A Whistle

[Ilta Kveld]

The entrance to the shop is empty. On the counter is just a bell with a note beside it, saying “Ring for Assistance”. There was no way Ilta was going to stand at the front dumbly waiting while Felix was off. It was boring, and felt a little lazy. Above that, too much idle time left her restless with bad memories. She didn’t consider it horrible if she didn’t stand by counter. She can see the counter through the doorway to the forge anyways.


Ilta’s long hair is pulled back into a messy ponytail with a piece of string. However, a good number of strands defiantly rest in front of her face. Her brown tunic isn’t really fitted for a woman, but a black belt pulls it in a little at the waist. Really, only her hair and her face would prevent her from being confused for a man.


She works on drawing out a piece of iron. *Clink* *Clink* *Clink* The time between each blow has the precision of a metronome. She finds the sound of metal almost musical, but normally describing it in such a way yielded odd looks from all but a few earth mages. The stones, gems, and metal sing, hum, and whistle in her mind, and each with a different melody. However, there is some kind of perfect melody in mind… an unobtainable ideal. And the pitch varied on the stone, gem, and metal used. As a result, she whistles along as she works according to what she hears. Each blow acts to keep a certain beat.

[Aria Wurud]

A large head lifted from clawed scaly paws, external gill like appendages moved about as large blue green almond shaped eyes blinked the sleep away. A slender salamander like body uncurled arching up like a cats as large bat like wings stretched into the air. Fan like flaps opened operating individually on a long slender tail. The first rays of light glinted off of deep red black scales; prettier then the finest gems including the large red one that hung off of a long gold chain around it's neck. The large beast sat up on its hind legs, front legs hanging lazily upon its scaly stomach. From this position it was easily nine feet tall, a large beast but small compared to what comes to mind when the word dragon is tossed about.

It was early morning the sun just beginning to rise; and the sound of the falls roared below her. She bent her head down and picked up a leather pack, the bag hanging from the straps from her jaws. Claws scratched on stone as great wings pushed off, tanking flight. Air currents gently lifting the large beast high into the air; until the beast seemed no larger than a small bird from below. She had made good time last night; she was only an hours or so way of leisurely flight to Setanul. She could probably make this trip in a day if she were to fly hard. It was good to know what would have been a week or so on foot could be shortened so drastically. But then again she was in the form of the fasted flying lizard recorded in history.

Mid day she began her decent; the wind carried the scent of a large gathering of people reached her nose. She had to be a mile or two away from the city; she would travel by foot from this point to avoid seen in this form. A large tree was her landing zone, claws digging into the bark while her form wrapped around it like a snakes. The bag gently hung on a branch as the large from shrunk and morphed. Bones cracking and sliding into the form of a young woman. She looked elvish in features, her face angular and cat like. Large almond shaped blue green eyes looked out from thick black lashes. Her form was lean and muscular, with lovely womanly curves. A flame like scar blazed across the left side of her face; marring what would have been an angelic face. Deep red hair cascaded around her bare form in waves, she blew a stray hair out of her face in a small huff. Balancing on a branch with well practiced ease she dug into her bag, pulling out her under garments and clothes. She pulled on a red tunic that was several sizes too large for her...she couldn't even remember when she got this...or who's it was for that matter. Brown pants were worn tucked into knee high brown leather boots which were also pulled out of the pack. She tucked her amulet inside her shirt and pulled on a black cloak, clasping it together with a silver leaf. Shouldering her now almost empty pack she began to climb down from the tree. Jumping down the last few feet of it. A large grin spreading across her face as she faced the direction of the city; her destination would be in view by noon.

As she predicted she was in the city by noon; her neck sore from taking in all the sites with wonderment. THIS was a city she could come to love; where one had difficulty finding where nature ended and manmade began. The typical stench from a high populated area was not as strong against her sensitive nose. It was possible that she would find the person she was looking for here; but she would have to start asking around. One by one she entered shops seeking any information she could, or even hoping to catch an old familiar scent. She came upon the black smiths door; she pushed it aside and walked in her eyes instantly focusing on a woman at a forge not far away. Seeing how it was rude to interrupt one with a sharp hot pointy object Aria waited until she was noticed.

