Completed [Fountain of Cascading Harmony] Staring at stone

[Weylin Quickshot]

Date: Winter 512, Day 17, Mid-Morning

Towering, that was what it was. Towering high, a stream of water that flowed from the fountain, an icey spray of liquid that pattered onto the stone of the Gods and onto those who leaned to close. The patron god Laviku was sat among the water, a body of carved stone, never ageing, never moving, forever to be locked in place. It was unlike anything she had seen before, the carving of stone, the strong sense of form, and the near pristine white of the fountain.

"It must weigh a lot..." Weylin mumbled as she turned her head to analyse it closely.

For a while Weylin stared at the unblinking form, hands placed firmly on the fountain edge almost as if she was challenging the stone to move, for the mighty sea god to leap into life. It did not, but Weylin still continued to focus upon it in the cold winter light. She knew little about the fountain, other than its attraction to various artists and poets whilst seeking inspiration, little other knowledge eluded her, particularly the leaving of ‘gifts’ to the gods. Why leave riches and precious stones? Surely they would prefer game? Of hides and flesh? Or perhaps fish in Laviku's case.

She turned her back to the fountain, letting the cold spray hit the back of her cloak for a change. She still carried the ‘boy’ look about her, and so far it had proved an advantage. It had kept her out of the eyes of more troublesome men so far, and she hoped it to last. Weylin patted her sides, briefly tapping the quiver she had strapped to her belt and that her bow still remained out of sight. She relaxed when she felt the smooth wood, and removed her hand. Relaxing, she looked about, sucking in the air, and watching all with anticipation. The city was different, it was easy to get lost, particularly with little to use as landmarks, but she got by as long as she did not remain out long after dark. She exhaled, nose flaring taking in the scents of the coastal port, the sounds of life, the continuous buzzing of noise. Weylin shook her head and rubbed her ear. The buzzing, it bothered her, the surrounding sounds distracting the mind and forbidding it to focus. At least out in the wilds silence prevailed; and those that made a noise were hunted down as prey before a second squeal could be made.

She gave Laviku a side glance, watching the stone eyes stare at her back, before she snapped her head away. The statue, to say the least, unnerved her. Just like this city, with its cold walls and buildings that absorbed the winter sun, she felt herself feeling cramped, almost suffocated. But, she could not leave yet; she could not go back to the Sea of Grass not when she had learned so very little. She swallowed, shaking off the feeling that haunted her; of eyes staring and judging every action. Weylin gave a sigh, and pushed off from the fountain, before staring upon it. A look of thought crossed the face of the Drykas, eyes darting and searching the stone for an answer.

[Gale Austin McCenry]

[placeholder]

[Reaver Riatal]

As per what was quickly becoming the usual for a certain young man, still fresh to the streets of Zeltiva, had terribly become lost once more. The tall young man stood at a clear six feet and six inches with a top of shaggy black hair that flopped around his face. His red coat buttoned up tight against the cold air protecting him against its frequent advances. His hands where clad in black gloves keeping them warm and hiding them from the world. Though at a distance the most notable thing where his piercing blue eyes that examined the world. Showing his intellect by the shine they gave when he had found something of interest to him. Though he was pondering with more might than anything how on Mizahar had he wound up at a temple? Last he remembered was being led a few ways on a path, then making a turn and ending up before a large temple. His eyes where captivated on its structure. Built all from a stone he had not yet seen in his life, for a moment he paused and examined it. Letting his eyes settle forward only to have his vision taken up by a young beautiful youth of a woman. She appeared younger than Reaver but he knew from the looks of her. Though she looked more male he had learned in the past that women where deceptive creatures. The tied back hair had thrown him off, and the various greens she wore portrayed a more masculine look. But it was her eyes that gave her away. The green had caught his attention, from her eyes he managed to look at her face in layers. Echoing out from her eyes he was able to make a solid guess that the person was in fact a woman.

Silently he wondered if this woman was a native to Zeltiva, or he may simply be a little too wishful as he sought his way through the city. Regardless he'd gain nothing without approaching and asking. A small chilled breeze hit his back encouraging a few steps forward towards the woman. As he cast off the scowl of cold he warmed up his face. Letting a more charming smile spread across his lips he held onto his sides. Though his height was the most imposing and impressive thing about him physically. His arms boasted little muscle and his limps where more spindly and lanky than anything. An academic if one had ever seen one, though his legs carried him with a grace and swiftness only someone of his height could hold. Looking down at the shorter woman he kept his smile strong. Clearing his throat he began his query. "Pardon my interruption my dear. But I must inquire if you are a native of this city? More importantly if you're able to perhaps guide me around to the market place or at least a bar? I often get quite terribly lost on my own. Its a rather terrible problem I have, though I think its steadily becoming a talent." He chuckled gently as he hoped the woman would be friendly.

