Open [Sakel City Event][Zhongjie Warren] Double Act

[Fallon]

65th Summer 517AV
Morning, 11th bell

Fallon still had to rely on the map she received when entering the city. If it was not for the twisting and turning lanes of the second tier, then it was the manner in which the city sat as a whole. She had to think with an additional dimension, one that would give her pause when ever directions were given. Notes had to be frequently made, and the attempts to make quick diagrams often failed when depth was involved. It was headache worthy, but one the inspector would force herself through – business demanded it, and as such she force herself to walk the streets of the city. Being cooped up inside her office was doing her no good, she had to breathe the air of the locals, live their lives and mingle in with the population. All in the name of work and business.

No one trusted a foreigner, and they most certainly were not about to take a green horned woman either. While there was no immediate stigma, it existed underneath all the pretences of privilege. The Akalak were the ruling class here, everyone else fell beneath them. It was why she had made a point to achieve as high of status as possible within the city within a short amount of time. Her efforts had paid off; her wrist was left itching from the Kuvan mark but her business and property in the city was hers. Success, she reasoned within a short amount of time. Which is why she looked to continue that success in the form of exploration.

The Zhongjie Warrens was upon first viewing, the main hub of trade within the city – stalls neatly decorated, bright cloths an baubles on display. Merchants would come and go here, hollering and shouting out wares to attract attention. Scents mingled, spices filling the air that originated from far off lands to the south. A flickering of heat that broke through pavilion, warming the summer air and making Fallon grateful for bringing a water skin along. Heat would be her downfall, and in Riverfall that was proving only to be more and more difficult. Occasionally she had to shoo an over enthusiastic merchant away as she browsed, her real gaze focusing on the people themselves. Kuvay’Nas occasionally passed through – every 30 chimes she reasoned – another pair situated at the entrances in and out. Almost everyone seemed armed, if not the Akalak with their Lakan then some other form of weaponry. There was their leathers too, armour was something she was not sure she could stomach in this heat. Regardless, here she was serving the city in her own way.

Fallon still had the look of a foreigner, and it was not something she was going to immediately dismiss either. Sleeveless tunic, bracers, a belt with the various utilities hanging from it. The kukri found itself at her left hip, the weight becoming increasingly more comfortable with each passing day. It seemed forcing herself to at least fight with it to prove her status had begun the process of healing the stresses of violence. Of course, when the actual event came she would know the real results – but until then she was content to leave it as is.

Fallon’s gaze moved forwards and focused on the task at hand. She had been hired to survey and explore, to chase leads and provide a list of potentials. Reports of late had described an increase in theft in the area, thieves taking their opportunity and causing disturbance in the bazaar. By the time the target was chased down, things began to seem out of place. Members of society with various positions of influence, owners of businesses and with no need to steal. The goods were nowhere on their person or hidden. They even carried their own set of alibis, proving that despite witness reports that they were indeed not there.

It was a conundrum. Something that itched uncomfortably in the back of Fallon’s mind. She knew what she would call it, she had seen her brother use it before but dared not utter its name. At least, not to the face of her client.

It sounds like morphing. Clever morphing too by the sounds of things. Allows daylight robbery but being able to hide the truth… her Lykata gave a prickle, a small pressing reminder from inside her glove. That was one of the reasons why, she imagined, she had been hired in the first place. Coming up to the first on the list of victims, Fallon paused before the stall displaying mild interest to the various brass objects for sale. Polished to a sheen, she spied a decanter but was interrupted by the merchant.

Akalak. Green. Dark beard, trimmed neatly. Very clean fingers, her gaze danced around him as he spoke in common.
”Ah, beautiful lady. Welcome. Welcome to my humble stall. Seller and acquirer or various goods to the South and the sea of golden sand that is Eyktol-“
Very good common. Well pronounced. Used to outside trade? Charismatic.
”-As you can see here, we have much to offer today. A fine one such as yourself must have impeccable taste to come to I, Zanzir, among this ocean of noise-“
Oh yes, Zanzir. That was his name. His other side should be Akazir? He is the one to begin with.
”-So what can I, and my brother, aid you with today? I noticed you spying the decanter, such a fancy piece do you think. Perhaps a matching set of goblets?”
“Zanzir, was it?” Fallon spoke then, a small curl of a smile before she began to place in the mindset of business, ”While your wares are indeed something to behold, I am alas not here for pleasures or purchase. On this day it is work,” she extended a hand out across the stall table to shake, ”Inspector Skylar. SWI. You had a thief steal from you… seven, no, eight days ago from you now- correct?”

