[Sanctuary] Winters Breath [Kavala]

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

40th Winter 511AV

The entire trip had been bitter cold. He swore it seemed at times like the goddess of winter and death had teamed up to bring him a very unfortunate memory of his past. Almost like it was a belated gift for his arrival in Mura…which he was already growing homesick of. He missed the beaches, the warm sun and sandy shores. In reality it seemed that his only true proof that he was ever there in the first place was the images carved into the blades of the two daggers he carried. When he looked at the South Tower, Opal Temple, Harbor or the Beach scenes he felt….a longing. But Mura was not his home, they were not his people. They were beautiful, pure, calm and above all blessed by the gods. And he was everything but, he did Rak’keli’s bidding healing everyone that needed it; even those that would refuse it. But he still felt no closer to her.

He had stopped for the night, his large white winter hardened horse his mode of transportation for now. The large animal was named Hasmere. He had no idea if that name held any significance among the Vantha. But he did appreciate how well the horse had seemed to adjust to the cold weather. It marched right through snow with relative ease, and actually seemed to enjoy it as well. He had to be a strange sight clad in a long white fur cloak riding a white warhorse. But he was no white knight, no he was merely human. The beasts back was quite the chore to get on. But he had gotten used to this…just like he had gotten used to the cold as well. But for now right here in this moment he was staring into a fire.

He had dug a small pit into the snow until he hit solid ground. Then from that he dug out about a four foot circumference circle down to the frozen earth. The fire was set in the middle and started with a fair amount of trial and error until finally it ignited and he had himself some warmth. But he didn’t have enough wood to last him all night. So he would likely only stay here as long as there was heat…then head out in the direction of Riverfall. He wasn’t sure how far he was from it currently. He didn’t claim to know very much about these areas, he had never seen them before in all his life. Nor could he even begin to imagine what the layout of the land was here, he didn’t know enough about land navigation to get everything anywhere near correct.

But what he did know was that it was cold….bone chilling cold. So unless he wanted to set up a tent and go through the trouble of digging a place for it in the snow he would have to move when the fire finished. He pulled his cloak around himself tight to keep out the wind. But down in his foot deep hole he was somewhat protected from the wind’s punishing whip. He was tired though…fatigued would be a more accurate word really. He had been stopping for only short breaks to rest Hasmere and his eyes. Sometimes only falling asleep during the dark and waking up when the moon hadn’t even hidden itself on the horizon. In his mind there was no point in wasting time in his travel. Especially during the winter.

It was difficult to take his mind off the grueling cold. He closed his eyes and started to remember the wonderful Mura beaches. They were the closest thing he had to a home in all his memories. The whistling wind replaced by the crashing waves, the cold of the winter replaced by the warming feeling of the sun’s rays. He could literally picture himself with a fishing rod in hand trying to catch dinner right now…The sand between his toes and the warm waters splashing up to wash him every now and again. He could even visualize the sun setting in the distance, bidding him a warm night as her sister the moon rose up over the other shore. The world around him seemed to melt some as he pictured that wonderful beach. It was like he was actually there right now even though he knew he was so far away. It would be some time before he saw Mura again, but he knew he could place Mura in his mind any time he wished.

He sat on that shore and cast a line out into the waters, hoping to catch something for dinner. The ocean that wrapped herself around Mura had been kind to him. Always offering him exactly what he needed and feeding him well. She had bulked up Serrif, providing him with the nutrition he needed to no longer be the skeleton of a man that he once was. The man who had set foot in Mura and the man he was now were two completely different individuals; yet they were the same physical man, but one could argue against that as well.

The unnamed man who stepped into that Murian port was a scared man, a hunted man who was unsure of what his future held for him. He had no purpose, no direction and had been weakened from the years in the camp struggling to stay alive. Like a beaten animal that man was cowering inside himself; afraid of the world and didn’t trust those who were around him. He didn’t know if anyone could be trusted for he had seen that every person had a darker more primal self that would step on him if it furthered their own ends. His body was weak, still a battlefield for the many toxins that had caused long lasting neurological damage that he couldn’t even begin to inventory. He was damaged in ways he couldn’t begin to explain and still had night terrors about the life he had supposedly escaped. He feared that his captors were going to track him down, find him, and bring him back to the camp again. That fear lived with him for a while, those feelings were harbored inside his chest for nearly a season…but by some god or goddesses grace he had been delivered to Mura. Exactly where he needed to be…even if he didn’t know it yet.

He grew on Mura, became more of the individual that he always knew he was. He turned his pain from the past into drive for the future. He assisted in healing those that needed it. He learned the bow from a master and was taught how to center himself along with his emotions. Lym taught him medicine, herbalism, and philtering but above all she taught him patience. His entire existence before Mura was just that…a memory. He learned to trust others and how to also trust himself in the duties he knew he had to do. The sea offered her bounty to him and fed him well providing the fuel for his body to grow and flourish here on the isle. He thickened up and his muscles seemed to absorb the wonderful fresh food; he grew stronger faster. His mistresses then pushed him harder, pushing his limits both physically and mentally. They tried him and he passed at every corner, growing the entire time. Then when he had proven that he was no longer the man he was before they put him back into the world he had come from.

He was sent back into the world to do good. To face the convictions of his past life; because only in a trial by fire did you find out who someone really was. That and in his heart he didn’t feel like he really belonged in Mura either. Sure it was exactly what he needed to find himself, to heal himself. But right now he needed more challenge in his life, and it seemed that this task to gather information from Riverfall and Wind Reach was exactly what he needed. He embraced the thought of a new challenge. Now he could put all his multitude of skills to the test and see what he really knew. He could make his mistresses proud of him. If he did an extraordinary job he would also be accepted into the Order as well, and become one of the many healers blessed by Rak’keli. This was a goal worth obtaining to him, he had met the Goddess in person once before and the second time he met her he wanted her to be proud of his accomplishments. Proud that he was one of her Opal Order healers.

In the quiet serenity of his own mind Serrif poured over the details of…everything really. He thought about what he was going to do in Riverfall, who would he meet? Ildin had told him really everything he needed to know about the place. Her father was Akalak, her mother Konti. She had spent a good amount of her time there in Riverfall learning hunting and archery from her father and her fathers close friends. She spoke that each and every one of them had two souls occupying the same body. And each of these souls was drastically different from the other. There was a lighter soul that usually had grips on the body and then there was a far darker soul that usually fought for control of the body from the other soul. Most Akalak by the time they were sixty or so have a good grip on these two competing souls. But before that especially when they are younger these two souls are usually at constant battle with each other…the darker soul trying to dig control out from under the lighter one. He was warned not to anger the darker soul, not without a good grip on what this darker self was capable of.

