"Ahh, help me you guys!" Shouted out the elf known as Sivil. He was completely surrounded by a small group of shades, demons, and shadows of all manner. He was trapped and due to an injury to his leg he had sustained earlier while climbing up a small cliff he was in no condition to escape. Not to mention

Looking at the elf man for a moment I paused before continuing on my way.

"Are you crazy Caelica, we have to help him." Said the human axeman known as Jilor as he prepared to charge in and help his friend.

Before he could run off I grabbed him arm and pulled slightly which stopped him in his tracks.

"If we help that man, we may end up sharing his fate as well. The only reason they're attacking him is because of his injury. An injury which is partly due to you egging him on in a race when we climbed up that cliff I might add. Not only did he end up getting injured by you, but we also wasted about a day and a half trying to find an alternative way past the cliff, and now you've led this man to his death." My words were cold as though I had been traveling with this man and his companion for the better part of a month now. This man, Jilor was not only a fool, but unnecessarily reckless. The only reason I had agreed to travel with this clown was because no one else was interested, and his one friend actually at least seemed to be competent, most of the time.

Jilor looked at me with a look of anger and disdain. "There's still time to help him, quit being a bitch and follow my lead." With that the man raised his axe as he began charging toward the demons surrounding his friend. "I"M COMING SIVIL." yelled Jilor as he charged with vigor into the thick of the crowd.

I shook my head as I began to walk away only turning briefly to yell back towards Jilor. "Fine, go ahead and get yourself killed. Like I care what happens to you." And with that I began to walk off in a huff towards Urenda. Not a few moments later did I hear both Jilor and Sivil's screams as they were both eaten alive by the small horde. After a few moments of walking I turned around once again to check if any of the monsters were going to turn there attention to me, but the rest seemed to preoccupied with the food that lay before them than to even attempt to go after me.

Both the screams of Sivil and Jilor were drowned out as I figured both of them had died by now. I paused for a moment and shook my head as I continued to head towards Urenda.



Eventually after a few hours of walking I had finally made my way to the gates of Urenda. I slowly walked over towards one of the guards feeling a bit fatigued by my journey. "Mind letting me in?" I asked as I tried to catch my breath.

The guard stared at me for a few moments, looking me over before nodding his head. "You can pass." He said with his gruff voice.

I smiled a bit as I thanked the guard and trudged inside. I had finally reached the city of Urenda. Looking around the place I couldn't help but smile a bit. This place was actually rather nice. As I continued to walk around I finally found an inn and entering the building I saw a few groups of people, all conversing, drinking, and eating together. Deciding that it might be a good idea to make some allies here in case things go south I chose a table at random and sat down taking out a small container of veggies, as well as my thermos of water for drink. As I did so I looked around at the group of people and flashed a smile at no one in particular. "Hello, my name's Caelica," I said, in a somewhat tired voice.

@Orior@PyroDash888@HeartlessNobody@BCTheEntity@Riaxh

Alex almost whimpered when her wine was taken away, though normally she would complain about that fact she really couldn't afford to raise a ruckus in a place like this due to her having that 'first free meal' thing that Reether mentioned many more times than just once. She had to point the bottle out "Is there really no way of obtaining cheap booze? Gah I couldn't get fruit juice and now this?" She rubbed the back of her head, she wasn't blaming the man, more the world itself for having fallen this far to be with without booze! "What about the dwarves? I hear they make the stuff out of muchrooms."

Seemed like her stay within this place would be ending sooner rather than later, still something interesting was going to happen, she could feel it... She just hoped regret of this choice would sneak up on her. As for the girl? She had heard whatever she had a few times over, though given her natural defenses she had never bothered with it. The creeping death huh? She had to wonder who came up with such a deadly sounding name for such cute looking side effects, and though coming up with a new name for it would have been rather exciting

"If he wanted you gone he would have thrown you out by now"

It was at this point that another addressed the group, she was getting confused by just how many people were being drawn together, and so many unique people at that! Though human this women carried around a fine blade with her, even within its sheath she could tell this much. "Ora~ It is getting a little crowded here it seems~ It is ok though, most people here are so small not much space is taken up" A small chuckle escaped her lips

The last day of the arduous journey. It was evening as the group of elves overlooked the prospering and hopeful settlement of Urenda. Morale had been dropping, with no firm idea how long the trip was going to take with such a big group. A few elves ended up dead due to brigands up until this point, and the vista reaffirmed everyone's good spirit despite the surroundings. A vestige of hope in this dying world.

