Baiting a buddy[Kane]

[Kitchi]

11th of Spring, 513 AV

The enclave was busy as Kitchi stepped inside, not completely packed but busy enough to be uncomfortable. The familiar scent filled the air and for a moment she stood still, admiring scents and sights of the enclave. Slowly she moved about, watching the lines of people. A few children had tucked themselves into a corner together, pouring over a single book. Many others had settled into different seats with an open book laid out in front of them. A few were standing by the shelves and glancing over the rows of books. She soon found herself besides the rows of bookshelf’s and her fingers danced across the spines gently. Each book was different and the titles had been elegantly written in different styles. Her bright blue eyes only lingered on each title for a moment before swiftly moving onto the next. Eventually her eyes lit up and she paused on one of the books. It was marginally smaller then the nearby books and was wedged in tightly. Her fingers curled along the top of the spine, pulling at the smaller book. It shifted slightly but remained wedged between the other books. Kitchi sighed, this was common enough for her, the rows and rows of books had been crammed in so tightly it was almost impossible to get any book out. She tugged harder and eventually the book managed to fall out. She stepped backwards and glanced over the book, allowing it to settle against her hand. A thin layer of dust had been unsettled in the process. Her blue eyes scanned the cover, carefully reading the delicately inked lettering against the brown leather. Once satisfied it was what she wanted her attention turned towards the large cavernous enclave. It was not particularly busy but most of the best chairs had already been taken. Kitchi followed the lines of books towards one of the of the empty chairs and settled herself down quickly. The book was placed open on the stone table and a large picture of a fishing rod was painted against one of the corners. For a moment she studied the drawing, attempting to learn and remember the elaborate set up. Her eyes blurred slightly as she stared intently at the image and she was forced to turn her eyes away. She rubbed her eyes quickly and flicked the page over, a solid block of writing met her and she quickly scanned the titles, looking for anything of interest to her.

[Kane]

Kane was on a mission. For some reason, he had decided that today he would learn to fish. He had woken up this morning and the spring air had inspired him to take up this challenge. This of course, had nothing to do with the teasing words of his brothers when he was younger. They were always so good at everything. It’s not my fault they left a tuna under my pillow which made me scared of fish for the next few years of my life. His father had not been pleased. Entering the enclave, Kane was surprised to note the large number of people lingering around. Scanning the area, he was pleased with the calm atmosphere and the presence of books. I like this place already. Smiling slightly to himself, Kane made his way over to the shelves. He focused on each title as he passed by, searching for anything on his desired subject. Finally, he saw it. It was a small book wedged in between a tome about Morwen and another about various historical figures. Man, what kind of sorting system do they even use here? Kane grabbed ahold of the book, and pulled. The book didn’t move. He pulled a little harder. Still, the book would not move. Tugging on it several times, he was frustrated to find that the book stayed in place. Kane’s eyebrow twitched and he used all his force to attempt to remove the book, while hissing, “Why. Won’t. This. Thing. Budge?!” With an angry huff, Kane let go of the book. Okay, what is with this place?! He searched around for anyone who might be able to remove the elusive book. All these people look useless. I’ll find a way to get it out myself. He turned back to the shelf, only to find the aforementioned book missing. Kane stared at the empty space as it mocked him. He folded his arms and let out a growl. Slowly, he turned his head to survey the area. Where is that book? Kane set out to find the book. His first stop was a small table with two girls seated across from each other. Leaning over one of their shoulders, he eyed the book lying between them. Not the one he was searching for. Backing up, he ignored the looks he was receiving from the girls. On to the next table then. Next he found a group of children all huddled around a table, eyes glued to a book between them, until they focused on him as he shuffled too close in an attempt to see the book. Kane scooted closer, causing the kids to eye him through narrowed eyes. Not this one either. He moved out to a more clear area to look around. Some Inarta in the corner were glancing at him and whispering amongst themselves. Kane sent them a withering look and they averted their eyes. Finally he spotted a woman sitting at a table to his left. Her red hair fell in her face as her bright blue eyes scanned the book laid out in front of her. Wait, that’s the book! He turned and made his way over to her. Kane placed his hand on the table, and balancing on that hand, he leaned over. The woman looked slightly intimidating. Why are all these Inarta so scary lookin’? I don’t want to push my luck and I especially don’t want to get into a fight. I guess I should try to play this one nice. “Excuse me. I was looking at that book.” He pointed at the book in question. “Would you mind sharing it?”