[Ilta Kveld]

Her whistling stops as soon as someone enters front room. Ilta notices eyes on her. She continues working for a few moments to see if the red-haired, what she assumed to be, Scylian woman actually rings the bell. However, the woman continues to just watch her. It is somewhat disconcerting to have someone watch you instead of try to get your attention. The act puts Ilta on edge anyways. Rubbing her neck, she decides to actually greet the potential customer. However, she feels doubtful about this one actually purchasing anything. She looks over partially finished work, and figures she’s at a good enough stopping point. She lays her tools down on a table and arranges things neatly before walking through the doorway to greet the stranger.

She crosses her arms when she gets to the counter “Anything I can assist you with? We have a variety of steel available and we do take commissions as well. Or did Felix have something ready for you?” Most of her expression is neutral while she talks except her eyes seem to be assessing. How much was this woman willing to spend? Her clothes were plain, but that brooch was real silver. Some traveler with a bit of wealth maybe.

[Aria Wurud]

A smithies, much like the material they mended they were rough with a fiery temper. Perhaps that was the reason they were drawn to smacking metal all day. The corner of her lip twitched as she gazed at the woman who was clearly uncomfortable under her gaze. Perhaps years ago she would have looked away or stated her attentions to try to ease the tension; but quite frankly she liked the awkward pause for it provided a small amount of entertainment. As their eyes met from across the rooms Aria just tilted her head and gave a somewhat dopey smile. Her eyes half lidded in a happy gaze as she rocked back and forth on her heels; her hands clasped behind her back. She looked like one who was completely oblivious to the others discomfort. A look gained by the nine year association with the most deceivingly senile old man known to mankind.

"I'm actually looking for information; I haven't a clue who this Felix fellow is so I don't suppose he would have anything ready for me. But I wouldn't mind seeing if you had any throwing knives in stock"

Her blue green eyes looking around the small shop with interest...it was October... December not to far away. If there was something caught her eye she may be willing to part with a coin or to; but they would have to be a fine metal indeed; something conductive to enchantments as well. But the crafter of what she wanted would have to be very skilled indeed.

"To get straight to the point I'm looking for someone; rather tall, white hair, tan skin, wears a silver mask with purpley glowey eyes, personality about as lively as a pet rock. Also has an invisible pet tiger that answers to the name Serai. "

She was lively in her description as she gestured to how tall the man she was looking for was, her expression and tone kind of going dead pan as she described his personality, before perking back to her bubbly tone. It was likely that this woman wouldn't recognize the description of the prince of the annihilated planet but it was worth a try.

[Ilta Kveld]

Ilta blinks as the woman runs through her description. Was this woman her chain? She rubs her face, and then seems to think on it a bit. “How would I notice a tiger if it was invisible? I mean, the man you’re describing could be calling any manner of invisible creature, and I wouldn’t know. He could be calling a delusion as well. And I have no way of distinguishing whether such a creature was real or not.” Her face is deadpan, but there is a twinge of amusement in her voice. She makes sure not to say whether she had actually recognized someone of that description.

She tries to segue back to business. “I can help supply you with a knife better than I would an invisible tiger. However, what sort of knife are you looking for?” She hates it when someone simply states ‘a knife’ or ‘a sword’. “Because we have a few different types,” she says, with some exasperation in her voice. It’d be an annoying process if the woman didn’t have a preference. However, she also fears getting an equally colorful and impossible description of a knife.

She grabs a few different cases from behind the counter and places them up for her to see. Styles and functionality varied from more decorative pieces to more utilitarian ones. Most were items for a commoner’s budget, but there were a few slightly more ‘upscale’ items. Some were of better make than others, but she wonders if the woman can tell the difference. She certainly wouldn’t point it out… made easier to up-charge those who didn’t know better.

[Aria Wurud]

Aria leaned forward, closer to the woman's face. Her expression turning quite serious as she looked the woman dead in the eye. Her voice just barely above a whisper as she spoke.

"Have you ever smelt an invisible tiger's fart? They're pretty rank and hard not to notice...."

She nodded her head as if agreeing with herself on something before straightening up removing herself from the woman's personal space.

"But alas you are right, the tiger is a bit hard to notice if you cannot smell him...it is really the man I'm more interested in finding. Also my apologies I'm looking for a set of throwing daggers, more on the rather large side. About eight inches in length; balanced and preferably with a circular hole on the end of the grip."

