The Road to Kaldira

[Kaelon]

Kaldira was an ancient metropolis, a prosperous seaside trading port on the Eunesian Sea, and the heart of political and military power in modern-day Carmelyn Province. Built as a tribute to the union between the lands of the Baron Carados, and the islands of Baroness Sarin, Kaldira became a royal city when the two were rather unceremoniously adopted by Emperor Constantine as Princes of the Empire. Kaldira became a powerful duchy and actively vied with the Prelacy of Chesley and the other great houses for feudocratic control over the land and its people. As with all things feudal, however, the Kaldiran nobles fell victim to marital infidelity. Duchess Sarin betrayed her husband and drove him to madness, and the glory and greatness of Kaldira were mutually spent upon the insane whims of Carados the Cowardly. The Duke attacked the Imperial Army in an effort to overthrow the Emperor, and in the end, was put to swift justice.

Kaldira might have not recovered from this disgrace, had it not been for the Praeserta Family. Though the lands of Kaldira, and much of Western Carmelyn, became absorbed by the theocratic House of Chesley, Kaldira retained a significant degree of autonomy, thanks to its designation as a Royal City. The Imperial Senate conferred onto it its own governor, and for a time, declared it to be a Free City, free from dominion by any of the great houses of the realm. Though governed by a Chesleyan nomarch - the Prelacy's equivalent of a baron - Kaldira enjoyed the capacity to run its own affairs for decades, and remained relatively unspoiled by the Chesleyan Revolution, and the subsequent collapse of the Second Empire. Ashamed by the treason of its great founders, the people of Kaldira imposed a century-long isolation, and closed its once-thriving ports to all trade. With the rise of the Third Empire, Empress Alyssa Chrysinaria honored the desire of the Kaldirans to attone for their dishonor, and appointed Julius Praeserta as the Imperial Consul to rule by de facto decree. No other contact would be made with the city.

During its isolation, Kaldira experienced a reflowering of provincial culture. Fine works of art and literature burst forth from the guilds and libraries, the courtyards and marketplaces of the great city. Imperial Consul Julius Praesertus, and his sons and daughters, would be directly responsible for imposing a series of education reforms and moral initiatives aimed at restoring the dignity and honor to the city.

The Road to Kaldira had been travelled infrequently, and only then by Imperial Expeditionary Forces performing a courtesy check on the city to ensure that no calamity had befallen it. Though, such journeys were almost certainly in vain, for even if danger would befall the Kaldirans, they were too proud of their potential and ashamed of their past to re-emerge and seek the aid of the empire. Nevertheless, they remained dutiful to the Imperial Consul, and by extention, to the Imperial Crown which had tolerated its status and retained its distinction as a Royal City, free from subjugation by the other powers. A simple dirt road, the Road to Kaldira had been blessed with the stone refortifications ordered by Empress Alyssa Chrysinaria in the golden twilight years of her reign, and like all cities, both large and small, Kaldira found itself reluctantly reconnected to the Aelyrian Empire. Still, it would not end its isolation, leaving a captive Aelyrian audience growing ever more curious about what had happened within the city. There were few adventurers and citizens who did not at least fantasize about being one of the first to return to a public Kaldira, but like the expeditionary forces, these hopes were largely futile.

The Gates of Kaldira had been constructed only shortly after Julius Praesertus took residence within Carados Castle. Quarrying great quantities of stone, the walls were ten meters thick and over fifty feet high, secured by parapets, ramparts and battlements. Though the stone was originally ivory white, it had taken on a dullish yellow color over the years, gaining the essence of the slowly forming River Arax. The river itself, a newly emerging natural phenomenon, had sprung forth from the Rhedresa River to the far West, and claimed the rocky bluffs near Kaldira as its mouth to the Eunesian Sea. The perilous waterfall, bespeckled with sharp cragged rocks, had been the scene of several religious incantations and rituals by the city's dominant Cult of Ioannes - a true exception to the Diana-centric, Church-fearing Carmelyn Province. But the road would never pass near the waterfalls, or very much near the river itself, short of a scenic glance. Instead, the road would head straight for the Kaldira Gates, the southern portals into the mighty city which had remained forever closed to all who would seek to pass.

Travellers to Kaldira would see only the tall arching buildings adorned with rich ornaments, statues, and even jewels. The largest structures were the buildings dating back to Kaldira's regal past -- Castle Carados, a fortified darkstone keep at the heart of the city, being the most prominent of them all. A deep red-bricked, low-level structure seemed to occupy a vast portion of the western portion of the city, and travellers could only guess as to its function and designed purpose. To the far north, the sounds of the Wharf District, and the bountiful fishing industry could clash only with the bells of the Hall of Order, the Temple to Ioannes and heart of Kaldira's infamous Cult of Ioannes. What would rest within the city itself would ordinarily be a mystery.

