Open [Alements] Beloved

The last night of one man's freedom is cause to rejoice.

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Built into the cliffs overlooking the Suvan Sea, Riverfall resides on the edge of grasslands of Cyphrus where the Bluevein River plunges off the plain and cascades down to the inland sea below. Home of the Akalak, Riverfall is a self-supporting city populated by devoted warriors. [Riverfall Codex]

[Alements] Beloved

Postby Hirem on July 26th, 2014, 12:44 pm

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88th of Summer, 514 AV

Everything had to be perfect.

Hirem had spent the last three days wandering about Riverfall in a daze, understanding of what he had to do and, at the same time, terrified of taking the final steps to do it. He had come to this city lacking purpose, trying to understand what his life was meant to be devoted to. Now he stood in the full light of Yahal's grace and filled with nothing but conviction... and afraid of losing touch with that wondrous period of indecision. For the joys of Riverfall had not just been found in the city itself, the locations within and the people that tended to them. Riverfall had allowed Hirem to cleanse himself of prior sins and look once more towards the future with determination in his heart, and the journey that he had undertaken to reach this point was almost too sweet to end. He had experienced happiness in this city, had felt comfort in the company of others. He laughed and cried, and danced and sang, and had vomited more than a few times over the course of the season. And love too had been formed over the Summer... a deep and abiding love that had grown for this beautiful city of the Akalaks. He loved the stones and cliffs of this place, loved the sea breeze and the warm winds that swept through the streets by day and grew absent by night. He loved the people that lived here, the strong and hardy Rivarians, blessed with the virtue of character as well as diligence. His romance with Riverfall was unlike anything that he had ever experienced before...

and, like the sweetest of pleasures, it had come to an end.

Everything had to be perfect.

He stood on the Alements patio and stared out into the peaceful Suvan Sea, thanking Yahal and the other gods that held dominion over the weather for blessing the afternoon with moderate heart and cool, refreshing winds. It wouldn't do for his last night as a free man to be spent sweating uncomfortably underneath his clothes thanks to the oppressive heat wave. The sky was bright and clear above, with only a few rolling clouds discernible above the strangely calm sea. As he leaned against the patio railing and felt the tender hands of Zulrav slide down his scarred cheeks, Hirem reflected on the fateful day in the past that had seen him arrive at this very patio, just in time to catch Kavala of the Cytali in her moment of peace. That conversation changed my life, he thought, and smiled at the memory of it. Though the day had played host to its fair share of horrors - learning about the existence of the Ruv'na had chilled him to the bone, and the waking nightmares that had plagued him in the morning had proved similarly disturbing - overall Hirem had slipped into bed with a wonderful sense of duty filling his heart. And as I drifted to sleep, I found myself whispering a prayer to Nysel under my breath, wondering if he was listening and if I was fit to speak with him. The importance of that conversation had never once left him, and he knew that it was only fitting that he return to this patio for this last, quiet celebration.

He did not stand alone at the patio; sitting in the far corner, tuning his guitar and humming a pleasant tune to himself, was a fellow Benshira named Urqad. Urqad was a man of easy smiles, soft fingers, and disarmingly bright eyes, an experienced musician and entertainer. Hirem had encountered him earlier this season at the Rat Hole, playing his under-appreciated Eyktolian tunes for a crowd of less than impressed thieves. While Hirem, as a rule, did not trust men that offered their services to the owners of the Rat Hole - which, in itself, was hypocrisy of the lowest order - he had grown to like Urqad for his impressive talent and irresistible charm, as well as for their shared heritage. When the time had come to plan this celebration, he turned to the musician in order to arrange some entertainment, figuring that he would at least like to hear some music from his homeland on his last day as a free man. The fellow Benshira had been more than welcoming in this respect, offering his services for a measly gold miza that Hirem was quick to part with... after all, what need would he have of money? This casual disregard Hirem possessed for his own coinpurse also allowed him to expend a great deal of money in order to pay for the night's food, believing that he could not leave Riverfall and his friends behind without at least paying them back for the trouble he had caused them throughout the season. He ordered this food directly from the Alements as well as other nearby vendors, purchasing a great variety of dishes in order to cater to the many different tastes he was satisfying.

