RP:Ancient Customs

 Summary: Brennia meets an avian who seems to be looking for a place in this world. Until he figures it out, she offers a temporary home at the bard’s college. Just at the end of making Uriphiel’s acquaintance, he does something that shocks the bard and leaves her a little shaken.

Date of Writing: February 23rd, 2020. 

Ancient Customs

 The Fountain of Wishes
A marble fountain takes up the majority of Schezerade’s central square. In its centre, a ring of golden fish peek their heads out of the water, spewing streams of water from their mouths. Stacked on top of that ring lies a platform with a ring of majestic eagles, wings outstretched, chests puffed out proudly as jets of water shoot out of their beaks, into the sky. In the very centre of this beautiful fountain, placed on yet another platform above the eagles and fish stands a marble statue of Schezerade’s founder, a beautiful avian woman sporting a metallic arm. Passersby's stop to watch the living fish swimming in the fountain and the statue of the powerful woman with wonder. Some can even be seen tossing coins into the fountain as well, in hopes that their wishes will be granted.

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• 
  [Uriphiel] Breathtaking. This is the word that echoed through Uriphiel’s mind when he passed through the gates of the Avian city known as Schezerade. It was some time ago that he fell from the sky, crash landing into the forests surrounding the township of Larket, only to find himself briefly in a land that was quite different than the one he once remembered. His first encounter with the local denizens left him in a state of bewilderment and fatigue; So much so that he fell deep into a slumber for most of the winter months. It was only recently that he finally regained consciousness, wasting no time to set out to find that city the musician he first met had spoken of. Schezerade was unlike any of the Avian cities that had come before it. The architecture was much more modern and full of exquisite beauty. Whomever had overseen its construction had quite intended for the city to stand out. Again, his mind spoke unto him - Breathtaking. The tall avian came to a stop just before the Fountain of Wishes, golden eyes glinting from the sun’s light high above. Gilded feathers molted when he adjusted his wing, delicately falling upon the surface of the path behind him while he took a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship of the fountain. In contrast to the wealth that was on display, Uriphiel stood out like a sore thumb. Flaxen hair has grown in recent months, looking dishevelled and unkempt. He wore a thick mark of stubble that had not fully manifested into a beard. His clothing was ragged and decaying, noting a lack of wealth at first glance. Upon closer inspection, it could be seen upon his person jewellery of an archaic design - ancient and perhaps of value to the collectors of historical artifacts. Two pieces in particular would stand out. First, a necklace whose pendant was in the shape of a golden eye. It was inscribed with something, too small to make out at most distances. Second, upon the man’s right ring finger, was a ring of gold and studded with sapphire. Upon its main setting, some sort of crest or insignia that most in today’s society would not recognize, unless they were many millennia in age. Upon his hip a hilt of a weapon could be found, clasped into a worn belt, yet there was no blade to be seen. Uriphiel lingered for some time, lost in his thoughts.
  
  
• 
  Brennia had been shuffling things around for an upcoming concert that the students from the bard’s college like to put on in the spring. Getting a head start on practices and rehearsals - all that. The dean of the college is dressed simply in a sand colored chord knit sweater that drapes loosely passed her black legging covered hips a little and hangs off of one shoulder. Her long black hair matches her black as night colored wings and is pulled back into a high ponytail, but what the eye might draw to first is the black intricate tattoo pattern that seems to cover the caramel toned avian and a little bit even accents her temples. “Go ahead and set up the backdrops, Hinder, it seems the sunshine will hold out today,” smoky alto timbre dances on the air to a student of her’s and then it is aimed at the stranger, “hello.” Soft leather booted feet bring the six foot two woman a little closer to the man, but she keeps a cautionary distance, “I’ve not seen you in Schezerade before. Are you finding everything alright?” The kindness, the humble way the woman dresses and her smile that pokes dimples in her cheeks might be off putting to most avians because they are all known to be quite stuck up and snobby, but this one radiates kindness and warmth. Her solid teal hues catch on the various details the man possesses, but she’s mostly looking at his left hand to make sure this isn’t some lingering Flewminati extremist ready to attack the woman who dared run for senator years ago. At this thought, her large black wings shift slightly in nervousness, but her expression remains friendly.
  