His trip to the western beach on Mura was rudely interrupted by a sudden whip of cold air cracking across his face. The beach was ushered away and instead replaced by the cold snow covered plain before him. It was odd. Most would consider this place barren, lifeless and maybe even grotesque. It didn’t compare to the outlandish beauty of Mura but Serrif had learned there was beauty in almost everything. The setting sun cast wonderful light across these frozen plains, and made the powder on the ground sparkle like millions of little sand sized diamonds. There was something peaceful about these plains in winter. He felt alone with himself, something he had come accustomed to while traveling to Riverfall. But even here he didn’t feel that alone, no. He knew there had to be predators; there were always predators even if you couldn’t see them. And in this weather he knew he likely wouldn’t spot them very easily.

He kept his dagger harness on at all times, so if need be he could quickly draw a dagger to dispatch anything that came his way. His bow was in his lap and his climber quiver attached to his right thigh, held tight by the multitude of buckles and straps. He was sure if anything did approach Hasmere would detect it way before he did. Allowing him a few extra seconds to respond before being killed, and a few extra seconds was all he really needed. He could assess a situation and place arrows on target fast enough, and all it really took was one well placed arrow…something Ildin had taught him. Shoot with a purpose Ildin told him. And if he drew his bow he intended on releasing the arrow as well.

He wasn’t shivering but he was cool. He wore three layers, his white bodysuit, white baggy cotton clothing and then the fur cloak. For the time being he had his breastplate on as well. He stretched some as he watched the fires dance across the few last pieces of firewood he had. A sigh escaped his lips as he pulled his facewrap down from his mouth. He sure was glad he had paid the good money for the white fur cloak now. It kept the cold away and the deep hood kept the wind off his face…most of the time. As always Hasmere inched over to the small fire to warm up, almost like he was ashamed that he liked it. This brought a sly smile to Serrif’s face.

“Don’t worry, there’s no shame in warming up Hasmere.” The horse eyed him and inched a little closer to his saddlebags that Serrif had taken off and laid on the ground near him. He knew that even his horse needed a break from the travel. He would be ignorant to assume otherwise.

Hasmere perked up, and looked off into the distance alerting Serrif almost instantly. Something was out there in the snow…As to what he didn’t know. But he did know that if Hasmere was alerted he needed to be as well. His hand found his bow and he looked out through the flurry in the direction Hasmere was staring. What was out there? Or maybe who was out there…he didn’t know what the correct question was but he knew that something was out there…even if he couldn’t see it for himself yet.

[Kavala]

The horses were on the small camp walking out of the winter white-out before Serrif and his mount could react. They parted for the fire, moving slowly by it seemingly unconcerned even about the winter. Ears flicked his way, tails swished, but they moved methodically as if they had a destination but no particular rush to get there. They were big animals who moved with the grace of a well trained fighters. Almost to a whole they were mares in a wide array of colors though all of them of the same body type and build. They wore no tack though quite a few had braids in their long shaggy manes, usually only enough to pull the thick hair out of their eyes and allow them to see. The smallest was about sixteen hands while the largest was well over seventeen. They drifted by, like snow moved by the wind, partially iced up and seemingly all moving towards a destination.

A rider reined in by the fire, though in truth the statement was wholly inaccurate. The stallion the fur swathed figure rode wore no headgear and had nothing like reins at all. The rider studied the man and his mount camped in the snow and shook its head. It had an odd shape, almost as if a pack rode before the rider rather than behind the rider where one should be. Pulling the hood of the fur cloak back, a Konti woman studied the man huddled by the fire and shook her head. "You'll freeze out here. There's a worse storm on the way than the one already coming. A weather witch rode out to my place this morning to tell me and I've been gathering my herds and bringing them in. You'd best pack up and get to town before you freeze to death less than two leagues from it. " She said, shifting slightly on the big dappled grey horse she rode. Dogs materialized from the mist as well, swarming around her. They were Imperials, almost as tall as the horses's knee and powerfully built. She looked down at two of them lingering near and with a soft word sent them out. It made sense, suddenly, why the horses were moving slowly in a herd in one direction. They were being herded.

"If you wait too long, you'll not even make it to Sanctuary. We're between you and the city. I left the hands behind to string ropes from the kennels to the main facility and to get the cavern below on the coast ready for the herds. Pack up quickly and ride with me. If you don't, its likely you and your horse will be dead by morning." The Konti said, her voice muffled by the scarf wrapped around her mouth and head, only revealing her eyes and part of her nose. The bundle in front of her moved again and Serrif would realize it was a child riding with her. She seemed unconcerned, only shifted once more as if making room for their squirming. Though her features were obscured, the woman was definitely Konti. And she looked as if she would not linger if the stranger didn't immediately start moving. Horses still kept passing by them, steadily moving towards shelter.

It was an eerie feeling, seeing the large ghostly bodies quietly passing them by in the rapidly increasing snowfall all around them.

A storm was coming. And Kavala knew it would blow for days once it started.

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

His senses were on end...He KNEW that Hasmere sensed something. He was never wrong, because that winter horse had something that Serrif lacked. That primal animal instinct that made up for every other shortfall the beast had. Hasmere was never wrong before now, never; when he sensed something there was always something out in the mist….always. So Serrif’s acute eyes scanned, but he wasn’t used to the snow. He wasn’t used to these thousands of little flakes forming a veil around him. He could see through rainfall…but these snowflakes actually blinded his vision. The way they ebbed and flowed with the wind made his eyes actually hurt some as he tried to make out approaching shapes in the white haze. He had to rely on other senses…

His hearing…was also dimmed by the wind. But he would be able to maybe pick out oddities in the sound around him. That was only if whatever approached him made a good amount of noise. Only if, he was sure if it was something that was truly dangerous he wouldn’t hear it until it was too late. This was something he was growing very aware and weary of. What was he listening for….anything….anything. Especially sounds that didn’t seem in their place here among this snowy plain, however; half his problem was he didn’t know what was and was not in place here among this snow. His mind searched through the static of the wind. But he couldn’t pick anything out; he had never experienced this kind of sensory deprivation before. Everything was blinded, his sight, his smell, his hearing. He was left with little to react to…little warning for the phantoms that would rip the veil.

