Open [Sakel City Event][Sanctuary Beach] Sea Life Of The Party

[Kavala]

Timestamp: 20th of Summer, 517 AV.

Not all of Kavala's clients were from Riverfall. She'd had The Sanctuary in its place for years and her reputation had spread. The Maelstrom Pod often stopped by on their migrations, bringing trade goods from The Southern Trading Post of Kalea and the Isur... and sometimes carrying mail, packages and gifts. She'd send things back to them, especially to Emaneus who was still The Hammer in the outpost she'd grown to love.

Mainly, though, she loaded the Svefra with Honey and prepackaged healing potions. Scrolls weren't conducive to life at sea, but the tiny thick bottled potions she infused with gnosis were sturdy and held up to their lifestyles. So when a Pod dropped by unexpectedly, Kavala was often ready and willing to trade and do whatever healing they needed. In exchange she got salted fish, pearls, and all sorts of things from the sea and far off lands she'd otherwise have no access too.

Mostly they just traded for medicines, but sometimes they brought emergencies. Sometimes joy. Life was fluid with them, ever changing, and Kavala enjoyed the breaks in her routine such visits offered.

Today she'd healed a badly broken and badly set wrist. Then she'd taken to the water to heal a Talvan that, a dusky dolphin, that had a long deep cut in its side that looked to be from an even bigger whale of some sort. There was a gull with a broken wing, a shark that had so much junk from a city (probably Syliras) in its gutt that it wouldn't have lived much longer without the emergency surgery. Kavala had to be clever about things like that. Beaching a shark and having one of her assistants pump water through its gills with a simple bellow from the forge was the only way to do surgery. Under water it would have bled out before she could have cleared its GI tract. When she was done all that was left was a thin scar. Rak'keli's gnosis did a lot to seal up wounds from deliberate slicing of a GI track to the cuts through a muscle wall to get to it, to sealing skin up. The grateful Svefra were generous too, paying her well and then letting her host them up on her beach for a bonfire night where her workers and family could mingle with theirs, tell stories, and exchange food.

Kavala gave them dried beef, turkey jerky, and broke open her own stores to give them sugar in equal parts in exchange for salt. The trading with the Svefra was always good. She gave them cloth and they gave her gorgeous beadwork items made of shells and stones found throughout Mizahar.

The Maelstrom pod was big but as soon as word spread they were on Riverfall's shores, more Svefra showed up to join them and exchange news. Soon, as night fell, the bonfires climbed sky high and licked the heavens, lightening the darkened beach. Kavala let her dogs roam free and most of her family was present as they finished a pit roasted pig she'd had slaughtered that morning and slowly worked towards dancing.

Kavala loved dancing. She loved it when the fire dancers among the Svefra broke out their poi and lit the night again backdropped by the roaring fires. The Konti couldn't help but think the night was somehow a thank you to Ivak as well. Even some of the denizens of Riverfall wandered north as the word of a Svefra Gathering spread. There would be trading and storytelling, and a whole lot of other activity as well as Akalak's would arrive and join the festivities.

Kavala was invited, finally, to dance by one of the older Svefra and she grateful took his hand and joined him. The Svefra had brought out drums and horns and even a fiddle or two and danced in long chains of males and females around the fire. What started out as two dozen people swelled to twice that then three times the amount as musicians settled in to join the Svefra and warriors walked in bringing their own offerings of Ale and fruit from the orchards.

It was a happy night. Kavala had no idea all that was about to change.

[Grim Ravenwood]

"...g-gathered, right next t' the Sanctuary." Chimed a melodic, though slightly slurred voice. The Eiyon's attention was caught by the last part of what the, judging the by the rosewood fiddle that was hung on the back of his chair, musician said. His slaten eyes took note of the source of the said voice, seeing that it belonged to a man occupying a table next to his. The cheerful music filled the alcohol-tainted air of the Blue Bull, Grim peered his ears, and subtly brought his chair closer, the scrapping of wood against wood muffled by the sounds form his surroundings. Luckily, both of them had quite a bit of alcohol coursing trough their blood, and were loud enough for the half-Isur to hear clearly. It appeared that they were talking about a celebration of some kind where they, as competent musicians, could go and preform. What more, it was not that far from town.

