[The Sunken Conundrum] There's Something In The Eye {Solo}

[Sesha]

Timestamp: The 39th of Winter Sesha rarely left her home in such a state and it made her edgy. Even worse than the fact that her hastily braided hair now floated inelegantly behind her, was the knowledge that she couldn’t smoke in this cursed library to soothe her nerves. She wore no makeup, no frills, no feathers and it infuriated her. She felt bare and floundered in the watery aisles of the Sunken Conundrum, her uncomfortable gills sucking liquid frantically. Only once had she ventured into the Conundrum before, as a means of casing the interior for a friend of her fathers. The experience had cleansed the colors from her face and stripped her hair of its volume instantly, the memory of which only served to rile her up further. Sesha was unsure whether or not lifting a piece of Hinrane’s precious annals was even possible, but a spark had ignited within her, a desire to learn magic. And she was far too uncomfortable in this place to linger longer than need required. Illumination had come in the form of a minor observance. Magic was not uncommon within the walls of Alvadas, but much of it was divine, unattainable. Sesha chose her marks for their gullibility and their desires. The easiest to take advantage of were those already soaked in drink, the common filth of the taverns whose pockets were already bare. The streets were little better. Sesha had piles of scarves and kerchiefs, buttons, worthless notes, and a smattering of broken trinkets and fakes. Fake jewels, fake Mizas, and fake forgeries, amusingly enough. Magic could change that. Whilst perusing the local madness of Alvadas, Sesha had seen a very peculiar thing outside the entrance to Ionu’s Wager. A vagrant, little more than a fleck of discord against the otherwise bright and merry streets, had approached the door and knocked determinedly. She’d stopped abruptly, curious about the ambiguous interior and darkly expecting a little rough treatment from the similarly mysterious doorman. The spoken riddle hung on the air like a threat, something about eagles and fish. But all the old man said in reply was, “Open the door.” Sesha was nearly compelled to do it for him, realizing suddenly that she stood almost twenty feet away and such a thing would be impossible. The creak of hinges and slack jawed expression of the doorman startled Sesha more than anything she’d encountered in a very long time. Even in Alvadas. She had stayed for more than three bells, wondering if a body might be carted off as the sun fell. None left the Wager save the same poorly clothed vagabond. His eyes fell on her only briefly and in that moment she felt as though time stood still, a fog unlike anything else had overcome her senses and she could not move. As quickly as the sensation had come it was gone, his eyes averted, the drifter continued up the street; the sound of Mizas echoing faintly, but unmistakably in her ears. A Wizard, she thought, awed by his display of power. A Hypnotist. Returning to the present, the memory drove her forward. She swam awkwardly through the water and to a section she had avoided on her past visit. The books here made her uneasy, more so than the constant fear of drowning. She browsed the titles hastily, praying to Ionu that she was alone.

[Sesha]

The titles were as perplexing as the gifts they promised. Titles like, Befriending Your Unfriendly Familiar, Avoid The Void, and most disturbing of all, How To Re-Master Your Mind. They confirmed her suspicions of Wizards being a little in over their heads at the best of times. Sesha hoped dearly that she would not fall prey to the many nameless threats that supposedly accosted users of magic at their every turn. For every strength, a weakness. Focusing on the books helped to calm her nerves a little. She was still incredibly anxious due both to the water and her inevitable intentions, but she was gaining her bearings. Already her breathing had begun to slow to a somewhat regular pace, and her movements were not as futile. The conveniently placed bannisters and the bookshelves themselves made navigating the Sunken Conundrum somewhat bearable. This is a job, she told herself, over and over again. Nothing more. After spending considerable time in the section of arcane related books, Sesha found an area sealed off from the others. It was nestled in the secluded depths of the library, between two rows of shelves in an area that saw little traffic. A sign said simply, Library Staff Only, but might as well have said, Hinrane Morcer Only for a fair sized lock adorned the dark metal bars. Beyond them Sesha could see a collection of carefully preserved tomes which looked to be a little more suited to her quest. Turning to take in her surroundings, Sesha spent a cautious moment observing the lack of movement within the Library. It was still far too early in the day for many of the regular patrons of the Library, but that would only make her unusual presence more profound. She could see no one in this section or any of the others nearby, in fact she hadn’t seen anyone since her arrival. That could or could not be a good sign. Sesha chose to forgo her usual confidence and continued to check her rear as she delved into her purse and gingerly removed the bound leather case holding her thieves’ tools.