When the knives were brought out she hardly even glanced at the purely decorative pieces, she picked up one dagger close to her description before shaking her head and putting it down. She could tell from the feel of the steel it wasn't one that would withstand heavy use. She continued to inspect while muttering to herself. There was one that she paused on taking a little more time to handle it bringing it to eye level. Testing it in her hand.

Sesu yllamron eh seno eht ekil ton tub decnalab llew edalb doog a stI. Ffo si thgiew eht, rehtie thgir t'nsi sith on.

Seeminly having a conversation with herself, she shook her head and put the fine one down with the others. It just wasn't right.

"The last one was closer to what I was looking for but not quite. What I'm looking for is closer to this kind of blade"

The girl twisted her hand and a throwing dagger on the larger side slid into her hands. The blade itself was very old, an artifact almost. Its metal gleamed black well polished and well taken care off. Strange runes lined the black blade. The dagger was obviously made for one with a larger hand then her own, and its balance was slightly different then the other. But she wouldn't accept anything other than a dagger balanced in the same way. But it was obvious this red haired girl knew what she was looking for, and what she was looking for was something of high quality indeed. The girl spun the dagger with well acquainted ease before it was slipped back up her sleeve; taking its normal place on her forearm.

"I need a blade that is made of a slightly different sort of metal something that would withstand immense heat; the grips should have some sort of gem in them; sapphire preferably. A set of five if possible"

She quite realized that this girl would probably keep stringing her along to get a sale, a tactic she didn't blame the girl for. After so long it was nice to have ideal chatter; plus she was in no rush. If all went well she would have one winter's gift on the way to completion. If the girl was capable of creating such a blade then it would be well worth the wait.

[Ilta Kveld]

Ilta backs up as the woman gets close. Too much invasion of personal space. How did Felix deal with people like this all day? No wonder he was eager to take off today. She replies, “I can’t imagine they smell worse than a regular tiger’s.”

She watches as the woman looks through the daggers on display though. Evidently, she knew quality. And she had specifications too. Ilta finally smiles a little. “Throwing, eight inches, circular hole in the grip,” she repeats. She tries to think if there was anything like that in the shop somewhere. But the women’s odd words break her concentration, and Ilta’s confusion is obvious. Not a language she recognized.

The dagger she reveals is quite a beautiful make. Ilta can almost feel a hum of it from a distance, and a few soft notes echo out her own mouth before she remembers to stop. For once, she leans across the counter to inspect the dagger. Personal space be damned. The black blade reminds of her obsidian, but it seems far less breakable. Yet, a similar sharpness to it. She hardly gets enough time to admire it before the woman takes it away.

She shakes her heads as the woman rattles off a few more details. “Full of vivid descriptions, aren’t you? We have similar enough stuff to what you want, but nothing in a set five. However, once I get an idea of it, it won’t take me much time. Just give me a second or two.” She starts roaming around the store, trying to remember where she put some of the throwing knives. She makes about two laps around the store including the forge in the back, and then places about 3 different knives on the table.

They are pretty high quality, and may not have been forged by natural means. A few Earth mage spells can go a long way. Admittedly, she also poured a lot of time into those items as well. “Most places don’t sell high heat resistant knives. Not so easy to work with.”

She understates that a little. It’s impossible to work with by traditional means, but the woman with impossible descriptions probably didn’t care. “But I have a few of these.” All three are traditional throwing knives about 8 inches long. The first one is roughly diamond shaped with amethyst gemstone embellishments on the edge of the handle. The second one is more slender but it does have a stylized knotted design on the handle. The third one has a single edge, and a serpent etches along the blade. “Do you need them on any specific date? If you commission, I will be sure that you receive your set well before that date. Provided you don't need them in the next week.”

[Aria Wurud]

"That tiger doesn't eat a normal diet so imagine a house cats on a much larger scale"

The girl was defiantly passionate about her work; Aria could tell as much as a glance at the ancient blade captivated her. Perhaps this wouldn't be such a waste of time.....that is if this dragonlet could deliver. A sly smile played upon her lips. A musical chuckle erupted from her throat when she commented on her descriptions; she gave the girl a broad smile her arms spread out in a shrug.

