Leila
An abnormally petite, for a Varati anyway, dusky-hued young woman clothed as befits a Varati woman of the Kshatri caste. This young creature's ebony hair, reaching nearly to her ankles, is plaited save a few loose strands tucked behind her ears, making her look slightly elven; olive green eyes are obscured by a silvery-hued gossamer-like veil.
Sumai
This man is large by most any person's estimation as he towers over a room with broad shoulders and a stone-hard face. A deep complexion like that of bloody mud is the hue of his face and skin, as though holding a manner of fire inside his own body has deepened its coloring. Brown-olive eyes watch the world around him with a hard, yet thoughtful, sense to them as they shield the man's thoughts from being physically read. His face has chiseled, sharp features which make him appear very planar and level while bearing several small scars from battles. Dark hair hangs from his head, long and somewhat coarse as it is braided into a sole, thick cord hanging near to the middle of his back. Braided into the long, rope-like cord are silver bands and tiny, metallic ribbons that seem to be a part of his black hair. At the moment the rope-like hair wraps around his throat, beneath the coif of his mail. His torso is expansive, like that of a great statue carved of some long dead warrior in remembrance of his worth. Powerful arms are corded with muscle and sinew from years of physically demanding training as well as being lined with sometimes criss-crossing scar flesh.
Currently the Warlord is clad in a light suit of intricately crafted, and slightly intimidating, armor. The helm of this suit is a single, solid plate that seems to fit firmly to the shape of his skull, etched with swirling silver curls all around it rolls obscurely around his head. The silver-blue plate slopes down into a hawk-like nose piece that hooks sharply just about his lips. Hanging from plate of the helm is a silver coif of loosely linked chain mail that shields his throat and leaves only his chin and lips exposed. The left arm and leg are plated in similar silver-blue enameling of metallic plates. The left hand particularly is heavily plated in a fierce panzerhand that seems to curl into the shape of a tiger's head, deep blue sapphires for the eyes while ears and teeth come to sharp, razor-like points. Each separate plate that sculpts to the different portions of his arm and leg while appearing to writhe and contort like living steel. Wrapped around his tree-trunk waist is a plate of silver, which is nearly a foot wide and straps around his lower back with leather ties. At the belt's center is a navy blue enameling of the rune denoting wrath and just vengeance, hanging from its center in a linen clothe colored deep, navy blue with silver fringes. A thick, silver bracer runs the length of his right wrist like a tiny shield, etched upon its surface in navy enamel is a rune empowering it with accuracy. On his right shin is a silver-plated guard which covers the fore of lower leg and his dark, leather boots. The remainder of his body is covered in a silver, loose-knit chain mail rings which provide him with some armoring.
A large weapon sling rests upon his back is made of supple, though heavily blacked, leather. Held in the sling, when not held by his side, is his wicked war-axe. Made of a single, expertly crafted, piece of steel the black axe is etched with runes invoking the power of righteousness and strength in silvered emblems. The haft is wrapped with a tough, serpent-hide, leather so that its owner may grip it easily. Strapped across the small of his lower back so that it lays beneath the war axe is an intricate jambiya, a long knife that curls in a wicked backward hook. The hilt wrapped in dyed navy serpenthide while the pommel is intricately done in silver displaying a great cat's head snarling.
The Rialto - Haven
Reigning over the Rialto is the very heart of Haven: the Delphic Citadel. It dwarfs the other buildings, which cluster around it like so many children seeking a parent's protection. Day or night, rain or shine, its walls seem to glimmer with a light of their own, as if, over the centuries, the magic within had slowly permeated the entire structure. The main tower soars higher than the tallest tree, and each side tapers inward so that it resembles a giant obelisk. Four smaller towers stand at the four points of the compass, representing the unification of each race under Delphi's government.
And here is where they all gather. The Rialto is the famed marketplace of Haven, full of shops, stalls, and brightly colored tents. The shouts of merchants, the haggling of patrons, the music of entertainers, and the laughter of children create a nigh-constant cacophony that assaults the senses. But the Rialto is nothing if not exciting, and crowds often gather here for important events and public addresses.
