Completed Off the Map (Vanari)

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Summer, Day 5, 513 AV

Zulrav's Tower, huh? Jorin looked up at the looming tower, his greedy eyes drinking in the sight of the Stormwarden's citadel. What it must be like to live and work in this place. He was so engrossed by the tower he didn't notice Vanari's agitation until she started to hide behind him. Amused, Jorin decided to play along, doing his level best to play a tree.

"I am a tree, only a tree!" he grinned. It didn't work so well without his acting props, however, as his "branches" didn't hide the larger girl from view, and the Akalak strode up anyway.

Jorin's eyes twinkled at the light teasing this new face, whose name was apparently Korin, was engaging in. When Jorin had first entered the city, he'd tried to busk once or twice in the local taverns, only to be turned out almost immediately ... and violently! How come he only got to meet the humorless Akalaks?

Then Vanari mentioned going somewhere the other 'tourists' wouldn't appreciate. Jorin's fertile mind began imagining what that might be. Could it be a crumbling ruin, left of ancient times, ghosts of the past still lingering in its floors and fallen walls?

Or perhaps it was an old building once belonging to a powerful wizard, sealed by powerful magics and full of mystery and adventure!

Or maybe a majestic portion of the waterfall, untouched by the hands of the mortal races, where the river thundered down and trees leaned up to kiss the falling water?

Jorin was almost vibrating with excitement. "By all means, Vanari, lead the way!" he exulted. "I am eager to see what this place is like!"

[Vanari]

Vanari smiled apologetically. "I would if I could, my friend, but alas, I have no petching idea where this thing even is."

"Some mouth you've got there," Korin chided, turning his head just enough so they could see his smirk. "And we'll see it put to good use, once this is all over. Now, don't you worry your pretty little head. Good 'ol Korin will show you the way."

"If I could, I would murder you, right here in broad daylight. I just thought you should know."

The Akalak merely widened his grin before facing the street once more, whistling a bawdy tune.

Vanari rolled her eyes. "So I take it you've never heard of The Door before," she said to Jorin, nudging him excitedly. "I've only seen it once myself, and it was by accident--wasn't too keen at the time to remember where it was. Supposedly, anyone who wishes to walk through the door must unlock the iron gate guarding it first."

"Not supposedly, definitely. As in, proven fact."

She ignored their guide, continuing, "Some say it can be done by whispering your heart's desire, and others say it's different for every person. I've always thought a heavy rock would probably do the trick, but who knows? The Door was made after the Djed Storm and it's as unfathomable as magic can get. It clearly opens on one side, but when you look at it from the other--outside of the city on the outer face of the wall, that is--there's just smooth stone."

They emerged from the busiest portion of the city, the streets growing emptier and emptier the further they walked.

"But now the good stuff: the reason this door is so infamous is because, according to what I've heard, it can lead you anywhere--the past, the future, an entirely different dimension--whatever tickles its fancy. And, even stranger, it sometimes lets out creatures from other worlds. Now how's that for fodder for the imagination?"

Korin suddenly stopped, then turned to face the pair with a rather serious demeanor. "Behold, The Door of Mysteries."

They were about twenty strides from the city wall. Behind the Akalak's broud shoulders, Vanari could just make out the shape of the rather harmless looking, bright blue door.

"Don't get too close, we're only here to look. Mark my words: these things are never to be trusted."

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Summer, Day 5, 513 AV

"A door that can lead anwhere?" Jorin's jaw dropped in shock. That was quite possibly the greatest thing ever! Such a door would be a portal to the greatest adventure Mizahar had ever known. Beyond its strange azure face, that door could potentially contain ... anything! Jorin's eyes twinkled at the possibilities.

Shrugging, he asked if Vanari could hand him back his book for a spell. Writing quickly, he jotted down a few verses, then read the lines to his two companions, arms dramatically flapping as he emoted:

"A door that glows an azure blue
Though no one knows where it leads to

Beyond its harmless-looking frame
Adventures lie to make your name

Step on through, If you dare
You might show up in Lhex's lair

Or in the misty past of time
See ancient wonders for a chime

Beyond that door lies adventures true
But who has courage to walk through?"

Jorin grinned, eyes still glued to that door. That incredible door.

"The number of plays I could write about that door alone ... thank you, Vanari, for showing me this. And you wanted to know what was in my book. It's mostly poems, like the one I just read to you. Some sketches, not very good ones though. But I keep trying! And someday, I'll get better."

[Vanari]

Vanari clapped, impressed that he could weave a poem so quickly in his mind. "That was excellent!" she beamed. Even Korin grudgingly shrugged, which was saying a lot for someone who threw Lakans for entertainment.

"Well, trying is really all a person needs, right?" the Vantha responded. "I can take you to Atri's Place, and then you can show me some more of your poems and drawings! How's that sound?"

"Whoa, whoa, hold on just a chime," the Akalak interrupted. "This better not be code for 'I'm running off again before I keep my end of the bargain' now is it?"

Vanari cringed. She was hoping to get away with it, but fat chance there.

"Alright, alright," she surrendered. "I'll do it. But we'll do it at Atri's Place, and no fishy business afterwards. Got that?"

Korin chuckled. "Ohh, this is going to be good."

"Come on then," Vanari sighed. "My turn to lead."

They made it to Atri's Place in no time at all and stepped into the inn together. The Vantha rubbed her belly as Korin requested a table , along with a whole rack of lamb. Good thing she hadn't eaten all day.