That is, until a few days ago. Rumors ran rampant throughout much of Carmelyn, striking the heart of the Sodality's institutions and reportedly causing the collapse of the local government in Diana -- all unsubstantiated rumors, of course. The stories all had to do with some sort of special visitor to Kaldira, one whom the Kaldirans could not turn away, and subsequently resulted in the re-opening of the city, and a certain end to their self-imposed isolation. This is perhaps what might have drawn adventurers here, at least on the surface, even if deeper reasons could only be cultivated through the lust for power and the yearning for glory. From a distance, the rumors appeared to be at least somewhat justified. Flying triumphantly from the top towers of Castle Carados were three flags in standard formation - the Flag of the Royal City of Kaldira, the Flag of Carmelyn Province, and paramount to all, the Flag of the Aelyrian Empire.

[Nell L'Evienne]

Dreams can lead a person astray. Distractions from the drudgery of life, they had the power to infect the mind, making the discontented yearn for what they lack. Yet sometimes you had to follow them. So thought the young woman who lightly sat on the saddle of a red-coated mare. Arching her back, Nell stretched a little, feeling the effects of her travels deep in her bones. She was a pretty young thing, early into her adulthood yet at times old beyond years when faced with the daily fare of paperwork and meetings that had been dealt her by fate. Not this brightening though. And not for the past cycle for she had been engaged on a journey from the southern tips of the Empire. Nine brightenings had passed since leaving the comforts of Taralon. She was travelling light with little to carry save a half-empty waterskin and a small bag containing a change of clothes, enough crowns to pay for comforts en route, and a few personal belongings including a beloved but much battered leather notebook and a small knife that could hide in the palm of her hand when the blade was retracted. It had never been used. Nell didn’t even know why she carried it, but had done so ever since leaving her family home of Aelyria Prime over an era ago. One never knew when a knife may come in useful, after all.

The dark-haired beauty was no discontent citizen, though. Just ahead of her mare, Enor, rode her companion and a lazy smile flickered over her red lips as she viewed her love from behind. Pressing her horse forward, the soft leather of her trousers rubbing against the more weathered saddle, she caught up with Milo and his more flamboyant steed. Nine brightenings may have passed but the time together had been a much welcomed respite from the constant separations both had to endure due to duties at home. Indeed it was cherished time – each moment precious.

“Are we there yet?” she asked with a grin, her eyes twinkling for it had become a joke between them to ask that mundane question. She knew the answer herself, though, for glimpses of the great walls which surrounded the city of Kaldira had been tantalising the pair for some time and the road leading to the gates unfurled before them clearly. Their horses had been sensing an end to the journey and had picked up the pace as a consequence, weariness being replaced by anticipation of a bed of straw and a good feed. There was also a change in the air, one that could only come with nearing the sea, and it revived the young woman, edging her excitement at seeing a new place to explore and perhaps bring answers to the questions that had haunted both.

Deep in a pocket of her leathers, beneath the warm protection of her blue travelling cloak, sat the symbol of those questions – a wooden disc, decorated with a coat of arms and bearing the letters Kaldira on one side and AFS Khatakhera on the other. They both had this token, both having found it the brightening after a night of disturbed sleep and the puzzle was one neither could ignore. It had occupied much of their conversation on the road, but now as the ancient city came into view, Nell did not refer to what had started them on their journey. Instead she fell quiet, her dark eyes contemplating the splendour that was Kaldira – unsure if it was anxiety, excitement or just plain hunger which nudged her stomach. As they approached the gates, this feeling intensified and Nell’s hands tightened on the reins, the small paste jewel stuck to a cigar band, which she wore on a finger of her left hand, glinting in the light of the late afternoon suns. Dreams may lead one astray but whether this was going to be a pleasant interlude or a nightmare beyond reason remained to be seen.

[Milo L'Evienne]

For the young man riding slightly ahead of Nell, dreams weren't so uncommon. At least not one that repeated itself too often to take much notice of anymore. This one though, had distinguished itself, at first, merely by being different. But once he'd compared it to his travelling companion's, it became a temptation neither could resist. Especially when it meant trading, at least temporarily, the expected…for the unexpected.

He'd found an identical disk to hers, this one currently tucked into the pocket of an oiled leather duster that draped over tan, leather riding breeches and a white linen shirt. An ornately designed falchion, rarely used, was strapped behind his saddle where a leather satchel was secured as well, containing a few articles of clothing, a water skin and flask along with the crowns he'd counted as necessary for the journey; and a set of neatly bundled tossing daggers. He'd never gotten round to learning to toss them.