The result was a quartet of banquet tables arrayed along the corners of the patio, reserved entirely for the guests that Hirem was hoping to seat at his large dinner feast. With Caelum's permission, the Benshira rearranged the furniture so that one large circular table dominated the patio, a large host of wooden chairs padded with soft cushions surrounding it. Hirem looked back on this table now and frowned, wondering if he was going to have as many guests as he had been hoping for with this night's celebration. Yesterday evening had been consumed with the hasty writing of invitations and the equally harried rush to distribute them throughout the city, Hirem hoping that they would reach their intended eyes. The invitations were not personalized and read, in a very shaky and unpractised hand, I am hosting a dinner at the Alements on the 88th of Summer. It would do me honour if you could arrive at my table. - Hirem, from the tents of Alachi, of the sons of Rapa. It was unmistakably Hirem's hand that drafted the letters, for no one else could write so messily and expect that others would be impressed by the terse nature of his message. He had sent out eight invitations, one for each of his friends in Riverfall: Edith, Jaye, Alyra, Caelum, Lyn'nice, Kavala, Jek (and he would tolerate Ashar's presence if it meant at least feeding their shared body) and Alaia. And if more than he expected arrived... it would be no great trouble for him to accommodate their presence as well.

Everything had to be perfect.

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[Alements] Beloved

Postby Caelum on July 27th, 2014, 1:12 am

The ethaefal arrived at HIrem's side like a golden lining. His hands slouched into the pockets of bark colored leather trousers, sagging them over narrow hips and disrupting the hem line of the short sleeved tunic he wore. It was the color of butter cream and of fine quality, hand brushed linen though it's cut and style were plain. Late afternoon light glimmered off of the elegant curve of his horns and the sun gloried in the hue of his skin. It even conjured a faint smile to his mouth, a smaller but far more private affair than most people were ever allowed to witness. It was a terribly flawed and shadow-infested companion to the smiles he wore for most the world. Nevertheless, it suited him and, in its way, was more compelling than any other.

He had attempted to dress up a little for the occasion, seeing as how Hirem had gone to all of the trouble of actually giving him a formal invitation. Due to his often warm and welcoming attitude at Alements, it was an easy mistake to think Caelum had a number of close and trusted friends. This was not true and Hirem had, over the course of a sweltering summer, begun to toe his way into those exclusive ranks.

When the Benshiran asked if he could use Alements for a private party, Caelum had immediately agreed. Although he was unable to provide a true dinner buffet -- lacking a devoted and skilled cook -- he emerged a little earlier while Hirem was setting up to lend a hand in the arranging of tables and to set out pitchers of wine and a few pre-mixed, specialty drinks kept chilled on ice. Water, sweetened ice tea, and ale were also available on a small table at the end of the food buffet. These were gifts, as were the small bowls of bold, lush hibiscus blossoms he had set to decorate the table.

Standing at the patio railing, he made a long study of the horizon and felt the distant pull of sun set somewhere in his bones.

"I worry that I've asked too much of you," he said at length, still looking outward rather than over at Hirem's profile. "That I should not have asked at all. It doesn't quite seem fair."
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[Alements] Beloved

Postby Alyra on July 27th, 2014, 11:09 pm

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Uncharted territory never made Alyra wary before. She prided herself on being fearless when faced with new experiences, preferring to see them as opportunities to learn and grow. This time, however, Alyra was unnerved. When she first started combat training, she knew she was going to be beat up afterwards. Walking into Riverfall for the first time, Alyra knew that she'd have establish a new life. With this dinner party, though, the woman knew nothing. She knew absolutely nothing of proper etiquette or dress, what to expect or what was expected.

