Open Just Another Day in Ravok

[Vann Grey]

Fall, Day 15 512 AV Midday. The sun pierced through Vann's room like fingers creeping their way through its interior until they reached up to his face, giving him a soft touch of warmth that awoke him. He didn't immediately open his eyes, instead he smiled and inhaled deeply while stretching. Mornings always made him happy even though he wasn't much of a morning person, they meant another day that he was still here; another day still living. He rose slowly and went through his daily routine. First, his clothes, of course, then straight to the table to start writing in his book about a dream he had. Getting lost in his own thoughts as he wrote, he reached for his father's book. He began reading through the few chapters that it had, noticing how each person that had the book in some way smoked tobacco. Seems almost like tradition.. Vann thought, And I do intend to keep our tradition going.. Vann then remember when his father first let him try tobacco; he enjoyed the smell and taste it had. Pushing away from the table, Vann started for the door, planning to go to the market. As he walked out, Vann met the sweet aroma of the waters of Ravok. His smile reappeared as he walked to the canal and mounted his water glider. The ride relaxed Vann, it always did. He loved the wind through his hair and the smell of the water. It was the adventurer in him coming out, longing to be out on the sea or anywhere that he could be free. As he rode through the canal, he was soon enveloped in his own thoughts again. I wonder how dad is these days, I haven't seen him since we moved back. Not that long ago but still, I should probably visit him soon, I'm sure he would love to see how I'm doing even if I haven't found a job.. Before he knew it he was at the Silver Sliver. He docked his glider and stepped onto the paved road to head to the market. Walking along the main paths in Ravok was hectic, the traffic of people was difficult to navigate through so Vann took to the alleys. He began to make some actual progress but as he was walking, he noticed several individuals behind him, around 3 or 4, he couldn't tell though because they were shrouded by the shadows that cast from the towering buildings. All-of-a-sudden Vann was blocked by a huge guard, allowing the others following him to catch up, revealing that they were also guards. "Rumors tell that you are a member of The Rising Dawn." One guard broke the silence that lingered, "Can you state otherwise?" His question was forceful, almost with anger. Vann raised an eyebrow at the guard, "Are you serious?" He chuckled, with a sarcastic smile added in. The guard, obviously angered, thrust his arm at Vann's neck, pinning him to the wall of the alley, "The Rising Sun isn't something we joke about." His gripped tightened around Vann's throat, "Insubordination to The Voice and Ryhsol and association with The Rising Sun are punishable by death and we can help you reach that if you don't comply." As he finished, he released Vann from his hands. Vann coughed and rubbed his throat. Looking up at the guard with a stinging glare he began, "Look, I know I look suspicious by being on my own but I've never caused any trouble here and I don't plan to, I've been raised to keep in solitude and never cause anything that will gain me unwanted attention. Just look at my father, he raised me to be quiet and kept to myself." "Watch yourself, peasant." The guard scoffed, turning away and signaling for the other guards to follow. As they walked away, the large guard spat at Vann, hitting him in the face with his spit. Vann, disgusted and angered, wiped the spit away. Sliding down the wall to sit and collect himself he sighed with relief that they left him with only a sore throat, he knew they could have killed him easily and it would have been justified by the corrupted office they serve. Shook up and on edge now, Vann decided not to go to the market, instead he headed to the Silver Sliver, keeping an eye out for suspicious figures as he walked. Arriving at the tavern, he sighed with relief and headed in. Scanning the room as he walked in, he noticed that it was a little busier than usual but was still able to find a seat at the bar with ease. He then ordered a mug of Ale and the cheapest meal he could get. Glad to be okay, he drank and ate in a small celebration for himself.

[Amelia Cross]

