A New Place. A New Day.

=Another figure on the docks stands out as well. Standing almost six and a half foot tall, wearing the armor of an Auroran marine, Kinsen is surveying the docks. His armor is black breastplate, guatlets, and greaves over black chain, and a scale skirt covering his thighs. a white cloak falls from his shoulders, brushing against the backs of his ankles. His long black hair is pulled back, and his eyes seem almost liquid silver in the light, the crimson crescent that half-circles his eye shining like fresh blood. The hilt of a sword pokes out over his shoulder, and on his belt is a wicked looking mace, and a long dirk.

One hand rests comfortably on the weapons at his wasit. Not in a threatening manner, but in a gesture of comfortable habit. He is surveying the docks, and the workers going about their business, trying to get a feel for the activity of the harbor. His eyes don't miss much, having the warrior's instinct for catching details, and a battle commander's eye for movements of people. Beside him stands an aide, nearing six foot, and sheathed in black steel plate armor, a white cloak falling from his own shoulders. The man was with him to take special note, and serve as a second set of eyes. The man gives a surreptitious nod towards the woman on the dock's who is quite obviously a stranger. Kinsen nods, and turns to the man. "We're done here for the day, I think. Return to the keep and prepare the watch rotations, and training schedule. Also, see to it that our smith becomes acquainted with the current smithy. I don't want conflict, but I want our steel in the hands of our men. I do not expect an uprising, but I want to be prepared in case there is a problem." he snaps his fist to his chest in salute, and the man does the same before turning away and making his way back to the castle.

Kinsen turns back to the docks, staring out at the water and inhaling deeply the smells of the sea, and shipping.=

Amber hued eyes swept the shelving in what had, until recently, been Kharnes office. They were still full of all the administrative paraphenalia that had been his bane for his time in office and it all looked as alien to him now as when he had been given the title of Duke. He retrieved the last few personal items, simple pieces of art formed with his own hand, and placed them carefully in the small chest that sat close to the door. Perhaps he'd renew his hobby once more.
His brother had been skilled in smithcraft and had forged anything from weapons to horseshoes, though he'd never been able to shoe a horse. The beasts knew what was standing before them no matter what shape he took. Kharne had more aptitude in the abstract, forming different metals into creations that seemed to draw they eye around their flowing forms. A faint smile crossed his features as he caught himself remembering the few years he had lived with his twin in a small village just beyond the borders of his homeland, long before he'd ever resumed his wandering and found Aegis, but the smile vanished as he closed the lid with a snap. With a moments concentration the chest was gone.
Kharne turned towards the rear wall of the room and stared at the sword which hung there behind the desk. While its scabbard was worn and showed signs of wear the sword itself offered no hints as to its true age. A small circular guard shone golden and the crystal pommel, carved into the shape of a skull, seemed to hold its own inner light.
"Well I can't forget about you can I?" he muttered quietly as he crossed the room and lifted the aspected blade down.
One of twelve. Forged long ago by gods alone knew who, they had become all but myth disappearing throughout the ages. He often viewed the seeming ease in which he'd found this, the sword of Death, with sceptisism bordering on suspicion. Especially when the clues he'd been following were supposed to have been leading him to the one named Hope. Either way they were bound now.
With a faint sigh he slung the blade across his back then turned to leave the office.

So many faces, so many voices. Looking through the crowd, she noticed a rather tall man with the armor of a military man perhaps. You wouldn't see such wear on a mercenary or merchant. Meeting his eyes, she stood still a statue, unmoving. Perhaps he was just doing his job, observing everyone who came off the ships. He was an attractive male but that didn't really concern her. Remembering her place in the world, she looked away to continue on into the city.

She eventually found a place of obtaining a meal. Sitting in a chair by a rather large window, she shrugged her cloak off her shoulders, her staff leaning against the window. Adjusting her cloak on her chair, she noticed a few stairs her way. Hazel hues took the time to meet those peering eyes. She knew how she looked, how she dressed. She probably looked more like a concubine of some sorts. Perhaps later, she would have to purchase some clothing that reached more of this places fashion.

