Quest [Regional Quest] Stranded

[Sira]

Sira watched as each person volunteered, asked their questions, and went on their way. She personally did not have any questions of her own, though she was among those who wondered why the Valintar did not just send a flight of wind eagles. She also wondered if perhaps she should fly ahead.. but he had specifically asked for everyone to meet at the pass, and so that was what Sira was going to do. One did not question, at least openly, the Valintar's orders.

The endal did not need to return to her aerie for anything, she'd already gathered her gear in advance. Unless the Valintar wanted her to take her eagle form, she was ready to go. If she did need to fly and needed a saddle for some reason, there were probably spares she could use down in Thunder Bay. Sira had a feeling she might end up flying the injured back to the city. There was only so much that could be done for the wounded down at the bay, and if Iosha was right and there had been a tidal wave, Sira was certain there would be a lot of them.

She took her time getting down to the pass, she had a bell to waste. The talk of the city was the strange flash across the sky, but nobody seemed to have any idea what it actually was. Sira didn't know. She wasn't an astronomer, nor did she even know what an astronomer was. But she did know that usually strange things meant danger, and Sira could handle danger.

Sira was a bit surprised to see Aela among the group. She had figured after her ordeal, the avora would not want to venture into the wild again any time soon. But there she was, ready for battle. Once again Sira could not help but admire the woman. Though she had a new body, the fire that was Aela still burned inside. She was about to walk over and say hello when something else caught her attention however. Iosha rode up on a horse.

"Wow," Sira said as she walked over, "You don't see one of those very often in Wind Reach. Is it yours?"

[Eilea]

People asked their questions. This was going to be very interesting. She contemplated asking something, but chose against it, figuring anything she would ask would be answered in time. After listening to the Valintar's words and answers to questions, everyone had a bit of time to gather any needed equipment. After the rush of the gathering of people had started to disperse, Eilea made notice of the other volunteers. She nodded at Kitchi, and remembered their previous encounter in the Cherry Grove. She looked to Aela and then Aradia with a grin, as she thought of their little bit of fun in the snow earlier that season. It would be a good group. But of everyone she knew and didn't know, the Vantha man stood out to her the most. She narrowed her eyes and studied him for a second, before giving him a warm smile. Someone from home. She wanted to speak to him, but it would have to wait. Time was running short and she wanted to bring her Windrunner along. So she turned to the person she was closest to in Wind Reach: Kane. Eilea moved towards him and gave him a knowing look. Her heart began to race the closer she got. Sometimes, it was completely unfair how he affected her. But, when it came down to it, Eilea had to be careful around him. Kane wasn't the greatest at taking care of himself. Sure, he had that dog. And sure, somehow he made it to Wind Reach in one piece. But Eilea had seen him in some desperate situations. She had seen the aftermath of his rash decisions. The Vantha grabbed his arm. “Hey!” She began with a hint of worry in her voice, “Are you sure you are up for this?” She asked, speaking common. “I mean, I have your back but still... we have no idea what we will run in to?” She gave him a reassuring smile, wanting to encourage him, but still warning him to be careful. “Will you be bringing your horse? I will be getting mine before we leave.” As she made her way to the stables, she noticed the pale woman was also headed that direction, with bags over her shoulders. As Eilea moved to Wine's stall, she gave the Konti woman a kind, yet nervous smile. Eilea had seen her around but had never actually interacted with her. She went into Wine's stall to find the horse anticipating the journey. The Windrunner whinnied at her, whipped her tail around and waited. The Vantha touched the horse's side. “Come on girl.” She began to set up the saddle and saddlebags along Wine's back. She hung her bow on the side of the saddle and led her horse out. Wine seemed nervous. “I'm sorry girl, I know you weren't expecting an adventure... But Wind Reach is our home. And we don't know what's going on.” She ran her fingers through the horse's mane. “I promise, we'll be fine.” Eilea yelled a thank you to one of the stablehands before leaving. Eilea led her Windrunner to the Sanikas pass and waited with the others. There was a bit time left before they would depart. Instead of positioning herself near Kane, she moved towards the other Vantha. “Greetings! It's nice to see someone from home. I had no idea there was another Vantha here.” She spoke in Vani, relieved to have someone to converse with in her native tongue. It had been a while. “I'm Eilea.” She introduced herself and glanced around as some more people began to gather together. “This is proving to be an interesting day.”

