An Ancient Gathering(Closed)

[Kuruva]

Azarah
Kuruvan Region
25 Miles East of the City of Doravan
50 BCE

“I am the wrath of the ancestors, the master of my own fate. I am the crimson fury. In blood and fire we are the strong, forged by it’s crucible…” The room was dimly lit by small slits in the walls, at nearly uniform distances within the chamber. On the far side of the room, a younger woman with long silver hair was kneeling, an unsheathed jian stabbed into the dirt in her right hand, a sheathed gladius along her her right hip. She was wearing a bronze cuirass that cut off just above her hips and directly at her shoulders, and it’s back and front were strapped together by pieces of leather rather than hammered together into a single piece. Her legs were covered by a black skirt, pieces of interlocking chain and strips of leather acting as armor that cut off mid-thigh, her skirt slowly tapering back until it ended just after her knees. She was kneeling before a large statue that had been carved into the stone wall. It was a masculine warrior of similar appearance to her own, but his own cuirass was filled with carved names; all ending with ‘Amora.’ Her white plumed helmet was on the dirt floor beside her.

“I am lord of the red, the fury of my king and terror of his foes, I am…” She trailed off her prayer as she heard the thick curtains being brushed aside in the archway that led from this melancholy prayer room to the rest of Amora Manor.
“Lady Raeavan,” A boyish voice began behind her. As Rae looked back she recognized the boy. It was one of the King’s pages, no older than thirteen at most; more likely around ten to eleven. He was named Calik if she remembered correctly. The light reflected off of her crimson eyes, akin to the color of fresh blood. “King Apollon requested to see you within the next three days.” He looked sore. Likely had ridden since the early morning, if not the night before to arrive here about midday. Just before the next meal. “Lord Markus was also interested in seeing you.”

“Thank you, Calik,” She said with a smile as she rose from her kneeling position, and sheathing her drawn sword as she did it. “Is there anything else?” The boy had always called her ‘Lady’ even though her father was technically the head of the House. Even if he was in such a state of damage that he couldn’t effectively act as it. Raeavan was a captain, one of the transitional heads of Apollon Devaun’s guards, and even if she was acting as the head of her household, she didn’t like being reminded of her aging and badly wounded father’s lack of strength. Her father’s name, she knew, would soon be added to the statue’s breastplate. He had been a soldier, one with a reputation of bravery, skill, and wisdom few could match; but the Devaunite wars had taken their toll on him. Everyone made mistakes, it was a matter of when, not if. Lord Amora had lost use of both of his legs after the Battle of Mount Diados a decade ago; knees shattered by falling stones, then one of his arms taken off. He was worse for wear, but it was a miracle he was even alive.

“A group of foreign guests is due to be arriving soon in Doravan’s Port, my lady. A diplomat of sorts if I understand correctly…” Calik said with a hint of embarrassment. Officially speaking, he wasn’t supposed to know that...But officially speaking Raeavan wasn’t a high ranking noble; indeed her father was, but she was a woman, and one whose father seemed about to die; and Apollon wasn’t a king; just another claimant to a throne that hadn’t been filled in several centuries.
“Where from?” Rae asked as she picked her helmet off of the ground as she asked the question, putting it under left her arm as she walked towards the boy.
“I didn’t hear where they were coming from, just that they were set to arrive within the week.” Calik replied, looking at the floor. Within a few seconds, Rae had traversed the room and put her hand on Calik’s shoulder.

“Get some rest and some food, Calik. You have done more than your share. Don’t work yourself too hard.” Calik nodded, but didn’t say anything, although he looked appreciative. “I’ll be off.” Raeavon left the room, leaving Calik, a merchant’s son, in the prayer room alone. As soon as she left the room she was flanked by two hoplites; white round shields with a red eyed wolf in it’s center. Similar to Rae, they wore a bronze cuirass, and a Corinthian style helmet, though unplumed. Both were armed spears, and had a gladius at their side. They were Amora house guards; heavy infantry who were some of the few forces in the Devaunite military’s infantry that didn’t fight in cohorts, fighting in maniples similar to many of guardians of the nobles within Kuruva.

A day’s ride, she thought to herself as she headed for the stables, I hope this is important, she added to her thought.

Doravan

“My lord, didn’t the admiral describe them as barbarians? Is it wise to bring them into your home, and forge an alliance with them?” It was Markus Du Catta, his eyes were a bright blue, his hair dark, not quite black, but leaning heavily from brown towards it. Across the room, sipping wine from a silver chalice was King Apollon,golden eyes without emotion and bald, his daughter to his right, and his two sons laughing among a group of other woman in nearby corridor. Apollon wished they would move further away, but had more important business to attend to then his sons’ carnal desires. His queen had died giving birth to a second, stillborn daughter, three years ago. He still wore a black tunic in mourning due to it.
“We need allies, Markus, and I will look for them where I can.”
“Why not look north or east for them? We know the Perik and Sondar, why not look to them?”
“They will kneel before me, not be my allies. If they become my vassals, then I will consider them allies. Like you did, like Thadrin Amora, and like the Meran before either of your families.”
“Why not the Ranark tribes then?”
“You trust them but not the Selkie?”
“They have a code of honor, we know almost nothing about these people my lord!”
“Code of honor? Really?” Apollon laughed. “I understand they are loyal to their word, but many of them are sworn enemies of ours, and anyone willing to make an alliance with us is likely to be short lived.” They were both silent, staring at each other; the King was steely-eyed while Markus looked somewhat worried. “I know you told my servant to ask Amora to talk to you. I don’t know what it is about, just don’t interfere with my attempts to expand our borders.”
“My lord, do you think I would betray you? Do you think I have aspirations beyond my contraptions in my workshop.”
“Don’t play dumb with me, Markus. I know you don’t look for control but I don’t doubt you look for opportunities to solidify your position should I fail.”
Markus smiled. “Naturally, if one of us falls, should there not be remnants left to pick up the pieces, and put it back together?” Markus held up a a formerly taken apart puzzle cube as he did it, solved, smiling as he did so. Apollon smiled as well, though his was less smug.
“Just remember your role in the puzzle.”
“Of course, my liege.” Markus gave a flourished bow, then left the room, making a snide comment as he passed Apollon’s sons.

