Location The Northern Docks

[Traverse]

The Nothern Docks are alive day and night in Black Rock and presided over by the Svefran population on the isle. There are two main sections of the docks, one for trade vessels, and those for travelers and visitors whose purpose is to learn something from the Isle. Usually one or two casinor's will meet incoming ships and direct them to a proper place to moor one's vessel.

Once docked one will see the rocky beach upon which the Svefra make their home. Several strange houses lie as amalgamations of regular lumber and driftwood, and a few odd doors mark homes built into the rocky side of the island. From here there are a few distinct paths one can take depending on which part of the island they are looking to get to. Generally the Svefra don't let strangers head off on their own without a Cicerone to guide them. While the island is not inherently dangerous, higher up the pathways get steep and some bridges over ravines are not as sturdy as others. Not to mention the ghosts who love taunting newcomers.

c

[Amrita]

2nd of Fall, 514 AV

“Relax, you’ll be fine! Trust me.”

Abu grinned, his white teeth standing in stark contrast to the dim, gloomy-looking shore. He offered a hand, which she hastily took, in fear that he’d disappear if she didn’t.

“Luv, watch your step. It’s a little slippery over here.”

Rita groaned. She never thought she’d miss the dryness of the desert. Being constantly surrounded by water for the past few weeks was hard enough to get used to. She kind of wished their destination would at least somewhat resemble her home, but she quickly realized that her hopes were in vain. The fog-covered, rocky slopes were nothing like she’d imagined, and the immediately eerie aura was nearly suffocating. Disappointment and dread quickly crept through her veins.

“Don’t worry Rita; just remember what I taught you, and go to the Administration’s Office.” He pointed out to the rocky peak. “You see that spire over there? You’ll find the office just below, down a set of stone steps. Just follow that path.” He turned back to face her, placing his hands on her shoulders. “Like I said, they’ll help set you up in a lodging and tell you how to go about finding a job here. Go straight to where you’re told to stay, and get some sleep. And then don’t forget to come meet me here tomorrow morning, okay?” Abu placed a hand on her cheek and smiled, looking down upon her anxious face with earnest eyes.

Her gaze averted when his voice lowered, a tone now full and husky. “Amrita. I promise everything will work out, luv.” He stroked his thumb along her cheekbone. “I’m leaving at noon, and I’ll be terribly upset if I don’t get to see you before I go.” With eyes downcast, a hint of a smile played at her lips, knowing that he'd be smirking at her. Her feet shuffled, not quite sure what to say.

“You’ll be okay, right?” The concern in his voice was evident, and Rita knew that he’d come with her if she asked.

“No—I mean, yes, I’ll be fine.” She brought a hand up next to his, and gently pulled it away from her face. “Thanks Abu. Go ahead and help the others; I’ll find my way.” She gave him a reassuring nod and took a step away from him, slowly letting go of his hand. “Mahim, I’ll see you tomorrow.” With a smile and a wave goodbye, she headed off.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Don’tkillmeDon’tkillmeDon’tkillme…

The words pounded in her mind as fast as her racing heartbeat while she scurried down the path.

Don’tkillmeDon’tkillmeDon’tki—okay, I have to stop.

She stopped.

Take a deep breath in, Rita. Now breathe out. Count. 10, 9, 8, 7…

She started walking again.

6, 5, 4…

Gradually, she felt her heart slowing down and her body started to relax.

3, 2, 1. Oh gods, why am I here...

Yahal, please, I don’t want to die.

Continued here.

"My words. My words in Shiber."
"Their words."
My thoughts.

[Phyolea]

1 Winter 514AV

Phyolea stood on land for the first time since she fled Zeltiva many moons ago. She had forgotten the unpleasant sensation of cold air and of bipedal motions. Now she focused on her movements and surroundings. She was on a dock of some sort. It was nighttime. It was not unlike Zeltiva. The major difference was that this dock was not in an uproar, a fact for which she felt immediate gratitude. She also felt sore and hungry. Her journey had been a long and grueling one. Yet she could not bring herself to return to Charbosi. How could she return a failure?

