[Flashback] Smoke and Mirrors (Nai'shee)

[Razia]

Time stamp: Summer 510 AV 50th day Smoke and Mirrors Razia High above the bustling scholars, sailors, and seamen, a young woman perched, piercing blue eyes soaking in the world around her. Her feet were firmly placed on the edge of a rooftop, with one hand clutching it to steady her crouched position. In the other was a crumpled bit of parchment, torn at the edges, and stained. It smelled of alcohol and the sea, and, though she was accustomed to such scents, she held it at a distance, daintily between long, slender fingers. Rolling back on her haunches, she kept a particularly close eye on a building across the way, examining its weathered, wooden walls and the oblivious passersby that entered and exited, blown to and fro by the summer breeze. She was most interested, however, in those that remained in the store, reluctantly lingering behind the windows, longing gazes fixed on the other side of the glass. It was a beautiful day, and they were distracted, which caused the woman’s lips to spread into a wide smile. She stood easily, steady in her precarious position. Glancing up toward the cloudless sky, she absently stared, folding the parchment and placing it in the pocket of her tunic. Pursing her lips, she let out a long whistle, spinning on her heel and stalking across the rooftop toward the adjacent edge. Jumped, catching the rooftop edge with her hand to slow her fall. When she hit the ground, she glanced up again, catching sight of a bird high above the streets of Zeltiva. A few moments later, and she was at the docks, the falcon descending to her outstretched arm. She cocked a brow, glancing up toward the sky expectantly. “And where might Anthion be?” She tweeted in the sharp language of the Inarta as the falcon landed on her leather protected forearm. The bird responded with a sharp caw, eyes fixed on the sky. The woman looked up with a frown, pursing her lips. “Feeling elusive today, I see.” She growled, placing her free hand on her hip. Averting her eyes from the endless blue above her, she looked toward the city, pointing at the shop that she had been monitoring. “At dusk, we need to retrieve an item,” she told her feathered friend, “I need you to keep watch for me, alright? Scout out the area and find a good spot. And tell Anthion that he must be ready when I finish. Yes?” She hissed, and the falcon responded with a chirp before spreading its wings and launched itself upward. Once alone, the woman made her way back into the city, entering a tavern a few doors away from the shop. Seated at the window, she sipped a pint, eyes glued to the store as she mentally traced through her each sequence of her strategy.

[Nai'shee]

A girl was sitting in the crossroad, looking at the store on the other side. It was still midday, so few customers were constantly around. Currently she could see few of them trough big window. They seemed rich and she couldn't remember seeing them in Zeltiva before, so she hoped they'll be her card. She knew nobody doubts her sitting right there, the most thought she was just poor begging girl. What would somebody think seeing a teenage blond girl with blue eyes dressed in silly hand-made sailor clothes? Probably not that her parents are somewhere around. Maybe few Zeltivans would guess, but they usually don't bother. She heard something on her right. It was Inarta woman she saw on the roof before, when she first came here. She seemed suspicious, but it doesn't matter. She isn't the target of anything, however. She heard her talking to eagles in Nari. She had no idea what she was talking, she spoke only common, but sneaking around taught her to recognize probably all the languages. She lost interest so she kept looking after the store. Customers left empty-handed. Why do they have to think that much every single time? If you want something then just buy it! She knew that they haven't given up, they just need to check dozen of stupid things. She should probably learn to act as they do if she doesn't want to become naive customer, one day when she start to buy things except food. It was warm and sunny outside like this, but that wouldn't be problem for her if she was rested, but she was running around whole day provoking that sailor who hired her and making jokes with citizens. Now she just wanted to sleep a bit, and hotness wasn't helpful, really. Sometimes it was hard to keep the picture everybody had about her, and she liked it too much to let go. So, it's decided, no sleeping. She noticed that Inarta woman crossing in front of her. There was something she liked about her, she just felt it, some positive energy. Now she noticed that she probably overdid it when she thought of her as "woman". She was younger than it seemed from afar. She had red hair with some dyed black feathers. That was probably smart decision, because her blue eyes were too much in contrast with fiery red color of her hair. Nai'shee hoped she'll stay in town so she can meet her.

