Shifting Places [Enthere]

[Saraphina Skyglow]

Saraphina Skyglow 36th Day of Summer 514 AV W hen Saraphina had woken up, she had been filled with both excitement and a touch of sadness. Her stay at the World’s End Grotto had come to an end. She was somewhat sad about that fact. The city of Zeltiva was really growing on her. The ocean breeze, the humid heat and the bustling streets. But at the same time, her feral side was growing restless. Her visit to Yuri’s camp the previous day had been nice, as had been her walk in the forests outside the city. And she was craving that peacefulness and solitude. She’d need to pick up a few things before she made her way to Enthere’s campsite. Saraphina wasn’t completely certain of where the Cougar Kelvic’s resting place was set up, but she was fairly certain of the area. The scent trails and trampled foliage would show her the way once she was out there. Stretching out and yawning widely, she flipped the covers back and sat up, legs dangling of the side of the bed. Glancing around the quaint room again, she smiled to herself, “It has been a pleasure….but it’s time to return to my roots.” Standing up and grabbing her comb from the side table, Saraphina ran the teeth through her long red tresses as she moved around the room, gathering up her belongings. S he finished combing her hair and grabbed her loose white cotton shirt and skin-tight black pants. Putting on her black undergarments, she slipped her clothes on. Bending down, Saraphina pulled on her calf high black boots. Tucking the rest of her belongings into her backpack, including her black cloak as it was still warm outside and she felt stifled in the long cloth covering. Tying her bag that contained her Mizas onto one of the straps of her pack, she made a note to buy a belt among other things before she left the city. Walking out of the room, she locked the door behind her and headed for the common room. Turning in her key and thanking the inn keeper, Saraphina hiked her pack higher on her shoulders and started to walk towards West Street. The morning was turning out to be quite nice. There were fluffy white clouds decorating the skies, the seagulls were awake and making an awful racket and early dockworkers and Wave Guard wandered the streets. It was what she’d come to expect from the city. T he stores and stalls of West Street were just starting to open. Saraphina was alright with waiting for a few of the stores she needed to visit to open if it meant that she wouldn’t have to fight the crowds. Murmuring a few things to herself, Saraphina started shopping, “Alright….I’ll need a bedroll and probably a tent. Enthere will likely have a large enough space for both of us to pitch a tent, but I’d like my own private space as well. Some food would be good to pick up too, maybe some fish and vegetables.” Glancing around, she spotted the General Store and walked inside. An elder, grey haired human man looked up at her as she entered. The two nodded to each other in greeting and she broke eye contact and started to browse the wares. She grabbed a bedroll, a one person tent, and a pouch and belt. Her arms were getting full from all the items so she set them on the counter but the grey haired man. He smiled kindly at her and started to pack the items together, “If you need any help lass, just let me know.” Saraphina nodded back and went back to looking around. There was a lot of items in the store and the early hour made it easy to see everything without feeling rushed or smothered by a crowd.

[Saraphina Skyglow]

