Closed [Plaza of the Crimson Arm] Trazen! (Kaili)

[Smithis]

30th of Spring, early evening

The evening had came more swift than it was planned. Valon still had errands to do, and for once Smithis was happy to be able to go somewhere without his big brother. The man was more of a burden than anything, although Smithis did care for him, he couldn't do anything but worry when the silly Isur was around. Other cultures might've taken to silly well, but there was little place for that among the Isur. It was perfectly reasonable for the race to relax as much as possible at Trazens but to do so on a daily basis was irritating to the younger brother. Mother and father had long given up handling this too. Well, mother did. Father never did much in term of their handling after all. His middle child was nothing but grateful for this. As good a man as he was, his father lacked the stern maternal hand he grew up below.

The Plaza was swelling with people from all clans, but as always the predominant color was its namesake. Sultros were more proud than most other clans, if such a things was measurable, then Smithis was sure this had been the case. They were of the purest blood after all, or so the story went.
Seeing Devir from afar, he'd wave to the man shortly and then walk on. There was little else he could do when he was going to get his mother and Anvel. Both were quite displeased with Devir, but family was always like that around his friends. The fact that Valon actually liked Devir only deepened the wound as the older brother's taste was always quite questionable to everyone.
After a short walk, he was upon his family's residence and he'd arrive to see everyone ready. This surprised him, but he wouldn't say anything about that. It just might cause them to change their minds about being fit to leave. Extending his left arm to his mother, he'd let her latch under it. The other hand was extended to his sister and she'd grab it by the fingers unwantingly. She was begging to feel sick with this family stuff, but such was tradition. Anvel knew how big her mother was on tradition so she kept her mouth shut for the moment. It seemed like this would be a great night.
„Valon apologizes for being late, says he'll meet us there“ Smithis squeezed as quickly as possible in hopes of his mother reacting in a lesser manner. The parent wasn't so easily fooled and he could feel the grip on his arm tighten. It wasn't his fault, but it felt so nonetheless. He had gotten Valon this day for this exact reason, he was supposed to be responsible for his brother's timely appearance.

Mother seemed a bit disappointed, but considering how she usually observed Valon, this seemed quite mild. The feeling remained unpleasant however. Letting go of her son's arm, she'd announce promptly „I'll go get him. He's still at work, right?“ and as soon as Smithis nodded, she slowly pushed herself away. Soon he couldn't see her anymore.

„She knows it's not your fault!“ his sister added in a firm tone. If she was any other age, Smithis might've taken this as true kindness, but she wasnt. „Yes, you can go. Just not too far. I want you around for when mother comes back“ patting her on the back, he'd release her without too much of what she'd consider public humiliation „Look for either me or Devir, two of us shouldn't be too far apart“ waving the sister goodbye, he'd finally head for his friend who observed all of this quite entertained.
This would be a long night.

[Kaili]

In the crowd, a person bumped into Kaili, and she had to resist shoving them away. She hated parties and most social gatherings. They were simply the stupidest things that could be imagined, and they got on her nerves to an extreme. A random Sultros citizen turned and grinned widely at her, but she returned the expression with a 'death glare' as her family called it, which caused the Isur to back away suddenly, eyes wide. Kaili had perfected this glare over the years, and it was one of the few things she prided herself on, other than smithing. It had the ability to drive away any annoying people, though those who were determined enough often glared back. Feeling eternally grumpy at her surroundings, she left her family and marched through the mass of people, in a futile attempt to find Smithis. Maybe if she greeted him then and there she would be allowed to go home, and do more productive things.

As she stormed away, her mother smiled sadly at her socially-awkward daughter, and went with her husband to go talk business with some of the richer Sultros around. Kaili's sister had already left to mingle with the various boys around, and with her friends. She was a lot more relaxed in general, and much more friendly than her sister.

As she searched through the throngs of Isur, Kaili noticed in the back of her mind, slightly ironically, that though these celebrations were where they were supposed to relax, they made her more tense than ever. As a young Isur crashed into her, then ran off, she again had to resist the urge to punch the little boy. Normally she wasn't violent in any way, but crowds... they worked her up so much. After much shoving and growling, she finally found him.