Alyra had risen with Syna today, hoping the extra time would help lift away some of her worries. Unfortunately, it only gave her more time to brood. She had gone through all of her outfits that morning, settled on one, then, thinking it was too risque, settled on another. But then, she thought What if risque is the right thing to wear to a party? After half of a bell of internal debate, Alyra finally decided to go with her new favorite outfit: a black half shirt, and a drawstring patterned skirt. When she wore both the shirt and skirt, a small stripe of her midriff showed. It was a comfortable outfit, and the only one that fit her at all hours. If this dinner party lasted into the night, the clothes would fit her form well.

After the Day of Dance's braiding debacle, Alyra steered clear of complex hair designs. Instead, she pulled the front part of her hair back, tying it so that it stayed out of her face. More importantly, this style showed off her horns. She had fashioned makeshift earrings out of navira pigeon feathers and dark string, tying a few iridescent green feathers to each of her horns.

When she arrived at the dinner party, Alyra stood cautiously at the edge of the room. She was still unsure about what to do. Her arms hung nervously over her bare midriff as she leaned back against the wall. Alyra thought about greeting her host, but Hirem seemed preoccupied with another child of Syna. So, instead, she stood there and watched the pair, waiting for something to happen.


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[Alements] Beloved

Postby Alaia on July 28th, 2014, 9:20 pm

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It had started with the invitation yesterday, since then Alaia had been a nervous wreck. She knew there was something going on, the last time she had seen Hirem things had been different. She found his near future decisions often a constant when she touched him and now that it wasn’t anymore she didn’t know what to think. Maybe it was his birthday? Invitations usually stated what the occasion was and what she knew of the Benshira led her to believe he wasn’t exactly the type to just throw soirees because it was trendy. Was it trendy? She wasn’t even sure; she hadn't been invited to a personal party like this since arriving in Riverfall.

Alaia had gone to the market first thing in the morning, the moment the shops opened to buy a new canvas as she was running out and she needed to bring a thank you gift for the invitation. That was how this worked. It wasn’t expected by most, least of all Hirem she was sure but she would do it anyways. After visiting the market she found a secluded part on the beach and started her drawing. It took her several bells, landscapes just weren’t her thing but she felt it was the right gift. The water always calmed her as the waves crashed against the rocks along the shore so this is what she drew. She drew peace for him and she tried to capture the chaos against the rocks as well as the harmony of the sun cresting over the horizon. Even just drawing the picture she felt her muscles unbinding in their tension and she hoped maybe it could offer the same tranquility to Hirem if he ever needed it.

The sun was high in the sky now, almost mid day when she finally stood and dusted herself off. Her limbs were stiff with lack of sleep and the seated position she had, had all morning but she was finally happy with the drawing. The walk through the city brought her to the Bazaar where she purchased a bouquet of flowers in all shapes and colors; it was a compliment to the gardens of the city and the general beauty she found in them. Now there was just one more stop to make before heading to Alements for the party. She had to change. There was no way she was going to the party without looking her best.

Time passed quickly for her then, to quickly and before she knew it she was at Alements in her best dress. It fell to mid thigh and was a soft blue that matched her eyes and was accented with ivory lace. She had only worn it once before to the day of the dance festival, she figured this party was the perfect excuse to dress up again. Her hair hung in soft blonde curls framing her face and then falling down her back. Her presents were dutifully hidden behind her back though considering the size of her frame this wasn’t exactly easy but she tried anyways. The Konti hovered behind the woman who had a set of horns on her head. Another Ethaefal? Alaia only assumed from the horns and for a moment she stared, curious for a long moment. The healer was whisked away from her curiosities though when she noticed the men by the railing and a rush of warmth filled her. “Hirem … Caelum…” She breathed their names with a smile on her lips while approaching in careful steps that led her around obstacles.

She hoped she wasn’t interrupting their conversation but when they would look to her she’d bring the gifts out from behind her back. The flowers were held out to Caelum with a glimmer of friendship in her eyes. “Thank you, for allowing the party here Caelum.” She couldn’t imagine a better place to have it then under the Ethaefal’s warm roof. It still amazed her to see the man she first met as a Drykas in this form but she pulled forced her eyes away from him. The space of time it took her to switch her gaze from the gilded male to the tall Benshira was filled with an attempt at nerve discipline. Taking a deep breath in through her nose and letting it out slowly she offered the drawing of the ocean, rocks and horizon of Riverfall to Hirem. “Thank you, for inviting me to your party.” If the gifts were taken she’d toy with a part of the lace on her dress like she typically did when she was nervous though no blush came to her cheeks just yet.