The weathered, beaten brimmed hat he wore nearly took to the breeze as Nell urged her mount up beside his, and Lu gave a lunge forward, ever intent on keeping the lead by at least a head. The black mare was big and flashy with an animated gait…and a nasty temper that had only grown more pronounced as they drew nearer the city.

Taken off guard, and caught at letting his mind drift as he pondered the sight before them, Milo grinned at Nell and pushed the hat back down firmly over his dark hair with a gloved hand. Green eyes regarded her from underneath the hat's brim, as he tightened his grip on Lu to keep her from nipping her fellow mount in irritation. "We are…nearly," he assured her with a widening grin as his gaze drifted down the foil and paste ring on her finger. "I've yet to get you a better one, but I will," he vowed, though he was pleased she wore it all the same.

That settled, he loosened his grip on Lu and let her speed her pace to an easy trot towards the gates, only slowing as they drew near. From an inside pocket of his duster, he pulled his visa…should they be required to stop at the entrance. Otherwise, a polite tip of his hat to those watching it as they passed through.

[Walen Birch]

The roadway was certainly rough, rougher than other roads Walen had travelled on over the past era. He could hardly believe what he heard. That a city lay at the end of this rough path - a city with great walls and battlements. A city that had largely closed itself off to the outside world though few could really tell him the reason. Walen had become intrigued, and though he did not desire to leave Archadoon for even a short spell, his curiousity had been too great. Kaldira was what, a few brightenings trek from Archadoon? What trouble could he get into really? If they truly were closed off to the outside world then there couldn't be any harm in taking a look. Certainly they wouldn't bother with him - a lone traveller on this potched road.

The night before his journey he had the vision that many others seemed to have shared - though not to his knowledge. Sweat had poured from his body, and he had difficulty falling back asleep for the vision had been strong and intense. It had been the very next morning that he had found the strange wooden token - marked with the words 'AFS KHATAKHERA, Admit One' upon its surface. On the back was city name Kaldira - the very city that Walen had ventured to travel to that very morning. It struck him as being entirely odd. What were these coincindences affecting his life? Now that he was nearing the city, the thought of the token was gone from his mind. So was the vision - driven back into the depths of his mind.

A chill wind worked up under his cloak, and Walen pulled the folds over tightly around him trying to keep warm. Perhaps he was getting close, for the wind seemed to come from the direction he was heading. Maybe he would have some relief in an inn and share an ale in a tavern before the brightening was through? Determined to reach the city before nightfall, Walen pushed himself harder knowing that he couldn't be far off. Though he was an outdoorsman, he certainly didn't want to spend another night outdoors. That was why he smiled when he caught sight of the city in the distance.

Walen stopped momentarily to allow himself to enjoy the sight. The walls were certainly majestic, and almost reminded him of a smaller Prime. The capital was definately larger, but there was no doubting that Kaldira held some importance. Why would such a wonderful and fascinating place like this close itself off to outsiders? And would they let him in? Above the walls Walen could see the various spires and towers from the taller structures within the city. He looked at each in turn admiring the architecture and he began to stride forward once more. The desire to get within the city was suddenly stronger, and he licked his lips in anticipation of a warm meal and cool ale.

Walking up towards the main gate, Walen reaches into his pack to pull out his Imperial visa. At least he would be prepared if anyone was willing to let him inside. Otherwise, it would be another cold night in the wild. Walen certainly wasn't looking forward to the second option. Again, he wondered at the history of the city. What had happened here to have the citizens cut themselves off from the Empire? Such things intrigued Walen. He would try and find out, if the Gods were willing, or at least be able to say that he had seen the strange city. From Walen had been told, many travellers didn't even bother to come this far up the road. Removing the hood from his head to show his face, Walen looked up the height of the wall wondering if someone would address him completely unaware that recent events had changed the status of the once closed city.

ooc: revised to reflect the vision and token

[Karo Sa'Nepenthes]

The air became saltier as Karo followed the long-neglected road towards Kaldira, seeking answers to the numerous questions his decidedly odd dream had brought up. The constant pressure of the wooden token in one of his shirt pockets was a reminder of all that he needed to know. How had he gotten this token? Why him? Who else got one, if anybody? Why? Why had he never heard of Kaldira outside of a few obscure and unimportant references in history books? Why did the city suddenly open its gates once more now? What was this ship, the Khatakera, and why had he been given passage aboard her?

All these questions ran through Karo's mind yet again as he rode Nightwind's easy, distance-eating canter towards this mysterious new city. The breeze coming from the direction of his destination smelled of the sea, and it brought a smile to the elf's face. "Ah," he said to himself, "blow me down, but 'tis good t'be smellin' the sea again after all this time. I've missed 'er, the smell of 'er brine and th'feel of a rollin' deck under me feet. Aye, 'tis good t'be back on the coast again." The seaman's brogue felt odd, rough on his tongue, the intonations slightly off and the emphases in some of the wrong places. But Karo knew that should he desire, it would come back to him quickly. For some obscure reason, the thought brought him satisfaction.