As the group stopped to chatter with each other and determine the plan of action, Cyren and Rinsten - another fellow guardsman - were the one who sought out for help crossing into the city. It was only a matter of offering a few amenities in the form of cookware and some rations in order to secure safety for the whole group, along with some information involving the current state of the city and what was necessary to do when things to trade ended.

---

Having been awake for all of the evening disregarding a small nap at the bar's table, Cyren was not yet done celebrating. Sitting across from Rinsten and Triel, Rinsten's sister, they were making the most of it without bothering to barter for alcoholic beverages.

"I know I said this before, but we did a good job bringing these people here. To think a bit of work and we can live here comfortably, it is not too bad a deal." With a wide grin, Cyren stretched his hands into the air before placing them behind his neck and leaning the chair back. "Not too bad a deal."

"Yes, it is. We might even be able to find a good guard position if we look around, and hopefully it will pay well. Volunteer work is nice, but there is more to life than being virtuous." It could be said that Rinsten's main goal in life seems to involve him fighting and earning money while doing so. In contrast -

"I would argue that protecting people is not the best course of action when earning money, but you already know that." Leaning her chin on her palm, Triel looked around idly. "There is probably a support position open somewhere that I can fill, maybe somewhere where I can act as a run around here rather than putting myself in danger too often." She wanted to live a full life. "What 'bout you, Cy?"

Cyren set the chair down on all fours as he yawned. After letting it pass, he responded in a cheerful tone. "I just go were the wind takes me, if you expect otherwise - you are wrong. Hopefully a good post will have an opening, but maybe I will find something else to do. Hard to say."

"Whatever it is, we will help you in any way as we can, right, sis?" Reaching over he places his arm across Triel's shoulder and pulls her close.

Ducking while pushing the arm back over her head, she moved herself away before finally responding. "Yes, that's right. That's what best friends are for." The chatting continued afterwards despite everyone's exhaustion.

Rexton watched as the girl fell to the floor and accidentally revealed her fox ears. He wasn't too stunned. He still couldn't sense any form of lycan blood running through her veins, but that didn't mean it wasn't possible. He had seen a lot of weird things while he was living alone on the fringes of society. It wasn't until the woman with red eyes spoke to him, that he realized that the reason she panicked and fell was because of his appearance. He was just about to apologize to the girl, but the owner of the bar charged in. He complained about a few things, but Rex never really payed attention to him. He like the mystery drinks he would get, and a lot of the time they were good. Rexton turned to Magnus and answered him as the owner continued to talk, "I mean there is only one way to find out, now isn't there?" Rex smiled at the dwarf in red armor.

The owner just got done talking, and the fox girl decided to reveal her ears and even her tail to the people of the bar. Rexton listened to the girl as she explained herself to the owner and those around her. He hadn't seen anyone with mutations before, but he didn't have time to really process that fact as the girl explained that some priests may want to execute her because of her mutations. That left a very bad taste in Rex's mouth and he visibly tensed up when the girl finished talking. "That ain't right," He said and his smile now gone, "Killing someone because of features they were born with. I don't care what they say, that's wrong. I mean people should be judged by how they act and not how they look," He took a breath and then continued, "I won't stand for something like that. Killin' you will do nothing but sate a cruel mans desire to get back at the world we live in. If you ask me, he should be the one executed," He shook his head and his smile now returned, "But that's just me rambling. I'm sorry my appearance startled you, miss. If you do find yourself in trouble because of your appearance. or for any reason really, don't be afraid to seek me out. Most of the hunters around the city know me, and how to get a hold of me. So don't be afraid to flaunt those beautiful little ears and tail you have there. They are what make you, you. Should be no reason to hide them, and I don't think the owner of this fine establishment minds them. Discrimination really isn't his thing." He said as he looked at the girl. Another girl spoke to the group, and Rexton politely waved at her in return. He thought he talked enough and decided to just listen to the group for a few more seconds.

Orodyuke accepted the cup of whiskey gratefully. "Thank you" he said as kindly as he could manage, feeling sympathetic for Tori after watching her get chewed out by the innkeeper. "I'll hold back on the breakfast. Tis a meal I've yet to earn, and I have food from the road that won't keep much longer." Even after all this time, he didn't like accepting charity where he could stand on his own two feet.