[The Selkie]

Ladra's Steed, approaching Doravan, 26th year of the rule of High King Lugh the Seafarer.
It was a magnificent vessel, part of a magnificent convoy: Leading the group of six ships, the foremost and leading ship, carrying Princess Macha, was of a type known to researchers today as the Ceapaire Dúbailte Type, or Sandwich type. It was a vessel of fourty metres in length, with a sharp keel and 84 oarsmen in two decks, with full decks, built in the mortise and tenon construction method with the shell first. There was also a mast with a sail for favourable wind conditions, but that was another question entirely. The Ladra's Steed did not have a ram bow, as usual for the Sandwich Type, but her bow was reinforced, a figure rising up from it over the water, the head of a mighty Pearled Sea Snake scowling and screeching at any prey that might cross its path.
Fast, agile and dangerous to any enemy, these vessel's use for trade was rather limited, but that was fine. The mission of this vessel of war, belonging to the High King's Fleet at Tipa, was to carry a Princess and her entourage to a diplomatic mission, that would change her fate, the fate of the one visited (King Apollon of Doravan, a man desiring trade and an alliance, if her information was correct and not the highest of opinions of her people) and the fates of their peoples, most likely forever.
To that end, she was made the most beautiful vessel of her size: She retained her torsion siege engines, two simple catapults with quite a variety of ammunitions stored and her archer complement was still on board as well, but her paint was renewed, her sail as well, a flag of silk fluttered from the main mast, polished and looking beautiful.
As was her passenger: Princess Macha was a maiden of twenty Springs, her long, red hair held together by a band close to its end, letting many of the strands flutter freely in the wind as a banner of its own, a silver circlet in her hair holding much of it out of her face. Her brown eyes shone like ambers, sparkling it seemed, drawing to them, to the intelligence and cunning behind them. She wore a simple dress of emerald colour, well-suited for travelling, with long sleeves and held up by her shoulders, accentuating her built in all the right places (amongst them her quite sizeable chest and long legs), with a girdle around her waist, making it a close fit, square neck and trim in silver and golden thread at the borders.
She was, for all intents and purposes, one of the most beautiful women to ever travel the seas.
Of the other four vessels, one was a Caogaidí, one with fifty oarsmen on the oars, relatively similar to the Ladra's Steed, carrying presents to the King Apollon, tokens of goodwill and friendship of the High King of the Selkie to the King of Doravan.
The other three were all, to the last, Tríochaidí, with thirty oarsmen, two military vessels as escorts and one as a transport for a very special kind of freight and a very special present to the King Apollon.
But that could wait.
"...and at the dawn of the twelth day, as the Buan was already starting to loose its appeal, the vessel Emberclad sighted a seagull, at last sign for land.", she dictated to an excited looking man in his middle ages, red-orange hair and in the simple travelling robes of a scribe, who, quite coincidentally, would be known as Sírlám the Scribe, mostly for what he was currently writing: An account of the trip to Doravan. "We hope to see land by the time the sun sets, to rest our weary... bones...?"
The scribe wrote and as the Princess trailed to a stop, he waited for a moment, then looked up. "Princess Macha?", he asked, as she was staring ahead, over the wooden carving and into the distance. He followed her gaze, his eyes going wide.
Indeed, there was land ahead, as a sailor called.
It was time to begin.

[Kuruva]

Doravan; Devaun Palace

Raeavan wiped the tiredness from her eyes as she stared at Apollon. Her hair was braided, but it was fairly obvious it had been a rushed job. She was disheveled; dirt over much of armor and legs. The ride had taken longer than expected due to a few overly ambitious bandits, and she hadn’t taken the time to clean her helmet’s plums yet. She hadn’t slept she had left the previous day, near lunch, and it near mid-morning already. She overall, looked displeased; and her guards that flanked her had facial expressions matching her mood. Her lips were slightly pursed in irritation. “You will serve as their body guard while they are here.” Apollon’s voice echoed across the obsidian-marble chamber that made most of the ‘public appearances’ section of the palace, before abruptly transferring to white stone as it entered a hillside.
“My lord, why me?”
“You are the best suited for this kind of task,”
“Is that a poorly hidden insult?!”
“Lady Amora, your family is the most respectful I have seen, and --”
“I am a warrior, the daughter of a Conqueror that could have been king himself if he had had the mind to do it; he won you these lands, Apollon. We are not mere guards.” She bit her lower lip as she finished.
“Yet you serve as one of the heads of my own.” Apollon replied swiftly; as if he had been expecting this response. It was more then true that Thadrin easily could have taken most of Kuruva if had wished to, but like most Amora, he had been humble. He didn’t want the burdens of leadership put on him; leading a country and an army were different, and he had been wise enough to see it.
“Could I deny a king’s wishes and my father’s?” Rae’s voice had lost of its edge. Apollon smiled.
“What would your father think of this display before his lord?” He continued smiling. Raeavan looked down at the floor, the red jeweled hilt of her jian tempting her to draw and strike. Her voice had losts edge, but she still had two others. I am the sword...I am a blade. She knew she was a better fighter than Apollon. She knew her guards were back her up. She knew the army would choose her over the Devaun. She didn’t look up for several seconds. Damn it. She looked at Apollon a blaze in her eyes. If only you knew respect was the only thing keeping you alive. She didn’t like Apollon. Hated his sons. They were womanizers the lot of them. Her father was the only thing keeping her hands away from the hilts of her blades though every nerve in body begged for her to strike. She turned around, away from the King. “I will guard the Selkie.” She spat, her voice echoing across the chamber. Then another voice echoed into the chamber.
“They have arrived my lord! We can see their ships!” Another damned page.

Lady Amora left the chamber without a word, heading for the docks, her red eyes almost as fire. Her guards followed her wordlessly, though their faces showed a similar annoyance. They were Amora house guards. They weren’t at the deck and call of the King.


They sat the edge of the docks; and while Rae looked much more welcoming after distancing herself from the King, her guards were visibly irritated. The docks themselves were a combination of carved out stone and wooden planks, with a large number of people gathered around the fishing boats; either preparing to head to sea, or transporting their latest catches to the market; also at port was the Doravan navy; primarily triremes and biremes, made to combat the occasional pirates ; armed primarily with ballistae. All of it guarded by men in greys and blacks covered by chain-mails with scutum and gladuises at their hips. It was a humble port in all however; no great ships sat in it's bay, nor did it have great size, mostly a meager military jetty and a fishing hub.

