[Southern Border Post] Forging the Faith (Kavala)

Kavala learns more about the Isur and Izurdin. She herself becomes the object of interest for other inhabitants of the Post.

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The Kingdom of Sultros is made up of five cities; Sultros, Vizerian, Coglias, Terras and Pitrius along with their own Citadels. In addition, the Kingdom encompasses hundreds of square miles of mountainous, nearly inhospitable land. Trading posts, border posts and a number of unique, exotic and often dangerous sites exist both above ground and below.

[Southern Border Post] Forging the Faith (Kavala)

Postby Gillar on June 22nd, 2014, 10:03 am

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Forging the Faith

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Timestamp: 69th of Spring, 513 AV.
Continued From: Strength and Passion


The First Balcony of the Post housed three unique structures. Kavala had already visited, On the Edge, the one-of-a-kind tavern owned by a rather interesting individual by the name of Rideon Mistshadow Pitrius. The second, even more artistic in design and form, was the Temple that sat between the tavern and the VIP offices where Kavala was currently residing. The Temple of Izurdin was different than many temples dedicated to the gods across the land. There were no walls, no pews or benches, in fact there was no seating of any kind. Huge stone pillars carved to look like great heroes from Isurian history, held up a massive stone roof baring more historical carvings. As Kavala made her way to the VIP offices to finally meet with the Isurian Priest, she passed the temple and was able to see it in all of its splendor. In the center of the temple sat a large granite anvil covered with religious etchings. Surrounding the anvil were tools and implements used in a forge. Kavala had heard that the temple was actually used as a functioning forge by the Priest himself. As she passed, she could also see a handful of local isur standing near the anvil, their heads lowered, their metallic arms held out in front of them with clenched fists; a religious communion perhaps?

Kavala's meeting with the Priest, known to the Isur as the Anvil, was not at the temple. Instead, it was at the Anvil's private office located in the same building where Kavala was quartered. The VIP building as it was known to the locals, was by far the largest of the structures found on the First Balcony though far simpler in design when compared to the tavern or the temple. The outside still bore the same basic design to the rest of the buildings in the Post; pillars supporting an elaborately carved facade with marble and granite stone comprising the overall form. When Kavala finally reached the heavy bronze doors that offered entry into the building and made her entrance, she was greeted with the same sight she had seen since arriving at the Post.

The doors offered entry to a large central common room with a large statue of Izurdin in the center. The statue held out its hands in welcome to visitors while a number of stone benches were arranged throughout the room. There were two short hallways that branched off of the common room. One led to a series of offices, one of which belonged specifically to the Anvil. The other hallway led to a number of rooms designed to house wealthy and influential visitors. Two of these rooms were used by the local priesthood with the Anvil Priest taking one and his assistants using the other. A set of stairs positioned next to an attendant's desk led to a smaller number of rooms reserved for special guests. It was one of these rooms that Kavala called home while at the Post.

There was still a little time left before her meeting with the Anvil thus Kavala had the opportunity to do whatever she needed to prepare herself. Her room was luxurious by the standards of the Post's residents. There was a walk-in closet filled with rows of shelving, handmade clothing hangers and two separate privies. There were two marble bureaus and a four-poster bed made from the finest wood with fine linen hangings. The mattress was stuffed with feathers and adorned with silk sheets. There were a couple of stuffed chairs along with a fully stocked writing desk. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting various Isur as well as amazing views of a vast subterranean city.

When Kavala was ready, she would find the attendant downstairs at the desk ready to escort her to the Anvil's office. The Chief Attendant was a Isurian woman with a crimson colored arm. She had short, strawberry blond hair and wore a silver-threaded white skirt and matching boots. A series of delicate silver chains formed a barely functional chest wrap. This was something Kavala couldn't help but notice since coming to the Post; most of the resident Isur had little in the way of modesty. The woman, Itiri Bloodtear Sultros, led Kavala down the short hallway. There were three offices on one side and two on the other including a separate room for storage. At the end of the hallway was the Anvil's office.

Itiri paused a few feet from the door and gestured for Kavala to enter. With a heavy accent, Itiri said in the Common Tongue, "I hope your meeting goes well and you learn all that you have come for." With a simple, half-smile, she gave a nod and returned to her desk. That was another thing Kavala had quickly come to realize about the isur, while they were courteous, helpful and friendly, they were not overly cheerful, at least they didn't appear to be around outsiders.

Upon entering the office, Kavala was greeted with a grand variety of sights. The walls of the office were covered in more tapestries. These depicted numerous landscapes with such detail that it looked as though they were actually windows open to far away realms. Looming mountains, impossibly deep caverns, fortresses of such raw magnificence that they looked as though they could deter any threat either with fortification or beauty itself. There were alien-looking cities of marble, a lake with a near perfect, mirror-like finish and what appeared to be a central city plaza of some sort made from silver-veined ruby.

In the center of the room was a circular stone table surrounded by stone chairs baring carvings of hammers and anvils. In the chair across the table from Kavala sat a man dressed in light gray robes trimmed in gold. He had short, dark brown hair and eyes of the deepest blue. His face looked as though it had been chiseled from a piece of the finest stone by a master sculptor. Kavala could see that unlike most of the other Isur she had seen thus far, with their black, red, green and even the occasional violet arms, this man's was a deep sapphire blue lined with raised veins of silver. On the table in front of him were a couple small piles of paper, a handful of small scroll cases and a couple of books, one of which looked to be extraordinarily old. There was also a bottle and two small, silver goblets.

The man looked up from his papers when Kavala entered. In a refreshingly cool, soothingly deep voice with a light accent he greeted Kavala in rather basic yet relatively serviceable Kontinese, "Welcome, Lady Kavala, you honor me with your presence." Switching to the Common Tongue with a bit more proficiency, he continued, "My name is Emaneus Vizerian. Please, have a seat." Emaneus gestured for Kavala to sit in one of chairs.

Emaneus took the bottle, pulled free the cork and poured a violet liquid into each of the goblets before sliding one to her. In traditional Isur fashion, Emaneus was polite yet got right to business. "You've traveled a long way to speak with me and I must say, the letter you sent intrigued me. It's not everyday that I receive a message from a Konti of Riverfall wishing to speak with me about religious matters. So needless to say, you have my ear."

If Kavala were to smell the offered drink, it would smell like dry stones suddenly touched by Spring rain. If she were to taste it, it would not have a taste like anything she had experienced before. The nearest she could compare it to would be tasting like how a rose smells. The conflicting nature of the smell and taste was quite pleasant and after the first sip, seemed oddly appropriate.
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[Southern Border Post] Forging the Faith (Kavala)

Postby Kavala on July 1st, 2014, 2:56 am

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The accommodations in the city were beyond approach. Kavala marveled at how so many all around the world had so little clue about the Isur. And it was a burning question on her mind. Why were they so distant? Why did they keep themselves so aloof when they had so much to offer the world? If asked before her trip what she had known of the reclusive peoples from across the sea, Kavala would have had to confess her knowledge was next to nothing. It was, with that fact alone, perhaps a fools errand that she roamed so far across the sea to visit them. But there was one fact and one fact alone that drove her on her journey. She had saw King Sultros die a second time and in witnessing his honor and his absolute sacrifice, the Konti had wanted someone to know the King had come again and passed out of the world.

