Open When Pigs Fly

[Kai Wavecrest]

41st of Winter, 515 A.V

The day was relatively pleasant weather wise, but something was off. Kai meandered through the city around noon, looking for a drink. Strapped to his chest was a piglet that stirred restlessly, in which the Svefra responded in kind, "Oi. Quims. What's gotten into ya, huh?" The blue eyed man looked over his shoulder, a cautionary action. He felt... watched. His attention was pulled back to the pig who continued to squirm, this time met with a rather frustrated squeal. Kai flinched, hating the sound and quickly fished the baby animal from the sling. He quickly set it on the ground, hands hovering to watch the companion in case it tried to run away, but it immediately started sniffing the ground, circling like a dog.

"Ah, ya gotta piss? Sorry, mate." Kai leaned back, taking in his surroundings. A few buildings that didn't seem to be there when he was talking to the piglet seemed to have miraculously appeared. A few wooden signs hung above their door frames, each one catching his interest. He meandered over to the first building, allowing Quimby some privacy while he proceeded to do his business and cupped his hands around his blue eyes, peering into the window of the shop. Weapons lined the walls, a few mighty pieces on display. Instinctively the Svefra looked for anything he might be familiar with - such as a cutlass or trident. As he scanned the work, he failed to notice anyone inside and pulled back, glancing at the building's title, Kitrean Krafts.

The wind picked up and another wave of discomfort washed over the Svefra. No one stood out to him among the streets, not a single eyes lingered on him, yet something wasn't right. "Can ya speed it up, Quims? I'm not build for land, yah?"

A gust of wind blew again, this time in fuller force. It shifted his shirt and swirled his hair, and he had to push against it to balance himself. Kai began turning to look for his pal but a shadow darted across the wall of a building. He did a double take, and then was faced with the terrible screaming of Quimby, who was now floating away.

The Svefra eyes widened in surprise and he jumped into action, hearing the terrified cries of his friend, "Quimby! Hold on, mate!" Kai ran after the tiny animal who was kicking in the air and being carried down the street. He jumped forward, hands on either side of the piglet's body and tried to pull him close... but something resisted.

Horrified, Kai began to wrestle with an unseen force, the wind refusing to let go of the pig who continued to kick and make a fuss. Onlookers turned their attention at the sounds, and digging his heel into cobblestone, Kai finally yanked hard enough so that he was sent sprawling backwards, pig in tow. He clutched Quimby close like a child, burying his face into the pig who's heart was beating like a hummingbird's.

"Yer okay, mate. I gotcha." When Kai looked up, only the confused looks of the natives glanced his way, but their interest was quickly lost. What was weird to an Alvadian? Quimby shivered against his chest and Kai was reminded of the fear he felt at the idea of losing his new friend. Returning to the piglet to the snug sling he wore, the young Svefra continued to coddle the sweet animal, and a low hum rose from his lips as he began to sing softly,

"Oh, say, wuz ye ever down Senda Cove?
'Way for Senda!
It's there that the river flows down by a treasure trove.
An' we're bound for the Senda Cove,
Then away, bullies, away!"

Kai kept his voice gentle and soothing, like a mother hushing a child before bed. Quimby peeked upwards to look at the eyes of the shipwright, and Kai smiled softly, despite the paranoia that kissed the back of his neck like a lover. More shadows danced by his feet, and Kai tried to ignore them, one hand touching his trusty cutlass, as he continued his tune. He felt protective of the tiny land animal, and he rose to his feet very slowly, trying not to show fear. He continued to hum, and decided to seek shelter.

His oceanus swirled upwards on his arm, waves crashing ruthlessly in storm. Kai continued to sing under his breath, eyes searching for anymore shadows that wished to play. Something was following him, and without looking back, Kai darted into the weapon's shop, the hair on his neck standing up.

***

[Cyrene Everwind]

Description "Cyrene" Thoughts Isur Tukant Others

Within the warm walls of the forges front of house most would have found themselves nicely heated but no hearth in sight. Instead from the small corner of the hallway an ungodly heat would pour forth. In the dark blackness of the forge multiple smiths worked tirelessly to produce weapons and armour of quality. The only light in this darkness were the blazing forges each one individual to the smith instead of a giant communal one. As such each smith was enabled to control the heat of their own forge better. Using their own learned techniques to sift through the lacklustre steel of the heavy fallen ingots.