[The Selkie]

Doravan; Devaun Palace

Raeavan wiped the tiredness from her eyes as she stared at Apollon. Her hair was braided, but it was fairly obvious it had been a rushed job. She was disheveled; dirt over much of armor and legs. The ride had taken longer than expected due to a few overly ambitious bandits, and she hadn’t taken the time to clean her helmet’s plums yet. She hadn’t slept she had left the previous day, near lunch, and it near mid-morning already. She overall, looked displeased; and her guards that flanked her had facial expressions matching her mood. Her lips were slightly pursed in irritation. “You will serve as their body guard while they are here.” Apollon’s voice echoed across the obsidian-marble chamber that made most of the ‘public appearances’ section of the palace, before abruptly transferring to white stone as it entered a hillside.
“My lord, why me?”
“You are the best suited for this kind of task,”
“Is that a poorly hidden insult?!”
“Lady Amora, your family is the most respectful I have seen, and --”
“I am a warrior, the daughter of a Conqueror that could have been king himself if he had had the mind to do it; he won you these lands, Apollon. We are not mere guards.” She bit her lower lip as she finished.
“Yet you serve as one of the heads of my own.” Apollon replied swiftly; as if he had been expecting this response. It was more then true that Thadrin easily could have taken most of Kuruva if had wished to, but like most Amora, he had been humble. He didn’t want the burdens of leadership put on him; leading a country and an army were different, and he had been wise enough to see it.
“Could I deny a king’s wishes and my father’s?” Rae’s voice had lost of its edge. Apollon smiled.
“What would your father think of this display before his lord?” He continued smiling. Raeavan looked down at the floor, the red jeweled hilt of her jian tempting her to draw and strike. Her voice had losts edge, but she still had two others. I am the sword...I am a blade. She knew she was a better fighter than Apollon. She knew her guards were back her up. She knew the army would choose her over the Devaun. She didn’t look up for several seconds. Damn it. She looked at Apollon a blaze in her eyes. If only you knew respect was the only thing keeping you alive. She didn’t like Apollon. Hated his sons. They were womanizers the lot of them. Her father was the only thing keeping her hands away from the hilts of her blades though every nerve in body begged for her to strike. She turned around, away from the King. “I will guard the Selkie.” She spat, her voice echoing across the chamber. Then another voice echoed into the chamber.
“They have arrived my lord! We can see their ships!” Another damned page.

Lady Amora left the chamber without a word, heading for the docks, her red eyes almost as fire. Her guards followed her wordlessly, though their faces showed a similar annoyance. They were Amora house guards. They weren’t at the deck and call of the King.


They sat the edge of the docks; and while Rae looked much more welcoming after distancing herself from the King, her guards were visibly irritated. The docks themselves were a combination of carved out stone and wooden planks, with a large number of people gathered around the fishing boats; either preparing to head to sea, or transporting their latest catches to the market; also at port was the Doravan navy; primarily triremes and biremes, made to combat the occasional pirates ; armed primarily with ballistae. All of it guarded by men in greys and blacks covered by chain-mails with scutum and gladuises at their hips. It was a humble port in all however; no great ships sat in it's bay, nor did it have great size, mostly a meager military jetty and a fishing hub.

As the small number of vessels entered the harbour, Macha's eyes were wide as she let the scribe scribble down all that he could lay his eyes upon. She looked at all her eyes could touch, all she saw... surely, Silverport was a bigger harbour, the biggest harbour in her father's lands (although that matter was a bit more complicated), but it was the biggest harbour by a wide margin.
Many harbours, much like Tipa, were more along the size of this here: A small jetty for a trade vessel or two, fishing boats and not much more. Still... Macha was utterly fascinated by what she saw.
"These ships look much like the vessels we have.", a new voice said, belonging to a man a few years older then Macha was. Lightly armoured and armed with a bow, a quiver on his back, the red headed young man had the same sparkling eyes as his younger sister had. "They have a ramming bow and large crossbows, though. Their crews look tough as well."
"Can you imagine the cost of all that mail?", Macha asked as their own complement of what would later be called Marines took position on deck, clad in light scaled armour, and with bows as tall as they were in a non-threatening position, helmets on their heads and short swords on their hips. One of them had a large horn of bronze by his side, ready to blow it on command (one that would never come unless asked to as it was a loud, deafening humm that was emitted, scary to listen to). With the two dozen archers was a group of half a dozen artillerymen, who would man the torsion siege engines, clad in similar armour but without the bows.
And then, there were of course the Nocht, the Naked Ones, the reason for their reputation as barbarians as these warriors were besides a belt to hold their fearsomely long swords, reaching down to the deck from their hips, and a shield stark naked. Completely. With lime water, these fearsome men of manliness (as it was quite impressively demonstrated a bit below their belts) had their hair erected into tall and very impressive hairstyles. Their howling and prowess on the battlefield by sheer reputation had intimidated many enemies into restreat before the fighting had even begun (not to mention the inevitable comparisons), but for now, they were silent.
The young man with red hair nodded. "I can imagine. Quite an investment, I'd say.", he replied to his sister's inquery. Escorting her on behalf of their father was Prince Nuada, as commander of the vessels sent as he indeed was a good sailor and naval commander, but also quite useful on dry shore. If fate was in favour of their plans, he would make little in the ways of an appearance. "We are, apparently already expected."
Macha followed his eyes to the waiting figures sitting at the edge of the docks. They looked... interesting to say the least.
Much like the country they were arriving in, Macha thought as the crew prepared to dock.

[Kuruva]

As the ships reached the end of the dock, Rae made an overlook of the occupants. They looked well equipped, and being naval vessels, she wasn’t surprised by the large number of bows. A few of the warriors looked barely dressed, and she titled her helmeted head slightly. “Barbarians indeed. Markus was not wrong in that regard…” She whispered as a group of the commoners, who looked rather surprised, began to their best to help get the ships attached to the piers, and what was a magnificent vessel to the wharf further into the docks. Their ships weren't altogether different, but those that manned them were; less armored and appearing more experienced in sea-faring.

The Kuruvan militaries had been so focused on the domination of their region, that the only people with powerful vessels were the merchants and an occasional exotic vessel purchased from a less aggressive neighbor. Their land forces were built up around the legions; a core of self-equipping heavy infantry with mercenary light infantry, small cohort of cavalry, and a battalion of either archers or soldiers armed with throwing weapons such as javelins, and the occasional group of hoplites that were either mercenary themselves or a retinue of powerful lord.

The group of citizens went about their task with a certain interest that was hard not to notice. Foreigners were rare, and rarer still were they friendly. Lady Amora looked to either side of her, giving a nod to each of her guards, then approached the largest of the ships. “Woah…” One of them, called Asren Drona, said, as he looked at the Selkie princess. Raeavan smiled when she heard it. She looked like an enchanter of some kind to her, with the red hair and emerald travelling dress. She knew Asren was impressed with her apperance before he had even said anything, though the other, called Zaphael Zioca, was more interested in their armaments. Zaphael was a close relative of the Amora, and had grown up with them, and gaining much of the Amoran military mind.

