[The Spires]Main Gate - The Winding Way

[Creeper]

As one makes their way through the massive trees of the Talderan forest, and manages to survive the massive beasts, the voracious insects, and getting lost in the mist, one might come across a winding dirt road. The dirt road is nothing extraordinary, no deep grooves from wagons, no guards patrolling, no signs designating direction. If one gets lucky enough to choose the proper direction they would find themselves on an incredibly long and winding journey. If one is paying close enough attention, they would see the trees getting taller, thicker, more massive as they went deeper. After one passes two particularly large trees, one on either side of the dirt road, they will get the uneasy feeling of being watched, but will be unable to find the source. Continuing along the road, one would begin to feel more eyes. Eventually they would, if paying close enough attention, see stairs winding around trees or knotted Slugsuckle vine ropes and ladders. It is quite possible to completely miss the city while walking along. One could look up to where the city was located but all that would be seen would be leave and branches, cleverly placed and grown to obscure all view of the hidden city from below. If you continued on, you would pass beneath the Inner and Outer Petals, pass over the Undercavern, and through the Foliage district, all without seeing anything other than nature. However, should one happen upon one of the staircases or Slugsuckle leads, and take that first step or first climb, they would be greeted openly by one of the Hahk'Shatara. These Jamoura guard the city and watch all passing through. However, the unspoken rule of nature states that they cannot assist you until you enter Spires properly. Once greeted, the Hahk'Shatara shall act as guide into the city, leading one where ever they would like to go. They will also explain all of the laws one must follow while in The Spires. If one has a horse, it will be taken to the hidden stables in the Foliage. Most Hahk'Shatara will lead upwards into the Outer Petals. From here one could see most of the glorious hidden city of the Spires. OOCYou post here if you are entering the city for the first time and are not a native. You do not need to wait for approval, just write how you came upon the city and where you were guided. Welcome to Spires. Please enjoy your stay. Creation is courtesy of Secret.

[Sylkra]

Sylkra padded along the road in her human form, knowing where it led to. She winded her way down the path, killing off the beasts, making her way through the mist, and avoiding the bugs. She came to a halt as two ginormous trees came in view. She stopped and took off the bow that was hanging on her shoulders. Sylkra stopped and sniffed the air, there was something here, watching her. Not only could she smell it, but sense it as well. She kept walking, except slower than before. She sheathed her bow and took off in a sprint, and stopped only when she saw the stairs. As she winded her way up them, she growled at the sight of a Jamoura. Never had she seen such odd creatures. They were money-like, and walked on fours or two legs.
She steadily walked toward one, feeling intimidated. Her eyes flashed, and her teeth were bared. It kept it's gaze steady and when Sylkra went to greet it, it shook her by the hand and brought her into the city. She was fascinated by the city, it was surely beautiful. It explained everything from the laws to the customs.

[Airyn]

Airyn padded along through the forest in her wolf form, uncomfortable with the feeling she was getting. As she came along a dirt path she paused in the trees, sniffing the air. Shifting to her human form, she stepped out of the trees and onto the path, her bright red hair flowing behind her in the wind. She raced along the path, feeling more and more eyes upon her as she continued. She stopped suddenly and growled loudly before cutting herself off midway. She looked to her left and saw a staircase leading upward into the foliage.

Airyn took one step upward and she was confronted with a Jamoura. She jumped backwards off the stair and the Jamoura vanished. A lightbulb struck in her head as she remembered the stories about the Hahk'Shatara that she had heard from other travelers like herself. She took a few more steps up the staircase and the Jamoura greeted her again. She nodded to it and it led her upwards, explaining the laws and customs to her as they walked into the city.