"Words are wonderful tools to trigger the imagination creating images that we may not have had the ability to see beforehand. To describe is to create; a lesson well taught and hard to learn"

As the knives were set before her she let out a whistle, these were nice indeed. She picked up the amethyst one; she could smell the magic radiating off of each one. While the second knife would have suited her more, the first one was what she was looking for. Her eyes left the blade as she looked up at the dragonlet. Hard to work with was more than an understatement. She would need blades made but unnatural means, the fact she said she had a few of these meant she was willing to use those means.

"I prefer this first one, though the gems would have to be sapphire. They do not need to be ready until the start of December"

They were meant for midwinter but she would need time to add finishing touches to the blades. That alone would take her up to Mid Winter to finish. She un shouldered her pack and dug in pulling out a small pouch of coins. She tossed it up and down in her hand.

"How much is this commission going to cost me? I'll pay a quarter of the sum now and the rest when the finish product reaches my hands"

[Ilta Kveld]

“December. Starting holiday shopping early? But I guess if you plan on making tons of commissions like this, you might have to.” She picks up the second blade, and can visualize the creation in her mind. “Any idea about the sapphires? I’m guessing you want blue, but they also come in pinks, greens, yellows, and oranges. And then there is shade. Light or darker? They can get pretty close to black. And there’s also cut to consider. Round, octagon, oval, cushion, triangle, marquis, radiant, trillion, heart, pear, baguette, princess…”

Ilta starts to get ahead of herself. “Wait right here,” she says, running into the back and returning with a piece of parchment. She starts to draw out a design. It has the same basic diamond shape and the specifications listed, and then she adds a few details to it. "And arrangement of gems?  Any idea about that?  We can also put them around the loop on the top."

“This will probably cost about 15 silver. Pay a third, so I can cover the cost of the sapphires and initial materials. I mean, those won’t be cheap especially if you want them with good clarity and intensity.” And then there was the extra work of making them cracking-resistant, which would be a challenge. It’s a decent chunk of change, but with the sound of that coin purse, the woman could probably pay it.

[Aria Wurud]

"Never too early to begin on a good gift. As for the gem...."

She paused as she wondered off in thought; while the color wasn't really necessary for what she wanted to do with the daggers they were a nice ascetic touch. Plus it was those small details that made a good gift into a great gift.

"They need to be lighter to mid blue; much like the waters from dragon breaths falls. Marquise in cut."

When the drawing was brought out Aria smiled; she happened upon some good luck walking into this store. Perhaps if this girl did a good job she may be coming here more often; a good blacksmith was an invaluable asset. When the suggestion that the gem go around the loops she shook her head and pointed to where the grip met the blade.

"They should go right here one on either side, and is it possible to add the knotted handle from the dagger onto this design? The loop needs to remain smooth."

When the cost came about she nodded pulling out five silver pieces and a few coppers and placed them on the table.

"If you could throw in a good quality whetstone as well that would be great...."

She paused then took out a few more coins.

"Make that two. By the way you can call me Alex it's a pleasure doing business with you; and now that I'm a paying customer do you mind giving me the information I'm looking for."

[Ilta Kveld]

Ilta nods and finishes up the sketch. “Diamond shape. 8 inches. Loop on top. Sapphires around the bottom edge. Mid blue. Knotted design.” She looks at the picture. Felix would be impressed by the large sale, but probably push most of the work on her for it. Not that she minded. One of the kind sets were interesting to make. To know that you wouldn’t make a similar batch of blades again, there was something special about that feeling.

She grabs a couple of whetstones and puts the pair of them on the table. “Ilta Kveld. Felix Eld owns the shop though.”

She raises an eyebrow when Alex asks about information. “So you are serious about this guy that walks around wearing a purple mask and owns an invisible tiger?” She shakes her head.
“I would have remembered someone that odd if they came in. And I suppose fortunately for me, no one ever brought an invisible tiger to stink up this store. But that’s not to say he hasn’t stopped in Setanul, just not the places I frequent. Crippled Saloon attracts some eccentric types, I think.”

She undoes her hair and then ties it back up again, trying to get some loose strands out her of face. “However, tons have disappeared lately travelling around North Ka’Glen. Not really safe far North and all. Anyways, good luck in your search.”