A section of the store had several utility items, so she looked around. Selecting a carving knife, she tested the weight like Miles had taught her. Nodding in satisfaction, she set it with the rest of her items. A gallon cooking pot along with 2 6’’bowls and 2 8’’ dishes for serving food were added to the growing pile. A basic eating fork and spoon were grabbed as well as 10 oz cup. She walked around the store a few more times before deciding that she had everything she needed from this location. Walking back to the store owner, she nodded politely, “I believe I have everything I need for now. How much do I owe you for this?” The grey haired man spend a few minutes moving everything around and scribbling down some numbers on a piece of paper before he replied, “With everything you want today, your total comes to 3 gold mizas, 4 silver mizas and 23 copper mizas.” Saraphina fished out the coins and placed them on the counter. A few moments later, she was handed her change and started to pack her new belongings into her bag. After a few moments she realized with a blush that she would need some rope. Glancing up, she saw the store owner smiling, “Silk or hemp lass?” She pointed to the silk coils and it was added to her bill. Strapping everything in place, she walked out of the general store. W ith her first stop of the day finished, Saraphina moved further down West Street. The wafing scent of raw meat floated to her nostrils and she inhaled deeply. A supply of fresh meat would be polite to give to Enthere as payment for letting her stay at her campsite. She wandered past some of the stalls. On one a small fire with a metal grill was cooking something that smelled fabulous. Stopping at it, she conversed briefly with the sailor minding the grill, “That smells lovely, what its it.” The tanned man grinned widely, showing a few missing teeth, “It be Grilled Horn Fish Miss’us. Best tasting on this side of Zeltiva. Care for a few fer the road?” Saraphina nodded and handed over a few silver Mizas. Three grilled fish were wrapped in a porous cheesecloth and passed to the Tiger Kelvic. Nodding in thanks, she tucked them under her arms and kept walking. As she started to head for the back gates of the city, Saraphina struggled with the load that she now carried. She frowned to herself. Saraphina knew that she wanted to travel beyond Zeltiva in time, and that when she did, she would need more supplies and a way to travel faster than on foot. But there was also the issues that most horses didn’t like her. Dragging an animal along with her across the country was something she thought would be rather cruel. Still, she had heard of a stable that sold several types of horses in the city. Maybe if she stopped by, they might have a mount that would tolerate her. N ow almost midday in Zeltiva, Saraphina looked out at the more open area of the Narvaen Stables. The fenced areas had a dozen or so different horse breeds. She honestly couldn’t tell the difference between one from the other. As she approached, a young man spotted her and walked up, “Good day Madame. Can I help you with something today?” Saraphina paused but answered as she shuffled her items in her arms, “I am looking for a mount. I’d like to travel across the country a bit, but most horses don’t like me. I am Kelvic….more specifically, I am a predator. Horses don’t like my scent and tend to get spooked. Are there any here that might tolerate me?” It was worth a try anyway. The worst that she’d find out was that they didn’t have any horses that would be comfortable around her. The worker thought for a moment and then nodded, asking Saraphina to wait while he talked to his boss. She simply nodded back and looked over the horses while she waited. After about half a bell, the young man came back with a smile, “Good new Madame…I think we may have a horse in the stable that you will get along with just fine.” Curious and somewhat excited, Saraphina followed the pair of humans into one of the large buildings.

[Saraphina Skyglow]