He had found he had liked many people in the city. He just hoped the young woman before him wasn't as hostile as she seemed to be. Though his physical prescience was as intimidating as a stack of dry leaves. His intellect seemed to be his true weapon, and the djed and magic at his hands the tools to use it to an effectiveness that made it rather frightening. Though he wasn't going to pick a fight, he preferred diplomacy to any act of violence. In his experience swords, fists, and magic solved very little other than to harm someone deeply. But he was no fool and it always paid to be on guard just in case. The last thing he needed was a sword in his gut and an arrow in the middle of his forehead. That often put a damper upon the day. Throughout his thought's he had kept his sharp blue eyes trained upon the woman. Trying to pick out any inner thoughts to discern on how she would react or interact with him and her surroundings. As his thoughts prepared to consume him once more he thought he heard her speak. As if his full attention was demanded he paid her more of his mind. Not wishing to miss out on what his potential information his new assistant could provide.

[Weylin Quickshot]

Weylin Quickshot gave the towering man a careful look up and down, a briefly cold look forming on her face before she with drew it. Dressed nicely, relatively sophisticated, perhaps a man of education, she had yet to decide. But judging by the nature of Zeltiva he was most likely an academic. He matched the height of her older brothers - barely - and so was not threatened by it. And his lacking muscle did not help in making him seem intimidating. Intimidating was when you came face to face with a bear, when you thought a wolf was about to bite your throat out, when you saw one of your drunk brothers towering over you with tree trunk arms and swinging about a stag antler. That was intimidating, and this twig was far from it, she could most likely take him down with ease if he made the wrong move. She watched him smile, and talk quickly in common to her, before laughing at him.
"My dear?" The Drykas gave him a cool look "I am yours now?"

Her eyes rolled and her head turned away before clearing her throat.
"I am no guide, nor a local," she cocked her thumb away as if to say look elsewhere "This place is too imprisoning to allow me to be a local. And suffocating."
Her eyes darted to him, carefully watching every move before withdrawing them. Although he had done no harm at the moment, one after all could never be to careful in Zeltiva, more so when a man came towering over you. She seemed to focus on the sky, but the Drykas kept a watch on the man out of the corner of her eye, a slow, low hum of Pavi coming from her lips. She had answered his question, and now awaited his next move.

[Reaver Riatal]

Reaver slowly shook his head, the young woman had misunderstood him slightly. Though he was glad to have someone to at least talk to once more, he was starting to find this fun now. Taking people from the street to simply talk with them. It was honestly surprisingly entertaining. But his mind was wondering again. With a long and slow sigh he simply let out a small cough to clear his throat. His piercing blue eyes looking at the smaller woman, he found the woman quite the warrior. Of words at least, she spoke very defensively of herself, that most likely meant she was raised in rough surroundings. Though anymore than that he couldn't discern. Looking around his hair shagged left and right then settled back where it belonged. Taking a small pause before responding to her. "Young miss, I meant you no offence. It is just a habit I developed in Syliras. It is a term meant to show endearment and it can be used both romantically and ironically. It also, oh petch that. Long story made short I'm sorry and I do not mean for you as mine. A pity that you don't know this town. I was hoping for someone to lead me at least to either Inn or bar. And if you find this city so confining and restricting to you why are you here? What reason would compel you to remain in torment that you do not wish for?"

This young woman seemed to barely pay him any attention. Like she was actually waiting for something. But what he found more strange was her logic, if she didn't like it here then simply leave. He would admit that Zeltiva's populace was rather over bearing but there was always a frontier to settle if she sought freedom. Though he presumed she'd not be fool enough to be here without reason. Even those who have chosen more physical attributes over those of the mind always had a reason for logic. He suspected that this reason would be one a good one for forcing her into consistent discomfort. But with another breeze chilled by Morwen's breath he found his mind chilling with the winter filled breeze. Giving wake to a shudder he stuffed his black gloved hands into his red coat pockets. He needed something to eat and his stomach displayed this need by letting out a rather loud grumble at the woman. Blushing a light pink that the frozen air helped to hide he coughed awkwardly then sighed. "I have yet to have breakfast yet, and as I understand two pairs of eyes make better for than one. If you haven't eaten yet would you care to join me in my search of sustenance? Its far more entertaining than just standing in front of a temple staring at statues all day long." Standing in silence as he awaited the young woman's answer. Wondering if she had better things to do than help a stranger search for a meal. Right! He should probably introduce himself too! A safe bet to try and establish further dialogue with the rather odd woman, she didn't talk much like most did. "Ah my manners, my name is Reaver Riatal, a pleasure to meet you young miss."