[15th of fall 512.a.v.] [Silver Silver] Amelia had just left her fathers home, a place she couldn’t really call her home, it was drenched with Rhysols teachings and his way of life. She held respect for all gods, so she couldn’t say she disliked this particular one, she just wasn’t found of the methods his worshipers use. Even more since her father kept trying to convert her to the black sun. ”I’m in need of some rest” she said to herself as she walked from the more noble district of the city to the place she enjoyed more, taverns and markets. At least here she could have some fun and not be considered a bad daughter who puts her parents to shame, here nobody would know that her family doesn’t approve of this life. None of there friends would be here, so nobody would tell her father. She felt a bit of grief cut through her soul, she missed having Fauna by her side, but from her life she had already learned that taking a horse around this city isn’t the smartest thing to do. She tried to avoid it as much as she could, besides, her aim was to have fun, not just walk around. It was about half an hours walk before she had reached her planned destination, the one place she just could miss on visiting when in the city of canals, Silver Silver. No better place for a little fun and dancing, songs in your full voice and a drink or two. With a smile, that was quite unusual for Amelia, she pushed the door open and stepped in, only to see everyone minding there own business, she could hear a few rumors exchanging that was so typical for Ravok even here. Some guards drinking and right on the small stage a small band was performing. With confidence yet grace in her steps she walked up to them, at first she just listened to the music they were playing. It was fast with an uplifting beat, the girl couldn’t help herself but to hum along and before she knew it, she was dancing to the beat. ”Louder girl, louder” came a voice and she opened her eyes only to see one of the men looking at her , he was in his middle 40ties and probably an Inarta. A quick exchange of smiles before he held out his hand for Amelia to join them on the stage. There music became a bit more slow, awaiting to see what will Amelia sing. Even though she had done it in the past, usually her mother had accompanied her and then she didn’t feel worried at all. Now when she was alone, she was not only worried but even scared, seeing all of the people there. On top of all that, she didn’t know what to sing, the only songs she knew were the ones her mother had written and the few she knew of the other lands, Ravok wouldn’t welcome them. Running through her head she remember a song she used to sing with her father when she was younger, and with a small prayer to strangely, Rhysol, she began to sing, hopping the men would pick up her tempo. ” There’s an ear in the shadow and an eye in the lock,” came the first line of the song, and just a small glance at the men was enough to know they knew the song and they even joined in on the further lines ” and the words you said are rumors new, ‘cause we all want to see what She’ll do to you” Amelia sang, as she jumped down from the stage and began to dance once more ” in ol’ Rhysol’s Ravok!” almost all the tavern joined in as this song was to honor the city they cherished and the god. Amelia didn’t remember most of the lines, but she didn’t need to, she could just join in at the few she knew. Slowly she made her way to the bar and with a smile she greeted the bartender ”a mug of ale in ol’ Rhysol’s Ravok!” Amelia sang, she knew this wasn’t a valid line in the lyrics, bus none the less, nobody cared. At the moment, even Amelia didn’t care of the world; a song was all she needed to run away from her fathers teachings that had turned her into a passive creature. Taking the mug from the man she brought it up, but before she could feel the liquid slip in between her bloody red lips her eyes wondered to the man she had sat next to. Staring was rude, but something in the pale skin that could rival a symenestra and the long, brown locks was intimidating. Her curiosity of humans was getting the best of her as she couldn’t bring her eyes away from his common actions. Common anywhere but here, she must admit, that in Silver Silver someone this calm and collected wasn’t an often visitor as far as she has been here that is.

[Vann Grey]

Vann had just finished his meal and first mug when the girl walked in, though he didn't pay much attention to her then. He ordered another mug and sat alone, replaying the scene in the alley way over and over in his head. He rubbed his throat and then snapped back into reality when the tempo of the music changed. He turned and noticed the woman that was singing, he chuckled to himself because he noticed that she didn't know all the words to the song. He did admire her confidence though. Turning back around he finished his second mug, he was feeling loose, just what he wanted. He had to get his mind of the guards and needed to relax. Ordering another mug, he noticed in his peripherals that the woman singing was seating beside him. He could feel her gaze upon him and his grin reappeared as he turned his head to face her, keeping his body forward and drink in hand. As he turned, he met her gaze. Her eyes were odd, the black and white contrast was something he had never seen but at the same time they were beautiful. He subtly looked her up and down, noticing the contrast of her hair and skin, and the blood red lips, "She's rather odd, different.. but in a good way." He thought. Vann shook his head with a grin, bringing himself back to reality once again. He looked at her and chuckled, "Sorry, I get lost in my own thoughts." He turned back to his mug and took a sip, "You're a great singer though, that was good even if you didn't know all the lines." He chuckled, obviously joking to her. The alcohol had loosened him up enough so his humor could show. A couple more drinks and his real thoughts would come out. That be dangerous for him of all people, his mind wonders too much for its own good. Price: 3 Mugs of Ale - 12 CM Poor meal - 2 SM

[Amelia Cross]