He could never have believed in a million years that the relief of his anxiety would be so…beautiful. He would hear something, but he knew it was too late to really react. But he had to do something. Arrows…his bow would do him no good this close if whatever he heard was really dangerous. His free hand found his dagger but it was already too late…The phantoms appeared…they were…Large. Not human no definitely not human in any way shape or form. They didn’t rush past him…no they were just marauding almost. His mind searched for details immediately, they moved as one. Like one unit, but they were all different colors and general horse types this much he did know; even if he couldn’t name every different kind of horse breed. They looked like someone was taking care of them; the way the hair was moved out of their eyes in an unnatural way told him hands of some kind groomed these animals.

But in general size these beasts were large, generally around the size of Hasmere who stood a healthy seventeen hands, and even some of these horses were larger than he was. Serrif lowered his hand from his dagger but kept his hand on his Konti longbow out of habit more than anything; it was apparent that these beasts meant him no harm. But who was herding them. Surely this multitude of horses couldn’t bond together like this without the caring hands of a watcher. He scanned for one, surely they would be driving the herd to its intended destination. And his answer came sooner than he had anticipated indeed. For shortly came a figure riding one of the many horses in the herd. The driver, caretaker and likely owner of this band of horses; these beautiful roamers in this winter wonderland….that he wanted to escape. The cold was beginning to nip at his fingers and face even with the fire present; which was not a good sign at what was to come eventually. It had crossed his mind that he would likely freeze out here.

“I was looking for a place to depart to. I say I have tempted Morwens wrath enough for now, as well as Dira.” And like that her guardians materialized from the veil. It would seem Morwen was hiding much from Serrif today…he was half waiting for something spectacular to come out of her veil. No…he need not tempt her today.

“I will hurry then.” Serrif said a simple answer to a very pressing need. But it sounded so…smooth when it came from her lips. Almost nonchalant; as if she was offering well founded advice but nothing else really. He knew he couldn’t expect her to wait on him, so he wouldn’t keep her waiting. Or the other riding with her…

He thought on that for a few seconds as he lifted his saddlebags and motioned to Hasmere who walked over and donned the packs easily on his rather large frame. He settled them behind the saddle and then put a roughsack atop them across the horses back. The final touch was his ornate longbow being laid atop the roughsack and tied on loosely so that he could grab it in a moment’s notice if need be. The weight didn’t seem to worry or even really do anything to the rather large horse; who had in fact grown quite used to the load. It was actually light compared to how the man before Serrif weighed him down…he was used as a pack mule of sorts, and compared to Serrif….well this was a dream. Trudging through the snow into the unknown, but especially the snow. If Kavala was in tune with this horse she would suddenly get feelings of absolutely loving the winter; especially the snow and the cold. The thoughts would likely seem foreign to her at first, being that she had never felt anything from Hasmere before, but they were there.

Within moments Serrif had packed everything back on Hasmere skillfully; it seemed like he had done this a time or two before. Frantically packing everything he owned in a cut and run fashion. It was actually almost impressive how fast he managed this packing. Seemed he moved fast and with purpose when the moment called for it. He fastened the straps and did a quick feel to make sure everything was correct before he picked one final thing out of the snow and strapped it to his body. It was a body pack. But this pack he treated gently, as if it contained something very important to him; or maybe something delicate. He put it on carefully and strapped it on making it tight along with the multitude of other things he wore.

The tight skin of a white bodysuit peeked out from under the simple snow colored cotton clothing he wore. So Serrif knew how to layer to stay warm, but a white bodysuit? Where could someone obtain such a thing…and why would someone obtain such a thing didn’t it go against the very reason of having one? But this along with the long silvery pure fur cloak gave off quite the image. The man fixed his scarf around his face snuggly and put his foot in the stirrup as he then kicked his right leg over Hasmere, another motion that indeed look rehearsed. Serrif however hadn’t has time to put in a bit or bridle in Hasmere…So he was going to see if he could be directed to just simply walk alongside this Konti…or maybe even follow her. This escaped Serrif until he made the motion to grab the reigns and noticed they were indeed not there at all.

Well wasn’t this a little embarrassing…he wouldn’t keep this woman waiting and look like a fool. “Let’s go.” He said with a nod to Kavala as he made a motion for her to lead the way…which she was already doing a fine job of. His apparent uneasiness with not having reigns was simply cast aside for the time being due to his curiosity. He always wondered how Hasmere would perform without reigns to lead him.

The story of this entire journey. It seemed to him like this was a symbol for what this was to be for him. He had potential for anything. His lessons with Ildin had taught him to be a competent archer. His skills in that area were indeed sharpened a little further than most. However how he used them was up to him. The same was true for Lym; she had taught him all about herbalism and medicine. But in the mix you had to learn about poisons as well. But none knew how the horse would truly act until the reigns were removed and the bit taken graciously from it's mouth. Only then could you find out who your horse really was, what it was really capable of. Would it buck you off? Or perform better than expected...Serrif was unsure, but hopeful at the same time.

[Kavala]

The Konti sat the stallion named Ghost oozing a sense of urgency to the man packing his things while the horses continued to wander by. At least two more dogs approached and were sent off by the woman, but none lingered and none of the animals moved with a sense of panic as they steadily streamed by. There were no foals in the group, but most of the mares were pregnant and obviously so.

When he man mounted his horse without a bridle and the stallion was obviously not Drykasbred or Drykas trained, Kavala frowned. She took a good look at his seat, the way he had all the gear loaded down on his horse along with his own large self and shook her head. The man needed one horse for his gear and another for his frame. His mount was big, but the stallion was carrying a large load. It was probably a good thing she had wandered by.

The gently nudged Ghost into a casual trot by shifting her weight forward and getting out of the way of the dappled stallions shoulders. She kept one hand on Tasival though the boy wasn't going anywhere, riding with his mom in a sling before her. The pair quickly caught the slowly moving herd and Kavala went back to herding. She guided the stallion back and forth behind the stragglers, making sure no one was lingering overlong in the quickly thickening snow. They passed through timber and onto a road of sorts and then the group mingled more closely together as the mares found relief from the slowly accumulating snow on the hard packed clay surface of the road. They followed it past a small building, fields, and then a large structure of stone that seemed to be a livery stable. Kavala had to sing out in a loud voice calling to the dogs that seemed to want to peel off at the smaller building, keeping the group moving forward.

They passed the building with its double horse gates and then moved alongside it as the road bipassed it and then made a sharp turn downward. The smell of the sea was sharp here, and the wind stronger. The horses seemed to know where they were going because they followed the road down off the cliff down to the sand far below.

