Baiting a buddy[Kane]

[Kitchi]

Kitchi nodded as he confirmed the idea to start with the complex system mapped out in front of them.
“From what’s written here, it seems like the wire is attached to the reel and you would use this handle,” he tapped the handle on the diagram with his finger, “to pull in the wire. Though it really doesn't say anything about how the wire is attached...” Kitchi frowned, her blue eyes scanned the words, searching for any mention of the reel or how to connect the wire, she knew that it must be written somewhere but perhaps she had missed it? She scanned quickly, uncertain. She felt eyes twist back towards her but ignored them until words slipped towards her again. “I guess we’ll have to figure that part out on the actual rod, right...?” Kitchi smiled as a short silent pause settled over them. This man seemed to make a habit of rambling slightly, was it nerves or his normal speech? To her surprise Kitchi failed to find it irksome but rather an endearing quality to the young man. “You know, I don’t know your name. It would probably be easier to work together if we know each other’s names.” His fingers twisted around the back of his neck, rubbing it lightly. Kitchi smiled, she had not really thought about giving him a name before, it simply seemed to slip from her mind with the influx of fishing knowledge being rammed into her mind.“Uhm, I’m Kane.” He continued/
"I'm Kitchi" She waved her hand as she spoke, almost dismissive of her own name. "So, Kane, a human in Wind Reach, born here or moved?" Part of her seemed to assume he had moved in after leaving home, although she could not quite decipher why her thoughts tended in that direction. Her mind scanned through their conversations, he had spoke of brothers but no names of places or landmarks jumped to her mind. Had he mentioned anywhere specific? He did have a point, it was rude not to know at least something about the people who you are working with.

[Kane]

So Kitchi was her name. It would be good to be able to address her as something other than “The Inarta Woman” in his head. Names made life so much easier. Kane shrugged in response to Kitchi’s question. “No, I wasn’t born here. I moved here from Syliras. Well, more like ended up wandering here from Syliras?” He gave a slight grin. “I didn’t actually have any real destination in mind, I kind of just wanted to see other cultures and stuff. They’re all pretty different and interesting.” And they were. Kane loved learning new things about different cities and regions. They all had such a variety of residents and traditions, he just wanted to learn them all. So far though, he’d only been to Sylira, Kalea, and the Suvan Sea. “I also love any city that has books, and you never know what kinds of subjects you’ll find in different cities.” Kane glanced around the Enclave. “Haven’t actually taken the time to comb through this area though. I need to.” So many books awaited. It would be great. He shook his head to clear out any random thoughts before they spilled out of his mouth. “Sorry, got on a bit of a tangent there.” “So, back to the topic. I suppose I could turn your question back to you. Were you born here or moved?” “I mean, I know it’s far more likely that you were born here, seeing as you’re an Inarta. But, well, you never know, you know? I wouldn’t want to assume. Like maybe you were born somewhere else because your parents were traveling or something,” He suddenly got a mock-suspicious look on his face and leaned closer to Kitchi to eye her. “Or perhaps you’re just a very Inarta looking human.” He was joking of course, and his tone made that fact very obvious. Going back to his previous thoughts, perhaps he could also ask her a bit about Inartan culture. Kane hadn’t been in the city for long, and had yet to get a real grasp on the culture. And who better to ask than an Inarta? It was a good idea, he decided. He’d try to see if he could bring if up in the conversation.

[Kitchi]

Date, Season, Year

“No, I wasn’t born here. I moved here from Syliras. Well, more like ended up wandering here from Syliras?” He gave a slight grin and Kitchi nodded attentively. It was difficultto deny that listening to the young man was certainly more riveting then the details of fishing but she was facinated by peopleand places.. “I didn’t actually have any real destination in mind, I kind of just wanted to see other cultures and stuff. They’re all pretty different and interesting.” The urge to travel was not something Kitchi didn't understand but she could never image herself acting on it. She was important to maintaining Wind Reach,everyone was.
“I also love any city that has books, and you never know what kinds of subjects you’ll find in different cities.” Kane glanced seemed to look away for a moment and Kitchi considered his words. Kane said very little that she didn't agree with, books were interesting after all. “Haven’t actually taken the time to comb through this area though. I need to.”
"You are in the wrong placeif you want unique. We mearly collect books from traders"Kitchi laughed, throwing her own blue eyes around the room, it was a shame sometimes that the Inarta community never seemed to step back and admire the beauty around them,and they were surrounded by so much of it.
“Sorry, got on a bit of a tangent there.” Kitchi pulled her blue eyes back to her new companion as his mouth opened to speak again.

