[Flashback] New Arrival Tag Coatl

[Amirah]

[flashback] Spring Day 23 504 AV
Tag Coatl

A young stallion was prancing on the path toward the city. It was a proud beast although a skilled rider could tell it was lacking in the care of a skilled hand. Still it moved as if it was the noblest creature in creation. Its rider though was… missing.

Some yards behind the young woman walked her robes were pulled warmly around her to fight the early spring chill this morning. The woman like the horse was a wonderful thing to behold, and like it, there were small signs of uneasy travel, yet she walked with her head high. It was nothing like the beast before her that pranced with his pride head high and steps sure.

The young woman moved with a less extraordinary confidence. It wasn’t a proclamation, a demand of attention, but it was a young woman while sure of her, still, a lone young woman in the wilds. She was certain of where they were heading, but still it was a place she had never been, a place she was going to, alone. Surely by now her family knew she was missing and each passing day she had feared she would have been over taken by guards to be dragged back home. Yet as the days passed and she went on unhindered, she had relaxed. And the days began to stretch, longer than she had expected. But now, now it was going to be the end of her journey this far.

Now she would be able to have a bed, have a bath, although more likely not the ways she was accustomed to. But her teacher urged her, to come this far, too come to this city to experience what would be denied her home. A chance to practice her skills in peace, to be a young woman with neither ridicule nor whispering words, and without the watchful eyes of spies.

Yet now that she could see the city they neared, nerves assailed her, why would one lone woman travel to a city of blue warriors alone. Amirah did not think like a noble, she did not think like one who lived above reproach, above question or indignities, she thought like one who knew pain, who knew the weight of words, the feel of blade, and the torment of silence. The symbol of her status rested proudly upon her chest beneath her robes, but that had as much meaning out here as it did within the palace walls of her home.

Nothing.

The doubts the worries were shoved aside as tightly wrapped arms fell from her torso, and a light smile slowly curved her lips at the sound of the waterfall grew deadening.

She had finally made it.

[Coatl]

Riverfall was not a place that could be fully experienced until they were inside its gates. Amirah had caught a glimpse of this splender by riding along the southern edge from her homeland towards the city. The surrounding land was rolling plains of high grass. The bluevein river could be seen coming from the north east towards the city. It moved at a good speed along its windy path until it passed the first set of gates along the plains that protected Riverfall; then the river roared as it crashed down the three thousand foot drop. It was not a solid fall but was broken up into two hundred foot descents here and ther with an eight hundred foot finale.

Great stone work buildings went from the top of the waterfall all the way down to the ocean spread out on flat surfaces here and there. It looked as if there were three main sections ot the city; an upper, a central, and a lower - down by the oceans base. Fishing vessels could be seen along the ocean doing their daily tasks. Akalak warriors lined the gate entrance and along the walls. Amirah did not realize this but some of the fiercest creatures surveyed the lands looking for anthing that walked by itself to use as food. The zith hunted in packs of ten to twelve looking to bring whatever they coul dfind back to their main structure and enjoyed the singular prey when they could find it. Most people who came to riverfall alone, either came by ship or escaped a slave caravan travelling the plains. Amirah was an oddity.

The Akalak guards at the front gate were quick to notice the solo woman making her way to the city from over five hundred feet out. Immediately two of the four rushed near her observing the land around her. Amirah would immediately sense a feeling of protection that came from these two and held no fear to their rushed arrival byher side.

"Milady, it is folly to walk this land be it day or not without escort. Please allow us to walk you through the gates of our city. Riverfall is a splendid place. I am Rakshahm and this here is Notriem." The second akalak offered a proper nod of the head followed by a genuine smile. "might I ask your name and where you've come from while we walk? We do not see a lot of guests walk up to our city all by themselves. Word will spread quickly of this occassion."

[Amirah]

It was such a strange occurrence to be met with greeting and searching eyes, the warriors which had rushed forward to meet her, were not fear filling. It was something, comforting, to see their eyes scan the surroundings before coming to rest upon her. It was reminiscent to her own warrior mother, it was a nice feeling she might admit after some coaxing but for now the Eypharian regarded her protectors with a light smile if not of all things, shy. As the pair were introduced and nodded their greetings, Amirah inclined her head to each, a polite acknowledgement in return as far as she knew.

