Location [Wind Reach] The Sanikas Gates

[Delicah]

4th of Fall Delicah looked up at the gates, admiring them but also wonder how she would get inside before an unfimilar voice said, "May I be of assistance?" I jumped slightly with suprise before turning my gaze to, who she assumed, was the gate keeper. He was old but his eyes held excitment and adventure, tales of past expiditions. She hesitated before she spoke, pulling back the hood of the cloak she always wore. "Um, I'm here for residence?" It came out as a question but she really didn't know what to say. She babbled on for a moment before he cut her off, asking the questions you would expect to answer before entering a city. After a minute, he let her through and she began to look around before sighing. Home? was her only though as she walking deeper into the city.

[Vala]

Day 1 of Winter, 510 AV

Vala shivered, drawing her Katinu tight against her body, nuzzling her small nose into her scarf. She pressed her left arm close to her body, but made sure that the glass bottle filled with snow, held tight in her gloved hand, didn't touch her: she was cold enough.

Vala took a moment, taking a deep breath to calm her shivers, and to admire the Sanikas Gates. She hated it when visitors, or uneducated Deks, would complain about the simplicity of the massive columns, complaining that 'the Inarta could do better'. To Vala, the gates were beautiful: they were strong and they served a great purpose: plus, she really loved the colorful glass handle that dangled, like a hopeful wish, by the columns. After taking a moment of Zen, Vala remembered she should get back to the Avora who sent her out here, as soon as possible.

She quickly jogged through the small steel door set into the closed gate. As she passed Val Imsun, she stopped before him to thank him respectfully, "Thank you for letting me leave to get some ice, Val Imsun. Please take these two tea leaves, for my gratitude," She pulled out the tea leaves from a bag she kept in the pocket of her Byrda and handed it to him, "If my meeting at the Valintar goes well I will try to visit in the next few days so that maybe you can start teaching me a little more Common. Goodbye, Val Imsun, it was nice to see you again." Valenina bowed low, respectfully before scurrying away.

At the edge of the Courtyard of the Sky stood a tall Avora man. His arms were large and muscular as he was a mason. He didn't notice Vala walking up to him until she was right under his nose. "Thank you little one for the ice, I don't know why, but all the work I've been doing just had me craving for something cold to chew on. Here, take 2 pinion for your trouble."

Vala bowed and handed him the bottle, gratefully stuffing the coin into her pockets. "Thank you sir! Feel free to ask me for ice any time." She smiled winningly, eyes squinting in delight: she kept up the cute face until the man walked away, happily munching on his ice.

[Valadi Liana]

Valadi Liana yawned, his mouth opening fully to expose both his unscented breath and full set of teeth. The truth was that he was tired. He was tired of the long walk up to the peak, tired of the continual ear wrenching screeching of eagles and the thunderous pounding of the waterfall he had passed. He was tired of not seeing so much as a soul in hours. And most of all, he was tired of the wind. The ever present, ever blowing, ever hateful wind!

I know the place has a name to uphold, but surely it wouldn't be bothered to stop blowing a few days out of the week though Valadi miserably. He longed for the cool, still air of the caverns he called home, not these chilly half frozen mountains. It is spring isn't it? he pondered, looking around at the traces of snow and ice still on the ground.

Valadi shook his head, shaking off those oppressive and looming negative thoughts like a dog shakes off water. I was given the task to find a mate for those back at the village and told to begin my search here. He reasoned There must be some redeeming quality to the women here that would make them important enough to mate with

With those logical and reasoning thoughts moving calmly through his brain, Valadi came to the last stretch of the path and moved toward the rather unimpressive gateway into Wind Reach. His pupils enlarged almost immediately, and he quickly spotted the groove containing the gate and the bell pull next to it. Acting purely out of curiosity, he reached forward and tugged lightly on the chain, giving off a clatter of bells that went throughout the hallway. Startled by the sudden noise, Valadi jumped back in surprised and looked around before realizing it had been the chain and shaking his head in embarrassment.

