hold for her. Almost immediately she was met with an old, familiar greeting. "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." There was something welcoming and comfortable in the invariably routine greeting. Ebb flashed the Akalak her most fetching smile, and took the scroll. She needn't read it. The rules of the city were almost as familiar to her as the sails of her casinor, but she gave it the once over nonetheless; if only for decorum. "Thank you." the Svefra answered in practiced Tukant, and giggled as the male arched a brow in mild surprise. "I do and I shall." With a polite nod she tucked the scroll into the inner pocket of her jacket and produced from it the necessary documentation for her ship. The typical entourage of dockworkers was, surprisingly, yet to descend upon her vessel. However, Ebb was familiar enough with the port's protocols and procedures that she was prepared nonetheless. Perhaps they were predisposed with the larger freight ships. Or perhaps a vessel such as The Wave Horse did not require the same scrutinization and documentation as passenger ships or freighters. Either way, she wanted to be absolutely sure that her assets were properly secured according to the city's high standards. Handing the slip of parchment to the Akalak she continued, "I am the captain of this vessel, and will require docking space for at least three days, possibly longer. With whom should I enquire to settle the necessary fees?" With a polite smile the man handed her a form and a list of fees / services. A few minutes later Ebbagale handed back the completed form and one gold Miza - enough to cover the necessary fees and provide a fair cushion should she overstay the estimated three days. With the Akalak's assurance that everything was in order, Ebbagale tipped her hat and made for the city's entrance, the remaining arrangements which still needed to be made weighing heavy on her mind. There was much to do before she could settle in... Much to do. ....

[Kalina]

43rd Day of Fall, 514AV

The Gates were busy; people were bustling back and forth, lifting crates and shifting them around. The noises were completely unlike anything that the little Kelvic had experienced at the port on the island of Sahova. No, whilst those events had been just as frightening as this arrival, there had appeared to be a deathly silence over the port. Maybe the antisocial time of arrival had had something to do with that, compared to the rush of the early afternoon excitement in Riverfall.

The Kelvic, though in human form, whined as though she were a feline. In such a form, the girl appeared to be about fourteen or fifteen winters old, and it would have been evident to any intelligent onlooker, who bothered to examine the girl for more than a tick or two, that she was frightened.

Ravok was what she had been told. Following her new guardian, her saviour, Annalisa. More importantly, she knew that Ravok meant that she would be returning home at last. Perhaps returning to find her Master, whom she had left in Zeltiva. After meeting Clyde, she had been so sure that she would find the Black Sun Agent again, and return safely to his protection. Her nightmare would be over.

Riverfall, however, was not Ravok.

Despair hit the shifter like a tonne of bricks. Once again she was somewhere unknown, foreign, and she was alone.
*

[Ayianie]

12th Day of Fall, 514 A.V

It was almost like Ayianie wished she hadn't left her beloved deserts in the first place. She was drenched, she had never experienced so much rain in her travels. Black, stringy hair stuck to her face and body. Nopah was enjoying himself more than usually. He large head was high up and his ears were perked up.

The dog's long tail continuously crashed into the Chaktawe's leg as it swished to and fro, even whilst sitting down. The painted black ban around her eyes had already either crumbled off her skin or was washed away. In the dead of night she was forced off the ferry. Large, muscular Akalak men watched the Chaktawe, as though she would attack at any moment. With Nopah by her side she placed her hand softly on his writhes, taking a deep breath, Ayianie was stopped quickly. This man, he statued well past her head, explained everything to her.

Only using the best common language she could, listed her intentions and he handed her a scroll. After telling her what was continued inside she was allowed into the city. Fearfully she inhaled and patted Nopah on the head a few times and his propeller-like tail begun to wag once more. There was no telling what this city had in store for her but, with Himez and her companion by her side she felt safe enough.

