Open [Red Diamond Tavern] A Theoretical Lanthorne {open}

[Una Tanta]

69th Day of Spring, 513 AV, Night Creak... the door opened with little resistance, its hinges well oiled, a testament to the detailed care and pride the keeper took in his property. It was more crowded than she had anticipated but little attention was paid to the sodden stranger. Enjoying her anonymity she approached the counter smiling to request some water. Receiving it she sat far from the fire the humid body warmth more pleasurable to her than the dry rough heat of the fire. Sipping the delightfully cold water she felt her entire lean into it enjoying it as much as the regulars enjoyed their pint of beer. Watching the door she imagined Cy entering, his familiarity with the city a comfort. Closing her eyes she imagined him introducing her to the civilians, shaking the hand of the keeper and immediately joining the band whose instruments hummed in the corner. "Water already?" he would have teased as he approached before taking a seat beside her. This was his world, the land and the sky, being here felt like wrapping him around herself. They had completed each other, He could never be a part of the water as she was, and she could never be a part of the sky like he. Only on land, or paddling across the top of the ocean was she with Cy. Before him the sea had filled her from toe tip to finger tip but with the poems and ballads he had brought her from Avanthal and Wind Reach over the years the djed of the air and land had intoxicated her. The humming of the instruments turned to music as the people began to sway with drunkenness. The song itself seemed drunken, it's rolling cadence reminding her of the waves she had swum through early in the morning when the mist of the morning seemed to hold the sharper crests at bay. Despite it's timid veil it appeared to hold great power over the swell of the heavy ocean, very similar to the timid veil of necessity that at the moment held the people of Avanthal together. She had heard rumours of the winters activities and despite the warm drunkenness and companionship permeating the tavern she head snippits of gossip that troubled her. Survival necessitated partnership, even if grudgingly given. Cy had told her of the stories that would usually pass mouths every night in this tavern and of the partnership and love these people had for each other carved from the trials of the cold that gave the city its true sparkle.Those mouths remained silent tonight and instead people remained sequestered, like with like, hold with hold. Smiling, she recognized the melody they had started. It was a ballad familiar to Avanthal that was written for Jedara when she took over the Iceguards. It told of her taming the Dire Ice Bears viciousness with words, and lectured on the importance of partnership and the punishment that would fall on malcontents. In twenty seconds of insane courage Una rose and joined the song with the spoken ballad with the desperate hope that by starting the telling she could inspire the atmosphere Cy had spoken so fondly of. I saw a bear rise, From the broiling waters, at the port of Avanthal. He brandished his paws, and cliffs of claws. A dream of an ice-bear, means a gale from the east. Battering Ice Wall Gates came the windy beast. Growing swiftly it hunkered down, Threatening Morwens icy crown. Craven and unwilling to rise, Avanthal knelt, Not to Morwen that day. Jedara came, bathed in night sky hair. Wielding the moon, She brought it to halt. Too late is her action, For so it is settled, From the faring I turn, the going is fixed. Craven and unwilling to rise, Avanthal knelt, Not to Morwen that day. Jedara came, Bathed in night sky hair. Wielding the moon, She beckoned Avanthal. Then bright shone the morning The Ice guards heeding, They said they would charge as one mighty shield, Yet each held the other back, eyes shifting. If one were to sway, to stumble, or fall For certain they would all. Jedara came, Bathed in night sky hair. Wielding the moon, She beckoned the bear. Jedara rose. A new path they pave, Together. All we, fight against the east gales Armed with only companions At the hearth we join together To die, only when our friendship cease Our enemies actions shortened, muted abbreviations in the snow. As our army, together a ballad, a trampling ocean flow. Avanthal knelt, To Morwen that day.. "Come on Honey, let's here another one!" encouraged an inebriated holdsman from the back. "How about a little Honey for the Honey." another teased and Una was rewarded for her ballad with a tea and honey beverage. Smiling awkwardly in return her throat and mouth burning from hot liquid she continued. This time with a lively poem about a man and woman who were born into two families, and a prophecy that said if they met the world would burn with their passion and desire for each other. Hearing about one another and their forbidden meeting they, of course being young and unwieldy, sought out each other. But every time one would almost stumble over the other the other would have been off searching for the one on their trail. It was a delightful little jig of a tale that soon got people on their feet, albeit most were unstable by now. Small groups and couples began little square dances in their corners but the inebriation caused not only loose legs, but loose tongue and loose tempers. Frowning as tempers rose Una slunk into a corner of the room disheartened, The city could rebuild its walls and buildings easily but it wasn't going to be so easy for them to rebuild their relationships after the winter murders she decided. OOCJellyfish=dome, Lanthorne=dome supported by pillars (pillars of friendship, if one falls the entire shelter collapses) see! see! clever nay ;p