[Tiki]

31 Summer 512 A.V. He had been here before. Tiki walked the winding way as he had done in the past. Peering up through the canopy, he smiled to himself in wonder of how he had missed it all the first time around. The Spires were alive, more than any passerby would realize. He thought of the slugsuckle vines and ladders ahead of him that lay in the morning mist. He had hoped to greet the Hahk’Shatar as friend before he touched the vine. Now it’s I who sees you he thought to himself. He had been to Avanthal, Mura, and Nyka all in a season’s time – with much thanks to Hadrian’s calculations - and had seen so much. There was so much, that same muchness, which he now wanted to share with the jamoura in Spires. It felt good to be home. The sensation of being stared upon was nothing abnormal to him, although it wasn’t the most welcoming sensation. His eyes darted back into the foliage looking for the Hahk’Shatar who would be spying on him. They were good, really good… Tiki grabbed hold of the vine, ready to pull himself upward and smile in the face of the Hahk’Shatar who’d lead him, but instead observed something else. A pair of beady eyes of a young jamoura peeked at him. He thought to say hello, but the fellow glided up the vines where Tiki could not see with incredible speed. He wished he could climb like that. Tiki followed after the baby, but was halted once more. A larger resident of the hidden city was upon him, although unadorned with the dress of the Hahk’Shatar, he was eager to greet her. The little one must have been hers. There was something unusual about her though. Tiki swung around for a better look, ducking out of the way of the swing. She just… Tiki’s head was almost splattered against the tree if not for his move. The angered jamoura roared at him, and Tiki started to rush back down the vine. Something was wrong in the Spires. He knew not to get between a mother and her child. Tiki was running, running away from the city toward its perimeter. He had a vague idea of where that was with the overhanging trees, where they begin to thicken and such. He was at the bottom, but she was still after him, and he saw shuffling above as well. Tiki ran for his life away from the Spires. She only stopped after he was some safer distance from the winding way. He had only seen such ferocity in predators like himself, as if he’d stumbled into her territory. Tiki reflected on the mist, and the terrible things it brought to the hidden city. Perhaps he’d been mistaken for a miststalker, but something about the mother suggested otherwise to him. The jamoura were excessively peaceful creatures. This was something he hadn’t seen before. Tiki retreated back into the Northern Reaches, scanning what he figured to be the perimeter of the Spires, and hoped for the best in finding an answer. He had come here to escape the chaos of the world, and only seemed to find it one again. oocthread continued here… [url]url to be place[/url]

[Lorelai]

Lorelai was quiet as she and Dovah, her Mixed Blood white mare, traveled through the forest on a single road. Lorelai was calm and poised, her great grandmother's Suvai hidden beneath her clothing. The air was thick with fog and it was hard to see, but Lorelai did not falter. She used her Konti senses and eased Dovah along the road until they came to two enormous trees that seemed to swell so high into the sky that they seemed endless.

Lorelai gazed up with round pale violet eyes. "Wow...Such beauty..." Her voice was soft, barely over a whisper. Dovah snorted just as silently in acknowledgement. The white mare's hooves were the only thing that could be heard as they continued to travel. It wasn't long before Lorelai could sense emotions whirling around her. She knew they were near to the settelers. "Almost there, Dovah," Lorelai smiled as she patted the horse's neck.

Dovah came to a stop not too long after. Lorelai blinked then looked at a vine that seemed different to others. She jumped down from Dovah's back and leaned aganst her as she looked up into the trees. "You will have to stay down here, Dovah, but I know you are brave and smart. I will come back down for my things soon, and then you should be taken somewhere safe." Lorelai kissed the horse on her muzzle and received a nicker in response.

Lorelai pulled on the vine to test it before climbing up. It wasn't long until she was greeted by a Hahk'Shatara. She was told someone would take her horse to the Foliage where she could retrieve her things there. Lorelai nodded and followed after the Hahk'Shatara. She was very excited about being in a new place. Many emotions swirled around her. Lorelai had to focus to make sure none messed with her or made her ill.