Kavala was a punctual person. She also wanted to make a lasting impression so that the words she carried within her would have the weight behind them that she felt they ought to have. And so it was that she hurried, without seeming too, and dressed for her meeting with the Anvil. Her dress was an exquisite piece she’d picked up in the finest word-of-mouth shop in the market. It’d taken her a great deal of speaking with this or that stranger to hunt down the woman that could put the piece in her hands that had fit the bill to meet the Anvil. To call it a dress was slightly not in Kavala’s vocabulary. It was, rather, a length of gossamer skirt made of miles of fabric that the woman had embroidered with pearls once she’d seen the Konti and the way her skin had glimmered. The skirt started with a girdle of pearls and silver that wrapped around her waist low, revealing her navel and much of her hips. There was no bodice to speak of. Instead, there was only a heavy necklace of pearls that passed around her throat and across her chest that gave her a bit of modesty as a nod to the fact she was foreign. Most Isurian women went bare chested in the Tower, or so she was told.

Sandals completed the outfit, made up thin white leather and silk with straps of beaded pearls as well. As she moved the skirt swirled around her, silted to show off her well toned legs and their delicate etchings of scales. The scales up her back and across her defined forearms were clearly visible, giving her an incredibly exotic look when compared to the rest of the Isur in the post.

The Healer dressed her rather straight hair up, curling it and piling it on top of her head to spill down in a white blond cascade that had more tiny seed pearls strewn into it. Kavala lined her eyes with khol, tinted her lips with a deep mauve lipstick, and added color to the lids of her eyes to make them seem larger than they were. She stared at herself in the mirror before leaving and could not recognize the person she’d once been. “Vanity, thy name is Kavala.” She smile slightly, shaking her head and wondering if the Isur would take her seriously half naked, pale as death, and not of their species or culture. Truth be told in the dress that wasn’t actually a dress she felt like someone else, someone exotic and from a land far far away. Was her view more like theirs would be or did she just feel like a stranger in her own land?

Kavala wished the temple was closer. As she departed for her meeting she would have liked to stop there, slide in among those giving homage to Izurdin, and speak a few words in her own quiet way. She would, Kavala decided, but only after her visit when she could perhaps have even more to say after the meeting with the priest. That way, as well, she could ask him proper etiquette of the temple and perhaps have him explain if outsiders were welcome to pray as much as the Isur were. Kavala did not, after all, want to step on any toes or commit any cultural offenses inadvertently.

So when she was finally ready, Kavala headed to the Anvil’s private office. It was down the stairs, through the elaborate entry with the statue, and down a hall she hadn’t traversed yet. It was in the same structure as her quarters were only higher up on a taller level. She passed by the bronze doors upon following her directions and had to stop and catch her breath at the statue of Izurdin in the center of the room. It had that effect on her every time. She approached it slowly, offering it up a smile of admiration, and then glanced around to take in the rest of the hall she’d not been down. Pacing its length she slowly made her way towards the Anvil’s domain, taking note of the ornate work on the walls and doorways and how the Isur paid attention to every little detail possible.

The attendant was escorting and made very little conversation with her as they headed to her meeting. Kavala would not know what to say anyhow, other than offering her a gentle smile and wishing her a good day. She was glad her attire matched the short strawberry blonde’s clothing. If a bit more upscale, Kavala should fit in with the others despite her white hair and scaled skin.

“Thank you for the well wishes. I come bearing a message and the utmost curiosity about your people now that I have arrived. I had no preconceived notions of the Isur, but now that I am here, I cannot help but marvel at your craftsmanship and forthright honor. It is a refreshing place, This Southern Boarder Post, in comparison to the rest of the world.” The Konti admitted, hoping to pay the woman a compliment by way of her people.

After their brief conversation, Itiri Bloodtear Sultros walked her into the office and left her in the Anvil’s presence. Kavala took a moment to compose herself, openly studying the man behind the circular table. His features were exquisite and his arm was so brilliant of a blue that Kavala could have almost claimed it was a sapphire itself. The man’s arm simply accented his eyes, making them piercing in a way that denoted wisdom without cruelty. She noted when he introduced himself that he gave her his first two names, and she recognized that it was an honor to know his clan name even if she already knew the Vizerians were named thusly and had blue arms.

He beckoned her to be seated, and as she made her way across the space and to the seat, Kavala introduced herself in kind. “It is an honor to meet you. I am Kavala Denusk, of the Denusk Pavilion, Sapphire Clan, Healer of Riverfall and devote follower Rak’keli, Nysel, and Eyris. You have my gratitude for granting me this meeting. I understand from what little I’ve learned of your people during my visit that you are an extremely important and thus busy gentleman.” Kavala said, walking across the room and slipping into her chair. She was small enough there was no need to pull it out. She laid her hands flat on the table, kept the man’s gaze held with her own, and nodded at his words.

Kavala nodded at his words, gently gripped the goblet, and inhaled deeply of the liquid within it. Her pleasure was enormous. “Thank you for this. I fear I shall need something to wet my throat during the telling of this story.” The Konti said, looking thoughtful and wanting to get the reason she was here out in the open immediately. She, not unlike Emaneus himself,

“I am not a woman to dance around the topic at hand so I will come right to my reason for the visit. However, to understand some of the story I feel I must tell you, there are other things that must be told to clarify the true meaning of the events I come to you to bear witness too.” Kavala said, glancing away and taking a deep breath. She had no idea how she was going to start her explanation, but rather than dwell on the how, she simply launched into it, her words slow, precise, but not to the point of being frustrating.

“I am a healer in Riverfall and it is with no arrogance I say that I am at the top of my field. In the lands to the west, that is no compliment because there are very few who practice my specialty. I run a facility where we treat animals and Kelvics. I have never shared much faith in my fellow peoples, especially not humans, though I am growing slowly to admire the Akalak people I live among. So I have always preferred healing those that cannot heal themselves rather than tangle in the mess most men make of their lives.” The Konti said as an introduction. She continued quietly, hoping to keep the priest’s interest.

“I am a faithful servant of Rak’keli and offer her healing when and where I can to those whom some would consider lesser creatures. Beyond that I breed horses of a very unique variety that are made of magic and born for battle. I do not wish to assume you know what these are because I’ve seen your incredible riding lizards and I can say for certain they are astonishing and had I grown in a culture with them, I’d have no need of horses either. But one day a man came to me… asking me for lessons on how to ride and care for one of these animals. He wanted to buy one of my stock. I struck up a conversation with him, gave him lessons, and then sold him a steady mount that would suit his purposes. I offered him lodging and he stayed at my facility, which is something of a fortress, for a number of days. This man turned out to be The Champion of Ivak. And because of his presence and with his permission, I was a first hand witness to the story of Ivak’s release from Mount Syniarta in the north.” Kavala said, knowing full well that this would be hard to explain.

