Closed [The Sanctuary] The End of a Long Road

[Roland Eir]

10th of Summer, 513 AV The air had changed. With a pull on the reins, Roland unsteadily brought his horse to halt. The breeze brought with it the scent of salt, and he breathed it in greedily. It smelled like home. He pushed that thought from his mind, and leaned forward to pat his gildling on the neck. "Well done," he whispered gently, brushing through the tangled mats of stiff hair with his hand. The horse panted under him, worn to the point of exhaustion. Roland frowned. He knew the feeling. Both horse and rider had not had real rest since Syliras, and even then only briefly. They were battered, dirty, and tired. Roland's coat, which had not been much to look at when he set off from Sunberth more than a season ago, was now covered in mud. A large, ragged cut ran down the right arm, and the area around it was stained in red. The mount had not fared better. Normally known for their shimmering, luminous coats, this gildling could have been mistaken for another breed simply by virtue of the dirt that coated it. Now their journey may be over. In Syliras Roland had heard of a city overlooking the sea. The stories had been favorable, telling of a fulfilling life and little crime. In the distance, Roland spied lights gleaming in the dark evening. Unfortunately, everything in him said they could not go on that night. He would make the final few miles in the morning. Just as he was about dismount, he noticed a group of buildings much closer off the Kabrin Road. With a sigh, Roland kicked dug his heels in and got the horse moving again. "Not much farther," he promised, looking forward to what he hoped would be a night's rest in a real bed. As he got closer, the shapes became more pronounced in the darkness, including the large wall that surrounded them. The aroma of many animals wafted over on the wind, and his horse seemed to perk up a bit. Roland stopped wearily at the northern gate, and called out as loudly as he could. His voice was as ragged as his appearance. Drawing his waterskin from his pack, Roland took a long sip of the stale water. After a moment of waiting, he noticed a single rope dangling down from above the gate. Leaning in his saddle, he gave it a pull. A bell rang with a single pure tone, echoing over the compound. Roland dismounted, giving his horse the break it surely deserved. He'd started this journey without any riding experience, he'd ended it with little more. Whether it was luck or divine providence he didn't know, but he had somehow made it this far. He shifted uneasily on his feet, eager to be indoors.

[Kavala]

The Sanctuary could be intimidating at night now that it was a boarding stable and breeding facility turned fortress. No one would really guess it was an enclave of healers and magicians by looking at the outside. In fact, it more resembled a small city than much of anything else after its rebuild from the utter destruction of the Djed Storm. It had been a full year and one season, which was hard for the denizens to believe. In all that time since their world had been laid to waste, building after building had been erected, starting with the massive wall to keep some of the more tainted and deadly djed storm victims out.

But Kavala knew emergencies came at all hours of the day. That's why even though the gates were closed at dusk and opened at dawn, there were bell pulls on either of them so someone from the outside could alert someone on the inside that they were there and needing help.

When the bell rang, Kavala wasn't asleep. It was far too early and she was in the medical barn checking on a horse that she'd had to operate on for colic earlier that day. The gelding was fine and the impacted section of gut was removed, so she'd expected a full recovery. But that hadn't stopped her from checking the horse anyhow. It was an Akalak's mount, and one very prominent politician as well. So she'd doubled and triple checked the gelding, wanting the politicians good recommendation to future clients.

The bell brought her straight away to the gate where she glanced up just in time to see an eagle alight on the wall as well. Normally Larik didn't fly at night, but her nephew was protective and curious. He took his guard duty seriously.

"Can I help you?" The Konti said, approaching the stranger and his horse from the far side of the wrought iron gate. Her keen eyes took in the blood, the dust on both him and his horse, and the worn appearance. She wondered if they needed healing, a place to stay for the night, or perhaps both. Her voice was curious, friendly, and did not come out forceful or demanding. She simply stood vigilant, watchful for him to have any weapons he could throw at her between the bars of iron, and awaited his response.

Kavala was clearly visible. No cloak disguised her features. And if anything she was dressed like a boy. Her leather pants had a white shirt tucked into them. An apron was tied over the white shirt, a testimony to her making her rounds and looking at her patients. Her translucent white hair was caught up in a ponytail though most of her locks had escaped and were trailing down her back and over her face in an unruly manner. The Konti was a bit dirty, with her apron splattered with a bit of blood and a yellow substance that looked a lot like iodine streaking the apron. Leather boots rounded up the otherwise uneventful outfit. They weren't the riding boots most Drykas wore. Instead they were low cut comfortable kidskin boot slippers that someone would wear around the house for everyday activities.