He sipped his drink quietly, savouring the fire it brought to his stomach. Now that he was more awake, he took the opportunity to survey the inn's other patrons who were causing such a fuss. They were certainly an interesting bunch. You didn't see lyncans every day. Apparently Urenda drew all sorts of characters. The elf's mutation story in particular intrigued him. Poor girl. If she'd lived alone like that all this time it was no wonder she was afraid of what the townspeople would think of her.

"I beg your pardon young lady," he rumbled in his thick accent from across the bar. "But you say the Creeping Death caused your change in appearance? Would you mind me asking how? I am studying its corrupting effects and it is a most interesting case." he tried a tired smile. "I apologize. I do not mean to pry, but I am a blacksmith by trade so if it makes up for it perhaps I can provide some tips for this house of yours."

The innkeeper stood back on his heels and crossed his arm over his chest, raising a brow at the growling animal but refraining from saying anymore about it. The older woman addressed him first with the withdrawal of her bottle, and Reether shook his head. "No cheap booze here. If ya' find a dwarf like that, send him my way, and I'll let you drink whatever you want! That doesn't mean there's nothing you can do for me to get some, though." Well, there was a distillery in the lower city, he thought offhandedly, but they hadn't the manpower to defend and run it, yet. Their short exchange only lasting a few moments, his attention was caught but the owner of that white vermin. He first nodded at the pale child's apology, but let her continue as she explained but her ability to pay for her friend's bottle in furs. Looking them over from his position, and seeing only a bit of what she boasted, he wondered what she actually had in the case of 'rarities.' Sure, a real blue snow-rabbit pelt, once valued at several hundred gold, was rare, but it did nothing but look pretty, and held no value in terms of usability. However, the girl, despite speaking in a refined manner, did not hold any hoity air, and Reether believed that she likely held something of actual value. Thanks to the size Urenda once boasted, there was still much in the terms of resources in the lower city. No doubt, the furs she would give would be at least as valuable as a raiding party sent down to collect the supplies she needed. He opened his mouth to respond, but she went on to address her... 'mutations.'

"If you plan on trading these furs for things like stone, lumber, mortar, and tools, you can stay in one of our rooms while you do so. We always need furs; we have a lot of bodies to keep warm, especially with the coming winter." Reether's word lost their rolling edges as he calmed, and he spoke more clearly. "As for... what did you call them? Mutations? Darling, I don't know what rock you've been living under, but you're far from the worst thing this world has created." He ended the sentence with a laugh from his belly, and he shook his head. He didn't mean to offend her for her insecurities, but the aged human had a hard time believing anyone here would think the poor girl an abomination. But, he lived in one of the kindest places in existence on Reath; people were ugly now, and he believed that she had seen unfair treatment thanks to her physiology in other places, but those were not the people he wanted in his town. "It's of no consequence to me, child, and certainly no offense!" He ended with a nod to the other woman's simple, truthful remark. "Though, I'll give you a piece of advice: people will think you're a 'were if you don't tell 'em otherwise."

"I'll have one of the girl's show you where you can stay, and after that I would go to the Priests and tell them what you need. You may wind up talking a stroll with some backup down to the lower city, due to us not having much of that stuff laying around up here." He addressed the group as a whole now, looking at each of the unfamiliar faces with a raised brow. "Now, let's get some introductions done, shall we? I'm Reether, and that's what you can call me. I run the inn, and I keep an eye on food stores for the priests and watch the people to make sure everyone's fed and clothed." He hadn't always divulged such information, as little it did to give others an edge over him, but there were a few times people tried to get between the two, thinking there was little loyalty. "If you need something, it's best to come to me first or one of the girls and not bother the elves. I can usually help you." The innkeeper turned to the new arrival. "I don’t believe I've seen you here before either. Are you new to the city?" He asked curiously, wanting to know if he should give her the rundown the way he had just before. It wasn't like he minded. Just as he was pleased to see the dwarf he had saw approach the girl for his own reasons, he was pleased to have to introduce new people to the city. It was this sense of community, he knew, that kept Urenda going.

