About Your Father... [Charon]

[Raiha]

Closed. Charon please.

45th of Spring, 510 AV

Raiha had left Sanctuary early in the afternoon after clearing it with Kavala. They had tended to what needed to be done, stalls had been cleaned out... and now, Raiha was going to make a trip into the city. She had settled in well at Sanctuary, and had been utterly relieved when Asim got there. She knew any of them would have come with her if she'd asked them to, quite willingly, for companionship and a bit of support. But the young Akontak had something she had to do by herself. It was part of why she had come to Riverfall, after all... she was looking for her father. You're never alone. I'm here, you know... But you don't need them. Why would you need them when you have me?

Like I could ever forget, Raiha replied as she carefully picked her way over the wet pathway. It wasn't raining now, but it had been that morning, as Riverfall was wont to do in the springtime. Raiha was just glad it had eased up. If you weren't careful, and you didn't navigate properly, you could fall all too easily. You can't be quiet for fifteen minutes. I couldn't possibly forget you, now, could I? Diallo nudged her hand, then. Pay attention, the dog seemed to be telling her. A fall could be disastrous. Raiha scratched his white fur. Diallo insisted on coming with her. She had left Uzima and Yakini back in Sanctuary, but the Deerstalker had come along.

Would you have it any other way? Besides, you would probably get bored if I wasn't speaking to you, now, wouldn't you? I'm as curious about this as you are. Lest you forget, I have a rather vested in this as well. Raiha ignored her in favour of navigating a particularly tricky step that almost had her windmilling, only to catch hold of the dog at the last minute before she landed on her rear end. If she fell on her behind, she fell on her behind. Soaking her trousers didn't disturb her, but breaking some bones might be a bit more troublesome. Besides, leather repelled water, so any wet clothes she did get for now wouldn't matter much. She had decided to forgo her cloak today, in hopes some sunshine and warm weather - so today, she had on her leather pants and vest on, with her belt and boots. Her long white hair was braided in two braids, which she looped over her shoulders, framing her face and arms, contrasting with the dusky leather and the dark blue skin of her exposed arms. Her cotton shirt was in the wash - she was really going to have to get some newer clothing, preferably sooner rather than later. Maybe she would get some cloth, and with Kavala's help, she could figure out a bit of sewing.

Sanctuary was located beyond the third tier of the city, so it meant she was going to start her search in the Kulkukan Tavern. Some of the Akalak there might know something. If that failed, well, the Akontak would go somewhere else. Someone, somewhere, had to know something... even if it was just to say that he had died. If it was buried too deeply, she could always go pray to the Night-Mother Herself in the Abbey. Shoulders squared, Diallo at her side, she prepared for her debut as she opened the door of the Kulkukan, glancing about inside. This is it. Here goes nothing.

There goes something. Go on. Go ask someone. Start at the bar, if you have to, Kanikra offered some of her rare encouragement. That's always a good place to start. People have loose tongues with alcohol. But we are not going to go bother the Night-Mother until we've done some scutwork of our own. Which made sense, Raiha had to admit. Why should Akajia help someone who was too lazy to do anything on her own? Raiha stepped inside the Tavern, looking about, and made her way towards the bar. "Good afternoon," she greeted the Akalak behind the bar with a smile, "I was wondering if you'd know anything about an Akalak named Raikev?"

[Charon]

The atmosphere was muggy as the afternoon sun warmed the air previously dampened by a morning rain. Hanging over the city and sitting slightly to the west, the entire face of the three thousand foot cliff was targeted by the rays beating down from above. It was not very long ago that these cliffs were covered in snow, but spring had a special way of welcoming a new climate as it greeted the new year. This day, however, Raiha was hoping to welcome a new chapter in her life. She would at least start the legwork today after leaving Sanctuary early.

After an adventurous journey downward through the city with her companion-or rather her companions, the Akontak finally reached the third tier safely where she could smell the fresh salt emanating from the waves as they crashed into the docks nearby. The sounds of the waves as they barraged the shore was refreshing and helped inspire the blue-skinned woman to continue with her mission. Afterall, she had to start somewhere to end up somewhere and this seemed like the best place to start.

The Kulk was located near the docks in order to draw upon temporary customers in from the Suvan, but the sailor clientele was not the complete essence of the customers. Many Akalak spent time socializing and drinking in the tavern while meeting new people and enjoying their company. When the Akontak entered, most patrons paid no notice but a few heads turned to see the new arrival. The Akalak behind the counter greeted her and listened to her question about her father. "Hmm," the bartender thought aloud for a few moments. "I'm afraid that name does not sound too familiar to me, but I'll tell you who would know. Let me go try to find Nystir for you." Tossing a rag he was holding into a basin, he turned and left the bar to look for the man he mentioned.