“Hail, Lords of the Selkie!” Rae called out, as she approached the side of the vessel, awaiting the ramp to be put into place. She took a deep breathe, waiting. She caught of view of the red-headed man and blushed slightly; happy her helmet covered her cheeks.

[The Selkie]

As the ships reached the end of the dock, Rae made an overlook of the occupants. They looked well equipped, and being naval vessels, she wasn’t surprised by the large number of bows. A few of the warriors looked barely dressed, and she titled her helmeted head slightly. “Barbarians indeed. Markus was not wrong in that regard…” She whispered as a group of the commoners, who looked rather surprised, began to their best to help get the ships attached to the piers, and what was a magnificent vessel to the wharf further into the docks. Their ships weren't altogether different, but those that manned them were; less armored and appearing more experienced in sea-faring.

The Kuruvan militaries had been so focused on the domination of their region, that the only people with powerful vessels were the merchants and an occasional exotic vessel purchased from a less aggressive neighbor. Their land forces were built up around the legions; a core of self-equipping heavy infantry with mercenary light infantry, small cohort of cavalry, and a battalion of either archers or soldiers armed with throwing weapons such as javelins, and the occasional group of hoplites that were either mercenary themselves or a retinue of powerful lord.

The group of citizens went about their task with a certain interest that was hard not to notice. Foreigners were rare, and rarer still were they friendly. Lady Amora looked to either side of her, giving a nod to each of her guards, then approached the largest of the ships. “Woah…” One of them, called Asren Drona, said, as he looked at the Selkie princess. Raeavan smiled when she heard it. She looked like an enchanter of some kind to her, with the red hair and emerald travelling dress. She knew Asren was impressed with her apperance before he had even said anything, though the other, called Zaphael Zioca, was more interested in their armaments. Zaphael was a close relative of the Amora, and had grown up with them, and gaining much of the Amoran military mind.

“Hail, Lords of the Selkie!” Rae called out, as she approached the side of the vessel, awaiting the ramp to be put into place. She took a deep breathe, waiting. She caught of view of the red-headed man and blushed slightly; happy her helmet covered her cheeks.

As they were docked, neither Macha nor Nuada could take their eyes off of the person apparently expecting them, a woman in armour with two by her side, long white hair - one might call it silver - looking out underneath her helmet.
And apparently, from what they saw from a distance, their appearanced had quite a bit of an effect on their welcoming committee.
Nuada smiled as he leaned to his younger sister: "It appears to me, that they allow women into their armies regularly.", he told her, "Quite an interesting decision."
Macha nodded, noting that as well, as well as their equipment. Selkie Women were allowed to fight and even expected to defend their homes - but only that, defending their homes in times of need. Nothing more and nothing less (as historians would note, it was still roundabout four centuries until the Orders were founded), with the exception of the women following the armies as part of their train. Myths and legends knew quite the collection of warriors of the female gender, though, some of them also the trainers of many accomplished warriors.
Still, back in reality, such a decision was, as Nuada put it, interesting - the reasoning would be quite something to hear.
“Hail, Lords of the Selkie!”, the armoured woman called, catching Nuada's eye as well.
As commander of the fleet, it was Nuada's to answer with the traditional call as his sister left her place, Sírlám still making notes in tow, going to the ramp as it was prepared. The sailors looked pleased with the dockworkers, Macha noted.
Nuada called back: "Hail and well met, Lady of this Harbour! The winds and waves of Lodan Lir carried these vessels to this harbour safely." He let a beat pass and grinned, his eyes sparkling. "With your kindest permission, we would like to extend a bridge, between our vessels and your pier and our peoples as well."

[Kuruva]

"As you wish, my Lord!" Raeavan smiled. Women were a rare sight in the Kuruvan military, primarily noblewoman who looked to make a name for themselves joining, and most others barred entirely. It was the cost of a mostly patriarchal society, but the women within the ranks of the high born were powerful indeed. However, the first impression being from a woman from a dedicated military house, it was not entirely surprising to believe women were common place. There seemed to be a poetry in the way the Selkie spoke, that she was not used to. The Kuruvans weren't a quiet or stoic people, but they weren't entirely out spoken either. They gave off a general air of self-importance that was not limited to the high born, and a certain amount of distrust that came from living in a place that hadn't seen a ruling Emperor in nearly three hundred years, and existed in a state of war with itself.

Arsen had managed to regain his composure, but his interest(even if based purely on appearance) in Macha was hard to miss, though Zaphael was entirely more hard to read. His posture spoke of an ease of experience, though his face was no more then then 19 winters in age, he seemed to entirely lack the usual...interests...of his age. Rae's hand came to rest on the jeweled pommel of her sword as she took another few steps towards the ship. It wasn't meant to be an aggressive gesture, though it wasn't far from one, rather it was a casual posture for her, meant to be nonthreatening, and relaxed, as much as she could give off.

She used her right hand to remove her helmet as she halted, letting her long hair fall wear it like as the wind blew it erratically.

[The Selkie]

"As you wish, my Lord!" Raeavan smiled. Women were a rare sight in the Kuruvan military, primarily noblewoman who looked to make a name for themselves joining, and most others barred entirely. It was the cost of a mostly patriarchal society, but the women within the ranks of the high born were powerful indeed. However, the first impression being from a woman from a dedicated military house, it was not entirely surprising to believe women were common place. There seemed to be a poetry in the way the Selkie spoke, that she was not used to. The Kuruvans weren't a quiet or stoic people, but they weren't entirely out spoken either. They gave off a general air of self-importance that was not limited to the high born, and a certain amount of distrust that came from living in a place that hadn't seen a ruling Emperor in nearly three hundred years, and existed in a state of war with itself.

Arsen had managed to regain his composure, but his interest(even if based purely on appearance) in Macha was hard to miss, though Zaphael was entirely more hard to read. His posture spoke of an ease of experience, though his face was no more then then 19 winters in age, he seemed to entirely lack the usual...interests...of his age. Rae's hand came to rest on the jeweled pommel of her sword as she took another few steps towards the ship. It wasn't meant to be an aggressive gesture, though it wasn't far from one, rather it was a casual posture for her, meant to be nonthreatening, and relaxed, as much as she could give off.

She used her right hand to remove her helmet as she halted, letting her long hair fall wear it like as the wind blew it erratically.