Contents:
Though it is nearing the end of winter the chill still pervades the air of Haven, the mid afternoon sun helps dull this bite somewhat fortunately. Travelling along the broad, cobbled main streets of the city Sumai seems little effected, in fact he seems to emanate a vague aura of heat about himself to keep pleasant. Behind him, and you most likely, travel four armed and armored guardsmen. Two of which are his favorites, Alim and Ahkmed, to create a noisy and clattering parade of military efficiency. Finally he stops overlooking the Rialto, a market that is only semi-full this winter day but still containing hundreds of the city's folk.
The petite Varati woman walks sedately behind Sumai, her older brother, her long, plaited, ebony hair reaching, nearly, to her feet, the long, silken saris which cloak her form rustling as she walks, silver jewelry clinking a little. Although, she appears outwardly serene, her eyes betray her rising excitement.
Looking across this area, dipped below the stairwell he stands atop for the moment Sumai seems stone faced and emotionless. The plated helmet covers more than half his face, save his eyes and mouth from the world, in armor the huge Warlord appear more machine than man. Slowly his huge feet begin to make the trek down the steps, the few people in his path parting before him like he carries a threatening blade. "Have you come to the city yet, child?" he questions in a powerful voice.
Leila cannot hold her happiness in, any longer. Instead, she races ahead just a little, in order, to catch up to the giant of a man in front of her. Naughty girl she is, hitching up her long saris just a tad bit, so as to not trip over them as she runs so uncaring, just for now, as to the propriety of her actions. "No, Imphadi" she says, a wide smile lighting up her face, eyes glowing radiantly. "Look at all the people . . . " she adds. "How very exciting."
Nodding his head in a slow manner he seems to concur with the statement about the numbers of people. "There are, indeed, many people here... this is a very slow day for this marketplace as well." Sumai notes in a detached, analytical manner. Towering over everyone, including his own soldiers, by several inches at least. A gleaming silver blade piercing the crowd's belly as he looks across them, "Unfaithful masses, dangerous to the unwary and the weak." he comments to you in a warning fashion.
Leila listens attentively to the Warlord, becoming a little more solemn, a little more demure. "Of course Imphadi" she murmurs softly, looking about her curiously. "What do we now?"
Nodding his head at your control of your enthusiasm the huge Warlord looks towards the crowd of people, the numerous stalls and vendors scattered about. "What do you wish to do here?" Sumai questions in his deep, powerful voice. The sound cutting through the chattering and calling from all across the marketplace. "You will find many things you have never seen before, just do not eat or drink anything."
Leila smiles with delight, all control vanishing "I would like to buy something" she declares. "Mayhap a ribbon?" she asks eagerly. "Come, why don't we have a look at some of these stalls . . . " she suggests.
Looking at the nearby stalls for a moment the huge man nods his head from atop his bullishly thick neck. "Very well then." Sumai's commanding voice speaks from his incredible pinnacle of height even as his tree-trunk legs propel him, in languid strides, towards one of the places. "Spring is nearly here, this market will triple in size within the next month or two." he explains as he walks. Finally, stopping near the booth with the guardsmen trailing behind the pair.
Leila stares, incredulously, up at Sumai "Triple?" she repeats, starting after you a little belatedly. "Really?" she asks, at last, stepping a little ways into the booth, eyes roaming the merchandise. "I am interested in acquiring herbs too, Imphadi" she states suddenly. "Would that be possible?"
"At least." Sumai responds to your incredulous sounding voice while he follows behind you, watching you move amongst the curious folk of this city. "Perhaps more, it depends specifically on the season and how well travels go through the normal trade routes this year." the vast, mellifluous voice constrains indifferently. "There are herbalists here, if you wish to go to them. There is a specialty shop for such somewhere nearby, I would have to search for it however."
Leila frowns slightly beneath her gossamer-like veil, attention straying from the merchandise before her to you, "I would like to seek out a herbalist afterwards" she states as she daintily lifts a ribbon of deep green. "This is pretty" she states. "But perhaps I should look for more appropriate colours" she suggests, selecting a silvery-hued ribbon.
The Warlord himself often wears a silver ribbon intertwined with his own hair, it isn't far fetched that you might as well. "Indeed. Green is not a color for our clan, you should wait to buy one until you have married into some other clan." his eyes are shadowed from view behind the heavy plate visor he wears there, "Then we will find the herbalist later."