He firmly shook her hand, the once business gusto turning into one of focus. While he still held the same energy as before in his voice, the tones became clearer still – cooperation as he spoke. Words battered back and forth, the inspector taking out her note book and scribbling down what little she could from the man. A brass platter was the object stolen, the believed thief in question being one of the Akalak children – something that did not make sense given their upbringing. Discipline was enforced to the child by all accounts, despite the protests that he was innocent. Fallon’s lips twisted in thought, while Zanzir gave a point in a direction of a stall a few rows over, ”My friend also had similar experience a few days before me. Brass was stolen again, loud crash as the thief tried to escape. Though this time it turned out to be a well mannered Konti lady. Though, she had others vouch for her that she did not do it. Last I heard, the charges were dropped.”
“Interesting… thank yo-“

The crash of noise caught her attention. Turning to her right she saw the mass of the crowd, the shout of surprise from onlookers. Her chin lifted, note book being slipped away as she squinted. The shouts had become a garble of noise, with the cry of thief being called out on the air. Sighing, Fallon rolled onto the balls of her feet and gave a half hearted shrug, ”Pleasure, Zanzir. I'll be sure to come perusing some other time.”

Form bursting out from the crowd, arm over head as it charged blindly forward. A scramble of movement as it slipped and stepped around the individuals. Something shiny was tucked under its arm, the form becoming noted now as being human. Fallon’s fingers flexed, shoulders rolling as she watched the form of the woman go racing past. Dark blonde hair tied back, pale skin, trousers. The inspector sprung into action. Into a quick sprint, she watched the movements dart and weave around the bodies, her own mimicking in response. Lungs bellowed out, ”Make space!"

The thief had clearly already been running, adrenal commanded her and Fallon reacted in response. Feet pounded, the brief glance back – blue-green eyes- before she attempted to surge away. Fallon’s own hand reached to claw out at the stray fabric that was frustratingly inches away. Where was the Kuvay’Nas in all this? Where they even coming? A grunt of annoyance, she threw herself at the target, arms wide and catching. The pair toppled to the ground, stone floor greeting them as they rolled. A scrabble of limbs, chests heaving as Fallon fought to be on top. The brass jug was still in the hands of the thief, even as she managed to pin her down in the midsts of the struggle. Hands clenched, a hiss escaping Fallon’s lips, ”Got you now…”

Gloved hands. Decorated tunic identical to hers. Belt with a kukri upon it. Hands covered in fingerless gloves. It was only then that the inspector realised that the face staring back and struggling was hers.

”What the petch…?”
“Surprise mother petcher.”

oocJust in case you're not sure. Yes. Fallon's Sakel is very much visible to everyone. Welcome to the uncanny valley!

[Valour Skyglow]

Valour Skyglow

It had been a day where Valour wished to search through the Zhonjie Warrens in order to find anything that could be of use to her. Though that was all she really planned on doing whenever entering the Bazaar, there wasn’t much else she got out of it other than lingering stares. She’d only ever come a few times since her arrival, despite the fact that she had gotten a hold of useful painting utensils. The current objective was not set- she merely wished to stroll through the Bazaar in case of there being anything worth spending Mizas on- not that she could really afford much.

Her overall perception of Riverfall had been utter perfection with a single, fatal flaw; the weather. The heat that battered down from above was one she had not been frequently exposed to, thus she was not aware of how hectic it would be. She was Vantha, and a Vantha who had grown up in the cold territories of Avanthal. The weathers were immensely diverse which made the process of adaptation all the more complex. Her attire did not aid in the ‘getting used to’ process, either.

She still wore the same styled clothes- a simple shirt and pants, followed by chocolate brown boots that reached a little beneath her knees. Her cloak was draped over her back, the hood pulled over her head. Considering she wasn’t planning on doing anything physical, she had untied her usual French braid, allowing her hair to hang loosely on either side of her neck; it framed her rounded face perfectly. She had gotten a slight feel of the city, and so her emotions were rather intact. This lead to her eyes maintaining their average purple tint which glowed warmly against the sun’s glittering rays. Her hair was decorated with blue streaks which seemed to shimmer during the day, complementing her irregular colored eyes. She was walking at a steady pace, her eyes transitioning to a baby blue upon her peaking interest. Despite the fact that she had already been to the Zhonjie Warrens, the comfort that slowly trickled into her mind gave room for notions of interest.