T he inside of the stables smelled strongly of horse sweat, hay and manure, but it was clean and well lit. Several long faces poked their noses out to sniff at the Kelvic as she walked past, ears perked forward before the horses shifted back and tossed their heads in discomfort. The young man nodded as they walked, “I see what you mean Madame, the horse are certainly not acting as they normally do. But not to worry, we do what we can to please our customers.” The trio came near the end of the stables. Most of the stalls here were empty….save for one. Somewhat isolated from the rest, Saraphina looked over at the tall horse standing in the stall. She tilted her head as the two analysed each other. Unlike the other horses, this one did not look away or shift uncomfortably. The equine was tall, at least 16.5 to 17 hands. Dark reddish hair that reminded Saraphina of dried blood dominated the horse. Black stockings, mane and tail with a white mark in the center of its forehead completed the look. The horse did not look away or whinny in distress, rather the mount pinned back its ears and snorted at Saraphina. The red haired girl bared her teeth back at the horse in defiance. Long ears pricked forward before the stallion walked forward and stuck its head out, nickering softly in curiosity. Saraphina looked to the two men for permission. A nod was given and she walked forward, placing a hand on the horse’s nose and rubbing softly. The manage spoke up for the first time, “This is Abaccus. He’s a full grown Ravok Bloodbane, though not purebred. We’d never be able to house him here if he was. Bloodbanes are rather predatorily creatures and a lot of the non-purebreds we get have personalities we don’t usually like, but in your case, I think he’ll be a great fit. Abaccus is rather aggressive at first, but once he warms up to you, he’ll guard you like kin. We mix portions of fresh meat into his feed and do our best to house him only with other horses willing to fight back. Otherwise we’d have a bunch of injured animals on our hands. It doesn’t appear that he finds you intimidating like the other horses. Abaccus is the best fit we can get for a predator Kelvic, unless you’re willing to try and bond with a Sungold or pay a small fortune for a Nightwalker. As we don’t normally have Bloodbanes in stock, I’ll let you take Abaccus for 300 gold mizas.” S araphina thought carefully about the choice. It was a lot of money, but this Bloodbane was the first horse she’d ever come across that hadn’t shied away or gotten scared of her. And if she wanted to travel, it would be better to have a mount that tolerated her rather than one who resented her. Abaccus was a very handsome stallion and seemed to really like her. They understood each other, even though the horse was not truly a predator, it had a more vicious streak than any herbivore she’d ever come across. It could work….they could work together. Saraphina ran her palm down the bay’s nose once more before turning to the manager, “I will take him and a set of riding gear as well. Put some feed on the bill as well, I want him taken care of properly.” A few more words were exchanged before coins were handed over. She was escorted back outside as the managed prepared her new horse for transport, taking the items she was carrying and saying he would strap them to the saddle for her. After another short wait, Abaccus was led from the stables, saddled and prancing. The young man handed her the reins of the bridal and wished her well in her travels. Horse and Kelvic looked over each other carefully before Saraphina spoke to him, “We will likely fight along our travels, you’re headstrong and I don’t like backing down. I hope we can find a middle ground to co-exist on.” Abaccus’s ears flicked forward and the stallion shifted. Large flat teeth ground against the bit in his mouth but after a few moments, he tossed his head back before walking forward a few steps till his flank was alongside Saraphina. She smiled at the Bloodbane and after a few struggling attempts, manage to get her foot in the stirrup and haul herself up onto the horses back. T he positon was awkward and uncomfortable, but as it was among her first time riding on a horse, that was to be expected. Taking the reins in her head, Saraphina gently began guiding Abaccus out of town. The day was getting late and she was tired from all the shopping. Yes, she hadn’t gotten quite everything she wanted, but she’d done enough for the day. Enthere would likely be wondering where she was. The rocking motion of her new horse made her thighs ache and she had a crimp in her back, but she made do. After a few chimes of riding, she came across what looked to be an area Enthere had described as her campsite. Soon after, Saraphina saw a small clearing with a brown horse tethered by a large tent. Abaccus pinned his ears back and pawed at the ground aggressively. She pulled back on the reins tightly, looking around till she saw an area that was a bit further away from Enthere’s camp, but still in sight. That was where she’d set up her area. Turning her mount towards there and dismounting, she tethered Abaccus to a tree where he could graze and not see Enthere’s horse, Saraphina started unpacking. She’d visit with her friend later, right now setting up her new home was priority.

[Enthere]