“There is far more to the story, and I will gladly share it with you, but I want you to understand I witnessed these events seemingly first hand, as if they were my own memories. And during those events I saw King Sultros rise again and in a display of honor and sacrifice unlike anything I’ve ever seen. He died a second time in extreme sacrifice to see that this man… this Champion’s plan… was followed through. I know he is a key figure in your history and someone of great pride for you. I did not know if any of your people knew of the events and of your King’s second coming. But I felt like someone should come… someone should tell your people and bring the message to you and relate these events to your people so that his second sacrifice is known to his children. I had no idea in coming that I would find such a vibrant honorable truly admirable culture.” Kavala said, her expression telling Emaneus Vizerian that she was just getting started on her tale.

With that, she took a sip of the drink in her hand and seemed to settle into herself now that her preamble was delivered. The Konti looked almost relieved, as if Emaneus could see a burden she’d been carrying with her slide partially from her shoulders as she spoke. It was still there, but not weighed as heavily as it had been before. And he could also tell, for the Konti was open in her expression that she would continue once she gave him a chance to respond, making sure he was the appropriate person and this was the appropriate way some things should be passed on. For like everything in Sultros was to Kavala, the culture was brand new and she was ignorant to the vast majority of it.

Count: 2,069
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Please Note:
  • This pc is maxed out in Animal Husbandry, Medicine, Observation, Rhetoric, and Socialization.
  • Kavala a Master Teacher. Students she is teaching in thread can earn more than the maxium 5 XP per thread.
  • This pc has a Konti Gift of Animal Empathy. She has a superpower from a Riverfall city event that allows animals of all sorts and Kelvics (in kelvic form) to speak clear understandable Common around her.
  • Kavala is a Konti but was raised in the Drykas culture so her accent is entirely Pavi though she can speak Common, Pavi, and Tukant well. She's only conversational in Kontinese.
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[Southern Border Post] Forging the Faith (Kavala)

Postby Gillar on July 1st, 2014, 4:24 am

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Emaneus expertly hid behind his sculpted face no small amount of acceptance of Kavala's appearance as she entered his office. For a man who devoted his mind, body and soul to Izurdin and to his people, the sight of exotic alien beauty filled with youth, vitality and subdued strength was not lost on him. In his lifetime, he knew of only two other Konti and none had carried themselves the way Kavala did. Not easily swayed by much of anything beyond religious matters, he couldn't help but acknowledge the curiousity that Kavala offered.

His being enamored by her appearance was quickly replaced by compromised fascination at her words. Kavala wasted no time in laying out the reason for her visit and the content of her message was both confounding and impressive at once. He was intrigued by her introduction of her own expertise. He was not much of a healer himself, such a duty was reserved by one of his fellow Anvils at the Post. Regardless, he was impressed with the woman's claimed ability. While there were those at the Post skilled in the care of animals, they were limited in their ability to tend to a wide array of creature.

Kavala's claim at having no particular fondness of humans touched something deep within Emaneus though he would never admit such a thing openly. It was what she said about the one referred to as Champion of Ivak that drew his immediate and unwavering attention.

This woman, this non-Isur spoke of things that no outsider should know of. She spoke of events that Emaneus thought only a select few of his own people knew of. She presented her knowledge with respect and wisdom that he did not expect from a non-Isur.

How could an outsider know of such things? Was it possible that the Divine Father blessed her with such a vision or was there more to it that Emaneus know? He admittedly couldn't decide how to respond. He had expected this Konti woman, based on her initial message to him, to arrive to speak about Izurdin, King Sultros and the Isur but never would he have imagined that she would reveal to him a tale that so closely resembled his own vision from the Divine Father.

Laying both hands on the table, he collected himself and gazed over at Kavala, his chiseled, stone-like features softening. "Kavala, what you speak of, at least in part, was revealed to a select few of my kind by the Divine Father, Himself. I awoke one morning to a waking dream where our savior, the founder of our Kingdom as we know it now, returned from the dead to fulfill a prophecy that He made."

Emaneus paused for a moment, unsure if he should continue speaking such things to an outsider. However, this outsider seemed to have rather unique insight into something that had changed the way he understood life.

"King Sultros, on his deathbed, said that one day he would return to save his people in their darkest of times. More than five hundred years later, some of us were blessed with a vision of our King returning from the dead only to sacrifice himself to save a handful of humans. These humans sought to release Ivak from the prison that Izurdin, Himself, built. This has been interpreted in many ways throughout the Kingdom, some positive...some quite negative." Emaneus took a sip of his drink and pushed the papers in front of him aside.

"You say you learned of these events from Ivak's Champion? He would be one of those in my vision...I know of his name. Tell me, Kavala, what is it?" Emaneaus was a master at keeping his calm regardless of what conflict was presented to him. This time however, it was more of a challenge. This was all coming at him so quickly. He took it all in stride but the test of his patience and consideration was great and Kavala could see the miniscule signs of its toll on his otherwise stoic face. A brief twitch of the muscles in his cheek, the slight quiver in his upper lip showed that this man, a man used to dealing with untold experiences, was experiencing some difficulty. Although the answer to his question was simple for Kavala, it was an answer that would open up an entirely new world for both of them.
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[Southern Border Post] Forging the Faith (Kavala)

Postby Kavala on July 1st, 2014, 5:32 am

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Kavala had suspected it would be difficult beyond belief to convince the Isur that of the events she had witnessed. But the last thing she had suspected was that they already knew. Warm blue eyes that stood out on a stark white face softened with thoughtfulness. She reached a hand up, the one not holding the goblet, and ran a thumb across her chin loosing herself momentarily deep in thought. Her eyes softened even further and then slightly lidded as she breathed another sigh of relief. Emaneaus could see her almost smile at herself, as if some humor filled her mind abruptly.

“I came all this way in arrogance thinking that a people I know nothing about might not know about a sacrifice one of their own made. It is humbling to think I assumed your people, who are by far some of the oldest in the world as I’ve learned since being here, would not have their own ways and be well versed in the mysteries of the world. My people too have a pair of sister Goddesses that love us well and tell us things. I was naive to think that your Divine Father would be neglectful of you when all I see around me here is His gifts and absolute love. I had to learn this in coming here because in the outside world, where my people dwell, the people know almost nothing of yours. If they did know, they would have understood how talented, how almost perfect, your people are when compared to others. And for all that I should be disappointed that I would not be the harbinger of such news to your citizens, I would not have altered the fact that I came one bit. It’s been an honor to witness your hospitality and your willingness to share information and wisdom.” Kavala said softly, almost to herself.

She blinked, regained her composure, and offered Emaneaus a soft smile of wistful humor. “I had no idea there was a prophecy. The events I saw were so far beyond words…. so far beyond explanation. No wonder your Divine Father gave you visions not words. The man’s name is Leo Varniak. He is a man that inspires much faith. I do not know if it’s because he is the Champion of Ivak or if it is because he lives so much in the moment. But regardless, he inspired a dialog and from there things progressed. “Kavala stated, looking at Emaneaus carefully as if she were weighing what she would say next.