Nuada smiled and nodded - then made a motion to the sailors waiting with the ramp, having them lower it down onto the pier, a simple wooden plank and nothing too fancy, but sturdy and capable of holding much weight. Coincidentally, that was its main purpuse as this was indeed the loading ramp.
And as soon as the sailors stepped back with respectful bows of their heads, which Macha received with a respectful bow of her own, she stepped forward onto the ramp, her scribe, by now finished with scribbling, a little bit behind her on her left, Nuada in a similar position to her right, having jogged up.
While her brother had heavy steps, the steps of a sailor used to walking on the planks of a swaying ship, his sister nearly floated down the ramp, not taking her eyes of Rae. No one bat an eye at her hand on her sword's hilt, seeing an experienced soldier in casual posture - much like Nuada had adopted - but Arsen's look he gave Macha were received with a small enigmatic smile, thrown into his direction for but a moment.
She was the first Selkie to set foot onto the Kuruvan Lands in Doravan, an envoy sent on behalf of her father, on a mission of peace. Her scribe was the second, on a mission to find knowledge and wisdom. Her brother, third, the protector for the other two.
Now was the question, how this sequence would be interpreted, Macha thought to herself as she came to a stop in front of Rae and inclined her head in the respectful shadow of a bow. "My gratitude for your hospitality, Lady of this harbour. May Ladra bless all the men and women braving Lodan Lir's waves who call this harbour their home.", she said to Rae, looking up and into her eyes, a small smile on her lips. If it had seemed, that there was poetry in the way her brother spoke, the simple way in which his little sister spoke was a song, a cadance to it, a melody strummed by a harp unheard, but in her heart. Her voice was calm, yet strong and firm. "I am Macha, daughter of High King Lugh, who is called the Seafarer." Although she was, for all intents and purposes, a Princess, it was rude amongst her people to refer to herself as such. "I came by his will to talk, to learn, to teach, to trade and to build friendship between my father and the King of Doravan."
The old formula for diplomats: Talking to see, learning to known about the others, teaching to have the others know about oneself (if that was wished, some were rather particular about such matters), trading to build a foundation for building a friendship. Macha made the experience, that such a greeting rarely failed its intended effect of making the one receiving them welcoming them, more open.

[Kuruva]

Raeavan was used to those seen as guards leading, and was surprised that he came last. The Kuruvan way was always to keep the leader or commander as far from direct danger as they could during diplomatic talks; but them came down more so the chance at betrayal at every turn when talking with other claimants. It came off as naive, bordering on outright foolish. Macha's voice echoed through the port as she spoke, only being drowned eventually by the sounds of the market and laughing and joking sailors. Rae moved forward, and removed her left hand from her swords hilt, offering her hand to the Selkie Princess. "You are under the hospitality of King Apollon Devaun, I am to act as your guard from him." She paused, smiling as she did so. "I am Raeavan Amora, daughter of Thadrin." She paused again. "My companions are Arsen Drona, and Zaphael Zoica." She gestured with her head to her left and right respectively, both of them also nodding as they did so, though it took longer for Arsen to nod.

Both Arsen and Zaphael moved forward, offering their hands to those who wished to shake them. "I will escort you to the Palace when you ready, m'lady." Rae added to last statements.

[The Selkie]

Raeavan was used to those seen as guards leading, and was surprised that he came last. The Kuruvan way was always to keep the leader or commander as far from direct danger as they could during diplomatic talks; but them came down more so the chance at betrayal at every turn when talking with other claimants. It came off as naive, bordering on outright foolish. Macha's voice echoed through the port as she spoke, only being drowned eventually by the sounds of the market and laughing and joking sailors. Rae moved forward, and removed her left hand from her swords hilt, offering her hand to the Selkie Princess. "You are under the hospitality of King Apollon Devaun, I am to act as your guard from him." She paused, smiling as she did so. "I am Raeavan Amora, daughter of Thadrin." She paused again. "My companions are Arsen Drona, and Zaphael Zoica." She gestured with her head to her left and right respectively, both of them also nodding as they did so, though it took longer for Arsen to nod.

Both Arsen and Zaphael moved forward, offering their hands to those who wished to shake them. "I will escort you to the Palace when you ready, m'lady." Rae added to last statements.

Macha was used to being the first entering a city she was to talk to or the first to leave a vessel, the leader of her guard (by coincidence always one of her brothers), not by naivitee, but to send a signal: If one of her brothers was in the lead, it was not as much of a pleasureable visit, most likely involving far more screams of terror, fire and havoc.
Her in the lead, however, meant, that it was a peaceful visit - and it indeed was.
Still, Macha eyed the hand for a moment, then extended her own hand a bit unsure. "I am not familiar with this gesture of greeting...", she said, a slight sheepishness in her voice, "...but I am nevertheless very honoured to make your acquaintance, Raeavan Amora, daughter of Thadrin." She nodded to the two men with her, before she gestured to the two men at her side. "My scribe, Sírlám, who will write about everything he sees in this beautiful land on my orders." Sírlál inclined his head respectfullly, smiling, before he continued to wrote. "My brother Nuada, a skilled man of the sea. He will attend to the vessels for most of our stay."
Nuada, smiled as he, too, bowed his head with respect, smiling especially at Rae, having adopted a more relaxed position as well. "That is indeed the case... I give my little sister into your hands, Lady Raeavan, so please keep more then an eye on her." His little sister blushed a small bit, but remained silent. "Before you go to the Palace, we will unload the lugguage and the presents, so please bear with us and our seamen for a small amount of time."
Macha nodded. "That seems unavoidable... Lady Raeavan, while the sailors work, would you mind telling me a bit about yourself?"

[Kuruva]

Rae looked a little surprised at the request. Very few people actually asked about her. It was generally her father they asked about, or they simply told her information, or delivered orders, and left. "Of course..." She looked down slightly, Zaphael taking a step towards her, trying his best to act as support in his fashion. Arsen, as was normal for him, rarely looked towards his commander, looking around, and at Macha. Raeavan was almost overly focused on martial view and conduct, a consequence of her upbringing in a military family that was campaigning. "I have lived through twenty-three winters, and come from the high-born of these lands...I have two younger brothers; one of 14 winters, the other of 17. My father's health is...faltering...and I am currently acting as the head of my house...My family has a heavy military tradition, and as do those typically close to my family..." She paused again, looking up.

"What about you and your retinue?"

