RP:The Isran Collective Sanctum
Summary: Brennia and Zahrani have found the perfect spot for a little hide away for the Isran Collective to use while plague in Cenril still runs rampant. After a couple months of cleaning the place up and making the proper fixes to it, they start to file those that need to be relocated for the time being into the Sanctum.
(OOCly note: This RP takes place one year ago, 2021.)
Cloud & Paw
Once a booming establishment for visiting avians, this bed and breakfast doubled as a winery. There is a beautiful open field of rows of growing grape vines in the glorious sun and there is even a spacious wine cellar, but all of the equipment and old wine casks have been moved elsewhere to accommodate the Isran Collective's elderly and young. The structure has been carefully remodeled to be made safe and tailored to fit the Collective's needs, thanks to Nildran Construction Company.
Zahrani || It is an exciting day for the Isran Collective. The previous night, the families with the youngest children, as well as those who were just not built for fighting or fleeing, were gathered and given the opportunity to move to Schezerade while the plague in Cenril runs its course. The felines are apprehensive; many of them only knew Cenril as their home. Now they’re being offered a safe haven away from the plague that had already claimed a number of their friends and kin. Many would stay behind, out of the desire to protect their oldest home and help the city, but there were still plenty who talked amongst themselves. Almitra and D’zaeed’s parents were adamant; they were not about to lose their cubs to a disease. D’nira and J’dar are practically teens at this point; they argued with their family and with Matriarch Roahin. They lost a lot of friends here, human, elven, and feline. When asked what they think they could do to help, the twin mountain lions were at a loss. The Collective’s Grand-Mother pulls them into an embrace, “You don’t have to stay there forever, and with the portal, we’re all still practically around the corner." There was not a dry eye in the Enclave, but they eventually assuage the fears and confusion coming from their youngest brethren. The next day, a few dozen felines pass, single file through the portal prepared by Brennia’s people. Even the adults are nervous; what will they find on the other side? The first face they see, high up in the skies of Lithrydel, is Zahrani’s, and it brings much relief. The paladin wears her familiar armor and robe combination, her muzzle poking through the hood. She shows them a Bed and Breakfast that had been abandoned a few years back, the building cleaned and perfectly equipped for their everyday needs. While the Collective refugees are certainly impressed, they’re even more impressed and awed by the city itself. Everything feels new and strange, so the families take their time getting their bearings as they move in.
Brennia is right next to Zahrani, greeting all of the familiar faces with a smile and even a hug for most of them. It is hard for the avian as well because the enclave is also a home to the woman, but she proudly wipes her tears and helps them to their rooms at their own pace. They will find the skies are impossibly blue and the air is crisp so far up in the clouds, but there is familiarity closeby as the bustle of the bazaar can be heard. There are some students that have volunteered to help out, of which are all different races and even some avians from the city council to welcome the Collective. A small group of bard students are off to the side playing some light serene music to help ease the more nervous souls. Brennia takes the paw of a little feline who has tears in his eyes and lowers down to his level, "Hamza, I'm scared, too." Brennia can see his eyes widen in surprise because adults never admit to being scared, but she continues, "I am going to miss home, too." When his ears flatten on the top of his head Bre finishes while gently placing her hand over his heart, "home is in here, though… always." Brennia watches Hamza as he sniffles and then goes to wrap his little fur covered arms around the back of her neck for a tight hug. Once he lets go, she wipes the tears from his eyes and stands up before taking his paw once more, "let's go pick out a wonderful spot for you to camp out." His smile is tentative and she lets him lead her hand-in-hand to pick out his room. Camping out always sounds fun, right?!"
Zahrani offers a kiss to Brennia, followed by an affectionate chuffing sound, before the avian leads Hamza to a room. They are followed by Hamza’s parents, each carrying a travel pack of belongings. They adore the rapport that the bard has established with their cub, and trust her to keep him safe and entertained. The paladin remains near the portal, turning to face the gate just as Matriarch Roahin escorts the last family through. Her staff touches the streets of Schezerade, the amber eyes surveying the floating city. She had seen similar architecture, but never this high up in the clouds. She is joined by her mate Bruiser, and the two take a moment to discuss logistics with Rani. Roahin starts by saying, “As long as the gate is open, people can come and go freely between the Cenril and Schezerade. We can close it if the Enclave is overwhelmed.” Turning to the Bed&Breakfast, Bruiser crosses his arms, stroking his braided gray beard, “They’ll get this place running in no time.” He and Roahin would remain in Cenril with the rest of the Collective. Cenril still needed them. A few of the parents approach Bruiser, one of them saying, “We should give it a name. To distinguish it from the Enclave. Any ideas?” J’Nira and J’dar join them, pondering the question, before J’nira says, “The Cradle would be a good shorthand name...” J’dar finishes the sentence, “...and the full name could be...Cloud & Paw.” The adults ponder, liking the short name as well as the potential business name for the B&B. A place to bring avians, felines, and every other resident together.