The sun was just peeking over the mountains when Enthere woke, shifting from deep slumber to alertness in seconds. The brownish greenish canvas of her tent was thick and sturdy but let enough light in to wake her every morning. There wasn't much chance of her sleeping late though, she had been an early bird for as long as she could remember. Though she was admittedly partial to naps in the sun, she had to make up for her partially nocturnal tendencies somehow. The tent was tall enough for her to stand in, but she had the duck to pass through the flap covered doorway. She could secure the tent flap from inside or out to keep scavengers away, but most avoided her camp. They could sense it was the den of a predator. Her first task of the morning was to check on Friend, the pack horse. He shied away from her as always, giving small nips and kicks in her direction. Which she avoided with practiced ease. Her presence also kept the horse safe from most dangers, but her smell of wild cat was also what made him hate her. Still, she wasn't really around camp much so he had plenty of time to himself to graze and prance around, or what ever it was horses did when they were alone. "Your okay." She told him, trying to be soothing, "you have fresh food and water, and your own pasture to do what ever you want." She only talked to him when they were alone, and he always replied by glaring at her with large, accusing brown eyes. "I'll buy more grain next time I get into town." She said, realizing with a start that today Saraphina would be joining them. There would be two predators for Friend to despise, Enthere felt sorry for him. It really wasn't fair to Friend, but she needed him. She set about gently brushing him, staying away from his head so he couldn't bite her. He was used to the attention, it was something she insisted on. She took better care of his coat than her own-in either form. "I've never hurt you, and you know it." She said, but there was no reasoning with him. "And I'm Not going to eat you." Something she'd told him many times. Finished with the horses coat, Enthere turned the brush on her own hair, making it as presentable as possible. After taking care of her appearance she went into the trees surrounding her camp to find old, dead wood, kept dry under the bristly tree branches. She used these to build a fair sized fire, it wasn't cold out but Enthere decided it was something to make the place more welcoming. She considered other things that might be a little more...human. She could make some food, but honestly she was a terrible cook and ate more than most of her meals raw, and Saraphina had probably eaten already anyways. Enthere had never felt like much of a hostess, even when she tried, and she was trying now. She wanted Saraphina to feel welcome, but barely knew the other Kelvic. A fact that was likely soon to be remedied, to a degree, she thought, working to light the fire. Feeling restless, but unable to think of another task worthy of her time Enthere exited her camp through the trees and prowled the forest. It was still early, but the sun had warmed the secret clearings and meadows known only to one who had been born of such places. There was one place Enthere often sought when she needed a catnap in the sun. A dead tree with a long sturdy branch that always seemed to catch the sun. It tempted her now, but she had only just woken, and the day could pass so quickly if she fell asleep for just a moment. It was time to go back, she didn't know when Saraphina would appear so she returned to camp. Saraphina was already there, setting up camp. There was a large red horse with her, Enthere didn't know she had a horse. Maybe he could provide companionship to Friend. Enthere sat by her fire, jabbing at it with a stick to encourage the flames. She would wait until the other Kelvic was finished setting her tent and getting herself sorted before bothering her.

[Saraphina Skyglow]

Saraphina Skyglow I t took nearly 2 bells to fully set up her tent. Not use to the strange, lightweight fabric, Saraphina struggled to pitch her shelter. But after a few failed attempts, she successfully had her tent set up properly. The canvas was shaded by the surrounding trees and made for a rather welcoming sight. Smiling to herself, she set up her bedroll inside and took off her backpack. Having heard Enthere wandering around the larger sight, Saraphina took out the two grilled Sand Fish she'd bought. The fish were cold after her long trek, but she could still smell the herbs and seaweed that were used to cook them. Her mouth watered in anticipation and she closed the flap of her tent before walking towards the cheery fire Enthere had made. The sun was low in the sky by this point. Looking carefully, Saraphina could see a few pinprick stars starting to appear. A pproching the Cougar Kelvic, Saraphina smiled at her companion. The brown horse tethered nearby shifted unhappily at the new figure. Saraphina shook her head in mild amusement. Enthere hadn't been joking, her horse really did hate the smell of cat. Folding her legs under her and sitting down within arms length, she offered Enthere one of the cloth covered fish, "Good evening Enthere. A gift for you, my way of showing gratitude for letting me stay with you for a bit. The locals call it Grilled Sand Fish. It smelled wonderful in the markets. I hope I didn't disturb you as I was setting up. You were lying about your horse, it really doesn't like us. I was fortunate when I was shopping today. The stables in town had a mount that seems to be able to tolerate my scent. You might be able to sell yours and get one similar, might be kinder than trying to get your horse to adjust to being around a predator. Just a thought." Saraphina unwrapped her own fish and pulled the tender meat away from the bone. The taste was very pleasant, a combination of sweet white fish meat with salty seaweed and various herbs to make the meal very memorable. Cold or not, it was good. E njoy both the fish and the company, Saraphina felt rather talkative. She really knew nothing of Enthere, they'd had a brief encounter and then a conversation in a rowdy bar. This would be a good time to learn more about each other. But like most people, Enthere probably won't open up right away. So Saraphina decided to start the trust building, "We don't know each other very well Enthere. I'd like to change that, particularly if we're going to be staying together for a while. You know I'm from Avanthal, but I never did say why I left. Partially because I didn't want to and partly because it still scares me a bit. I had a man, a Vantha man, try to turn me into a slave. He kidnaped me and locked me in a cellar, trying to break me. I almost died. His brother saved me....barely. I doubt that Nicolai will come this far to find me, but its possible. I hope that doesn't scare you."