[Kitchi]

Kitchi turned the page again, fixing her eyes on the new sketches of rods and line and bait. She was glad she had decided to research the topic, she knew nothing about fishing or lines or hooks or any of this stuff in the book. What would have happened if she had just left to fish? Why had she decided to try fishing anyway? She frowned down at the fishing rod, it looks so complex but simple at the same time. Where would she get one? Could you borrow one? Or would she have to buy one? She was so caught up in the book that she didnt' notice the male leanign against the table and glancing down at the book. He stood for a moment, almost considering but Kitchi only realised his existance when his voice broke through her silent concentration. “Excuse me. I was looking at that book.” The male pointed at the book between her fingers and Kitchi frowned at him, looking at the book? How? Resisting the urge to roll her eyes she waited, experting him to say more. As she had predicted he did. “Would you mind sharing it?”
'Sure' She shrugged, twisting the book slightly. In another mood, or another day he might have been annoyed by the sudden appearance of the stranger disturbing her from her studies.

[Kane]

Kane exhaled as he took a seat next to the woman. He decided he was probably lucky that the person who grabbed the book was willing to share. The troubles he went through to find a fishing book were not something he wanted to repeat. At least I can look at the book now. Leaning forward, he began to examine the pictures on the page. The fishing rod depicted in the book looked rather similar to the one he owned, though he had never used it and honestly had no idea how. He glanced at his reading partner out of the corner of his eye. Perhaps she knew more? The fact that she was reading a book about fishing could either imply that she was as new as he was or perhaps she simply enjoyed the subject? Deciding to take the chance that she might know something, Kane turned to her and asked, “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about fishing, would you? Because I honestly know next to nothing.” He was a bit uncomfortable admitting this, but sometimes asking for help was a wise choice. “I mean, my brothers used to fish and they’d drag me along with them, but I never really paid any attention. And it’s not like I even wanted to be there, hence the dragging. So yeah, I know very little about fishing and was hoping you knew more. Since you were looking at the book and everything. So yeah.” Kane forced himself to stop rambling, frustrated that one of his more embarrassing habits had taken hold, especially while in the company of another person. Hopefully she won’t think I’m weird.

[Kitchi]

Kitchi absorbed herself back into the book once more as the stranger settled himself in a free chair besides her. For a moment they sat in silence staring at the carefully sketched lines. After a while Kitchi’s vision started to blur and she contemplated turning the page.
“You wouldn’t happen to know anything about fishing, would you? Because I honestly know next to nothing.” Kitchi almost jumped at the sudden voice in her ear but turned her blue eyes up towards him to listen. For a moment she considered her options, should she admit she didn't? Before she reached a decision the stranger had continued to speak “I mean, my brothers used to fish and they’d drag me along with them, but I never really paid any attention. And it’s not like I even wanted to be there, hence the dragging. So yeah, I know very little about fishing and was hoping you knew more. Since you were looking at the book and everything. So yeah.” The stranger rambled and Kitchi listened, absorbing the information as it passed over her ears. The stranger was obviously nervous, this long speak emphasised that. Kitchi wondered why he was so nervous, was she scary? Did he just not trust Inarta's? Did he fear the sudden anger they were so famous for? She reasoned it was likely the last, not many people would dare to put themselves in the same position as he had.
"Honestly, neither do I. I was hoping to learn so maybe I could go fishing when the fish come back. Don't even own a fishing rod myself" She admitted with a laugh.
“What is your excuse for learning?” She inquired. It seemed strange to her that someone would attempt to pick up a previously disliked skill but then she suppose it was possible to have a sudden change of heart.