[Val'guanis]

Varying hues of yellow and orange conflated the darkness up in the sky; It was dusk for what he pictured after several hours of wandering throughout the snowy city. Val'guanis was deliberately lost from his state, the map he soon thought to contain details about the city was nothing but a sham. It was actually quite aggravating for him strolling on a place with little perspective on the unusual sight of civilization. Ideas of interacting were difficult to configure, he was aware of what the guard warned him earlier though he haven't encountered any deceptive traders yet and of course who would talk to a person who has a dark and eccentric appearance without shaking in terror? It was the first time he ever got his feet to such place; it was fascinating from his point and tiresome at the same time. Perhaps venturing off to the place was a big mistake, but then again, he would've achieved nothing if he was to go back to the Northern Reaches after the troubles he effortlessly caused. He grew hungry as the time passed, hungry for meat that is. The allowance of fruits gave him constant urges to spew from how vile and insipid they are to his taste buds. The worst part is, a tavern or an inn filled with the food he could delightedly chew on was nowhere to be found regardless of how many hours he spent on exploring. He started to think if the city was larger than what he expected, and feared if the progress of the places he explored was nothing but a mere fraction from its full extent.

Perpetually marching on the city corridors, Val'guanis came to the point where couldn't go on with his worn-out feet any longer. His journeys before Avanthal gave a lot of contributions for fatigue to lodge. He halted at a location where empty fruit stands populated the sidewalks all of them abandoned by their respective vendors, they stood adjacent from each other and each carved out from cheap lumber that was cut off from old winter trees. The location was away from large crowds, Few people wandered around all with their casual and friendly faces and eyes turning to Val'guanis as he passed them by. The Kelvic somehow felt that his presence irrationally irradiated the fright of every individual; not that it mattered to him, seeing one terrified person after another had himself mixed up with hysteria and annoyance. He then placed his leisurely stroll to a stop then settled himself into one of the empty stalls, sitting on the ground beside it and leaned his back at its flat surface. Val'guanis breathed a sigh but the abridged silence he seemed to be enjoying was disintegrated by a mass of livid grunts. The sound strongly breezed from a location across from where he was sitting, it was disturbing at first but there seemed to be a delightful aroma which caught his wolfish senses. No doubt, it was the appetizing scent of meat; the scent alone made his empty stomach release a cruddy roar which dragged him to lift himself from his seat and move forward towards the place. He marched swiftly knowing that his taste buds should be recovered soon after consuming the vile fruits he looted.

The door led Val'guanis into a thriving mass of anonymous figures throbbing with foreign energies that were intoxicated by liquor. More men populated the place, each group encompassed a wide circular wooden table overfilling with meat,wine and fruits. Meat. The very sight of it almost pulled out his carnivorous misbehavior but he knew through himself that controlling it in the midst of masses is a necessity he should maintain. The crowd continued their looped chuckles as they gulped one glass of wine after another. Some started to rage over for some lack of service and some intercepted the angry complains by giving one compelling punch as a lecture. The web of chaos seemed to be unstoppable until one drunkard got himself standing and offered a brawl to an anonymous man that sat beside him. Val'guanis couldn't stand the crowd, he never does, it was one of the worst places he'd set his feet upon but knowing that his stomach is in need of meat, he has no choice. He slammed the door as he got himself inside, some eyes were turning towards him while some remained to the ones who triggered their anger. Val'guanis didn't took a single notice to anyone he passed, he sauntered straight as if he was traversing at mere obstacles, he then got himself to a corner where there are workers who awaited to serve costumers with food.

[Liyana Winterflame]

This late into the evening Liyana's potions were starting to control her. Only a sliver of inhibition was left, and the rest of her was permeated by energetic joviality and instinct. She was aware of this and she loved it.

She headed towards the singer who had retired to a corner. Liyana's eyes were wider and more alert than usual, due to the effect of the stimulant Coffee extract. Her movement seemed a part of a dream, her logs floating under her -- one of the effect of the Lillian Root concentrate.

It was well that she had refrained from beer, since this mix had made her as confident as she would like, and alcohol would have probably made her trip instead of jump. She smiled. Ah, the life of a philterer.

At other times -- if she were more sober -- she would have sat down and had a chat about ballads and lyrics, and questioned the exotic stranger about her past. Entertainment and knowledge through conversation.

Now, however, she felt much more active. She had to keep moving.
Smiling wide, she ignored the dancing couples and the ones frowning with their short tempers.