Her bare arms, with the exceptions of an arm band and bracelets, folded on the tables edge while she waited. She had ordered the house special. Whatever that may be. Her eyes finally left her audience to look out the window. Her thoughts one what she had experienced and had seen so far in this new land. Perhaps it would be a good thing, being here.

Her thoughts moved back to the moment of docking upon arrival. Her eyes fluttered to a close as her memories began to reverse themselves. Her food was soon placed in front of her as well as an odd look as though she was crazy given to her by the server. With a sigh, she broke herself of the memories and began to eat her meal. She was famished! But would not let it be seen in her expression and movements.

=Kinsen turns to the strange woman on the docks as she goes about her business, nodding to her with a faint smile as he catches her eye. Quite obviously a stranger, but so was he. He took a deep breath and turned with the sharp manner of a soldier, startling a few passersby with his sudden movement. He smile sheepishly and makes his way along the docks, no real destination in mind. He wanted to see the state of the ships.

Walking, he noticed the marks of the fire he had heard about, from the attack of the still-at-large dracolich, though the rebuilding was done. Some areas still showed the scars, or blackened marks of fire, and fresh wood contrasted with age structures from where new buildings were raised. He appreciated the perseverance of these people, the industrious nature that he could relate to from Aurora, though they were a much easier going and joyful people than he was used to.

After losing himsel in his thoughts, he finds himself feeling hungry, and realizes that he has not eaten all day. He breaks into a sad smile. After such a short time, he was still readjusting to life among the living. He turns himself to the nearest inn, and enters. He favored the spice of the domestic cuisine, much to his likming from the bland, but filling fare of Aurora. As he enters, he sees the woman from the docks and offers her a greeting nod and smile before making his way to an empty table where he can comfortably watch the room.

When the server approaches he gives his order in gentle tones, smiling happily and making some small talk before she goes off. As he waits, he sits quietly, watching the room...=

Voices seemed to rise and fall like the ocean tides within the establishment. A sound of laughter piercing through the spoken words. With eyes upon her plate, she thought of her plans within the city. First she must acquire clothing more suitable for a woman's style here. She did not want the people to get the wrong idea of her here. Frowning, her eyes lifted to look out the window in time to see a familiar figure approach. It was rather difficult to tell. No matter it was not her place to know.

The sound of the door opening and some gain entrance was no mistake to her ears. Her eyes traveled to look upon the entering patron. The man from the docks. She was a bit startled by the snow and nod he had given her. She excellent in not showing her reaction. But she was disturbed by it. The young woman gave nothing return as she watched him take his seat in the far room. Fighting slightly in her seat was her only hint of being uncomfortable. Her eyes falling back to look upon her meal. Her long ebony hair falling into a curtain around her face

A brow lifted to see something strange within her food. She couldn't make it out but decided she was done. Gently, her plate was pushed away while resting against her chair. Her hands moved to her lap as eyes returned to the window. Now was the time to fall deep within her thoughts. The voices slowly faded into the distance till the was nothing but utter silence. Staring at nothing though it seemed as though she was looking at something, her thoughts began to organize themselves which delighted her.

Her first question was where would she go? This was a new world to her. Not one she would be familiar with. Perhaps exploring would assist in that matter. She could offer her assistance in areas along the way for food and shelter. Would she ever settle? Perhaps not unless something in the far future changed..

=Eyes alert, he smiles to the serving woman bringing his meal, casually slipping her an extra coin for her troubles, and begins to eat with slow, savoring bites: he had found that he had no heart for a soldier's eating habits, while he had time: he would savor every flavor, every taste. Every sensation was novel to him, in a sense, and this series of second chances he was loathe to overlook or take for granted.

He knew he stood out as well, in this place. He was far larger than most of the locals, with a heavier frame. His armor was heavier than that of the guards in the area, and the style was much different. His hairstyle, he features, his coloration: all these marked him as a stranger to this place. He knew, too, that as an Auroran, perhaps he was not entirely welcome here.

He keeps a steady pae as he eats, taking time to take small sips of the sweet wine in his goblet, his eyes never leaving the other patrons. he had a warrior's habit for seeing details. He had a survivor's habit of finding weapons, and identifying potential spellcasters. He had the Auroran habit of intensity, as well.