[Enthere]

Enthere was sitting quietly by the fire when Saraphina approached, she had noticed how her camp was coming together and found a place to wait for her. Of course there was the chance that she wouldn't come talk about the arrangement and be friendly, but Saraphina seemed to nice to leaver her like that. The fire was only smoldering coals, but it provided a soft glow and warmth for the cool evening. She took the fish the other Kelvic offered, it was a perfect gift-she loved fish and never needed much besides food and shelter. She would have to remember Saraphina liked this kind of fish too. "Thank you," she said gratefully, she hadn't bothered to hunt for a few days and her food stock was diminishing. "I've never had sandfish." She unwrapped it and delicately pulled a bite of flaky meat off to eat. She was trying to be especially well mannered, she had been alone a while and had to get back into the habit of table manners. The fish was delicious, it always amazed her that someone could get so much flavor from a few herbs. Among her good traits, Enthere had always been a good listener. Especially when she had a full stomach. Saraphina's comments on her horse were especially interesting, that she found a mount that could stand her was nothing short of incredible. Enthere found it difficult to believe, given her experience with Friend. Saraphina went on to explain her leaving of Avanthal. Enthere nodded thoughtfully through the paraphrased story, it wasn't horribly far off of her own departure from Ravok. "You'll be safe here." She assured Saraphina. "There is no reason for him to think you'd be here, and this is our territory." She gestured with one hand to the forest and mountains. Now it felt like her turn to share, Enthere hesitated. It was very rarely that she told her own story. But Saraphina wasn't just another lonely traveler making camp with another human being. She was a Kelvic. I..." She started, her gaze retreating from the other Kelvic to the fire. "I had a home in Ravok. It was a good place, I had family. But....they died. So I left." She had nothing else to say, there wasn't anything else she could say. She remained still, looking into the burning embers of the fire as if they could give her more words, but they were silent.

[Saraphina Skyglow]

Saraphina Skyglow E nthere was much more open and friendly than the first time they'd talked. Understandable given that the Cougar Kelvic had been willing to let a vertical stranger stay with her. Saraphina was glad that the Sand Fish had been received so well. It made her feel less like a living leech. Her father had been like that, taking shelter, food and affection from her mother and offering nothing in return. Saraphina would never allow herself to become like that. Not ever. After she finished picking all the meat off her meal, she tossed the bones and cloth into the dying fire. The embers caught on the refuse and lit up a small flame that enlightened the darkened campsite. Stars were high in the sky now, bright specs of white dots filling a deep purple canopy. Saraphina stretched out her arms in relaxation, laying back on the blanket of soft grass. Looking up at the star speckled sky, Saraphina listened to Enthere's casual reply. S miling to herself as she basked in the cool air of the evening, she mused out loud, "Our territory....that has a very nice ring to it. I never could quite call my Mother's house my home. It always felt too restrictive, to....confining. I value freedom and the ability to go where I want, when I want. To be bound and chained is probably my worst fear. That's why I want to travel and see the world. Just.....because I can." Enthere's hesitant reply about her past and deceased family made Saraphina wince. She hadn't meant to open old wounds, all she'd wanted to connect with the Kelvic a bit more. Hesitating a bit before turning her head towards Enthere, Saraphina replied in a quiet and sympathetic voice, "I'm sorry Enthere. I didn't mean to pry. I'm sure that must still be very painful. I guess....we're both just trying to find a place where we belong." T he night was coming alive. Crickets were chirping in the distance, the lone howl of an alpha wolf spilt the darkness and the wind blew through the trees in a blissful, wild symphony. She heard Abaccus shuffling at the ground in her campsite, but the Bloodbane gave no sign that he was upset or unhappy, so she let him be. The sweet taste of freedom lingered in her nose and in her heart. Saraphina savored it. She'd had rare moment like this in Avanthal, but she always felt compleled to return to her Mother. Now she no longer had that holding her back. Though she worried for her birth parent, it was muted now that distance separated them. She belived Augustine when he'd said he would care for her Mother. For now, she was camped in the wilds of the Mirthil Pass with a newfound friend and very few worries.