She offered him a smile, covertly studied his horse, and waited for his answer.

[Roland Eir]

Roland breathed a sigh of relief as the figure came into view. As she approached, Roland thought she might have been a boy. Soon it became clear she was something else entirely. Roland swallowed. His experience had not brought him in contact with many of the races of Mizahar, and the brilliant white hair seemed to him unnatural. The blood on her apron made him apprehensive, but he quickly reminded himself that he could not be picky. He held up a hand in a show of peace--keeping the other tight around the reins--and spoke as clearly as he could. "Please miss, all I ask is a place to stay the night for myself and my horse," he said. His voice had wavered and cracked near the end, and he cleared his throat. In this situation, he supposed it was alright to appear a little weak. With the city still a few miles away, he could not afford to be turned away for the night. The man eyed the mighty walls uncomfortably, wondering what would call for such defenses. The rumors had said life was good in Riverfall, but so far all he had seen were walls. Anywhere is better than Sunberth, he reminded himself. Leaving home had been his idea, though situations had forced his hand sooner than he may have liked. He pushed such thoughts from his mind, focusing on the present. The woman that stood before him was stunning but foreign to him, and he wondered if all the people in Riverfall were like her. He heard in Syliras of the Akalak, and he thought maybe she was one of their kind. "Mighty warriors" was all he had gotten out of the traveling merchant before the man's ale had forced him into a drunken stupor. Roland realized he was staring, and forced his mouth closed, allowing his eyes to wander to the buildings behind her while he waited for her answer.

[Kavala]

The Konti extended her senses, picking up the tired horse on the far side of the gate. Her Konti Gift was animal empathy, and with a few seconds of focusing she could feel the animals condition. It was tired, travel worn, but not abused. It was sore, and its feet needed a trim. And both the horse and rider needed baths. Kavala frowned, but only subtly. It wasn't that she didn't like dirty people. Dirt was a biproduct of traveling, but she wondered instead WHY they were traveling.

"You'd best come in. Night lions will be out soon and they've been thick around here lately. We are a boarding facility for horses, but I can find you a bed in the clinic for the night. I'm an animal healer. Sorry for the blood on me. I had two surgeries today, four emergencies, and between them and regular chores, I haven't had a chance to clean up." She explained as she made a decision and moved towards the gates. Unlocking them she swung one half of the wrought iron open and let the rider and his horse into a primary courtyard. Two large barns made of stone flanked either side of the courtyard where a fountain bubbled happily. Beyond that was another gate where what appeared to be a huge riding arena lay. The arena was filled with horses, most likely brought in for the night. Some of them shimmered almost like a gildling would, but their coloration was off - iridescent even in the fading light. Paths lead off around the arena, and to another set of structures on the far side of the arena. There were more barns beyond, and the sound of a rooster crowing from a building behind yet another set of barns.

Once he came through she closed and locked the gates tightly once more.

Kavala was quick to explain. "We breed warhorses here and cyphrus striders. But we also sell stock and buy or board. The stables to the right is our boarders. We have a stall for your horse there. The one on the right is our bloodstock. We have our ranging grazers in the arena for the night. Lions and Bears have been preying heavily since the Djed Storm destroyed a great deal. And we've even found traces of Glassbeak recently. So we just bring all the stock into the arena for the night now." Kavala said, leading the man into the barn to the right and opening the first loose box stall that was vacant. Horses called up and down the aisle. Heads poked over the tall stall walls curious. The box she gave the stranger opened up into what looked like a paddock behind it. Several horses were loose in the grass there as well.

"I'm Kavala Denusk, of the Denusk Pavilion, Sapphire Clan." She said, introducing herself in the way of the Drykas, for all that she was Konti. While she did so, she quickly drew two buckets of water from a pump near the door, and left the horse with water. Then she disappeared while the stranger got his horse settled and came back with a bucket of grain and an arm full of hay. Leaving the horse the food, she waited until the stranger was ready, and then would lead him towards the clinic.