Rounding a path, she reached the enclosed premises; Akalak were attempting to sell their goods, and many beings were emptying their loaded pockets. Valour noted how she would not be able to so willingly waste her money on anything but necessities, considering her flow of income would not be one that labeled her as ‘loaded’. She was not jealous of this idea, it simply surged a feeling of determination through her body- she knew she would improve upon her skill list. As much as Valour was a novice, her mentality was one of ambition and high set goals. She would not rest until the parched emotion was quenched with the abilities and information that were key to improvement. At the thought of honing her skills, a noticeable smile crept up on her finely colored lips, pulling them back only briefly. She was aware of the effort and potential pain she would need to endure, though it created nothing but an increased want for betterment.
She was almost instantly snapped out of her mind-set as an Akalak took note of her change in eye-color. They had gone from the baby blue to a deep aqua following the intensity of emotion. The Akalak waved his hand, motioning for her to come closer- she stupidly complied. “Ah! You’re a Vantha, correct?” He inquired, his tone etched with interest, though Valour felt rather uncomfortable. This resulted in her eyes shifting from blue to yellow. A badly enunciated exclamation came from the merchant as he admired her oddity. “Sorry if I am making you feel uncomfortable, please, take a look at my goods. They come from overseas! Some perfumes, fragrance matters, righ-“

“No thank you sir, I haven’t really a need for them.” Valour politely declined, unaware that she had cut him off. She never seemed to be able to hold her own in the presence of another, especially an Akalak who towered dominantly over her. He appeared only slightly annoyed by the squint of his eyes and pursing of his lips, though the emotion seemed to be wiped clear off his face as the yellow in her eyes deepened. The pigmentation seemed to be intensifying by the second, accommodating to her paranoid thoughts. “Ah, that’s fine. But I’m sure you’d like…”

He droned on and on, however Valour unprofessionally turned her attention elsewhere. She wasn’t sure how to blatantly reject and hold her ground without making a fool of herself. She decided it be better to ignore him, and hopefully he would find his attention valued in another customer. Sure enough, a wandering human had made their way to the vendor and began immediate negotiation with the Akalak. They rattled on while Valour slipped away, weaving her way through the crowds of Akalak and humans looking to buy goods. At this point in time, she wasn’t too sure what her motivation for hanging around was, considering nothing of significance had attracted her gaze.

As she was about to take her leave, an abrupt crash resulted in her head snapping to the left. The surprise clashed colors of blue, yellow and purple altogether, each one taking its position before being dominated by another. The sky blue that represented interest flitted into her iris’s, her brows raising significantly high. She was poised ahead of the commotion, and so witnessed two humans dashing through the pathway created by vendors. At first, it appeared to be an average chase, though upon further inspection, Valour noticed how they both bore the same face. Her eyes widened as she leaned on a vendor’s wagon, nearly toppling over as she witnessed the rear one tackle the one ahead. They were in a flurry of speedy actions, however one off them managed to pin the other down in a mere few seconds.

Considering her observational skills were not too sharp, she wasn’t able to immediately notice the difference in attire. She naturally assumed they were identical twins, though the thought was crossed out upon noticing the look of shock on the first one’s face. The one on top was staring down at the pinned subject, a mix of surprise and astonishment clouded her once determined expression. There was a large commotion behind, which was when Valour realized that one of them had stolen something of value. This was when her eyes fixated upon an object clutched tightly by the failed human who stared wickedly up at the ‘savior’.

The blue in her eyes strengthened and she instinctively moved closer to the pair, her hoodie sliding from her head and to the base of her neck. Her legs worked in sync as she inched towards the halted duo, concerned and intrigued by the flow of events that appeared to have not reached an end. What had happened? Who were they? And more importantly, why had one of them appeared to be so shocked? The questions were on the tip of her tongue, though she wouldn’t dare question them, considering the circumstances and ill-timing.

[Salara Kel'Halavath]