“Rakshahm. Notriem.” The young woman said the names as if they were something sweet upon her tongue, the names were odd, but it pleased her. They were different, and that, was very, very good.”I am Amirah, hailing from Ahnatep.” She had not decided how she would introduce herself until that moment, noble blood within her veins, did little to nothing if it was not recognized, yet to have it known, could do her little to nothing, or bring to call disaster. But those were not the thoughts that prompted her words. Rarely was she considered Amirah daughter of Samir and Karima, sunbearer. If it could, many forgot it, and if she could she indeed did not mention it, she was fond of being simply, Amirah. Was that not the point of her journey to be Amirah, herself, to grow stronger and be?

The woman’s head tilted, looking from Akalak to the other, curiosity in dark eyes. She remembered well enough the rumors and dangers of the open plains when the nights fell and the girl had shivered alone, too unsure and frightened to set up a true camp. Yet her travel so far had been unhindered, in fact not a soul she had seen, simply her and her horse.

“Surely guests flock to the splendid Riverfall, if they have heard the same tales as I. Hardly can one cast censure upon me, for being eager to see if the tales told were true, of the breathtaking sights, and honorable warriors. What better place would there be to come to, aside Mura itself to practice my arts and soak in new experiences?” Amirah smiled as she spoke, the way she spun her words so casually was not of those who used common, commonly, but toyed with words as a art, or relied heavily on archaic tomes to garner her speech.

“With no escort, aside my ill tempered mount, I am pleased to find the dangers and whispers of the plains to be unfounded. At least at this point of my travels. Alas, truly I did not mean by any volition to create a stir with my arrival. I was only eager to arrive.” The woman looked at the guards innocently enough almost as if half expecting to be chastised before a smile lit her face once again.a

[Coatl]

"Well met, Amirah from Ahnatep," Rakshahm said and both bowed cordially. "We do receive guests within our city, but most come by boat. Those that do travel the plains use the ideals of safety in numbers. You may be the first person i've seen come to our city by herself."

Both guards held her in high regard because she was female. Riverfall had its like of women. Because of this, all women were seen in a different light and treated like royalty. Women were not viewed by appearance. They were seen as gifts from Akajia to carry forth the Akalak race. If she chose not to carry a child for an Akalak, then it was the fault of the Akalak people for not treating her well. The men were still honorable and would not swoon over a woman. By treating her as a special guest, she had the option to chose whomever she felt. The primary care of all Akalak was the chance at furthering their race. They never held anger for not being chosen especially towards anyone else. Hurt or shame maybe, but never anger.

"Please allow us to serve as your escourts, Lady Amirah. Both to the gates and then through the city. That is until you feel comfortable to move around on your own," Notriem said speaking for the first time. He was more of the silent type but held the look of a much more sturdy warrior if that were possible amongst the Akalak for they all looked like capable warriors.

The two led Amirah through the gates and into the first layer of the city. They walked slowly which might have made Amirah wonder why. This question would have quickly been answered for as they entered the city and came to a stop at the open grounds by the Gideon Arena, eleven Akalak came forward to meet her followed by other Akalak and humans.

The one that led the Akalak held the look of a Leadership. There was something about the city and the race that made her think that royalty would not have been the right word. She came from a realm where people acted a certain way based on noble birthright. Riverfall had a feel as if all were considered equal. Still one must lead and this one had an 'air' about him.

"Come and Welcome to Riverfall!", he said. "I am Nevar Chivan, Head of Riverfall, and these ten make up the Council fo Elders. It is an honor to have you come to our city. We do not now how long your travel was to know if you need rest. I would like you to join my wife and I for dinner this evening at our home. If you feel a desire, you are so allowed to invite a guest.

Rakshahm, Notriem, please show our esteemed guest to Godiva's Refuge and ensure she is well taken care of. Make sure she had the proper directions to my home for this evening." Nevar did not want to stay in her way because travelling alone by horse was exhausting. He assumed she wanted to lie down and settle in. The Elders also left. All of them too had whispered their greetings to her in similar fashion as Nevar and had bowed in respect. The scene lasted about ten minutes and after Vevar and the Elders left, those folks who came to look also took leave. The city seemed entirely friendly.

