[Post here first!] The Harbor

A large structure, made in the beautiful scalloped edges and intricate carvings of plants and life and water had been erected near the harbor. There were liveried servants waiting upon it, as well as two of the brightly colored hummingbird guard nearby. An officiant waited for them.

Down below, people looked up and stared, pointing and speaking among themselves. The ship came within the city bounds where the floating lights surrounded them like they were flying through stars. If they came close to a light, they'd be able to see that it was actually a tiny hummingbird -- similar to a fairy -- that glowed instead. No doubt, it would delight the children (and maybe even the adults).

Sakand was sultry and warm, and the distant sounds of music could be heard. Between the ornate buildings and arabesques, they'd be able to see the cerulean-aquamarine waterways that made for the standard roads within the magical city, and beyond the city walls the growing verdant greenness of orchards, rice paddies, and wheat fields.

The Temple of Serenity could be seen rising high above, its peaked dome gleaming gold underneath the Sakandi sun. The Bejeweled Water Gardens also grew upwards, plant life bursting from each of its levels, a waterfall visible that went from landing to landing. The Emira's Palace could also be seen, all blue tile and decorated with more lush plantlife.

They would have never seen anything like Sakand before, and it was likely that they would never see such wonder again.

Arianne frowned. "Voltaire!" She said with a scolding tone, even though Renaux played it off and laughed. The King's bright-haired wife shook a finger at Voltaire, who looked appropriately sheepish. "We do not bite. DO we, Papa?" Arianne asked, giving her husband a certain look that said that he'd better behave himself as well.

Questions asked, questions answered, she swept up in the wonder with her children, holding Gabrielle higher as she tried to reach for one of the glowing, flitting hummingbirds. As a family, they exited the Royal for the ramp, and she gave Voltaire another look to make him behave in his father's arms as they met with the officiant of Sakand.

It was all vaguely reminiscent of enjoying the Land Tiller's State those years ago to Arianne.

"We don't bite." Renaux agrees but then he leans in close and whispers to his wife so the kids can't hear. "Except in the bedroom." He straightens up his eyes dancing with mirth as he hands the royal prince over to a nanny so he can greet the Officiant properly. He returns the man's bow with a slight incline of his head and then he blinks as a woman places a wreath of flowers around gives him a kiss. The woman's smile makes him feel vaguely uncomfortable but fortunately, the officiate starts speaking.

"Well met Djohi Ahmad." Renaux says giving the man a smile. "I am Renaux Travere, king of Gauldin. This is my wife, Queen Arianne and my children the crown prince Voltaire and princess Gabrielle." He gestures to each in turn. "We are honored that the Emira has agreed to host and look forward to exploring your beautiful city." He says ending with a diplomatic smile. "I assume that accommodations have been prepared for myself and my retinue?"

Before Djohi could answer the king's assumptions, the red-headed queen seemed eager to ask about Sakand. Djohi laughed, the sound warm and inviting.

"Yes, of course, of course. The Emira plans to unveil Sakand's magic and beauty to the entire Royal Family of Gauldin." He put a hand to his chest and bowed lightly. "Now, if we may all take a seat, and I will escort you to the Emira's Palace."

Djohi moved to sit exactly where he stood on the dais of the raised platform, gesturing for the king, his family, and his retinue to do the same.

"Here? On the floor?" Arianne questioned. It wasn't that she was snobbish, it was more so that she was curious. She shared a glance with her husband, but did as the officiant bid, gracefully lowering herself to sit. It was hard to do so in the fashions of Gauldin, considering the corsets they wore, but she did so.

She was going to change into something far more comfortable and very soon. As she sat beside Renaux, Voltaire escaped his nanny to come over to them as well, wanting to romp into the laps of his parents. Arianne laughed and caught her son, holding onto him loosely about his stomach.

She looked expectantly at the Officiant, as all other servants sat down as well.

Cairex disembarked from the vessel on shaky legs. He was in his human form, unsure of the reaction his wolf forms would receive in a new city. He had forsaken his official Alban knight's uniform for his previous adventuring clothes, which had been clean until he had taken a tumble into the sea two days out from the city.

The only hints of his unusual heritage were his eyes, unchanged between any of his forms, and the fact that he was fairly hairy. His massive sword was slung across his back, and a small knapsack was the only other thing he had.

Gustav leaned against the bow of the ship as he peered towards Sakand's harbor. It was a glorious sight to behold, and the other Brothers on the ship took a moment to take in the view. It was a bright, sunny day; the blistering hot sun was tolerable for now, but the Varan knew it would only get worse once he entered the desert.

"What do you think?" A man came behind Gustav; he was the captain of the ship. Supposedly a native of Sakand, this man was also a trader who offered boarding to Gustav and his small retinue of Knight-Krothers. It cost a bit extra to bring armaments and horses too.

"Beautiful," Gustav said enthusiastically. "I cannot wait to see more of your city, Sandborn. I shall attempt a meeting with your leaders before I leave. But my business lies in the desert, I suspect."

The trader laughed and patted the Varan on the back. "Why do you foreigners always try to find dangerous locales?" Gustav grinned and continued looking out towards Sakand. The merchant trip would make its way into the harbor soon.

(@sakandi)

"Thank you!" He said cheerfully, a wide grin on his face that exposed rather pronounced canines. His own accent reflected a rural upbringing, but only in the lightest of fashions. Cairex had no issues with personal contact of any type, the idea of personal space nonexistent to the man.

The lei smelled wonderful, and the cheerfulness of the people here was infectious to him. Too long had he been in that stuffy dour court, such happiness and warmth was wonderful to experience again.

"Where might I find some place to eat? I did my best to avoid it on the ship," the comment followed by an even wider grin.

(@sakandi)

Gustav and his Brothers enjoyed the sight of the women who approached them. The endless chore of patrolling roads, sailing rivers, and across the open sea with nothing but men could put strain on them. But Gustav knew better. He was a Knight of the Black Cross, and they emphasized obedience, poverty, and chastity, specifically in that order. They nonetheless accepted and played into the customs of the Sakandi people, grateful for such a warm welcome.

"My Brothers and I have traveled far, Sandborn," he said to her with a thick nordic accent. "We have grown weary and sick of the sea, and require rest - but we must attend to our duties first. I would like to speak to the Emira on behalf of the Brotherhood." Gustav lifted his hands, "but I understand she must be very busy, in which case I can wait. I am in no rush and will be happy to meet her at her own convenience."