The large feline padded her way through the market keeping a casual eye on her companion as the Inspector checked her map over again looking for the booth of the business that had reported a theft last week. It was unlikely her mentor would need any help with defense, as Fallon was much more capable of that on her own; but Salara, with her own larceny experience was better suited to spy out the more discrete efforts of those more criminally inclined and her ability to move about the area as a ‘favored pet’ lent her freedom to watch happenings from aside. Ironically, she had found it much easier to walk the warren in her feline form. Although her predatory form lent more value in this culture, the boldest Akalak seemed to make less effort to draw attention to themselves and the more timid didn’t even make eye contact. Maybe they didn’t want to attract a willing Kelvic only to find some human malformation hidden by hide and hair? Or more likely her ‘collar,’ a bright red scarf loosely tied about her neck, advertised her already belonging to someone else. She still felt passing interest but overall went mostly anonymous. She’d had these people all wrong and was still trying to reconcile the differences between rumor and fact. Fallon finally finds the booth and begins talking with the green, bearded fellow. One of a pair the Inspector expected to meet. They hadn’t discussed more than public knowledge in planning this visit so that Salara’s observations wouldn’t be diluted by pre-conceived suspicions. She wanders a little closer twisting her ears to catch the conversation about another occurrence that had been reported but the ‘culprit’ again had alibis. A crash and outcry to her left farther into the crowd of shoppers draws the feline’s paw-lifted attention. Amber eyes curiously watch as a female stumbles from the crowd nearly dropping a brass jug as one arm windmills for balance then digs in to make an escape. Something about the woman catches at Salara’s mind but it’s torn away at Fallon’s command to clear a path. Having to close the distance between herself and Zanzir’s shop first, it takes her a moment before she lopes in the Inspector’s wake after this new suspect. Seeing both runners before her, Salara notices the similarities in amazement. They darted, dodged, and moved in copy image of each other. Shaking her head to clear her vision, still there were two and when they finally tumbled together? If it weren’t for the jug…. She hadn’t yet seen the approach of the young woman she’d met several days back. And even if she had, Valour would not recognize Salara in cougar’s guise. She slowly approaches in the attitude of a stalk, step-by-slow-step, each paw placed deliberately, eyeing the dual pair looking for any distinction between them and waiting for some instruction from the Fallon she believes is her own. Heavy footfalls approach from behind; but she feared if she took her eyes from the woman and her doppelganger and their positions would shift… then how would she know who was whom? Warily the great cat circles around the pair until the newest arrivals also come into her field of vision. A trio of Kuvay’Nas infantry coming to the rescue – finally.

[Fallon]

Fallon continued to press. Focusing on her grip. Arms shook, the being beneath merely staring back up with a wicked grin. Wolfish, teeth bared and a low ever present rumble of noise from the throat. Something dark lingered in those eyes, sharp and searching. The spoken voice had been hers, but the rougher, harsher tones of another time. Yet as this thing continued to struggle beneath did Fallon press her questions.

”Who the petch are you?” the inspector growled.
The low, chuckling laughter and the tones of Sunberth rippled forth, ”Isn't that obvious?”
Around her, Fallon could feel the eyes looking, staring and judging the scene. The copy gave a grunt, levering themselves up and closer within the hold. It was there it released a purr, ”What's wrong little red wolf? Oh, don't say you forgot who you were. You cannot erase the past. Though…”

Fallon grimaced, the small pushing pressure in response, ”Who are you? How did you get my face?”
“Didn't I tell you it was obvious? My such a strong grip. Fairly certain you would rather be pinning someone else down though, no?” she watched the eyes slide away, rolling around and inspecting the faces that had gathered before pausing on one in particular. Even out the corner of her eye Fallon could see it had landed upon the cougar, ”A fine replacement you hav-“
“She's not a replacement,” the inspector snapped. Brute force slammed the copy back down to the floor. A heavy weight rested in her stomach, but the glare continued to rest there, ”This. How did you do this? What is this?”
“Imagine that, you fall into this form of situation and here you are denying the obvious. I am you.”
“You can't be. That is not possible. Not without some form of-“
“Morphing? You were going to say that, right? Or illusion work. Well that would be the obvious answer…”

Fallon's mind flickered to her brother once more, the manner in which his skin would ripple and be constantly in flux. Uncontrollable, ever changing even with the slightest change of emotion. No this was comparatively too controlled. Too real seeming, right down to the small, faint freckles that dotted the skin, the small faint scratches and scars. Her blood chilled, chest tightening. The copy laughed, giving a firm tug upon the arms to bring the inspector in closer. Barely breathing space between them.
”What’s wrong?” the thing whispered, ”Have I trapped you wolf? Are you scared? Are you weak? Shall I steal everything else from you? Return you to nothing?” the lips were at her ear then, silent for all but Fallon.

Araka.

The inspector’s gaze shifted, looking over to Salara with a flicker of concern. No, fear. Fallon was afraid.

It came as a flash. Teeth sunk into her ear, a full on flinch. Her break in concentration has been taken advantage of. Grip loosened, her gaze snapped back to the thing that struggled. A knee came up between them, leverage gained and enforcing space between them. Teeth released, an angered, wolfish snarl erupting from the throat of the copy. She caught a glimmer of the hand holding the brass in her peripheral.

Something crunched.