The mares kept the Konti busy and her big stallion was sweating as the group as a whole hit the sand as the road vanished onto the beach. The group wheeled right and the dogs started barking excitedly as the mares broke into a trot all around them the herd hurrying towards some unseen destination. They traveled along the cliff to what must have been directly below the sprawling building above. A double set of doors loomed before them, thrown open in a shadow of a rock outcropping. They were by and large big enough for four riders to pass abreast through. The horses streamed into the cliff, entering what seemed to be a large holding area in the bowels of a naturally formed sea cave. It rose well above the high tide mark and passed upwards well into the cliff far larger than the forty head it now held. Torches burned along the walls illuminating stored hay piles and makeshift corrals that the dogs now worked the horses into. There were smaller pens with other horses - mainly stallions - already full. Kavala stopped near one of these, dismounted, pulled the child from the horses back and reslung him on her own, and began to strip the yvas off the stallion she rode. Once he was in his own 'stall' she turned to the stranger and gestured to one next to Ghost's stall.

"You can put your animal here. I'm going to go secure the mares and close the sea doors. I'll be right back. My name is Kavala, btw." She said, in an introduction of sorts. It wasn't much, but the big man could tell she was cold and worried and wanted everyone settled before the main storm actually hit.

She left him there to go do just what she said she was, shooing the last of the lingering mares into the large holding area at the far end of the cave, throwing a goodly amount of hay from a nearby pile to them, and then going to close the big doors.

It was then she rejoined him, still bundled in her cloak and keeping what Serrif could now see was a child close too her.

"When you're done, lets get upstairs and warm up. I think everyone else has everything else well in hand. This is supposed to be one of the biggest storms Riverfall has had in a long while." Kavala said, beckoning him to follow her.

If he did, she'd lead him up a long spiraling ramp that was large enough for two riders to navigate side by side to a large open common room deep in the heart of the cliff which had well shuttered outside windows facing the sea. Even from the large central chamber, which resembled a castle's great room, Serrif could tell the storm was already raging. There were noises around them, echoing through the stone, telling Serrif they were not alone, though no one immediately joined them in the great room.

Before a large blazing hearth, Kavala stripped off her cloak, and began to remove layers of clothing until she more resembled a konti rather than a bear wrapped in furs. The child was also unbundled and settled on a pile of cushions near the fire. He had a shock of white hair and deep blue skin that told Serrif he was indeed an Akontak.

"Sorry we've met on such circumstances, but I think if you'd have stayed out there both you and your horse would have frozen tonight. I can probably get you to town tomorrow, but tonight I'm afraid thats impossible. You'll have to stay here." She said softly, then glanced around. "Have you eaten? I can get you something warm to eat and drink." She added.

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

His eyes watched this woman intently. She seemed to have a very good grip on these horses, as well as her herding dogs. It was indeed a work of art to watch. The way she commanded the entire herd by use of her trained dogs. She may appear a target since she was a lone woman, but…whatever Konti frailty there was with her was more than made up for by the presence of these trained dogs. He had never seen trained working dogs before. He knew that they would come to the aid of this woman if need be; some of the horses may do the same thing as well. Some would again see her as frail, but she was wrapped in a blanket of security here among her herd.

He had noticed his error, and so had Hashmere. Who had interpreted the mistake as having free roam over where he went. The only fact that saved Serrif from being dashed across the plain was the fact that he was among a herd. And Hashmere wanted to follow the herd to a safe haven. They both assumed the herd was being taken somewhere safe; and neither of them needed to be told twice that this was their best chance at survival tonight. As the Konti had said there was a hell of a storm coming on tonight. They both would have perished if they stayed out in it; according to this woman. But he had no reason not to believe her.

Try as he might Hasmere wouldn’t respond to anything Serrif did. He could try and apply pressure with his heels, talk to the animal anything. But the only response he would get would be a sudden THWACK by the horses tail; telling him that he was indeed an annoyance right now. This frustrated Serrif a little but at the same time this is what he got for not putting in a bit or bridle. The horse wasn’t trained for such things and as such it meant he reverted back to instinct and herd mentality. For now that allowed him exactly what he needed. Hasmere went on auto-pilot and Serrif could just ride in to wherever it was they were going. He had never been here so his eyes were alert and he was trying to make sense out of what he saw past the flurry of falling snow.

A road! Yes a packed clay road that was what they were on right now. He noticed the sudden change in dynamics of Hasmere’s movement. The horse seemed more relieved and less perturbed…even though Hasmere loved the snow he knew there were times when one needed a break from such things. They seemed to be passing some fields and a small building. He couldn’t make out to many details but as they went along he was making a mental map in his mind of where they were and where they were going. Such things helped him get a bearing on where he was…especially if he had never been there before. One never knew when they would need a mental map to navigate. But in this thickening downpour of snow, visualizing anything was quite the chore.

As every second passed Serrif became more and more aware that this woman had been right. No matter her sources she had indeed spoken the truth. There was indeed quite the storm afoot. There was also a certain beauty about it all, the snow fell around them slowly, drifting. It was quite different than watching rain. No, rain came down hard and deliberate. Snow on the other hand seemed to just drift slowly as if it was just riding the zephyrs. He watched the flakes fall as Hasmere shifted under him, indicating another change in terrain. One he was more familiar with…a beach? He looked out and there was the ocean. Well…it seemed they were near a shore of some kind; not quite as beautiful as Mura. But then again he had never seen the beaches of Mura in a snow as heavy as this one. There was already a semi thick blanket of snow laid down on the ground, whereas in Mura there was rarely much snow at all…compared to this.

As the herd picked up the pace Hasmere followed. Serrif was startled some but at the same time he knew he was indeed the ‘rider’ here. He was along for whatever crazy ride Hasmere was putting him in for. He was really at the mercy of this herd and ultimately the unknown Konti woman. The herd moved along a cliff and then before them was a rather large set of doors. If he had to guess they must’ve been put there intentionally and this place built so when hard weather came the herd could have shelter in the rock face. The cave looked to have at one time been a large tidal cave that was naturally part of the cliff side. As Hasmere entered the large holding area Serrif nodded his head in appreciation, this was quite the area. This woman obviously made her living through these horses; why else would anyone invest such a sizable sum into these horses. One thing he did notice was that there was a grand amount of room. Likely for expansion, this woman had big plans which it appeared she was nowhere near meeting right now.

Hasmere looked about and Serrif watched the Konti as she moved over to a stall and motioned for him to take one as well. Serrif dismounted and lead Hasmere to the stable stall she had indicated by gently throwing an arm over his horses wither and guiding him like a friend into the stall. Hasmere was more than glad to have his own space. It had been a long time since he had a stall to himself! Serrif stripped everything off of Hasmere and laid it aside outside the stable on the floor. If the Konti instructed him on where to put it he would do as she instructed. This was quite the place honestly. The amount of work involved in building all of this had to be intense. She couldn’t manage all this herself could she?