Hearing the door open, she turned her head towards the door, and saw a determined stranger head towards a table -- perhaps hungry and in want of a meal. She forgot to stop walking, however, and ended up tripping and falling, and had only turned quickly enough to see shells and a lovely face.

She got up quickly, slightly disoriented, and said, "Hello! Would you like to dance?"

[Una Tanta]

69th Day of Spring, 513 AV, Night Startled from her internal dialect she reached out instinctively to catch the stranger. Missing, the stranger tumbled awkwardly to the ground. The female regained her footing quickly and apparently her awkwardness did not leave her embarrassed or hurt as she cheerfully asked Una to dance. "Uhm..." She responded slowly. It has been a long time since she had spoken Vani and it took a moment to translate the words from Char to Vani in her mind. "I don't know how to do that dance." She said slowly the Vani language even more musical with the Char accent, worried she had made a mistake she pointed meaningfully at the others not yet confident with her communication ability. "If you show me, then yes..." slowly a smile and a delighted blush filled her beluga white porcelain skin, "I would love to." She finished too delighted that someone should be so friendly so quickly to notice the oddly dilated eyes or hurried cadence of the girls speech. Stepping out onto the dance floor hand in hand, she took a moment to take in the slightly taller girl. Her dark almond hand contrasted sharply with Una's own colourless one. Watching her short black hair move as she did Una smiled again and couldn't restrain herself from reaching out to touch it. Though she had seen the hair of Inarta the hysteria and tension of her time there had left little room for play, looking back she hardly remembered the faces of the women she had met but this girls hair stuck in her mind. She had never seen hair so dark, and never seen a black so deep and multifaceted except in the sea. The curls tangled gently around her finger the silver and red shocking and bright against the black. "Sorry." She apologized, self conscious of her forwardness, "your hair. It's beautiful." she finished bashfully. Suddenly the stench of meat hit her nose making her stomach squirm. Looking past the girl she watched a man devouring a large steak, wrinkling her nose in response she bit her lip before turning her attention back to the Vantha before her. That man...his gaze reminded her of an orca's she had once seen. There was nothing except hunger.

[Cian Silvertooth]

Cian wandered the streets of Avanthal aimlessly. He was restless, more than a little on edge, and it was starting to irritate him. He hated being nervous for no reason. He walked with his hands in his pockets, feeling the weight of his coin purse with a set of fingers. It was a good feeling; a feeling that spoke of security and structure. A feeling that spoke of...

Drink! That was it. He stopped in his tracks and spun about. The city was relatively quiet, so it wasn't hard to hear the noise from the tavern a street or two over. He cut through an alley and emerged on another street. He paused, put his hands on his hips, and examined the building in front of him. The Red Diamond Tavern eh? He'd heard about it from the locals. Sounded like a good enough place to have a drink, maybe a hot meal...maybe even a dance. He laughed under his breath. Dancing'd be the last thing he did. He was no man's dancing bear.

He entered the tavern with a mite of difficulty. The patrons were pressed against the door, drunkenly cheering the dancers on. He moved carefully, not wanting to upset any drinks, or anger any drunks with an inadvertent shove. It was slow going. He was, after all, a big man. He stood head and shoulders above most of the men and women in the building.

He made his way to what seemed to be the most secluded corner of the bar and dropped down at an empty table. He took in his surroundings, watched briefly as a Charoda and a young Vantha girl danced, took in the man next to him with the hunger on his face, and waved a tavern wench over.

"An ale for me. Big. As big as ye've got. Two for them," he said, pointing at the two dancers. "And a meal for him," Cian said, finger drifting over to the man at the other table. "A good meal too. Give him good meat and whatever else ye've got in the kitchen." The woman nodded and went to fetch his orders. He wondered briefly what had come over him, and then shook his head. Never hurt to show a little compassion every now and again. At least, that's what Kera had always said.

[Celyn Frostfawn]

Celyn was weary, but he needed a break from normal life. The tavern was the best solution, so that was where he was now, stepping into the busy room. He didn't drink, but could still get something from the bar. He straightened his coat, which he kept on, and his eyes turned blue, showing peace. He could see a variety of people, including another Vantha, who looked drunk, or something along those lines.

He also spied a Charoda. He had only met a few of their species, and was curious, but he suppressed his interest, instead heading toward the large man on a table by his self. Finding a table near enough to him, he sat, pondering over what to do, while keeping an eye on people around him. Someone was sat eating a large meal, and Celyn's eye colour deepened. He narrowed his eyes, but kept quiet.