---

The maid pouted a bit, as though the dwarf's kind decision had hurt her. "Alrighty, but you better come back for a meal after you run out of food!" She poured him a cup of water afterward, whether or not he was paying attention. After the dwarf seemed to wake up more, she made sure he heard her small comment, "Grab me if you need anything," before she left him to his discussion. The young girl looked around the inn. It was a cozy place and somewhat small, which was why Urendites came in waves for their meals - they wouldn't all fit in the inn! She went around to the tables a few locals she knew, giving refreshment or a kick a light kick in the rump where it was needed.

Tori approached the table of jovial elves that had come in the night before. She knew they were to be fed, as the Priests respected them for their vigil over the commoners they had brought to the city. They had been entertaining themselves, and their pleasant demeanor, so different from what mood usually lingered in the inn, made Tori smile. "Heya, guys!" She greeted them again, this time having not been the first, but the only time she actually stayed for a moment between her hustle. "Can I get you guys anything?" She looked around slyly, especially at Reether, and stooped a bit to sate her own curiosity. "You were the ones who came with that group, right? How many of you were there?"

'Don't make me do it, lad,' I say jovially to Rex, before quickly realising that the fox-eared girl is talking, and promptly remain totally silent for a bit. An uncharacteristically long bit. There's a whole thing with Rex proclaiming that he'll protect fox ears with his life or what have you if anyone mentions her fox ears in a bad light, then a bunch of people turn up, then the innkeeper keeps talking... ye Gods, these people talk a lot.
'Ya know, all ye have ta do ta not insult anybody is ta... well, not insult anybody. Ah'm jus' sayin', is all. Now on the other hand, light-hearted mockin' is all well an' good,' I elaborate, 'an' somebody who can appreciate tha' is a fine individual in my book.' I finish with a smile, which broadens as the maid walks over. 'I think tha' was jus' me yer talkin' about, lass,' I say to her. 'The School a Devastation, an' a fine school a battlemages it is. And since yer askin', ah believe ah asked fer some booze jus' a few minutes ago? Ah mean, if tha' sad sack gets some soon as walks in...' I finish, jerking my head towards the very softly-spoken dwarf over yonder. Near us. Either-or.

Quickly Aurora became overwhelmed by the friendliness granted to her by the inn's guest and the inn's owner, but even then, at the unexpectancy of this friendly encounter, she quickly regained her lost composure.

"I thank you very much for your endearing words, but I don't believe I will need company. I have lived on my own for a dozen years and survived in the arctic wastes on my own, I believe I can handle a 'scary dead city' on my own, too. What could be there that I have not yet encountered in my travels? And even if there was a surprise waiting to kill me, I still would not need help from anybody. My parents last words were to not trust anybody not of my species and I will honour their words."

Her voice did neither quiver nor waver and remained cold as she continued speaking facing the other dwarf that had asked her about the connection between her mutations and the Creeping Death.

"Both my parents were infected with the Creeping Death when I was conceived. Apparently I became immune to its effects in my mother's womb, but I developed these mutations at the same time. So, I have been looking like this since birth. However, I am not a lycan, but both the tail and my ears are fully functional. And I do not have two sets of ears. Anyway, my parents died from the Creeping Death, but, although I was so close to them and even drank from my mother's bosom, I did not contract the disease. I do not know if I can not still be infected. I have never tried for obvious reasons."

While she was talking about her parents, her eyes developed a sheen making it seem as if she was staring into the distance.

Alex brushed her wild locks to the side for a moment as she peered at everyone, well she may as well keep playing around for the time being and show them to the church, after all it wasn't like she had booze to keep her entertained anymore. "If any of you are interested I can guide you to the church, it is not out of my way. The sooner you guys do the sooner you can establish yourselves... Or so I have heard." Besides if she were to go with them she may be able to grab a few things in the way of supplies

Looking a little disappointed by Aurora's words, she stood up and stretched a little to get rid of the kinks "No offence, but in this world those are poor words to live by, more so given by those that have passed." It was harsh to say that, more so that she had just mentioned it was their last words, but Alex had lived long enough to know that right now in this fading world the only way to survive it was with others help and she did not want to see such a pure girl fall into the trap that so many others had done. "I will be waiting outside for a few minutes if anyone wishes to come along to the church for work." She had things to do there herself so she couldn't wait all that long for them, still she started to head outside.

"If the drink is short, you're welcome to the rest of this here fire whiskey, friend" Orodyuke said, sliding the vessel down the bar. He'd struggled to understand the other dwarf through his particular inflection, tenuous as his grasp on the trade tongue was, but he'd heard of the School of Devastation, and he respected a group that focused on training discipline and personal strength in a time such as this.