Grim had already heard of the Sanctuary many times, even before he arrived on in the city that was it's neighbour. Namely, while he was travelling with the caravan the sunberthian trader Bodrick led, he had overheard a conversation where he spoke most highly of the institution. Likewise, back the other day, a Drykas was boasting how he had got a fair price on a horse he had bought the other year. Though, not only was it a place where one could sell and obtain animals, it was also a place where they could be healed.

While he had been on the Kabrin road, the led to Riverfall, the only companion that time was his loyal... well, maybe not so loyal, but certainly a friend nonetheless, Dusk. It was something of a ritual for him, every few days, he would caw three times in a particular manner that Grim had learnt to recognize over the years, before flying off. The Eiyon was a bit frightened the first few times he did that, though he would always find him and return to his place on his owner's shoulder. Every time he would return, a new helmet, a birds skull, would rest on top of his head. That particular morning, something was rather off. When Dusk returned, there was no helmet on his head. What more, his right wing was bleeding. Unable to understand how the unfortunate incident happened, Grim managed to clean the wound, however, Dusk never began flying again. Likewise, he had even stopped his terrible song. One Grim never knew he missed until it had halted.

"Why hello there gentlemen, i couldn't help but overhear that you were talking about a celebration of some sort." Grim said in a cheerful manner, turning the chair he had been sitting on 180 degrees. With his elbows resting on top of the table occupied by the musician and his friend, a short, balding man, probably in his early thirties, he offered them a sincere, wide smile.

The two men appeared stunned for a moment, exchanging a few glanced between themselves. "Y-yes, we have good man." The jolly musician confirmed, returning the smile. "What's it to you?" He inquired, though not in an ill way. His friend poured another mug of ale down his throat, before lowering it down. If he could count, it was the fifth one on the table. Well, this shouldn't be so hard...

"Truth be told..." Spoke Grim as he began weaving his lie. "I heard you play a while ago, and i must say that it was marvelous."

"R-realy...?" The musician asked, his smile growing somewhat wider. "What was th-"

"And if i may say so myself, the only thing that would compliment your skills with the fiddle would be my singing!" Grim said, cutting him off before he could complete his question. The fiddler's friend paid no heed to the little conversation that was happening next to him, and was rather occupied with attempting to call the waitress, one who was currently busy attempting to calm down two young Akalak.

"You are a s-inger lad?" The musician asked, his eyebrows raised in surprise. "Well, of course i am, the best in this tavern!" Grim boasted. Truth be told, and it currently wasn't, he was mediocre. He knew a few songs, and one could say that he was better than the average man, holding some natural talent. Likewise, it was worth noting that the Blue Bull appeared to be somewhat empty that night, maybe because of the celebration?

"Why - why that's grand! Varius here messed up his voice today, woke up hungover naked on the s-shore..." He said, unable to choke the laughter that build up in his throat. His friend sneered before returning to his previous task. "And it just happens that we need someone w-who could sing a tune or two!" He added merrily. "Listen lad, how about you come with us? I heard that there are some pretty dancers by the fire, and a pair of skillful artisans like you and i are - are sure to merit some attention... if you know what i mean." He added ina suggestive tone, poking the Eiyon lightly with his elbow.

"Well, if we are going, we better do it soon, or we are going to be neck deep in shyte..." Varius noted, pointing at the two Akalak from before, ones that were in stuck in a double headlock, flipping and smashing tables as they twisted and turned. And as it seemed, more were joining in...

"Shall we then...?" Grim asked, though it was not a question. Both musicians and the Eiyon left some coins on the tables they occupied respectfully, before making way to the exit...

...

"So, that your pet?" Asked the musician, who introduced himself as Saron, Saron Valerus, pointing at the onyx feathered creature hiding within the folds of Grim's robe, the color almost making it unnoticeable. The Eiyon himself let the crow stand outside for a while, before picking it up as he exited. The wing never really appeared to be fully healed. A fact manifested in Dusk's very behavior, one that was now more passive than ever. The whole deal with the musicians benefited him in the way that he had guides to the Sanctuary, and masked in the group, he may not stick out like a sore thumb. However, he never really managed to get out of the fiddler what kind of 'celebration' it was.

By Dira, if it turns out to be some Akalak custom...