[Sesha]

The lock was proving to be a little trickier than she had initially suspected. Sesha worked silently, but the methodical process was taking time. She maintained her grip on the pry and switched to a finer pick. This proved to be a good decision, as the second tumbler immediately rose neatly into place. Breathe, she said in her mind, remembering the mantra one of her uncles had taught her. Click was a crude man, especially on the drink. So named for his favourite sound, Click could open any lock he laid eyes on in a matter of chimes. Unfortunately for him, that was his only redeemable quality, and he was killed by a doorman for getting too rough with one of the ladies. The body had been removed discreetly and business had returned to usual as if nothing untoward had happened. She would come to understand that such things were a regular occurrence in the underworld. The last glimpse Sesha had caught of her uncle had been a lolling bloodless face and dead eyes. She vanquished the memory, sliding another tumbler up until it locked into place. Half way. The next two went up in quick succession. Four…five. Sesha took an anxious glance behind her, peering through the watery haze as far as it would allow. Still alone, keep going. She returned to her work, switching in an even smaller pick and extending it into the lock. Come on, she cooed and was rewarded with a loud CLICK! The sound startled her more than her uncertain success. She hastily checked over her shoulder and when she was certain no one had heard, gathered her tools and returned them to her purse. The barred door was reluctant to give at first, but with some effort and a well-aimed kick it finally opened inwards. With a final glance behind her Sesha dashed inside, returning the door to its frame. The cloak would conceal her from casual passers-by, but she would need to move fast to avoid Hinrane's wrath.

[Sesha]

These texts would prove even more difficult to decipher. A great majority of them seemed to be written in other languages, and a few others had titles in the Ancient Tongue. Her meager understanding of the language would not allow for more than a few words to be understood. Sesha avoided titles like, Divine Fire and The Consortium of Death, while searching for something, anything to do with the powers she sought. A sound coming from outside the gate startled her and she became flush with the shelf in front of her, her liquid breath freezing in her lungs. Someone was outside the gate. She became stone. In perfect silence Sesha considered another of her stand-in relatives. Moyane had been a beautiful Symenestra, talented both as a courtesan and as a spy. She could scale a brick wall with relative ease and hide in the least of shadows. This favored aunt had gifted her with stealth and grace, spending long hours with her on and above the streets of Alvadas. At night they would play a game called simply The Hunt in which the two would stalk an individual of her choice for a length of time also of her choice. The game was had no real reward. Not for Sesha at least. Moyane had been forced to leave The City after it was discovered that she’d been feeding on a number of the locals. Interestingly enough, those the two had stalked on their assorted nights of playing The Hunt were the most likely to wind up dead. The girl had never played it again, though the tutelage had been invaluable throughout her life. She prayed to Ionu that it would save her this time as well. A dark shape swam past the barred door, caught only in her periphery. Sesha dared not move to get a better look, steeling herself against the pain of her burning lungs. She exhaled only when she was certain the shape would not return, hastened into more immediate action. This ruse would not last long. Already Syna would be ascending to the heavens, and that would undoubtedly bring more traffic into this dark corner of the Conundrum.

[Sesha]

She read furiously, from title to title, books on magic and ancient secrets and wars long passed, all of it useless to her. Determination was a strong suit of the young woman, but it also gave way to stubbornness at times and had more than once landed her in trouble. Sesha was wiser now in the ways of people and her craft, but that wide eyed child still lingered in her heart, oblivious to a great deal outside of her own desires. She, for example, was unaware of the inherent perils of which she sought. Her eyes finally alighted on a thin leather-bound text with a peculiar golden engraving on the spine. Mesmerized, she moved closer, supporting herself clumsily against another shelf of books. It was an eye. An eye created so carefully that it looked almost alive, perched between two much larger books. It took a moment for Sesha to regain her composure, averting her attention away from the illustration and observing the title. Secrets of the Eye: The Tale of Verlyna Devette, Sesha gasped in amazement, easing the small book from the shelf and taking in the cover. The same eye, a somewhat larger version, graced the cover. Its haunting depth and realism drew her in once more. Her fingers traced the eye and fell to the name of the author. As transcribed by her Apprentice, Wendill Wrait. The name did not stir any memories, none so grand as the book’s subject at least. Verlyna’s name was synonymous with myth and a she was celebrated figure of Alvadas’ lengthy history. To hold such a work, one detailing parts of her life and craft was a boon greater than any the pickpocket could have ever imagined. She refrained from opening the book then and there only because it too was secured with a lock; this one a delicate golden mechanism that looked incredibly complex. Drawn out of her fervor by this new challenge, Sesha quickly stowed the book in her purse, moving the outer two of its vacated spot so that the absence would look less conspicuous. She allowed herself to settle near the floor and removed her pocket mirror in one sudden motion. Escape will be difficult, she deliberated, using the mirror to scan either side of the doorway. The palm sized pearlescent handheld had a reservoir for powder, but Sesha never used it, keeping the heirloom only out of reverence for her unknown mother and it’s handiness for spying around corners. She sighed. Thoughts of her real mother often soured her mood. Not the time for distractions, she thought wryly, carefully opening the door from the inside. She righted the obstacle and reset the lock, nearly jumping out of her skin at the words spoken behind her. “Can I help you?” a bold and calculating voice said, cutting the earlier silence like a blade.