He listened carefully to the fox girl's description, even going as far as to jot down a couple of the more forgettable details on a sheaf of notes he pulled from his pocket. the peculiarity of the case just went to show how complex a magic the Creeping Death was, and he wondered if he'd ever come close to understanding it in its entirety. "The Lady speaks the truth." he said as he was writing. "Species doesn't mean much anymore. Perhaps alone you can survive, but we're all in this mess together, and we need to unite if we're ever to have a shot at rebuilding this broken world."

Orodyuke rose from his stool, shoving the notes back in their place. "I'll take you up on that offer" he said, now addressing the older woman. "But I've yet to properly introduce myself to any of you. Mine name is Orodyuke. A pleasure to meet you."

There were many things Reether hated; the cold, that crick in his neck, the dumb Josh kid who thought he was pulling the wool over the innkeeper's eyes when he stole from the barley stocks, but there were few things he hated more than willful ignorance. Pride was one of them. Whether or not she was being arrogant was irrelevant to him, but it was for a reason. It was because, purposeful or not, that damn pride was going to get her killed. And in Urenda, that usually means a few more will go down with you. His eyes narrowed as she continued, and he was shaking his head by the end of it. He interrupted her before her tale of her birth with a sharp, cold, brutal laugh from the pit of his stomach, but she continued to speak to the other dwarf. Reether waited a moment, and turned to the pair.

"I do not mean to keep you, girl, but you should hear this if you want to make it to thirty, and you better pay attention and do it good. It ain't hard to live out there on you own." His voice changed, and he sounded much more, not hostile or condescending, but almost exasperated, believing, at this point, he was speaking to a child. "Maybe you came across a few demons, and you think yourself strong for defeating them. But no demon ever hunted you, no monster followed you, no force cared about you because you were just one little girl in a world of a thousand scrambling people. They didn't care about you, just like they don;t care about the countless others who live on their own. That's how most people live nowadays, even the ones that come through here, they only do it every so often. I'm sure you're thinking, too, that the city isn't dangerous because you managed to walk through it. Well, half a dozen people do that too, every day. And do you want to know why?"

"It's because demons are smarter than you give them credit for. Do you think they don't know what this is? You act as though you are fighting mindless beasts! They wait, and they gather, and they let Urenda grow so that when they finally come for us, it is a meaningful victory. Of course they wouldn't bother you going to the city. Why would they risk a small assault, when they can let you and others get inside so that they can later boast of killing a whole city? They wish to please their masters with as much blood as they can. What is better, a sacrifice once every few days, or an entire settlement that has been one of the only hopeful places mortals can go in two decades? I'm sure you know the answer. They're growing with us, and they are getting stronger. They bother our crops and our walls to distract us, to make us think we have things under control and become complacent. They only attack those who go out in the city to make those still inside think their walls are keeping them safe."

"Do you know what's going to happen to you if you go down there? The same thing that happened to the many men, especially those much more experienced than you, that have tried to stay in the city for whatever reason without aid. First of all, how the hell are you going to gather anything by your damn self? What, you need three planks of wood for your house? You'll waste your time because you won't be able to bring anything back. Second, what do you think a demon will do if it sees you rummaging through the damn dust? He won't attack you, not alone. He's going to see what your doing, and know you're gathering building supplies. He's going to assume you're aiding in the repair effort of the city. Then he's going to get his friends nearby, and their friends, and surround you. They know the city while you do not. They are going to make you run. They are going to out-maneuver you. Then they're going to corner you. Maybe you'll kill two or three of them, sure. But, at that point, there are more than a dozen trailing you. It will end in one of two ways. Either they eat you, typically all at once, or they capture you, rape you, and force you to birth abominations." He shook his head, realizing that he had just gone on a small, albeit mostly clam, rant. However, it wasn't to shame or hurt the girl. Despite his horrible execution, the man was just trying to keep the girl alive.

At that point, the kitchen doors swung open and Bella, who was second under the innkeeper, rolled out like a wave and headed right for the grumbling man. She hadn't heard his words, as he hadn't raised his voice, but the bar was close enough to the kitchen that she heard his tone. She came up to his side, a firm hand on his shoulder, and said, "They need you in the back, boss." In a sort of dismissive tone that was not up to debate.

