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[Serçe]

"Shove off!"came the rude reply. The mage simply shrugged in response after bumping shoulders with the stranger. Alliria was as friendly as always. Too many people focused on making their coin. Manners were a tertiary concern at best. Serce couldn't fault them as he was somewhat in a rush himself. He'd made a few stops already since coming to the city. The mage had a few friends in the city and those who owed him a favor; the latter being considerably more useful.

Other business handled, he made way towards his final destination for the day. His true purpose for coming to the great trading city. There were all manner of individuals who called Alliria home. One could find even the most obscure specialist if they looked hard enough. The Jewel of Arethil built its fame on being a crossroads for all of Epressa.

He finally stopped before a rather nondescript door. The mage reached for the knob but paused before touching brass. He recalled his last visit and there had been a nasty little hex on the door, just for him. Instead he stepped backed, and allowed a summoned hand to do the deed instead. Sensing nothing untoward, Serce stepped into the room.

"Kai, you in?" the mage called out, struggling to keep the desperation out of his voice.

She better be, otherwise he was in some proper trouble. The type that ended with his head in a noose.

Kaisa

 

[Kaisa]

‘ I appreciate your offer, I truly do, but— ‘ Anna took his hand gently, eyes downcast as she struggled to speak. It was writ on his face he’d already guessed what she was to say, but there was no anger or even disappointment in it. Just acceptance and understanding, the look that regarded her warm and assuring as she breathed out finally.

‘ I’m afraid I could never love you, like you’d deserve. ' It hurt to say, but it was true.

' And wouldn’t that be cruel — unfair. '

Oh, what she would’ve given for being able to just leave with him, like she’d entertained for a point in time when they’d taken that walk in the garden. When she’d so expected, even wanted for him to make his advances, but none had transpired. Had he perhaps known her heart already belonged to—

Fucking Fredrik. Kaisa groaned, tearing her stare away from the page and leafing to the end to check the page count. It was much too late for another love interest to appear, for this to conclude any other way than how she’d feared from the start. Whyever would this fictional woman prefer that possessive and disrespectful arse of a noble over her own personal favourite was unfathomable. She could understand the primal lust described towards the former, but—

My man is an academic, a historian no less, and kind, if unafraid to voice his opinion. Those were three of the sexiest things!

Anna you absolute —

Her trail of thought was cut clean in half as she heard a door open and close, followed by footsteps. That was directly downstairs, in her house. Instinctively having flattened herself against the sheets, she listened, deathly silent like the rest of the cushions. As a voice called out, recognition tolled.

Oh.

Her legs swung and she was up the next instant, shoeless feet thumping against the floorboards as she made to descend the spiral staircase to the first floor. That was, the other one of her two rooms, as the closet sized kitchen barely counted as a third.

“ I see the door malfunctioned. Whatever has turned a man so dauntless he’d just waltz on into a witch’s abode without as much as a knock. “She remarked to the mage from above, deadpan in tone, though her face betrayed amusement.

“ You’re lucky I was in the middle of an appalling literary experience, just now. “ The book was shaken for effect. It landed on the seat of an empty arm chair as she tossed it away on her way, careless. She didn’t stop until she was mere three feet from her visitor, staring up.

“ What brings you? I trust you’re in a rush, as per usual. “

 

[Serçe]

Serce looked up at the sound of a familiar voice and betrayed a sigh of relief. The two had known each other for years now but no mage was keen on appearing weak. Desperation had a way of leading to severe arcane consequences. Something Serce would like to avoid if possible. He was happy to see that Kai remained the same as always. The gods only knew that too much of his life was already in flux. While he occasionally reveled in the unknown, continuity was still important.

"I did knock, or at least I meant to," he shot back with decidedly unapologetic shrug. "I am a gentleman's gentleman after all," he added with a mock flourish as he removed his telltale cap. Serce tossed a glance towards the novel that had been so rudely cast aside. He couldn't see the title but sighed nonetheless. "When are you going to stop reading all this drivel?"

Not expecting an answer, he turned to the matter at hand. "As a matter of fact, I have found myself in a predicament that requires a healthy dose of alacrity." He ran a hand through his mop of black hair as he considered where best to start with his explanation. Best to keep it simple.

He reached into his teal cloak and pulled out a wrapped oiled parchment. The mage flipped one side to reveal the hilt of a dagger, offering it to the self-proclaimed witch. "One of a pair. Quite ancient, or so I'm told. Belongs to House Salsherne-yes, as in Councilor Gourman Salsherne. Family heirloom of sorts. Turns out his son and heir, or should I say former heir lost them in a damned wager." Serce muttered a litany of curses before composing himself once more. "Had to go all the way to Oban for this one, nearly got myself killed for my trouble."

The mage's casual demeanor returned as he held a wry smile. "Fortunately, it seems like the other never left the city. And that, my dear Kai, is where I require your impeccable insight." His smile was somewhere between charming and expectant.