[Val'guanis]

Val'guanis remained calm and sat still albeit the abrupt composure of blithe moods that jollied throughout the place, he was relieved to hear the recently furious drunkards explode into hysterical chuckles and some hands clapping in rhythm as they cruised themselves towards the performance of graceful dances. Val'guanis may hate the crowd but a jolly atmosphere doesn't seem to be an issue. The Kelvic froze for a moment after a huge bulk man got himself a seat beside him, then turned his head facing below abhorring the light to illuminate what was concealed by his hood; his face. The man looked resembling to any of the people inside the tavern but Val'guanis sensed something eccentrically different within his ambiance, as if the man was far from human. Once after the word "meat" and the phrase "Give him" broke outside of the man's mouth, he shuddered from discomfort knowing a complete stranger offering a meal to a shady wanderer such as himself seemed bizarre despite how the party altered everyone's mood. As the tavern maiden made her way back to fetch up what was ordered, Val'guanis cleared his throat in an attempt to respond at the man's actions.

"Why offer something to a stranger?........I suppose a man like you trusts no one but your cohorts........am I correct...sir?" The Kelvic said, contrasting phrase after phrase each distinguishing a questioned tone which expressed his cryptic intimidation and inadequate knowledge of humans though he wasn't certain if the person really is one. His eyes were still downcast having no single intention of turning his head to the one he was conversing with. It seemed to be the way how he fostered interactions after the years he spent in solitude, socializing wasn't actually an interest of his, judging from how he behaved but he knew frankly that changing himself should be done soon as well as to find someone that could pull him out from the darkness that concealed his existence. Val'guanis heard a multitude of plates clattering in a fast momentum and smelled the scent he had been longing for. It was so heavenly, that it almost mesmerized his senses and broke himself from his carnivorous insanity.

[Veizor Coolwater]

OOCCharoda are basically NEVER seen in Avanthal, so make sure your characters don't like its normal to see one. Helping to put her in a more majestic light to everyone else in IC, since she should be looked as a monster or something insane anyway. In the tavern, the atmosphere was vibrant, radiating a new type of feel, an energy not before felt or not in a long time anyway. The thick scent of alcohol permeated the premises, circling around and filling the noses nerve receptors with sweet smells. The waitresses and waiters were kept busy, no rest between orders. People were beginning to stroll in at an even faster rate, the hustle and bustle of the tavern just making a snowball effect on the community. The Vantha's have been working hard all winter and it would even be more work during the upcoming summer, especially for those with the Gnosis of Morwen ; maintaining the buildings and holds in the heat. Thankfully, Avanthals location helps tremendously, the cold tundra keeping the ice together longer. Not favored enough by Morwen to have much control over ice to assist, staying to the docks and accompanying the fish boats has been the main concern for Veizor. Restricting himself to not needlessly use Reimancy has been easier throughout the weeks, knowing when to prove himself and then when knowing to let the boat crews use their own talents. It has been stressful, but now it was time to kick back and drink some of that good honey. A glistening iron tankard was placed on his table, splash of liquid trailing down the side from the recoil. Grabbing the handle and a quick sip of it, the sight of a maiden on stage caught his attention, creating a mental image of his jaw dropping to the floor. It wasn't very common to see Charoda, but wow. That flawless skin that was looking as smooth as the ocean's greatest pearls, with a hue of blue that would put a clear summer sky to shame. Almost spitting out his honey, Veizor wiped off whatever may have began to dripped off his chin, listening to the soothing voice. She had come as the hero of song, the angel of music, a maestro of exquisite performance! He listened to the song closely, the high notes being hit right on the point, the instruments being in perfect synch with the Charoda's voice. The orgasm in his ear was a splendid moment, which then the overbearing ways Vantha were known for, overcame the young mage with haste. Walking up to the stage himself, Veizor had a glean in his eye and a smile that could catch a quick second glance. He coughed abruptly, clearing his throat before pointing to the Charoda. "Now, ladies and gentleman of this tavern! Don't tell me you don't want to hear an encore of such splendid merrymaking ! She has a special talent with a beauty that has not been seen for eons, a type of rhyme and rhythm that should only be preached even more !" he began to say, almost yelling and having his audience engrossed into the emotion that was put into each word, vowel, syllable and right down to the way the words were pronounced. He wanted and yearned for the tavern to listen to him, as to have them behind in support of the cause to get the girl to sing again. "Please if you want to hear this fine lass sing again, let us give a warm welcome to her and a light round of applause!" exclaimed the Vantha, walking around and displaying body language of the rulers of old, upright posture with a demeanor of confidence and of warm charm. The crowd soon clapped behind him in a beat, hoping that the Charoda would respond. "I shall accompany her myself, to give off a visual for the show! You men and women have been working hard in this beautiful city that has had equal contribution from each hold and individual, so let us celebrate our own hardwork!" he yelled once more, raising his hands up high and arching his back, as if he was raising the curtains on a show for it begin. The crowd was in a uproar, and now was expecting something to match the fiery spirit given off by the youth.