“I serve Nysel as I’ve mentioned before. Those The Dreamer marks become Dreamwalkers. We have very special abilities that we can utilize in numerous ways. I choose to use mine to benefit the people of today. Others can be darker and more sinister in their execution. Dreamwalkers have access to what we call the Chavi. Every living person, regardless of age or race, has one. It is like a written record of a person’s life… all their lives since they came into existence and even unto death until they are reborn again. These Chavi exist in the Chavena which is a world between the Material one here were we are and the Ukalas were the Gods primarily dwell. Nysel grants us access to the Chavena and to his realm in the Ukalas. When I step into the Chavena, it is a vast dark field that is illuminated by millions of glittering silver cords. If I reach out and touch a chavi, I can run down its length and read the life of the person it belongs too as if I lived it myself. You can go back a really long way past the pauses for death and rebirth back to their origins. The problem Dreamwalkers have is that we need keys to find specific Chavi – a piece of hair, a bit of blood, a beloved item the person used to own – or its like reaching into a bag of corn trying to find a specific kernel. It is almost impossible. Leo offered me a key to his Chavi… a bit of his hair and asked me to witness the events of Ivak’s freedom from the beginning of his quest through its conclusion. He wanted the knowledge of Xhyvus, Ssena, and most importantly Sylir’s son Glav ascension to the throne of Peace to be spread. I witnessed King Sultros’ sacrifice from Leo’s perspective, as if I was watching out of his eyes. I have met people and witnessed things in my life, but nothing compares to the love and sacrifice I saw this individual show. And even with Ivak getting free, the djed being released, and all those present ascending to higher ranks… Alvina to Gods… King Sultros’ death was by far the one event that I carry with me now. I just wanted to come here and make sure your people knew… and I see now that even without this event all Sultros’ people know… how incredible this Isur was.” Kavala said thoughtfully, wondering again at her naivety for being here.

She took another sip of her drink, savoring the flavor and using it to calm her surprise and the feeling she had of being foolish for thinking these diverse and highly advanced people would need anything from a Konti like her. Still, she was glad she’d come all this way because without this misguided mission, she’d never have learned about the people here and what they were capable of. And it impressed her to no end how much the others of the world had lost when compared to the Isur and their kingdom.

It was suddenly no surprise the Isur called Sultros and even Kalea itself The Kingdom. It was no wonder at all.

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The Sanctuary The Sanctuary Forum Riverfall The Cytali
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Please Note:
  • This pc is maxed out in Animal Husbandry, Medicine, Observation, Rhetoric, and Socialization.
  • Kavala a Master Teacher. Students she is teaching in thread can earn more than the maxium 5 XP per thread.
  • This pc has a Konti Gift of Animal Empathy. She has a superpower from a Riverfall city event that allows animals of all sorts and Kelvics (in kelvic form) to speak clear understandable Common around her.
  • Kavala is a Konti but was raised in the Drykas culture so her accent is entirely Pavi though she can speak Common, Pavi, and Tukant well. She's only conversational in Kontinese.
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Kavala
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[Southern Border Post] Forging the Faith (Kavala)

Postby Gillar on July 1st, 2014, 10:18 am

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Emaneus listened as Kavala seemingly humbled herself before him. Though to him it wasn't necessary, he quietly sat and listened; something he had grown rather skilled at over the years. When Kavala uttered the name of Leo Varniak, her words immediately gained great weight in Emaneus' ears. He had been given the name of Ivak's Champion in the Divine Vision. It wasn't a name widely known to most and that this Konti knew it was more than significant.

As Kavala continued, Emaneus was, for the first time in decades, taken by surprise. While her initial knowledge of King Sultros' sacrifice was fascinating to the priest, what came next left him scrambling to take it all in. In his over 150 years of life, he had acquired great amounts of knowledge both historical and religious. Learned as he was, he had little experience with the following of other gods. While he knew of the other gods in relation to his own, Izurdin was his life and the only god to have marked him. Nysel, the Dreaming God as he was known to the Isur, had little influence among them. That Kavala was one of the Dreaming God's disciples was another element of mystique to this strange woman who had come so far to speak with him.

As Kavala spoke of Dreamwalkers, Chavi, the Chavena and how she had learned of what had happened with Ivak's release; from the start tot he end, Emaneus became ever more interested in everything she had to say. Her knowledge of King Sultros' second death, the ascension of the one known as Glav as well as the personification of Fear being released upon the world equaled and even surpassed much of his known knowledge. Hearing that she knew the entirety of the events of the release through the eyes of Leo, felt almost too good to be true.

A moment or two following Kavala's revelation, Emaneus was finally able to take a shallow breath.

His words came slow at first, "Kavala...please allow me to first say that I don't see arrogance in your words or in how you carry yourself. While the prophecy I spoke of is known to all of my people, its fulfillment was revealed to only those with stronger ties to Divine Father. Even then, we only bore witness to the final events. Word of what happened spread quickly across the Kingdom especially when the Storm hit. You see, as part of the prophecy, King Sultros decreed that all buildings constructed within the Kingdom would possess the mark of the Father somewhere in their structure. When the Storm washed over us, the marks ignited and protected us from destruction. Our leaders shared their visions with the people. Not everyone understood it the same way." Emaneus took a drink and continued.

"The Kingdom as it is now is made up of five clans; Sultros, Vizerian, Coglias, Terras and Pitrius. While we are all Isur, each clan bares a different arm and separate social climates. The Sultros are the traditional leaders of the race while the Vizerian, my clan, is the spiritual heart and historical vault of the people. The Coglias are our protectors while the Terras, all women, are our crafters. The Pitrius practice the arts of magic. When word of the vision spread, the Pitrius and Terras clans saw it as an affirmation of my people's centuries long hatred of the humans. They saw our King reborn only to be destroyed thanks to humans and their universal weakness and foolishness. They have split from the rest of the Kingdom and relations among them and the other clans is strained at best." Emaneus slowly stood and walked over to a nearby tapestry depicting a scene showing a lone figure standing on a cliff. Below him were a few thousand others looking up at him. In the distance before him, the lone figure pointed to a mountain peak on the otherside of a great valley.

"I and many others like me, feel that our King returned when he did and sacrficed himself to drive back Fear. He sacrificed himself to show us that the humans were not the ones that drove us into isolation. His sacrifice was meant to show us that our own fear is what held us back and kept us from returning our greatness to the world." He paused for a moment and to Kavala it appeared as though his lips may be moving though she could not get a good look. Was he speaking to himself? Emaneus then turned from the tapestry back to Kavala. "Kavala, you are right, my people know how great the King was. Unfortunately though, so many do not understand the real meaning behind his sacrifice; they do not understand the meaning of the prophecy. As perfect as we may be in so many ways, we are still children when it comes to understanding our place in this world."

Emaneus walked back over to the table. "It is a custom of my people that when one offers something to another, an exchange must take place. You have offered me information that may allow me to gain a greater understanding of an event that has served to change my people in so many ways; both good and bad and I feel you have even more. In return, if you will accept, I wish to show you exactly how significant King Sultros was to the Isur and how our people became who we are today because of him. Perhaps it may even give you yet more context to what you witness through the touch of Dreaming God."
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[Southern Border Post] Forging the Faith (Kavala)

Postby Kavala on July 19th, 2014, 6:01 am

ImageKavala smiled softly. “Your Father sounds wise. I too have built my home of stone and deep into the earth for protection and comfort. It sheltered my family and fellow healers during the djed storm as well.” She was impressed with what she’d heard of King Sultros and his building decree was somehow not surprising to her. Kavala wondered, suddenly, if she’d lived a life as an Isur at one point. If she had not, then she knew for a fact if given the choice after this life, she’d certainly not be ashamed to return to the world and experience life as one. Kavala liked it here, among this culture and the ethics the people displayed. She liked the clothing they wore which was liberating, and the restraint they displayed which humans shared none of.