[The Selkie]

Rae looked a little surprised at the request. Very few people actually asked about her. It was generally her father they asked about, or they simply told her information, or delivered orders, and left. "Of course..." She looked down slightly, Zaphael taking a step towards her, trying his best to act as support in his fashion. Arsen, as was normal for him, rarely looked towards his commander, looking around, and at Macha. Raeavan was almost overly focused on martial view and conduct, a consequence of her upbringing in a military family that was campaigning. "I have lived through twenty-three winters, and come from the high-born of these lands...I have two younger brothers; one of 14 winters, the other of 17. My father's health is...faltering...and I am currently acting as the head of my house...My family has a heavy military tradition, and as do those typically close to my family..." She paused again, looking up.

"What about you and your retinue?"

Macha noted the rearrangement, the man backing up his leader, the other looking around, maybe watching the sailors unloading the vessels under the directions of Macha's handmaidens, Tea and Aífe, other passengers, who were part of her travelling group, disembarking as well.
It was an interesting display to watch.
Still, Macha had a question to reply to: "I am of twenty Springs..." A statement, which made her realize, that she was younger then her bodyguard. "...Macha, of High King Lugh's House, born in Fort Stone at the shores of mighty Lake Mór, as the sixth of nine children. My three younger siblings are so cute, you will get sick looking at them... my older siblings, of which I have five, one of them being Nuada here, could not be more different from each other. Irereo, the oldest, is wise and strict, like a rock in the sea, while my sister Tailtiu is gentle as velvet, sweet as the mother we miss and a terror when one of us is angered."
There was an amused smile as Macha glanced to Sírlám, until she remarked: "She is also admired by many for her... let's call them 'argumentation amplifiers'."
Nuada couldn't help but smile at the expression of the scribe, who turned beet red, leaving the unloading to his captains and crews.

[Kuruva]

Rae tilted her head down, slightly, smiling. She had heard those referred to as many things, but never that. Arsen smirked, looking back at Macha with a wide grin. Zaphael's eyes spoke of amusement, but his face was statue like, unmoving but for a slight twitch of his lips towards a smile that was brought down again. "I find it slightly more inspiring to have an age given based on springs, then a time of death." Rae looked up, more thoughtful then focused. "Measuring your years based on a time of rebirth is much less foreboding then the cold winter. I don't know which is better; to decide your age by getting by times of death, or by getting to a time of rebirth..." Zaphael looked genuinely surprised; that was not the behavior he was used to. Arsen hadn't gotten past Macha's comment.

[The Selkie]

Rae tilted her head down, slightly, smiling. She had heard those referred to as many things, but never that. Arsen smirked, looking back at Macha with a wide grin. Zaphael's eyes spoke of amusement, but his face was statue like, unmoving but for a slight twitch of his lips towards a smile that was brought down again. "I find it slightly more inspiring to have an age given based on springs, then a time of death." Rae looked up, more thoughtful then focused. "Measuring your years based on a time of rebirth is much less foreboding then the cold winter. I don't know which is better; to decide your age by getting by times of death, or by getting to a time of rebirth..." Zaphael looked genuinely surprised; that was not the behavior he was used to. Arsen hadn't gotten past Macha's comment.

Macha smiled.
"I can not tell you, what would be better for you, as I am a bit biased.", she said, "To us, Spring means life, the time, where the Gods grant us the fortune of warmth and growth, of birth and seeding of new life... in more then one sense. We see it as a time, that comes in the steady rhythm of life and death and rebirth, so in a way, we, too, say, that we survived winter by stating out age in Springs. We just focus on the more positive aspect of it."
Just as she wanted to continue, a new voice rang out, belonging to a young woman: She was a brunette with brown eyes, sparkling with excitement at being in a foreign country as she went down the plank to the pier between two rather large boxes carried by equally large sailors.
Her dress, a lighter green then Macha's dress, was much more upfront, having no cover for the shoulders, the sleeves detached from the rest of the dress and being worn like a pair of gloves without fingers up to the upper arms - much like the band in her hair, it was adorned with yellow ornaments. Her dress was also showing much more cleavage (there also being quite a bit of cleavage to show) and being far easier to move in then Macha's dress as well, the dress of a dancer.
"Macha-mná.", she said and smiled as she approached, her hands folded before her in a demure way, that was not in unison, neither with her dress nor with the slightly impish way her eyes sparkled, "Finally, I found you... can I bring you anything or to your company?"
Macha smiled and shook her head. "No, but thank you, Aífe. Stay with us, for a bit."
"Of course, Macha-mná.", the woman said and placed herself a bit behind Macha, to the side, ready to act in many eventualities.
Macha however had another idea, she motioned her forward into the circle of conversation, especially into Rae's view. "If I may introduce? Aífe, one of my handmaidens. She accompanied me to these shores and to many other places and enjoys my full trust... Aífe, these are the bodyguards our most gracious host has given to us for our stay, led by Raeavan-mná. Treat them as you treat Bres and Cían."
The handmaiden bowed her head. "Of course, Macha-mná. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Raeavan-mná.", she said, visibly biting back a comment.

[Kuruva]

Raeavan gave her an over look, and was almost taken back. She bit back her own comment as she saw her. Are handmaidens prostitutes now? She closed her eyes for a second. As soon as you think people are civilized...Just like the Ranark. She opened her eyes, as Arsen had definitely noticed Aife, as had Zaphael; though to their credit they still looked professional. "My pleasure as well, Madam Aife." Rae replied, giving a nod. She assumed a slightly less casual, and a more distanced appearance.

Rae didn't know how to reply to what had been said. All she had was insults and things that would sever any hope of a tie being made. She held herself to a higher standard then insults. If Macha thought she was useful, then Aife had her place. Even if she did herself see it. She brushed a few strands of hair from her face, before replacing her helm on her head. her way of distancing herself from things that set her on edge. Aife reminded her too much of Apollon's and his son's regular companions. On the other hand, their were her own companions; martial, though also looking for the simpler pleasures in life.

[The Selkie]

Raeavan gave her an over look, and was almost taken back. She bit back her own comment as she saw her. Are handmaidens prostitutes now? She closed her eyes for a second. As soon as you think people are civilized...Just like the Ranark. She opened her eyes, as Arsen had definitely noticed Aife, as had Zaphael; though to their credit they still looked professional. "My pleasure as well, Madam Aife." Rae replied, giving a nod. She assumed a slightly less casual, and a more distanced appearance.

Rae didn't know how to reply to what had been said. All she had was insults and things that would sever any hope of a tie being made. She held herself to a higher standard then insults. If Macha thought she was useful, then Aife had her place. Even if she did herself see it. She brushed a few strands of hair from her face, before replacing her helm on her head. her way of distancing herself from things that set her on edge. Aife reminded her too much of Apollon's and his son's regular companions. On the other hand, their were her own companions; martial, though also looking for the simpler pleasures in life.