If Amelia hadn’t lost all of her shame a long time ago, she’d probably be blushing a red that could rival her lips. She enjoyed stalking people, documenting there habits and examining their nature. However she didn’t enjoy being caught during so, probably because she was thought to act otherwise. Too bad it never stopped her, it never crossed her mind that she could be doing something, most would consider to be rude especially in a city of such high standards like Ravok. ”That was the best I could do, haven’t sang that song in ages, yet the ones I have aren’t much of a threat for the ears of Ravokian people” Amelia simply stated as she finally brought her own mug of ale to her lips fully, letting the liquid she found to be so satisfying and sweet slide down her through, however she knew better than to drink more than one mug, knowing how clouded her mind could get. She turned her attention back to the man after placing her mug down on the bar once more, letting her fingers slip away from it. Drawing some random shaped in the air with her long index finger before placing her elbow on the bar to provide her head a resting place in her pale palm that clearly identified that the girl wasn’t used to much work. She brought her lazy gaze back to the man and smiled at him lazily, she wasn’t sure but somehow her mind told her that he was already quite relaxed, or he was quite the easy going fellow, what she doubted, considering he was alone in a tavern. ’then again, you’re here alone as well, maybe another family drama’ she giggled to herself as she recalled her father, she hatted how much she argued with her father, but at the same time, she couldn’t help but feel amused by their actions. As she knew, bout of them loved each other, just had trouble showing it. But Amelia decided to shock the thought away from her head and just enjoy the company of a perfect stranger ”so tell me, what brings one to the Silver Silver, all alone? None the less someone as attractive as yourself.” she asked shamelessly with the ever lustful smile she offered only to ones like this, random encounters that would drag her head away from her family and the quite different opinions of life they all held.

[Vann Grey]

Vann slid his hand from the mug, he didn't want to be too drunk that he couldn't function, and then he turned back to her, noticing her loosened posture. He was glad she was actually talking to him, most wouldn't approach Vann with such ease and relaxation. "Finally, someone pleasant and not ridiculing me." He thought. Her giggling caught his attention and he watched her as she spoke, her lips were graceful as she spoke and the smile on her lips was attracting him. Then the word 'attractive' was said, which shocked Vann, first person to actually talk to Vann without tension then she calls him attractive, this was odd for Vann but at the same time, he enjoyed it. He laughed before speaking, "Guards assaulted me in a back alley while I was on my way to the market." Speaking of this didn't shake Vann now, he was buzzed enough to where he wasn't caring. "Supposedly I a member of The Rising Dawn." He chuckled, "Hilarious, right? I mean, I stay at home most of the time and when I do finally come out, I'm attacked. Ravok for you." Even though he said he'd stop, he grabbed his mug slowly and drank before turning back to the woman, "And yourself? Here for a good time or to drown your troubles?"

[Amelia Cross]

Amelia could see a slight reaction from the man’s face once she called him attractive. The words she spoke where honest. She didn’t see a reason for his eyes to show that small glimpse of shock. Eyes, that must have been it, he held a scar right above his right eye, but it was small, perhaps she was wrong. Oh but who in the name of gods cared, all that matters is now and the cute, yet clearly drunk smile. She listened to the boy’s words carefully before responding; thankfully she wasn’t half as intoxicated by the ale as the man was. ”Really? Somehow you don’t seem like that to me” her voice coming off as a soft whisper, she didn’t like her to be heard across the room, her father thought her better than that. The only time she’d speak louder would be when she is singing, singing like her mother had thought her. ”As for little o’me…a bit of bout I assume, I just can’t seem to get along with my father…the black sun is taking up all of his time even when I have crossed such horrible distances in order to visit” Amelia explained, letting the smallest signs of sorrow cross her black eyes before she regained a more easy going manner ”but for the most part it’s a good time” leaning her head to the side with a small smile across her face as she continued looking at the man. She was quite amused by how he kept drinking, after all there was just that much one could take and it looked like he had been close to the boundary. ”how rude of me, I’m Amelia” she introduced herself, outstretching her left arm to him.

[Vann Grey]

Vann pushed the mug away so he wouldn't be tempted to drink more but kept his attention on the girl. He was enjoying her company more and more, she was beautiful and seemed interested in him. Maybe it was the alcohol, he wasn't sure. "I'm not one to cause trouble and it's outrageous to think I would join The Rising Sun." He said, almost matching her volume. He didn't want to be too loud either, unwanted attention in a bar could get ugly. Seeing her hand reach toward him, he readjusted and met her half way with his, "Vann, it's a pleasure." He smiled as he softly gripped her hand, not shaking it, they seemed to delicate for it. "A father that doesn't even have time for his beautiful daughter, shame." He joked, serious about her looks though, she was attractive, "Whatever you're here for, I'm glad you are. You turned my drinking from anger to a good time." He thanked her in his own way, smiling as he spoke, "So, where were you before you came to visit your father?" He questioned curiously.