There was a quiet appealing dignity and nobility to Emaneus that drew Kavala too him.

Kavana listened quietly with her full attention as Emaneus sipped at his exotic drink and launched into an explanation of the clans and their duties. She nodded, slowly learning herself because of the way others had helpfully explained also. The Isur were thoughtful in their words and decidedly willing to teach outsiders about their ways if the right respect and curiosity was demonstrated. Those two traits were not hard for Kavala to muster because each time someone told her something about the Isur or their ways, Kavala grew more respectful of them.

The new element Emaneus added for her was the perception that King Sultros had been reborn and then destroyed by humans. She wanted to protest at Emaneus’ words, but then she realized he was not advocating that as the truth… but simply more explaining why some of the Isur thought the worst of those events. Kavala picked her words carefully. “I can definitely see how some Isur who dislike humans could think that. I do not have much love for them myself, truth be told. But looking through Leo’s eyes, it didn’t seem at all that way to me. It felt like your Father knew exactly what he was doing and was doing it with purpose and intent. Though I would not admit this to many, I think it would be a grave injustice to King Sultros to say that humans manipulated or murdered him. They aren’t that intelligent or powerful as a race and he does not strike me as someone that easily manipulated. That is especially true of a race they already characterize as stupid and weak.” The Konti said, sighing softly, wishing King Sultros was given far more credit than some of his kind reserved for him. “Sometimes people just want to focus their hatred or dislike. Facts mean little when that happens.” The Konti said sincerely, not accusing the clans that were split off, but hinting her disapproval at the view regardless.

Kavala nodded at Emaneus’ speculation that the King sacrificed himself to drive back Fear. “You could be correct. It felt like he was there manipulating power as well, reclaiming some of it for himself and perhaps for Isur. Before his appearance there was a lot of chaos that he ordered. Because of those actions, I believe Ivak’s release went a lot more smoothly than it could have. I also was under the distinct impression that of everyone present, Leo was the only one utterly convinced of Ivak’s sanity. I really feel King Sultros was there to also make a call on that. His role was just too key to be anything but a witness and to make last minute adjustments and decisions before he perished again.” Kavala’s eyes got wistful and she shook her head. “I wish I could describe his eyes to you, Emaneus. There was such wisdom and knowledge in them. It was like looking into a book filled only with answers to questions people have been asking since the beginning of time. I am only a second hand witness, but Leo’s memory of it was so utterly vivid it moves me today. Each of you that I have met here, especially yourself, Rideon, and the Sentinel Arvus Pitonshatter all seem to have some of that in your eyes. Though each in different ways.” Kavala said, her voice taking on the tone of someone mulling something over.

She brought her attention back to Emaneus. Then she mentioned something else. “I did not just bring my opinion, Emaneus. The Champion wrote down the events in his own words for the library in Riverfall. It is a documentation of his whole journey in releasing Ivak and includes a great deal about King Sultros in his own opinion. I’ve brought a copy of that journal for you. It is in a copyists hands. The champion had no time to make a second version in his own hand while he was in Riverfall. But I’d like to gift that to you if you are willing to take it. It is written in common, but perhaps you could have it translated if there is interest among the Isurian speakers that do not have a good grasp of the language. Then maybe they could read the account in Leo’s own words and perhaps make a better informed judgment on what occurred.” The konti said gently, then smiled as Emaneus continued. She'd send the book up to him through his assistant now that she knew he wasn't going to throw her out of the Boarder Post claiming her unstable or delusional.

“That is one of the purposes’ of my journey. I wanted to learn more about King Sultros and his children. Offering me such an exchange is akin to offering a child the most delicious sweet they can ever imagine. I would be honored and not only that but utterly enchanted to accept. It is gracious beyond measure and the selfish part of my visit here. I need to know more about your kind. The outside world, at least the part of it I come from, has so very little idea of what the Isur are and why you are here. To know what I have learned here is a bit humbling. I would be delighted to take that another step and listen to what you have to say.” She admitted the delight coursing through her expression. The Konti was a gatherer of information. She could never know enough about the things that interested her, which perhaps was why she was as good of a healer as she was.
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  • Kavala is a Konti but was raised in the Drykas culture so her accent is entirely Pavi though she can speak Common, Pavi, and Tukant well. She's only conversational in Kontinese.
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[Southern Border Post] Forging the Faith (Kavala)

Postby Gillar on September 3rd, 2014, 1:08 pm

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Emaneus listened thoughtfully while Kavala spoke of her own home and how she had found comfort and protection from earth and stone. While many were forced underground by the cataclysmic forces that blanketed the land during and after the Valterrian, Emaneus thought it somewhat unique for a Konti, a creature of the land and water to choose such a closeness to the former over the latter; a sign perhaps?

Her descriptions of what she saw through the eyes of Ivak's champion regarding King Sultros and the events surrounding Ivak's release intrigued him further. For an outsider to have witnessed such things, even second hand, was something that to most isur, would have seemed either blasphemous to some or reverent to others. For Emanus, who had been in the direct presence of Izurdin and even spoken with the god more regularly than most, he could imagine Kavala's experience as being no less than personally enlightening. Thus he began to see more why she would have come seeking greater understanding of what she experienced. The woman was revealing herself to be far more intriguing than he ever imagined when he first read her initial message to him.

Mention of Rideon brought a half smile to Emaneus' face. The priest of Ionu was both Emaneus' friend and partner in divine dealings and discussion. Sentinel Arvus, while and ally, had a somewhat different relationship with Emaneus. He made a mental note to speak with Kavala about Arvus later.

Her offer of granting him a copy of Leo's writings eliminated any doubts Emaneus may have had over his counter offer to Kavala. Such a gift was not something given so freely, at least not as far as Emaneus was concerned.

"I would be honored to have such a gift, Kavala. I would also be pleased to hear more about your thoughts on the matter as well as share any of my own insights or answer any questions you may have regarding the king, Izurdin and my people. For now however, I ask that you return to your quarters, gather whatever you may need for a short journey and meet with me tomorrow morning just outside the main gates." After any last minute discussion, Emaneus gave a parting bow to Kavala and spent the rest of the evening in thought and communion.

The next morning, after Kavala had made whatever preparations she needed, Emaneus would be found waiting outside the main gates for her. When she arrived, Kavala would see the priest dressed in a sturdy travel robe made for less ceremonial situations. Next to him was a massive lizard unlike anything else remotely like it. Nearly 18 feet long from head to tail and as wide as Kavala was tall, the lizard stood easily a head taller than her. It was black with green spotted patterns. On its back was a saddle that resembled a horse saddle though highly modified to fit the lizard comfortably.