A hot white pain that made Fallon instinctively reel back. No noise, but the grasp she held was loosened. Teeth grinding, hands cupping over her nose. Damp, moisture, blood. The clone stood, a wild smirk upon its lips. The brass swung around again, cracking and sending her head ringing. A swift kick to the ribs, the inspector was left heaving on the floor. The clone gave a howl of laughter, the gaze moving past the crowd – to where Fallon was not too sure, guards perhaps? Her head was fogged in cloud, the voices around her an echo of noise. She watched the clone give a mocking bow, ”While I would very much love to continue our little chat… I have places to be, emotions to feel, people to be, and mischief to be had… so, so long!”

With that, the clone bounded away once more between the stalls.

[Valour Skyglow]

Valour Skyglow

Valour’s eyes glimmered with interest at the present scenario; a doppelganger pressed firmly against the ground, by who appeared to be the original. Both bore very diverse facades; one was furious and shocked, while the other appeared scheming and wicked. They seemed to be exchanging words, though far from civil. As much as this hurricane of events was intriguing, Valour was not one to forcefully involve herself- especially with strangers. Despite this, she was at a short distance, and so could pick up a few words here and there.

Seconds passed, and the subject on top appeared to drift from confidence and sink into the abyss of worry. With each movement of the pinned one’s lips, the stronger one’s determination seemed to deteriorate. Being a Vantha, reading emotions was hard considering she was raised to understand how others felt based on eye color. However, she was not blind to the point of being incapable of noticing a complete change in both vibe and emotion.

A look of hesitance overcame her as the more ill-mannered creation looked up at the crowd, including herself. Its eyes bore a sense of evil, a creeping hate that seemed to imprison Valour’s interest and drag out her worry. The pair had exchanged a few more words, until the superior one glanced upwards, focusing their concentration elsewhere. Following her gaze, Valour noticed a cougar, one who seemed tame with a crimson scarf neatly wrapped around its neck. As she observed the possible Kelvic, a sudden course of violent actions broke out.

The one who had been on top was now writhing in pain against the ground, her ear and nose appearing damaged. Blood was evident as the ground became speckled with the scarlet liquid, the subject of pain having received a sharp kick to the ribs. The doppelganger stood in front of her, lips pulled back in an unpleasant smirk. They gave a brief explanation of their future plans before swiftly whipping about and sprinting off. The guards would undoubtedly follow her, though some would probably stay back to interrogate the other.

Valour was not focused on this, in fact, she was searching about frantically for a cloth or sheet to help stop the bleeding lacerations. The stand next to her contained a few folded pieces of cloth and the Akalak seemed to have witnessed the whole scene. “Excuse me, may I please borrow this for my friend over there? She’s hurt.” Valour used ‘friend’ in hopes that it would make the Akalak more inclined to feel sorry for her and the subject. She waited impatiently, her had extended and pointing towards the material, eyes baring natural apprehension. The blue man nodded his head, clearly sympathizing with the predicament. Picking out a small one he handed it to the Vantha, who responded with a polite nod. While Valour wasn’t too good at introductions and first encounters, she never stepped away when someone was in need of assistance.

Her legs moved rapidly before reaching the victim’s side, crouching beside her, eyes pale with concern. She wasn’t a medic and so she wasn’t sure how to communicate with a person who had been stunned. Gingerly, she placed a diminutive hand on their arm, uttering the quiet words; “She’s gone- it’s fine.” Of course, the chance that mere words would be beneficial was doubtful. Though if she were to place the cloth to the subject’s ear, then that might stir up unwanted discomfort. Her best bet was to wait until they calmed down before attempting to stop the bleeding.

[Salara Kel'Halavath]