[Aria Wurud]

She placed the whetstones in her pack; it was always good to keep your blades sharp and core had been pushing her to pick up some new stones. Her eyes looked up sharply when the girl mentioned another name...now that just wouldn't do.

"I could care less of this Felix guy, I'm paying you to make the blades lass."

It was clear that she wanted Ilta to make her the knives. A blade who was made by two generally was not consistent nor treated with care the artisan would take in making something uniquely their own. When the topic changed to that of the reason why she came in originally she nodded.

"Silver mask, and he's not the eccentric one I am....he's more of the stuck in the mud type. Serai the tiger lurks in invisible mode when out in public. But yes I'm serious about him; he's an old friend of mine whom my heart aches to annoy again."

She tilted her head to the side when another interesting bit of information crossed her ears.

"While I'm sure he is fine I am curious disappearances you say? I hail from the Oroun side of the continent; I didn't run into any trouble on the way here. This is my first time in Sentanul it is quite the city."

[Ilta Kveld]

“I mean, I’ll be the one making them. But not necessarily the person you’ll talk to next time,” she says, “I don’t normally do work up front.” She starts to roll up the sketch.

“Stuck in the mud type… Well, I don’t know where he might be.” Who knew a strange white-haired masked man would be so difficult to find.

Now that was strange. As if getting from Oroun to Setanul was no easy feat. Heaven’s Pass was dangerous, and Manna Gorge was no better. And then there was the trek from the mountains to Setanul. The idea of not hearing about the Dusk at any point seemed unbelievable.

“You mean besides all the highwayman? But that’s always been an issue. I find it odd that no one mentioned the Dusk to you in your travels. How did you get over here?”

[Aria Wurud]

She nodded pleased with the fact that the one she was hiring was the one who was going to be doing the work. It was saddening to hear that yet again no one had news of her dear friend. She guessed she could always send out a call for Serai....her ranged increased significantly since she left Fey. Perhaps she could locate Adrain that way....then again that would take the thrill of the hunt away. But who would have guessed that the prince from another world would be harder than the king of thieves to find. Then again Garrett's home hadn't really moved in the years that passed.

Dusk? She tilted her head to the side that was an odd name. She scratched her head while trying to remember if any one had ever mentioned that name...She heard it in a stray conversation or two in her Mary but never exactly what they were. They certainly have been causing some distress.....

"You don't run into highway men if you don't take the highway. I ran into the normal Raul, Gorge Hounds, and Novite pack...."

The last she left kinda extra crispy...she reaaaalllyyyyyyy hated novites. She shivered and made an odd face as the memory crossed her mind. Though she guessed if she went by that perhaps she did run into some trouble getting up here...If it was anything less than running into Zepon on the trek then she guessed she didn't really consider it trouble. Wow her thinking was warped...Shaking her head at herself she looked back at the girl.

"Long story short I didn't take normal routes here; I tend to like to avoid people in my travels, so much more peaceful. You know I've heard of people talking about dusk lately......but they haven't really described them."

[Ilta Kveld]

Ilta frowns. Talking about dusk made her shoulder ache. She rolls it back, trying to relieve it a bit, but to no success. “If you saw them, you’d probably instantly know what they are.” They were creatures of nightmares, much more monstrous than any animal the forests of the North held.

She speaks somewhat monotone. The conversation left her with a particular numb emotional feeling. But she preferred that to the alternative of being upset and fearful. “They don’t all look the same. Skin is dark black. And you’ll never run into just one. There’s always at least a couple. It’s not the claws and teeth that make them so dangerous, though they are quite vicious. However, one can kill one. It’s injuries that are sustained afterward. They always win in the end.”

“I’m sure people are calling for light mages all over. Their bites and scratches cause perhaps one of the more painful ways to die. The skin turns black, and you begin to bleed, pretty much everywhere. They’ll normally die in a few hour’s time, but if you have a kind friend, they’ll put you out of your misery before that. But light mages can’t do too much to help. I mean, they have ‘a cure’ but one that only works if you’re particularly lucky. And recovery is no fast process either.”

“But those are the best case scenarios. There’s a decent chance, you’ll join the pack of dusks and hunt people just the same.”

She stares Alex in the eye, “If you’re headed back to Oroun, I’d suggest you’d find yourself a good travelling companion. Even the strong can succumb to disease after all. And it only takes a touch to inflict that kind of death.”