  
• 
  Uriphiel‘s pleasant reverie is ushered away by the sound of a woman’s voice; The question is met with an answer long before he ever turns his head in her direction. “I do not know.” he speaks with little emotion. “You say that this is Schezerade, confirming what was spoken to me by those that guided my journey thus far, but I am uncertain as to where I should begin. I am lost, in a place that I did not know existed until recently. I seek information regarding the other cities of our race. Who is in charge of Schezerade?” Finally those golden irises settle upon the darker toned woman in a moment of observation. Her attire is, much like the city, modernized compared to those worn by her ancestors. She offers a smile. He does not return the gesture. From his left hip Uriphiel retrieves a water skin, a parting gift from the healer located near Larket. A sip is taken. “Are you of importance to this city?” he asks, having finally caught on to the orders Brennia had given some of the local workers a few moments earlier.
  
  
• 
  Brennia watches and listens intently as she relaxes a little, “that is a complicated question, I suppose. At the moment, there is a temporary group governing the republic in lieu of a senator to rule. A couple years back I had run for senator against a man that had ill intentions for the city, like annexing from the continent of Lithrydel, but I lost. We did only recently regain a bit of normalcy after the city was left in ruins from his evil forces,” but it was his last question that caused her to look down into the fountain waters. She likes to think the citizens of Schezerade would always turn to her in help, but in honesty, she replies, “no. I run the bard’s college here in town and that is all. The students are actually rehearsing for the first day of spring concert,” her gaze finds his attire once more. “If you need some clothes and a room to stay, you’re welcome to stay at the bard’s college if you don’t mind the sound of music playing.” She is of course curious as to where this man is from, where he is going and what he wants here! All in due time, “you could also eat free…. At least until you find a place for yourself in Lithrydel.” It is a genuine offer with no strings attached. “As for other avian cities, I am afraid this is the only one on this side of the world. There was another, but it floated off and crashed somewhere.”
  
  
• 
  Uriphiel once more finds his answer short when the state of the city is revealed. “I see.” Perhaps all was not paradise here. “I would be honored to stay at this college you speak of. It shan’t be long, I promise. My will is strong. I will find my way once again; And when it is time, I shall reward your kindness in turn.” The larger male shifts his stance to put more weight on his dominant right foot, gilded wings gently pinning themselves back and close to his form. It was only when Brennia spoke of the fate of one of the only other cities that he showcased any sort of emotion. Blonde brow knit. The luster of his eyes dulled - it whispered sadness. “Then the bard spoke true. The other cities are no more. And our people? Is this all that remains?” he asked after an era of silence. “This council, those that govern this city- where do they reside? What power do they hold, exactly? I seek audience with any that would listen.”
  
  
• 
  Brennia shrugs slightly and kindly waves his offer a way, “pretty much. Avians still live here, just not as many as long before due to a radical group called the Flewminati, extremist avians wanting to keep anyone not of avian blood to be kept from Schezerade. They only meet for important issues and, yes they live here in town.” Her gaze finds their way across the square to the Chamber of Raan, “they meet at the Chamber hall once every couple months, but if you know something or need to apply for their ranks, then we can probably arrange a meeting much sooner. “They have been looking for a leader,” her gaze takes in the male before her anew. Is that what he’s after?
  
  
• 
  Uriphiel lowers his hand to the bladeless hilt upon the right side of his hip, taking it in his grip only in idle contemplation. Truly Schezerade was in a state of authoritative turmoil. “Truth be told, I understand this… Flewminati all too well. They sound like an old blood tradition. One that I perhaps do not agree with now, but, I once understood such a position. Enforced it, perhaps. That however, was long before the rise of the evil of olde. Tis a shame that mindset is still in existence - but I can not know their motivations. It has been some… time since I last walked among my own people.” Uriphiel turns to watch a group of passersby, some who were directly staring upon him and whispering in hushed tones. It did not bother him much. “I seek no sort of leadership position. Not at least when it comes to guiding a city. I do wish to inquire of their military ranks.”
  