Kaisa

 

[Kaisa]

Alacrity — not really her forte, unless the right motivation be extended. In means of compensation, mainly, the mention of which was for the time being postponed. Figures she could forgive it, if only for he’d only just walked in with that smile of his.

There was time yet to grind her heel down.

She’d watched him explain with an air of vague interest about her, look bouncing attentively from his face to what he now brandished at her. The hilt of a dagger gleamed, calling for her fingertips that it might tell of its secrets. And perhaps, of its twin.

For the crowning compliments she had but a scoff in store, her arms reaching out to accept the package at long last. Keeping her silence yet, she made to a small dining table set against the wall next to the kitchen door, though by its crowded state there was no telling the intended purpose. She swatted an assortment of scrolls and loose notes away, clearing space on the square surface to lay the wrapped dagger on. With her bejeweled hands free again, she turned on heel and headed for the kitchen.

“ When were they separated from one another? “ A cabinet door creaked as she opened it, picking out a candle and a length of darkened wood she’d dubbed a firestick. She struck the latter against a little slate tablet next to the doorframe, willing a flame to its end as two sets of runes flared on impact.

“ Specific, if you can. “

Serçe

 

[Serçe]

Kai hadn't immediately told him to shove off and the mage took that positively. The clairvoyance she practiced was near-mystery to Serce but he knew it was highly complex. Far beyond the mere cantrips that he often wove from day to day. His talents were not so limited of course, but one needed a specialist on occasion and Kai was the best at what she did. He knew she didn't appreciate being rushed and yet the inevitable price on his head spurned comfort.

Impatience had hounded his every thought up until now and yet he allowed himself to relax. He had long since learned that there were some things that were out of even his control. The burden had momentarily shifted to the witch.

He moved glided towards the armchair to which the cheap novel had been tossed. The mage replaced the novel with own, rather fine, posterior. Serce was already absentmindedly shuffling through the pages as Kai returned with her tools.

"Near six months ago by my reckoning. Only a day or two after Lessat's eclipse." Serce scoffed as he skimmed the novel's words. "Really Kai, there's a library as big as Bystra's balls here and this is what you choose?" Serce was well-aware that his commentary wasn't helpful, but where was the fun in that?

Kaisa

 

[Kaisa]

Lessat’s eclipse.

She hummed and nodded firmly, lighting the candle and rounding back to the table. With the flaming stick in hand, she went and lit a lantern that lay next to a stack of books on the coffee table. At the mage’s comment her eyes flit at him for but a passing second, vibrant stare aflicker with fire and amusement.

“ Like I said — Appalling. “ She said in turn, waving the flame off the stick. “ But I don’t expect you to understand the thrill of a bad book — a trash romance. “

It wasn’t even a fantasy, much too untrue for her to suspend her disbelief in any measure — a blatant waste of paper and ink, frankly. But there was a strange joy to be taken from scrutinizing the words later, amongst friends. A highlight of her week, a lot of the time.

“ Now quiet, if you will. I’ll be communing with the item for its secrets. “

Six months — she reminded herself, bejewelled fingers deftly unwrapping the dagger. The decorated sheath was pulled back to reveal a sliver of the cleanest blade she’d ever laid eyes upon. On it gleamed the mirror image of the burning candle wick, much too clear and sharp.

Beloved object. Closing her eyes, she allowed her fingertips on it at long last.

On the dark polish was the gentle reflection of a twin, a comforting presence. The muffled resonance of laughter — of words, gleeful. The exchange? She frowned to listen, but their meaning was lost to time.

Suddenly, darkness gave way to a blinding light — sun. A face looked down, full of scrutiny, a firm grip paying no mind to the delicate carvings of the scabbard. Had they also hurt its sibling this way — the feeling sunk in as against premonition, this one was not picked. Its time for travel would come, later.

Gently, she sheathed the blade and put the dagger down.

“ On a clear afternoon six months ago, this blade was looked upon by a visage — delicate and groomed features, measured stare, a scar on the left brow. Metal on the left ring finger. “ Absently she tried her own, empty for night two decades now. As it should be.

“ Could be elven, by pointed ears, though reflections distort with time. Rich timber to the voice, bright. Long dark hair — complexion tanned and freckled. Attire well-made, but none too colourful. “

Betrays Silver District standard of living, or above. Turning on her spot, she tapped her chin.

“ Does this describe anyone you know? I trust the Salsherne son has memory issues as to whom he gambled with, or you would’ve gotten it all from him. “

Serçe

 

[Serçe]

"Nor shall I ever," shot back the mage with a mock shudder. He turned back to the trash as his companion delved into the important. Serce had almost forgotten what it was like to cast without interruption. Oh the spells he could conjure if he were given but a moment's pause. Alas, bereft Barons and disposed Dukes were among the realm's most patient. Thus his true talents were seemingly never to blossom...much like the story which he was reading.