Heavy breaths and sweat rolling down the front of her body she pounded at the white hot glowing billet of steel. Each thrumming pound of her hammer beat like a drum against the steel. Whilst behind her she drowned out the sound of the other smiths. Blackness and the sparks of impact sprayed across the room from the lashings of her hammer on the steel. Drawing the blade out into a long tapering blade. The backing chorus of hammers falling in a distinct pattern. A small smirk rocked her fact as she began to sing a small tune along to the steels impact. Isuran was never meant to be used for this but somehow through her voice it seemed to flow nicely if a little off key in spots.

“It matters not what steel is struck,
All truth is found in dumb luck,
And the sound of steel rings true,
Glory lurks within the fire blue.
So smith all day and hammer all night,
Until perfection is attained, right?”

The only person in the smithy who understood these words was the forge master and everyone else seemed to sway a little through the sound of the hammering as a backing to the base of the tune. Before she could continue any further though the sound of wood slamming crossed with the hammer of the steel hinges together signalled the forge had received a new customer. Or perhaps someone seeking shelter from the strange winds that had whipped up today.

Wiping her chin lightly she flicked the errant moisture out into the fire letting the water burn off. Exhaling a slow breath she stepped out around the corners of the forge. The forge master busy on a special order for a client and thus unable to answer himself. She stepped sharply into the light of the front of the forge. Closing her eyes swiftly out of reflex, the light semi blinding. Blinking hard to adjust to the light she craned her neck up to see the face of the new patron? On her way looking up she caught the swirling waves on one arm and the manatee on the other.

“Aye, what can I help ya with today?” A blunt and gruff response from her as was her usual tone. Her upper torso and head the only thing really too visible above the three foot high counter. A look of sharp annoyance on her face beneath the thin ridge line of her eyes. Her hair tied back into a tight ponytail. And her arms folded across her chest. She stared him down over the counter line. The stiff warmth of the forges behind her blasting her back with heat. She was at home here, and as such she felt she was in control. Even when the sun set. This was territory she knew.

[Kai Wavecrest]

When he entered the threshold of the shop, warmth embraced him and the smell of steel and fire was in the air. He looked around the well lit shop, suddenly feeling much more at ease than in the windy streets, with their shadows and invisible thieves. Even Quimby seem to release a sigh, and the Svefra stepped in further, his footsteps soft against the wooden floor.

Around him lay dozens of weapons, each meticulously cared for and on display. Kai wasn't sure if it was the shop that soothed him, or the feeling of being protected in such an armed environment. He relaxed and reaching out with long fingers, Kai ran them across the polished wood of a heavy cross bow, bright eyes snapping upwards when a voice addressed him, “Aye, what can I help ya with today?”

When Kai looked at the woman, he smiled his usual lazy grin, "Hello, lass." The woman behind who had appeared by the counter was small, shorter than himself by... he'd reckon more than a foot. Her dark hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail and she had a no nonsense air around her. Hardened and gruff; unmoving. If Kai was the water, this woman was the earth, a solid mountain with strong arms and a stronger presence. He looked at her attire, at the way she carried herself. Something about her just seemed to fit, and Kai shrugged, gliding to the counter at an ambling pace, "You work here," he concluded obviously, patting the baby sling secured to his chest and leaning on the table that separated them, "You wouldn't know what the city's up to, yah?"

"I might be in need of another weapon. Winds 'n shadow try'in to steal one of me best mates."

As if on cue, Quimby gave a curious oink, and poked his head out to look at the Isur woman, sniffing the air. Kai's smile only broadened and he tucked a strand of blonde hair behind his ear, displaying the swirling gnosis on his right arm. Straightening back to his full height, the shipwright began meandering around the room some more, inspecting the work as if any other customer. While not one to overly show emotions on his face, the Svefra was worried. Something was different about this trip to the city of illusions, and he wasn't sure if wind and shadows would be the only thing he'd have to wrestle with.

***

[Cyrene Everwind]

Description "Cyrene" Thoughts Isur Tukant Others

Cyrene tilted her head now that he’s turned to face her. A svefra by the looks of him. The sea faring lot often were a little too lax for their own good. The look of the water still washed around him, scraggly beard unkempt but oddly shaped. Long blonde locks wrapped up into a tight bun at the back of his head. Her eyes had begun to focus now in the much brighter light. Simple. Comfortable. Possibly the two best adjective to describe this man before her. Clam and at ease, like the ocean on a calm summers day. Still something odd, a sling for a child across his chest. An oddity but something that didn’t take too much of her attention.