Coupled with his towering frame, he perhaps cut a slightly intimidating picture: armor, and weapons, and severe gaze missing nothing. Within this all, he saw the strangely dressed woman from the docks push her untouched food away and begin to stare off. Meditating? Concentrating? A frown pushed the edges of his lips downwards a little: a spellcaster, he was sure. The odd ones usually were.

He kept a calm eye on her, slowing his eating slightly.=

She was utterly lost in her thoughts, her eyes finally catching people making their way down the street. That is when she needed to find a room to accommodate her. Hopefully it would not be too much of a challenge. In the past, she had learned that strangers were not normally highly welcomed. Perhaps not it would be different. Pulling herself from those thoughts, she felt her stomach roll. A small hand rested upon her abdomen as she looked to her food. Might as well finish it, don't want to seem rude.

As Aisha pulled the plate to get, she felt a strong pair of eyes upon her. There was no doubt in her mind as to who. Without any hesitation, her eyes lifted to lock upon the soldiers. Her back straightened and became rigid. Her expression was pointless to read for it was empty as a blank slate. Only those hazel eyes held something. But what? Her eyes narrowed slowly in skeptically. Why was he watching her so? Reluctantly she pulled her face away and concentrated on her meal.

The flavors were delicious but she would not ask what sort of meat was used. Once her belly was full and taste buds satisfied, she pulled a few coins from the small, white satchel from her waist and put then upon the table. The was more then enough to die her gratitude of service. Hopefully in the future she would be more welcomed.

She sat back once more into her chair, hands upon her lap, as the woman who served her before came and took away the empty dishes. For a moment Aisha thought she had seen excitement in the woman's eyes when looking at the coins. Perhaps she had given more then expected. Aisha smiled to herself then looked around at the other patrons. Being sure to keep eye contact to a minimum with the soldier.

=As the woman's eyes meet his, he offers a friendly smile, his grey eyes shining silver in the light from the fireplace. He finishes his meal and gently pushes the plate aside, sipping his wine.

Catching a passing serving woman he asks her to invite the strange woman (Aisha) to his table. As the girl drifts through the crowd, he sips again at his wine, curiosity overcoming caution=

Her head tilted slightly at his smile. The returned smile was faint and hesitant but yet sincere. If such a combination could be allowed. Her eyes narrowed slightly as he sent a server to her. What did he want? Her eyes lifted to the woman as she mentioned the soldiers request. The server left as Aisha debated his invitation. It could not hurt to accept... could it?

Rising from her chair, the cloak was draped over her arm. And with staff in hand, she made her way through the tables and slowly crowding room. It was almost like a dance as she turned and waved. Never once trying a soul. She soon came upon his table, moving to lean he staff against the wall. Then her cloak over the back of her chair. Not once had she looked at him. Yet.

Aisha wouldn't wait for him to stand at her presence not did she expect it. She was soon sitting across from him. Relaxed in her seat as though she belonged there. Her eyes locked upon his. "You seem to enjoy staring at others as well as follow." Her voice like a soft velvet.

=Kinsen smiles graciously as the woman sits, laughing at her words, a gentle, soft sound, his silver-grey eyes meeting hers unwaveringly. "As to following you, it was coincidence that brought us to the same tavern. The staring?" he shrugs. "You are a stranger here as well. And by your bearing, I mark you as a magus, or a priestess." His tone is light and conversational. He gestures idly. "But I forget my courtesy. I am Kinsen Ravenlock, Auroran High Admiral and current overseer of the city of Salarain. Who, may I ask, are you?"=

His laughter didn't really amuse her. Aisha didn't believe in coincidences. The Goddess didn't cause coincidences. Fate played in everything. Her eyes dropped to her markings and clothing when he pegged her. Her eyes flashed to his giving him his answer when he said Priestess. Well aren't we a smart one. Her glance shifted over him. A High Admiral. Her question of who he was and why he stared so much was answered.

Nibbling on the corner of her bottom lip, she debated on his introduction. He already guessed her a priestess. Settling back in her chair, a sigh slowly came forth. "A pleasure to meet you Admiral Ravenlock. I am Aisha Syrnix, High Priestess of Irageo. I am currently..... " She paused at what she was doing right now. She didn't really know at the moment. Frowning, she started at him. "I am not obligated to say as of yet." Good answer.