Left ear twists toward the conversation listening as Fallon tries to get as much information from …herself… that she can in their twin struggles. The right ear swivels calculating the arrival of approaching guards until she hears herself become part of the discussion in the left. ‘Replacement?’ meant nothing to her; but watching for a cue to action from her mentor, she caught Fallon's expression looking upon her. It was gone as quick as it came but she could almost swear it had been a fearful look. All she knew was that it made her hide twitch. But all consideration of the fact was wiped clean as the non-Fallon took violent advantage of the look as momentary distraction to bite; and then, before Salara could do anything but snarl uselessly, the copy stands with a violent swing to bash the brass jug into her mentor’s face, followed by another swing ringing against Fallon’s skull, ending with a vicious kick to the downed woman’s ribs. Horrified Salara lunges forward in false attempt to draw the attack away without effect. Until they were separated there was nothing she could do without causing more damage. While the non-Fallon crows her success gloatingly, the Kelvic finally sees the young lady, Valour, also standing witness. Thankful to know someone kind would be there to speak for Fallon as the heavy footfalls of a trio of Kuvay’Nas arrive with a shout, “HALT! What goes here!?” Of course, the non-Fallon does not and Salara’s decision becomes clear. Information. Fallon could get out of her own trouble if accused; but this might be the only time they could find out more about this double. Two of the guards peel away to give slow motion chase as the lead infantryman holds his hands out and low as if to keep all participants in place; unlikely that, the cougar lunges past him and quickly passes his lumbering partners in her own pursuit. Salara’s cougar form was design for this chase and although the creature exhibited no fear, Salara felt the exhilaration of a predator chasing prey. Bounding after, dodging between people shouting at being pushed aside, distance between them closes but the darting figure always seemed to stay just out of reach - almost unnaturally so. “Here kitty kitty,” the non-Fallon taunts, racing past a stack of large wicker baskets which tip easily with a deliberate hand to tumble several directly into Salara’s path which she barely clears in a muscle-bunching leap only to loose ground. Just as they near the narrowing passage to the warren's entrance crowded with shoppers and their purchases, her prey looks back with a sneer and it isn't non-Fallon. It's a wild, amber-eyed blonde with high cheekbones and sharp teeth. She waves a tiny bye-bye with the top knuckles of her fingers before virtually vanishing between the people without any outcry. Skidding to a stop before plowing into the people who were beginning to shove and cry out trying to get out of her way, Salara tries to look over their milling heads for any sight of Fallon or herself. Head craned to see higher, her breath chuffing from the run she doesn't hear, 'Easy girl,' or notice the loop drop over her head until it constricts around her neck. Feeling the noose tightening, the cougar screams rearing up to dance upon hind legs, twisting her body to and fro in instinctive reaction while both Akalak Kuvay'Nas struggle to hold the other end of a long pole while trying to calm her with 'easy girls' and 'down' commands. Thoroughly caught she squats upon all fours quivering in outrage as one of them tries to explain that she'd been seen with the culprit, there was some explaining to do, and would she kindly follow them? Eventually full sense returns allowing her to nod understanding and be lead calmly, albeit with nasty glares for her captors, back to the scene.

[Fallon]

Fallon's head rung. A shrill noise rattling around the inside of her skull. Her eyes blinked, blots of colour dancing before them. The world had become muffled, her sense of touch failing as fingers pawed at the ground. An attempt to find purchase on a tilting earth. A squinting of eyes, orbs attempting to count the dancing shapes, faces that seemed to look at her in surprise. Someone had said something, but it was nothing more than a slosh of noise in her ears. Forearms now, she had pushed herself up onto those, mind continuing to swim. The feeling of vibrations through the floor, she let the gaze turn to focus on whoever was taking to her. A slurred word escaped, thick and heavy, ”Dhut?”

Her face felt numbed, the faint feeling of warmth escaping. Eyes gave a glance downwards, spying the red that was not only now on the floor but leaking its way down her tunic. A sickening snort of noise, the pain in response making her eyes water. She shook her head, pushing up onto her knees. She needed to get it together, if this was Sunberth she would be dead by now. A grunt, she forced herself to sit up. Her vision swum, lightheaded as she swayed on the spot. Everything was brighter, it made her squint as the colours sharpened and came into better focus. She saw a girl to her side, human though the specifics were beyond her immediate contemplation. Along the other side watching but far from aggressive was one of the Kuvay’nas, blue skinned, a confused look upon his face. A faint chattering of voices, a circle having been formed where witnesses were trying to explain what happened.

”Duh… dullo dhere?” voice still thick and clogged. She gingerly touched her nose, regretting it instantly. A hiss of pain, she gritted her teeth. The Akalak however seemed to be unmoving, instead listening to what was said around him than her own words.
”She tackled the thief to the ground.”
“They looked similar.”
“The other was much more aggressive.”
“Wasn't there a cougar too?”

Fallon's eyes flickered away, noting Salara was gone. She said nothing of it, merely attempting to gather her thoughts to something more useful. Another voice gave a cut, more familiar this time. She could see the green skin of the store owner, he too talking – but in the native tongue. The guard gave a small nod, before looking down to the inspector. A hand was offered and he hauled her up to her feet. Fingers gave a hold of her jaw, a quick inspection over before it withdrew, ”You are the new inspector, yes?”
“Dheah.”
“Why would someone like you do something like that?”
“Bedause dit was a dopy.”
“Then why would a copy?”
“Dunno. Do-in dy name? D’ffect my be-usiness?”
“A framing for a vendetta then?”
“Dou deed to work on your questioned-ing dech-nique.”
“You sound as if nose is broken.”
“Do dink?”
“Most certainly.”
“Dell dyke.”

