Location The Icewall Gates

[Vaspira]

45th of Winter 512 AV

Vaspira had been traveling from the spires for 17 days, she was hoping to make it to Avanthal in 15 days, but due to the Yukman evasion she had to perform, it made her journey longer, and the weather of course did not help matters much. Vaspira was tired, cold, and hungry. She sold her clothes to make her pack lighter for travel, so she would get to Avanthal quicker. She was impatient and determined to follow the Konti Fortune Teller's advice about traveling North, to discover more information out about her father. She did not know who he was, his name, what he looked like... He was a complete mystery to her, and she needed to solve this mystery. Deep inside her she knew when she found him she would be rejected, but even so she needed to know. When her mother was alive she never spoke of him, except for the one emotional outburst from Vaspira questioning her about him. She did not give off any information in that outburst, besides the fact that her father was not Kelvic. So she knew she was looking for a human of some sort, but that was it.

Vaspira walked tirelessly through the mounds of snow, the arctic wind blowing so hard she thought she would fall over in the snow.

As she approached closer to her destination, something caught her eye out in the distance. Vaspira shook her black leopard head to clear it, blinking her eyes a few times to make sure what she was seeing was really there. Up ahead was a wall, or a gate, that appeared to be made of some kind of ice. The bright sunlight casting down upon its cold surface made it shimmer in the distance, as if a beacon of hope lay before her. This was all that she needed to push her body further and harder. She ran towards the gate at full speed, excited that she finally made it to her destination. Nothing was going to stop her now, or that was what she thought before she came up on two guards and two huge polar bears.

Vaspira stopped in her tracks and looked up at the men and polar bears looking down at her. She had been in her Kelvic form for 17 days, and forgot that they could not understand her feline tongue. Vaspira quickly shifted into her human form, standing tall with her arms wrapped around her small frame, the cold wind making goose pimples spread across her exposed flesh.

“Welcome to Avanthal, we are here to help assist you into our city, if you wish?”

Vaspira just nodded a yes, her body shaking from the cold. The guard looked at her with a frown and continued to speak, “You can shift back into your Kelvic form for protection from this frigid weather, and we will lead you into the city.” The one guard pointed to the polar bear, indicating that he and the polar bear would be leading her. Vaspira smiled and nodded again, shifting back into her kelvic form following the guard and polar bear into the depths of the wondrous and intriguing city.

[Betelan Whitesquall]

Winter 512, Day 50

Lan was worried. He had been walkinf for almost a day now in the heavy snow surrounding Avanthal without finding the city. His silver strider was limping, also suffering from the cold he wasn't used to. But this major difference was the reason why the young man chose the north to settle. Just seeing grass would be a bad reminder of what he left behind -or rather what he was forced to abandon.

His was beginning to imagine his own death in the cold, shivering in his snow-white coat, when he finally found Avanthal, crashing in the Icewall. He was perplexed, trying to understand how he could have missed the huge glowing ice-like rampart. With a sigh of relief, he followed the wall in what he hoped to be the right direction towards the entrance, and there it was, the famous and enchanting Icewall Gates. And Lan would probably have been entranced by it if it wasn't for his worry for his strider.

Restless, he asked the guards for a place to take care of his friend, hoping he could also find a shelter and a way to be helpful to the community in which he was willing to blend.

[Soren Frostfawn]

48th day of the Season of Winter, 512 AV

A leather wrapped figure approached the frozen walls of Avanthal. His eyes were alight and ruby colored as they stared from within the city limits to gaze upon the outside world with excitement and adventure. He sighed and shook his head, his eyes turning quickly to a dark blue as sorrow crept into his mind with the thoughts of his inability to leave the city limits, he would stay in Avanthal...for now at least. The cold wind and freezing snow swirled around his body and a few strands of long black hair with streaks of a cobalt blue flew around his shoulders. Soren Frostfawn tightened the hood of his cloak as he gazed at the beauty that was the snow drifting down. He always seemed to find peace when it snowed, his thoughts would melt away as each flake of the glistening frozen water fell.

He noticed the gaurds at the entrance to the gates, the immense dire polar bears with their fur white to blend into the ground snow and their bondmates, the powerful Icewatch. The dire polar bears were immense, the smallest one of the two twice the size of a regular polar bear. The guards were both elite warriors of Avanthal and not to be trifiled with. He nodded as a sign of admiration and respect to the great protectors.


He raised his left hand, and touched the frozen wall, feeling its immense chill piercing through his skin and bones. He quickly withdrew and turned to go back to his home in the Frostfawn hold. His eyes showed new determination in them, if he were to venture from Avanthal and carve his own path in the world, he would first have to prepare for a season or two.)