[Razia]

Three pints later, the woman lounged back in her seat, propping her feet up on the table. She'd been focused on a couple just outside the store, bickering amongst themselves. Something about finances. The man stood tall, chest puffed out, but his eyes had lost their spark after a few minutes of his wife wailing to the world, most likely of his stupidity. Laughing to herself, the Inarta woman shook her head. She'd grown rusty in her skill for reading lips. Redirecting her attention elsewhere, a girl seated on the street caught her eye. She'd been there for a while, but didn't seem very intriguing. She noticed, however, the girl's oceanic eyes settling on the store more than a few times. She seemed a poor sailor, and an inexperienced traveler, still entangled in her adolescence. However, her eyes captured the Inarta, reminding her of herself at such an age; full of ambition and curiosity. The young girl was ready to take on anything, whether or not she was able. Chuckling to herself, the woman turned to face the shop again, noticing the couple wandering further away. She glanced toward the sky and released a heavy sigh. She hated waiting... But it would be worth her while. Her thoughts drifted to earlier that day, when she'd met a peculiar yet easily manipulated sailor. He was a very proud captain of a shoddy ship docked nearby, with greedy eyes and more money than he knew how to handle. She assumed he'd been a pirate, though she could never imagine him properly wielding the sword that he wore at his hip. His wide frame and gaunt features seemed to stand in stark contrast to his bulging belly and wandering eyes. All in all, he would have made a perfectly easy target, but instead, he presented himself to her as a client. The pirate was after only one thing, which he longed for desperately. She could see it now, glinting in the sunlight. A long, beautifully etched blade, locked away behind a case of glass, guarded by the shopkeepers, and the center of every spectator's attention. Its vast worth was evident enough, but the situation was still, put lightly, odd. The pirate had offered more than the blade was worth in flawless gold and gems. Why else buy a golden dagger if not to sell it? She wondered, tracing the grain of the wooden table with her fingers. She held her chin in one hand, and gazed out at the shop, cycling through all reasonable answers to such a question. In the end, however, it was irrelevant. She would make a disgusting amount of money, and that in and of itself erased all signs of doubt from her thoughts. Another hour passed, and she found herself exiting the tavern and stepping into the street, absently wandering while she waited for nightfall.

[Nai'shee]

After a whole hour Nai'shee found herself desperate. She wanted to sleep and she was freaking out every time she saw somebody looking at her target, beautiful golden dagger. She hoped somebody would buy it, sometimes it's easier to take item from person then from store, and to add more, owner of the store was Zeltivan. She usually didn't wanted townsfolk to think about her as thief, it would be helpful if nobody chased her. So, every single time somebody left without the dagger she wanted to run straight on him and tell him thing of two. But she remained desperate, that was more onto her mask of beggar. Night was slowly approaching and Nai'shee was happy to gaze on her terrain, and she blessed sun for moving already, while soft night chillness woke her up after long waiting time. Inarta women haven't left a hour ago when she passed in front of her. She caught her sight and it seemed like she's really discreet type herself. She carefully looked at Nai'shee and she seemed a bit relived, and after that she wasn't looking at her anymore. Store seemed to be her focus too. Nai'shee was wandering should she be careful, maybe she's some kind of guardian, or should she talk to her. It was probably too dangerous, but yet she wanted to believe it's not. It was almost time for store to close, nobody wasn't on the street anymore except some creepy alcoholics trying to find their way to homes, ships, inns or wherever they used to sleep or drink and few wandering kids answering their parent's shouts. It is time, she thought while she slowly banished her own mask, obviously concentrating on the store in pose ready for running or sneaking. Shopper was still inside, locking the door and checking some things before going upside to sleep. She knew she's invisible for him because of the light in the store. Her plan was simple: break the lock without making noise, take item along with it's protection, bring it with yourself far from here, break the protection glass, hide it, bring item to sailor. It couldn't be easier, store doesn't even have proper protection. She hated idea few of them remembered, putting the some padlock thing at the inner side of store. She stood up ready for challenge when she noticed Inarta women is still here. She decided to wait a bit to see what happens. She knew she was too obvious by now, but she hoped she didn't notice anything. She pretended she was going home or something, with intention to hide and watch... again. But she'll probably notice her anyway, so the conversation she wished so much will probably happen. She couldn't do anything, so she let problem go it's own way.