Karo paused Nightwind at the crest of a small bloff, admiring the view of Kaldira against the backdrop of the sea. "Beautiful," he murmured, and smiled amusedly when he got a softly whickered agreement from his warhorse. "Right, old girl, let's get there." He clicked his tongue, and Nightwind moved forward once more.

As they approached the gates, Karo became more alert, looking to see if anyone would stop him or challenge him, and ready to bring out his Imperial Visa should he need to.

[Faust Kitrye'veresi]

The wooden disc banked gracefully through the air, peaking only a few increments into the sky before dipping and diving back into the open palm of the amused dark elf. Wearing an incredulous smirk along his lips, Faust ran his gauntlet-embraced fingertips over the crude yet intricate workings of the peculiar coin centered in his hand. He flipped the piece once more before tucking it back within the folds of his billowing cloak, allowing the most quaint disc to settle into one of his deeper pockets to draw upon for future references. His mind immediately ruminated over the instances of the past several brightenings, a segment of his life that had baffled him more in that frame of time than eras upon eras of his extensive existence. However, the source of his bewilderment was not without merit, as it would have mystified even the most sagely of individuals, figuratively speaking of course.

It only had been a short while ago since the Vysstichi Moriquendi had come into possession of the inanimate object. The moment had initially commenced with the reoccurring visions that glazed over his subconscious, something of which had continuously swarmed his dreams at night. Unfortunately, Faust could not quite decipher or accurately reclaim the specifics of these stargazings, albeit he earnestly attempted to recollect them. However, the answers to his disarrayment had come in the form of the petite yet inexplicable disc inscribed by the lettering, 'AFS Khatakhera'. The dark elf had elaborately studied the 'words' as he was trying to ascertain their meaning, though he had failed miserably. And to further accentuate his perplexity was the fact that the coin had fallen into his grasp so randomly, so untimely, so surreally.

Thus, when Faust had originally received word that the city of the ancient demesne that was Kaldira (also the letting transcribed on the back of the wooden disc) was reopened he’d swiftly made preparations to sojourn out to these aged lands. And now, hundreds upon hundreds of miles apart from his home, the dark elf remained stagnant before the glistening and white-washed gates that had once disallowed the world from entrance. With the cowl of his cloak drawn low over his charred visage, the Vysstichi’s crimson orbs took the liberty of casting several glances about the grand and enormous span of the city. He immediately absorbed the imagery of the towering and intricate structures of the buildings, the embroidered walls of various ramparts and fortifications, and even the most mundane of the complexes. There was a peculiarity about Kaldira that marked it differently than those of the dark elf’s past observances and visits to other, more humdrum realms.

Stealing a step towards the opening of the city, the dark elf readily prepared to produce an imperial visa should he be prodded or requested to do so. As was customary protocol in most cities, the dark elf truly had no quarrels with such actions as it was quite expected. Though, he did find it rather unusual that whatever ‘guards’ that Kaldira boasted were not currently on site and would inevitably permit nearly any traveler into the entranceway. With the shrug of his shoulders that marked his nonchalance over the matter, the dark elf continued his stride forward and allowed his fingertips to rest instinctively upon the hilts of his concealed blades. Who knew what sort of perils would be waylaid for him upon breaching the sound frontiers of the ancient city. Though one thing was for sure. He would soon discover the answers to his questions, the meaning of his dreams, and above all, the enigmas of Kaldira.

[Thomas Ocean]

Tom coughed into the warm spring wind. He crouched down into the earth for a moment, catching his breath. The journey had been a long one and it had taken its toll on Tom, but there wasn't anything a few days rest could solve. He hoped he'd find that rest in Kaldira. He picked himself up again and strode forward. He knew he was only a mile or so from Kaldira now, he could see some buildings in the distance. He could smell the salt in the air. He'd only ever seen an ocean once before in his childhood and he was eager to see another. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the coin he'd discovered in his possessions. He'd spent hours, days looking at the roughly made coin, trying to decide if he should take it up on its offer. Eventually Tom had decided he didn't have anything to lose and so he packed his bag and headed to Kaldira.

Tom could now see the huge gates of Kaldira, as if they were rising from the ground. Tom had heard stories of Kaldira, the royal city. No of which he could recall from his memory at the moment. The domes and towers of the building in Kaldira rose out from behind the gates like waves from the sea. They captivated him. Tom had always had a little interest in architecture and anything big and decorated immediately claimed his attention. The sun glinted off jewels embedded into the building. Tom stared in awe. As Tom looked up into the city, he tripped on a piece of rock in the road. He managed to keep his balance, cursing at the rock. This road certainly was rough. It was pretty obvious that a great many people had not traversed it since the closing of city. He watched his footing as he entered the final approach for the city. He slipped the wooden coin into his coat pocket; also checking his visa was there. No could see no guards, but it didn't mean there wasn't anyone.