[Roland Eir]

Roland squirmed under her examination, wishing he knew what was going on in her mind. When she allowed him entrance, relief flooded through him, especially when she mentioned the dangers of the area. Night lions? He knew nothing of such creatures. "Thank you," he sighed, following her inside. Her explanations set him at ease for the moment, and he smiled at his fortune. An animal healer! They would have everything his poor horse would need. He patted the beast comfortingly as they were led over to the stables. Until this season Roland had been unaccustomed to life in the saddle, and his steps were awkward and bow-legged. As much as his legs ached, he knew his horse must feel worse. As they walked, Roland took in the view. By his standards, the courtyard was spectacular. Everything was functional or beautiful, and in some cases both. The fountain drew his attention, and he wondered as he had in Syliras and at home what made them work. He knew it couldn't be a form of magic, but he had no idea what sort of physical mechanism would make such a thing function. The water was clear and pure, and he wanted nothing more than to dip his head in and drink deeply. But the woman was leading him and his horse over to the barn, explaining the stables and the arena of horses. Though he knew what djed was from his book, he had no idea what would constitute a Djed Storm. The destruction she described sounded extensive, and the words carried a sort of weight to them. Most of the animals were unfamiliar. Growing up in a city had not played in his favor for his journey. He decided to hold his questions until later, instead leading his horse into the stall she indicated. "Roland Eir, of... Sunberth," he responded hesitantly when she introduced herself. If his home-city's reputation had reached this far, he wasn't sure how she would respond. Her own introduction meant little to him. Whatever the Sapphire Clan was, he didn't know. When she left, he looked to his horse. It was a struggle, but he managed to remove the tack from the horse. In his inexperience, Roland had often left the saddle on for the night, and the beasts hide was rubbed raw in some places by the leather straps. Roland winced at the sight and stood unsure of how to proceed. Eventually, he dug into the saddlebags until he found the rough horse brush. After dipping it in water, he started in on the thick coat of dust and mud that caked his steed. His arms soon ached, but he brushed on, intent to get the unfortunate creature clean. He was still trying with little success when Kavala returned.

[Kavala]

Kavala had never been to Sunberth or even heard of it. The Healer suspected it was over in Kalea or perhaps up north somewhere, though she had no true idea. Instead she offered the man a nod at his gift of a name, and went about her duties. When she returned with the food, she noted the saddle sores on the horse and frowned.

Saddles were evil things. All Drykas thought so. Man wasn't meant to perch on a horse with a wooden 'tree' strapped over the horse's spine. They never fit correctly. Y'vas' were so much more kinder to the animal. And a Strider was no different than a person anyhow. The Drykas believed that all horses were the reincarnation of Drykas souls on the Sea of Grass. Their horses lived in their tents with them and without the animals, most of the Drykas would perish.

"Please..." She said suddenly, reaching up to touch the man and halt his brushing motions. "Leave her be. She's exhausted. We can clean her up tomorrow with a proper bath. For now there is a lot I can do for her rub marks and open sores. Your saddle does not fit her properly or you've not blanketed it correctly or left it on too long. I can show you better how to care for her, but not now. You both look tired." Kavala said, moving over to the mare. She lifted her hands and tapped her gnosis marks from Rak'keli. The healing poured from her hands and she drew them carefully across the mare's raw skin. Wounds closed, rub marks with angry red skin vanished, and Kavala stepped back.

"She has sore muscles, but rest will do more for her than I can with my healers gnosis. She just wants to eat, then lay down for a long long nap. You two have been on the road for a long while." It was not so much a question as it was an observation. The Konti met his gaze a moment, her blue eyes looking so pale she almost appeared blind. She glanced away, breaking off the contact, and moved to the back of the stall where she threw the half door open. The stall instantly got flooded with a breeze. "It's so hot these days. I love Riverfall, but the summers here can be brutal. I find you a bunk by a window in the clinic." She said, moving past him and waiting for him to grab any saddle bags or gear he wanted to bring with him.

"Your saddle and tack will be fine hanging outside her stall." Kavala said, gathering up his gear and hanging it neatly outside the stall while Roland got his things together. "Board is two silver a day, btw, for the horse, and another two silver for you. But we will see to your ails and feed you. Do you plan on staying in Riverfall long? We cut rates on long term boarding and can help you find a place to stay. We also have some employment available." Kavala said, knowing that Roland wasn't going to be able to be a groom, at least not anytime soon. It was obvious he was awkward around his horse.

She lead him around the arena on a series of narrow walkways, past the mews and chicken houses, and up to what could only be a healing clinic. She moved through the facility in a weaving motion, cutting around one building or another, opening gates, and crossing small paddocks. Once they walked into the clinic, she lead him the full length of it, past two double doors, and into what appeared to be a triage of sorts. Two double rows of cots, side by side, lined the room with a large workspace in between the rows. Each cot had a dresser by it, a lamp, and a chest at its foot. The place looked like a barracks or infirmary. Kavala didn't pause at the entrance. Instead she lead him clear to the far south corner, threw open a few windows at the end, and nodded to the sturdy cot. "You can sleep here tonight. Through those other double doors is a long hallway. There's a bathing room to the left. Feel free to make use of it. Across the hall from it is the indoor restroom. We have no outdoor midden here. If you want to come sit outside, you are welcome too. But if you leave, let someone know. I can find you something to eat if you are hungry. Are you?"