His nonchalant demeanor belied the interest in his companion's abilities. Much as he tried, he could never replicate what Kai was currently doing. Serce understood every mage had their limitations and yet he still felt slightly offended. He thought to Professor Gjilb, who said Serce could never understand the heat of the world. Yet the mage was more than happy to sling a fireball or two.

Serce listened to Kai carefully and his scowl grew deeper with each word. "Seven Hells! Isn't that the Thorn of Nauhn?!" The mage took a moment to try and compose himself but was met with failure. "She's no joke, Kai. She may be a bastard but no one says that to her face anymore."

He let out elongated sigh as he tried to gather his wits.

"I could use an extra hand," he asked somewhat pathetically.

Kaisa

 

[Kaisa]

Watching him animate with recognition, all while positively lounging in the armchair, she blinked.

A nickname and everything — that had always boded well, in her experience. Her freshly stern expression didn’t flicker as he continued with a request, one she’d had the brain to expect by now. Just to let him wait, she slinged a glance at the dagger in mock contemplation.

No, I simply cannot, for I am behind on my reading for the neighbourhood book club. More trash, you understand.

“ You can have two. “ She said, clasping the table edge and leaning against it, free hand on her hip.

“ But pray tell — What do you figure be required of them? You know I charge extra if I have to deal with someone disagreeable. “

Call it an arsehole tax.

Serçe

 

[Serçe]

"You are truly a tonic in these trying times." There was a reason that Kai was one of the few people Serce trusted. Curiosity had an odd way of breeding skepticism. Mages could be rather precocious which made interpersonal relationships somewhat difficult. Therefore he was careful not to take the few true friendships he had for granted. That included asking for favors such as this, but he had little choice.

He slowly got to his feet and began casually pace about the room, stretching his mental legs as it were. Serce hadn't come to Alliria without a plan in mind but the situation escalated a little too quickly. "I'd say that describes a majority of folks in the Silver District. So let's just go ahead and agree that you'll be receiving that fee." Serce brought a hand to his head as he considered his next words. "The issue is the degree of disagreeableness that we may encounter."

Should Kaisa be unaware, Serce would go on to explain who exactly the Thorn of Nauhn was. It was a relatively typical story of an illegitimate child born to a family of high standing. So she turned to the one way she could make a name for herself, the sword. Running with a free-company of knights, doing great deeds, and all that came with it. Including a rather noticeable scar. She took her skills and reputation back to Alliria, carving out a nice piece of the underworld for herself. Or so the rumors say. Formidable is the term to which she is often associated.

"The answer is twofold. Firstly, having another reliable mind will be quite helpful. Since you have no connection to this contract, your perspective could end up being a great boon. Also the presence of two mages-or a witch and a mage should give anyone pause before making a reckless decision." Somewhat wishful thinking but the assumption was not groundless. "Secondly, I wonder if you know anyone who could make an introduction for us? I'd rather avoid resorting to more extreme measures if it can be avoided."


Kaisa

 

[Kaisa]

The mage’s predicament was getting more delectable by the minute. Despite the well-forged common sense that rattled the cage of her skull, willing her to caution, she couldn’t deny a measure of excitement.

As he was speaking, pacing the room in a way she’d had all too few times the pleasure to behold, she straightened and tucked the dagger back into its wraps. Without explaining, she picked it up and walked across the room, coming to stand in front of a blank spot on one of the walls.

Insurance and safekeeping — he’d understand.

Humming attentively to her company, she reached out her right leg and knocked it on the floor in a diamond pattern around herself. The floor creaked, ever so softly, as a board came loose two paces away, jutting up like the nails had come undone. She stomped it down, wherein a pinprick of a shimmer appeared on the wall. It formed a keyhole, into which she slotted one of the many keys, most of which she didn’t even remember what they were for, that hung from her chatelaine.

“ Introductions? Either that is the one positive sign as it comes to the character of a certain Thorn of Nauhn, or you’ve gained optimism as a trait. “

In more a groan of rusted metal than a bright click, an enchanted lock was forced open. A slot sunk into the wall of weathered plaster and into it, she deposited the dagger. It didn’t close as she pulled out the key, so she moved to the book case leaned on the wall and swapped the places of two books.

That did it, freeing her to face the mage anew. She closed the distance in a decisive march, watching him with some scrutiny.

“ That said — I well might know someone who in turn, knows our mark. Pray she’s home, or we’ll have to turn this into a proper heist. “ Though she resisted a smile, her tone suggested she wasn’t exactly opposed to such a thing.

“ It’ll be a little hike uphill from here, so why don’t we go at once? “ She spun on her heel, went for the hooks next to the door wherein hung her shawl and belt with a knife on it. Both were affixed upon her person with swift precision, her look rather firm and unwelcoming negotiation.

“ Though I do demand we grab some fresh roasted coffee and pastries on our way. One ought not turn up to a witch’s house without gifts. “

Not that particular witch's at least.

Serçe