Then he saw it. Lights beyond the thin wall of foliage that separated the grasslands from the coast. Thanks to his mother's blood, the half-Isur, even while standing at a distance, could see better than most people. Large pieces of charred stone were planted on the sandy ground, arranged in a circular manner. And within their boundaries, a great fire consumed thick pieces of wood, ones that were added into the inferno every so often by one of the now many souls that had gathered around. So tall was the fire, that one could not see the dancers that moved behind it's orange veil. Some of them carried sticks, ones that were ignited on both ends, burning oiled rags that coiled around the wood or iron. As each of the bodies twisted around, so did the flames on their rods turn, mostly in a fluid, circular manner. From the distance, they appeared like fiery whisps that danced around their mother, the grand lame they were given birth and ignited from.

"You still with us lad?" Ased Saron, waving a hand in front of the Eiyon's face, promptly pulling him back into reality. "He's lost in the tall grass." Commented his more sober friend, who was several footsteps in front of them. Grim guessed that he was there to lead the drunk fiddler as much as he was there to lead him, if not even more.

Several chimes later, the merry trio had already mixed within the crowd, having taken seats at a wide plank, one that was placed over the sand so that those who sit don't have to get it into their clothes, though it was already covered with more than a few grains, after being pressed into the ground with so many uses. They were surrounded by a group of musicians, like themselves. Well, themselves, excluding Grim. The fire burned bright not far from them, casting a rosy sheen on the instruments they held withing their arms. Seeing as the musicians were closest to the fire, since their songs and tunes were another attraction, one that followed the dancers on who most, if not all eyes were gazing on, Grim had a decent view in front of him.

And though they were truly a sight to behold, Grim kept looking after his friend, Dusk. Who was lying within the folds of Grim's robe, one that he had taken off as he sat down. It was strange how lifeless now he seemed, compared to his usual self. He was definitely suffering. And how wouldn't he? The Eiyon imagined that he himself would not be so happy should he somehow loose the ability to walk.

"I-i'm going to go and find us something to drink, never could play with my mind clear..." Saron slurred as he got up, before proceeding in an unknown direction. "I'll go watch over him, make sure he doesn't do something i'll regret later. Don't go far lad, we'll be back soon." Said Varius as he turned to follow the fiddler, adding a bit of spring to his step. Now left alone, Grim felt somewhat out of place surrounded in the crowd of people he did not know. What's more, they all adorned colorful dresses, unlike him.

So much for not sticking out...

[Kamilla]

Kamilla Circe Gordon

A gathering of seafarers as well as citizens of Riverfall that had culminated in impromptu 'beachside festivities', that was what Kamilla had surmised having picked up bits and pieces of chatter from some of the many groups of people that she'd noticed heading in the same direction that day, all seeming far too excited for her own curiosity to remain unaroused. Had it just been another one of Riverfall's far too numerous festivals the dark haired sorceress may have been uninterested but the fact that it was a surprise to the city folk as well as happening outside of the city itself AND it involved a group of seafarers who were apparently not the traditional sailors that frequented the city, Kamilla found herself unable to ignore the opportunity.

As she drew nearer to the beach her ears were greeted by the jovial sounds of people and music that she'd become familiar with since moving to Riverfall and a mere chime later her deep brown eyes were greeted with the sight of the celebration as well. Having spent such a long time on the undead island of Sahova where even the atmosphere was dead all year round, Kamilla still hadn't grown accustomed to seeing so many happy people in one place and to be honest she wasn't exactly fond of it. The young sorceress was dressed in her favorite short black dress, it's long lace tail dancing behind her as she neared the crowd deciding to simply observe from the outskirts of the gathering.

It was a festive event indeed, everywhere she looked there was drink and dance and laughter, had she been a more social person Kamilla may even have joined in but that certainly wasn't the case. The onslaught of numerous instruments being played simultaneously led her to wonder whether the ridiculous bard Chrysanthemum could be found somewhere near the heart of the crowd, she'd met him during her long trip to Riverfall and had grown to enjoy his absurd energy and theatrics and she could not see the man passing up the opportunity to perform at such a busy event.