When Kavala arrived, Emaneus gave a respectful bow and said, "It is a pleasure to see you, Kavala. I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine. Her name is, Istaris and she will be carrying us to our destination. If you are ready, then we shall depart." With that, Emaneus turned, reached for a hand hold on the saddle and pulled himself up into place. He then offered a hand to Kavala to help lift her up.
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[Southern Border Post] Forging the Faith (Kavala)

Postby Kavala on October 4th, 2014, 12:11 am

ImageKavala was enjoying her time with Emaneus. There was a fascination with the Isur that first the bartender Rideon and follower of Ionu had stirred within her and then Emaneus’ himself had added too. Dressed as an Isur before him, spoken too with courtesy and respect, and then to have her gifts welcomed as well as her message not only received but believed was more than the Konti could ask. It was also invaluable that Emaneus offered to be a sort of tutor for her during her stay, granting her the ability to ask him questions about his people… the sorts of things perhaps not written in books that could be found in the east.

Because, despite the research Kavala did before planning her trip to the Southern Boarder Post, there was nothing in the books about the true nature of the Isur nor of their incredible strength both physically and mentally. It wasn’t something, perhaps in reflection, that could be conveyed through words. It was something that had to be experienced first hand.

And then came is his invite. Kavala graciously accepted it with thanks for both the upcoming trip and the offer of answering some of her questions about the people of The Kingdom. When their drinks were finished and the conversation lulled, Kavala rose, and politely excused herself tactfully at the proper time. She retreated to her quarters, took a long bath and then sleep deeply making sure she was up well before dawn.

Then she packed a backpack full of supplies (both medical and survival) and changed into her leathers, a warm cloak, and enough weapons to feel comfortable about her security without feeling like she’d stand out or be suspicious. The Southern Boarder Post wasn’t like the back alleys of Kenash or Syliras. There was a sense of security there that wasn’t outright fabricated by security that was ill trained or checks systems that were outdated. No one peace-bonded weapons here. Everyone had them and everyone knew how to use them. To Kavala The Southern Boarder Post t seemed secure because the people there were well trained, fit, and confident in their endeavors. And no one she’d truthfully met for more than five minutes were what they seemed.

Her boots made a hollow sound on the stones of the road outside the gate where she met Emaneus. The lizard took some getting used too, though she’d seen its like in the city, there had been no opportunity to ride one. They were bigger than she had initially thought and far different than a horse both in the way they were jointed and the way they moved. Sinuous, whats how Kavala would describe Emaneus’ mount, for its motion tended to rock it back and forth in a sort of sliding S rather than the gentle up down gait of a horse.

She greeted the priest warmly. “The pleasure is all mine. Hello as well, Istaris. You are by far the largest most lovely lizard I have ever seen. I had no idea your kind grew so lovely and tall. It’s an honor to accompany you and be allowed to be conveyed in such a lovely way.” Kavala said, reaching out her Konti gift and attempting to feel the creature’s emotions through her empathy. She wondered if the Lizard was as intelligent and calm as she appeared.

Taking Emaneus’ proffered hand, Kavala nimbly swung up behind the priest, sliding close enough to get a good grip with her legs and gently rest her hands on his hips. She’d rarely ridden pillion on a horse, let alone a lizard. And the thought had her feeling a bit nervous as she settled and made sure nothing about her pack or body was interfering with Istaris’ motions when she started to move out.

“I confess I am curious as to where we are going.?” Kavala formed her statement in the guise of a question. “Though, it is a real pleasure to meet one of your Isurian Mounts, I confess to feeling a little like a girl again caught in the wonder of the world coming here. I hope this trip will be no different. I know you said it was to be a short trip, but I brought enough food and medicine in case we get caught out. It’s been my experience the shortest most mundane errands can sometimes have the biggest impact on ones life. A trip to town, for instance, has resulted in two of the largest battles I’ve seen. In one case, large bone dogs were summoned in the center of the city of Riverfall by a wayward summoner and wrecked havoc on the place. Another time out of season Snarlwings descended. We even have a mild Zith problem where I come from, so I never try to travel too light. The horses we ride always carry yvas bags that have emergency supplies in them and I often carry one on my person because a rider and her mount can easily be separated.” Kavala said, making soft conversation to her companion so that there would be no awkward silence.

Her words were an open invite to talk about the dangers of traveling above ground in Kalea if Emaneus did not indeed want to reveal the mysterious destination of their trip.
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  • Kavala a Master Teacher. Students she is teaching in thread can earn more than the maxium 5 XP per thread.
  • This pc has a Konti Gift of Animal Empathy. She has a superpower from a Riverfall city event that allows animals of all sorts and Kelvics (in kelvic form) to speak clear understandable Common around her.
  • Kavala is a Konti but was raised in the Drykas culture so her accent is entirely Pavi though she can speak Common, Pavi, and Tukant well. She's only conversational in Kontinese.
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[Southern Border Post] Forging the Faith (Kavala)

Postby Gillar on October 4th, 2014, 4:21 am

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As Kavala spoke, Istaris tilted her massive head toward the Konti so that her eye, almost as big around as Kavala's head, was gazing directly upon the woman. Istaris' inner eyelid blinked once as she regarded Kavala in a curious way. Reaching out with her empathic gift, Kavala indeed felt what the ixam was feeling. The ixam was feeling quite content from a full meal. Toward Kavala, Istaris was curious but comforted by the woman's words. Sensing Istaris' emotions felt to Kavala as being similar to those of a horse albeit with a bit more clarity. It was about that time that Kavala noticed something familiar and peculiar about the lizard. Starting at Istaris' shoulder and extending down to her elbow was an intricate pattern of lines and shapes carved into her scales. The markings appeared to go deeper than the scales though and touched the flesh beneath; Istaris was marked by Izurdin.

After helping Kavala atop Istaris, Emaneus mention of departing in turn caused the ixam to slowly begin moving. Indeed her movements matched her appearance as the giant lizard moved much like its smaller brethren though with superior grace and power. Kavala could feel the creature's muscles expanding and contracting with each movement in an almost symphonic way.

In response to Kavala's mention of destination, Emaneus tilted his head to her shoulder and said, "If you are to truly understand the importance of Sultros, you must stand in the footsteps of the King. I'm taking you to do just that." Istaris seemed to need little directing as she casually moved onward along a well-kept stone path that branched off the main road. The path slowly faded into more of a trail as it progressed through the grassy lowlands on its way north into the forested foothills.

Smiling to himself at having more interesting conversation that he had in a few seasons, Emaneus spoke in a tone that was not symbolic of his rather high, formal station. "Istaris was a gift to me from Izurdin upon my being named priest. The day the Father appeared to me and blessed me with his third mark, he presented me with an ixam egg. The leathery shell was etched in divine symbols. When it hatched, I saw that the youngling was also marked by the Father. As such, she bares qualities far beyond those of her brothers and sisters." Emaneus placed his metallic hand on the large scales on Istaris neck. There was a soft azure glow beneath his hand that rippled out over the surface of the surrounding scales. A somewhat startling sight was then revealed as the skin on the back of Emaneus' neck began to form tiny hardened scales that quickly covered any of his flesh that Kavala could see from her vantage point. Shortly after, the scales began to fall away revealing flesh once more as the glow around Emaneus hand faded.

"Izurdin blessed Istaris and I with a unique bond between our marks. Just as she can grace me with her armored scales and even regenerative capabilities, I can grace her with the divine strength of my arm. Together, there is little we need to fear." Along the remains of the stone path and onto the less formal trail that followed, Kavala could see short stone pillars sat at regular intervals. Each pillar had a single symbol carved into it, a hammer striking an anvil.