As a Konti it is so easy to be affected by any emotion, but Lorelai knew what would happen and embraced it so she could find a future that made her happy. Lorelai listened to what the Hahk'Shatara said about the rules and customs of living in The Spires. She nodded in understanding and then paused her steps as she looked at the city before her. It was so different back on The White Isles where there was tons of water. Here there was tons of foliage. So much green!

Lorelai observed more and more, wondering what kind of plants so could find here and use for medicne.

[Asher Salvatore Arc]

OOC : Er, considering that everything is still all outta whack here, and for plot (yay for plot) I took a liberty (or five) but tell me if it’s completely not doable and I will fix ^-^ 1st of Summer, 512AV Salvatore had, in the last five minutes, feed a hungry animal (or he thought it was an animal) and felt quite good about himself. For the next two seconds at least for his kindness of sharing his sparse meat rations had brought something much bigger than him. “Right then, running it is.” Yes, I should probably start now. Like now, now. “Absolutely.” Without further chatter Salvatore wasted no time scurrying around the deer but if he had been thinking he would have realized the overly large cat-thing (curtsey of the Djed Storm) had not even seen him before he ran he probably wouldn’t have run. Yes, I would have. Or maybe he would have. Either way he found himself running, and falling and generally not stopping saving himself from a lot of trouble. He couldn’t exactly figure out the last time he had actually run. He exercised, any person lifting bear parts around would but running was a whole other matter and he was finding he was not good at it. That and that felines were much faster than they looked. “Eaten by a cat, what is more painful than that?” Burning? Yes, burning. It could be worse. He felt the distinct slippery, heat of the animals saliva and flinched and sharp point rubbed his flesh raw and clamped around his clothes. “It’s worse then.” The large best did not eat him just yet though and Salvatore wondered if perhaps it ate Pip. That would be unfortunate but not surprising. The beast had wandered away without a care, like owner like horse. His mind snapped back to his current predicament as the beast padded away with him off to wherever it planned to eat. Luck was not on his side though, for it had only begun climbing a tree when a large black, decidedly hairy beast rammed into it. He watched the two tough it out for only a few seconds before turning and strolling away in an unhurried manner. Even as he grew farther and farther away he could still hear the battle play and his body reacted itself, speeding up and towards the nearest destination of ‘away’. And away lead him up a set of stairs, stairs that wound up and brought a sense of foreboding at the quiet that filled the area. It was only when he reached the end of his trek, where others had obviously been recently did he find it. A city hidden in the trees, completely in a wreck but beautiful and strange still, of course, it also seemed empty. “Best find some help then.” I was thinking more of going that way. “That way it is.”

[Iosha]

Time Stamp: Morning, Day 40, Summer, 512AV
Location: The Winding Way

Tired and sluggish from the long journey from Avanthal, Iosha leans up against a tree and takes a drink from her water skin. Looking around at her surroundings, Iosha notices that she passed the same rock formation a hour before. Swearing at her stupidity for traveling in circles, she pushes herself off from the tree and looks closer at the surrounding forest. Her eyes fix on a large tree off in the distance, and she notices stairs spiraling the truck of the tree. She starts walking through the high undergrowth to the stairs at the base of the tree. She looks up the trunk of the tree and notices the stairs lead up into the canopy above her. Curiosity has taken over her sensibilities, she steps on the stairs and notices the stairs don't break or even creak under her weight. She jumps up and down making sure the stairs are stable before starting the long stairs up the truck of the tree. Hugging the tree, she makes the slow climb up the tree. When she makes it to the top of the tree, she smiles to herself at the breathtaking view of the forest behind her, and she murmurs to herself, “Mother ...I wish you can see this view...”

Once at top, she notices a series of rope bridges leading to other trees, and larger bridge leading to a another large tree. She decides to walk down the large rope bridge to the tree; however, she notices her way is blocked by a the large large guerrilla holding a staff at the other end of rope bridge. She approaches the ape slowly hoping not startle it. She notices the ape eyes her up and down and waves her over with his staff. Surprised at his greeting, she quickens her pace and stops just out of range of his staff. She nods to the ape and says soft voice in common, “Hello I am Iosha Moonchaser, and I think I am lost. May I ask? Where am I?”