Nystir, the proprietor of the establishment, knew all of the regulars at the bar, most infrequent visitors, and had an uncanny ability to recall names and faces from visitors he may have only met once. If Raiha was going to find somebody in Riverfall who may have known her father, this would certainly be the place to find that person. Before the bartender returned, an Akalak sitting next to where Raiha stood and nursing what remained of an ale in a mug smiled. He had not taken his eyes off of the woman since she entered and finally managed a few words through his slightly intoxicated grin, "Hi there. You know, if you're looking for somebody... I can help you with that." With what was most likely intended to be a wink, he rotated his body so that he was facing Raiha squarely- apparently abandoning the rest of his drink to focus on the fascinating woman in his presence.

[Raiha]

She smiled at the Akalak behind the counter. “Thank you,” she told the bartender, “I appreciate it.” She didn’t explain why, and she likely wouldn’t. There were some things you didn’t want told, and Raiha knew that this was one of them – especially regarding her father’s identity. She settled in to wait. Nystir… maybe he was the proprietor? Either way, she would find out. In the mean time, she had a look around her, taking in the guests and the Akalak of the city. She didn’t much mind not being the center of attention, but…

Apparently, she spoke too soon. Gold eyes settled on the inebriated Akalak next to her when he raised his voice to talk to her, and Diallo stood up from where he had been sitting at her side, taking this man in and sniffing at him, though the massive Deerstalker made no move to go any closer, and showed no sign of aggression. Raiha took in his aura, studying it without focusing on it. She smiled faintly at him and nodded her head in greeting, listening to what he had to say. He could, could he? I’ll lay on you a bet for ten gold Mizas he’s going to paw you, Kanikra warned. You’ve seen that look before. Don’t be afraid to tell him off.

I won’t. Raiha sighed. But somehow, I don’t think I’ll have to. The Akalak are pretty respectful of women, even if this one’s had too much to drink today, I doubt the others are so far gone that they’re going to stand to see a female harassed, especially an Akontak. But we’ll see how it plays out. Let me handle it, would you? Instead of flying into a rage. This isn’t Mura. The rules of the game are different here. She rested an elbow on the bar and faced him, her long white braids hanging down. “Maybe you could,” she agreed. “I’m looking for an Akalak named Raikev. Do you know him?”

[Charon]

The Kulk was just about always busy. The bar seats were quickly taken upon becoming available and the tables surrounding the saloon area were occupied by smiling and laughing people of Akalak and humans alike. With all the commotion, it was not too surprising that nobody else really had the opportunity to over hear what the patron next to Raiha had actually said to her. Eyes were still following the rare and beautiful Akontak but the blue skinned man who successfully gained her attention seemed to be in high enough spirits for the remaining observers to turn back to their previous company, conversations, jokes, and drinks.

As Raiha turned toward him with her nonchalant posture and smooth white hair flowing around and framing her attractive face, the Akalak who had rotated in his seat to face her as well smiled almost in awe of the exquisite form addressing him. His mind was gently swimming from the drinks he had previously downed but he was positive the Akontak's beauty was the root cause of his intoxicated thoughts. Feeling lost in her skin and her gaze, his smile slowly waned away before realizing she was speaking to him. "Raikev," he repeated, seemingly giving the name some thought yet his eyes never left hers. "I've known a Raikol," he said, emphasizing the slight difference in the names before continuing, "which might be the same guy. I can take you to him, I can. Of course, if you trust a guy like me." He smiled gently again, genuinely assuming he was humorous and unaware that his question was exactly the one Raiha had to answer.

His language was not slurred but his body language slightly lagged. Obviously he had been drinking for quite some time but the effects seemed to be minimal. He tried no advances, save for the images and actions that most likely ran through many men's minds upon seeing Raiha. The name he mentioned was not that of her father, but perhaps he got the name wrong? Maybe her father was known as something different in other parts of the city or it could have just been a slip of his slightly inebriated mind. Though he had been drinking, the Akalak did not seem unsafe or untrustworthy. The Akontak and her alternate personality obviously had a judgement call to make and the desire to find her father weighed the decision heavily. It always seemed that there were few easy choices to make when on such important journeys in life.