Leila nods tersely, gently smoothing the first ribbon of deep green with the tip of her index finger as she holds it in her hand, gently returning it to its place in the stall. She turns to you "I will take this ribbon then, the silver ribbon" she states, casting a curious glance upon the stall keeper.
The woman is, not unsurprisingly, not a Varati and is either a mixed breed or a sylvan based on her appearance. The stall keeper seems polite and friendly, smiling as best she can but there is a notable sense of tension to her eyes as she occasionally glances at the Monster of Messala who stands so tall he cannot fit beneath her canopy without ducking. Sumai, silent as he is oft wont to do, motions absently with the plated panzerhand at one of the guards who steps forth bearing a simple purse to pay for the item.
Leila smiles fleetingly at stall keeper and guard, turning, at last to you. "Well, now, brother, where to? The herbalist you spoke of or elsewhere?" She pauses but a moment "Have you not anything you wish to do while we're here?"
Shaking his head slightly at your words for a moment, "We shall go where you please for the time being, little one." Sumai comments to you in a detached fashion while he rolls his shoulders around, creating a rasping and slithering steel sound. "If you wish to look at some other manner of product that they may have here, I shall entertain the idea for a bit longer." he watches as you return from within the tent.
Leila ponders, uncertainty marring her face, looking about at the many shops, stalls and tents which make their home in the Rialto. "What is that?" she asks, going off on a tangent, pointing toward the Delphic Citadel.
His head turns to the side to look at the tall, thin object you aim at from the corner of his eyes, "The bastion of faithlessness." Sumai responds initially and looks at those around himself briefly, "It is the Delphi tower, where they attempt to teach weak concepts such as racial commingling and pacifism." he says with a type of contempt and ill-humored amusement. "Not some place you wish to be."
Leila raises her eyebrows in some surprise. "Racial commingling . . . " she repeats with some contempt. "I believe you are right, brother" she states. "It is no place I wish to be." A moment pauses as she continues to look about the Rialto "Oh! There Imphadi" she points out another tent.
Nodding his head briefly as you seem to take his very brief lesson in narrow mindedness to heart quickly enough, Sumai glances where it is that you throw your arm. "Then go, child, we will follow close enough so that you are left alone by the crowd." he says in a slow manner as he turns to angle himself as you arm flies. So to speak in any case.
Leila nods curtly, and, in a moment is making her way through the crowd. Indeed, her petite stature allows her to move quickly and with ease through the crowd in the Rialto and, within a few minutes, she finds herself nearing the entrance of a tent full of even more pretty trinkets, colourful scarves, more ribbons, perfumes and potions.
Moving like a man amongst children, the Warlord of Messala follows you through the crowd with his soldiers moving along as well. Frowns appearing on their faces as you move a bit too far ahead of the group as a whole. When you near this person's trinkets the huge Warlord looks them over briefly, brushing his gauntlet against one briefly. "Ah, a fetish for soft clothing I see. Not uncommon at all."
Leila turns away from the merchandise but momentarily, smiling up at you. "Not quite a fetish, perhaps" she says as she examines silvery-coloured scarves, perfumes and potions.
Considering you for a long moment the huge Warlord bobs his head a bit at your words, "Term it what you will, you have an obvious liking for such little things." the glittering, towering figure that is a Varati Warlord says down to you while he looks at this shopkeeper for a moment as well. Many of those nearby eye him as they would a hungry, wounded wolf. Suspecting that he may run and strike at them at any given moment, they certainly wouldn't be the first person to be struck by him in the Rialto. "Why here then?"
Leila bestows an affectionate smile upon you, "I admit I am attracted to these types of things" she tells you, selecting one of the finer silvery-hued scarves, while continuing to examine some of the perfumes.
He seems to have no reaction to your smile, standing tall and immobile while watching you go about your business like a kid in a candy store. Furrowing his brows beneath his visor the Warlord considers your affection for such things, "Better this than any number of other vices." the deep voice says in a wry manner. The shop keeper, clearly some manner of Varati seems amused by the man's statement but keeps it to herself quite strictly.
Leila casts a look of confusion your way but chooses not to ask you to clarify what other vices you speak of. "I believe I will take this perfume" she says, at length, setting the other bottles of perfume down. "I like this scent" she states.