He noticed several things about this woman. She obviously loved her horses, and she had a child. He didn’t get a good look at the small child but by his guess given its size it couldn’t be over a year old. But again he would have to get a better look to tell for sure. But that meant one key thing, this woman had a lover. So likely her and her mate ran this place together. Because there was no way she could run this kind of establishment by herself. Especially here in Riverfall where the men seemed to keep a tight grip on everything. HE wondered what kind of Akalak lover she had gotten herself involved with…assuming her lover was Akalak. But what other kind of mate would a Konti take here in Riverfall?

“Thank you for your hospitality Kavala, I am Serrif.” He introduced himself as he let Kavala go off and deal with the rest of the horses.

“There you go, now take a load off you’ve been going hard.” Hasmere seemed to agree as he flicked an ear and bore his teeth for a few moments.

“Yes here you go.” Serrif said as he dug into one of his saddlebags to find a red plump juicy apple. He offered it with a flat palm to Hasmere who dug his teeth into it and enjoyed its sweet juices. That seemed to make him a little happier for the time being. He would measure out hay for Hasmere but he was unsure if he could or not…he wasn’t sure of Kavala’s rules. But if she was offering him food, she likely wouldn’t mind if he gave Hasmere some hay…but he figured he would ask.

“Mind if I measure out some hay for Hasmere, I’ll even pay you for it.” He didn’t know what fair compensation would be but he knew the woman would know.

If she let him he would measure out a fair amount of hay and put it into the stall for Hasmere to eat. Hasmere was almost stunned…an apple a stall AND hay? Tonight was going to be a good night indeed. Hasmere seemed a little happier than usual as he munched on the hay. Serrif was almost constantly amazed at the animal. He was always doing something interesting. He had his own little personality. One that Serrif had gotten to know quite well over the time they had been together. He was a stubborn horse, but at the same time that stubbornness was good when the two of them had set their minds on going a long distance in the snow.

She beckoned him to follower her up the large ramp, was this large cave really perfectly situated under the building they had passed earlier. He didn’t know but he wasn’t going to make himself comfortable yet, it was still cold. He picked up his leather roughsack and threw the leather belt of it over his shoulder. He didn’t want to leave his bow down here either. So he picked it up and then ran through his mind all the things he didn’t want to leave here with the horses. He had his bodypack with all of the really delicate and or key items. His daggers were on the harness across his breastplate, he had a gladius on each hip and his climbers quiver on his left thigh. He came to the conclusion that everything that he was worried about was either in this roughsack or on his person already.

He followed her up a spiraling ramp, so his suspicions would be confirmed; it did appear as if this cave was indeed built under that building he had seen earlier. Again indicating that this woman was indeed the owner if not co-owner of this establishment as well as the herd. Or maybe she just worked here? No, she was far too skilled to just simply work here. No she owned this place he had made this up in his mind. It was in the way she commanded that hers as well as those dogs. They respected her, and they wouldn’t respond so well to someone who just simply worked here. As well as the fact that a worker wouldn’t feel the right to invite a complete stranger into the house.

He followed Kavala into what appeared to be one hell of a common room. Serrif could hear the wind whistling outside, so she had been correct. And more than correct actually she had saved him from a hell of a storm. As he toiled over the details in his mind trying to imagine the raging outside he knew there was no way he would’ve survived out there. None. And this woman just happened upon him out there huddled around a small fire like a beggar? It seemed to him like the fates had delivered him from certain destruction…again. And all again having to do with the Konti.

He watched her strip some of the layers off and underneath it all was the figure he was acquainted with. She was indeed a Konti, the scales that he could see gave that away. As did her long blonde hair. Ah the Konti he didn’t think he would run into one of the Isles fair maidens all the way out here so far from Mura. He had to travel almost a season to make it out here. But he knew that some Konti likely had calls that lead them out here…or as the child hinted to him some of them took Akalak lovers. It was fitting and confirmed what he believed all along. Konti were meant to have longer lived mates instead of human men. Akalaks were stronger, and lived longer lives…far longer than a human male. So was this what Konti women wanted? He pondered this as Kavala broke the silence.

As she spoke Serrif began pulling off a few layers of his own. He settled his large heavy fur cloak off his shoulders and did the same with his scarf. This revealed a rather interesting looking man to Kavala. He wasn’t a Dryka, no he definitely wasn’t. He was large, almost a medium size if he was a Akalak. He stood a good six foot six and had soft yet strong emerald colored eyes framed in a handsome face. He looked a little rough and tired, likely from being out on the road traveling for so long. He did look tired, he had quite the bags under his eyes…or was that the way the fire was playing with the shadows on his face? The child, the horses all of these were keys to his understanding of her. But there were several keys that she could pick up on that would hint to him. If she hadn’t already walked his chavi to find out exactly who he was.

“I am glad you found us. I would never have found cover in time. But this isn’t the first time the powers at hand have delivered me from certain destruction. Although I would say a third time would definitely be pressing my luck a little far.”

She offered him something to eat and something to drink. That would be nice definitely. He had been surviving on trail rations as well as the scarce food he could find on the road. There wasn’t much but there was enough. A good meal would be wonderful and when she mentioned it she would see his eyes light up a little. A real meal.

“That would be wonderful Kavala, although I would hate to intrude on you more than I already have.” But she would likely know better judging by how tired he looked. He needed a good meal to tell the truth…they both knew that.

He removed his dagger harness laying his two weapons down beside his winter cloak he took care not to fumble them from their ornate sheaths. Once the cloak was off Kavala could get a better look at the man before her. He was no small minuet of a man; he had seen toil in his lifetime. As she watched him pull the gloves from his hands she would see interesting light scarring on them. Nothing too pronounced but they were definitely there. They could’ve come from anything really. She would have to get a closer look to get a better idea of what they came from though. If only that white bodysuit didn’t hug his skin so well she would be able to get a better understanding. But for now he hid the rest of himself from her. This was a new place to him and he didn’t want to cause any issues if he didn’t have to. He stripped down taking off his gloves, breastplate, cloak, daggers, quiver, bodypack and weapons and set them aside in a corner atop his roughsack. He didn’t want to take up a chair or anything else.

