Amaranthine Arrival Thread: Where Our Travels Take Us
One of the many arrival threads. Who: Imenry Barras, Signy Dagna, Falina Bjyr, Cormac Murrough,Ordhan Wyland, Jaden Tahal, Conlan Delaine, Ashya Devar, Any people who wish to jump in!(Seriously) Where: Amaranthine When: 9:45 Current Date Summary: As part of the party that has just arrived at Amaranthine, these travelers are weary, some are overwhelmed, and all are in a place they have never been. Will they be made welcome, or perhaps find some familiar faces among the crowded halls? Rating: Should be fine for all Status: In Progress
They'd been traveling for hours, and the steady pace of the wagons, the press of her feet into the hard-packed dirt road, the sounds of the horses hooves clattering against the occasional pebble had drummed a sort of monotonous tone along. Her mind drifted. Her eyes watched the road, flickered towards the wagons, drifted over the shining armor of some of the men traveling by horseback. The town had risen over one of the hilly crests of road, looking like a toy village in the distance before it crept up around them, narrow houses and cobbled streets. The people stared, watching from their windows where they hung the wash. Children ceased their games and trailed behind the caravan, shouting hellos and waving. As if they were a parade rather than simple travelers. Perhaps it was the Warden Commander up ahead who garnered all the attention, but Imenry ignored it, her gaze slipping to Signy where she rode in one of the wagons. The small dwarf was looking around with huge eyes, as if the village were a wonder, then her head tilted back and she stared into the distance, a gasp of surprise slipping from between her lips.
Imenry turned her head to see what had elicited such a reaction. Beyond the village loomed the keep. It was huge and stone, flanked by thick walls. There were shouts from some of the watchmen on the walls and the heavy wooden door began to open. It creaked, and settled with a huge echoing slam. She could not keep her eyes still, looking everywhere at once, trying to take in everything. There was just too much to be aware of. There were still children trailing behind them. Against one of the walls, a hedge had a huge burnt and gaping hole, gnarled black branches poking out. Dead flowers and dried petals were scattered across the road beneath their feet, trod over by horse and man. She fell back behind the wagon as it moved through the front gates, their pace slowing and stalling as others approached. The men on horses were dismounting and others were beginning to climb down from the wagons. Imenry set a steadying hand against Signy's back as the girl edged backwards off her seat. She was silent for once, asking no questions, just looking, everywhere looking.
There was chatter around them, and bustle. People were everywhere; guards, servants, some people who looked like civilians. She couldn't guess how many people were there. Her eyes followed the stone lines of the giant fortress that stretched out above them, a stone sentry standing watch over the village. It was certainly bigger than any building she'd ever been in. Oh, she'd seen fortresses, palaces, and castles from time to time; such as the one over Redcliffe, or the one in South Reach. But she'd never actually been inside one. After all, she wasn't spending much time cozying up with nobility. Still, it seemed a fitting place for these Grey Wardens to raise their army. Perhaps Signy and the others chosen would learn to train here. She wondered idly at the facilities that might be provided. Would they all be sleeping here? In their own rooms? This seemed unlikely. But the place was big enough, it might have the space. The privacy would be welcomed in any case, after weeks of camping with a large group, constant company on the road. It wasn't that she objected to company, it was just that she was used to a rather solitary lifestyle.
Though she was certainly weary and dirty, Signy did not seem interested in rest or a bath. She kept wandering this way and that, all the while staying close, head tilted back, eyes wide, moving to stand on her toes to get a better view, or peer around someone. Imenry shifted closer to her, ushering her away from the crowd of people and wagons and into a more open area. Perhaps if they could find someone a little bit official looking, they could ask some questions. The Warden Commander was already surrounded by people and obviously busy with likely a dozen issues that now needed his attention.
Imenry lifted a hand to shade her eyes and searched the area.