  
• 
  Brennia feels a little panic prickle down her spine when he sympathizes with the group, “they’ve all fled or died in their attempts to kill me or those close to me, so they are no more. Especially since their leader, Senator Vermillion, got ran out of Schezerade,” she tilts her head a little when a long tapered ear picks up the remarks. “Come, let us get you settled in a room and something to eat. I’ll get ahold of the council to meet with you as soon as possible while you rest up a little,” it does seem that anyone else that they walked by, Brennia is greeted with a smile, nod or handshake. Some kids flutter up to give her a hug, but it doesn’t take long at all to reach the college and it’s vast halls. “It will probably be best if you stay in the teacher’s wing, you will have more room.” It’s more about her students not bothering him or causing a distraction.
  
  
• 
  Uriphiel‘s unkempt mane falls over his face with a nod, not long to be brushed aside in annoyance. “For the betterment of the city, then. You have prevailed, so I commend you on your perseverance.” There is a twitch at the corner of the man’s mouth; Fleeting at best. A brief showing of mirth? When the woman suggests that they make way toward lodgings, Uriphiel again nods before allowing her to take lead. For quite some time he remains in silence, only to take in the venture and the interactions that the locals had with Brennia. There was a deep level of respect to be found it seems. He makes no real casual conversation as they enter the halls of the college, more nods here and there to acknowledge her instruction. He didn’t intend to come off as rude or uncaring, although some might find his reserved demeanor off putting. It was out of the blue that he would finally speak, asking only one question that would come off a bit odd to any that heard him. “If you do not mind, can you tell me the current year?”
  
  
• 
  Brennia understands the quiet type and just lets him be. Once they are in the main oval shaped hall, she motions to the stairs that lead up to a balustrade that divides the suspended walkway and the hall, “up there and through those doors is where your room will be.” She hands him the key to enter, “only bard’s guild members and teachers reside there, so it will be fairly quiet. Through that archway,” she motions north, “meals are served three times a day, but you may help yourself at any time. The double doors over there,” large glass paned doors are currently closed against the west wall, “lead out to the fast courtyard if you’d like some air.” She looks him up and down again, “I’ll send clothes up to your room. I believe we can find something to fit,” that warm smile that pokes dimples in her cheeks returns, “make yourself at home mister….” she never caught his name. “Brennia,” she holds out her hand for a shake as she introduces herself.
  
  
• 
  Uriphiel takes the key and gestures in thanks, trying to pay attention to each and every direction the woman explains. Bed. Food. Courtyard. He then thinks back to the earlier conversation. Chamber of Raan. All places of importance that would be jotted down upon his mental map. “Thank you… Brennia.” he replies, but does not take her hand. Instead, he straightens his posture and raises his right hand toward his chest, laying the palm flat where his heart would be; The emblem of his ring exposed to the avian before him. “Uriphiel Phandarion. Shar of Bardriel. Aether Knight of Justice. Guardian of Judicant.” He stood this way for a moment, allowing the woman a moment to filter the information. When she answered his earlier query, Uriphiel’s face twisted into a manner of confusion. “Frost...maw? Alithrya?” He did not mention Larket, as he had already been there.
  
  
• 
  Brennia watches the movements closely. “You can't be…” she shakes her head, causing her high ponytail to sway. “There is no way,” she mumbles and realizes that she had been worried this guy was Flewminati, but what she didn’t count on was if this guy was from Island Vere, her homeland… a large island only accessible by avians on the other side of the world. “N-n-nice to meet you Uriphiel, excuse me,” with a quickened pace, she exits her home, the college and as soon as she reaches the outdoors, she takes off for the skies to think. If he really was from Vere then he would have easily recognized her tattoo and called her countess. Unless he’s just toying with her? Who would do this? More than likely, this is just an over reaction, but she just didn’t expect such an unusual greeting from anyone because it’s something she’s only seen on her home island.