It had been about a month at sea but Vala could never really tell anymore. The sun had just escaped behind the horizon and Vala's destination was just coming in sight. Ecen's Capitol looked magnificent at such a distance as the city's various torches and lanterns sparked life into the view. But it was all an illusion of magnificence. Being downwind, Vala had already begun smelling the filth that came with such large settlements. 

The brief moment of excitement that Vala had felt when the city first came into view now faded away as feelings of regret and nervousness crept in. Whatever the Sounding was, Vala had come to accept that she might never see Marstal again. It was a huge price to pay but Vala wasn't in any position to refuse a King's summons. Perhaps if she just kept her mouth shut, she could live out her life without ever leaving the icy coasts of the Northern Seas... but where would those tales of brave, exciting adventure if she stayed behind?

Vala spent her last moments on her ship, fiddling with tangled rope as there was no need for the Master-at-Arms in such friendly seas. It wasn't until they had to dock that Vala was sprung into action by her captain. The crew were in high spirits as they scurried about the deck, preparing to jump ship for simpler pleasures. Vala hadn't know these men for very long but they were all at least kind enough to give her a nod or a handshake before scrambling for the nearest tavern. With a nod from her captain, she was relieved from duty. She gathered her belongings, which all fit in a rather large potato sack, and began her long climb up the gradual slope that lead to Dragonstead.

--

An awestruck crowd of people had gathered at the entrance, being held back by the threat armed guards. It took a bit of some aggression on her part, but Vala managed to navigate the crowd and find a spot at the end of a shortening line. Most were being turned away and suddenly, Vala felt like this was a big mistake. The possibility of being screened and turned away for whatever reason suddenly crept into her mind. If that was the case, she'd at least have a chance to rejoin her ship but after word had spread that she was some type of "Chosen", it would be such an embarrassing affair if all she brought back was, "They turned me away..."

Finally it was her turn and the moment she took her step forward, she was immediately nodded at. "Please step inside!" The older man said as he stepped aside. Shocked, Vala only mouthed a 'thank you' before stepping inside. A nicely dressed man approached her and offered to take her belongings. There was a bit of hesitation but she willing gave him the sack, containing all her weaponry and armor. Her shield was tossed over her shoulder and another man came and take that.

Unburdened by her equipment, she was lead to a large dining hall where several people had already gathered. All of them looked the part of being from all corners of Ecen but Vala had expected more. Surely there were others but a growing sense of Vala being the last one to arrive felt like a real possibility. In any case, she was most relieved to see a pale man with light brown hair but blue eyes sitting in silence. She took the seat next to him and gave him a nod. "[i]Frændi[/i]." (Kinsman) She said sternly as she pulled out the seat and sat next to the man, who probably hailed from the same region as her. 

A servant arrived just a moment later and offered wine. "Something harder..." She said, looking at the servant, shortly after her kinsmen had asked for something. The accent was something familiar and suddenly Vala was feeling better. Her accent mirrored his. "Erm.. Please." She added quickly. The prospect of a heavy drink felt like it would be soothing to Vala's growing nerves. Thankfully she knew the Southern language well enough.