[Una Tanta]

69th Day of Spring, 513 AV, Night Amused and delighted by the light footed jig of the Vantha people Una was perturbed when she was interrupted by a waitress holding two pints of beer. Feeling her stomach spin beneath her as her memories pulled her back to the day when Cy fell from the sky. Drink had brought him to her, but drink had also stolen his life before her. Staring blankly at the waitress for several moments she was returned by a scowl, "We're busy here miss, do you want it or not?" "I uhm I-" She responded hesitantly before reaching out and taking the cool beverage in hand. Gazing down into its golden depths she imagined Cy here drinking. Simultaneously disgusted and intrigued she lightly licked the surface. It tasted like Cy's kisses she thought instantly, both sweet and bitter. Cradling it in her hands she glanced up at the waitress, "It's delicious..." "That man sent it over." She indicated with her thumb, "he also bought an entire meal for that friend beside him, I'd be careful ladies" she suggested, "they aren't the sort two little ladies like yourselves should surround yourselves with." Leaving them with those words she paved her way through the boisterous crowd back towards the bar. Watching the two, she raised her glass to them in thanks, a gesture Cy had spoken of frequently. I gesture that silently bonded two drinkers at opposite side of the room. With the polite gesture made she turned her back on them. The gaze of the one, and the sheer hulk of the other deterred her but the barmaids warming sat inflamed in her mind. Walking with the Vantha she had danced with to their bar stools she offered a smile and a hand, "Una, and you are?" Just catching the girls name before they were interrupted Una turned her attention to the stage. She bit her lip, and set down the drink, she could feel its effects creeping through her head making the Taverns noise and the constant distractions from the girl delightful rather than irritating. Gazing up at the tall boy she smiled back unknowingly before realizing his finger and words were directed at her. Taking a step back his enthusiastic verbal applause of her performance so loud and tangible it hit her like a shove. Used to the quiet languid tones in the sea this loud merrymaking and emotive exclamation was shocking to her senses. What might have overwhelmed her and sent her running to the door for an escape in the lenses created by her slight inebriation she was enthralled and flattered by his compliments. Turning to the girl she grinned, "I guess the stage calls?" and flounced up to join him on stage propelled by the uproar of the tavern denizens. Turning to take him in before she began the ballad she grinned almost laughing outright. She craned her neck to look up at him the same way she had had to with Cy on land. The memory was sweet. His skin almost charodean in smoothness, and he much paler than most Vantha. Despite their differences her sullied mind imposed the image of Cy on him and for the first time since his death she felt chest swelling glee. Turning to the musicians she leaned down and whispered in their ears. Nodding they began the slow eery melody that began "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". Her hands moving as she spoke Una woke the tale slowly, let it rise like the dawn and communicated its path like a comet careening across the sky, closing her eyes as she let the words wash her away. Slowly as she began to lay the long ballad to rest she opened her eyes and stumbled over the words awestruck by the sight before her. OOCI know I should have written another Ballad from scratch but I couldn't seem to think of anything so hopefully you all enjoy this classic. Furthermore, I just wanted to draw your attention to the languages part of everyone's CS. Those of you who can't speak Vani wont understand what Una is saying as she tells this tale as she is speaking Vani in everything she has said thus far. Other side note! This is a great thread :3 Thanks for Joining everyone!

[Celyn Frostfawn]

Listening intently to the beautiful Charoda reciting the poem, Celyn was moved. He thought the Vantha was being rude himself, but she was not dissuaded. And he was glad. As he appeared to be one of the few sober people in he tavern, he felt he could appreciate it to the full extent. Even in their inebriated state, the room had the courtesy to grow quiet. If he had drunk something, or perhaps was more of an extrovert, Celyn may have applauded her, but unfortunately he was neither. The only way anyone would know his opinions were his eyes, the deep blue turning more purple. He was impressed.

Once the chatter had started again, Celyn's mind started wandering, much like his eyes around the room. There was now another in the rabble, the Vantha who was the cause for the performance. Celyn took an immediate disliking to the man, not strong feelings, just first impressions. He called a waitress over, asking for something non-alcoholic - "whatever you have that tastes adequate and won't change my personality." his words were - and sat back in his chair, content with subtly watching people.