There was a brief smile of amusement, the hand kept upon her shoulder as she found her footing. She reasoned it was less for making sure she was not to run away and more for a sake of balance. With her short answers in mind, the Akalak spoke, his eyes glancing down to her wrist, ”You are Kuvan too. Why you act?”
“Duvan protdect the city. Dhought it induded dhat.”
“They said there was two of you. Identical. That one behaved like a villain. A sibling?” Fallon shook her head to his question and he continued. His hand gesturing to the shop keeper Zanzir, ”He said, you are investigating case tied to this. About doubles of people and reports we get.” He gave a lean in then, a softer, quieter whisper. Her ears twitched as she strained to listen, ”You seen first hand. So have others now. You think…?”
“Dhat I need do dook at d’our redorts.”

She heard the snort, before he pulled away. A pat upon the shoulder he released her and gestured to the girl behind, ”You. Help her get cleaned up. Get nose sorted. Inspector Skylar,” he looked at her, ”You understand written statements. We will appreciate one in depth at the soonest possible moment, in full detail. Your continued cooperation with the city will be much appreciated. There will be further questions in time.”

He moved away, turning his attention for the rest of the onlookers. Fallon in the meanwhile swayed on the spot, a blooded mess but the bleeding was now at least starting to slow and stop. She gave a brief, glazed look over to the girl, before cracking a considerably dopey smile, ”Don't have any dwater do dou?”

[Valour Skyglow]

Valour Skyglow

Valour was watching the whole scene, though her eyes were solely trained on the victim. A flicker of pale yellow engulfed her iris’s as she searched for any sign that the fallen one had recovered from the blow. Upon her words being acknowledged by a confused and badly enunciated ‘what’, relief swept through her eyes as the glittering purple pigment returned. “Hello.” She greeted, offering a visible smile, though she doubted it would be seen.
She still did not remove her trained stare, though her peripheral vision caught the movement of the blue guards- also referred to as the Kuvay’nas. She felt it would be quite irresponsible for an interrogation to take place at the moment, considering the conditions. However, it did not stop them from turning up and speaking about the matter. Words were tossed here and there, all in reference to the events that had taken a downwards spiral. She wasn’t one to speak up unless necessary, so for the moment she listened.

She found herself searching for the whereabouts of the couger; the Akalak had mentioned her in their discussion. She couldn’t spot the possible Kelvic, so she diverted her attention back to the person who she now realized was an inspector. A look of surprise flitted onto her face, though it was gone almost as soon as it had appeared. She wouldn’t ask any questions, but merely stand near the back of the wobbly subject incase her assistance would be required.

“Excuse me, what were you doing this whole time? I saw you watching the scene.” A blue skinned man approached her- one of the Kuvay’nas.
“Just an onlooker- she didn’t do anything wrong by the way.” Valour motioned towards the inspector, though did not make eye contact with the interrogator.
“We’ll be the judge of that, but I believe you could be right. Can you give me a brief description of what you saw?” He inquired, the reserved stare transforming into one of impatience as she hesitated in her response.
“Oh- she was chasing her copy because they had stolen something. Uhm...” She paused, tapping her foot against the ground, her eyes baring invisible holes into her boots.
“She managed to hold them down but I don’t know... something happened and they managed to hurt her, then they ran that way.” She pointed her hand in the direction the doppelganger had bolted.

A voice directed to her dragged her from the conversation and the interrogator stepped back as though commanded by a superior power. She had been commanded to help out ‘Inspector Skylar’, the one who had been wounded. She leaped to her side, cloth in one hand and the other rushing to one of her pockets to pull out her waterskin. Her head shot upwards from the rummaging as inspector Skylar asked her for water.

“I’m assuming you mean this?” She pulled off the cap fitted into the waterskin before tilting the body to sprinkle some water onto the piece of cloth.
“I think it’d be better if we sat down, right?” She inquired, twinkling violet eyes fixating onto a decently empty area that was positioned between two stands.
Valour handed the cloth over to inspector Skylar though she stood by her side, offering herself as a source of balance to the unstable female. She would wait patiently, and if her acquaintance complied, she would begin to gingerly walk towards the clearer area.