Reether looked to Aurora once more. "Do not get yourself killed for you pride," he said in a solemn voice, and then whisked into the doors behind the counter.

"Allllrighty, then! Please take what Reether says with a grain of salt," Bella tried to laugh it off, but her eyes darted to the man in a bit of discomfort. "I'm sorry about that. He can get pretty gloomy." She left the two to their conversation after adding, "When you are ready, I can show you where you'll be staying."

She turned to the shorter dwarf, a bit of a flustered look on her face. Dammit, Tori. "Of course, sir! I'm so sorry about that!" She turned and grabbed a mug from the wall behind her, and sashayed to the few smaller kegs behind the other end of the. They rarely held much, but they were lucky enough that through trade they had some selection. She went immediately for their darkest brew, the most flavorful they had at the moment, and whisked back quickly. She placed it in front of him, leaning back with a hand on her hip and addressing both him and Rex. "Can I get you gets anything to eat? I know you're good for it, Rex. What about you, sir?"

Well, well. The girl's pride set the innkeeper off, didn't it. I was nearly distracted enough to not finish the mug of beer so kindly donated by a mister Orodyuke, which I thank him for after the fact. Maybe he is a sad sack, but he's certainly a friendly one. And not a moment later, I'm granted another, very fine-looking ale by a waitress! Wonderful timing, isn't it!
'Well, thank ye, lass,' I say boistrously, 'an' since ye ask, ah'd appreciate some lunch, anythin' fillin' enough fer a man a my size, heh!'

For the first time in her life Aurora started crying. Not even at her parent's death had she cried, not even when she had buried them. But now that her values and pride had been utterly destroyed. Quickly before anybody could notice, she put up her hood again to hide her icy pale blue eyes and the silent tears streaming from them.
"But... but that is what my parents taught me...", she whispered quietly.
It was clearly apparent that Aurora valued her parents a lot. At the same time, her mental youth was very visible.
She sniffled a bit and wiped her eyes with her hood still up.
"Just... just show me my room, so that I can deposit what I will not need as well as give you my payment."

Rexton listened to Reether rant towards the girl about the importance of not being alone. He agreed with him on most things, but he did think he went a little hard on her. She was obviously disturbed by what he was saying. She hid her face under her hood and was obviously hiding her tears. Rexton felt bad for her. Reality is a cruel mistress, and everyone must face it at some point. Rexton looked at her and said with a sympathetic smile, "Hey. I understand what you feel, and your parents aren't actually wrong. It's just that in these times, surviving needs to be our top priority, and that means we have to rely on people we don't trust. Your not the only who has lived alone and fought alone. I was a lone wolf for quite a few years too, and there are some more people that I know who have similar backgrounds. We all have come to the realization that, even though we want or feel like we need to be alone, it is best to surround ourselves with comrades," He turned away from her stared at the bar top, "I'm not asking you to trust me or those around you. I'm asking you to not be afraid to rely on the people you were told not to trust. It is what's needed to survive this bloody Apocalypse." He said with his smile now gone. Hopefully that had a positive effect. He wasn't overly good at being social. He was always the social outcast in his pack when they were still alive.

It was then that Bella came over and asked if he wanted something to eat. Rexton turned to her, his smile now returned, and said with a toothy grin, "Yea! I wouldn't mind a plate of your finest Biscuits n' Gravy! I love that stuff." Food always made Rexton feel better. He then turned back to Aurora and smiled, "I'll be hanging around here for a bit. If your feeling better and are up to it, I will be happy to help you gather some materials a little later. I think I saw an old destroyed blacksmiths workshop an hours walk out of the West gate. You may be able to find some of the tools you need there. It will be a good way to get you mind off of things." His tail started to visibly sway back and forth as he waited eagerly for her to respond. It seemed that her first day in the city wasn't going too well, and that she might need a friend. Even if it was only for a couple of hours. He hated seeing good people be sad.

The barmaid's brows furrowed in sympathy, but she didn't say anything to the you girl. Although the delivery hadn't been nurturing, the reminders of reality Reether had thrown at the girl would need to stick if she was going to be staying in the city. Although, it seemed as though her visit was a temporary one, and she will most likely be back to living on her own relatively soon if that was what she so chose. Bella stooped another maid on her way to the back, and instructed her to bring both the brightly dressed dwarf and their familiar hunter meals, whether it be breakfast or lunch that was left. At this point, most everyone had made their way to the inn for their first meal, so in the back of her mind she reckoned that the first meal was over.