[Kitchi]

Kitchi stood, listening to the questions flying around her. She was not really listening fully, her mind was a whir with activity. It seemed strange that they would not know what was going on, what they had volunteered for. Part of her argued it was a stupid, stupid thing to do. What if she was injured? What if she died? what if? She gulped and shook her head, attempting to force the thoughts away from her mind, they would serve no purpose. Her mind quickly flickered through her belongings. Her bow, her cards, her quiver, her arrows, her dagger, supplies of food. Did she need anything else? So couldn't think of anything. I guess no reason to return home She shrugging, starting to wander away from the crowd. Part of her wondered where she should go, she did not exactly want to go immediately to the pass however what else would she do? She wondered how long others would take, had they gathered everything they needed in the chaos of the morning? She was undecided. Inarta's seemed to be scattering in different directions, although maybe they mearly wanted to take a less direct route then her? With a sigh she started to trace the familiar way down to the pass, she had to go eventually. Why waste time?

[Elna]

Elna scoped out the group as the Valintar had dismissed them. Many of them broke off into groups smiling at chatting amongst each other. Elna didn't really know any of the group beyond acquaintances. She knew of Sira, considering she was a fairly renowned Endal and Wind Eagle Kelvic. She also knew Ardal having gone though schooling with him, and Kanri from have a Bendi under her, but those connections were fairly trivial. Any one else there were not even people she knew the names of. This is just what happens when you spend your life as a self imposed outcast, a flaw she had been trying to work on since her life started getting on the right track, but old habits die hard. She turned around to a near by rock and took a seat.

She gently stroked her hand over her falcon's back "You'll keep me company right boy?" Taking a closer look around she had realized that no one else had brought a bird a long with them. "Looks like other then Sira, you'll have the skies to yourself, we just may be somewhat useful after all." She liked the idea of being able to contribute to the safety of her city, she was a non factor in the Dek problem last spring and she didn't want to be relegated to the side lines. She still wasn't a very skilled individual but she was determined to make at least some kind of impact this time around.

[Kanri]

Kanri spoke with Ardal first. She had known or about six months at this point. They weren't super close but they got together when they could and she enjoyed spending time with him.

"I'm excited! I don't get out of Wind Reach that often so it will be so wonderful! I know it might be dangerous but I don't care... yet. Watch that change within the next few hours. Well, I will see you in a bell!"

She said a brief hello to her far more social friends. Kanri was foolishly outgoing and trusting sometimes but she seemed not to get out much, in comparison with them. She said hello to Iosha, who was amidst a flock of admirers, Kitchi, whom she had spoken with briefly a few months prior, and Elna, who seemed to have wandered off by herself.

Kanri didn't really have anything else to bring. She lived simply. Not by choice, but because she was too lazy to go out and buy things. She was also really stingy, sometimes, to a fault, so she never bought frivolous things. However, it made her seem like she was hoarding money unnecessarily. So, she had nothing else to bring but it seemed as though it would be a good idea to buy things for emergencies. However, she bought herself some breakfast before heading out to Sanikas Pass.

Other people were already there, though she had been fairly early, in an effort to not be late. Kanri sat down to wait.

[Arandolya]

Arandolya watched with growing pride as men, woman, Inarta and not, stepped forwards, each offering whatever help they might. Golden eyes warm, her expression melted into a smile, looking at each person that came to help Wind Reach. Another Inarta archer had come after herself, head inclining that Arandolya returned. The Kelvic with feathers dancing in his hair cam next, with Iosha, Darren, and the young Chiet she'd met at the dance club. A woman stepped forwards, her changing chance and streaked hair hinting towards the heritage Darren possessed, though Arandolya was momentarily distracted by the dog accompanying the other volunteer. How many more would there be? There was Sira, another few young Inartas, then Aradia too, and the pretty blonde woman.

