43rd of Summer, 515AV
Riverfall was quite unlike anything Orin had ever encountered before. When the ship had approached from the distance it had elicited a gasp of awe from Orin. The city towered over the countryside and the sea, like some proud creature perched on the edge of the cliff and surveying its domain. The awe got stronger as the ship grew closer and closer, and details of the city itself became clearer. The impression of majesty didn’t decrease in the slightest. But the city was also beautiful, about as far from the enclosed and oppressing atmosphere of Syliras as it was possible to get. The domes of the buildings sparkled in the sunlight. The air was perfumed with scents both savory and sweet, a mix of herbs and flowers that permeated the entire city. Everywhere was a riot of color and life. The gray walls of Stormhold were drab and dead compared to the gardens of Riverfall. Orin recalled what Jeremy had said about the city, that it was much less urban and much closer to nature. Orin was inclined to agree with the Kelvic’s assessment, but it wasn’t wild. Quite the opposite in fact. Everything seemed to be chosen with utmost care to show of the city to its best effect. As the ship had sailed into port Orin’s jaw had dropped until a passing sailor warned him he was likely to swallow a fly that way.
But Orin’s eyes darted everywhere, trying to take in everything at once. It seemed like a mirage or a dream. Orin had spent his entire life other than the short amount of time he’d been on board the ship in Mithryn and Syliras. Stepping into Riverfall was like entering another world entirely. Fountains abounded and the buildings were covered in fanciful geometric designs that caught the eye and forced it to follow their curves and lines. There was almost a tangible pulse, a heartbeat, to the city that caught Orin up and swept him along. The people were dressed in a variety of loose-fitting garments in mostly earth-tones that were guaranteed to grab every passing breeze. However, there were just as many people wearing working leathers, and many of them were garbed in either leather aprons or had leather armbands. And there were Akalaks everywhere. Orin had seen only a few Akalaks in Syliras, and of those, he only really knew Aren well. So the sight of the tall proud visages striding around was intimidating. The vast majority of them were blue-skinned but some of them were purple or even dark green and red. Women were clearly in the minority, and seemed to draw attention as they passed. It combined into one mysterious whole. If Orin had one complaint, it would be the demanding sun that beat down. Heat hazes were everywhere and sweat prickled Orin’s brow. His own clothes were starting to soak through, and Orin realized that it would probably be best to get out of public. It was overwhelming, and Orin noticed he was starting to draw looks from passerbys that, while not harsh, weren’t exactly friendly either.
Orin picked a direction at random. The buildings didn’t seem to have any of the clear indicators as to which business might be housed within, so Orin was forced to make a circuit of the area around the docks. He was leery of going too far away from the docks. If Riverfall was anything like Syliras, which so far it wasn’t, it probably turned into a maze once people exited the main areas. So he planned to keep the ship or at least the docks in full view at all times. Orin started trying doors at random. Most of the people inside gave Orin odd looks when he poked his head in then immediately retreated. He wasn’t sure what exactly he was searching for. He just had this odd sense that he’d know it when he found it. Finally, Orin jerked a door open and was greeted by a sight that was so familiar his heart clenched a little. Despite the different architecture and layout, this was clearly a tavern. And at that point Orin realized what he’d been missing. Cooking on board the ship was limited. And Orin had been craving access to a real kitchen, one where he could cook to his heart’s desire. If this tavern was anything like The Rearing Stallion it would have everything Orin could ever want. Beyond that, Orin needed to ground himself in the familiar. After so many changes in such a short amount of time Orin felt that he needed to get back to his roots, or he might lose himself.
Orin stepped off the patio with its tables that looked out over the water and into the tavern proper. The wooden doors closed behind him and Orin’s eyes took a moment to adjust to the slightly dimmer interior. The stone floor was mostly covered with rugs of various colors and designs. On the far wall was a bar, with a polished copper sheet lining the wall itself. The bar curved and was topped with a white and gold marble. There was a woman there who glanced at Orin as he stood there. Herbs scented the air, and as Orin scanned the interior he could see them scattered about. Some Orin recognized, some he didn’t. All in all, the bar made an impressive sight. And yet, for all that there was a quality to it that Orin knew well. In some fundamental way, all taverns were the same, despite differences in appearance. They all served the same purpose and Orin was sure that once he got past the surface here it would function essentially the same as The Rearing Stallion. Of course, Orin wouldn’t know that for certain until he actually explored here.
He took another step in, and the woman at the bar came out with a bright grin. Her hair was so dark it seemed black and was startlingly contrasted by her almost indigo eyes. She wore a simple dress with an apron. Obviously she was barmaid and bartender both. ”Hello there and welcome to Alements! My name is Elise and I’ll be serving you today. What can I get for you?” Orin hesitated, unsure how to proceed. He knew how Rondo and Remi would react to some complete stranger coming into their tavern and demanding to use their kitchen supplies. So Orin would be as polite as possible, but also try and be firm. It was hard for him though, in such a strange place, to assert himself but he had to try. ”Actually, I’d appreciate it if I could talk to the owner Are they around somewhere?” Elise gave Orin a pointed look that he couldn’t decipher, but gestured for him to follow her all the same. Orin stepped gingerly into the hallway near the bar, and through a set of doors. Elise took a few steps before opening a door. ”Caelum, you have a visitor.” She held the door open for Orin and grinned. ”He’s just inside. I’ll be in the front if you need me.”
Orin stepped into the backroom and nearly gasped. There were what appeared to be infirmary beds lining the wall but that wasn’t what surprised him. The man inside was clearly not human. He was an Ethaefal, evidenced by the shimmering horns that seemed to shift between a pale ivory and a light gold. His hair was auburn also streaked with gold and there was something infinitely appealing about his features. Orin knew that Ethaefal’s were supposed to possess an otherworldly beauty but Caelum seemed to take it one step further. Orin’s breath caught in his throat and it took him a moment to remember why he came here. ”Ah, hello, Caelum is it? I have a sort of a strange request.” Orin ran a hand through his hair in a nervous tic. Everything about Riverfall seemed to be throwing Orin for a loop and Orin really needed some time to process it all. Still, he was here now and Orin really didn’t want to leave this place empty handed. ”M’name’s Orin Fenix, and I’m a humble traveler from Syliras. I’m, a, well I’m a cook and I just was wondering if I could...borrow your kitchen for the day.” Orin risked a small smile, unsure whether or not he was making a good impression. With his luck, though, Caelum probably thought he was slightly off in the head. ”I know you really don’t have any reason to trust me but I miss having a full kitchen to work with.” Orin held out his hands helplessly. It wasn’t the strongest case Orin had made but hopefully his sincerity would shine through. And with each passing tick Orin found himself missing the comfortable life he’d had in Syliras. So much was different in the wide world and even though Orin had thought he had wanted to see it, it seemed that he was unprepared for the realities of what that meant. So Orin needed to cook, to steady himself, and to remind himself why he was out here exploring. Heart thumping wildly in his chest, Orin held his breath as he waited for Caelum’s reply.