She did not know what brought her to this strange isle. Perhaps she wanted to know if it truly existed. Perhaps she wanted to understand all of the senseless death she had witnessed in her life. Perhaps she would beg the goddess of death to allow her to join her deceased friends and family. Now that she saw that this isle was indeed real, she was at a loss. Now what?

"You look lost... lass?" Phyolea was so focused on trying to walk correctly that she had not noticed the hu-man with the striking blue eyes. She sighed inwardly.

"Yes, I am a lady." At least this land dweller didn't run off screaming at the sight of her. Maybe this place won't be so bad.

"Are you here to celebrate Myri's birthday?" The man raised an eyebrow.

"Myri? Who's that- Wait, you mean the goddess?"

"Aye. Didn't figure you'd be here for that. You're one of them Charoda right?"

Phyolea was impressed. She had not encountered many in Zeltiva who knew of her people. "Yes." She liked the man's eyes. They calmed her and reminded her of home. "I had a... friend who told me about this... Myri." Phyolea remembered her encounter with a woman called Iff. The woman came from a warrior people who were devoted to this Myri. Phyolea could not understand the mindset of these people. They seemed to enjoy bloodshed. She should have known that an isle like this would have wanton death and bloodshed everywhere.

"Yeah this place has quite a few of you Charoda people and those Iyvess. They blocked our ships from traveling into the Eastern Bay to accomodate you all. You staying a while?"

Phyolea thought about it. She had nowhere else to go. "Yes... unless I'm murdered this evening."

"What are you on about? Why would you be murdered?"

"Well... isn't that what goes on here? Death? And now everyone is celebrating that Myri's birthday... Doesn't she require blood sacrifices or something?"

The man let out a bellowing laugh. "Lass, I think you got the wrong impression about how this place runs. You'll see when you get to the Administration Office. All new people need to check in there." The man pointed south. "Head up that peak. Don't go off wandering. You'll see the office when you get up there. You can't miss it."

Phyolea peered through the darkness at the peak. She was too tired to be afraid. Everything seemed ominous to her, yet she couldn't will herself to care. "Do I need to look out for creatures that lurk in the darkness?"

The man sighed. "Look, how about I just go with you. I can't be gone long though... I gotta tend to my pod." The man extended a hand. "Name's Porter."

Phyolea had completely forgotten about etiquette and introductions. She felt a bit foolish. "I'm Phyolea. It is a pleasure to meet you."

The two shook hands. Phyolea was mildly impressed Porter did not flinch at her webbed hand. "Off we go then." Porter led the way. The two of them headed out on the path to the Administration Office.

continued here

[Jashkataal]

1st of Winter 514 AV
Northern Docks

The endless blue of the open ocean and sky faded gray and finally black as the Sun set. The Moon was slow to rise on the horizon and the interim the stars of the night sky blazed fiercely overhead, till they were joined by their large companion.

Jashkatall floated silently atop the pitch black waters, their little waves lapped near the bones that comprised the metatarsals. There was really no reason not to touch the cold, dark and nameless waters. The same water that had once birthed him now served as an endless expanse on which to drift. He had lost all sense of direction in death, and even the familiar halls of the long ago Citadel lost a sort of coherence once he became aware once more. But then directions seemed to mean less when walls no longer mattered.

Though being alone and at sea for two years had done little to hone his sense of direction.

In the distance there was a prick of light, much like that of the burning stars high above. And yet the closer he drew the more came into view. Until the long double row of torches of the Northern Dock became apparent.

Jashkataal attempted to draw closer but suddenly became aware of a looming presence in the distance. He more felt it than understood it. But it was impossibly large and it seemed that wave after wave of pressure issued from it. Jashkataal floated unmoving for many long moments and then retreated further out into the darkness, away from the mysterious island and its lit dock.

He wasn't sure how far he went before the pressure abated but the smallish pricks of light could still be seen. It was then he noticed others nearby, other ghost. Some floated part way in the water, others just below its surface, their visage distorted by the water's movements. They were about as far from the island as Jashkataal, just outside the reach of the pressure; and in the darkness they slowly began to circle the little, mysterious island. Waiting for the time to approach.