[Razia]

The shopkeeper hastily turned the key, eager to get home. He shut the door carefully before spinning on his heel and hurrying toward his home. The street was silent, aside from wandering stragglers. In the darkness of the night, a shadow approached. A monstrous feathered form glided down without a sound, landing atop the store. A slim figure slid off its back and onto the roof, bending almost to the point of crawling on all fours. The giant eagle glanced down at his rider, nestling his wings down, "You're daft, Razia, to think we could leave after this," his Nari voice was thunderous, yet carefully kept at a whisper, "He was a liar with false information. Going to the city would result in-" "I know." His rider hissed, defensive. She turned toward the eagle, frowning. After a long pause, she sighed, averting her gaze back toward the roof of the building, where she knelt. "Look, I know it's rash, but we have to move forward," her eyes were glued to the street, waiting for the wanderers to distance themselves from the store. "I don't know when I could find another lead.. We have to take it." The eagle snorted, rustling his feathers, "It's a waste of time." He hissed after a short while, ducking his head and spreading his wings, "Just consider waiting." With that, he took off, noiselessly fading into the night sky. Razia sighed, making her way to the edge of the rooftop. Anthion was right, as usual, but now was not the time to think about it. She needed to focus. Clasping her hands around the edge, she tumbled off, sliding down the wall and landing at the side of the building. Sidling along the wall, she peered into the street, smiling as she found it empty. Still hugging close to the wall, she made her way across the front of the store, stopping at the door. The Inarta knelt, tapping the lock before tracing the edge of the door where it met the door frame. She was surprised at how smooth the surface was, until her fingers felt a pointed tip, barely noticeable. She slid her fingernail underneath it, pulling out a small feather while simultaneously opening the door. Smiling to herself, she strung the feather into her hair, propping the door open with her foot. She'd done this several times in the past; pasting a feather on the wall while no one is looking, so that it provided a barrier between the door and the wall, thus preventing the lock from sliding into its place. Long ago, she'd use this technique in her own front door in order to sneak out late at night without her father noticing. As she slipped into the shop, the door closed behind her, locking into place. Immediately after entering, she made her way to the right wall, where she daintily opened a window. Just outside, a falcon was perched, peering curiously into the street. "Andaer!" Razia whispered, capturing his attention. He fluttered up a bit, settling on the windowsill. He turned his head toward the street, and Razia jumped up and peeked out the window to follow his gaze. The young girl from earlier was barely visible through the shadows. Settling back on her feet, Razia frowned. Was it possible that she was a fellow thief? Razia turned back to her falcon, pointing toward the window, "Keep an eye on her, and be careful not to be seen. If something happens, call Anthion immediately, alright?" She was obviously frustrated with the unforeseen event, but she knew that it would not have an effect on her job. The falcon spread his wings, tilting his head in recognition of her command, then flew off. Razia left the window slightly ajar, hurrying over to the glass display case and kneeling. This, she would have to pick by hand. She sighed, brushing a strand of hair away from her eyes. Lock-picking was never something she excelled at.

[Nai'shee]