He wondered if they'd let him in. Although he'd heard the rumours that Kaldira had reopened, he couldn't be sure that he'd actually be let in. He tired smoothing out his leather waistcoat and the shirt underneath, to make him look a little more presentable. The journey had certainly made Tom a little more rough and ready than he felt. He hadn't shaved for a couple of days and the beginnings of a beard were starting to show on his weather beaten face. His hands were dirty and full of little cuts from various expeditions into forests. All in all, he didn't look too clean. Tom shrugged off his doubts. He had the wooden coin, which must count for something. How it ended up in his possession, he'd probably never know, but the person that put it there must have had a reason.

He was now coming up the gates, he couldn't see any of the city anymore as the giant gate and walls blocked his view. He didn't know what he was going to do if no one came out to meet him. Knock on the gates? He laughed to himself thinking of the idea. He put his hand into his coat pocket, closing over his visa, ready to pull it out. The other hand strayed to the hilt of his sword.

[Bretheren]

Bretheren was deeply confused about dream. He found himself laying at the floor and shacking. It was so unusual that he could not recover it for a while. He did not know what to think about it. This powerful and strange experience took control over his actions. Like some invisible hand led hit to his locker in Defenders barracks. He opened small chest with his stuff and there were even bigger surprise for him. He found small cylindrical wooden disc. It had some strange words that did not have any meaning to him "AFS KHATAKHERA, Admit One". The green serpent upon purpure field had something evil in hers eyes. After a couple of second he found on it the name of the ancient city “Kaldira”. Immediately he felt strong urge that he must visit that city. Something was telling him that he had some business with that city.

After a couple of hours he was on his way. He was traveling light. He took only a light traveling clothes, some food, water and his broadsword. The strange dream was still haunting him. He knew that this dream will change his life and that he was not the only one that had that dream. If anybody would ask him how he know that he could not explain that but he felt it in his guts. He was never wrong about those things. The other thing bothering him was a small disc.

After a long and hard trip he arrived to legendary city. First thing he saw was tall arching buildings adorned with rich ornaments, statues, and jewels. Those were old and beautiful buildings. He newer paid much attention to those stuff but he could not ignored this ones.

[Sakura D'aron]

~The Awakening~

Sakura woke up suddenly in the middle of the night, gasping for air she sat on her bed. Sleepily she yawend and layed back down on her bed, in the back of her head she was wondering about the rather odd dream she had just had, but tiredness took over and she once again fell asleep.

In the morning when she rose from her bed and got ready for the day. She was strapping her boots on when she noticed something that was not there the night before.

Slowly she stood up and picked up the small wodden disk. Her senses fully alert she glanced around the small room, closely scanning it to make sure no one was there or for clues of some one entering while she was asleep. After a momment she looked back at the wodden disk she was holding. I'd kill to know how this got in my room without my knowing, she thought to herself, it was then that she remembered the strange dream she had had the night before.

Sitting down on her bed and still holding the wooden disk she frowned thinking. She looked more carefully at the wooden disk, "AFS KHATAKHERA, Admit One'' she read out loud. She raised a brow and looked at it more closely. "Kaldira?" she read from the wodden disk. I have never in my life heard of Kaldira, or Khatakhera for that matter. she thought to herself puzzled. Again she remembered the dream she'd had the night before. Is the dream connected to this token? she asked herself. After much thinking she stood up and packed her travel pack and slippled the small wodden disk in the pocket of her cloak. It had been the ship that had caught her attention. It was no secret that Sakura loved ships and the sea, and it was that love for the sea that had convinced her to go to Kaldira. That and the fact that she'd had the strange dream, also she wanted to know how the token had gotten into her room. After packing Sakura headed towards Greeper's room to tell him they were going to Kaldira, it was to her surprise to learn that Greeper too had strangely received the same token as hers. With even more questions in her Sakura's resolution to travel to Kaldira was stronger than ever.

Smiling, Sakura left Imperia with Greeper by her side, and headed for the road. At least now I have a destination, She thought to herself as she headed down the street.

~Following a Dream~

It had been three cycles since they had left Imperia on their way to Kaldira. It had taken her a while to get information on where Kaldira was located at. It was a long and tiring journey, but the opportunity of being out at sea kept her going and her spirits high. Note to self: Buy a damn horse! Why have you not bought a horse Sakura? You would have get there in half the time you know? she scolded herself.