He could hear things going on around them, although he wasn’t sure where he knew there were indeed others here. So she had a staff…maybe he would get to meet her other half. He couldn’t imagine what it must be like to have these kind of luxuries. He had been living in a cage, then a tent and now on the road. But as to having any kind of space like this…well he couldn’t even begin to dream of having anything like this in his entire lifetime. This woman, Kavala had to be pretty well off. Obviously making a name for herself breeding those horses. No wonder she wanted to protect them. He would’ve done the same thing honestly.

[Kavala]

The Konti nodded, then continued stripping off layers as well. She was well put together with black leather nightarmor hugging her form and a weapons harness holding a brace of daggers across her front and several unrecognizable things as well which would turn out to be her blowgun, darts, and bolas. She was heavily armed, so much so in fact, it nagged at his brain. She moved like a cat, all wrapped in darkness save for her white hair and skin. "Gather your things, Serrif. I would be a poor host if I didn't offer you a room of your own to lay down your weapons and armor. We can meet back here after you are more comfortable. I need to go check things up above to check on the staff. Half of them won't join us here, but some will. Raiha will stay with her birds in the mews most likely and Kadrath with the dogs in the kennel. Aweston will be along and so too will perhaps Ricki and K'Sabe." She said, moving with the babe balanced on her hip to show him a room. A woman in leather made a particular sound as she moved, and even with the child balanced on her hip as she lead him out of the great room and down a hallway to some mostly empty guestrooms... there was an eerie familiarity about the situation.

The child was almost silent. He stared over his shoulder at Serrif as if he were curious about the stranger. He seemed to transition from looking serene to on the verge of a tantrum with each step, but Kavala ignored it. The first room on the right down a small corridor was opened and she stepped back to let him see. It held one double bed, a chest, and a small hearth with a writing desk and bookshelf nearby.

"It's not much, but we don't usually have guests. It will be warm with the hearth lit. There's wood outside the great room in the hallway leading up. We keep it there to keep it dry. You can put all your things here, and rejoin me in a few minutes by the hearth. I'll bring food." She said, looking at him oddly.

Kavala knew him. Not exactly him, but a version of him. It struck her hard and fast and almost stole her breath so she retreated from the room almost immediately. Unsure what to do, she went upstairs and into the clinic proper, finding Aweston just finishing with securing things before the true blow hit. Everything was well and she told him she'd gotten back with all the mares accounted for. The yearlings were in the arena and stalled, doubled up, but could be moved to the cave if the snow let up tomorrow. Tasi and Shay were quiet as Kavala moved about, finally returning below ground to change into something more appropriate for hosting, a long floral dress with easy access for Tasi to nurse, and to bring steaming bowls of stew and warm bread to the guest.

She served him quietly, having deposited her son on cushions by the fire once more, a fresh piece of bread to occupy him along with a few wooden toys.

Kavala said little as she laid a tray out on a low slung table filled with the steaming food. Her hands were shaking slightly as she started to speak several times then did not. Finally she spoke softly. "Things are fine upstairs with the clinic. Everyone is battened down for the blow. I'm glad I ran across you today alive instead of tomorrow frozen. Riverfall has bad storms this time of year, Cyphrus too. You should stay in the city until spring at least if you are traveling to somewhere." She said softly.

Then she served herself and sat down in the pillows beside the child to eat. She looked confused but comfortable, as if puzzling over something. "So what brings you to Riverfall? This is Sanctuary, a healing facility for animals and kelvics, just outside the city proper." She added, knowing he'd probably never heard of them unless he was from Riverfall itself, which she was certain he wasn't. Serrif was from Mura. She knew that. She knew him, exactly in fact, who he was.

"I already introduced myself, but I'm Kavala Denusk, of the Denusk Pavilion, Sapphire Tribe, owner of this place and Nakivak to Riverfall." She said, showing him her now-gold bracelet as if it should mean something. To someone from Syliras it probably wouldn't, but odds are the women of Mura knew all about Riverfall and its system and what was what within the city of the akalaks.

Kavala ate slowly, her son playing quietly beside her. She hadn't even minded when the dogs seemingly wandered in of their own accord and arranged themselves stretched out by the fire. Most of the dogs were in the kennels, but the Imperials who'd been with her bringing in the mares weren't expected back anytime soon. They'd earned the right to warm up by the fire and she'd already laid meat out for them below.

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

She was indeed being hospitable to him. She was even offering him a room here. Now he better understood how how Hasmere felt. He still hadn’t gotten his ‘hay’ yet but he knew it was coming after he set himself up in the guestroom that Kavala lead him to. He had a smile on his face as he watched the small child look at him. He was curious about how the child seemed to have a two sided emotion. He was happy then angry….then happy…then angry again. It was interesting watching the childs facial features shift from one emotion to another. Ildin had warned him that Akalak were two sided, and the younger the Akalak the more moody they were. And here was a perfect example of this; a very young child almost pitching a fit for no reason. The fact that Kavala ignored the child told him that this was a constant occurrence. Or at the very least that it wasn’t odd.

He set his things down and stretched some. His entire body hurt from the several days worth of riding. He would rest when he could but that wasn’t often. A nice meal and company was a great change to what he was used to. Kavala was acting strange. He first noticed it when she introduced him to the room. Her breath was stolen away, almost like something hit her all the sudden. What was going on? Was she marked by Avalis? By the gods what if she was. Was she seeing his past? If she was seeing his past just like Blythe did? What if she was he wanted to know what she had seen…it was a horrible thing when people could see your past if you couldn’t control it. Especially when you had a past as torturous as his has been.

He stripped down removing his white shirt and pants. And then slowly tried to take the tight white bodysuit off of his body. It took a decent amount of skill to slink it off of his body. His skin needed to breathe and it was finally able to wick away the head he had been saving to keep himself warm. He changed his undergarments and then put on a new black set of cotton pants and shirt. He had to dig the change of clothing out of his roughsack. He began thinking about his past, and how Kavala had acted.

Three years was a lot of time, even if he couldn’t recall all of it he knew that that didn’t stop those with the mark of Avalis from seeing it. And she was Konti, she could have the mark. He remembered how destroyed he was the day he set foot in Mura. How starving he was for food and freedom. How even with the bindings gone from his wrists he still felt haunted. How weak he was…he could hardly stand on his own two feet. He had nothing that was his own; not even his own name. All he had was a number…seven.

Seven was who he had been until the moment the clerical worker asked for a name. Seven was the man who was tortured back at the camp for amusement. The man they made rape women because they could. The man they made nothing but a beast. They poisoned him endlessly and even now his nerves were on end. He still felt hunted, he knew that at any moment those slavers could come back and bring him back to the camp where they would keep him and maybe allow him the release of death. Seven was still afraid of that. Every moment of his night was almost obsessed with the fact that they could hunt him down. The fear was part of everything he did, he tried to make himself invisible but in Mura that was impossible. So everything fell apart for him. He couldn’t hide here in Mura.

