Timestamp: 6th of Summer 514 AV Seran hopped out of his tent and ruffled his feathers. Good morning Zeltiva! He glanced at Sol and the horse whinnied in greeting. A quick appraisal of his camp confirmed everything was in order, just as he'd left it the previous night. His tent was nestled into a natural crevice in the soaring Zastoska Mountains, giving an incredible view of Zeltiva and Matthews Bay. The ledge that jutted out from the crevice contained his tent, a firepit full of ashes and his horse, tethered safely to the side of the mountain. Every time Seran absorbed this magnificent sight, he couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay below. Seran hopped over to Sol and made sure he had enough meagre grass to graze on. It seemed as though there was enough for a light snack before they rode into the city proper. Seran stretched lazily and then shut his nictitating membranes, or third eyelids. He couldn't help but loose a screeching cry as he dove off the mountains into open space. The wind rushed past him, and he calmly inhaled and exhaled feeling the air being diverted thanks to his nostrils. The sweeping bay drew closer and closer, and Seran tucked in his wings. His speed grew impossibly fast and inside he laughed at the sheer velocity of his tiny body. Despite the wind, he could faintly make out the crying of gulls and he focused rather intensely. At about 100 feet above sea level, gulls tend to glide about, searching for potential food. Thus the white, spineless birds seldom if ever look up, making them ideal prey for a falcon. Seran widened his wings a fraction, reducing his speed marginally. This is going to be a close call, he thought seriously. Picking out an especially fat seagull from the rest, he directed his dive at its flight path. Seconds passed and then CRACK! Seran slammed into the bird's wing, crippling it instantaneously. A lone mournful cry escaped the bird before it was in his talons. Excellent, although maybe I should have chosen a thinner bird. He pondered as he lugged the dead weight back up towards camp. Seran dropped the gull next to the firepit and shifted, the swirling lights engulfing him momentarily. He shivered at this high altitude, "Time to get dressed." Donning his shirt, trousers, boots and coat, warmth seeped back into him. Time for dinner! Seran thought eagerly his stomach growling in anticipation. His flint and steel remained where he'd set it down the previous evening, and so he placed the last of the dry brushwood he'd gathered in the impromptu fire pit. Once he had a small blaze going, Seran plucked the animal and held it over the flame. "Slightly more appetizing but by no means 'cooked' eh Sol?" The horse snorted, which Seran took to mean yes. The city of Zeltiva lay before Seran and he smiled appreciatively at the old world architecture, visible even from the outskirts. His belly was still full from the seagull, and after making a slightly treacherous trek down the mountain trail he was back. In truth, Zeltiva was home before anything, even if those who made it home had all gone. His mood dipped instantly as melancholic thoughts filled his mind, and he had a pressing desire to shift and fly away. No, I need supplies and a job! Otherwise I'll just waste away in the mountains! He rallied himself as best he could and rode into town. Cantering through the street, Seran attempted to draw as little attention as possible. He was only there to collect some supplies and seek some work. Deciding that accomplishing an errand or chore would leave him with more money than he started out with, Seran rode for the docks. When he reached the docks, he looked over and above the docks stood the building he'd heard so much about. The World's End Grotto, the most famous inn and perhaps most famous building in Zeltiva. Tying his horse up outside, Seran gently opened the massive wooden door. The hustle and bustle of the inn hit him instantly and he had to pause to gather himself. Once he had calmed his beating heart, Seran tossed himself into the fray. He was pushed and shoved, and he pushed and shoved others. Eventually winning a battle over a chair in a corner, he sat down breathless to observe the room. Trying to make himself heard above the ruckus of the morning crowd he shouted, "Does anyone need work to be done?" Of course, it didn't help that he was shorter than everyone in the room. |