=Kinsen nods to himself, catching her eyes sparking: so she was a priestess. He gives a guarded smile again. "Then we both humbly serve a greater purpose. Perhaps my other titles should give you understanding of my curiosity. I am also a Dragon Knight of Raven's Crest, and a Paladin of Aurora." he chuckles. "Strong faith speaks to it's own."

Straightening, though, he bows in deference to her. "I apologize though, for my demeanor, Mistress. I admit, I am not familiar with Irageo, though perhaps you could enlighten me unto the spheres of his influence." His curiosity was natural, of course, but also directed: any influx of new faiths could cause trouble with the populace and perhaps even the Auroran priests.

As she spoke of her current situation, he laughed gently. "Mistress Syrinx, please, do not feel any obligation to me. As i said, I am new here as well. Some few weeks ago I was near to assailing this city from the sea. Now I find myself not as a conquering soldier but as a titled ruler. It is safe to say, then, that I am just as...uncertain.. of my current situaion as you are of yours."

Shaking his head, he brushes a few strands of long black hair from his face. "But again i forget my courtesies. Can I perhaps offer you a glass of wine?" he gestures for a serving person. As they come over he gestures for a bottle of wine and 2 glasses, speaking to Aisha casually as they wait. "So, what brings you here from...whatever land you may call home?"=

A man of faith? She would have never thought him if one. A rarity in any soldier, no matter the rank. Irageo? Her expression was confused when he spoke of Irageo and his influences. In realization, she couldn't help but give a true, genuine laugh. Her head tilting up slightly as her eyes closed. The Admiral thought she followed a man? Goodness, perhaps she ought to explain herself. Obviously, she spoke incorrectly.

Her eyes met his one again as she moved slightly to be more comfortable, crossing her legs at the knee. "Please forgive me." Her tone was still amused, a smile aching to be on her lips. "I am from Irageo. I am a High Priestess to, the moon goddess, Arianrhod." She turned to a group a group of men who were laughing loudly then turned her attention back to him.

"Titled Ruler? Hm... I would expect an Admiral to be able to always have some sort of obligation." She wasn't be sarcastic or any sort of rudeness. Just stating a fact she had always known to believe. Her head dipped slightly to his offer for a drink, watching him give his order to the server. But his next question was not one she expected.

Swallowing hard, she diverted her eyes to a few people leaving the establishment. Why was she there? Why has she left in the first place? Finding an answer, she looked at the Admiral with a forced smile. "I do not question the Goddesses wishes." Her eyes were distant and her voice strained. He was a stranger. Not someone she should tell her life story to. She kept her smile, "And what about you Admiral? A Paladin of Aurora? I do not believe I have heard of such a place." She was purposely moving the attention to him then her.

=Kinsen laughs as well as she explains his misunderstanding, nodding to her. "Aye, Mistress, thnk you for enlightening my ignorance." He continues to smile in a friendly manner. "I have heard of neither your goddess nor your land."

"At her talk of his positions he shrugs. "I do my duty to the kingdom, and I was charged thusly with this city. her defense and overseeing. I find myself woefully unequipped for ruling a city. A ship? Of course. A fleet? Of course. A city? Well, they are not fighting me, and they are not Aurorans, and so I foresee some difficulties." He chuckles lightly, shrugging his broad, armored shoulder, his grey eyes bright.

"Aurora? Well, Aurora is a place of snow and ice and darkness. Of hostile nature spirits in a hostile climate. It breeds cold, hard men. The Dragon knights are an order of elite fighting men dedicated to service to the realm, and to our King and Queen. We are all holy knights, gifted by our faith to protect our people and our realm. It is slightly more complex, as all orders are, but that is the general idea." he pours himself a glass of wine and takes a sip. "We are here because our home has been overrun by a rather nasty Force of Nature, and so we are an exile kingdom."=

Her hand raised to stop him, "The mistake was of my own. I did not clarify or decide my words properly. And as for my land, it is a distant land. And for my Goddess..." a smile brightens her face, "Well, I would never turn in my back on her. The are only a few who still follow."