The large guerrilla surprises Iosha once again when it responds to her question in fluent common, “Your not lost Iosha Moonchaser. This is the Spires home of Caiyha and the Jammura all is welcome in our home.” Iosha hasn't smile in a mouth since her husband death cracks a smile and says politely, “I see. So what is your name?” The Jamoura smiles and says prondly, “I am a Hahk'Shatara, konti. If you like entry into our city. Let explain a few rules to you. First rule to follow in the city peace among all, and respect for nature this is the most important rule to follow in the city. If you understand this rule, you shouldn't have any issue with the Hahk'Shatara, Iosha Moonchaser.” Iosha tilts her head in confusion thinking his name is Hahk'Shatara, but it must be a title or a name of profession rather than a name. She listens respectfully to the Jamoura tell her about the laws of the Spires. While listening to Hahk'Shatara tell her about their law, she makes the realization that if you respect the laws of nature and try to live in harmony with nature. She should have no issue with the citizens of the Spires. After he is finished telling her the rules of the land the sentry asks her again if she understands the laws. Iosha looks at the forest below and looks back at the Hahk'Shatara, and says in a soft voice and nod, “Your laws are not to hard to understand, Hahk'Shatara, and I will follow them to the best of my ability.”

“Follow me Iosha and enjoy your stay in the Spires,” the Jamoura guard says as he leads her in the splendor of the city built in the tree tops. See notices the colorful gardens lining the wooden homes of the inhabitants. She smiles at the similarities between Mura and the Spires. Iosha smiles to herself and thinks to herself, 'I could really make myself at home in this city... too bad I have to go back to Mura.” Feeling the craving of seafood and seaweed, Iosha presses through the canopy following the Hahk'Shatara into the city. Curiosity and need for relaxation, Iosha asks her escort, “May I ask how far are we from the ocean?” The Jamoura says without looking around at her, “We are about a mile east of the coast, but I must warn you outside the city. You are on your own, and I can't guarantee your safety outside the city, so tread carefully Konti.” Iosha nods remembering seeing the giant Elk earlier this week in the forest. Iosha says calmly to her escort, “I will keep your warning in mind, thank you.”

[Arrow]

Spring 54, 512 AV

A small brown-gray form flitted down from the canopy and alighted on Arrow’s shoulder. He was glad to see her. Trouble traveled much more happily in her bird form. But he worried about her constantly when she was away from him. Birds and forests naturally went together. But this forest was . . . changed. He had heard much from their guides, Dersha, Lukra and beautiful Jitter. None of it was heartening. But this was why he had come to The Spires. The storm had somehow sucked their little house with the faded blue door right out of Alvadas, or maybe it had run away. And with it went all his brewing equipment, his copying supplies, even his precious books. He and his little kelvic companion were being forced to begin anew. It wouldn’t be the first time for the Ethaefal. He suspected it would not be the last, either. So when they had heard of the calamity that had befallen The Spires, a place that he had lived in once, and his old friends the Jamoura, from whom he had learned so much, Arrow had felt that Leth was prodding him. You have no home. You have no way to support yourself. They need you. Go!

So they had packed what little was left to them and joined the party heading from the City of Illusion off into the wilds of Taldera, to offer what help they could. Another adventure. Again, it would probably not be his last.

The little sparrow hopped from his shoulder and settled on Cat’s head, where she lay sprawled across the pommel of his saddle on the borrowed horse. Cat did not seem to mind the arduous going. Why should she? All she had to do was sleep. Her ear flicked lazily, but Arrow wasn’t fooled. If he hadn’t been right there he knew the feline would have made a grab for the bird.

His memory told him they were close and he looked up. He couldn’t see anything other than forest foliage. But his senses told him, they were here.