“So, back to the topic. I suppose I could turn your question back to you. Were you born here or moved? I mean, I know it’s far more likely that you were born here, seeing as you’re an Inarta. But, well, you never know, you know? I wouldn’t want to assume. Like maybe you were born somewhere else because your parents were traveling or something,” He suddenly got a mock-suspicious look on his face and leaned closer to Kitchi. “Or perhaps you’re just a very Inarta looking human.” Kitchi laughed again, his tone made her think it was a joke and she hoped she was right. For a moment she was silent considering, her story was boring really,typical.
"Born and raised, grew up with my mother till I was ten, joined the nursery, became a hunter" She shrugged, a glance back towards the book. It was no epic tale of mystery or drama but it was her. "Nothing unusual or special, hardly anyone travels around here, each individual is too valuable" An almost wishful look swamped her face as she thought back. She hadn't lied, hardly anyone did travel but some people did. People she knew had left to forge their own adventure, why hadn't she?

[Kane]

Kane’s shoulders slumped at her report on the books in the Enclave. Well, that sure took the wind out of his sails. Still, a thorough search through the area may yield some new and interesting books. But that was a topic for another time. His focus was shifted back into the conversation. "Born and raised, grew up with my mother till I was ten, joined the nursery, became a hunter. Nothing unusual or special, hardly anyone travels around here, each individual is too valuable." She shifted her eyes to the book as she spoke, and almost seemed to lose herself in her thoughts. He pondered her answer for a moment. Kitchi seemed almost wistful. Did she want to travel but felt she couldn’t? From her statement, it sounded as if that was frowned upon here. But he couldn’t be sure. He’d only been in Wind Reach for a short while and it would be best not to assume. Yet, so far, the Inarta woman had been friendly so it wouldn’t hurt to ask. “Do you want to travel? It sounds a bit like you do.” She’d seemed so disappointed. At least to Kane she had. “Is that a bad thing to do here?” From what she’d said, he came to the conclusion that no one left because they were so needed. Or most didn’t. Or perhaps that was just her perception? Still, even if traveling was something that just wan’t done, there were always those who disregarded such social protocols. Kane himself had always been such a person. For all his worth, Kane couldn’t understand the sentiment of staying in one place for too long. Generally, he’d grow bored of an area after a few seasons. Syliras especially had been a bore. He knew all he wanted to know of the area, having grown up there and all. He did slightly feel bad for leaving without a word to his family. There hadn’t been much choice at the time though. This tangent had gone on for long enough. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. Let’s think about something else. “So if you’ve lived here your whole life, I suppose you’d be an expert in the culture. Would you mind some questions?” Pausing for a second, he added, “I’d be willing to answer some in return, of course.”

[Kitchi]

“Do you want to travel? It sounds a bit like you do.” Kitchi considered his words for a moment as the sentence continued. “Is that a bad thing to do here?”
"When I was young I knew someone, his entire life was devoted to getting away from her and making something of himself, I guess you can say he inspired a curiosity in me." The sentence pulled out far more of her then she would have normally stated but she continued to look down at the book as she spoke. It answered more Kane’s questions too, certainly people managed to escape the net but they were often few and far between. "Everyone here contributes to Wind Reach, everyone is important in their own way and that keeps people here, we are loyal to our land and those we protect within it." She finished, the years of having it drilled into her young skull starting to flash through. She smiled down at the book, almost pleased with the formality of her answer.
It was true, she was loyal to Wind Reach, just about everyone was, wanting to help and protect it in any way that they could. Her job as a hunter was important, she pulled in food to help everyone survive and be healthy, particular during the long, cold and harsh winters they experienced. Others were builders and would ensure that the place stood as proud and beautiful as it always had. It was almost like a pile of sticks, each helping to hold the pile up in their own way and should they be removed the stack risked tumbling into chaos and disorder. It was something which they were taught young and the sense of community and importance would pin even the boldest and bravest of Inartans.
Despite all this the curiosity to explore had been ignited in her, and once lit it was almost impossible to put out. She could never imagine herself traveling, the roads were often dangerous and she doubted her talents, but the lure of interesting places and people kept her fascinated with the idea. For now she was content to explore the cultures brought to her feet, the travellers who talked fondly or the books left to the enclaves capable hands.
“So if you’ve lived here your whole life, I suppose you’d be an expert in the culture. Would you mind some questions?” Pausing for a second, he added, “I’d be willing to answer some in return, of course.” Kitchi considered his option, pulled her shining blue eyes back to meet his face. Questions started to flicker through her mind, fighting to be the first to ask but she chastised them internally, the stranger asks first.
“Sure, what is it that interests you about our culture?” She smiled as she talked, a warm almost welcoming smile.