“Smithis” she greeted the student simply, and stood beside him, arms crossed. She wore and obviously grumpy expression on her face, and she felt completely out of place in this gathering. Though she was older, and his teacher, Kaili felt more like she was the young student, and Smithis the more experienced. It was true, and made sense, but the Isur smith disliked it. She was in a bad mood at the moment, and wasn’t really up for liking anything.

[Smithis]

Devir was just about to voice his admiration over a certain someone when Kaili appeared. This tied the man's tongue in a knot when past subject was needed. Instead he did what he'd usually do when he was nervous and he'd wink at the girl while stretching out his superior muscles. Yeah, Smithis liked the man, but there were times when he reminded him more of Valon than anything else. Devir still didn't know what to do, so he added quickly „I'll be at Silverwine's. Meet you there!“ and then as if he was in a hurry, he'd leave for said destination. It was a good solution, getting drunk to avoid further discomfort. Maybe Smithis should take such route too.

„Kaili“ he'd reply in same monotone voice as her. There was something in the woman that numbed his social side, probably because the woman lacked one of her own. „We could go after Devir, but I'd like you to meet my sister first, if it isn't too much to ask?“ he'd propose. In any case, even when absolutely relaxed , Smithis still had a certain disdain for crowded spaces. Silverwine's wasn't a safe haven, but there was bound to be less people there than at the square. Also, Devir being the bulk he is, would've probably gotten them a table easily.

[Kaili]

Kaili stared at Devir with more than a little confusion. He'd... winked at her, then stretched? What was that about? To cover her confusion, she gave him the death glare that she had already doled out several times that day. She continued to watch him as he walked away, contemplating his sanity. The Isur wasn't quite sure why Smithis was friends with this boy, but she didn't complain. Right... her pupil had mentioned his sister. She was curious to meet the girl, not really sure what she was like. Would she be like her brother? Or completely different? The smith couldn't remember exactly how old the sibling was either...

"Yes, meeting your sister sounds like an excellent idea." Kaili nodded, and motioned for Smithis to lead the way. Luckily, the crowd had thinned quite a bit, so the smith's temper had dropped. She was a little more relaxed, and was pretty sure if someone bumped into her again she probably be a little more forgiving. Probably. She still disliked the idea of the celebration, and was attempting to force the thought that they would be going into a bar later... the idea wound her up even more, so she forcefully pushed it out of her mind, making herself forget about it. If Kaili wasn't good with crowds, you could at least say she had decent mental self-control. Most of the time, at least.

[Smithis]

As they walked, Smithis looked around nervously. His sister was his responsiblity as well, and while he was certain she knew better than to do anything stupid, not having her in sight complicated his feelings on the matter. In normal circumstances, he'd have called her name by this point. It made no sense to try this tonight though, because he could hardly hear anything beyond a couple of feet away. It was all muffled noise.
Luckily, his sister noticed them. And then she skittered to them to avoid awkwardness for all of them. Smithis' wish to stay away from a bunch of puberty struck airheads was only rivaled by Anvel's wish to keep her brother from sticking his nose in her business.

Waving to her, he'd wait till they got close and announce. „Got someone here I'd like you to meet!“ then he'd gesture at the woman behind him as he moved to the side a bit. „Anvel, this is Kaili – she's the smith I apprentice under“ the little girl was quick to extend her hand in hopes of a greeting. Social things were always easiest on his sister – given their parents, gods only knew why.

Even before Kaili having accepted the greeting, Anvel would go on on her own. „Mother should be here soon too... and with Valon!“ then she'd look at Smithis like she had something devious on her mind, he could probably guess „They'd both very much like to meet you. How old are you anyway?“ the brother would do his best not to crack up at his sister's spirit, but it was futile as a smile crept over his lip. If Anvel was thinking what he thought she was, meeting more family members should prove quite fun for everyone involved.