A small smile curved her lips as she got a glimpse of the Sea. Removing her hood she stood there, ''Ah, but it is obsolutely beatiful and oh so tempting.'' She said as a small sigh escaped her lips. It's almost like destiny brought us this way, she said and she kept on walking down the road to Kaldira.

Sakura raised a brow as they came in view of Kaldira's Gates. "Now I call THAT a gate!'' she said admiringly. While she had been searching for information on how to get to Kaldira, she had heard rumors that the city had been closed for a good hundred years or so. Sakura frequently wondered why a city would choose to be closed for such a long time. What were the people like? What was the city like? There were a great many questions in Sakura's ever curiouse mind.

As they neared the Gates she frowned not really knowing what to expect. She carried all six of her blades and was just then wondering if it was a good idea to walk up to the gates armed. Well, as far as any one is conserned, I'm just carrying my two elven longknives, the flame daggers and throwing knives are hidden from view, she thought to herself reassuringly. Pulling back the hood of her cloak over her head to hide her face from view at the momment, she let out a long sigh they made their way to the Gates. I'm here and I'm not about to turn back now, she said to herself.

[Argo Vindaine]

For Argo, Kaldira had been a dream that had haunted him for what felt like an eternity. Ever since he learned of his Biajani heritage from Felix, argo had wanted to learn more about the mysterious culture of the people of the Northern Cross. Argo had grown up a giant. His life had been that of a giant. But half of his blood was something more, something of a mystery to him. Argo had learned of his family and heritage through Felix and Aurelia, but the culture of the old ways of the Biajani was what intrigued the half giant.

Awakening with sweat dripping from his forehead, Argo once again experienced the nightmare ... hundreds of people, baijani from all he could tell, were being slaughtered at the hands of pirates and raiders bent on the destruction of the ancient Biajani city known as Kaldira. What the dream meant, Argo could not tell, but he so desired to learn all he could. The dream felt so real as if his own flesh and blood was being murdered in the streets of a city he had never stepped foot in.

Looking over at his nightstand rested a wooden token. It took Argo a moment to shake the dream and look around at what he assumed was reality. Argo reached over and grabbed the token knowing he had not placed it there before heading to bed. Argo read the inscription slowly noting the name of a ship and the city of Kaldira. now his curiosity was peaked and he spent the rest of the night tossing and turning unable to get any rest.

By the time the suns had rose in the early morning, Argo was dressed and destined to head out to the ancient city of his people. The idea of visiting the place fascinated him, but he was not particularly fond of the seas or boats. So as Argo set out on his journey to discover the meaning of his dreams and the token, a feeling of fear and excitement resinated from deep within his stomach. He had no idea what to expect, but he was determined to find out.

[Pescado Branch]

The saurid awoke suddenly from his slumber, his wife, and kids at his side. That was quite a strange dream, and suddenly, he looked over to the desk next to their little nest, and noticed the round disk that said admit one. I don't understand, thought Pescado, looking towards it. So he quickly got up, and then felt the sudden urge to get wherever that dream had shown him. I have to go, and I must leave my children here in the care of my wife. He quickly slid up next to her, slowly waking her up.

"What isssss it my dear?" she asked. "I had a dream, it wasssss quite sssstrange...I mussssst go for a while, in order to find out what thisssss isss about..." he replied to her, and then pointed to the round disk that suddenly had appeared there. "You musssst sssstay here, and keep our children ssssafe..." he spoke softly to her. She completely understood that he husband was not only the Lord Protector of Arconis, but also a mystic, and when something bothered him, he yearned to learn more about it, or whatever it was that was bothering him. She didn't complain, but nuzzled him, and then said, "Don't forget your armor, or ssssspear..." Pescado smiled, and then quickly nuzzled her back, and then got up.

He walked over to his closet, which he pulled out the familiar black armor, and placed it over himself. Then he took his Demios Bank Guard uniform, and wore that comfortably over top of the black leather armor. Next he would pull out his spear, and his black shield, place the spear in the holder on his back, as well as the shield. Then he quickly made his way to the desk, grabbed the disk, and made his way out of the Thane's Manor at Arconis, and took himself towards the gates. He had packed a bit of salted meat, as well as some water, which he carried in a flask on his waste. He kept himself alert, and then slid past the guards as quickly as he could. His wife would take care of things in his absense, she could explain to them what had happened, and his reasons for disappearing.

Then he let his mind guide him to wherever this strange place was. He fled as fast as possible away from the city of Arconis, in order to get to this place named Kaldira. On his way, he would see if he knew anyone else that had the same dream as he had. The mystic made his way towards Eunasia, and would continue, until he found this place that he had dreamed about. He knew that he would find it somehow, and was persistant at doing so. The still young saurid would not let himself be lead astray from the dream...He would find Kaldira...and what the dream was truly about...

