When in Rome (Astrolabe)

[Warden Thrice]

79th of Winter, 511 AV It was the first clear day in a long time, with not a cloud to be seen in the sky. Syna reached down fondly, stroking everything with fingers made of light. Where once the cold would have forced an oppressive silence on the city, now was rife with the sounds of shopkeepers and vendors reopening their doors and stalls and dusting off wares that had been tucked away, of people strolling in the promise of coming warmth, of gulls frolicking above. Behind it all, the steady roar broke free from its stillness, reassuring the port city’s denizens with a steady heartbeat that had existed since the dawn of time. Though a few more cold days were ahead, spring was in the air, and after the harshness of winter, Zeltiva was waking up. The warehouse district was completely vacant. Any sailors or laborers had taken the day off to enjoy its promise, and there was not a soul to be seen on ship or street. It was because of this that two eyes, glittering black and blue, watched cautiously from below one of the piers before sinking into the depths. And it was because of this that the creature that bore those eyes slipped gracefully from the water and onto a set of slimy, half-submerged stone steps. Though Eorar had gained much more experience in the art of walking on two legs, he was not keen to risk his balance on such evil-looking steps, and utilized all four of his limbs to ascend. He had seen them betray someone else before. He wrapped his webbed fingers around the post at the head of the stairs, carefully taking his time to firmly establish his footing below him. When he felt that he was secure, he started towards his destination. The first twenty steps or so were wobbly, the next thirty were less than perfect, but he soon his stride and continued with minimum mishap. His eyes shifted back and forth furtively, making sure that he was, in fact, alone. Though he now wore a dark blue tunic in addition to his customary skintight breeches, his bright blue skin was very conspicuous. He sighed audibly in relief as he came in sight of the semi-familiar wooden sign depicting an open book, hung over a small yet orderly door, quite out of place among the peeling paint and rotting wood of its neighbors. Eorar hoped that either Andy or Astro was there, but the season’s previous chill had prevented him from making any plans with them. He hesitated, not sure if coming unannounced was acceptable abovewater, then decided to take a leap of faith and knocked one, twice, and thrice on the door.

[Astrolabe]

ANAIS Anais frowned slightly. She wasn’t expecting anyone, and given the double life she was attempting to lead, unexpected visitors here in the warehouse district always caused her a mild discomfort. But she also welcomed new clients and they geneally came here, to her little office of sorts, to look her up. As did regular customers who had need of her work. So there was nothing for it but to set down the mug of tea she was just getting ready to drink and square her shoulders, both physically and mentally, as she stepped into the little foyer to open the door. As she did so, her pretty features first registered surprise, and then pleasure, as she saw the slim Charoda looking back at her. It had been quite a while since she or Astro had seen Eorar, and they had discussed him fairly frequently, wondering about his absence and hoping that he was alright. “Eorar!” she exclaimed happily, stepping backwards to make room for him. “Come in! Come in, please!” She took in the addition of an upper garment, and smiled indulgently. “You’re looking quite handsome today! Where in the world have you been? We’ve been so worried about you! It’s been ages since we saw you.” Her voice held no accusations, just relief and pleasure to see her aquatic acquaintance once again, safe and sound.

[Warden Thrice]

Eorar slipped in after the bookkeeper, expression both grateful and apologetic. The cozy little waiting room was exactly how he remembered it, neat and uncluttered, though he did keep a wary distance from the flowers. “I am being sorry I was not meeting with you more. I was not know that it would being so cold, or I would have. I am gladder that it’s warm, though.” He shuffled his feet. “I actually was being hopeful that you could helping me with something.” Ever since the encounter with the Konti, he had become painfully aware of how many simple necessities he lacked. Though he had gotten a few things, he didn’t have nearly enough if he wanted to go to the University. He didn’t even have shoes. “I am need to buy some things, but I am don’t know around where things are. I needing a guide.”

[Astrolabe]

Anais had been in the process of removing a few items from one end of the table, and motioning to the charming Charoda to sit, as he spoke. Now she turned to him, and said, smiling, “Oh, I see. Well that makes perfect sense, though unless one lived n the sea I’m not sure it would occur to think of the air being much colder than the sea.” She looked at her fish-like friend with curiosity. “What kind of things do you need to buy? I’d be happy to help you find . . . whatever it is. But first I have to know which shops we will need to visit.” She couldn’t quite imagine what a Charoda would need with man made items – most things not being water proof.