Apparently the guys was also a genius. She wondered what exactly gave away the fact she worked here. The fact she’d come from the back? The fact she was completely soaked with sweat from the fire? Or could it have even possibly been the fact she’d asked him what he could use a hand with. He leant over the table to get a better eye at her more than likely. Or was he just simply that lazy? Sis she knew what exactly was going on with the city? She laughed lightly almost but not quite sarcastically. “Lad, I’m pretty sure the only sod who has any idea what’s going on out there is the god of illusions himself.” She leant back from the table lightly shifting her weight onto her rear foot. Unfolding her arms slowly the mark of Izurdin on her right shoulder briefly shimmered with a multi-coloured light. Much the same as she caught the swirling waves on his right arm.

“Ya need another blade, eh? Well let’s see what we can do for ya. Also if it’s a custom order it’ll be about two to three bells. So let me know what ya’re after.” Then the oddness of the sling was confirmed to her as the face of a pig popped out of the sling. Half unsure if it was just the city playing tricks on her she extended her right red arm out slowly and gently rubbed the very top of the pigs head. “Well I can see ya’s got ya hands full.” A small scoff crossed her lips as she turned her striking hazel orbs straight up into his shocking blue ones. Even as he stood back to his full height and she had to crane her neck a little. “Just a word to the wise by the way, I’d hang about out here or else you’re little friend there might turn into bacon out back.” A small chuckle of a joke possibly a little in bad taste but still a lightness that betrayed her hardened outer appearance. If the man before her was the embodiment of the ocean, then she was a mountain. Despite her small stature.

[Kai Wavecrest]

'Ionu'

No surprise there.

Kai quite liked the god and felt he made things interesting. But on the other hand, his little illusions required Kai to put effort into his day and that meant even getting a simple drop of rum was a challenge. Without saying a word, he nodded his head thoughtfully, scratching his chin. When the weapon's smith reached out to scratch the tiny piglet's head, Quimby just watched her silently.

The Svefra laughed softly at the mention of bacon. From the smell of the air and the sweat on her brow, he didn't think she was joking. But even with her straight shoulders and the Izurdian mark on her arm that he began to examine, Kai felt no threat. Especially not like he had when they were outside, "This here is Quimby, and you can call me Kai. He won't leave my side. Thick as thieves we are. Watch," Lowering himself to the floor he pulled aside the sash and watched as the little piglet pushed himself free and tumbled into the Svefra's lap like an ungraceful potato. The pink animal could be lifted in one of Kai's hands and when it settled itself on the floor, the sound of tiny hooves pattered against the wood as it began to scurry away.

Not the best display, "Oi! Come back here and show this lass here some loyalty!" Quickly reaching into his pocket, the blonde haired man began fishing for a moment and pulled out a handful of something that made Quimby stop in his tracks. He turned and when Kai held up his hand, an excitement like none other brought the pig to life. It oinked incessantly, and ran back to him nudging at his hand like an impatient child. Kai opened his palm to reveal some feed and watched as his pal started to eagerly feast.

"Gets him every time." After another moment, Kai rubbed his hands together to clean them and Quimby looked for scraps. Then it was back to business as his friend began to quiet down, "You got something for distance?" He picked up the unloaded crossbow he had touched earlier, lifting it as if aiming and looked at her from the scope, "I gotta blade, but-"

Kai's voice died as the door to the shop fluttered open briefly. Outside the wind whistled. A tick passed and then it tried to open again, and a sinking feeling settled into the Svefra's stomach. Winds didn't make closed doors open. Something was trying to get inside.

***

[Cyrene Everwind]

Description "Cyrene" Thoughts Isur Tukant Others

Cyrene watched the duo, a svefran and a piglet. Odd combination. Cyrene shifted around the counter. “Sorry about that, living in this city for ten years and you get a little…used to mistaking illusions for the real thing. Though in this city they’re often one and the same…” She smirked a little now leaning on the side of the counter. Her bag and glaive in the corner of the room just behind her. Her first ever weapon to earn the attention of a god. Shrotly after ahe heard Kai introduce himself and the piglet. The following scene was proof that pigs were ungraceful creatures but had a certain charm to them.