[Fenilen]

8th of Spring, 511 AV

It was a cold flight back, but what did one expect? When blazing through the expanses of Taldera and the vastness of the oceans, at the very beginning of Spring, none the less, cold is something that is always going to bite at you. Fenilen, however, had not been bothered by the temperatures. The further from the City of Eternal Winter they flew, the warmer it began, and every degree might as well have been a hundred thousand miles closer to the sun for his frozen body.

When his home in the mountain came into view in the far distance, mixed feeling found their way into Fenilen's gut. A feeling of guilt for his absence gnawed at the corners of his essence, and accompanying that guilt was a pang of fear that he was now returning, but above that was a sense of certainty. Permission had been provided for his absence. Still, even with a feeling of certainty present in his mind, he couldn't help but huddle close to the eagle beneath him, feeling the powerful muscles ripple with every little movement. That was one thing he had missed. The other was more obvious. The first thing he would do, he decided, would be to see Sairque. A little nod confirmed this in his mind.

It wasn't long before the mountain was just before them, and just a few minutes longer until the great bird had found its roost, and Fenilen was free from its back. Fenilen was home once more, returned to Wind Reach until the end of his days.

[Flicker]

Vala Val gratefully took the tea leaves in one winter-chapped hand, dropping them in a small glass box where the lingering particles in the bottom told stories of many a similar gift received over countless years. As she had taken a moment to address him, a welcome break in the slow first day of winter, he returned her respect with just as much attention. "Young Vala, I always appreciate a willing ear for my tales and lessons. Call again soon." Viladi "Simmer down, visitor," the voice rasped from the shadows, losing much of its mystery when the body it belonged to shuffled into the light. "You'll need to see the Valintar immediately," Val informed the sensitive man courteously, Symnestra being no rare sight in Wind Reach. Frequent enough visitors, some even making the volcanic city home, the Inarta treated them as equals. Work got rewarded, laziness and disrespect got punishment. Drudges weren't accounted for anyhow, should they fall prey to the whims of a Symnestran visitor. Bothering a member of the upper class could earn an Eagle a free meal, however. "He'll get you an assignment for your stay here and tell you what status you hold." The retired adventurer tapped his walking stick against the ground to end the meeting and returned to the comforts of his tea. Fenilen Far below the returning Glassblower, Val the gatekeeper smiled in satisfaction. Having visited many a city in his day, it did his heart good to know that there were a few Inarta out there willing to venture forth, learn, and return.

[Elsmere]

Day 15 of Spring AV 511 Sometime early morning The blue of the sky burned bright in the sky. Such a beautiful morning. Eyes blinked rapidly adjusting to the light. A yawn, seeming to come from the toes, produced itself. It feels like I should be doing something today. I just can't put my finger on it. Pushing himself up, the coolness of the morning hit him hard. Bugger it is freezing, he protested loudly. Bringing himself to his full height, he gave a stretch. The wet clothes snapped and cracked. Laid in that grass a little to long. Pausing puzzlement twisted on his face. Where'd the grass go. Snow? I don't remember snow.Taking in his surroundings, the man noticed a satchel on the ground next to the spot he just vacated. What have we here? Please let there be a change of clothes. he asked himself. Upon opening it, he pulled a leather bound book from it's innards and rifled through the pages. Blank? he questioned through chattering teeth. A quizzical looks passed before his eyes. Turning to the inside cover he saw a named etched into the leather. Elsmere... Elsmere? Why does that name sound familiar? A growl grew in the pit of his stomach and the man knew he needed to eat. Placing the book back in the satchel, he swung it over his shoulder and made his way to the road. Glancing in both directions, he decided to follow the path that looked to lead to civilization. His bare feet felt as though he was walking on tiny daggers. He needed to find some place warm. Continuing towards his destination, the man felt at odds with himself. Something was bothering him. Why is it cold? I don't remember the cold. It was like he woke from a bad dream filled with beauty and love. The cold sapped his strength and he quickly grew tired as he neared the appearance of a city. Stopping to catch his breath, he leaned against the smooth surface of a column. It felt warm. warmer than the clothes he was wearing. Removing his soaked trousers and placing them aside, he held wrapped himself around the column. It warmed him, but his robe froze against his skin. He needed to find a way in. I wonder what this chain does? A sound was heard not far away. Figuring someone would make their presence known soon, he stripped off the wet robe. He gripped the column once again. Warmth seeped into the unknown. Clinging to the warm stone, he waited for an answer.