[Weylin Quickshot]

Weylin watched the man, who later introduced himself Reaver, shake his head. In return she simply raised an eyebrow, listening to his fumbling words and remaining silent. She found his words meant little, until finally he asked questions.
"And if you find this city so confining and restricting to you why are you here? What reason would compel you to remain in torment that you do not wish for?"
At first, the Drykas did not answer, and simply looked away, but as quickly as she turned her head she spoke.
"Torment, or no torment, I have personal reasons for being here," she paused "That are not up for discussion."
It was not that Weylin was naturally sharp tongued and cold, it was just the approaching of a stranger and his words. He was too forward for her, and too prying. It made her nervous, and perhaps difficult. It did not help he spoke so quickly in common, and barely gave her a chance to understand a single word he said. But then she simply gave him a mocking smile, and returned her attention to the sky, watching the few sea birds drift overhead. Yet still he continued to talk!
Weylin sighed and pointed down the direction he came, "I have already eaten, but the first road on the right has a tavern, you can barely miss it from the sign. And personally, I find starting at statues rather interesting, there are after all none from where I hail."
She listened to the man introduce himself, and so humoured him in return "Weylin Quickshot. And do not call me Miss or Lady, I do not like it."

[Daishira]

A sharp, swift slice of a sword just edged past Daishira's face, clipping a few hairs shorter. With a loud roar, he leaped and crushed the attacker with his impressive weight. His paws dug into the assailant's limbs, the weak points of the human skeleton. Thank nature for not giving the wolf such obvious and vulnerable points. He was about to bite his right arm, it would be good to sink his teeth to get his own back. Just then, the air around him whistled as an arrow shot past him. Without a chance to incapacitate the attacker, Daishira turned and hurridly made an escape. Shouting became distant as he fled, jumping onto rooftops with his impressive strides. No man could ever catch a wolf, Daishira proudly thought to himself as the stink of the group of attackers diminished the further away he got. The air that was swooping through his fur became cleaner and cleaner and he was thankful that some things in life stayed positive. His luck today just did not hold out.

Glancing down over the edge of one roof, Daishira could see more people of similar uniform shouting at each other, yelling confused and disorientated orders. One saw the silhouette of Daishira's wolf form at the edge of the rooftop. With this, Daishira made no hesitation to angle left and set off again. The attackers from behind him had gotten a little closer. He could smell them again. He growled quietly to himself, these people just won't leave me alone...

Making more leaps, connecting more rooftops, Daishira gradually got lower and lower, until the roof was only one story tall. This cracked ominously under his paws though... Daishira froze. His heart stopped. Crack... CRACK! The roof gave way beneath him before he could react. A yelp quickly and desperately escaped his mouth like a hopeless mouse caught in a mousetrap. Daishira landed badly. The grains of stone showered him and masked the true colour of his dark brown fur. The almost black fur now tinged light grey and some made its way into his nostrils. With a massive sneeze, verging on a terrifying roar, Daishira struggled to get up. His side felt like it split and his organs were somehow pouring out. Luckily for him though, no such thing actually occured, only a big bruise. He looked up at the hole he made; the light from outside illuminated the otherwise dark room. The scene looked like Daishira was taking in the spotlight at a show. 'Daishira - the amazing wolf Kelvic!'

He scrambled from the pile of rocks that pushed in against his side and clumsily forced himself up. Rocks and stones echoed as they fell with Daishira's movements. He observed the musty room and could see a door with beams of light shooting through it. Outside. He instinctively barged the door, though it did not give way on first attempt. Daishira hated enclosed spaces, he much prefered feeling free in the open, hence his option to lose his attackers on rooftop. Several run-ups and several loud bangs was what it took to finally break the door from its hinges. Rolling out into the uncharted territory, Daishira felt the energy from him drain. The adrenaline had lost its effect. Weak. That's what he told himself. Weak. Get up. No matter how much he willed himself, he struggled to maintain the most basic art of standing up on all fours. He did not realise much around him. He did not realise the couple standing beside a fountain and a rather disturbing statue at first.

He looked around only after he was sure he could stand and eventually saw the couple. One man seeming to enjoy himself in the fountain/shower and another taller one imposing himself on the other, dressed in a red coat. He could not make out more than that, they were quite a distance, but still Daishira was certain they had heard his massive racket by knocking the door off and his barks. Feeling quite awkward and maybe a little embarassed, Daishira focused his vision on the pair, trying to make out more detail, but he could not. He was far too exhausted for such effort. Instead, he just stared cautiously. A wolf breaking through doors... bet that made your morning more interesting, Daishira thought to himself.

[Weylin Quickshot]

To see a wolf burst out of near nowhere did indeed add excitement to anyone's day. And perhaps destroyed a boredom that begun to take hold of Weylin and this Reaver who, although seemed quiet pleasant and polite, struggled to hold her interest for large amounts of time. So when the wolf did appear, Weylin did not hesitate.

