Solo An Evening Stroll

[Ashford Yendorin]

35 chimes, after the 6th bell, 71st of Summer, 514 AV Stepping out onto the balcony of the Kuahala Estates apartment Ashford looked upon the sea once more. A very private, internal echo rose a tightness in his gut. He wondered for many months what this comfort would be like, dreamed of this very moment from the old memories decade old from his last visit this far west. His father's rainbow magpie, Jay, balanced in his left hand atop the rail of the balcony enjoyed the view. His lack of melody for once chirped with some sense of pleasure. Ashford shuck his head slightly, his eyes closed as to clear the moment of such emotion. For even he knew that Jay's chirp was one of the most annoying sounds he's ever heard, but the magpie not only brought him company, it provided a nice warning when other's entered the room unbeknownst to him. Ashford stepped inside the apartment and set the small birdcage upon the end table. Grabbing some seeds from his pocket on his walk over he fed Jay as he took a moment and watched the small bird enjoy the small meal. "You'll always be my winged guard dog!" Upon quickly unpacking the little he had brought with him, Ashford took a quick walk in the front of the apartments before darkness took the sky. Upon his arrival he took notice to the large buildings across the way from his new residence. Stepping out to the edge of his side of the street he looked over and up the building in great detail. Fascinated by the architecture he dared not move evaluating the depth of design. As he was leaning, chin high at the steepest point, he was shaken from his introspection. "Did you lose something up there?" Ashford swiveled his head in the direction of the voice. A taller, deep dark blue skinned man, wearing ornate robes had asked with an inviting smile. "Of course not, I'm just very taken by the view. Amazing stone work." Ashford replied. "Are you a mason by trade?" Asked the unnamed Akalak. Ashford paused only to absorb the difference of the man's height. Ashford stood 6'3 and he immediately felt short in comparison. "No, never found stone labor to be appeasing. I appreciate art, history, and the intelligence of the capability." He responded as he took a glance back at the building. "Walk with me...tell me your name?" the unnamed, older Akalak asked. "I am Ashford Yendorin of Zeltiva." They both walked idly around the City Council Chambers. "The building was initially utilized as a center for town meetings and coordination among the few Akalak remaining after the cataclysmic event. It still stands in magnificent form, thanks to the hard work and deliberate maintenance of my people." "...completely original?" Ashford asked. "The area surrounding the structure has been improved and decorated to help show the significant role the building still plays in our culture, you are quite welcome to listen in and observe if politics, law, a sense of intelligence is something you seek." He continued to explain. "I arrived today, and passing through the streets I am still absorbing so much. It would be wonderful to sit-in and witness the council gathering sometime soon." Ashford said as they rounded the space between the Council Chambers and another large stone building. "Would this be an extension of the Council Chambers?" Ashford questioned as he noticed the vine overgrowth that draped over the walls in certain locations. "Our delightful Riverfall Zoo and glass domed garden. I will be honest, it is an educational experience if you know little of the region's flora and fauna, but it can be an unsavory place if something can get out of hand. Are you an exceptional swordsman?" Inquired the unnamed Akalak. "I spent much of my most recent years in study as a scholar. Over the course of my seafaring days, I saw a few bar-sailor scuffles; nothing of any significance. I prefer peace through social standards and expanding my intelligence, my connection with nature, the animals." Ashford responded with a stoic prose in explanation. They stepped out to the opposite side of the street where they both met. The unnamed Akalak man extended his hand. "Our customs may be different in some regards, but your aspirations our that of an age that has seemingly yet to dawn in great abundance. I welcome you to Riverfall. Do take the time and sit-in among the intelligent minds of Riverfall. Some good teachers can help with expanding your combative knowledge if you see it necessary. I wish you the best." Ashford returned the firm greeting and crossed the street to enter his residence and soon realized he had never asked the man's name. The night had fell upon the city as the sun nearly set. He stepped onto the street to look for him, but being new to Riverfall, the light being low, he caught no sight of the man.

[Ragdoll]

Hey Ashford,

Since you haven't logged in since August, I've elected to withold your grade for the time being. If you return to Mizahar, shoot me a PM and I'll be happy to grade your solo.

Thanks!
Ragdoll