When a lull had encompassed the Courtyard after the last volunteer parted from the crowd, their Valintar spoke, seeming as pleased as Arandolya with the results. "Fourteen volunteers..." The young woman listened as he spoke what they already knew, of the unknown, and the risk. Tilting her head, her sharp gaze watched the man as he finished with the statement of their departure from Sanikas Pass. She had a bell before then.

Looking down at her bow, the woman considered returning to her home for some supplies. Food, water? She shook her head though, not wishing to bag herself down with a backpack and quickly wriggled through the crowd once more, having not a large interest in conversing with others. Arandolya hummed quietly as she traveled down the path, and nodded to the others already present. A sharp chirp turned her head as Arandolya looked to see Trith winging her way towards her. Settling at her outstretched fingers, the little songbird trilled a quick song, hopping about and generally rustling her feathers impatiently. "I'm surprised you didn't leave with the others," Arandolya commented absently as she settled on the side of the road. Though her little bird chirped with a tone of what could be perceived as indignation, Arandolya only fondly stroked Trith's head. "I'm sure we'll be in for quite the adventure, Trith."

[Ishgrameer Windwalker]

Chatter propagated itself after Kaden had finished his speech. A few questions sprang up in response, but otherwise it was mostly people running about gathering their things or conversing with friends and neighbors about what was going on in regards to the quest. He imagined chiefest amongst the curiosities of the people around him was what was it that had crashed through the sky and into the bay. He to was curious, but he reserved the clamor of his words for when such a curiosity was sated.

He scanned the crowd, but did not see Fraha anywhere. He saw some familiar faces, but he decided to allow them to converse with more chatty friends and neighbors. Instead he found somewhere to sit, and set down his pack. He knew he had everything that he owned within that pack, and thus he needed not to return to the gatehouse for anything. Of course it was all there, bow, arrows, spare clothing, etc. He wondered what Kaden's play would be, for surely the gods were at work with this act that had tore through the sky. He shivered at the thought of what might have happened had the thing crashed directly into Wind Reach.

He contemplated whether or not he should take survey of the area, but he decided he would save the shifting for when they needed it of him. Strangely he felt a rush of excitement at the thought of something adventurous happening. There was a sense of danger that stirred his blood just a little.

Deciding to relax before the coming trial. Ishgrameer sat, silently and alone. Contemplating that various individuals who would go with him and Kaden. He wondered what machinations turned in their heads.

[Kane]