Nai'shee was watching whole process from her obviously bad hideout. She was noticed, she knew it. It was obvious that Inarta woman was a thief now, but she was not sure about her target yet. If she takes the dagger that's it. She will never be able to rob a thief. And by watching her she noticed she has two unpleasant birds. She wouldn't like to be left without an eye, no matter how sailor-like it looked like. She could give up and let all money she could get by this go. Could she? Her brain was working on a plan fastest possible. She had whole day to plan every detail, but she never thought there's another thief aiming on the same spot. Trough the open window she saw her kneeing and looking at the dagger, thinking. That's it. It's dagger. It's her target. She could try to fight her, she knew few sword fighting tricks, and there were plenty of swords in there, but she was afraid. The women seemed so confident that it was scary. What if she is skilled sword fighter? That option aside for now. She could enter trough the open window which was behind Inarta and try surprise attack. But no sword could be taken without a sound and she didn't want to kill anybody, especially not colleague, no matter if she's her enemy right now. With that in mind every fighting plan is impossible. She could expose her too and get money for it, but the dagger would be sealed forever. After somebody trying to steal it, as usually, they would start to protect it on every possible and impossible way. She can't stop her or steal it from her, so what's left? There must be something. Talk to her. Is something that peaceful even possible? She tried to find her bird, but she couldn't. She slowly and carefully approached to the window with her eyes on Inarta woman. She was glad she was unnoticed. That's one thing she's really good at. She wondered if she should whisper from there, but her wish to make impression better overcame it. She heard bird's twitter and she knew it's some kind of warning, but woman ignored it. Maybe she misunderstood it for some sign about event? Nai'shee imagined herself not getting this job and safely being with others over there. So boring. She couldn't hear birds wings behind her, so she decided it's safe to move. She didn't just jump over, she knew Inarta would hear it, especially in such a quiet night, so she slowly climbed trough the window and crawled beside kneeing woman. "Hello", she said with a smile hoping it won't scare her enough to punch her.

[Razia]

Razia paused in her process at a warning chirp from Andaer. She did not avert her eyes, but only stopped to perk her ears, listening to approaching footsteps. Just as she had suspected, the girl climbed stealthily through the window and sidled up to her side. As she took a defensive position, the Inarta readied herself to be attacked. However, what came next caught her by surprise. When the girl spoke, Razia whipped around. She cocked a brow, unable to respond for a moment as she did not know particularly how. The girl's tone was friendly, and it was evident that she had no intention of starting a fight. Razia examined her closely, perplexed. Who is this girl? She inquired inwardly, but outwardly, she smiled. "You're a thief, aren't you?" She deduced, placing a hand on her hip. The Inarta chuckled, looking up at the ceiling, "Well, I can't say I saw this coming!" She looked back to the girl, frowning, "If you're planning to steal from me I'd suggest you start running now. I'm not interested in sharing." Her tone was suddenly aggressive, intense, though her eyes still glowed with humor. She had a feeling that this girl might help her more than harm her.

[Nai'shee]

Success with first impression, she couldn't help but thinking that. When Inarta spoke she reconsidered picking a fight, just because of her spine, but she threw that thought away as fast as it came. She was a little afraid, but she tried to ignore it, of course. Heh, to share, how could they share a dagger anyways? She concluded she probably won't get dagger anyway, so she was back on the plan from earlier. Meeting her. Why wouldn't she help her? As she have other things to do, she would just prowl around. When she spoke her tone was friendly, yet noiseless, almost a whisper, just in case. "Running? I can do it anytime later if it's necessary. I just run out of plans for anything, so this is the best I could think of. I guess I won't fight you after all, but I wanted to. I could help you to escape, there is some festival in the town, you know, it isn't that easy and I'm old-timer here, you know. But why the dagger of all the things?", she had do add desperately. "Some sailor offered me HUGE amount of money for it..."

[Razia]

Razia cocked a brow at the girl's tone, and her offer. She'd never worked alongside another human before. It was worth considering... But would probably result in being more of a burden than anything else. Her last comment, however, pricked the Inarta's interest. Not many sailors had huge amounts of money to offer people, especially in search of a strange one-of-a-kind dagger. Instead of answering her question, the Inarta asked one of her own. "This sailor," Razia's voice was harsh, but not defensive, "was he a Captain, perchance? Tall, with a scruffy beard and a scar right here?" As she spoke, she ran her finger down her cheekbone in a crescent shape to illustrate the scar's appearance.

[Nai'shee]

It was weird for somebody to leave aside the offer for that conversation, but Nai'shee almost forgot about what she said when she heard about the sailor. She was gesticulating while talking, imitating the size of the boat and the crewman. "Yes.", Nai'shee answered totally confused. "And he had black hair, a little gray, tho. He had a big ship, and I saw one of his crewman, he acted like some weird bodyguard, he was bald and thin... How did you know?"