The Piglet scurried away, not exactly showing disloyalty like his master had assumed but most likely curiosity. At least that’s what Cyrene assumed. The treats in kai’s hands, the piglet came bolting back. The cheerful oinking something to bring a small smirk to her hardened face. “Well Kai, the name’s Quinlain. Weapon smith and crafter.” She gave a small mock bow. Even as kai mentioned the treats getting the piglet’s attention every time. Then onto business. Did she have anything in stock for range? Possibly? “Don’t normally get ranged requests here, that’s more of a bowyer’s specialty. More blades and edges here.” Though as she was about to start rummaging for things the door kicked itself.

A strong whistle of wind and a hard force, the briefest of pauses and the door did it again. Fantastic. “Kai. Get behind the counter now.” With a sharp wheel she turned to grab her glaive in her left hand. The front of the shop was small but large enough for something to happen. The fingers of her right arm flexed the red flickering in the torchlight. Anything that wanted in was going to have to get past her. A small smirk crossed her face. She didn’t have the range her taller form offered nor the agility. However in this one she had the footing. The weight and the defences. She was a mountain in this form, but in her eth-form she was the wind. Her fingers tightened around the haft of the glaive the blade angled towards the ground. The fingers of her right arm clamped shut like a steel vice biting down hard on nothing. This city...I swear.

[Kai Wavecrest]

There was a heavy pause of anticipation, with Kai flattered at the woman's demand. Get behind the counter? How charming. "No offense, lass, but something's coming through that door, it'll have to go through both of us." He unsheathed his sword and stood side by side with the woman, holding it out at the ready. Another flutter of the door, more desperate, and the blonde man took a step forward. He noted where Quimby was, eyes determined when a figure waltzed through the opening. A man, the same height as him, the same blue eyes, the same facial hair...

Kai was looking at the perfect image of himself. The Svefra's mouth opened, and he blinked. In response, the replica didn't even seem to notice the two already in the shop, eyes so directed to the pig that stood confused in the corner, "There ya are, Quims. C'mon. Not built for land 'n all. Hurry up."

The replica started advancing on the piglet, smiling and with arms stretched out to scoop the tiny thing up. The real Kai was as fast as lighting, leaping in between the two and shoving the illusion backward so that it had to catch itself on the door frame. Kai was surprised, half expecting his hand to go right through him, like an apparition. But the figure was as solid as either of them. When the dopplegangers made eye contact, it was like the thing was seeing him for the first time, and it shot a glance at Cyrene as well.

"Ye gonna regret that mate." it warned, unsheathing a cutlass with a blade as black as night. One thing that wasn't the same between the two Svefra, and it gave one last chance for redemption, "Oi, lass. Why don't you hand me the piggy, and I'll be on my way. No one has to get hurt."

***

[Cyrene Everwind]

Description "Cyrene" Thoughts Isur Tukant Others

Glaive in her left hand placed behind her, her right hand extended infront of her. The unyielding unbreakable red of royalty in her arm acting as the first port of call and her first defence and offence. Though little known to her Kai stepped out beside her.
Men…Why do they always have to try to be heroes! Cyrene took an aggressive stance angling herself to strike should whatever it was seek to cause harm. However what stepped through the doorway couldn’t have been further from a monster. It was a mirror image of the man she’d just spoken too.

Oh what the petch is wrong with this city!? She flicked her eyes back and forth between the doppelganger and the real one. In her hand she slowly edged the length of the haft down till she could get a good arcing swing in one motion, at a significant range. As she watched events unfold the doppelganger seemed to want Kai’s pet pig. As the clone spoke finally saying Kai would regret his actions of guarding his friend it turned to leer at Cyrene saying if she handed over the piglet then no-one would get hurt.

Cyrene paused a moment to question its words seemingly. Instead she was buying herself a moment to plan out what she intended to do. She let off a small smile, light but dripping with sarcasm.
“Sure lad, I’ll get right on that.“ she took a step towards Kai and with her eye out of sight of the clone she gave him a small wink and then in a swift motion brought the glaive in her hand swinging out in a huge arc the blade cutting through the silence, she’d imposed. If the black blade of the creation was used to block her glaive she’d bring her hand up and grip hold of the steel sword using the insane grip strength of her right arm to latch a hold of the black steel and speak.

“Kai Stab him now!” Her eyes not giving any trace of indecision nor worry. She knew two things, one it was damned near impossible to even scratch the red arm she displayed with pride. Secondly she knew that as long as she held onto the blade the clone had no weapon to attack with. As she held on though as a final point of contention she’d shift her grip on her glaive and bring the point up towards the clone’s abdomen. Aiming to impale him from the front whilst he was distracted with trying to avoid kai.