Tales of a Gryphon Rider

Tiko

Draconic Administrator/Mentor
Administrator
Mentor
Nexus GM
The sun had only just begun to near the horizon as the cool evening air settled across the plains of Amarathia, and the fresh layering of snow from the day prior served to reflect the light and add a clear visibility to the evening. It was likely the last snowfall of the year and served as a reminder of the cold winter months that they were fast leaving behind.

The caravan had swelled to a respectable size as it traveled northward from Amarathia City to the small outlying town of Korvesa. It had boasted nearly twenty wagons, carts, and carriages at its departure, and it had picked up a good dozen more along the way as it passed through neighboring cities and towns on its way to the Northern Frontier of Amarathia. It was a popular time of year for settlers to make their way to the border towns of Amarathia so that they could arrive as the winter months where just beginning to give way to spring. For families looking to start a life out there, it meant they had the whole of the new year to prepare for the following winter.

Accompanying the traveling wagons where riders armed to the teeth. Swords-for-hire. They ranged greatly in race and garb, but they all shared in their purpose of protecting the caravan in its journey across the Amarathian plains.

Several families and settlers had already parted ways at previous towns, but fifteen or so wagons remained on as they trundled ever close to their destination.

---

Korvesa was a once large town situated along the banks of the Iyesgarth river, but much of it remained unclaimed from the hundreds of years of abandonment that had left its mark upon it. Much of the western reaches of town lay in ruins with crumbled buildings long since overtaken by heavy brush and unchecked trees.

The central heart of the town, and much of the east side were well underway in their reconstruction efforts. New houses and buildings had been erected upon the foundations of old, and brush and overgrowth had been cleared from the streets and pathways. Dirt roadways had been restored for use and the place offered the promise of a fresh start for those willing to make it out there.

Plots of lands were being sold to arriving families for minimal cost that made the location appealing to settlers looking to put city life behind them.

The town held a strong appeal to travelers as well. Mercenaries were never short of work to find, and there was always some work to be found around the town to aid in the reconstruction efforts. It was also a good place to drop ones bags for the night, or a few days to resupply before moving on.

---

As the caravan edged closer to the town of Korvesa an element of excitement filled air. As wagons rumbled their way across the large stone bridge spanning the Iyesgarth river, children had already taken to disembarking wagons to run ahead. Parents were filled with a wash of relief, and escorting mercenaries could relax their guard as the caravan left behind the wilds of Amarathia in favor of the burgeoning town. Tradesmen too could let out a sigh of relief as their goods made it safely to their destination.

For most it was the promise of new beginnings, and for others it was simply a stop before moving on. Others still were on the run from secrets left behind, and looking to the obscurity of the Korvesa to escape from past mistakes. Whatever one's reasons were for arriving in Korvesa, it offered the promise of warm beds, hot meals, and respite to them all.
 
Soaring above the caravan was one of its many protectors, not quite a mercenary, but one of Amarathia's gryphon riders. He was young and more than a little hungry for adventure; he'd jumped at the chance to join the caravan as soon as the opportunity presented itself. The silver-haired elf didn't regret a moment of the journey thus far. Despite this, as the town of Korvesa drew close, the gryphon rider felt relief wash over him. The journey had been a little rough and a break from consistent vigilance was warranted.

Drawing his heavy cowl over his nose, the Amarathian rider and his gryphon dove toward Korvesa, landing aside the caravan in a flurry of snow and dirt. Rubbing his cheeks, the elf sighed. The cold air loved cutting at his skin when they flew. The skin around his eyes was chapped and irritated, as much as he'd tried to avoid it.

Alas, however, they'd arrived at civilization.
 
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