[Dragul]

62nd of Winter, 512AV Night Dragul weathered the snow as it blew across his path. He had been traveling for sometime now and so far the scenery hadn't changed much from the same old consistent white. However Snowfall had carriedh im well across the wintery landscape of his forefathers. He hoped to allow Snowfall some well deserved rest, but first he had to find the fabled gates of ice that he had heard of many times on his journey through Taldera. After some time passed he found himself looking at what he had long sought out to find, and it was like a wave of relief crashing down over him. He had arrived, at the first destination of many to come, for he doubted that this was where he would stay for long, once he accomplished his task for Akajia, which he still knew little about. Either way that could wait till nightfall, first he had to gather provisions, and lodging. He was unfamiliar with the city, but had picked up a smattering of Vanti on his way here in hopes of being able to communicate without seeming to much an outsider. As he passed through the gates he finally noticed the guards. He urged Snowfall onward into the city that would mark the gateway to his future, and his ascension.

[Yousef]

91st of Winter, 512 AV Yousef scowled at the snow entering his low cut boots, he pulled his turban closer to his ears then he began walking once more. After almost a year’s worth of travel here he was again, travelling. Not that he was uncomfortable with it, after all he was a Benshira, but for Yahal’s sake did it have to be so ridiculously cold?! How was he supposed to know that the Taldera region was a freezing fortress of ice? If he knew then he wouldn’t have ventured here in the first place. He dragged his feet heavily and pulled on his horse, they arrived at the port some 30 days (Or was it 40? Honestly he couldn't remember!) ago and immediately he set off for Avanthal. It had slipped his mind to buy warmer clothes until it was ultimately too late for him to do so, he was already lost. Yousef hated this, the harsh weather, the chattering of his teeth, the odd noises he would occasionally hear among the bushes, there was nothing like this back at Yahebah. Everything was so different, take that odd shimmering thing in the distance for example. Back at Ekytol that could either mean an oasis or a travelling caravan of merchants but he was pretty sure Taldera had none of those. Wait, hold on. He squints his eyes, making sure they weren’t playing tricks on him, onto the distance he can make out figures of men and two other large creatures. He couldn’t help grinning. “Look Hassan, there are people! People!” he exclaims, running frantically towards the gates, completely ignoring how numb his feet felt. The Guards eyed him warily, probably because of how lightly he dressed, but that didn’t matter now. He took a few moments to catch his breath, until something caught his attention. Large, creatures like desert cows (only they were much much bigger) with thick fur like a sheep’s, how odd. Yousef wanted to investigate more on the odd looking animals but his limbs would freeze off if he kept wearing his tunic for much longer. Rubbing his hands vigorously he made his way into Avanthal, but pausing just a bit to give one of the guards some advice. “Sir, I think you should have your cow checked, he looks weird don’t you think?” he pats the guard on the shoulder and continues walking on. When he was out of earshot the guards chuckled to themselves mumbling something about crack head tourists.

[Ronan Dugal]

Spring, 6, Year 513 Things had been quite alright during the winter, surprisingly. Ronan had heard tales of Avanthal and its killing blizzards and freezing winds but he had to admit that it was all exaggerated. Sure, there were cold winds and sure there was a lot of snow, which made it difficult for his horse to pull the cart, but with his winter blanket wrapped tightly around him, Ronan had easily survived the cold. What Ronan didn't know, however, was that winter was the warmest time of year in Avanthal. With the guard dog to his left and the horse to his right, Ronan was walking in the general direction of Avanthal. At least according to the map he was holding. The trip, combined with the elements, hadn't been very good to the map and it was worn out and ready to be turned into scrap. But Ronan still needed it so he continued to use, although half of it was unreadable already. "Good thing I don't mind snow and cold, otherwise this would have been a stupid decision." The young man looked up, through a small space in his cover that allowed him to see, everything else was hidden underneath a blanket, clothes and armor. In front of him, reflecting the sunlight with a passion, stood the gates of Avanthal. It would have been worth a stop and a touristy check up but not having eaten in two days sort of pushed Ronan on towards the gates. With a casual stroll he passed the guards, tapping the side of his hood with his fingers, quickly hiding his hand back in the relative warmth of the blanket as he guided the horse and cart through the gates of Avanthal. Following the directions of a friendly neighborhood Avanthalian, Ronan found himself heading towards the Savintar Warrens, the "best" inn in town, apparently.

[Garran Frostfawn]

Spring 1, 513 AV Garran had only to give the slightest pressure on the reins in his hands to bring Iliki down from a trot into a walk. Easily, the two ambled towards the gates. It had been invigorating to be out for a run – and with the Windrunner mare, it was truly a run. Regardless of the snow that still claimed the landscape of the frozen tundra, Iliki flew as if she had wings on her hooves, eating up the miles, with the speed and stamina for which her breed were renowned. Garran loved to get out beyond the city walls and let her go flat out – and the mare loved it too. They moved almost as one being – Garran had been riding since he was big enough to walk, and he and Iliki had been together for ten years, since the night she was foaled. There was almost an intuitive connection between man and horse – a bond of long standing companionship and working together, such that each could anticipate the needs and desires of the other. Even now, approaching the Icewatch guards that patrolled by the Icewall gate, Iliki slowed to a halt, as Garran wished her to, and stood patiently as he had a brief, friendly exchange with the men. Without any objection, of course, he was allowed to pass through the gates, and horse and rider headed towards the Frostfawn Hold, a good brush down, and lunch.