Both Macha and Aífe were a bit confused by the sudden change in demeanor of Rae - for a handmaiden, Aífe maybe was a bit more... lasciviously dressed and behaved that way as well, but she would do no thing to put her Lady's honour into question.
In no way, a handmaiden, especially that of a Princess, was a prostitute, very much on the contrary.
Macha decided to not remark upon that and assumed their little talk to be finished. "Well, then... Tea appears to still take a while and Bres and Cían... Nuada, can you..." She paused as she spotted something behind her brother. "Forget it, there they are."
And indeed, two men, tall as trees stood behind the Prince, shoulders broad as wardrobes and appearing like monsters from a myth long forgotten. That might had something to do with them having used lime water to raise their hair up into hairdos designed to intimidate any enemy and to inspire any ally. Both had moustaches on their faces, trimmed and cared for with meticulous care, one a little bit longer then the other, signifying the higher rank. They were also ripped with muscles, not afraid to show them, their large shields on their backs, long swords nearly reaching to the ground hanging from their belts... as did a skirt-like apparel.
At that, Macha raised an eyebrow. "That's not really the way of the Nocht.", she remarked.
The one with the longer moustache spoke up, his hand relaxedly on the hilt of his sword. "That might be the case, Macha-mná, but it is cold.", he replied to her, "Besides, I would not want to make any man feel inferior. That would be rude."
Macha snorted in amusement at that, Aífe turned to Rae, a smile on her lips as well. "If I may introduce, Raeavan-mná, Masters Bres and Cían of the Nocht. They are Macha-mná's bodyguards.", she explained, "Bres and Cían, this is Rae-mná, the bodyguard our gracious host has posted on Macha-mná's side."
The two tall men bowed their heads in respect. "Here's to good cooperation.", the one with the longer moustache said.

[Kuruva]

Rae grinned, nodding her head in respect to them. "My honor to work with you." She replied, looking at both the Nocht. If battle happened, they definitely looked dangerous provided the enemy didn't have ranged weaponry. They were massive. A large shield didn't makeup for their lack of armor. Though she was surprised to have anyone call her homeland cold outside of winter. The one with the larger beard looked more at ease then the other, though that may have just been from her looking at the posture from the outside. Arsen and Zaphael took a step towards Rae each; while they trusted the Selkie, there was still a duty they had to do. Their job was first and foremost was to defend Raeavan in the event of a battle, and the two who stood behind the prince looked like the aggressive pushy type.

Rae eventually spoke up again. "My apologies for lack of hospitality, Princess Macha. I haven't slept in a good number of hours, and this kind of request of me if out of the norm as it is." She attempted to explain, wiping sleep from her eyes before trying to stretch her back slightly. "Things I am not used to tend to me on edge more then anything, and being tired...adds a defensiveness..." She smiled lightly, trying to defuse herself more then anything else.

[The Selkie]

Rae grinned, nodding her head in respect to them. "My honor to work with you." She replied, looking at both the Nocht. If battle happened, they definitely looked dangerous provided the enemy didn't have ranged weaponry. They were massive. A large shield didn't makeup for their lack of armor. Though she was surprised to have anyone call her homeland cold outside of winter. The one with the larger beard looked more at ease then the other, though that may have just been from her looking at the posture from the outside. Arsen and Zaphael took a step towards Rae each; while they trusted the Selkie, there was still a duty they had to do. Their job was first and foremost was to defend Raeavan in the event of a battle, and the two who stood behind the prince looked like the aggressive pushy type.

Rae eventually spoke up again. "My apologies for lack of hospitality, Princess Macha. I haven't slept in a good number of hours, and this kind of request of me if out of the norm as it is." She attempted to explain, wiping sleep from her eyes before trying to stretch her back slightly. "Things I am not used to tend to me on edge more then anything, and being tired...adds a defensiveness..." She smiled lightly, trying to defuse herself more then anything else.

Macha nodded, understanding the point and seeing the tiredness in Rae's eyes.
"Then let's get the formalities behind us.", Macha suggested with a smile, "It was a long trip for us as well and while brother and his crew tried to make it as comfortable as possible, it was still arduous." She looked to Aífe, then to Rae, or rather, one of her men, more specifically Arsen. "May I ask of Rae-mná to send one of you along with Aífe?"
The handmaiden bowed her head. "That would indeed be most welcome.", she said, "After all, I would like to see, where Macha-mná is supposed to sleep and watch the lugguage being moved in." She looked to Macha and, again, bowed her head. "If you would excuse me for the duration of that, of course."
Macha nodded. "Of course. Tea should be here any second now, so you can set off once she has arrived."
"Yes, Macha-mná.", Aífe replied and bowed her head gracefully.

[Kuruva]

Rae nodded towards Arsen. "Accompany her back to Palace, Sergeant Drona." Arsen nodded in affirmation, a small smile on his lips.
"As you wish my lady." He replied; his voice was young and soft, almost surprising for man that was in the armor he was. He put his spear and shield at ease, and seemed to stretch slightly. "If you will follow me, madam, when you are ready." He said with a continued smile. He moved away from the gathering slightly, taking a relaxed breathe.

[The Selkie]

Rae nodded towards Arsen. "Accompany her back to Palace, Sergeant Drona." Arsen nodded in affirmation, a small smile on his lips.
"As you wish my lady." He replied; his voice was young and soft, almost surprising for man that was in the armor he was. He put his spear and shield at ease, and seemed to stretch slightly. "If you will follow me, madam, when you are ready." He said with a continued smile. He moved away from the gathering slightly, taking a relaxed breathe.

Aífe smiled, folded her hands infront of her stomach and bowed her head in gratitude, first to Rae, gratitude for dispatching one of her man (and such a good looking one as well, she thought in the back of her head), then to Drona, stepping forward to his side.
"I am ready, Drona-sáirsint.", she told him with a smile and nodded again. "Macha-mná, we will see each other again later."
Macha nodded, then gave Arsen a look, that told him in no uncertain terms, that if something happened to Aífe or he laid a hand on her, that he would be lucky, if Macha was to get him.
"Now then, Drona-sáirsint...", Aífe said with a cheery smile, "...let's go!"

[Kuruva]

Arsen avoided giving a look back at Macha. You think we are uncivilized? I am a guardian, not a barbarian. He thought to himself. At least Aife seemed like pleasurable and more enjoyable company then most of the people. He smiled at Aife. "It isn't a short journey from here to the Palace, but it is worth it, at least in my mind." He started walking away from the docks, heading inland towards a series of spires; two of pale stone, a third in what appeared to be the front. "The throne of Apollon, can come off as intimidating; and I will admit it is meant to, but despite his quirks, he is well meaning." He added, continuing to smile.