[Enthere]

The sounds of night had always been Enthere's chorus, always encouraging her hen there was no one else. The sound of crickets, the rustle of leaves as a snake stalked a mouse or frog. They were small but somehow heard, they were frightening to many city dweller who ventured into the darkness, fearing that which they could not see. But how could anyone not know these sounds? They were softer and quieter than the rowdiness of humanity, but each distinct and perfect. Though in fairness, Enthere had more nights like this than most travelers. What she lacked was quiet nights in the city, tucked into a cottage with a crackling fireplace and soft blankets. Knowing that you had a place in the world, small as it may be. She listened to Saraphina and the night chorus with closed eyes, appearing to all the world to be asleep. In a way, though, she was more awake. Her mind roamed the hills and mountains she had come to know, passing the two horses in the twin camps, crossing streams and wild gardens. Her body was still and silent but her mind was alive, reliving successful hunts and midnight wanders. She spent so much more time in the wild than in Zeltiva, she was fond of the port city but she loved its protecting mountains and forests. She didn't know how Saraphina had lived for so many years with so little of this. She couldn't understand how anyone could live and not know this world. "I travel..." She said, her eyes still closed, her hands in the grass by her feet. "Because everywhere has wilderness-both within the city boundaries and outside. And because...they are all so different." Was that really why she was drawn to roaming? Or was it because she needed to prove to herself that she could find a home anywhere, she could always start over, even if she didn't belong. "I suppose so." She said, opening one eye a slit to look at the other Kelvic. "I've been around places, but where do you think you'll go next?" OOC : Sorry its been so slow, I've been sick. We can keep going, or you can end when ever you want.

[Saraphina Skyglow]

Saraphina Skyglow T he cool brisk night air and the soft crackle of the dying fire made Saraphina's eyes start to droop. Laying comfortably on the grass and hearing the sounds of the wilderness around her was a sweet, soothing music. Enthere's campsite had been a perfect choice for her new resting place. She was glad she'd asked the Kelvic for a place among her territory. Turning to look over at her new companion, who now appeared to be nearly asleep, Saraphina couldn't help but smile. It would appear that both of them were feeling relaxed and subdued after the meal. Enthere's response about her reasons for traveling made sense. Experiencing the wilderness and all its variations was quite interesting. R olling over onto her belly before stretching out her arms, she stood slowly. Yawning widely which showed off her elongated canines. Smacking her lips together she tilted her head before responding, "I'm not sure where I'd travel to. But for now I think I'll stay here. Zelitva is nice enough and I fancy trying my hand at some mercenary work before moving on. But it's getting late, I think I'll turn in for the night. Take care Enthere, I'll see you in the morning." Nodding to the Cougar Kelvic, Saraphina brushed off her clothes before walking back over to her tent. Checking on Abaccus and making sure he was well tethered, she open the flap of her tent. Stepping inside, she waved back to Enthere before closing the tent. OOC: I'm good here if you wanna finish it up.

[Enthere]

Enthere was in fact falling asleep. The warmth of the waning fire and the open air were drugs to her conscious. She didn't pride herself by saying she could sleep anywhere, but she could sleep anywhere. Especially if she was tired enough. Enthere snapped back awake with a shake of her head, watching Saraphina get up to leave with large eyes, her pupils slits in the darkness. "Good night." She said, to relaxed to even smile. Her mind took a few minutes to work over what Saraphina had said, after she left. A mercenary? This seemed the sort of place that type of work could be found, not that she'd been looking for it. Enthere needed a job, yes, she would need more supplies when she moved on, but killing for a living....That wasn't what she wanted to do. She did enough killing already, she didn't want it to become a full time habit. Maybe she would stay in Zeltiva, she could go to the University and study medicine. She wondered if they let Kelvics into Universities. Enthere slipped into sleep beside the fire, still thinking of Universities and mercenaries, her head cushioned on the cold grass.