Brennia eventually joins back up with Zahrani once Hamza is distracted by the rows and rows of grape vines on the grounds, but now she's got some purple stains on her flowy maxi dress the color of blush pink even though the avian doesn't seem concerned about it at all. Her solid teal gaze drifts back over the facade of what used to be an establishment as a soft sigh escapes her, "Cloud & Paw, huh?" Her wings shift while her mind turns over the idea in her mind and then she looks to Bruiser, "you are thinking of getting the business back up and running? I can see it," there is a little nudge of her elbow she gives to J'nira, "what could the Cradle be known for?" It seems they've got all the best ideas! "A serene spa, maybe?" As the pair brainstorm, she slinks back over to Zahrani's side and slips her hand around the inside of the feline's elbow while resting her head on Zahrani's shoulder. Her heart feels so full as she is able to help her love and the Isran Collective. "Oh, the council has informed me that due to Vermillion's treachery against Schezerade, he is banned from ever owning a piece of land on it again," which is a relief because he can't just come back out of nowhere and kick them out. "So, the Collective are the rightful owners of the Cloud & Paw," she says with a grin to J'dar and J'nira. Actually, Brennia had to purchase the land and write it off as a gift to Zahrani, but the whole process was so frustrating and tedious that she would rather not bring it up here.
Zahrani offers the taller avian a serene smile when Brennia links arms with her. Matriarch Roahin’s eyes widened in genuine surprise at the news that the Isran Collective just owned an entire piece of real estate outright. And in Schezerade, no less. The Grand-Mother pulls both of them into a tight embrace, her shrewd gaze resting on the avian, “When you’re able, we should sit down and have tea, and you can tell me all about how you managed that.” But certainly not today. The journey to their new Haven was not a long one by any means, but there is still plenty to do. While the young children go to explore the college with some of Brennia’s students (and two of the feline parents), the rest of the Collective breaks off into small groups, discussing how to breathe life back into the abandoned building that had come into their possession, studying maps of the city, conversing over the latest newspapers (particularly the Help Wanted ads, etc). Some of the more musically-inclined catfolk get out musical instruments and start playing improvised songs with the bard student musicians that had come to greet them. The Collective is abuzz with activity. J’Nira and J’Dar take a remarkable amount of initiative discussing what to do with their home. “Any rooms we’re not using could be set aside for the Cloud & Paw. There’s already a nice kitchen and communal dining area on the first floor.” The adult felines chime in, offering opinions and guidance so nothing gets missed. As the day begins to wind down, the twins’ parents step in and remind them, “We know how much you want to help; just don’t forget to stop and dance, every once in awhile.” There would be plenty of time to sort out details in the coming days. Bruiser then steps in, “Let’s show our new neighbors what we can do. How about we christen the Collective’s new haven with a lovely meal? Maybe a little singing and dancing?” The suggestion is met with unanimous agreement. The felines use the kitchens from both the Cloud & Paw, as well as the Cenril Enclave, to prepare a large communal meal with both carnivorous and vegetarian options. They invite people from the Bazaar and the nearby residential areas to join them for a little celebration. It would provide a salve for the hard days they had endured.
Brennia lets that smile Zahrani has given her soak into her soul for a moment. It always amazes Bre how her love can easily make that silent burden she carries feel lighter, even for a moment. When she is pulled into an embrace, she curves her wing around the matriarch and hugs her back with her other arm, "of course. I know the perfect place," Vice & Virtue cafe just opened up near the Jubilant Garden and is run by the twins from the Schezerade Tavern and promises to be a peaceful area for morning tea or gossip filled brunches. More than likely, she would be filling Rohain in on the older generation of avians living in Schezerade that fear change and want to keep the population 'clean' from the rest of Lithrydel, but Brennia has been strong in her devotion since she arrived in this town to create a blended community in her college and beyond. Brennia doesn't put up with their antiquated separatists ways and unmerited hubris. The avian's smile spreads until dimples poke into her cheeks, "I like your style Bruiser." Helping the newcomers with directions so they do not get lost and showing those looking for work the public board, Brennia starts to feel a renewed hope for Schezerade, but she idly wonders how Uri is doing in his hunt for the Flewminati and if he would have participated in today's move. Shortly after dinner, Brennia gathers the bard students blended with those of the Collective that have been playing music all day and decides to put on a special performance. She stands before those gathered and gently clears her throat, "I wish to offer a song for my loved one's here. You're all like family and I am sorry if I am a little rusty." The song starts off light and sweet as the lyrics speak true to the hardships of today, but offer hope in a new horizon.
OOC: Song reference Off The Ground by Haley Reinhart
Zahrani || As the cats of Isran hear the sound of Brennia’s familiar voice, they quiet down almost immediately. It’s always a treat to hear her sing, and tonight’s song is heartfelt indeed. Rani’s cyan eyes are transfixed, though her ears will still occasionally swivel at any small surrounding sounds. A beaming smile lingers on her face as she observes the musicians and her beloved perform. As soon as the song concludes, she joins the other spectators in enthusiastic applause. Some of the elder felines shed tears of relief and joy. Many of them were unaccustomed to such warm treatment from complete strangers, and it was all a little overwhelming for some. The children and elders make their way to their beds, until only half a handful of people remain sitting around a small fire; Zahrani, Brennia, Bruiser, Roahin, and two other avians who had been among the first to welcome the cats. They sit quietly, occasionally speaking, but also enjoying their drinks and peering up into an impossibly clear night sky.