It was only then, after greeting the Hosts of the evening, that she turned her eyes towards the actual space that would be used by them. The normal set up was different with the large table taking charge of the space and the sound of music drifted to her as a man played his instrument in the corner. “Lovely.” She murmured more to herself then to anyone else before looking back at the unlikely pair before her and biting her lip slightly. “Is there anything I can do to help? Please.” She hoped there was, nerves twisted her stomach back into the knot that had loosened on the beach and she figured doing something would help her quell that until more people came and she could comfortably stay in the background.

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[Alements] Beloved

Postby Ashar on August 12th, 2014, 10:04 pm

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88th of Summer, 514AV
The Third Tier


There were no words that could adequately describe the immense relief Jek felt that it was he who was in control while attending, rather than Ashar. Disaster was averted.

Oi. Just because you're the one moving us doesn't mean that I can't hear you.

It was a pleasant day that saw Jek along on his way to the Alements. Finally, after a long scorching season of unbearable heat, it appeared that the weather was finally tapering off into something more agreeable just in time for Fall. Jek was relieved, for it meant that there would be easier days ahead - at least in some respects - and also that this day would be even more enjoyable than it was already destined to be.

So much time had passed since he had first met Hirem within the bowels of the Valkalah Library, surrounded by the words and wonders that such a place had to offer. It was words that had brought them together, and it was words that had strengthened their friendship to such degrees. He knew realistically that the Benshira had much greater acquaintances in the city, for such a man would undoubtedly attract many people of many types, but it did nothing to diminish Jek's pride that he knew the man and at least part of his history. From sands to the seas to the cliffs of Riverfall, such a journey must have been a wonder to brave, and Jek struggled to wrap his head around the journeys that the traveler had yet to undertake.


Don't you think you're exaggerating a bit? Ashar asked, settling into one of his more pleasant moods. He had clashed with the Benshira in question in the past, but he did not dislike the man. It mostly fell down to Ashar in any case - if he could keep himself mild, then there was usually no reason for conflict.

I probably am, Jek replied after thinking about it for a bit. However, that's just natural. My observations of Hirem say more about me than him. He's the first I've met with a history grounded in the deserts of our mother's homeland, and he's the first traveler with such a sense of purpose and adventure we've met. One way or another, he's no doubt destined for many endeavors, and it will be an honor to learn about them as I can.

Ashar shrugged mentally. If you say so. Of course, you're more of a philosopher than I am, so you'll find him much more fascinating. Fanatics usually find something to get themselves embroiled in.

We'll have to wish him luck in his future struggles, then. Jek was dressed in the set of clothes Ashar had recently purchased for the Day of the Dance, the damasked tunic along with the dyed dark trousers and proper shoes. It wasn't fancy by any stretch of the imagination, but it was presentable, and that was important for this farewell party. The dark brother refused to believe that this would be the last he would see of the Benshira traveler, but it would undoubtedly be a very long time before he would see his friend again. As such, it was important to Jek that Hirem have something that would remind him of the scholarly Akalak desperate to explore the outside.

His comments on Wysar and Akajia had already been given, and they'd already exchanged many tales. Rather, Jek had brought with him a silver bracelet engraved with the flame of Wysar, the same kind that their Evantia gnosis appeared as. Beside it on either side were two words, both in Tukant: "hope" and "faith" engraved on either side of the blue flame of discipline.


Can I have one of those?

Can it, Jek said to his light brother, picking up the pace as he saw the Alements grow nearer. Neither had ever been before, but it sounded like a fine place for a celebration. This would be the last time in a long time for Jek to talk with Hirem, so he would have to make the most of it.
Ashar is being renovated. Be patient!