[Flicker]

The chimes pealed through the gate, but something echoed discordantly throughout the music. The last note, free and fluttery as a sparrow on a warm summer day, finally faded out, gone to roost, but still that dry crinkling sound, constant in waves, persisted. For a very long time. Eventually it petered out, in its death throes quieting to the point where the echo no longer distorted it. Laughter. Valtrrrik Imsun leaned forward, away from his small fire and boiling tea pot, setting watery, laughter-crinkled eyes on the nudist. "Ho, ho, I needed that. Where do you come from, brother? Fall into the river on your way up the road?" Val squinted up at the weak sun, as though judging how far the visitor had traveled this day and how likely it was he would freeze to death.

[Eoin]

Day 1 of Spring, 511 AV The beating of wings was a sound common to Wind Reach, whether it’d be the Endals returning from their long hunting trips or a falcon in training, it was all Eoin needed to hear to feel at peace. Lifting his chin, he spotted the culprit circling in the sky as one of Val Imsun’s birds, who promptly returned to where it had come. A message was to be delivered to the gatekeeper of Wind Reach that an Inartan returns. Reaching the end of his road home, the young man gave a polite smile and bowed to the knowing Elder, who stood waiting with gentle blue eyes. He had spoken to Val Imsun every time he used the gates, wishing to cure the man’s loneliness with frequent visits and short stories. Eoin saw the elder as a grandfather figure of sorts, often wishing to sit down and have some tea with the man, though there was little time for that with both of their busy schedules. “The tea you’re drinking today has a very enticing scent sir, may I ask what it might be?” He inquired as he took in the light, fresh aroma. “I wish I could stay and tell you of my latest from my small collection of tales, but I must be going. Chef Davoid would not want me late, and I do not wish to incur her wrath.” His smile broadened as he gave a curt nod toward the gatekeeper before entering through the gate when granted access.

[Elsmere]

It took a moment for the man to realize someone was standing there. He was soaking up the last of the warmth of the stone. He knew it probably wasn't the best idea to take off the robe but the wetness was too much for the old man to bear. Knowing that his white, wrinkled buttocks, looking like a full moon rising, was beginning to chill, he turned to face the man. Although not before adjusting the satchel to cover his maturity. Greetings to you, he said, and to answer your question... I am not quite sure. I recall sitting in the warm sun in a grassy field only to wake cold, wet, and nearly frozen. The warmth of this stone column my only friend until you arrived. He leaned his backside against the column hoping to claim the last ounce of warmth. I could not bring myself to wear those cold wretched clothes any longer. I will do my best as to not expose myself to you. You wouldn't happen to have a fire nearby or better yet a room? I believe a nice warm bed and possibly some food will bring my out of my bewilderment. The last said with a smile while blowing into his hand to gather some warmth.

[Flicker]

Elsmere Val waved off the explanation and the unhelpful answer it followed, his hands gnarled from years of labor and sun. Still, a smile tugged at his lips and his eyes twinkled in friendship. "I do have a fire here, but to be honest, I haven't enjoyed a naked man's company in years. I think if I were to go back to that, I'd pick one with a little less shrivel to their cheeks," he husked out through chuckles, tugging the thick winter coat tighter around his shoulders as a breeze kicked up. "We haven't got any food, visitor, but go and see the Valintar about a job and a bed. He's right up the road, and be thinking about what job you've the skills for," he ordered, blue eyes serious as the ice under Elsmere's feet. OOCOpen a new thread where Elsmere sees the Valintar