[Sesha]

The pick and pry disappeared into her pocket while Sesha struggled to meet the eyes of none other than Hinrane Morcer herself. The woman looked as prickly as her reputation led people to believe, boring holes of suspicion into the thief’s indigo eyes. Her initial shock subsided into a cool calm, borne mostly of habit from being around authority figures. She attempted an underwater curtsy and smiled at the woman sweetly. “It is an honor to meet you, Ms. Morcer. I’ve heard so much about you and your fabulous library.” This had the desired effect, catching the older woman off guard. Sesha could see her thoughts quickly dividing. “Well… yes,” the librarian said smartly, “it is a very special place. May I ask who you are?” Sesha had been prepared for this, and though she felt naked beneath this woman’s gaze she remained resolute. “Adanna, Miss. Adanna Trevalbe.” She extended a hand to the woman. “Might I ask why this section is inaccessible to the public?” It would be important to lead the conversation, so that she might divert attention from herself. It was risky to mention the section she’d just pilfered, but nothing else would explain her proximity to the gate. Hinrane paused for a moment. The long stare made Sesha’s knees weak, but she continued to tread water, her face frozen in mild curiosity. “This section,” she motioned behind the younger woman, “is filled with books too priceless and too dangerous for the public. Special permission must be obtained to study them, and only by notable scholars or skilled practitioners of arcane craft. Unfortunately it is off limits to yourself as well, but there are many other helpful books in the library for you to look at. What, if you don’t mind me asking, are you looking for?” The thief’s mind reeled. “Cooking!” she blurted, unsure of exactly where the sudden inspiration had come from. “I was hoping that perhaps a little magic might help make my cakes taste yummier, but I dare say that I’m completely at a loss. Unfortunately, my shop is just about to open and I must be on my way.” She began to flounder again between the rows of books. “Oh, which shop?” Hinrane asked, a note of skepticism in her voice. “I do love cake.” Another snag. “Trevalbe’s Treats,” she called over her shoulder. “In the Bizzare. You really should stop by some time!” Sesha tried desperately not to let the alarm she felt reach her voice. “I shall make a point of it,” Hinrane called out in a measured tone. Sesha cursed inwardly.

[Sesha]

Sesha exited the Sunken Conundrum with about as much grace as she’d entered, falling to her knees once she was free of the watery wall. She cursed to the hundredth time since encountering Hinrane, the woman was noted for her intelligence. Hopefully she wouldn’t see through Sesha’s careful ruse, but lingering would not be a good idea. Especially now that light shone over the buildings of Alvadas. It pained her to be in public in such a state, but it would be much worse if the town guard suddenly descended upon her. She wrapped the cloak firmly around herself, surprised at how free of dampness it was, and let the illusions take her. The city shifted beneath her steps. She walked down alleys, market streets, through the gardens and past the various sights of Alvadas, praying silently to Ionu. Ionu, guide me. Ionu, hide me. The sun was at its peak in the sky when Sesha finally found her flat. She checked over both shoulders before venturing into the neatly furnished second floor apartment and went directly to her vanity, frowning at her powder-less face. A smile returned to it when she reached into her purse and retrieved the small leather-bound book. The eye stared back at her, penetrating her mind and exciting her beyond belief. It’s mine, she thought, laughter growing inside her. I will become the best thief in all of Alvadas! Outside her flat a shadow watched from the adjacent building. Unbeknownst to her, it had been watching Sesha for several weeks.

[Cadence]

Sesha   Skills Larceny +2 Stealth +2 Observation +1 Acting +2   Lores Remembering Old Lessons Pulling off a Successfull Theft The Art of Telling Lies   Ledger + 1 book (Secrets of the Eye: The Tale of Verlyna Devette) Additional Notes: Hinrance Morcer is now suspicious of Sesha, and has impeccable memory. Should she see Sesha again, she will most definitely ask her about cake. That was a very engaging read! I especially liked the story of the vagabond at Ionu’s Wager. Actually, scratch that – I loved all the little background stories. Sesha’a memories of her aunts and uncles really gave depth to her character, and added color to the story.