[Greeper]

Greeper had awoken in fear and chill. He wiped sleep from his eyes and looked around, it was still dark, the middle of the darkening. He couldn't go back to sleep though. He momentarily entertained the thought of waking Sakura up, but decided aganst it quickly. The suns rose soon, and Greeper hadn't slept a wink more. But he was surprised to see that he had a strange token of wood among his meager belongings. A ticket to a ship? He was about to tell Sakura, but she had entered first, and strangely enough, had also found one of the wooden tokens in her belongings.

The ever curious Greeper now had to know what was going on, and Sakura seemed pretty keen on finding out to, so it wasn't long before they were both off to Kaldira.


But it was long before they got there. It hadn't been a pleasent trip, and Greeper had never liked trips, but the thought of the sea and the yummy fish it brought had kept them both going until they had found the massive city. Greeper had just followed Sakura, and she had found the way. Greeper kept to Sakura's side as they approached the gates. "Massive gates indeed Lady Sakura, they seem to wish to open up and swallow Greeper whole!" But he did not stray as they approached the gates, Greeper, at least, eager to see what was in store for them.

[Odyleon]

Odyleon Q. Meiers was a man of diverse skills and attributes. Foolhardy, subtle and yet somewhat naive, selfless and yet ambitious; there was, however, a field in which he was terribly lacking, and it was... geography. To him, Kaldira had been but a name, a collection of letters and syllables. It could very well have been the Elven for 'pracenda', or a breed of Eunesian cats, or the name of some dancer at the local inn. It was not until he awakened from a darkening of disturbing nightmares, with a strange wooden disk resting next to him, that he did some research and actually found out that Kaldira was a city of the Aelyrian Empire.

This had been the first time in Ody's life that he waked up richer than when he had fallen asleep. With the amount of crime growing rampant in Aelyria, the contrary happened all the time, assuming one did wake up at all after having been robbed in their sleep. Odyleon was a curious youth; the prospect of discovering how the disc had wound up in his possession was enough to make him forget about the rest, which was the fear-inspiring nightmare. Unfortunately, Ody had a unhealthy tendency to forget about the wrong details of the big picture; it was the key reason behind his successes, as well as the key factor threatening his life expectancy. This could not be helped in any way, and even now Ody was happily riding atop his loyal horse, Mr. Galloper, down the road to Kaldira, trying to whistle a silly tune. He had never learnt how to whistle correctly, though, and only the pathetic sound of hissing air escaped his pursed lips. Mr. Galloper bore the weight of his master and his Problem Solving apparatus stoically as always, with a patience and a spirit of resignation rarely seen in a Friesian horse.

"AFS Khatakhera..." he murmured. "Sounds like a great name for a cake" Ody was addicted to sweets, he could live without sleep, without clothes, without fire, but sugar, he could not dispense with. Still, he knew from his time in Port Constantine that AFS was a typical prefix of Aelyrian warships, which ruled out any chances of it being named after food. Silly Aelyrian Admirals, them and their naming patterns.

As they approached the impressive, bleached gates of Kaldira, Ody retrieved the disc from a hidden pocket and pulled out his well-preserved visa. This was no ordinary city, and his normally light-hearted spirit stiffened in a matter of seconds. The disc, carrying the words 'Admit one', must be a token of sorts to be granted access... access to what, however, remained to be seen.

[Zilly]

Long sought spinning mused gently for a particularly queer lot (duo, that is) of elves. The younger was, of course, greatly amused while the elder was, of perhaps some greater degree, simply bemused. This girl, all clad in her loose pants and sandals and the like, a pair of white-sheathed daggers upon her right hip, two pouches full of aberrant devices of dark make at her waist, beneath a worn cloak. Like all she knew, they where meant to cause pain to another at her own gain. Of course, it wasn't as though she mused it as such. Those swelling, iniquitous powers that grew greater with every passing day...could scarcely be discerned with but a cursory glance.

She peered up from her book, heavenward unto Nul'sama, smiling. He smiled back at her, completely enraptured in her utter charm and childish charisma. Why he held her in such high regard, why his concern for her leapt above stars, why he'd saved her from a life of uselessness...none could say. She'd been drawing final breaths, there, on the outskirts of Malice in that emotional wasteland. Furthermore, what reason had he for placating that curiosity of hers? That little wooden trinket obtruding from her backpack had willed her volition to that of utter fascination. Simply put, how could he refute her? Thus, they'd begun the trek to Kaldira on nothing more than a whim, a dream and a block of wood with less-than-mediocre handwriting lain about its bow.