[Amelia Cross]

Amelia hardly pulled back the urge of rolling her eyes the moment her lovely stranger pushed the mug away, sure it might have seemed like he is doing it sincerely to stop drinking, but Amelia has spent a lot of time in taverns, no man can really resist the temptation of good ale. Then again, it could be Amelia being skeptical once more, for some reason the time she has spent in Ravok this year is making her slightly skeptical and judgmental of the world and people around her. ”Vann, gonna’ have to remember that” Amelia chuckled as she slowly pulled her hand away from the man, letting her index finger trace the small scar on his hand. The position of it was quite unusual, she couldn’t really imagine someone getting that in a natural way of things, but he did state the guards just now confronted him, might as well have earned this one with an older encounter with them. Her face slightly lit up with a bit of an acted out embarrassment, as she lowered her eyes to the ground. ”you’re embarrassing me, none the less, thank you” her smile becoming quite mellow as she did. However she was lost of words when he asked of where she had come from, Amelia of all knew better than everyone else that Syliras and Ravok aren’t exactly on best terms. She had no idea how would this man react if he knew she came from that city, so her city of origin was the best answer she could name ”Zeltiva, the city of knowledge across the whole region, have you been there?” Amelia finished the answer with a small question, it would be a lie to say she was honestly interested in it, but she wanted the conversation to go on.

[Vann Grey]

Vann watching her, noticed the subtle gestures her face made when he pushed the mug away, he let out a slight grin. He did plan on not drinking the rest, he felt good already and didn't want to over do it and embarrass himself by getting nauseous, especially in front of such a beautiful girl. "Likewise and might I add that the name matches in beauty with you." He chuckled as he spoke, knowing how horribly corny it sounded but he didn't care, he knew she would laugh with him. As she slid her finger across his scar, cold chills ran down his spine, it felt oddly good. Seeing her face light up made Vann smile, it gave him butterflies but he swallowed it down so she wouldn't notice, "You're welcome." He answered back with a laugh, pushing the last of the butterflies down. "Zeltiva, huh? I went there with my father once. Funny you're from there, I've actually been wanting to visit again. I heard they have a wonderful magic university and would like to attend someday." He finished, shaking his head because he didn't mean to give the hint that he might be a wizard. "So, when are you planning on leaving Ravok to go back?" He asked, trying to cover up his small mistake.

[Amelia Cross]

Amelia felt a slight fog of awkwardness come along once the man spoke the compliment; she wasn’t sure how to respond to something like that. Amelia after all was used to more serious lines from men, this was quite unusual, but she managed to act out a believable giggle, with her fingers in front of her lips, in order to make it a bit more believable. ”Well aren’t you a sweet talker?” she chuckled, before letting her fingers regain the passive position they held on the bar, gently knocking out a rhythm of some song, a beat she didn’t even know the origin of. However her attention didn’t leave the man, if she had decided to spend time with someone, she would always give them her attention for the sake of studying them and their responses. Amelia kept her eyes pierced to the man’s lips, after all they could tell the most, but even her interest was slowly beginning to dull, until the man mentioned magic. Even though Amelia had spent years in Zeltiva she really hadn’t gotten to know anyone who held skills in magic, the professors where busy and the students wouldn’t spend time with a little girl, so her experience and knowledge of magic was no more than a few random encounters in the past she wasn’t quite pleased with. Perhaps the boy here knew something that would be worth more than her initial idea. Still Amelia wasn’t pleased with the question of when will she be going back to Zeltiva, it could make her sad knowing that probably that won’t happen at all. Still, the small sadness that seemed to usually come off as anger didn’t manage to shadow the clearly burning interest in her pitch black eyes ”I intend to stay in Ravok until the end of winter, it’s not safe traveling even in summer, none the less in winter” She explained, before letting her more adorable side out and with a well trained shy look in her eyes she leaned closer to him, a voice of a bare whisper as if she was telling a secret only they could know of and everyone else was banned from their world ”Vann” she began with his name coming off in a soft purr before continuing to the main article ”so...do you know magic?” she questioned, but even when finished she didn’t pull away, even for the slightest bit.