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[Alements] Beloved

Postby Hirem on September 17th, 2014, 5:04 pm

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Hirem stared down at the banquet tables imperiously, his seeking eyes reaching for even the slightest hint of imperfection. If a plate was misaligned, or a goblet set at an unequal distance from all the rest, or a chair was half-pushed in, he would correct the mistake, lunging upon it like a jackal would lunge at its prey. He imagined that he was using his free time to make this banquet a truly beautiful feast for both the stomach and the eyes to enjoy; what he was really doing was fidgeting, and in a very distracting manner at that. Finally, he came to realize the folly of his own behaviour, took a step back from the banquet tables, and took a deep breath. The grandeur of Riverfall is so immense, he thought, shaking his head slowly and pinching the bridge of his nose, that I would be a fool to try and recreate it by myself, with just a few banquet tables. He wanted this dinner to pay homage to the city that had sheltered him throughout this beautiful summer, but he also couldn't deny that he was trying to shake off his nerves. Just two seasons ago, I had no one in the world to look out for. And now here I am, trying to entertain a whole host of guests.

Leaving the banquet table behind, he opted to join Caelum at the patio's railing, his own eyes joining the Eth's as they stared out to the distant, peaceful horizon. Breathing out his anxiety and letting it spill freely into the travelling wind, the Benshiran heard his friend speak quietly and bowed his head. "You ask of me nothing that I would not ask myself, Caelum," he murmured, patting the healer's shoulder reassuringly. "Trust me... without you, I would have embroiled myself in the cause anyway, or die trying. I am a crusading man, and for the longest time I have lacked purpose. What you have given me is the gift that I have been searching for." And while there was fear buried deep within his heart, fear of that dark place called "Kenash" and the chains that threatened to strike from the shadows, Hirem embraced the joy of knowing that his actions were going to produce good - tangible good, the kind that he had been striving to affect his entire life. More than just a purpose, Caelum has also given me a chance at redemption. I fought against slavers once and nearly doomed myself and everyone I loved to the abyss. Now I get to fight once more, and this time, I shall do so without the blindness of youth hindering my step.

"Hirem... Caelum..." whispered the soft voice from behind. Turning about to discover who had arrived, the Benshiran was immensely pleased to see the new arrivals that had joined the festivity. "Alaia!" he began, smiling wide and greeting her with an embrace. It felt right to have her here, after all they had gone through with the detestable Owen Locke. The gift that she produced from behind her back humbled Hirem, and, with trembling hands, he reached out to accept the painting from her. "Beautiful..." he murmured, setting the painting on a nearby, untouched table so that it may remain undisturbed. Then, spotting Alyra in the back, Hirem made his way over to her. "Falim, friend," he offered her, giving her a similar embrace. "It gladdens me to see you here. Caelum, Alaia, this is my sparring partner Alyra." He put a hand to her shoulder and drew the other two's attention, if only for this brief moment. "You have her to thank for many of the bruises I have been sporting this season." And the rest? Well, the rest are thanks to me.

"Ah..." he then said, unsure of how to direct a social event. Then, finally, "Please, sit down!" He offered to his guests, ushering them to the banquet tables. Waiting for them was a taste of Rivarian cuisine; salmon and carp stacked on every plate, surrounded by a host of delicious fruit and vegetables, with every goblet filled to the brim with fine wine. Hirem took his seat at the head of the banquet table but did not eat, instead pressing his hands together and smiling quietly to himself as he waited for the rest of his guests to arrive... and for the courage he had previously summoned to arise, so that he may speak the words he was dreading to say. To pass the time away, he looked to Urquad and asked, "Do you know 'Eyktol Girls?'" He had not expected a positive reply, seeing as how Hirem had met the man who had made up the song just nine years ago, yet Urquad surprised him by giving an exuberant nod. Without further ado, the entertainer launched into a rendition of the piece.

Ohhh, the girls of Ahnatep
Have lips of ruby and skins of gold
The Chaktawe girls are copper
But their kisses are hot and bold
These desert beauties will love you
For all the water they can hold
Still, I prefer Benshira girls
Their dancing is a sight to behold
And when the night is dark and chill,
Their loving keeps away the cold!
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