Settlement - Brennin
County - Andarien
Duchy - Duchy of Anor
Kingdom - Kingdom of Al'Khezam
A falcon's cry pierced the still morning air, echoing over a sparse deep green forest that glistened in the dawn's morning dew. Wind rushed over the brown mottled feathers as the elegant creature dove down among the tops of the trees only to emerge on the outskirts of a sleepy town just beginning to show signs of life. What had begun a motley gathering of farmers and hunters had become Brownivory and it emulated such men and women in its decor. Low wooden buildings, many of which had seen a few Long Nights, lifted sinuous cook-fire smoke skyward and the sounds of good natured discussion accompanied the crowing of roosters and the neighing of horses.
High above the muddy thoroughfare did the falcon soar until its gaze turned northward and it banked, gathering the southeast wind beneath its feathers to propel it. Expansive farm and game land gave way to rolling plains, some of which was also yet tamed under the farming plow, and to the whisper of the breeze the long lush grasses wavered, concealing all manner of tempting creature.
A glimmer of refreshing blue shone forth in the distance, just past the quaint hamlet of Stone Run, and the falcon chased the blue - diving low to skim the river's cool surface with an exuberant cry while it weaved between fisherman’s boats, its head swiveling past each. Homesteads, defined by earthen rows of plowed lands became more prevalent as the bird pressed on.
On the fast approaching horizon, scented now with a brisk sea breeze, humble homes began to rise beyond rolling farmland that surrounded a bustling port city. With a burst of speed, the falcon crested the last rise to soar over a city already about its day. Guards patrolling, farmers carting their produce, merchants hawking their wares. To the town center, upon the uplifted spear held stalwart by the founder's stone statue, the bird-of-prey did perch and before its keen gaze did the city of Brennin sprawl.
Tended thoroughfares lined with shops, maintained roadways of stone leading in each cardinal direction from the center square; To the east, upon a promontory with a commanding view of the sea, a magnificent oval arena strewn with colorful flags, its tall pillared walls standing strong against the breeze. To the north, a resplendent cathedral of the Virtues, its bell tower rising into the cerulean sky, to herald newcomers and departures from the port beyond. To the west along the river’s edge, expansive housing divisions leading up to a palatial manse whereupon the Count of Andarien and the family of dav Eryd make their stead.
With a rousing cry, the falcon spread it wings and again took flight.
Over the majestic city it banked, circling the milling civilization, and down toward the growing scent of brine and fish. The port, by which the lifeblood of trade flowed, was a tumult of activity. Ships large and small bobbed in the pristine waters; fishermen, dignitaries, and merchants alike shipping wares.
Low did the regal bird fly, to skim the turbulent waters and then up - to again circle the city. A clear whistle echoed into the warm sunny morning and with an answering screech, the falcon sped toward the call. Along a city street, to the jubilation of a gaggle of children, and then down along the port to the end of a long pier - to land on the outstretched arm of Count Tiernyn dav Eryd himself - once again home to rest.