"The first time I traveled to the Post, some time before taking a position there, I too found this entire area wondrous. Though the city I was born in was and is, to say the least, awe-inspiring, it is ordered and unchanging. Here, all around us, even inside the Post itself, things are ever-changing." Emaneus motioned to a gray colored fox darting across the path a short distance ahead. "Back home, you don't see such things."

Emaneus nodded at the notion of Kavala bringing with her some supplies and leaned his head back with an eyebrow raised as she mentioned some of the things she had experienced in her travels. "You are indeed a well traveled woman, Kavala. While we have not experienced anything quite like snarlwings or bone dogs here, we have had our share of battles. The lands around the Post, back when it was first being constructed, were far from safe. Wild, carnivorous animals and less than civilized tribes of barbaric humans roamed freely, attacking the builders and causing all manner of havoc. The longer my people spent here building, the greater the attacks came, mainly from the humans. Though unorganized and undisciplined, the barbarians had numbers. Our builders were few in number and accompanied only by a handful of the Hammer. At first, the Hammer tried only to drive back the humans; to discourage and dishearten them. Unfortunately, the humans would not relent. They felt threatened by the presence of the builders even after having been given a number of tools and food as a sign of peace. Eventually, the humans launched an attack on the builders at the foundation site of the Post. There were more than a hundred attackers to twenty builders and a half-dozen Hammers." Emaneus voice grew softer with a hint of sadness to it. "It was a massacre. Not a single attacker lived and only a couple builders suffered serious though non-fatal wounds. The builders and their Hammer protectors never imagined just how fragile the humans were. Although they were only defending themselves, the builders felt great sorrow over what had happened. Because of that battle, because the foundation of the Post was drenched in human blood, it was decreed that it would become a place of safety, security and prosperity for all peoples of the region. It was hoped that by establishing such a place, conflicts like that would never happen again. Thankfully, in all the years since, it hasn't."

After a brief moment, Emaneus pointed to one of the pillars along the path. "Those pillars, other than marking distance from the Post, are also all constructed with Izentor, the gift our marks provide us. Barring any unnatural assault, they will forever stand against all elements and will never crack or break." Taking the opportunity to continue the various elements of their conversation, Emaneus addressed the topic of supplies, "Due to the bond Istaris and I share, we never need worry about being separated for very long. It is a bond similar to that shared by one who imparts upon an item using advanced Izentor. One can sense the location of their imparted item up to at least a mile away. If we were separated however, there is little of any great danger around here save for a few specific problems. You see, my people are, how shall we say, durable. You may have noticed back at the Post that those wearing the sashes of the Hammer, while carrying a few weapons, wear little to no armor. Our skin and bones are far thicker than most other humanoids. Thus, unless encountering a pack of wolves or the occasional large, hungry cat, wild animals are individually of little threat."

Emaneus tone did take a more serious tone, "There are always exceptions of course. The occasional monster left over from the Valterrian or spawned from the wild energies unleashed by the Fire God's awakening can be a great problem. The most dangerous element out here in this part of the Unforgiving is something you already mentioned, Zith. Since Ivak's return, the number of zith all across the Unforgiving have dramatically increased as have their attacks on our above ground settlements. While a single zith is no threat to an isur, several zith can be a bit of a task. Thankfully they are only active at night." Istaris continued along the path as it began to ascend from the lowland plains into the more forested foothills. "I commend your forethought though in bringing a few things with you. While I don't expect any difficulties during our journey, like I said, there are always those occasional surprises. Which reminds me..." Emaneus shuffled around in front of him and pulled something from a pocket of his robes. He reached over his shoulder and handed Kavala a tiny leather bag. "Every isur stationed at the Post has one of these. You may find it useful out here and even in your future travels."

If Kavala were to open the little bag, she would find a small ring inside. The ring was black with tiny silver veins that looked almost like spiderwebs stretched across its surface. There was no setting or stone, only a single band. On the inside of the ring was etched a tiny hammer. "It is one of Arvus' creations; it's called an Alarm Ring and its tasked to notify the wearer of the presence of zith anywhere within a 100' radius. It gives you a rather potent electrical jolt when a zith is near. It's not enough to hurt but it will definitely get your attention."

Their journey took them from the lowlands around the Post and further into the forested foothills. It became noticeably cooler the further they climbed and the terrain became more and more rocky. Istaris seemed not to notice the change in terrain as her massive claws gripped the stone with ease and her great tail provided an astounding amount of balance. As the moved onward, Kavala was greeted with all manner of sights and sounds that few would experience due to the rather isolated location. Squirrels and birds danced, chattered and chirped their way through the trees while the occasional deer or elk could be seen just within line of sight before darting off deeper into the forest. As the day moved from morning to midday and slowly toward evening, Kavala could hear the occasional howl of a wolf in the distance. Istaris eventually stepped out of the light forest into a small clearing still on the path. In the center of the clearing was a small stone hut encircled by a dozen of pillars similar to those located at regular intervals along the path. Istaris approached the hut, slowed and then stopped just inside the circle of pillars.

"Istaris could use a rest and so do we. We're halfway to our destination and this is a good place to stop for now." Emaneus offered Kavala a hand getting down off of Istaris before climbing down himself. He took a few moments gathering some things from the saddlebags which offered Kavala a chance to see more of where they were. The hut was obviously of isurian design. It's outside walls were perfectly smooth save for the symbol of a hammer just above a very solid looking door. There was a single window also baring a miniature hammer etched in the corner of the glass. There was a small chimney indicating a fireplace inside and a small firepit several feet in front of the door. The hut itself looked to be one to maybe two rooms in size.

After gathering the gear from the saddlebags, Emaneus gave Istaris a pat on her neck and the giant lizard lumbered off into the surrounding forest. Slinging a pack filled with gear over his shoulder, Emaneus walked to the hut, opened the door and offered Kavala entry.
"It isn't much but at least it will be warm. Even though it's Spring, it gets very cold up here at night." The interior of the hut was simple in design. The main room was large enough to allow four or five individuals a comfortable amount of space. There was a fireplace and small pile of stacked wood, a couple small tables and handful of simple chairs, a couple of storage chests and a half-dozen simple cots. A smaller room held a few crates and barrels of dried food and fresh water along with some simple utensils, plates and some cups. Setting down his pack, Emaneus then sat down in one of the chairs. "Obviously you're wondering where exactly we are going. As I said earlier, I'm taking you to stand in the Footsteps of the King. I was being literal when I said that. We are going to one of my people's most sacred yet sadly seldom visited sites, the place where King Sultros looked upon the mountains and saw the location of our new home. For my race, that was the moment we were saved from the certainty of despair and painful death and given a new chance at life." Emaneus gathered some things from his pack and then walked over to the fireplace where he proceeded to start a fire.
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[Southern Border Post] Forging the Faith (Kavala)

Postby Kavala on October 12th, 2014, 5:35 am

ImageIstaris was delightful. And Kavala could see how unique she was as Emaneus’ mount by witnessing how tight their bond was. It struck her as incredibly humbling how these noble people so far removed from her own had such depth to them and truthfully it made her feel a bit lacking both being Konti and Drykas. The Konti had their visions and beauty and sometimes even healing. The Drykas had their miserable lives and the fierceness and bravery that caused them to remain in one of the most dangerous places in Mizahar surviving though rarely thriving.