"I can bring you up right now," she said in a softer voice to the strange Frost Elf. She jogged down to the other end of the counter to cross it, and came next to her. She didn't touch her, though her hand hovered a bit if she wanted to grab it; maybe foolishly, but the barmaid was assuming she was younger than she actually was. In a quieter voice, one that the human thought only the two could hear, she said, "I'm sure your parents taught you very well." She lead the two toward the staircase on the side of the common room.

Out from the kitchen, a third woman appeared with two plates, one in each hand. With a smile, she quickly brought them to bear in front of the two remaining patrons sitting at the bar. A cheerful greeting followed the pleasant smell of grilled meat. Upon the plates were slabs of cooked venison and a pile of cooked grains; a very filling meal, if not the most pleasant. She left and came back with two glasses of water, putting them down with the meal. She leaned back, hand on her hip, "Anything else I can get ya'?" She'd bid them a good meal and whisk anyway if not.

---

Delsaran Taranath

The cathedral in Urenda that housed the congregation rose into the dim sky with an eerie grace; it was a tall, wide gray stone building adorned with carvings of Mitchin now defaced by those who lived there before. The bottoms of the frescoes were rubbed raw, the evidence of the elves' and other inhabitants of the settlement attempt to erase the Anti-God's presence. White steps lead to two large double doors encased in wrought iron frames. Inside, the building was the same gray stone, but many tapestries and windows broke the monotony. The flowing tapestries had been replaced by those of Relanthon and his deeds, or members of his pantheon, in an attempt to distance the cathedral from Mitchin's influence. The main building was a bit of a mess, scattered with cots, tables, writing desks, and elves of all kinds. A constant dim of conversation could be heard, but it was not especially loud.

In the center of the room was a grand staircase leading to the two upper levels. Down the polished steps came two elven figures clad in purple robes. The one coming first was a tall man white bright white hair carrying a staff strapped across his back, as well as a rucksack. Behind him, a slender blonde woman without such adornments. She walked with a certain dignity, and her hard-set green eyes, ringed in thin wrinkles uncommon to her race, held little compromise. Their heads were turned to each other in hushed conversation, but when they came to the end of the staircase several others approached, so the two parted. Del started for the double doors, and sighed loudly at the sound of men bickering on the main road. He quickened his steps.

---

" 'll 'ave yer damn hide, Goldman!"

"Oi, I did'n' take notin' from you, ya' damn idiot! He took mah fuckin' fishing pole!"

"Ya' ne'er e'en had any damn line fer that piece a' shit! Admit it! Ya' good fer notin'! Ya' took my girl's damn mirror!"

The two men stood rigid and faced each other, both red in the face. One, a scrawny man barely covered in rags, stood on shifting feet with a frightened look on his face. Roo Goldman had little in the ways of possession but still did little to help out around the settlement. People had suspected he was the thief for a few days, but the priests had cleared him of involvement. Thomas Reccar, a man of little note, stepped closed to Goldman with a pointed finger. Apparently, his daughter's mirror had gone missing.

@Riaxh@Orior

"Nice to meet ya Oro, I be Alex. Eh, you may be the only one up for the little trip right now but tis enough."

With a small motion of her hand she directed the man to follow, thouhg something was clearly bothering the women as she turned to head towards the cathedral. "Ah, maybe I was a little harsh on the girl..." She stated aloud, wondering if Oro had any opinions on the matter, she was just worried for her after all but saying something so harsh at her dead parents words felt a little...

"Ya' ne'er e'en had any damn line fer that piece a' shit! Admit it! Ya' good fer notin'! Ya' took my girl's damn mirror!"

Stopping in her tracks for a moment Alex took a good look ahead at where she heard the voices coming from, ah it seemed Goldman was getting chewed out again over that whole thief thing, though from what she heard he was cleared right? She only kept up with the news in worry for the guards coming to question her about it, that kind of hassle was the last thing the hermit needed. "I hope ya don't mind, but I think I will take a little side track before we reach it, tho you are free to go on ahead by yourself, its that huge gray building." After pointing the building out Alex put her hands into her pockets and made her way over to the men arguing, why was she getting involved? They were loud...

"Ora.... You two are causing a lot of noise.. Whats this about?" She knew "If you are going to keep it up could you either slug each other or just head home. It will be over with faster that way."