[Salara Kel'Halavath]

The Kuvay’Nas pair led the indignant cougar back to where Fallon and the girl were. Oh, they hadn’t mistreated her but they also hadn’t granted her the freedom she deserved. It smarted being treated like an animal. She couldn’t decide which was worse, being treated as a slave or without recognition of her intelligence. Well, slave was worse but still. It didn’t help her mood at all that the loop about her neck was chafing against the bare flesh exposed below her throat. With the stitches pulled the wound was healing nicely; but Kavala said it would be tender for some time. Past the first startled moment finding herself captured there was no way she would have chanced damaging herself further by fighting. Didn’t matter, they hadn’t asked. Salara was half concerned that the Inspector would be restrained as well, but was relieved instead to see her free with Valour being attentive. Turning a hard glare upon the lead guard he chuckles flicking blue fingers in directive, “Shopkeeper Zanzir said the Kelvic was with the Inspector. Let her go.” Stilling herself she allows the purplish fellow to lift the loop from about her head. When he negligently attempts to pat her though, she crouches lower with ears flattened and a low growl gurgling deep in her chest. Quickly pulling fingers to safety he frowns and turns away as if it hadn’t happened. Feeling a little bit better for that, Salara pads up to Fallon and Valour. Getting a good look at her mentor’s distorted features, her whiskers lead her face into a pinched wince of sympathy. Ouch, that was going to be a lovely sight across the next few days. As changeable as a sunset she’d bet, but not nearly as pretty. Turning a critical gaze upon Valour, Salara dips her chin encouraging continuation of her careful administrations. Settling upon her haunches with her tail curled around her front feet, the cougar stands guard watching the comings and goings in their area for any more deja vu characters mucking about. Her attention only straying at the occasional hiss or groan of pain that breaks through Fallon’s labored breathing. She’ll follow along as the pair leads. It was a shame she couldn’t acknowledge knowing Valour yet. For all intents and purposes the girl should never know the cougar and the woman she’d met in the bazaar were the same. Looking annoyed, it reminded Salara that they would have to come up with a ‘pet’ name for her. It wouldn’t do their plans much good for those who might know the Kelvic separately in both her forms at the ‘coincidence’ of two Salara’s running around Riverfall. She hoped Fallon would consider such before calling to her.

[Fallon]

Fallon nodded dumbly, head giving a swim . She awkwardly took the cloth, orbs blinking as she studied it. The gaze then followed to the open space between the stalls. A heavy sigh. A crease of the brow, she lurched her way over to it. Every foot tapped its way across, testing each stone as if it would suddenly give way. Eventually she managed to reach there before she eased herself to the ground. She could almost feel the sloshing inside her skull, shoulders sagging as she began to gingerly wipe at her face. Every wince had to be held back, the slightest touch causing pain. It was all tender, uncomfortable as she tried to focus through it. Even through the mist of the breakage her mind was beginning to piece things together.

Beyond she saw the shape of Salara being dragged back - begrudgingly but otherwise behaving. It was somewhat relieving, more so with the doppelganger. It knew things, things she had not even uttered to another. A prickle of unease raced along her spine, clenching and tensing its way down it. The skill set was unknown, but the fact it could copy her so intimately made her question its ability. If it could copy her face so well, then what was to say it did not possess her magics? And to the same level of experience? Of course, she did not feel the same uncomfortable feeling she received a few days before when near another follower, but that was different. The inspector dabbed at her nose, grimacing when she looked upon the blood on the cloth.

"Dor detch dake," she moved the cloth and gingerly pinched her nose. A small nod to the Kelvic as she came closer, the fog of her head beginning to clear, "Nn-ice of dou to j-oin us. I'm guessing that thing got away?" It was a rhetorical question, but one never the less that hung between them. The inspector released a snort, a sickening gurgling noise. The blood for a moment collected in the back of her throat, before she spat it to the side with disgust, "Dun second."

She forced her fingers to pinch the bridge of her nose, every wince as she felt it - she had no mirror but no doubt it was swollen. A horrid pressure had grown there, clogging and aching. So the inspector acted. A crunch as she grasped the swollen nose too tightly, teeth clenching, cheeks puffing. A groan of pain, she felt the blood rush forward and drip - pressure released but still painful. Leaning forward, she let it drip into the cloth before relaxing,
"Better," The green-blue orbs swivelled to the stranger of the group, "Many thanks for the... uh... this."

A point to the cloth in question, she continued to at least wipe her face clean, before continuing, "Springy one this thief. A too uncanny. I should probably... her body rebelled to the thought of movement, "Well, check the area in a bit. We've got work to do whiskers." Another grunt, she took the momentary respite and clarity through pain to gather her thoughts, "Face changer, steals brass, super cocky... braggart. Knows things." Her brow creased, "Suggests... maybe perhaps we're dealing with someone who works intelligence. The face thing however... dunno. Magic of some form. Not my expertises." Her gaze moved back to the stranger, paused, "Sorry. Inspector Skylar. SWI. Didn't catch your name however."