[Kaili]

Kaili gave Smithis’ sister an odd look, slightly confused by her enthusiasm. Luckily, the smith had a lot more tolerance for children, since everything silly they did she blamed on their immaturity. Remembering her personal agreement to be polite, she offered Anvel her hand and shook it. She smiled slightly at the girl’s question, and replied truthfully.

“Hello Anvel, nice to meet you. I’m 62. How old are you?” She tried her best to talk kindly to the child, finding it awkward to smile and be nice for long periods of time. Still, she had to put in some effort… Truthfully, in the back of her mind she daydreamed about getting some more of her work done, and practicing more on those spirals. Maybe if she got home soon enough she would be able to try one or two. She knew it was a stupid idea, since it was already pretty late, but she could hope, couldn’t she? The Isur shrugged slightly, and returned her attention to the scene around her.

Smithis’ sister had mentioned his family… Kaili wondered what they would be like, since again having never met those members of his family. They never really talked much about family when during their lessons. The smith sighed, realizing another mistake on her part, and also how much she needed to put effort into this gathering. She gave another small smile to the girl before her, and contemplated on that too. Today probably held the most smiles from her since… the Isur couldn’t remember. She supressed another sigh and straightened, then looked at Smithis for directions to the remainder of his family.

[Smithis]

Seemingly at peace the entire time, Smithis couldn't help but think of the worst case scenario when it came to Kaili and Valon meeting... even more so because Anvel was around. The little girl would had his thoughts off yet again and answer the older smith „Old 'nough!“ the tone was displeased as if age was but a matter of mathematics she completely lacked interest in. „She seem pretty enough, I can see why you brought her. It would please mother to see you thinking about adding to the family! And a Terras too! OOOH.... hope you aren't going to change clans... that would've been..“
„Anvel?“
„Althought mother sort of did that for our family, but then again...“
„Anvel!“ the tone was sharper than usual. Smithis had nerves of steel, but judging by the ease with which she tugged at them – they weren't of Isurian crafting. „Alright, alright.... I was just wondering why'd you want to have Valon meet a girl you spend time with? Knowing him, it would probably complicate things?“ burrying his face in his dominant arm, the young brother would sigh and hope Kaili took to this like he did. Then again she could've easily made out a bunch of wrong conclusions too – women were analytical like that, mother made sure to tell him that. Not that it upped his chances with woman any... he was too stuck up and his name was mud compared to most. Not really suitable characteristics when you're trying to develop any sort of a serious relation.

„What any of you does doesn't concern me as long as you don't complicate my own life... I expect you to understand that much“ words were still for Anvel, but he looked at Kaili by the end. Maybe she'd have kept her calm, and this wouldn't turn out too strange for her asocial self. If he was as adept as her at death glares, he figured that Anvel had deserved one by this point. He'd add for everyone to hear anyway „Valon, my elder brother, he's.... quite interested in individuals like you?“ not really the smoothest explanation, but Smithis was content enough. And it wasn't like he lied. There was no time to mend any of it... he could see Valon with mother. Hopefully he'd behave, mother was here after all. The disgrace shouldn't be upped any, enough for one day.

[Kaili]

Kaili looked at the girl before her with not just a little confusion. What in the world was she talking about? Old enough? Part of the family? Then it dawned on her. She thought she was...'with' Smithis? With him?? This wasn't meant in any offense, just because she thought of him as a student, rather than someone like... this was very awkward. Something in the back of her mind noticed how easily the little girl had flung her out of her comfort zone. Those places were easy to find, but getting her there...

"Uhhh no. You have the wrong idea" She said, attempting to be diplomatic, but failing. She gazed at Anvel in horror, at the suggestion of the idea. A large part of her wanted to smack the little girl on the head for saying something like that, but managed to restrain herself. Kaili glanced at Smithis, to see how he reacted, but was slightly relieved. He was looking just as annoyed at his sister as she did herself, which was nice. It meant that her pupil had no ideas of this kind at all... which she doubted he would have anyways, but still...

Then she heard about his brother. Interested? In individuals like her? In any normal situation, she would have thought he was looking at the smithing side of her, but now... she wasn't quite sure what to think. Except...