Kane waited for any of the others to ask their questions. There were none that he needed to ask. Not that he didn’t have questions, oh he had many. But the whole situation was so vague, he didn’t see the point in asking at the moment. There was no information with which to answer them. Apparently the others felt the same, as most of them scattered in different directions. Some loitered here and there to speak, but quickly went about their business when their conversations ended. Kane studied the crowd for anyone he recognized. He spotted Kitchi, who he had met in the Enclave, and he was relieved to have another person he knew in the group. Of course, there was also Eilea, whom he had spotted earlier. Speaking of which, said Vantha was approaching him. She seemed very concerned about him joining in this quest. Kane mentally rolled his eyes. He may have found her much more tolerable then in their previous... encounters, but her mother-henning was a little aggravating. Not that he didn’t appreciate the concern. “Don’t worry about me. I’ve got Saul and I’m pretty clever myself. You should know that.” He smirked at her as he got in a bit of good natured teasing. “And yeah, I think I’ll be bringing my horse too. Hopefully he can act mature this time.” The conversation ended, and after a moments consideration, Kane set off for his destination, his dog trotting behind him. If he was to be going on a quest, he’d be needing some supplies from his backpack. That, of course, meant rushing back to his room. There may have been enough time, but Kane hated to be late, and the only way to insure punctuality was to move fast. Fortunately, most people were still gathered in the courtyard, so the streets were relatively barren and running through them could be accomplished without darting between people. Skidding to a stop in front of the Commonrooms, Kane paused to quickly catch his breath before heading inside and to his room. He’d gotten here in record time, and he didn’t have time to waste. After scanning the room, Kane quickly grabbed hold of his backpack. The backpack would most likely get in the way, so he decided to take a select few items. He dug out his knife and slipped it into his jacket pocket where it could easily reached. Two bottles of acid were then deposited in his other pocket. After a moments consideration he grabbed his waterskin. Best to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it. “Okay, all set.” Kane smiled at Saul and patted him on the head. “Let’s go!” And the running began again. The streets were now littered with more people, and moving quickly became more difficult, but dodging people while running was one of Kane’s specialties. Well, most of the time. Luckily for him, the stables were right next to the Sanikas Gates and were just a stop on his way to the pass where the group was meeting. Kane found several of the horses to be missing. Oh, I had better not be late. Either there was a breakout, or their riders had already picked them up. One option was far more likely than the other. Quickly, he headed over to his horse’s stable. Ansel seemed rather antsy, probably wanting to go outside. “Well, lucky for you, we’re going on a bit of a journey.” Kane then set about readying his horse’s gear for riding. The process went by rather efficiently as he’d done this a million times. Double checks were still in order though. Efficient does not equal sloppy. Kane had learned one too many times that something as simple as missing a loop could turn into an incredibly embarrassing situation, such as falling off your horse. That had only happened once though. The other time totally wasn’t his fault. With one last tug on the saddle, Ansel was ready for riding. The horse almost seemed to sense the seriousness of the situation and responded with no pranks. Kane was surprised. He led Ansel out of the stables. A smile was shot to the Gildling as he hoisted himself onto its back, before nodding to Saul who stood next to the horse. “Alright, we’re in a bit of a hurry, so let’s move!” They took off through the gates and down the road leading to the Sanikas Pass. Kane was sure not to have Ansel move so fast that Saul couldn’t keep up. The dog was rather fast though, and they made good time to the area where the others had gathered. “Thank Eyris, made it on time.” He muttered to himself. The others all seemed busy either in their own world, or speaking amongst themselves. Kane had no interest in conversation at the moment, so he steered his horse to an area near the group before dismounting. He settled down on a rock and reins in one hand while the other scratched his trusty dog behind the ears. All there was left to do was wait.

[Maria]

Maria listens closely to Kadin's words. As he speaks she takes a look at the others in the group. Very few are actually known by her, but many she knows through reputation. She is however taken off guarded when she sees that two Vantha have stepped up and volunteered. Not that it really matters, if they are willing to risk whatever it takes for this city then thanks is really all that is in order. Like many of the others, Maria does not have any questions. With all she needs already with her, she turns and heads for the Sanikas Pass. She takes her time getting there. She wants to really take in this city of color and life before she leaves it for what could be a fairly long time to forever. That threat of never seeing this place again does nag at the back of her mind. It is a small fear amongst the brave and daring dreams that normally consume the red head's mind. Whether or not she does live through this, one thing Maria is certain of. She doesn't think she will come back the same. Even if this is just something that turns out to be nothing. Though that seems highly unlikely. Most red streaks of light that cut through the morning sky don't normally turn out to be nothing. The young Inarta reaches the pass just chimes before the bell is up. She hangs in the back, looking at the others around her and taking in their actions. She is quiet for now and decides that for now that is best. Maybe she will socialize later, if there is time and need for it.

[Ardal]

He didn’t have any questions to ask; at least ones that anyone would have an answer for at any rate. Ardal had stayed near the meeting point with the others taking a seat in the shade. For a short time Kanri ran up to him to speak briefly. “Yeah I’m kind of pumped too. What do you suppose we find down there?” she didn’t stay long but he enjoyed her friendliness towards him.

After a few minutes he got tired of just sitting and waiting. He got up brushed himself off and headed back for his place. He got inside he noticed his toolkit “Oh yes! With so many archers in our group this will definitely come in handy!” He packed it away into his backpack; made sure his water skin was topped off; and headed back to the meeting point. He took is seat started to tighten the string and performing minor upkeep on his bow. He focused on his work, making sure it would be in the best condition he could manage.