45th of Winter, 513 AV
Zeltiva had grown to be less terrifying in her inexperienced eyes over the past week. She'd arrived with a realization that perhaps she hadn't been ready to strike out alone. Instead of baby steps, Liana had took off running, eager to break off her leash and falling flat on her face in the process. The Konti had met some less than desirable people on the port city's streets, often bringing back her uncertainty and homesickness. But the others that she'd met had cultivated and coaxed the courage she'd had on Mura out of the shadows. A bitterly cold wind blew off Mathews Bay, biting through the cloak drawn tight around her shoulders. She walked quickly down the street, head down and hood low over her face. Each puff of breath fogged the air with steam. Without the wind chill it wouldn't be a terrible night, but it seemed Zulrav felt like freezing everyone to death tonight.
Leth was high in the sky already thanks for the short winter days, surrounded by twinkling stars in a cloudless sky. They cast beautiful reflections on the water each time she caught a glimpse through the alleys and buildings. In the upper foothills she finally reached the Quill's Rest; a favorite spot of hers to enjoy tea, draw, and just relax. Better than being holed up in her room at the inn. She forced herself now to get out and experience the city with the locals. Liana still felt very much like a tourist, but at least she was trying now unlike when she first arrived. It was embarrassing just thinking about how she'd acted like a lost child. Inside the Rest it was warm and welcoming. Candles were lit all over, casting their pleasant glows and making shadows dance. A hearty fire blazed in a large fireplace and there was a small crowd.
The swell of voices rarely rose above a comfortable murmur in the Rest. They were polite and understood people had work to do, or needed a relaxing atmosphere. She loved it. The owner, Andus Lectara, looked up from a conversation with some regular customers as the cold wind blew in behind her. She quickly shut the door and smiled shyly at him, glancing around the room as she crossed to her usual spot. It was a small nook by the fireplace and gave her a good view of most of the room. A part-time helper, a student from the University, soon brought over a cup of steamed kelp tea. Liana got at least one during every visit, and a handful of them knew this. She was grateful for the warm brew and cradled the cup in her chilled fingers, nursing it close and taking a tentative sip of the delicious drink. It was just cool enough not to burn her tongue.
Sitting down the cup a moment, Liana pushed the hood off her head and shrugged her backpack off, sitting it on the cushioned bench beside her. She fished out her journal and some of the charcoals she'd brought along. They instantly stained and smudged her fingers so she was careful to open the journal with her other hand and found a blank page in the section she restricted to drawings. The door to the Rest opened momentarily and another cold gust rushed in, making the candles on her table sputter in protest. She looked up as a scruffy man came in, a slight limp in his step. Her eyes followed him across the room, curiously examining that hobble-shuffle that carried him to the seat he decided to take.
Zeltiva had grown to be less terrifying in her inexperienced eyes over the past week. She'd arrived with a realization that perhaps she hadn't been ready to strike out alone. Instead of baby steps, Liana had took off running, eager to break off her leash and falling flat on her face in the process. The Konti had met some less than desirable people on the port city's streets, often bringing back her uncertainty and homesickness. But the others that she'd met had cultivated and coaxed the courage she'd had on Mura out of the shadows. A bitterly cold wind blew off Mathews Bay, biting through the cloak drawn tight around her shoulders. She walked quickly down the street, head down and hood low over her face. Each puff of breath fogged the air with steam. Without the wind chill it wouldn't be a terrible night, but it seemed Zulrav felt like freezing everyone to death tonight.
Leth was high in the sky already thanks for the short winter days, surrounded by twinkling stars in a cloudless sky. They cast beautiful reflections on the water each time she caught a glimpse through the alleys and buildings. In the upper foothills she finally reached the Quill's Rest; a favorite spot of hers to enjoy tea, draw, and just relax. Better than being holed up in her room at the inn. She forced herself now to get out and experience the city with the locals. Liana still felt very much like a tourist, but at least she was trying now unlike when she first arrived. It was embarrassing just thinking about how she'd acted like a lost child. Inside the Rest it was warm and welcoming. Candles were lit all over, casting their pleasant glows and making shadows dance. A hearty fire blazed in a large fireplace and there was a small crowd.
The swell of voices rarely rose above a comfortable murmur in the Rest. They were polite and understood people had work to do, or needed a relaxing atmosphere. She loved it. The owner, Andus Lectara, looked up from a conversation with some regular customers as the cold wind blew in behind her. She quickly shut the door and smiled shyly at him, glancing around the room as she crossed to her usual spot. It was a small nook by the fireplace and gave her a good view of most of the room. A part-time helper, a student from the University, soon brought over a cup of steamed kelp tea. Liana got at least one during every visit, and a handful of them knew this. She was grateful for the warm brew and cradled the cup in her chilled fingers, nursing it close and taking a tentative sip of the delicious drink. It was just cool enough not to burn her tongue.
Sitting down the cup a moment, Liana pushed the hood off her head and shrugged her backpack off, sitting it on the cushioned bench beside her. She fished out her journal and some of the charcoals she'd brought along. They instantly stained and smudged her fingers so she was careful to open the journal with her other hand and found a blank page in the section she restricted to drawings. The door to the Rest opened momentarily and another cold gust rushed in, making the candles on her table sputter in protest. She looked up as a scruffy man came in, a slight limp in his step. Her eyes followed him across the room, curiously examining that hobble-shuffle that carried him to the seat he decided to take.