"A city had to be fighting you for you to rule?" Giving him a sideways glance, she was slightly confused. "You can not rule others then your own? What if there was an alliance to be formed? Is there a war here?

She listened intently as he spoke of his former home. "Do you miss your home land?" Her question soft and sincere. "Is there not a way to take it back?" Remembering herself, her eyes cast to the side, "Forgive me. I ask many questions. It is of my nature." She then poured herself her own glass of wine. Taking a so, she savored its flavor before taking more to drink.

=Kinsen nods, with a smile. "Aye, dedication is the lifeblood of faith."

He shakes his head. "it seems to I explained myself poorly. Until recently there were extreme tensions between the two kingdoms that nearly culminated in war; alas that was not the case and now the Auroran kingdom has assimilated Aegis. So those who would be fighting and killing on these grounds, are now ruling and working beside men they would have been killing mere weeks ago. However, we are not entierly welcome still, and so I foresee some difficulties with the citizens."

He smiles sadly and takes a long, thoughtful sip of wine, allowing it to roll over his tongue as he considers the question. "Aurora is a cold, hard place. There is no mercy there for the weak, or for those who make mistakes. I don't miss the constant tension and danger. With icehold so near, i don't have to miss the cold and snow and ice either." He shrugs. "I do miss my home, my family's estates. However, since I've come here, the memories seem vague. Since we were returned to this world, some memories seem as if they were only dreams." he chuckles, a soft sound. "But look at me, prattling on like a tired old man. Aye, we can take it back, and we have re-established a foothold in the main keeps. A rull reclamation though, will take time. Aye, time and blood."

He looks at her. "So what finds you, a high priestess, so far from home?"=

Aisha listened carefully to the man before her. He seemed to have quite a tale to tell. She was quite intrigued by all she heard. But she was not there for war of any sort. Perhaps she had been wrong in coming to such a place. Thank the Goddess that the war had not reached Cape Salarain, she prayed. Her glass paused at her lips when asked of her own bringing. A few drops of liquid spilled on her tongue before lowering the glass to rest on the table. She rummaged through her thoughts while savoring the flavor of the wine before swallowing.

Casting him a quick glance, she wasn't sure how to respond. Her reasonings were of her own but yet, could she trust this man of why. He seemed to trust her to explain himself. She ought to return the favor but was still hesitant. "More of a quest of finding oneself." It was the only response she had at the moment. If he prodded more, perhaps in time she was allow him to know more. But she was a stranger to these lands and one should be careful of revealing to much information. That much she had learned in her journeys.

=Kinsen chuckles softly, flexing the fingers of his left hand slightly in habit, taking a short pull from his glass. "A wonderfully divine and vague answer, as befitting a priestess...and a woman with secrets." He nods his head in acknowledgment. "Trust, I will not pry into your business, as it is not mine, I only respectfully ask that if it be for harm or negative impact, you take it elsewhere." his tone is light and pleasant, a certain note of teasing entering into it. He didn't find this woman especially threatening, not due her gender or apparent lack of arms and armor, but because she seemed a pleasant, non-quarrelsome type.

Eyes shining near-silver and almost glowing in the dim light of the inn's common room, he takes another drink, mulling his thoughts as he savors the tastes of the wine. The red crescent on his cheek seemed to shift as if in shadow, dark and light splayed in liquid crimson across the side of his face. After a long moment of silence, fingertips drumming on the wooden table top, he looks up to Aisha.

"And why does a priestess travel without escort? Is your need dire, or does danger follow?" his voice belays very little concern, moreso curiosity.=

Her eyes shifted to his hand flexing. Maybe they were stiff? Hm. Slowly, Aisha looked back to him once more as her hand folded neatly upon her lap. A woman with secrets. Yes, she had many. But her business bringing harm or negativity? Unconciously, she snorted in response as her eyes diverted to a group of men arguing over a game of cards. "I can assure you I have no intention of either." She had caught his tone but did not meet it with her own ability to tease another. Now did not seem befitting. Since she barely new him. Aisha was still remaining cautious of her surroundings and who she meets.