[Kane]

"When I was young I knew someone, his entire life was devoted to getting away from her and making something of himself, I guess you can say he inspired a curiosity in me." Kitchi kept her head down towards the book as she spoke, and Kane wondered if perhaps he’d brought up something he shouldn’t have. "Everyone here contributes to Wind Reach, everyone is important in their own way and that keeps people here, we are loyal to our land and those we protect within it." Hmm, well that’s interesting. He’d noticed a similar attitude to this in many of the other Inarta, he just hadn’t realized that it was a part of their culture. Everything he’d heard about the Inarta had spoke of their fiery boldness, and he supposed that brought with it loyalty. They came across as proud of who they were, a fact which reminded Kane very much of his old home and family. Among other things. This was in equal parts good and bad. Kane was glad to find that the Inartan woman seemed intrigued by his proposal of a question exchange. She paused for a bit, seeming lost in thought, before speaking with a smile. “Sure, what is it that interests you about our culture?” He paused to consider this question. Of course there were many things he wanted to ask, but therein lies the problem. He had no idea where to start. This was one of the most frustrating parts of research, what to ask first. He wanted to learn of their glass making techniques, some traders he’d met of his travels had described them as the most beautiful in all of Mizahar. Also, the large number of birds was something he was curious about. I mean really, who needs that many feathers? And the associated birds that go along with them. There were also several unexpected aspects of the culture; ones he hadn’t heard of before traveling to the city. From what he’d seen during his visit so far, there appeared to be some sort of caste system in place. At least, that’s what he assumed after his meeting with the Valintar on his day of arrival into the city. In fact, several times he’d seen dirt covered Inartans being harassed by others. Hm, I wonder if, as a previous citizen of Syliras, I should be appalled at this. In all honesty, he truly didn’t care. Perhaps this lack of moral compass is what led to his inevitable escape from Syliras. A nearby book being slammed jerked him out of his thoughts, causing him to jump. He glared as some children as they walked by snickering. I hate kids. Looking up, he realized he’d spent a bit too much time in his head. He should answer Kitchi. Besides, he now knew what he wanted to ask first. “So, what’s with the caste system here?” He’d thought about it enough, might as well ask that first. “I’ve noticed that there seems to be one here.” Stopping for a tick, he considered if perhaps his question was a bit too broad. “I guess I’d like to know all the different castes and how they interact with each other.” He shrugged, a bit of a smile on his face. “There really wasn’t anything like that in place back in Syliras, so I’m very curious.” He hoped that he wasn’t bringing up an uncomfortable subject. Unable to stop himself, he asked another question. “Also, one other important thing. What’s up with the birds?” He leaned forward a bit, narrowing his eyes. “They seem to hate me.” Or perhaps he made a good target. “Is there any way to stop them from targeting me?” Not for the first time, he wondered if he smelled odd, or something. Like mice. And the birds wanted to eat his soul. He shuddered. He wasn’t afraid of birds, no, of course not.

[Kitchi]

“So, what’s with the caste system here? I’ve noticed that there seems to be one here.” Kitchi tilted her head slightly, it was as good a question as any but Kitchi hadn’t really every though it as unusual, having grown up in it. “I guess I’d like to know all the different castes and how they interact with each other.” He shrugged, a bit of a smile on his face. “There really wasn’t anything like that in place back in Syliras, so I’m very curious.” Their was a pause as Kitchi considered things, what to mention first?
“Well, perhaps the most important people are the Endal, those who can ride the Eagles. They are the top of the flock and if they ask you to jump, well you wouldn’t even stop to ask how high. Next are the Avora, people like me. We are the hunters and the craftsmen of Wind Reach and serve an important part of its survival. And we expect total control over others, aside from the Endal of course. After us they is the Chiet, those who don’t have the right talent to be any higher but still have potential, they do the little jobs like cooking and cleaning. Then the Yasi, the children. They focus mainly on school and becoming Avora or Endal’s.” She paused, should she mention the Dek? Personally she didn’t flinch at seeing the treatment but perhaps it was different in Syliras without any system, how did they function? “There is also the lowest caste, the Dek, those with no potential” She finished, failing to elaborate more. A smile played across her lips as she waited for the stranger to finish contemplating the surge of information. “So how do you allocate jobs in Syliras then? Without castes”

[Kane]

