Open A Knock On the Door

[Litani]

6th day of Summer, 513

Sanctuary.

The thought had a hopeful, hollow ring to it. Litani forced herself to smile. Stop, she softly chided herself. Nothing is proven until it is, nothing is certain 'til it's done. That doesn't mean it isn't worth trying. And... what have I got to lose?

The road had been long, and the journey towards that road had been longer. Still, for reasons both personal and professional, the young Konti had braved the Sea of Grass and all the wilderness between Syliras and Riverfall to be here. Here. Standing silent and alone outside the walls of the place everyone called 'Sanctuary'. Perhaps it was.

Shifting the weight of the satchel on her shoulder, Litani began to walk closer. She knew she was taking a risk -- if this woman Kavala did not like her, she would have to search elsewhere for employment or abandon her idea of staying in Riverfall. That was a thought she was not yet willing to entertain. One thing did trouble her, however, about the imminent meeting... What will she expect from one of her own kind? What will she expect me to be like? What if I am not...

Stop.

I am here, now. The wind is soft, the sun is bright. I am here. Now.

Stretching slightly, she pressed her shoulder blades together in an effort to force them to release their tension. A slow breath moved in and out of her body. And her feet took her closer.

[Kavala]

The world one moment was quiet, and in the next instance a sea of dogs was surrounding the Konti as she stood before the horse gates, debating whether or not to go in. The dogs, more than a dozen, where made up primarily of two different kinds. The first were huge, far bigger than the Konti herself, in shades of black and white or with the two colors mixed in a harlequin pattern. The second where thin tall dogs, hunters, that looked fast with long silky hair. Silkenas and Imperial Watchers. Tails wagged, noses pressed into her legs, the dogs surrounded her in a happy pack that couldn't help slapping her with tails and shoving her gently back and forth as they all crowded in with noses to get a sniff and say hi.

A soft word though and the dogs backed up, backed off, and split from the Konti to reform around another Konti that was suddenly among them as well. The newcomer was sweaty, dressed in cotton leggings of a deep black material and a white sleeveless tunic belted at the hips. She was dripping sweat and barefoot, carrying a small pair of sandals that must have meant she came from the beach. The Konti leaned over a moment, still catching her breath from the run up the cliff road to get to the gates. The dogs, some of them, were winded as well. She must have been down on the beach running them. Straightening finally and brushing a sweaty bit of almost translucent hair out of her eyes, Kavala stepped forward and introduced herself.

"Good morning. I'm Kavala. Sorry for the pack surrounding you. They are just curious." She said, putting a hand on one of the deep dark Imperial Watchers that somehow surrounded both Konti, not threateningly, but protectively... watchful as they waited for her to work the gate.

"Can I help you with something? This is The Sanctuary. You're welcome to come in and visit a bit." Kavala said, moving towards the massive gates, working a latch on the outside, and swinging one wrought iron side open to allow the dogs to stream through. "Won't you come in?" She invited, stepping aside so the new Konti could pass through before her.

[Litani]

A laugh, sweet and silver, rose through the air as Litani was surrounded by the happily overwhelming pack of unknown but clearly friendly and well-trained dogs. She beamed brightly and rewarded their curiosity with head scratches and easily affectionate pats on their sides as they moved among themselves and jostled for position. When Kavala called them back, she smiled wistfully at their departing, wagging tails.

Her blue eyes flicked up then and Litani saw the other Konti, greeting her with a gentle, respectful nod that spoke of a sensible upbringing. As with the other notes of welcome that she had so far received in this city, the invitation to pass within seemed both genuine and warm - a certainty that she was tempted to ascertain, but she withheld. Trust her for what she gives you, she said to herself, holding back the urge to 'read' the other woman, wanting to know but also wanting to be discrete. "Thank you, very much...!" she said with a soft laugh of pleasantness, following the sound swiftly with, "I hope I have not caught you at a hard time... you look so tired. Good tired, though!" Stop being so nervous! Just... be.

With this, Litani went silent for a few seconds and darted well within, giving space for Kavala and the dogs if they wished to follow. Her hands clasped themselves self-consciously at the shoulder strap of her pack and she smiled somewhat bashfully, but forced herself to meet the eyes of her perhaps-future-employer straight on. "My name is Litani," she said softly, by way of introduction, inclining her head in a subtle half-bow. "A beloved friend and mentor spoke of this place highly and..." She'll understand. She's Konti! "And I felt... Called, honestly." She renewed her smile, albeit somewhat nervously, but bold all the same. "It is my hope to serve, should there be a need."

There. Leave it at that and don't ruin it by babbling! Just see how she responds and go from there.

Inner banter notwithstanding, the outward picture of the young medic was calm and composed... at least as much as one can be, when presenting oneself for possible employment in such an enviable and lovely position.