[Raiha]

Raiha's golden gaze was steady, and for once, all was calm. Kanikra was far too curious and interested in the events as they were going on to ruin this. This was crucial for both of them, after all - if it was possible, Kanikra might have been even more interested in finding out about their filial parent than Raiha was. That was the side she felt most close to, after all - she felt she represented the Akalak in them while Raiha the Konti. It was an apt enough way of putting it, even if Raiha tried to blend her heritage like her blood, taking both in equal parts. It was like walking on a thin rope - balance was the key. She was still working that out... and probably like most of the Akalak around her, found everyday living to be a juggling act. Even if they had a lot more experience in keeping their other half reined in. Maybe that had something to do with her being partly Konti. Maybe the empathic nature of her mother's people kept her and Kanikra closer together. She didn't know. None of those she had talked to did.

"Raikol?" Raiha considered, head tilting slightly, lips pursed as she thought it over. Her mother had been very clear on her father's name. But maybe he went by something else here. Maybe the Akalak was simply a little off because of the drink. There were all sorts of possibilities. She could have misheard him. No. I heard 'Raikol' too, Kanikra assured her. It's not you. It's him. Mother dearest was a smart one, and somehow, I don't think she would have gotten the name of the father of her child wrong. So either he was lying to her then, or this one has the name wrong. One of the two. At least he's keeping his hands to himself, Kanikra admitted grudgingly.

He is. Just as well. All we can really do if he does start palming me is make a fuss. We'll just keep our hands to ourselves. Her eyes widened just a touch at his playful question about trust, but she managed to shake it off, and only smiled at that. "I'm sure I can... and I thank you for your offer. We'll see what Nystir says, too, and even if he doesn't have any more information... we can go look. What's your name? Do you know who Nystir is, by the way?" Better to grab whatever information that she could. File it away in her head for later.

[Charon]

Raiha was certainly able to maintain a level and logical head in this situation. The matter at hand was too significant to just allow the excitement of having a possible lead send her down the wrong path. She would store the name away in her mind, or Kanikra would take care of that task, and wait on Nystir before making any sort of decision on which path to pursue from here. The ease at which both personalities agreed on this matter may have caught Raiha unguarded but she did not display any outward sign of being caught this way. The Akalak she spoke to certainly seemed to have no idea what to expect from her next.

"My name?" he asked, drawing his head and neck back with a facial expression of surprise. "Such a bold inquiry from one whose name I know not!" His eyes widened before his brow furrowed over them, casting an odd shadow across his face in the dimly lit bar. Seeming to resign to an internal argument of his own, the Akalak replied, "My name is Shalzar, but that comes with the expectation of hearing your own. As for Nystir, of course I know him- who doesn't?" The rhetorical question came across as slightly condescending. Nystir, who was scheduled to come to the front at any moment, was a well known name by many if not most in Riverfall. Before Raiha had much of a chance to consider the question or the expression accompanying it, the bartender returned from some doorway behind the service counter.

He leaned over to get Raiha's attention before saying, "Nystir is dealing with some business out back, but I mentioned there was an Akontak asking for him and assured he would come up front when he could." So she had to wait a moment- no big deal. Nystir, though she could not know this, would make a point of meeting anybody he knew and he would make an even bigger deal of meeting somebody new. The fact that the bartender mentioned her race probably would not change the speed with which he attended to her, though the comment by the Akalak server certainly made it sound that way. Raiha was most likely at least slightly familiar with special treatment which seemed dutifully given to her within the walls of Riverfall by its inhabitants but a curious look by the newly acquainted Shalzar snuck by unnoticed by Raiha.

The still-inebriated Akalak had to notice her unique appearance before, but it seemed as if he was realizing it all over again. The sense of deja vu seemed to spark a gear to turn within Shalzar's mind and he continued is discourse with Raiha while she waited, this time with a slight bit more assertiveness. "Raikev - Raikol, it could just be me." He winked, "I'm not in the sharpest state of remembrance at the moment!" His laugh was jovial enough. "In case you don't know Nystir, he is quite the busy bug around here. I would hate for you to have to wait too long. I know where to find this person I may be thinking of and Nystir will be less busy when the place calms a bit. What do you say you come along to meet him?" Shalzar stood and at first the movement placed him awkwardly close to Raiha. A quick stutter step backwards relieved any slight tension the Akontak would feel and he smiled his most sincere expression he could muster after the drinks he had consumed while he waited on her to decide her next step.