[Alexandra]

Spring, 14th, 513 AV

The cold morning air of Northern Taldera bit at Alexandra's face, the wind whipping about her, sending stray snowflakes into her eyes. Truly the north was indeed harsh, it was hard to believe that anyone could conceivably live here in this land of always winter. However the woman found it difficult to dispute the sight of the city before her, and what a splendor it was to behold. The walls were not nearly as intimidating as the oppressive walls of Syliras but they were certainly impressive amidst the frozen tundra.

Alexandra shielded her eyes from the snow with her arm, waving to an approaching guard. She managed a weak and tired smile, the journey here had been extremely exhausting and the woman longed for a place to rest her head.

"Greetings traveler, what brings you to Avanthal?" The man asked, obviously it was something he was required to ask every traveler.

"I seek a warm bed, a hearth, and good food for a hungry belly." Alexandra answered.

"Seek out the Luminary Commons for food and drink, and housing in the Savintar Warrens. Welcome to Avanthal, traveler." The guard said, motioning for Alex to move on past the main gate.

The woman continued onwards, eager to rest and recover from her long journey. After that perhaps it would be best to get her bearings for this city, she certainly was not eager to leave back into the tundra anytime soon.

[Ruby Majalenka]

[20th Spring 513]

When Ruby Majalenka asked of Avanthal to a passing merchant caravan twenty miles earlier, she was troubled by the vague answer, simply pointing her to a direction and informed her to look for a shimmer amidst the light snow. However, upon approach, she was amazed at the Icewall and admired without knowing she had come close. Driven by curiosity, Ruby felt the wall. Cold to the touch. She was about to lick it when the Icewatch guards called out to her, to whom she immediately apologized. After a short conversation, one Ruby felt to be more of a questioning, she asked for a place to pitch her tent and set up camp so as to not waste money on inns.

Thus, began her stay on Avanthal.

[Val'guanis]

56th Day of Spring, 513 AV

Days seemed ages and nights turned into terrifying games of luck where he'd put his life on the line and face whatever trouble that'll shape up the most morbid existence possible. Providentially, the mercy of the vilest hours in his days of travel seemed favorable of his presence regardless of how he maintained his beliefs. Death can probably wipe you out with the most imminent force imaginable but escaping from its grasps was far from what Val'guanis expected. His thoughts and recollections about the recent nights where he stumbled himself to a group of hunters were still evoked; merely, how far the certain event crossed, left Val'guanis dreary after what he failed to do. Relief was distant to his heartstrings, he saw what the hunters were aiming for and it wasn't just for pleasure. If only there was an idea that popped up within his head that might involve saving lives, then none of them would end up being meals for the wild beasts; Val'guanis thought if there were people who awaited their return; families in most cases, who, along with their beloved, were waiting for the small payment to land on their jaded hands and buy whatever their small profit can reach to load up the empty stomachs of their children. He went into a series of retrospects where outraged conversations mixed with fear were spoken. "calm down?! are you telling us to calm down?...YOU! led us here, to our deaths....." he ceased to a phrase which he believed to be pointing at his actions, he started to feel guilty but that did not literally mean it was his fault. Frustration grew briskly after how he pictured it; masquerading as if nothing happened,it was one of the very first tragedy he ever felt sorry for, as for something that absolutely had no relation to him.

It was mid-day when he got his drained up feet standing on the outside parks of the city, his eyes were in awe as he took one fascinated glance after another towards the towering gates of ice which proved to be a wondrous marvel constructed by anyone unimaginable. The momentum of his travels were placed on a sudden halt as his eyes came across to a duo standing right beside the passageway and oddly riding at the saddles of two polar bears. It seemed suspicious judging from their unusual postures but how Val'guanis looked like was more from what it seemed. After carefully studying the staggering exterior sight of the city, he brought both of his feet forward then sauntered towards its direction. In a hope to pass without being spied, Val'guanis kept himself facing aground then sank his existence into the silence of darkness. His existence, however, was noticeable enough; only a complete fool would think that they can actually pass through a group of people by dressing like a crazed wanderer. The two guards that stationed at the gates eyed the cloaked figure for a moment until it got itself up close. Val'guanis kept walking then halted as one of the guards cleared his throat loud enough for him to notice.

"What plans does a wanderer have with our beloved city?" One of the guards spoke without catching a glance at the Kelvic. Val'guanis remained silent then took seconds before coming up with a response. "Same as to what most adventurers have....Why? Do you see me as a threat?" Val'guanis responded with his usual flat voice unintentionally filled with malice. From the guard's view, Val'guanis' face was engulfed by darkness, though not most of it. The two were somehow shivered by vague emotions that were in between fear and mystery. The guard who spoke took one big gasp before coming up with his abridged lecture.

"Not at all but I must warn you stranger, there are traders here who desire nothing more than deception. Please be careful" Val'guanis remained still then gave the guard a nod before continuing his tracks towards the interior of the city and thus embarking on a new journey for another hopeful accomplishment.