He uttered a name Serrif Von Chatlyn and from that moment on he had made up his mind that he was going to wash away his past. But no matter how he tried he couldn’t. At night the nightmares would torture him as visions of his past. He would see Mura burning and the slavers slaughtering through the town to find him. But eventually they always found him. Tortured him and showed him no matter what he did he was always seven. Always Seven. That pathetic man in a cage who had no dreams of his own, who now didn’t even remember who he was at all before he was Seven. Everything went back to that for him. After all his time in Mura some of his wounds were still not healed…Seven was one of them.

He went back to the main room and sat down. He watched her enter the room…but she didn’t have blonde hair, or scales. She had brown hair, and was wearing that same dress. She was bringing him stew. But it wasn’t Kavala…no it was someone else. Her figure was the same he could see her smile at him as she set the tray down on a low slung table. He saw the steaming stew and the bread. He saw her hands were shaking, maybe she was nervous about the food she was offering him? It was one of her first cooked meals for him, one of the first times cooking stew for him. She spoke to him, only softly. Something was amiss here; he didn’t know what though. She knew something…it always came down to that with Konti. It was like every one of them knew something about him. This made him uncomfortable…did crescent know something?

Did she finally find something out? That he had done this to her and remade her into an image that he wanted her to be…He heard her speak to him, but it wasn’t Crescent’s voice…It was anothers. He closed his eyes as he breathed in slowly. She knew something. Kavala…..Crescent….the two were mixing in his head. He listened to her. She spoke of the clinic…she owned a clinic? No…Crescent didn’t own a clinic. Kavala must have owned the clinic. Past, present and other were all blending together in his mind again. This had happened once before while on Mura.The results were horrible and almost lead to him being banished from Mura because he could hardly keep himself together through the entire episode. Yes…there was a storm he was here with Kavala….Crescent was nowhere to be found. He wasn’t even sure she existed. Riverfall…yes he was here in Riverfall. He had only gotten here not to long ago. Kavala had saved him from the storm that was going to ravage the plains.

“I was selected by the Mothers Circle and the Opal Order to go on a quest of sorts. I have been charged to fill out several tombs with knowledge related to healing. They are interested in anything having remotely to do with healing. They want new information to fill their libraries; they figure I am the best way to do this. They sent me here to gather information, well to Riverfall anyway.” Ah he reached forward the long sleeve of his shirt rode up a little exposing a marking that she would be able to see the horrible markings around his wrists. She would know what these markings meant. They were radial and uneven as well as deep and tortured.

His head was spinning he needed to center himself. He reached forward and grabbed a bowl of the stew off of the tray. He took a spoon and lightly sipped on it. The warmth of the ste3w helped settle his stomach as well as his mind. He was tired, fatigued really. All this sensory overload was sending his head spinning around and around. He sighed and took a deep breath…and it slipped without him even knowing or even realizing what he was saying.

“This is wonderful Crescent…” He said closing his eyes savoring the flavor. He actually managed a smile as he swallowed the warm liquid.

But before he even opened his eyes he realized he had said something wrong. He opened his eyes again and there before him was a Konti. Her name was Kavala not Crescent. Why had he said Crescent? He seemed a little embarrassed as he managed a small shy smile. “I’m sorry…Kavala yes…it’s been a long couple days for me. I apologize. My name…”

He was back to that again. She had introduced herself properly to him. Even used the extensive length of her full title confirming several things that he knew about her. But now, he was sure she knew something of him. The way her hands tremored when she brought the food, the way she lost her breath when she put him in the guest chambers. She knew something even if she was ashamed or unwilling to tell him. Just like Blythe was. She had seen something and he figured she could be afforded the truth…or something remotely close to it.

His voice took on a very sincere tone; shattering whatever silence had been there before. The puzzle pieces were coming together for her now. One by one word by word everything was likely about to make sense to her.

“I was once called Seven. But when I set foot on Mura a little over a year ago I assumed a new name. Serrif Von Chatlyn. I don’t know my name before Seven it is a long story if you wish to hear it; or if you haven’t already seen it. I am guessing you are marked by both sisters, Rak’keli and Avalis. And I apologize in advance for any unpleasant visions I cause you. What I remember of my past is…less than pleasant. But what did you see Kavala?” He asked as an inquiry, he knew she did know something. But little did he know that he had all this wrong. That she KNEW him better than he could realize in this moment. But what would she tell him?

[Kavala]

Kavala glanced at Tasival, handing him back his piece of bread which Shay had thrown at his mother. Raiha had said this was normal, great in fact, that both boys were equally present and equally safe. Shay was a prankster while Tasival was a silent brooder with old eyes. Some mistook Shayru for a mean child, but he was only bolder than his brother. She managed them both thanks to the Akontak that resided in Sanctuary guiding her. Otherwise, it would have been hard, harder than it was for certain. The boy provided a good distraction now, for when she needed to a moment to regather.

Kavala glanced up though, when Serrif called her Crescent, and suddenly looked relieved. The trembling in her hands stopped and she sighed, seemingly coming face to face with the realization that the here and now could interact with the past and everything could be fine. She took a long deep calming breath, unsettled by so much that had happened this winter.

"Things frequently don't change as much as we want them to or think they will as time rolls by. Rivers have more diversity, especially the Blue Vein, than our lives do." She commented. "But no, I am not marked by Avalis. I'm afraid I can only claim Rak'keli's mark as a healer, one from wisdom, and one from Dreams. Its Nysel's mark that has allowed me to know you, though not in the way you might think. Your past in this life is of less than a concern to me though I know of it because I've walked your Chavi. It was your past in another that has me... unsettled. I remember being Crescent. Assassin, killer of the Cytali... you captured me, turned me into your tool, and worked new memories for me. You were called Tizack then. I saw it all and I should be furious for you stole her, no my, right to choose. I don't blame you though. Here I work to rebuild the Cytali. Somewhere in that life I chose even though I didn't seemingly have a choice. It is no wonder I found you out in the snow. I've somewhat accepted these days that the Gods interfere quite frequently." She said, setting aside her stew.

Kavala didn't touch any more of it, but rather picked up a mug of mulled wine and held it in her hands, letting it warm her through its heat. Her appetite was dubious these days. Serrif coming was not doing anything to settle her stomach, for certain, though she could do something to settle his nerves.