Kane listened intently as Kitchi spoke, even leaning forward a bit as if to better catch her words. The explanation of the caste system in Wind Reach was incredibly interesting. “Well, perhaps the most important people are the Endal, those who can ride the Eagles. They are the top of the flock and if they ask you to jump, well you wouldn’t even stop to ask how high.” Huh, sounded kind of like jerks to him. But he’d never really met one, at least one that he’d known was an Endal, so he supposed that they might not be that bad. Still sounded like it though. “Next are the Avora, people like me. We are the hunters and the craftsmen of Wind Reach and serve an important part of its survival. And we expect total control over others, aside from the Endal of course.” Huh, he supposed hunters being important was a rather logical way to do things. Like Kitchi had said, they were incredibly important to the survival of a city. “After us they is the Chiet, those who don’t have the right talent to be any higher but still have potential, they do the little jobs like cooking and cleaning.” Okay, so that was his caste then. He seemed to remember it being stated as a common class when he’d first been put in it upon his entrance to the city. Wow, that seemed like such a long time ago. “Then the Yasi, the children. They focus mainly on school and becoming Avora or Endal’s.” Kane physically stopped himself from growling. He hated children. “There is also the lowest caste, the Dek, those with no potential” Well, now he had a name to associate with them. And they didn’t seem to important in society then. Notable, but not important. “So how do you allocate jobs in Syliras then? Without castes” He paused for a moment to consider his words. “Well... Back in Syliras, when you need a job, you’ll generally go to the Employment Office. You’d basically just get a job based on what you’re best at.” He thought over his words before continuing. “No one is really treated any differently. I mean, unless you’re a Syliran Knight like my dad.” “The Knights are pretty much the law in the city. So I guess they’re somewhat similar to your Endal. You know, in the you have to listen to them way.” Kane shrugged. “There are also Squires, those training to be knights. They don’t really get paid though.” Now, what to ask next? “So, what’s with all the birds? I mean, they’re kind of everywhere. How did something like that even start?” He hoped this wasn’t too vague of a question. To be safe, he clarified. “I mean, where did the whole thing come from, you know? And why birds?”

[Kitchi]

Kitchi listened as Kane talked about the Knights, she wondered what they were like. In books knights were often brae and chivalrous who travelled around doing good and banishing evil but where they really like that? Perhaps the teasing interpretations of corruption were more accurate? She shook herself from the thoughts as Kane's voice started to float into the air once more.
“So, what’s with all the birds? I mean, they’re kind of everywhere. How did something like that even start?” Their was a pause in which Kitchi considered the words before he continued. “I mean, where did the whole thing come from, you know? And why birds?” It seemed a strange question, in fact Kitchi had never really considered it they were just a part of things. What would she say? How would she explain it to the foreigner?
“They just.... I don't know really... Its just something inbuilt into us” She shrugged. “I've always loved birds, I don't know anyone who doesn't” She continued. His uncertainty about the feathered friends was unusual especially in Wind Reach which was littered with birds and feathers. She paused awaiting a response as she pondered his words further. “Birds are very useful, travel and decoration and messages and carrying things for us, I could not imagine life without them.” Part of her was desperate to let the stranger appreciate the beautiful creatures as she, and most of Wind Reach, did but another part of her argued it would be useless to try. She looked down at the book in front of her, the conversation seemed so far removed now from the mutual intention, she was surprised that they had not been told to be more quiet by now.

[Kane]

Kitchi seemed a bit distressed as she answered. Perhaps he’d asked something he shouldn’t have? “Um... Not that liking birds is bad or anything. I guess... It’s just something that I don’t get? Probably because I wasn’t raised here.” Still, it was something to ponder. The effects of the surrounding culture can truly influence a person as they grow. Each Inarta that had grown up in Wind Reach seemed to hold avian creatures in such high regards. As Kitchi said, something like that would become something that is almost built into the person as they grow. And they were built into the society as well. Kane could only wonder if they’d feel differently if they had grown up elsewhere. It was a likely possibility. He was itching to learn where this began. Perhaps there would be records somewhere in the Enclave? Perhaps something that could give him the roots of the entire Inarta world. Culture was such an absorbing topic. Kane decided to back off the bird topic for now. Perhaps they should refocus back to the original task. The conversation had been absorbing, and he was glad that it had begun, but it was about time that they got back to business. “Maybe we should go back to figuring out fishing. I mean, we could probably chat about cultural stuff all day.” He shot her a quick grin. “I know I find it to be interesting enough.” The book laid before them once again became the focus of his attention, his eyes shot quickly across the page, searching for anything he remembered. Now where was it...? “Ah, yes. Here.” He tapped the book where the wire connected to the reel before looking up and jumping slightly in surprise by the presence of another person. Kane smiled sheepishly at her. Had he really gotten that focused? “Err, the wire-reel situation.” Actually, now that he was more aware, there seemed to be many others who were sending dirty looks their way. Had they done something? Kane leaned closer to Kitchi before whispering, “You wouldn’t happen to know why they all look like out heads are targets, do you?”