The sun was at its peak and Amirah was comfortably resting on the bed in her private room at Godiva's. The place was truly remarkable and treated the women with the same 'special guest' type feeling. She had about four hours to rest, tour the city, or do whatever she desired before the dinner meal.

OOCFeel free to do whatever you like. the two Akalak will stay with you unless you send them away. They will post up like guards outside your door, if you chose to rest. You can self mod touring the city, if you so desire that route. When you're ready, post that you are heading to Nevar's house, and i'll pick up from there again. If you desire to interact and seek a guest to accompany you, i'll help you with that as well. This thread is yours to do as you like

[Amirah]

When the guards volunteered themselves into her service, at least to be her guides and protection, the young woman for an unguarded moment looked surprised, and her face flushed lightly, prettily up her cheeks and over her cheek bones, her eyes down casting for a moment. Did she look so frail to manage her way to the city to meet her demise there? It would be like her…

The dark thoughts that dared to surface and steal away that bright shining happiness from her face were shoved aside. She would take their offer happily, not reading into it or assuming some veiled slight was hidden in their meanings. Here was the opportunity she had to build her skills, her confidence, and it would not do for her to deny, herself the chance because of old ways and words.

“By all means, please do. I had not given thought to what would come after I arrived, only that I had a need to be here.” The smile that returned with her words to Notriem was a touch more fragile.

As they passed the gates the men began to walk so slowly that Amirah turned her head to regard them both. Yet as a group came forward it made sense to the Sunbearer. The one who moved towards them moved in a way of self assurance that spoke of knowing his place, and his place was to lead and other to follow. His words made her frail smile strengthen, she had been correct, that much was a comfort, but dinner, was indeed a surprising gesture, she would never expect a commoner to have a meal with her Pressora just for arriving to Ahnatep. But this was a gift she would not hesitate to accept.

“Many words of gratitude for such a privilege, I would be most honored to sit at your table this evening.”

The woman lowered her head in respect, face tilting upward to smile her thanks and greetings to the elders as each one pause to speak to her. It was a long ordeal that gave the excitement of arriving time to wear off and the safety of being around people, in a city made the aches and pains, fall upon her worse than the nights huddled in the tall grasses.

Dark eyes blinked closely waking lightly from a nap. In Godiva Amirah had bathed, had washes her hair, and slept in a wonderfully soft bed. She did not leave the room but slept, the young woman without her makeup and unbound waves of hair looked all the more fragile, and felt all the more tired when now given a bed, a true bed to rest upon. The young runaway did not dream for once, no dreams but warm darkness that held her close and warm in its embrace.

She woke hours later, two hours to spare before dinner it was time enough to feel her clothes, freshly washed and set to dry were almost finished, and so Amirah took the time and care to smooth upon her skin lightly scented oils and through her hair. She shed her newly bought night shirt to down her pants and jerkin, and over it the new silk robe she had bought earlier as well. She had care to apply the make up to her face, exotic eyes carefully lined, pouting lips tinged a soft pink, and golden dust lightly matted over her face.

While she had did a little shopping before coming to the Godiva refuge, Amirah had not managed to see much of the city, something she would have to fix before long. But rested, dressed, and made up, Amirah admired her reflection, there was so much to be done. Already her mind was whirling there would need to be lodgings secured, income to secure, and employment. While home she was never expected to do more than what struck her fancy, Amirah was certain life beyond her sands were different, and while her hands were gentle and soft, she had every intention of keeping them so, a place, like Riverfall was bound to have need of those of her skills and talents, surely.

Booted feet stepped out past the door and Amirah paused looking upon Notriem and Rakshahm her surprise becoming gentle amusement as she looked upon the men. It was a kind amusement as if she had not expected them to still remain.

“Rakshahm. Notriem. You two did not stand here all this time, surely?” Slowly waking eyes reguared the hair, her head tilting to the side before she looked down the hall.

“There is still time before dinner, is there a, scenic path to the Chivan House?”

