And down to the seaside
To sun on my shoulders
And wind in my hair
But sandcastles crumble
And hunger is human
And humans are hungry
For worlds they can't share
My dreams with the seagulls fly
Out of reach out of cry
~ Joni Mitchell
The first sign of the city that you hear as you ride, is the cry of the seagulls that flock along the docks of the harbor of Gull's Landing. Mave warns you all that it is a crime to harm a seagull within the city. Ahead you see the stalls of a makeshift market, filled with trinkets, colorful clothing, caps, all types of seafood fresh and some still on the merchant's grills cooking for incoming travelers. Two young girls dance beside the road into the city showing their shapely legs while an old woman who looks as if she could be their grandmother holds out a wide-brimmed hat for tips. An older man plays a fiddle behind the girls.
A large oaken table is set outside the town gates where a rail-thin man with an elaborately waxed mustache takes notes of all who enter the city. A gruff-looking man in chain holding a halberd shouts out loudly at all who wish to enter, "All those seeking entry must register! Out of the goodwill of our Lord Darvyn Gallowhawk, all may enter freely, but if you are bringing goods to sell there is a 10 gold piece tax for import of ANY goods!"
De'Athyra slips from her mount and runs to where the girls dance, trying to imitate their moves and clapping her hands to the music.