[Raiha]

OOCI am SO sorry! I missed your post!

She smiled inwardly at the Akalak's surprise at her audacious question. He had every right to be - she was younger than he was, a stranger, and furthermore, Akontak or not, she was female in what was very definitely a man's world. She was doing her best not to be unsettled here, or get unnerved at the undertaking - it would be so easy to just make her excuses and run. But finding her father was important to her. It would answer a couple of things that she dearly wanted to know about, and maybe... maybe it was possible she could get to know him. Maybe it would answer a couple of questions she had about herself. A tiny part of her knew, though, that she wouldn't find herself by finding her father... that came from finding herself. And she was still doing that. Still learning. Still growing. But it would be a start. Still, she could feel just the tiniest bit of approval coming from her sister - if a game was being played, then at least she was somewhat on top of it. Don't give him your name, Kanikra hissed. Drunk or not, he'll recognize the similar 'Rai' between the two.

"My name is Kanikra," she said with some spirit, giving her twin's name. Unlike 'Raiha', 'Kanikra', at least, bore no relation to 'Raikev'. Keep him unsettled, or play him like a fish on a hook, she told Kanikra before her sister had a chance to repeat it. "But I do not know Nystir. I'm new around here, actually." There was some truth to it. This was, after all, really maybe her second trip into town... the first being when she had arrived and met Kavala. But he didn't have to know that. None of them did. Especially not a somewhat-inebriated Akalak. But that counted as new, now, didn't it? Raiha had no idea of how much news might have spread of an Akontak being at Sanctuary - many had seen her arrive earlier in the season, after all - but she supposed she could always play it off. Or, at least, try to. Goddess. Kanikra's ways of thought influenced her quite a bit even when she wasn't overtly trying to do so.

"I thank you," she inclined her head to the server. "I can wait." This was meant for both the server and Shalzar. She had waited 23 years, after all... what was a couple minutes more? She had gotten used to things happening for her in a different fashion than they would for someone else, simply because she was an Akontak. She knew better than to let it go to her head or expect it to happen - that was just asking for disaster and a comeuppance, after all - but she couldn't deny it made things a little easier. "Well, if Nystir is hurrying his own affairs to take some time to meet me, then I think I'd best wait for him," Raiha said sensibly. "But if he doesn't know, then I'll come with you. Can I buy you both a drink in the meantime to thank you for your help?" Besides, it might distract Shalzar.

Careful. Not too drunk. That will not do. You never know how someone will react to more alcohol... Kanikra warned, not the least bit perturbed or put out at Raiha using her name. She'd warned her twin from using her own, so it was better safe than sorry. At her feet, Diallo looked up at the Akalak, and nosed Raiha's hand for more scratching, which she gladly gave.

[Baku]

The stench of alcohol seemed to radiate from Shalzar, his finger sliding lightly over the rim of his glass as he stared down into it as though he would find the answers to some of life’s great mysteries at the bottom. “Kanikra, sounds a bit soft, but who am I to judge in the end.” Shalzar said teasingly as he lifted his glass, tipping it back for a momentary drink. “If you prefer to wait though, that’s all well and fine. This certainly is a place that’s good for passing the time.” Shalzar then set his glass down, as he picked himself up, sliding into the stool next to Raiha. His arms laid along the bar top, eyeing her curiously as a half crooked smirk remained on his features. “Well, I certainly won’t deny a free drink, keeps me from dipping into my own coin pouch at least once.” Shalzar replied, reaching up slowly as a finger was dragged across his face as if to rub away a slight irritation there. “On one condition, though. You join me in a drink. It is so much better when drinking with company, especially company as rare as you.” Shalazar then slowly turned his head as the bartender cleared his throat, having stepped back to the bar while the pair had been distracted in their conversation. “I made another check with Nystir, apparently there is a shipment of Isurian Steel Ale that is short on it’s inventory count,” the tender said as he began to slide the rag over the bar top, wiping it’s surface clean. “He and the crew who delivered it are currently arguing over price and haggling with each other as the inventory is counted and recounted. He apologize, but it will likely be about a half a bells time before he returns, and offers you a drink on the house in restitution.” Raiha would look over to see a “told you so” smile upon Shalzar’s face, but he didn’t say the words. “Well, it would appear as though you have both time and a free drink to join me with.” Shalzar replied, sliding his cup forward towards the tender for a refill. “So, perhaps you might regale me with the reasons behind you seeking this Raikev out?” Shalazar then paused for a moment before motioning towards the Tavern’s exit. “Unless you would prefer that I guide you to Raikol?” Shalazar then offered once again. “Perhaps he may know the whereabouts of the one you seek. With the similarities in name, he may very well be part of the blood line of Raikev.”