She asked, looking thoughtful. Out the window was a beautiful scene. There was almost a tropical island oasis theme going on, complete with a pool and a veranda that had a small table and chairs set up. "I can bring you some food on the Veranda. You just head out of the infirmary by the end door, and take a seat at the table. Or, I can let you get some rest. You look like you need it." She assured him with a kind smile. It was obvious the healing clinic wasn't set up for guests, but she was doing her best to accommodate him.

Facility Overview :

[Roland Eir]

Roland stared in amazement, mouth agape, as horse's ailments disappeared before his eyes. Magic! It had to be. His heart pounded in his chest with excitement, and he couldn't help but grin. When she was done he let his hand glide over the healed skin. Not a mark. His grin widened. If she was some kind of wizard, perhaps she could teach him. His own knowledge was limited; his abilities were self-taught and even more limited than his knowledge. Were there more magic-users in Riverfall? The thought sent chills through him, and he finally felt like this journey could truly be worth it. Content that his horse was safe and happier than it had been in a long time, he took up his bags and followed Kavala. At the mention of money he frowned. Could he afford it? Sure. Whether or not he wanted to was a different matter. He was down to a week's worth of rations, if he stretched it, and he didn't know how much it would cost to resupply in the city. On the other hand, he didn't know if and when he would be leaving Riverfall at all. He decided to wait and decide later. If he had to, he felt he could sneak away before morning. His stomach twisted in a knot at the thought. "I don't know how long I'll be staying," he admitted. And employment? He'd never had a job. Not a real one at least. "What sort of employment are you offering?" The idea of working around a wizard was appealing, regardless of what the tasks might be. Any chance at knowledge was one worth taking. Careful to keep his gear under control, he followed her along the walkways past the mews and chicken houses--his nose curled at the smells--and into the clinic building. She knew the compound well, which was to be expected, and moved them through it efficiently. It was strange, the confident way she worked. It wasn't what he expected from a woman at all. The world is a big, strange place, he thought. He'd have to get used to the local customs. They stopped in the infirmary, and he put down his bags when she indicated where he would be sleeping. It was better than anything he'd ever had. The cot looked incredibly appealing, and he yawned loudly. In his curiosity with his new surroundings, he had almost forgotten the ache in his bones and the dark bags under his eyes. If not for her presence, he might have stripped down right there and fallen into the cot. He'd probably be snoring before he hit the fabric. Then she mentioned food. Before he could decide one way or the other, his stomach growled. That settles it. "Some food would be great," he said with a smile. "And thank you, this is more than I deserve." The view out the window caught his eye, and he walked over and gazed out. His breath caught in his throat. Such beauty was as foreign to him as her translucent hair. The pool shimmered, reflecting the stars above. Just like that, he could be eating out there? Like a king, it seemed to him. Before Kavala could leave to get him anything else, he had to ask. "Back in the stables, that magic you used, you called it a Gnosis? What is that? Are you a wizard of some kind?" He almost trembled with excitement. The possibility was intoxicating. Could she teach him this Gnosis? He had never thought about healing magic, before, but he would be willing to learn it. What he truly wanted was the magic he had heard of in Syliras. Reimancy. They had been decrying it there, but maybe here in Riverfall someone could teach him. She had been open with her magic, so obviously they weren't afraid of such things here. He hoped.

[Kavala]

Kavala watched him quietly. It's what the healer was best at - judging people by their actions - and he seemed so little of a threat. She knew looks could be deceiving, but he also seemed to come from someplace where there was not a lot of gifted nor a lot of kindness. When he stood looking out the window, she fetched him a light blanket and spread it over the bedding on the cot. He wouldn't need it, but some people preferred blankets.

"Yes and no." She answered to his question, finally, after a significant pause. She reached down, tugged on her pant leg, and lifted it to reveal a glittering embossed gnosis mark on her leg. It was two winged serpents intertwined. "Gnosis is a magic, yes, but its divine in origin. A god or goddess has to 'mark' you for it to be something you can use. We are not so much wizards or mages, but rather devote followers of our Gods and Goddess'. In this case, my marks come from Rak'keli. She is the Goddess of Healing. Most of my race is marked by either her or her sister Avalis. Avalis owns the domain of Divination. Between the two, I find Rak'keli's gift far more useful. I'm sure your horse will agree as well." She said, not fessing up to knowing actual personal or world magic. That would be a conversation for another time.