"There is something very wrong with your brother." She said, voicing her thoughts uncertainly. The look of surprise and astonishment on her face was obvious now, breaking her usual mask of uncaring. What kind of person was like that? Especially since 'individuals' had been plural, indicating that he like it a lot. Her parents, as far as she knew, had always been together, and got along well, though there marriage had basically been arranged. Her father, being a rare Terras Isur, was immediately married into his clan. He could have said no, of course, but that would have meant disgrace and all, and he hadn't really minded anyways. The whole subject of love, which had been explained to her by her mother, was still a sort of haze to her, something which she didn't really care about, nor hugely wanted to know. It was easier that way.

[Smithis]

Smithis would allow himself to mutter audibly enough „I know“ then he'd proceed to wave towards more of his family „He'll behave, mother's wrath scares him...“ the thought would be left hanging, but it was more to reassure Kaili than anything. For Anvel it did the trick, making the girl giggle – but she was yet little. What did she know of parental fury? Smithis thought of himself as the favorite son, but he probably wasn't te favorite child – those were usually the youngest ones, his intuition told him so anyway. And anyone but the favorite should seriously fear upsetting a person like their mother.

„Mother“ he'd acknowledge nodding his head as she came forward „you look excellent“ adding in a late manner, he should've said this when he first picked her and Anvel up he knew, but it was late for such correction – not too late hopefully. Purposefully coughing, Anvel could be seen tapping her little foot a few too many times to be ignored. She was good at getting attention.
„Hello, all... three of you?“ done with the formalities, mother would turn to her daughter and submit to the whim „You do look pretty, child.“ But oh no, that couldn't have been enough for the small one „Pretty is for scrunts and younger kids!“ to which Smithis couldn't resist but add „Yes, it is.“ Which of course only made his little sister punch him in the gut. Not a punch anyone would flinch over, but plentiful in teen frustration. Huffing off a breath as large as having just stopped a mountain from moving, Anvel would point to the kids she was standing with earlier and explain „I'll be where people actually take me seriously!“ and she'd walk off, but not before having mother confirm it with another nod of approval.

„Where's father?“ Smithis was eager to change the subject. „He's comissioning resources for an excavation of some sort. Apparently some water supply pipes broke down... couldn't really tell you more than that since it wasn't interesting enough a conversation. He should be here any minute now if he knows what's good for him.“ Then she'd smile all innocent and it would almost seem like she was. In the midst of this mess Valon was all but forgotten, but he didn't resent the fact. Scatterminded as he was, his attention was already pointed at Kaili. And he too would go forward and attempt to greet this girl. „Valon“ he'd say as he offered a hand. Mother would only giggle at the sight, but she too was curious to see what happens. If anyone other than Smithis knew how awkward Kaili was, then it was his mother.

[Kaili]

Kaili nodded slightly at the explanation, not really sure how to react. At least his brother wouldn't be that stupid at least. It was a relief, at best, but it didn't give her much of a view of his mother. She guessed she would just have to meet her... Luckily, the woman walked up soon after, dressed nicely. Smithis complimented her appearance, and though it wasn't something the smith would normally do, she broke down and copied his actions.

"Hello, nice to meet you. You look nice..." She greeted the older woman, the last sentence coming out slightly awkwardly. Did she word that right? Well, who knew. She shrugged mentally, and silently watched the short conversation between the three family members. Anvel looked even more snobby than before, though that could be again blamed on her immaturity. What got her attention more though, was the younger man approaching her.

Deciding on the best course of action, Kaili did not accept the offered hand, but instead glared at Valon. It would hopefully make him go away, though she wasn't quite sure how to deal with him if the Isur kept persisting. Would she hit him? Just straight out ignore him? Or... she had no idea how to deny him, and attempt to not be rude at the same time. Maybe she should just give up on politeness with the boy. It would probably be the easiest way.

"Kaili" She replied simply, copying his introduction, but not his tone. Instead, her voice was plain, flat, one of the few things she was good at doing. Creating any sort of fake emotion was a challenge for her, though she never bothered in trying. If she wanted to hide her emotions, a blank stare worked, but otherwise she just showed what was on her face.