[Raiha]

‘Soft?’ Kanikra repeated almost incredulously. ‘Soft?’ Really?

He probably would have said Raiha was an infant’s nickname, Raiha dismissed the incident, inwardly amused at Kanikra’s disbelief. Different standards. What does he know? I’m sure some of them have funny names, too. Besides, we’re different. How many times do you keep telling me that? And he’s drunk… or getting there, anyway, she amended.

He is, Kanikra conceded. So let’s start finding out what he does know. If his trap has anything in it, now’s when you’ll find out, her sister-soul reasoned. Raiha lowered herself to the stool beside Shalazar’s, crossing her ankles as Diallo made himself comfortable between the pair. The dog couldn’t help being wary. He wasn’t used to these surroundings any more than she was, and her unease did nothing to improve upon her dog’s mood. He picked up on Raiha’s caution. And for the love of Akajia, have a drink with him. Males seem to think it’s a bonding activity... expressing brotherhood or something like that.

I’ll do my best, she told her sister. This might be interesting. Her first trip to town and she was already drinking, not a bell later. “Thank you, I will,” she nodded when he said he wanted her to drink with him. Truth be told, Raiha wasn’t one to indulge, and she wanted to have a level head when – if – she was going to come across her father today. But… it was one drink, and that couldn’t do too much harm, could it. Just one – hopefully mild – drink. She could nurse it and hopefully get away with not drinking too much. She turned a little on the stool when the bartender spoke to her, listening and nodding. Well, things came up. They happened. She knew how that went, after all. “That will be fine, thank you,” she paused as she perused the list of drinks. “Whatever he’s having for him, and a glass of that berry mead, please,” she passed over the requisite coins for Shalazar’s drink.

You had better do better than that, really. Your best isn’t good enough, Kanikra sighed. But it will have to do. Don’t tell him what we’re really interested in, mind you, because then everyone is going to be interested in it, and we don’t need that right now. Chances are Raikev or Raikol won’t need the additional attention, either, if they’re one and the same. Not all secrets are meant to be shared.

What, did you really think I was going to tell him? I’m using your name here, instead of my own… Raiha refused to let her sister get her goat. “I’m from Mura, and I was asked by a Konti there to get in touch with him because of past history between them.” She told Shalazar, taking a careful sip of the wine and considering her ability to blow half an hour on idle chat with the Akalak. But if this one seemed like he really did have both oars in the water… She could always go have a look. If it wasn’t… well, Nystir might well have been done by then, and she could talk to the Akalak who knew just about everything there was to know in Riverfall. “That’s really all I know about him. How about you?” she angled her head a little upwards, smiling a bit. The wine tasted interesting – she had had honey wine in Mura before, but she didn’t mind this one.

oocThanks so much for picking this one up!

[Baku]

“If it’s the same Akalak we’re thinking of, he’s a task master.” Shalzar said as he slowly swirled the liquor inside of his glass for a moment as it was held out, answering the questions openly. “He’s not a regular or soldier or laborer. Tends to be a tactician, thinks things out, works by himself. Freelance for the most part. Someone would come to him, ask if he could help with some problem or project they have. They weren’t all mercenary type jobs either, like body guard or enforcer. I hear he got jobs building stuff or taming aggressive animals as well.” Shalzar then tipped back the drink, taking healthy draw from his glass. A deep exhale was released to cool the burn the alcohol left behind in his throat. Shalzar then looked to Raiha while dragging the back of his hands across his lips to wipe then clean. “No one is sure of his dark brother’s name either.” Shalzar said, giving a slight shrug. “If you’ve got a task for him though, he’ll generally be able to complete. Always did with me.” “Don’t know that I ever heard of him traveling to Mura though.” Shalzar then said, looking up towards the ceiling, donning an expression of recollection. “Course, I never asked him of his past. That’s normally something the Council of Elders and other political Akalaks do. When I dealt with him, it was more about reputation, and his was good.” Shalzar then began to gingerly play with his cup again, swirling the liquor around within it. “So, what’d the Konti want to get in touch with him for? Message or favor?” Shalzar then inquired, a simple look of curiosity appearing on his face as he studied Raiha’s eyes for a moment. “Or is that strictly “need to know” important information?”