"We are hiring healers, grooms, guards, and anyone who knows anything about construction. There are also jobs for laborers, herbalists, and many other things. We run a large staff here. Why, are you looking for work?" She asked, moving towards the door. She walked past his cot to a small one-man door that overlooked the veranda. She propped it open, unlocking it quietly, and glanced at the table.

"I'll be back with some food. When I return, I hope you'll tell me why you've been on the road so long." She said quietly, waiting to here his answer about the employment before she slipped away.

[Roland Eir]

Divine magic? Roland had never heard of such a thing. Of course he had heard of the gods and godesses; he could probably even name one or two if he was pushed. But to interact with the people? Such a thing had never even crossed Roland's mind. The mark on her leg was some sort of proof, wasn't it? There was no reason for her to lie. Maybe it was something specific to her race--whatever that was. He wouldn't press the issue for the moment, the excitement that had been bubbling within him settled, leaving nothing but hunger and exhaustion in its wake. "Yes, any job you could give me. I'm not much of a healer. Or a warrior. But I'm willing to learn. And whatever else you need done, I can do it." Even as he spoke the words, he wondered if he meant them. Manual labor was not his strong point. His body was built for climbing and sprinting, not building or carrying. Furthermore, what muscle he had was deteriorated from days spent malnourished in the saddle. "I can't really afford to be picky." He said it as much to himself as he did to her. When she left, he slowly peeled off his coat, wincing at the sensation. The dirt on the inside of his clothes had mixed with his sweat and hardened, so that it felt like he ripping off a second skin. Wincing, he pulled his right arm out of the sleeve last. Under the long tear was a red bandage. He had torn off the opposite sleeve to make it, and now it was soaked through with dark, crusted blood. The fight had been a few days ago now, but if anything it hurt more now. Like someone was still drawing the blade across his skin. He shuddered and left the bandage where it was. Leaving his coat draped across his pack, he shuffled out onto the veranda. A good meal and a night's rest was all he needed. While he waited, he let his gaze rest on the pool. He loved the way the water played with the light, sending shadows flickering around the whole space. He shifted in his seat. Peace was not something he'd felt in a long time, even before leaving home.

[Kavala]

"Unless you have some experience with animals or healing, or have some guard skills, I'm afraid the only positions we have available are general laborers. We can train to all sorts of things though, but your wage would reflect your ability to help us out until your competence comes up. We have a variety of things going on here too... the smithy will soon be done, and we're adding a... a brewery to the mix if you know any of those skills." She said, not unkind but firm in that everyone had to work that lived here. "We give our employees room and board, meals too, but our laborers only make on average about three mizas a day." She said, looking thoughtful. "We have a lot of building projects around here that require digging... and well... there's other things as well if you can read and write common or other languages." Kavala said, watching him closely. She seemed to be looking for something in his actions, but said nothing about what it was she was looking for.

After a few moments, she gestured towards the door. "I will be back with something for you to eat." The healer said.

The Konti left him, though it was one of the hardest things she had to do. It was always hard where Rak'keli was concerned. The compulsion to heal was strong. Ultimately it wasn't one she could resist, and like all of Rak'keli's healers, she knew the stranger.. no Roland.. was hurt. Her vows to the Goddess of Healing were firm. Leave no one injured, whether they were friend or enemy. Kavala had learned quickly that the ultimate way around the compulsion was death. Kill that which was thy enemy and wounded fast, for otherwise she'd be tapping her gift and giving them the health to further cause harm. So far, Rak'keli had seemed fairly accepting of such course, though it wasn't something the healer would talk openly about.

She headed off back through the clinic, down the long spiraling tunnel, and into the commons of The Sanctuary. The heart of the fortress was elegantly decorated and laid out like a gentleman's club with an enormous hearth and a kitchen that warmed the space behind. She loaded a tray from the kitchen with bread that she sliced, added a small crock of butter, and then piled the remaining space with meat rolls made from chicken stuffed with herbs. She carried that and a pitcher of tea back up to the surface. She walked through the clinic and out onto the veranda where she arranged the tray on a table.

Kavala waited for him to join her, and nodded at his bloody shirt. "You need to have that seen. I can tell from here its getting infected. Wounds have a certain smell to them when they go bad." She said softly, and added silently to herself. No wonder my gnosis is compelling me at this point. This man is sick. She didn't move to look at the wound though. He looked like he could, much like his horse, use a meal or two. She filled a plate for him and passed it to him, and then topped off a mug of the cool tea as well.

"What happened? You look like you've seen battle." She asked cautiously.