"You are among friends here, whether or not you realize it. In a way you are among family. Though I warn you, here and now you have no rights to own me. Not like you did then." She said, glancing at the bracelet on her wrist. There was a hardness in her gaze that was rarely found in the expression of the Konti of Mura where the women were so innocent and peaceful. Riverfall was a whole new world, and Kavala had grown to love it and embrace it, and in turn it had toughened her up.

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

She knew him! So he was correct in his assumptions. But she looked…well he couldn’t place a finger on it. His greatest relief in the entire conversation came when she said she wasn’t marked by Avalis. He had no idea how this mark from Nysel worked, nor the other one for knowledge. But he did know one thing, she couldn’t on a whim relive moments in his past as if she were him…or so he though. And it was this thought that caused him to have a bit of relief. But that quickly vanished as she continued on speaking of Crescent. He should’ve been relieved when she spoke her name. She knew of her, of him as well.

Crescent, Tizack. These were their past lives and it was all so real to him now. Then his expression changed as he felt fully ashamed for what he had done to Crescent and in turn Kavala. He knew he had wronged her in ways that were completely unfathomable to him now. He remembered but only slightly because to him the memories were only vague like honest dreams. He remembered bits and pieces but he knew enough to be ashamed. Completely and utterly ashamed for his past self; the horrible thing he had done to poor Crescent. In a way he actually pondered for a second if the Ruv’na were correct. In a way by flexing his abilities he had proven what they believed.

But what really threw him through a loop was the fact that Kavala wanted to bring the Cytali back. This startled him in a way. Why? When she had been wronged on the deepest level by the Cytali did she want to bring them back. He had done nothing but make her a tool in the past life and now here she was wanting to bring them back. Sure things would be different this time but to what ends? What did she help to accomplish? Was there some long lost knowledge she wanted to gain, come universal understanding that she wanted? But all this was just a sidetrack for the pressing issue in his mind. He felt a need to right the wrongs with her. Even if he had done good that didn’t justify the horrible means he used to obtain them. He understood that now, and began to really think on something for a few moments.

Was this life a punishment? Were those three years punishment for what he had done to Crescent? He had everything stripped from him, even his name. And now, only now was he beginning to see what he had done. He knew what it was like to be the victim and now couldn’t even begin to imagine what he had done to Crescent. He had experienced much the same thing as her, brainwashing and a remaking of one’s own identity. In a way, a very indirect way, he understood some of what Crescent had experienced. But at the same time he knew he was only beginning to understand as well.

But her last statement was what really stuck with him. Own her? He didn’t want to own her. Even with the fact that she was already owned by Riverfall aside he didn’t want to own anyone. He knew what it was like to be ‘owned’. And in a way he respected Kavala highly. She had done well for herself, especially since she was a Nakivak. But who was he to make such judgments? She had drive and she was going to get what she wanted. She built this place by the sweat of her own brow and the conviction of her own action. He wanted to make things…better between them in this life. Because he knew he could never make things right. By the Gods he could never make things right.

“I have come to realize something in this life Kavala. I own only one thing. My skills. My clothing can be tattered and ineffective, my horse can break away into the winter, my blade succumb to rust and my coins be stolen. But I will always own my skills. I will always own my knowledge. And in all fairness I bequeath my skills and knowledge to assist you. From what I see you have a noble cause here one that I can assist with if that be through healing, archery or anything else. I will assist you and yours. I would be…honored if you would accept me into this family.” This was a gesture of peace and closure for Serrif. He wanted her to accept this offer of…healing.

He knew that now he felt horrid about Crescent. He had done that, even if he didn’t remember it fully. But he knew he had done it. It was too specific to be a crafted lie, and he owed Kavala something for that. This much he knew. Maybe they could be friends…or he could be her accomplice or something. He didn’t know but this also proved to be a very unique opportunity for him. She practiced the art of healing. And he remembered going through the books at the library that there was little on the subject of animal and kelvic healing. This could be the opportunity of a lifetime, and just maybe he could find a home here. But none of this could even be remotely possible unless Kavala would accept him.

“You will find I am quite a different man than I once was. I want to help, but not at the cost of life.”

[Kavala]

She shifted on her cushions, set aside her mug of wine, and pulled Tasi into her lap. She stroked the boys hair a moment and then turned her gaze to Serrif to study him. "I knew you then. I don't know you now. The same can be said of you towards me. I would suggest we get to know each other before anyone pledges anything, Serrif. To walk into a situation blindly is a fools errand." She said, turning to glance at the fire. Her words were sincere, but there was a tinge of pain behind them, as if something wasn't quite right. Kavala turned slightly, smiled at Tasi, then freed the front of her dress to bare a breast so he could suckle. While he was eating food he was still nursing and would until he decided to wean himself. Kavala signed softly, seemed to relax, and then studied Serrif politely.

She didn't seem to want to talk of deep things, as if she'd had her share of them lately and just needed some peace. Her face was serene and he could tell she was on the verge of dozing. It hadn't been an easy trip out to the grass to gather the herd and having to do it alone because there was no one else didn't help. Everyone had their things to do, securing their parts of Sanctuary. Raiha was in the mews. Kadrath and K'sabe were in the kennels. Aweston was dealing with horses in the stables and Riki and Mizuriel were helping him. Exauastion was catching up with her and so too her son. Tasivall yawned, and half went to sleep taking in his evening meal.

"There's a great deal of medicine to learn here. When I studied at Mura, there was not a lot of animal healing information available, which is what I wanted to be my specialty. That's why I did not join the Opal Order. We've had to come up with a lot of things on our own. In fact, there's been so much we've had to do alone that I thought about starting a school for healers and kelvics here." Kavala said softly, looking around slowly as if measuring her progress. Those plans were coming slowly coming along, starting with the reimancy training and getting everyone else up on their magics. Raiha was showing the most promise in that field, gifted beyond the konti and humans at Sanctuary.

"I'm sure you could help out here. But the medicine is experimental. We're writing our own chapters as the issues come up. We've even started thinking about gelding male and female dogs that are inferior for breeding purposes and doing other minor surgeries." Kavala said, looking thoughtful. "As healers, there's a great deal we can offer, especially the kelvics, which are prominent in Riverfall. The Akalak import females for reproductive reasons." Kavala added, trying to explain the high numbers of kelvics.

"Why did you not join the Opal Order or is that your eventual goal?" She asked, questioning Serrif in the now, not really wanting to know how much of Tizack he remembered. Crescent was part of her, but it wasn't who she was. Kavala defined herself as she went. That was all she could do.