Secret :

Red silk robe – 5gm
Green silk night shirt – 6 gm
Common cosmetics – 1 sm
--
11gm 1 sm
348gm - 11 gm 1 sm = 337 gm 9sm

[Coatl]

"Yes Lady Amirah. We are to watch over you, escort you, and aid you in any way until you have arrived safely at the dinner. That is when we will no longer be at your side. We can take you to a good sceic point before heading over to the Chivan Estates. It provides the best view of the main waterfall, the oceanside, and and overview of the city of Riverfall. There are many scenic spots within the city and surrounding areas that are more isolated." Rakshahm replied.

The two led Amirah along the pathway from the second tier of the city up nearly seven hundred feet to the upper teir where the place was Rakshahn had mentioned. The upper teir was also the location of the Chivan Estates. It did not take Amirah long to realize that the people of Riverfall must have healthy legs from walking up and down the cliffside all day long. This would be more so for those not of Akalak descent because the Akalaks looked strong all over.

The place was called Bulgari Point and held the best view of the entire city. Sitting tables were located under a large covering because droplets of water from the main waterfall of the bluevein river could be felt. Those who stood too long would get wet. Under the covering was a small bar that served wine from the Sattui Vineyard to the west of the city. It was one of the major exports from the city. The sun was just going down over the ocean side giving all of Riverfall the best dusk sunsets in the realm (according to the citizens).

Amirah could get a good look at all the major buildings of Riverfall from here. Each one had its own exotic flavor to it. No two buildings looked a like. Everything was made from the stone of the cliffside and wood which they imported. The beach below had some beautiful white sands and off to the east she could see a magnificent resort. The last thing she noticed were the fishing ships coming in from their daily work. The ships literally looked as if they came right under them and into the cliffs. The docks of Riverfall were located within a huge cavern at the base of the watefall. The waters spread out so much on their way down, that the waterfall was more like a thin wall of water at the entrance to the docks. If anyone was standing on deck of a ship as it came throough, they would indeed get wet. The sailing vessels had the passengers stay inside while the ship departed the port.

"So, what do you think of Riverfall, Lady Amirah?" asked Notriem.

[Amirah]

“Please…” The urge had came, to ask them not to address her as ‘Lady’, but she stilled her tongue before the protect could arise. There was no harm in the polite gesture, the title was not spoken with anything but cordial respect. There was no mockery, yet the habit remained. And surely they could not go on referring to her as thus for the entirety for her.

“ You are Notriem, Rakshahm. And I am merely Amirah. Lest you both wish for me to call each Lord and stand outside your doors.” She smiled lightly turning from looking to each man to looking back out to the sea. This place, it was beautiful, a rival to her own home, it was more than the wonderful greenery that filled and surrounded the city, even all of the water that flowed and fell so easily, it was, the people. Largely men as her teacher spoke of, but gender aside, there was a different feeling within the city, and it was safe. In so many ways it felt safer, than the lands of her home. But that could merely be her the outsider looking into the picturesque world they created. She knew nothing of the politics, power struggles or plays.

“Riverfall is beautiful. It appears very different than my home in more than the water and plants. Your people have been very kind to me this day and I am honored, and very glad I came.” The young woman was quiet watching the ships below come closer and closer. While she was under the covering to avoid the spraying water from ruining her new robe, she felt the droplets upon the skin of her face, neck, and chest. The air was gentle carried so many scents here.

Her arms rested at her side easy before one rose to the base of her neck, lithe fingers brushing away a strand of hair from her skin. She pondered many things standing so high and looking down upon so much. There was so many possibilities, so many right before her if she could but find a way to make them realities. She had to make her survival a reality. The woman chuckled but it wasn’t truly a happy sound but something more akin to irony.

“I was not certain if I could manage to make it here. Be it bandits, beast, or my own lack of will that ended my journey. Or if I would be found and swept away back home to answer to my family for my abrupt departure. Yet now that I am here, I worry how I will manage to remain. One cannot make a life of their own on the charity of others, yet all my grand plans, and ideas for how I could survive seem very, fruitless now.” The worry was there of course, yet to be so open on such a matter, to guards no less, was the young one feeling out, both the men, and the city. The words she said had been the truth, here confronted with her goal she felt for a moment overwhelmed and uncertain.

Yet also she wanted to hear the responses gauge them.

“Tell me of Riverfall, your people. All I know are from the mouths of others, not a single one from the lips of an Akalak, speaking of his brothers, or his home.”