The Isur in their mountain homes had so much more. They had a sense of history, a knowing about who they were, and a culture that was incredibly firm and noble in its pursuit of perfection. All this crossed her mind as she mounted, listened to Emaneus’ words, and felt Istaris’ strength carry them onward.

“Thank you. Though from what I have seen so far of the Isur and your King, I am already humbled beyond belief. I cannot for the life of me understand why people outside of Kalea know relatively nothing about the Kingdom and its existence. It seems… a waste for them not to have an understanding of your kind.” Kavala commented idly, knowing that when she returned home she would write about this adventure and most likely submit it to the library perhaps under a title something along the lines of ‘Visiting in the Shadow Of The Kingdom’. Perhaps that wasn’t elaborate enough, but Kavala already knew she wanted to do so. She also knew now she wanted to visit further inland, and perhaps see the great city of Sultros for herself.

Emaneus’ story about Izurdin visiting him did not surprise her. There was something extremely special about Emaneus, and she wondered if the visit from the God had made that so or if he was just born thusly. She suspected the sensation she felt from him and of him was something he simply was and thus had attracted the God’s attention. She was sure of it, in fact.

“What an extraordinary life. I know a little of Gods and their gifts. Nothing they give is from purely love. It generally means you’ll have need or use of it soon and that you will be asked many things to be worthy of their attention. I do not mean to lump Izurdin in with other gods I have some knowledge of, but it never seems to me they give rewards. They only give tools that we will need to survive. She is a magnificent friend, I can see, but I only hope she isn’t with you because you have magnificent mountains to climb or enemies to defend against.” In her own way, Kavala simply wanted a peaceful life. But she knew… when the Gods were involved, life was rarely peaceful.

Emaneus traded recollections with her and it felt for a time like she was traveling with an old friend. She nodded, listening intently to his story somewhat surprised there were barbarians and people that lived outside the city. It would be something to ask about later so she made a mental note of it. How did they survive so exposed? Surely if the terrain didn’t slaughter them here, the weather would.

“It is not just their bodies that are fragile, Emaneus. The human mind is easily warped and twisted and unfortunately made weak. I’ve met so many that hurt themselves, and their young so that they grow up twisted and disenchanted with no hope of health or happiness even though it is within their reach. It’s sad that they attacked, but its also a pleasure to me that you helped end their suffering.” She said that like a woman that had suffered under the hands of men. And indeed it was true. The shadows of her past, very briefly, flickered across her gaze. She didn’t let it rule her though. Not now at least.

Kavala nodded when he started speaking again, this time about the pillars. “They are truely wondrous”. She said, admiring them as they rode closer. She was also starting to wonder if there was anything the Isur were weak about or had trouble with. They sounded downright brilliant and resolved enough to bear any burden. But it was not a question she was willing to ask,

Instead she just let the conversation carry on and smiled when he complimented her on her thorough gear. She did blink, however, when he handed her the bag. She hefted it in her hand, sniffed at it, then looked at him questioningly.

“I’d noticed some with these tied on thongs around their necks. What are they?”
She asked curiously, sniffing at it then carefully loosening the ties and peering inside. Then as he answered the question, she carefully secured the bundle back up and tucked it into her pocket. “That’s incredibly handy. Especially, I think, at night. They can hunt so silently then… dropping out of the sky and you’d never know it. That’s especially true on a moonless night.” Kavala said, thanking Emaneus thoroughly. “This would be invaluable in Cyphrus as well, where the Zith take more of the Drykas than the Drykas care to admit. And when they aren’t stealing Drykas, they are stealing their livestock which threatens their lives.” Kavala added, almost as an afterthought. She shook her head. Right atthat moment she was a long way from home and yet some things stayed universal worldwide.

The further they breached inland and into the lowlands, the more chill Kavala took. She soon swung her new cloak across her shoulders and remained silent as she looked around, extending her senses to see what she could ‘feel’ in the world around her. Regardless of how much war was waged, Kalea was FULL of life. It was everywhere… in the sky, in the trees, and even in the very soil itself. Kavala could feel some of the mammals and knew where they were the predators and smaller things that depended on the mammals were there as well.

Kavala took Emaneus’ offer and let him help her down. She wandered quietly while he rummaged in his saddlebags, studying the hut and the clearing and getting a feel for the land. She looked thoughtfully at the pillars, but did not offer to touch them. To her they were things of beauty. Kavala turned at Emaneus’ words and nodded. “It’s shelter, and for that I am grateful. When I left Riverfall it was yet still very warm and the sailing was good. I notice here that Syna sticks around less, arriving late into the morning and departing far too early at night. Is it the ….” Kavala paused, looking for a word then, one she didn’t use often being from flat rolling land. “… altitude I wonder?” She finished off and then gestured to the pillars. “What are they? They are so protective looking and so amazingly carved.” Kavala said spinning slightly and then following Emaneus into the warmth of the hut.

When he started to speak, she quieted, listening intently. His brief description made her think of a visage or perhaps a vantage so incredible that it would see a world away. She shook her head, offered Emaneus a smile, and told him her thoughts. “It sounds remarkable. And it seems, from what you say, to be a visage of incredible breathtaking view. I’m not used to seeing so far, unless it is up at the sky. The grasslands roll on forever, sometimes seemingly never ending. There are no mountains and no heights bigger than the crown of a tree. Here is so different. You can see only so far before you hit more trees, a waterway, something notable. There, you can only see stars … so many you loose count in five minutes because you realize in counting them it would be like trying to count the grains of sand on a beach. This place is the opposite. You often had a limited view of the sky, but if you get high enough, the land flows on forever." Kavala commented, already at work jumping in to help where she could.

Kavala helped Emaneus with the fire, and then unpacked a few of her things, including a bedroll and some cooking gear. “If you want to catch supper, I’m more than willing to try my hand at cooking it. I don't know what roams wild around here or grows that might be potential food. Otherwise we can eat a few ration bars I have at the bottom of my bag. But as I know a little of herbalism and some of cooking, I’d love to help volunteer to see to our evening meal if you can provide some sort of meat.” Kavala offered, not feeling right about Emaneus doing all the work. She didn’t have a lot of supplies, but a quick trip around the hut might yield enough greens for a salad or to flavor a stew.
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Please Note:
  • This pc is maxed out in Animal Husbandry, Medicine, Observation, Rhetoric, and Socialization.
  • Kavala a Master Teacher. Students she is teaching in thread can earn more than the maxium 5 XP per thread.
  • This pc has a Konti Gift of Animal Empathy. She has a superpower from a Riverfall city event that allows animals of all sorts and Kelvics (in kelvic form) to speak clear understandable Common around her.
  • Kavala is a Konti but was raised in the Drykas culture so her accent is entirely Pavi though she can speak Common, Pavi, and Tukant well. She's only conversational in Kontinese.
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Kavala
I am more than the sum of my parts.
 
Posts: 3025
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Joined roleplay: October 25th, 2009, 1:46 am
Location: Riverfall
Race: Konti
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