Remaining nearer to the outer reaches of the crowd though forcing herself to venture slightly closer so that she could at least see what had caused so much interest in the center, the dark haired sorceress allowed her gaze to glide over the performers, wincing slightly at the very sight of the fire dancers. Even though it had been years since what Kamilla referred to as The Worst Night when she'd received the massive burn scar running halfway up her left leg which forced her to almost always wear boots that were thigh high to conceal its unappealing appearance, still just by glancing at a fire she was reminded of the pain and could even feel a slight phantom burn on her leg. She would be sure to keep a safe distance from any of the fire dancers at all times.

Other than the disconcerting amount of dancers equipped with the unpredictable element, there were also of plenty far more sane dancers, people who simply swayed and moved to the music in what looked like an enjoyable form of celebration. One dancer in particular caught the sorceresses eye, a beautiful woman with fair hair and even fairer skin adorned by what appeared to be scales here and there, the odd adornments caught the light of the many fires wonderfully, glistening as their owner twirled about. Quite some time passed and Kamilla found herself to be mesmerized by the beautiful woman and her movements.

[Orin Fenix]

Orin, as a rule, didn’t go out. In fact, he was sort of renowned for it, among the few people in Riverfall who actually knew him. He didn’t like to touch alcohol, he looked like a drunken fish when he tried to dance, and large crowds of people tended to make him uncomfortable. So, as he was walking home for the night, planning yet another day that would be just like the last. Orin sighed. He knew it was his own fault. Despite the amount of time he’d been in this city, he’d fail to actually really establish any roots here. Maybe he was destined to never really fit in anywhere. It wasn’t that he was a drifter so much as he had trouble connecting to people. That had only grown worse in the years since he’d severed his bond, leaving him bereft in a way that he hadn’t thought possible.

So he was more surprised by anyone that his feet appeared to be carrying him outside the city walls, towards the bonfire that lit up the countryside and the sounds of revelry that grew louder every instant. Orin couldn’t explain exactly what was bringing him out here. He’d been strolling along, when a group of Akalaks had passed him, chatting excitedly about some gathering or other happening down at some place called the Sanctuary. Orin had no idea how they’d even heard of it, but, as he fell in behind them, something actually caught his ear. Apparently, this entire party had come about because of a group of Svefra had come together and decided to celebrate something or other. They certainly were a festive people.

He’d stopped in the street, shocked back into a memory that he’d buried in the recesses of his mind. The scent of the ocean washed over him, and the feel of sunlight in his skin. Standing before Orin in his mind’s eye was a Svefra youth, Crest, with a twinkle in his sea colored eyes. The two of them had shared a fleeting series of afternoons, before Crest had melted off into the horizon. It felt like a dream, now, but Orin could remember feeling more alive during those few days than he had for perhaps his entire life. And then it had all gone away, leaving him emptier than he was before. Orin hadn’t thought he would ever want anything to do with Svefra ever again, if he had a choice in the matter.

So he couldn’t really explain what was drawing him towards this new group of Svefra. He didn’t really think he’d encounter Crest there. But there was something alluring about the idea of that unknown. Maybe he was just lonely, looking for companionship of any kind, hoping against hope that he could recapture some of that magic from long ago. Stranger things had happened. They just hadn’t happened to him.

Following the group of Akalaks at a discrete distance – knowing their tempers and their strength, Orin didn’t wish to cause trouble – he eventually exited the gate, and took the path before him. Soon enough, the source of the glow in the sky was apparent. It was a truly enormous bonfire. The amount of wood it must require to keep burning was staggering. Even though Orin was some distance away, sweat broke out on his brow. He flapped his shirt against his skin, trying to create a breeze. The beach itself was a bewildering swirl of sparks and performers, couples and groups. Everyone seemed happy, and Orin suddenly felt alone. It looked like nearly everyone here had brought someone along and here he was, without anyone to share this night with.

As his eyes started adjusting to the chaos, Orin blinked. He noticed some dancers wielding fire itself, and that catapulted him right back down memory lane. There was a night back at Syliras, where once again Orin had found himself inexplicably drawn to actually go out and celebrate something or other, he couldn’t even remember what anymore. But there had been fire dancing there too, and friends. Suddenly, Orin was so homesick it took his breath away. Tear stung his eyes, but quickly dried up due to the heat. It wasn’t often that he felt this way, but sometimes memories of Syliras hit him so hard that it felt like a physical blow. He let the crowd carry him forward as he tried to recover his bearing. So far the night had been an unmitigated disaster in terms of brightening Orin’s mood.