Weylin's head was the first to turn, and her eyes focused on the wolf, hunting his form. For a moment she regarded the creature with the same look a hunter would with her prey, but then she simply pushed herself off the fountain side and walked up to the animal, no signs of fear or worry in her face. Wild or trained animals did not bother her, if they were calm then she would be calm back, if they were vicious then she would react as suitable. If they went to kill her, she would put it down. She rolled up the sleeves of her shirt, her Drykan wind marks on display.

She could see the creature struggling, a look of perhaps anger and weakness in its eyes, and so Weylin paused a distance away and crouched. She planted her knuckles firmly on the ground, and held her eye contact with the wolf. She did not speak, she did not look too hard, she simply made herself in aware to the creature and ready to react. She respected the beasts of the wild after all, even if they were food or for predator. So what if the wolf bit her throat out? Nothing would of been lost, and neither achieved. She lowered her head slightly, before she cleared her throat.
"You doing all right big guy?"

[Daishira]

Daishira need not maintain his glare towards the pair for long as one of them approached him. Upon closer analysis, he could see that he... was a woman? His - no, her... - features in her face gave away her feminine qualities. She carried the look and posture of a man, but her other, more subtle features did make certain that she was in fact a woman. That would have been embarrassing... She approached him with caution, as it would take an absolute fool to just run up to a random wolf. He matched her eye contact as if some invisible rope was held taught between them. In doing so, Daishira remained still for any sudden move may give the wrong impression, and he didn't exactly want any more unwanted attention. She could mistake him for a criminal, running away from armed men and he didn't know how she would perceive him. If I was in her shoes, I would regard myself as a run away criminal...

As she crouched, very professionally and careful he noted, he realised something so elementary he blamed his lack of thought on his fall just a moment ago. She walked up to him. She held eye contact. She showed no signs of fear, or terror. In fact, she seemed fascinated. Wouldn't she be scared of a random wolf collapsing through material coated in soot staring at her? No? Well, ok, then! Daishira made it a priority in his life now to make himself more fierce in appearance. Maybe it was because of those strange but intricate marks that were bore in her skin. He remembered Kai, his friend from Autumn in Endrykas, who also had a tattoo of the same art, but that was little and just below her collarbone. Was this one different? Was it even a mark of the same significance? Curiosity persuaded Daishira to question her. Surprise and shock from her actually approaching her overrode curiosity though and he carefully retained a neutral stance as best he could, fighting off the pain that was only now emerging because of the gradual loss in adrenaline.

"You doing alright, big guy?" the woman had asked. Daishira couldn't answer, why did she even bother? He understood perfectly though. To answer would mean transforming back into human form... naked. You'd be so lucky, pretty lady. Instead, he gave a friendly bark, as friendly as he could make it. He stretched his jaw open, not too open, as that would show his sharp teeth, and barked a light bark, one with no malice in it. What came out in practise was a yelp, one a small puppy would make when it hurt its paw. Daishira reclined his head half in embarrassment in the pathetic bark, half in pain at the attempt. Don't show weakness, what are you doing? Don't let yourself get taken advantage of! He tried again, only to repeat the same croaky yelp. It was no use. He was far too weak to give a proper response.

[Weylin Quickshot]

Weylin's eyes briefly drew away, looking behind the wolf for a brief moment, scanning the scene, her eyes becoming sharp and instinctual. She hunted the area with sight, before returning to the wolf. Soot covered and breathing hard, it was clear that he had been running from something, what though Weylin had yet to decide. The squeaky yelp told her there was perhaps an issue, but she knew she would not be able to help, her specialities were with horses after all. Her head cocked slightly to one side, a look of careful thought going through her face before she smiled. It was one of a simple good nature, brief but reassuring. She remained as she was, crouched, looking, it would be better for the creature to come to her than to charge the full way towards it. She had enough bite marks and scars to know that was never a good option, they were after all still powerful when hurt and wounded.

Although Weylin's expression was one of calm, behind it all her mind was buzzing. Thoughts and feelings of concern and well-being of such a creature being the most, with others pondering on what was the wolf running from. Judging by the scene she thought that he was running from something, what however was beyond her. Perhaps a person, or multiple people, she had yet to decide. However her current priority was currently on the wolf, not others. So what if Reaver was left dumbfounded by her advances and lack of fear? This creature was far more interesting than simple idle chatter.

She cleared her throat, trying to think her next lot of words carefully, translating them from Pavi to Common, the creature after all seemed to respond better to that tongue. It was on that thought that Weylin paused. He understood her. Surely most wild animals would not? They may recognise such sounds as a human would make, but to respond as so did spark another thought of interest, one that would be easy to test out.
"You reckon you can walk, big guy? Or do you need help?"