Orodyuke listened silently to the innkeeper's tirade. The man's anger was misplaced, but his words might very well end up saving the girl's life. Despite the thirty years or so that had passed, Orodyuke's memory was long, and the absurdity and injustice of the current world still inflamed him. It was time to leave.

He thanked the innkeeper for his hospitality, then turned to trudge with Alex through the bleak streets. "Nay" he said, in regards to her concern. "Advice that offends is the most useful kind. You can be sure they won't forget it."

As they approached the old cathedral, he could see It was milling with people, most of keen purpose, while others loitered. It'd been years since he'd seen this many people in one place and the effect was slightly disconcerting. The building itself was imposing despite its condition, and established itself as a symbol of solidarity in the city. Ironically, works portraying the Great Creator himself dotted the outside, but their destruction and the repurposing of the place from one of worship to one of aid gave a sense of defying the anti-god in his own home. Something Orodyuke approved of.

He doubted the priests would give him what he wanted straight away. First he'd have to work for the betterment of the city and earn their attention. But busy as they were with the burdensome task of organising the city, who knew how long it would be before the priests would find time to grant him an audience for his research.

They were just entering the shadow of the great building when Orodyuke beheld two men in dispute at its exterior, and Alex motioned for him to go ahead. Scenes like this were common wherever you went in the world these days. He knew it was usually just the result of built up frustration and despair, but that often meant it was any well-meaning mediator that came out of it the worse. It was not his business to intervene, especially as a newcomer in these parts, but since Alex was trying to break them up, he hung back, expression grim, if only to show that she had some backup in case the men decided words no longer sufficed.

Slowly, it seemed, Aurora was starting to get used to the presence of dwarfs and humans around her, nevertheless her mind was still of childish age and so Aurora took the hand that was offered to her, but almost immediately withdrew it again.

"Wah!", she cried out surprised. "Your hand it burning hot." Which actually really wasn't the case, no. Just Aurora's skin was the one that was cold, maybe even a bit more than was usual for frost elves.

She aimed her next sentence at the girl who had offered her hand to her. "I am truely sorry. It seems my hand is cold. I will just follow you like this then."
And that she did.

Through the lingering mists, the sound of shuffling feet approaches the southern gate. The guards challenge the approaching footsteps, alert for trouble. The sound of a staff striking the cobblestone street rings out, and a light breeze blows the mist away, revealing A tall pale man, almost deathly pale, standing before two cloaked porters, carrying a large haul of raw meat on two sturdy poles that had been green sapling only a few days before. The man spoke in a clear, soft voice, barely more than a whisper yet every word was easily understood.

"My name is Jaro Cabur. I bring an offering of food, mostly meats, to the people of Uredna. I hope to gain a few nights rest in exchange."

The guards confer with each other for a few moments, but the fresh food wasn't something they could afford to pass up. They gave their usual spiel about causing trouble in town and that should an emergency arise, they'd be expected to help defend the town. Jaro had no objections, and stated that he'd expected no less. The guards let him and his small entourage pass. They notice, as they porters pass that both are completely covered, not even a glimpse of skin to bee seen on either of them. While it was odd, it wasn't quite enough to stop them. The porters made no sound besides the shuffling of their booted feet.

Jaro made his way towards the tavern, walking around to the back and the meat shed. He waited a moment as one of the girls came out and asked to receive three days room and board in exchange for the meats and herbs he'd brought. She said that should be fine,and directed him to store the meat and spices where they would be utilized. He thanked her and turned heading back into the main street in time to here the minor commotion starting just outside the temple. He heard a woman interject her own opinion into the fray.

She knew "If you are going to keep it up could you either slug each other or just head home. It will be over with faster that way."

Jaro considered revealing himself, or more accurately his talents, but stayed himself. He was a stranger here, and he didn't need any additional distrust. He was a difficult enough person to trust as it was, his frame and demeanor simply didn't convey any comforting qualities at all. He was used to that and had even grown to prefer that over the years. Some things just were not worth the effort necessary to establish and maintain, for Jaro friendships were pretty much at the top of that list in these dark days. Jaro stopped at the corner of the tavern, flanked by his two now unladen porters, and watched the scene quietly but intently. It would be good to know how serious the people were about keeping order within the walls. He tended to fair better in towns that were more orderly, so he hoped that the issue would be formerly addressed quickly.