Aisha's eyes dropped to her glass, watching the liquid sway slightly. Apparently the table was off balance. Hm, that ought to be fixed. Her thoughts were oddly enough on the unbalanced table during their seemingly akward silence. Till he spoke. "Hm?" looking to him quickly. Her lips curled to a smile as she watched Kinsen, "Concerned?" titling her head just a touch. "Do all Priestess' require escorts?" It amused Aisha that he be concerned but also he seemed to have forgotten his earlier words. A soft laughter rang from her lips, the sound of angels, "Sir, I believe you have gone back on your word. Trust, I will not pry into your business, as it is not mine? Yes?" Now it was her turn to tease.

The day slowly coming to an end was noticable as the room darkened, only lit by the candles spread through out.

((I could have sworn I'd responded to this post -_- my bad for keeping you waiting!))

=Kinsen nods in deference, giving a light chuckle. "Aye, my lady, I would fear it seems so. Let it be not your business then, that concerns me, but the safety of a guest to my city." In the candle-light, his eyes shone like those of an animal, silver and bright in the failing light. He finishes his drink, gesturing away the serving woman when she would bring him another.

"As for the matter of an escort, well, it is more an honor guard than anything, though perhaps the customs of your home do not include such graces to their divine leaders."=

As the sun begins to set Markov makes his way through the busy streets looking for somewhere to satisfy his hungry. He always gets the hunger before a full moon and with the full moon being a few days away the hunger was getting more severe.
He catches a glimpse of his reflection in a store window. A man, tall and lithe,with bronzed skin and golden eyes. The image melts into one that is more beast than man.
‘No that’s not who I am!!! I must control it.”
The walk to “The Salty Maiden” was a  repetitive each day being the same thing: Woman empties chamber pot in 3, 2, *splash*.
Dog chases after boy racing home to a screaming mother.
There was a time when the city seemed so fresh and invigorating now all I yearn for is home

As Markov enters “The Salty Maiden” he notices that it is unusually busy, paying no mind he takes his usual seat closest to the door, so as best to leave if he should feel the “urge”
When the serving woman approaches he greats he with a friendly smile and a fist full of coins.
“Be a good lass and fetch me some ale and some meat” *slapping her ass as she walks away* “And make sure it's good’n raw.

Markov looks around the pub taking in the scenery and can’t help but notice the two strangers in the corner. A brute of a man and a woman (who he can only see the back of her head) , the man notices his stare . Their eyes hold for a second before he continues to talk with the woman he appears to be woeing based on the way she is laughing.

=Kinsen catches the eyes of the man looking back at him, the dim light giving them a feral shine, one of the few things that belied his vampire heritage. He gives the man a nod of acknowledgment, though there is something about the fellow's bearing that seemed...

..well, a bit off. His lips curled into a small frown as he examined the man a fraction longer than was polite, trying to get a sense for his unease. His instincts, he had learned to trust, and they told him the man was more than he seemed.

The red crescent on his face shining like fresh blood, he turns his attention back to Aisha, though he manages to keep an eye on the other man with a warrior's habit of seeing everything=

Markov is plagued by the feeling of being stocked, chuckling to himself 'Its not often I'm the prey'

As the serving woman brings his food, Markov begins to salivate slightly.
"There is nothing like the taste of fresh meat. Let me have a taste of yours" He pulls the server woman,giggling, into his lap and playfully bites on her ears.

'I don't like that one, he smells of death, but is it his death? And why is he with someone who smells so fresh!?!?'

One-Eyed George hadn't gone far, and so she thought she'd slip into the "Salty Maiden" for one last drink of Rum or was it her first for the day - for that matter,was it evening? Day's had blended together, and she thought the best way to starve off the hang-over from yesterday, was to chase it away with another drink. Perfect logic.

So, the Sea Captain came wondering in, one hand to her side where her rapier sat, as she made her way to the bar. "Aye, I'll be havin' one for me, an' my friend." She casually threw some coin to the bar tender, leaning back against the heavy wooden bartop and glancing around.

Her eyes caught upon Markov and the wench, she nodded in greeting too him, her eyes wondering casually onward around the room to another woman and Kinsen. It didn't seem to register at first, but then as her eyes moved on again, her brain caught up to her and she stiffened, turned back to the bar and muttered "....Shit..."