Someone shoved a mug into his hand, bringing him back into the here and now. Apparently this was one of those kinds of parties. He wasn’t really interested in this sort of debauchery, but after having come all this way Orin wasn’t ready to admit defeat. Making a toast towards the fire, Orin whispered a brief prayer to Priskil, whose power came from illumination. ”Blessed lady, watch over this gathering.” Somehow, Orin doubted many people would be praying to their gods tonight, but it made him feel better. He took a sip of the ale, and made a face at the taste. Scanning the crowd on the off chance he’d recognize a familiar face, Orin tried in vain to get into the spirit of the evening. He failed, of course, but at least he noticed a rather unusual sight, something that was enough to keep his attention here. A tall, slender, dark silhouette was outlined against the fire. It was a man, who normally would’ve blended in to the gloom of night, but with the fury of the flames and the light they cast, he stood out against the brighter Svefra. And he had what looked to be a crow on his shoulder. Intrigued at this inconsistency, Orin started sidling closer to where the man was sitting with his apparently drunken companion, hoping to unravel this mystery.

[Kavala]

The Konti swung from partner to partner, loving the Svefra dancers and the city people that eventually started trickling in. Her own staff from The Sanctuary broke into their own stores and brought out fruits, vegetables, and wine from the Sea Cave storage. They also brought down fresh baked bread that was nothing fancy, but enough to feed large quantities of people. Her own niece had set out to start baking as soon as she’d seen the Svefra beach and her Aunt head down to start tending to them. Soon more of the staff was down, the Drykas grooms mingling with the svefra and city people. Aweston had latched on to a woman he’d evidently known before and they were dancing, while two kelvics frolicked in the surf, one from the Svefra pod and one from the healing clinic above.

And as soon as it was growing dark, torches were thrust into the sand lighting the area where the party was full on. Musicians traded out and dancers tapped in and out, some moving off to the side – Kavala included – to relax. She snagged one of the horse blankets someone had carried supplies in down from the Sea Cave and spread it out on the sand flopping down at the base of one of the torches to catch her breath.

She felt eyes on her… something uncomfortable yet something familiar. The Konti said nothing, feeling safer in the crowd than she would have been had the feeling overcome her while she was along. Glancing around she smiled, shrugged off the intuition, and checked her ring that was snug around her finger. Zith were probably the only danger and it would give her quite a warning if any were near.

Kavala, however, only relaxed for a few chimes. Soon others from the city joined the gathering crowd and she felt something… a calling from Rak’keli. Her arm hurt badly where there was no wound and the healer knew there was someone here that needed her help. She rose from her blanket, carrying a flask of wine, and started to mingle through the crowd, searching…

There was a break in the crowd and Kavala went to step around a dark haired brown eyed beauty. She offered the woman a smile then held out her flask of wine noticing the woman had no drink. “It’s a party, lady. Will you have some wine? It’s good Rivarian Blue Steele. The Svefra will take offense if you don’t celebrate the joys of being alive with them.” She added, offering the flask to Kamila though she didn’t know her name. “I’m Kavala Denusk. I… felt something earlier… have you seen anyone wounded? A front leg or a wing? I thought I felt….” She asked, her head already spinning a bit from the music and the dancing. She hadn’t shaken the feeling of being watched either, though the lovely young woman in front of her was doing her fair share of watching too.

“There’s magic in the night.. and dusk is falling fast. You should dance and enjoy life a little here. They live for the moment, these Svefra, and being human like you their lives are all together too short.” The Konti added, her eyes scanning the crowd. Through a part in the bodies she saw a young man and the pull was almost too much to bear. “There…. I think I see where I’m needed. You’re welcome to come with me.” Kavala invited, still feeling watched, uncomfortable, as if something was almost stalking her. It was in direct contradiction to the Rak’keli mark pulling her towards something or someone injured.

At her heels a big dog materialized. It was dark as night and leaned against Kavala’s legs for a moment. Ink was one of her Imperial Watchers, obviously having wandered down from The Sanctuary to join in the festivities. The dogs often got out when the doors were opened and closed as her staff brought out party supplies.

The Svefra visited so rarely but each time they did it was a welcome event.