"Alright, boys," she grunted as they took their seats and the massive platter of lamb immediately served. " My half of the deal, as promised." Then, without further ado, she picked up a knife, speared a hunk of lamb, and wolfed it down with gusto, juices and all. Ten chimes later, Korin was staring at her dumbstruck as she picked the platter clean, then took a swig of juice for good measure.

"And that," Vanari announced, burping soundly, "Is how a girl of my size eats an entire rack of lamb. Congratulations on having solved the mystery."

The Akalak pounded the table, laughing. "Oh gods, I didn't think you could actually do it, I really didn't. But I don't see how any mysteries have been solved at all. What do you say, Jorin, is this some sort of black magic trickery?"

Vanari merely raised an eyebrow, dabbing her mouth daintily with a napkin.

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Summer, Day 5, 513 AV

Jorin's jaw dropped at the impressive eating display. It was not every day one got to see a girl her size eat that much. And that quickly! It was almost as impressive as the Door of Mysteries.

"Oh definitely! And I think she's bewitching you as we speak!" Jorin's eyes twinkled with barely suppressed mirth. "You know, maybe she came out of that door we saw earlier. Replaced the real Vanari with a life-like model? Maybe we should have her do it again, just to be sure!"

Jorin laughed and smiled good-naturedly at Vanari.

"In all seriousness, thank you truly for your help today, and for showing me such wonderful sights. As agreed, here is my book." Jorin slid his book across to the girl. "... most of the drawings in there are fairly crude, but I try my best to improve! And ignore the first two poems ... they're not entirely finished." Jorin thought a moment. "On second thought, ignore all the poems..."

[Vanari]

Vanari greedily snatched up the book and opened it to the first page. Her lips stretched to a mischievous angle.

"Well, now that you've said that, I'm just going to have to read every page."

A mad screeching of wood split the air as Korin suddenly scooted his chair closer, his neck craned towards the book. It was almost comical, being as large as he was.

"Hey, I want to see too."

She held the book away, denying him access. "Jorin only let me see it cause I helped him, he never said anything about you."

The Akalak merely grunted, picked up her chair with his bare hands, and turned it so that the book's contents were facing him. "Wouldn't have seen The Door, if it weren't for me, remember?" he countered.

Vanari sighed, setting it down on her lap so both of them could see. She was half afraid the meatheaded Akalak would make snide comments at Jorin's work, but to her surprise he was paying close attention, even going so far as to read the various poems they came across.

"Your drawings and poems are lovely," the Vantha finally sighed as they reached the very end. "You may not be a master in technical terms, but the feeling is there; I can see your own joy and passion reflected in them. I especially enjoyed your depictions of theater life!"

She smiled warmly, carefully handing back the book to its rightful owner. "Thank you for allowing us to see it, it was an honor and pleasure. As a Skyglow, this is as great a gift as I could ever receive. Korin, on the other hand..." She merely shrugged, trying her best to look innocent.

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Summer, Day 5, 513 AV

Jorin stood up and bowed low, a fancy, sweeping thing, more dramatic than was really necessary, but he thought Vanari might appreciate the gesture.

"Thank you for your kind words, my vibrant lady! And Korin too," he added, throwing a grin at the Akalak. Shrugging, he sat back down.

"In all seriousness, it's a lot of hard work being in a troupe. We work quite long hours, and the stage master is relentless. So I have to get away every so often and recharge my creative juices, or I'd go crazy." Jorin smiled.

"And every so often when I do it I meet interesting new people! Thank you very much, Vanari of Skyglow, for a lovely evening." he looked through the windows, and noted the fading light. "But it is getting late and perhaps, I should be returning to the troupe before they send out a search party. Perhaps you will be here to see our show? We're putting it on in the The Knirin Gardens at the end of the season. Please come if you are able!"

[Vanari]

"Of course! I'll do my best," Vanari answered, then yawned sleepily behind her hand. "Goodness, it is getting late."

She got up from her seat, wiping her hand thoroughly with her napkin before offering it up to Jorin.

"Well met, Jorin Ertihan of the Traveling Thespians. It was much fun showing you around Riverfall, and I would love to see you and your troupe in action! "

Korin got up as well and clapped the young actor heartily on the shoulders. "You got more spunk than I thought, I should like to see this play of yours as well. Nice tree act, by the way." The Akalak winked.

"Well, unless the Gods decide otherwise, I shall see you soon. Take good care of yourself, and that specal book of yours!" Vanari smiled, and they all bade their farewells.

"Now then," Korin sighed, crossing his arms as they walked out. "Seeing as you obviously just got here, I take it you don't have anywhere to stay."

Vanari slid a suspicious look his way. "And your point being...?"'

The Akalak merely grinned, and the two walked off into the evening, their heads full of happy memories of the eventful day and the darkening night still temptingly young.

[Praetorian]

Your Diligence Has Been Rewarded! Jorin Ertihan Observation +3 XP Drawing +1 XP Storytelling +2 XP Composition +1 XP Rhetoric +3 XP Acting +2 XP Stop that book! Vanari of Skyglow Hold: Curious Vantha Location: Zulrav's Tower Location: The Door Vanari Observation +3 XP Rhetoric +3 XP If Eating Were a Skill, I'd Be a Master Book on the Breeze Jorin Ertihan: A real, live actor!!! Questions, questions... The Traveling Thespians Missing a Family Notes : Good thread, you two! I loved the dialogue! Have any questions, comments, or concerns? Think I missed something? Feel free to message me.