Nodding his head a little bit as he considers its appearance and shape, "Let me smell it." Sumai says to you as he unfurls one mighty bear paw with the palm upturned to receive the bottle that you hold. "What manner of activities are you interested in, perhaps, sister? To go along with your musical training perhaps." the man comments in a curious manner.
As instructed, the petite woman carefully hands you the bottle of perfume. It smells, quite simply, of vanilla and, perhaps, lavender. "I am interested in herbs, Imphadi" she states, serenely. A more tender smile crosses her face "I enjoy animals too."
Listening to you in an off handed manner as he lifts the small bottle up and breaths of it for a moment. Making no visible reaction to the action the Warlord finally speaks, "Ah, not a bad choice I suppose." the deep, thrumming basso comments as he carefully handles the glass with his steel coated hands. Offering it back to you shortly Sumai questions, "Do you, perhaps, have any talent in dance?" he says as the guardsman moves forward to perform the familiar pay off.
Leila watches as you inspect her choice of perfume. "I am glad you approve, my dear brother" she states, shaking her head a little slowly. "My sisters are much better in that art than I" she says, honest, at least.
"Indeed." Sumai notes in an absent manner while he looks about the area briefly once more with his stoic and motionless face hidden behind the immovable visor, "Perhaps it is time for us to return from whence we came. Your introductory lesson in the basics of this city has been gentle to say the least, a pleasant thing for certain." he says as he motions for you to rejoin the group of armored, navy and silver warriors.
Leila listens attentively as she usually does when you speak to her but instead of rejoining the group, she frowns. "What about the herbalist, Imphadi? You said that we could find a herbalist afterwards."
"I am not certain where it is at this moment, we could wander all along the streets for hours and never find it. One of my shudra, however, does know its location and I shall acquire it from her and take you there later." Sumai says in a deep, roiling voice that lacks anything resembling emotional content. "I know, only, that it lays somewhere in the portion of the city frequented by sylvans and mixed breeds. Perhaps not a good place to be for the moment."
Leila nods, a slight frown marring her usually placid face "Why is it not a good place to be . . . for the moment?" she asks, curiously, as she rejoins the party.
"Sylvans have a penchant for playing what they believe are jokes. Perhaps in their backwards culture such things are, to me and many others they are offensive however." Sumai explains to you in an absent manner of speaking, "It has been some time, but I believe there is still some lingering animosity between them and the Varati kingdom over their last such escapade." he comments as he turns and walks, at your pace, towards the northern end of the marketplace.
Leila continues to frown, brow creased beneath her veil "I see, brother" she muses. "So, you will send a shudra? Still, I should like to go myself. I often times find it better to do things myself. Picking the herbs I have need of is one of them" she explains as she exits the Rialto with you and the rest of the party.
Sumai travels along North, toward the Fairway.
Sumai has left.
You travel along North until you reach the Fairway.
Fairway and North - Haven
Imposing buildings line the four corners of this intersection, some built from wood and stone while others sport the organic curves and flowing designs of shaping magic. One of the grandest belongs to the illustrious city guard, more commonly known as "the Hounds." Their headquarters is a squat, stone structure with a tile roof and a wide archway that leads into a courtyard beyond. Flanking it on either side are marble likenesses of the legendary Cerberus--the hound that earned them their name.
This close to the center of town, the streets are active even into the early hours of morning. Shops and stalls outnumber private homes, many of them brightly painted with wood or stone columns along the front. Carts and the occasional chariot clatter along the paved road, moving to and from the famed Rialto to the south.
Contents:
"I understand, little one. I will discover where it is so that we do not need to wander around for so long then we shall travel there together." Sumai explains to you, not looking at you even as he speaks strictly to you. The visor on his plated helm aims forward, occasionally sweeping from side to side to take in the surrounding area with a careful manner to himself. "I do not understand your interest in herbs, but if it makes you happy then we shall see about maintaining it."
She is cloaked in indigo blue and silver, long flowing saris, fashioned of the finest silk, concealing her scrawny body, leaving little but a pair of dainty hands visible. Silver jewelry adorns her wrists and ankles in the form of bracelets and anklets. Finally, upon her feet are a pair of dainty black slippers.
Sumai
Sumai
Logged and edited by Ele.