[Aesil]

Aesil 3rd day of Fall, 514 AV Dust and grime from the road stained Aesil's upper body as he passed the orchards outside Riverfall, and the rush of water sounding in the distance was a small relief after lengthy travel across Mizahar. Fatigue revealed itself through his scowl, despite his renewed vigor at coming upon civilization. Kabrin road hadn't been fortuitous for Aesil, and the men he promised gold to accompany him to the waterfall ridden city. They had come upon a carcass; a result of a pack of jet black night lions who hadn't been entirely finished. During their altercation with the beasts, his two men were injured, and one was eaten alive viscously while they ran. The other man had bled far too much as they rode and died as well. Such was the struggle of the traveling man, and the life Aesil chose. His gelding trotted slowly down Kabrin road until it forked off towards the city where he pulled on the reins, stopping to take in the beauty in the architecture. He always admired structures of cities not built into mountains or volcanos. It took more finesse, and a standard of architectural beauty to build walls and structures such as these. Not to mention the rumors he had heard that the Bluevein river flowed straight through the city into the Suvan sea. He heard the river to the south a bit further, and could make out a ferry from where he sat halted on his gelding, indicating the rumors were true. I should make my way inside. I will need a new party to accompany me to another city anyway, he thought as he pulled the reins in the direction of the city gates where two muscular, armored Akalak guards stood waiting for him. His weary scowl persisted as he approached causing the two guards to stir nervously. He stopped in front of them requesting access to the fair city of Riverfell, and they handed him a scroll that when opened revealed a map, laws of the city, and advertisements for local business. The two men explained that if he agreed to the city's law and to return the scroll when he departed, he was welcome. After parsing the document for a few moments, and a few snorts from his mount, he agreed wearily to the agreement. The Akalak that handed him the scroll nodded, and called to his fellows behind the gate to open it. As it opened, he squeezed his legs against his gelding lightly, and made his way through. He was still weary, but with a mind set at ease by the rock walls of a beautiful city he'd never seen before.

[Byron Allestor]

Fall 60th 514 AV, Noon
Location: The Sea Gates

The ship that carried its passengers had been filled with a bit of excitement among the crew members as their vessel had almost made its berth, those that were passengers aboard this transport had already started to collect their personal items as the interior of the ship creaked and moaned with the waves. Ever since they had started this journey there had been hopes dueled against doubts, mainly because the older brother of the two wasn't sure if they would find any promising leads in this new unexplored territory they were about to enter. Beyond the borders of Lhavit the world had always remained a mystery for them, the only enlightenment of its existence prominent in musty old tomes and the shared word of the common ear. Yet to have actually put behind the very home they grew up in, all in an effort to go on this quest for a means to save his little brother...

That was the reason they were on this boat now. "All right, looks like we've arrived." Byron remarked as everyone seemed to shuffle up on deck, in a few chimes they too would be out in the broad of daylight and ready to great the big blue sky, only something else stood tall before them as their eyes adjusted to the brightness of Syna's rays. Awe was shared between the two brothers as a city towered above them, it resided from the top of the cliffs and all the way down to the area of the sea they came from. They had officially arrived in Riverfall, the first stop in their journey for finding a "cure" of a sort. "So that's Riverfall then, pretty big to look at."

"You seem pretty excited about this." Tailen pointed out as they made their first steps on the docks.

"N'aah, I'm just ready to get off the boat is all." Byron shrugged the notion off with a stretch of his arms, a sigh to follow as he felt the tension in his limbs loosen while they were approached.

"Hello there, can I help you with anything?" A big blue colored man approached them with a curious grin on his face, as the boys looked up at the giant that towered over them. He's big.... and he's blue. The boy mused in fascination as there existed a moment of silence, that is until Byron managed to clear his throat before he addressed the jolly blue giant.

"Well we are new to Riverfall after all and we've had a long trip, mind telling us were we can get some food and rest?" He inquired in what he meant to be a humble manner, though he felt unsure about the proper form of interaction here in this foreign land.

"Well, we've several places you might like. Here is a scroll of welcome from the city, as 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 large man instructed as he handed the boys a scroll, the two opened it to find the laws that he so happened to mention. After a few moments of glancing over these laws the two returned their gaze to the larger man, simultaneous nods followed as they agreed to follow these alleged laws they were presented. On that note the large man grinned and wandered off to greet other new arrivals, which left the two boys to head off into this new and interesting place they'd arrived in.