Many commoners were giving more or less circular 3-4 foot berth to the duo as they walked, which surprised Arsen, mostly because of the fact that most people knew him well enough to know he was a merchant's son, not a noble. They seemed mostly friendly, staring at Aife as they passed, some more lust-filled then others.

[The Selkie]

Arsen avoided giving a look back at Macha. You think we are uncivilized? I am a guardian, not a barbarian. He thought to himself. At least Aife seemed like pleasurable and more enjoyable company then most of the people. He smiled at Aife. "It isn't a short journey from here to the Palace, but it is worth it, at least in my mind." He started walking away from the docks, heading inland towards a series of spires; two of pale stone, a third in what appeared to be the front. "The throne of Apollon, can come off as intimidating; and I will admit it is meant to, but despite his quirks, he is well meaning." He added, continuing to smile.

Many commoners were giving more or less circular 3-4 foot berth to the duo as they walked, which surprised Arsen, mostly because of the fact that most people knew him well enough to know he was a merchant's son, not a noble. They seemed mostly friendly, staring at Aife as they passed, some more lust-filled then others.

Macha had meant well, Aífe knew that, but her rather fearsome look was unneeded. Still, she appreciated the gesture... and the guard given to her.
"It's a bit like Fort Stone, then?", she asked with a curious smile, seeing the wide berth they were given... and the looks, replying to most with a smile of her own, betraying her own curiosity about this strange new land, not heeding the more... lusty ones. She was used to that, well aware of her looks and having chosen her dress accordingly, but she was also capable dismembering a certain part of the ones, who took their lusty stares a few steps further.
Then again, she had a guard with her, that Rae-Mná seemed to trust with her life, so she was not afraid of anyone trying anything funny. Plus, the people were giving them a berth of a bit, which was to Aífe unusual.
"Though, if I am allowed to ask... why are the people avoiding us?", she asked with curiosity in her eyes and voice, "Are they afraid of little old me, Drona-sáirsint?"
She kept step with him quite easily, which was remarkable due to the dress, but also understandable due to her being used to walking at quick paces in it, following her Princess' steps.

[Kuruva]

Arsen didn't respond right away, slightly surprised that he didn't have to slow his slight march for her to keep up. "People are nervous around foreigners. But that normally wouldn't do it, at least to this degree..." He sighed, a bit of confusion and excitement in it. "If I am being honest, it is likely that a guard of House Amora is guarding a foreigner, and not knowing your temperaments...Let's just say that they want to make sure that if something happens they can't be blamed for it." He said with a smile.

Ad they reached a crossroads; between the primary port artery, and the general bazaar road, Sergeant Drona paused as he saw a small family of beggars; in clothes browned by dirt and knotted hair, almost a wince on his face. "Ecce, vos adepto purganda. Ad Amora multiplicatus manerium illud, si mercedem petere, Arsen Drona dices ad eos: nulla erit in pretio tuo peregrinatione." He said quietly, as he approached them, in the Kuruvan tongue, motioning from them to stay as he threw a pouch of coins from his belt and putting them in what appeared to be the mother's hands.

"Gratias tibi." One of them said, followed by the others. Arsen didn't respond.

"Sorry about that, madam. Let's be on our way." Arsen's face was hard to read; though it spoke of happiness combined with something more melancholy.

[The Selkie]

Arsen didn't respond right away, slightly surprised that he didn't have to slow his slight march for her to keep up. "People are nervous around foreigners. But that normally wouldn't do it, at least to this degree..." He sighed, a bit of confusion and excitement in it. "If I am being honest, it is likely that a guard of House Amora is guarding a foreigner, and not knowing your temperaments...Let's just say that they want to make sure that if something happens they can't be blamed for it." He said with a smile.

Ad they reached a crossroads; between the primary port artery, and the general bazaar road, Sergeant Drona paused as he saw a small family of beggars; in clothes browned by dirt and knotted hair, almost a wince on his face. "Ecce, vos adepto purganda. Ad Amora multiplicatus manerium illud, si mercedem petere, Arsen Drona dices ad eos: nulla erit in pretio tuo peregrinatione." He said quietly, as he approached them, in the Kuruvan tongue, motioning from them to stay as he threw a pouch of coins from his belt and putting them in what appeared to be the mother's hands.

"Gratias tibi." One of them said, followed by the others. Arsen didn't respond.

"Sorry about that, madam. Let's be on our way." Arsen's face was hard to read; though it spoke of happiness combined with something more melancholy.

Aífe shook her head with a small smile, now a bit more informed about her guard's character and his disposition.
"Don't be.", she said and resumed walking with him, "Ignoring the facts, that I do not know the local language and that I do not possess local currency, where I come from, it should have been me, who offers them help." She saw his melancholy and smiled reassuringly, her eyes a bit softer then before. "We usually make it a point to help those, who are worse off then oneself is... there are a few stories about Macha-Mná and her will to help people, when you get the chance to ask her for it."
They continued a few moments in silence.
"The sad part is, if it were the other way around, one of yours in one of our cities, it would depend on where you would be.", she said a bit in thought, "How the people react to you, I mean. In Wembury, for example, every merchant would call you to inspect his shop, the busy streets would make little way and room unless you swam with the flow, and during midday, nothing short of an army can make anything move along to grant you passage to whereever you need to go." Aífe giggled. "But you would have a guide with you, most likely the handmaiden or footman of a high ranking member of the City Council, or maybe even one of the attendants to the King. Basically someone like me."

[Kuruva]

Arsen smiled again. "Doesn't sound like bad company," He replied, grinning slightly and taking a glance in Aife's direction. "People here, will do almost anything to ensure they stay on the good side of the noble houses. Here, they bend the knee to the Devaun, the house of Apollon, prove their strength in martial combat, if they want the favor of the Amora, Lady Raevan's house...." He paused, looking to either side as he walked, "or invent new technologies if they want financial support from the House Du Catta, a house led by a man named Markus." He added.

He looked at her briefly before continuing. "People in Kuruva tend to just do their best to let the nobles do what they wish, since they have the money, and more importantly, the weapons. People maintain the norm here. People want to exist as they always have; free to do as they wish provided they do nothing extreme." He took a deep breath as they passed the stone legionary barracks. "People avoid things that are out of the norm typically; though they will generally help each other... Generally."