“Well, Trouble,” he said with a small smile. “And now we shall see, just how bad things are, here in The Spires.”

OOCI had to backdate the timestamp, to make this fit in with his travels in response to the call for help. But if this isn't allowed, let me know how I can fix it - I could just take the date stamp off?

[Duvain]

Spring, 80 512 AV Long.That was the word that best described the winding dirt road that Duvain was traveling along. She had never actually been to The Spires before...She had only heard stories from others who had been there. What she had heard about the giant trees didn't even compare to the real thing. They were graceful yet strong at the same time. She hadn't ever seen anything like them and paused in amazement. After passing two gigantic looking trees, Duvain got a particularly unpleasant feeling that someone or something was watching her and as she continued, got worse. She looked closely for the city in the trees she knew was there but was much harder to spot that she first considered. And suddenly, like a bolt of lightning in her mind, she began to see the winding staircases around the immense trees. It was perhaps the most awe inspiring things she had ever gazed upon. Being greeted by a large Jamouran guard on the steps of the city, she began her journey in The Spires.

[Kel'Ashun]

Fall 2 512 AV A path... a path... does it even matter any more? No not really.. That was a rhetorical question Ash... Well dont ask if you dont want the answer! Thats the definition of rhetorical. I know that.... But any chance to annoy you is a good one... Kel sighed, his voice barely lifting above a whisper in the mist," Just stop talking Ash.." He could practically feel his brother souls rude gesture as he clammed up... but at least Kel would have a moments thought for himself... He couldnt even be certain how long it had been since he had left his home in Riverfall, selling everything he knew just for an escape... in the time hed been on the road hed found many things to free his mind... hell Ash had as well... though most of those things tended to wear skirts, at least for a time... He grunted and shook his head, tis none of my affair. You know you like to watch~ I Cant HELP But Watch... Its my body too.... and I thought you weren't talking? He only received a dark chuckle in return as Ash retreated once more... well Kel found that he enjoyed traveling, For many reasons eh? Shut up Ash. And so far things were surprisingly good.. the few attacks they had run into on the road had barely counted as warm ups, the wild animals rarely bothering them... the only problem? Kel had been searching for this fabled city of peace for weeks now. And not a sing.... KEL Ash I thought.. Kel.. were being watched. They both cursed their body tensing slightly as their hand inched towards their blade... Any idea who or what it is? I dont know... Im not piking up anything more than you are... Their eyes scanned the area, taking note of all that they could, though in truth neither really had any skill in the forest... the only thing apparent nearby was a winding path of packed dirt, made by the passage of years.. Where theres a path theres bound to be something.. Aye true.. Worth the risk? Better than staying here... With a shrug they set off, their muscles still tense, eyes still alert... even as they moved along the path though the sense of being watched only increased, and finally, at surprisingly regular intervals, they began to notice.. Ladders woven with thick vines, strange staircases leading high up into the canopy above.. and still the sense of being watched... Might as well. They stepped gingerly upon the first step of the nearest stair.... and jumped back nearly 3 feet.. suddenly before them stood a giant ape, easily a foot taller than their own considerable height... Their hand inched towards the dagger.... "I Bid you wealcome traveler!!!! I am B'stard a... well a guide if you will.".... For a moment they stared, completely bewildered.. THAT MONKEY CAN TALK?!?! Shut up Ash.... I think its a Jamoura.. A grin suddenly spread across their face," This means ive reached The Spires!" The huge ape gave him a slightly distressing mimicry of his own smile and nodded," Aye and I am honor bound to take you where you will, just remember the rules of law and you shall be welcomed." As the Jamoura listed off the laws of the spire they couldnt help but gape... never before had they seen such a creature seemingly a beast yet obviously well educated... How interesting.... Do you think I could take him? Shut up Ash. With a slight bow of thanks they asked the apeman if he could lead them to the nearest lodgings.. The road is a hard mistress Only because you wouldnt let me 'ride' her. SHUT UP Ash.