Many patterns of hardship and rancor weathered his face, unkempt hair churning gently in the easterly breeze. Upon his back wore he a longbow and quiver, aside from his own rucksack. Beneath this, he wore a hooded cloak and beneath even that was there hardened leather armour. A man of obvious skill, of long eras of experience, of victories and defeats, this elf seemed, most definitely, one tough customer. In spite of that, he loved the girl’s whims, her quips and quirks. But why?

They traveled swiftly, delightful unhindered by such plagued that most often plagues travelers of such a sort as they. How long had she gone alone? How far had she stirred through endless darkness and despair of her own accord? By frozen hell, with or without god’s will, the girl could carry on and on, on nothing more than pure volition – resolution. The old duress, simple coercion of the body, had long since been trounced. In that, how now was she not stronger than many who where, themselves, many a’ era wiser?

Be it of little offense or not, this was apt. What manner of sinister consequence could understand such vagaries? Those who seek it out perhaps, but none so less greatly entranced than they, most definitely. Rather, all others might simply let it go, pass by and naught but take heed. With such modest clarity, the lotus of the darkness might bloom brightly. A dark day indeed, that is, for the end of all things to be.

Morals, prospects, possibilities and philosophical ponderings aside, for then and there, there only lay the dusty road and a fleeting happiness…a miserable infrequency if ever there was one. Sweetness, you understand (dear reader), is all too quickly turned to sourness. Be it one way or the other, this is a case undeniably as frequent as the original case itself. Unfortunate but true, it is the perhaps the one irremediable and simple reality of reality, easily the most pertinent and woefully the most painful.

Easily overlooked, reclusive Kaldira might be effortlessly passed over by those who need not seek what lay within. Unquestionably these elves…they sought just the opposite. Jesting at uncut wounds, they sought to seek, so to speak! Laughable, but hardly worth concern in its own droll way. Pleasing things they considered as Kaldira, city by the sea and bosom of these curious and mysterious days, lay just to the fore.

[Rahkay Zandos]

Rahkay Zandos awakened from his dreams one night with a cold sweat. He looked around his small home in Vortex with a look resembling one of fear. Soon he realized, though, that nothing was wrong, and what he had just experienced was only a dream. The strange part of that was that the dream had not been particularly distressing. In fact, it had been rather pleasant. In his dream, Zandos seemed to be soaring over the Eunesian Seas - not really like a bird, for he did it all quite effortlessly - looking down on a great vista of shimmering seas with the occasional island, none of which looked civilzed. Every now and then part of the water below would break near the surface and some sea creature like a dolphin or whale would come up for precious air.

The Dorin had also seen ships. There were ships of all sorts, cutting through the frothy sea water and gliding across it like an archer's arrow through the air. From his lofty view, Zandos could not distinguish pirate ships or naval ships specifically among them, but frankly he never really thought of those things and wasn't even aware of his failure to make this distinguishment. Of course, Zandos was born and raised in the Highlands of Arium; since then he had been to Vortex (his new home), Nexus Prime, Primus Gaudeo, and Diana, and had therefore only once been in a coastal city, and certainly never at sea, and it is woth mentioning that his visit in Nexus had indeed been a short one. One would have been hard-pressed to find a less likely sailor.

Nevertheless, Zandos had time and time again proven to be a thoroughly mercurial being. His short Dorin lifespan admonished him to make the most of life, which was the main reason he was so. Many a decision made by Zandos had been made spur of the moment, a hasty decision with very little pensive thought behind it. Surely he was the bane of Orod. Speaking of the Aetherians, though, Aslan had always seemed to come through for Zandos, protecting and blessing him even when those capricious decisions got him into some trouble, which they certainly did. For better or worse, Zandos decided mere minutes after awakening from his marine dream that he was going to sea.

He began packing his bag with all of the few possessions he had. He donned the armor of the Alyssans to travel in, though he kept other clothes in his pack. With the mysterious new token in hand, Zandos bolted out of his door, through the streets of Vortex, and out of the city, bound for this Kaldira he had only vaguely heard of, but was referenced on the small wooden coin.

All the way there Zandos turned the coin about and examined it thoroughly, looking over every detail of the image and words. Apparently this was an invitation to sail on some ship, which was just as well considering his latest decision. There was the problem of the coin's origin - why should he be so trusting? It seemed too good to be true, but such thoughts did not preoccupy Zandos. He was never one to ponder the consequences of his actions until they had already happened.

Eventually after a long period of time, and several nights in the wilderness, the Dorin's long, powerful legs brought him to a point in Carmelyn where Kaldira was in view. Eagerly he picked up his pace and reached behind him to deposit the token for now. The previous night, anticipating the end of the journey, Zandos had placed his Visa near the top of his pack. He was fully prepared to take it out and present it, quite the standard procedure, here at Kaldira. Fully convinced that it was his gateway to the sea, Zandos smiled as he approached the gates.