[Kane]

The Inarta woman seemed to be considering his words. Kane was slightly nervous as he waited for her to answer. He really hoped that he hadn’t just made a fool of himself. I do that often enough as it is. Like the other day, when I slipped on that patch of ice again and those kids laughed at me. Little brats. Her voice cut him out of his thoughts, and he quickly focused back to the conversation. While he was a bit disappointed to learn that she knew as little as he about fishing, he was at the same time bolstered by this fact. He wasn’t alone in his cluelessness and her friendly response made him more comfortable with the conversation. “Well, I thought it would probably be a good thing to learn, despite any past negative experiences. And I guess I just woke up this morning and decided to learn the ways of fishing.” Kane shrugged. “Some days you just need to do something. Also I have a fishing rod, been carryin’ it around with me all the way from Syliras. Never used it though. You could probably borrow it if you want. What-” Suddenly, a thought his him. “Wait, there aren’t even any fish right now?!” With a grumble, he sulked for a few seconds, before remembering he had company. He mentally berated himself as he picked back up on his previous thought. “Uh, so, just out of curiosity, why do you want to learn fishing?” Kane was interested, wondering what her reasons for learning would be. People could be so intriguing and his table mate had been very cordial so far, so perhaps she might be willing to answer a few questions, maybe even exchange some.

[Kitchi]

“Well, I thought it would probably be a good thing to learn, despite any past negative experiences. And I guess I just woke up this morning and decided to learn the ways of fishing.” The boy shrugged as he spoke and Kitchi observed the movements with her blue eyes. She puzzled over his words for a moment, part of her was not fully satisfied with the answer but she supposed that was a personal flaw rather then anything else.
“Some days you just need to do something. Also I have a fishing rod, been carryin’ it around with me all the way from Syliras. Never used it though. You could probably borrow it if you want. What-” Kitchi’s eyes lit up slightly at the mention of Syliras, a place she knew little about but had heard and read tid-bits from. Was this guy a descendant from knights? She scanned him for a moment, he certainly was not what she expected a knight to look like, perhaps he was not. “Wait, there aren’t even any fish right now?!” Kitchi laughed at his sudden exclamation, he had a valid point. The waters were still frozen over and their was an absence of shimmering scales within the food provided. The performance of emotions the boy was displaying was almost comical, even Inarta styled. She wondered how long he had been in Wind Reach, having mannerisms of the locals but little knowledge of the seasons, the water always returned in spring, although normally later. For a moment he seemed to sulk, closing himself off from the outside world before jumping back into reality and glancing at her.
“Uh, so, just out of curiosity, why do you want to learn fishing?” The boy continued, his politeness returning and a curiosity burning within the greyed eyes. Kitchi considered it for a moment, she did not really have a satisfactory answer besides the random desire.
“The ice will melt soon, and it is something I never attempted. Besides I’m a hunter, any source of food is good” She almost appeared to puff herself up at the mention of her profession, pride resonating around her. Kitchi knew her position in the Inarta society was high and that many would look up to her because of it. “And as for your previous point, I’d be glad if I could borrow your fishing rod, I have no idea where to get one. Mind that is if I can ever make heads or tails of these diagrams” She waved her hands roughly in the direction of the sketches, they were far too complicated for her to understand. “When the ice melts, of course” She finished with a laugh.

[Kane]

Kane listened closely to her answer, quirking his lips into a smile at her obvious pride in being a hunter. He supposed it seemed like a valid reason to learn fishing. He could completely understand the want to learn new things, this being an impulse which had driven him much of his life. And he could see the lure to a hunter, especially considering how similar hunting and fishing were in their end goals. Heh, lure. He grinned slightly to himself before focusing again as the Inarta woman continued speaking. He mulled over her words in his head as he stared the page. She had a point about the complexity of the diagram. But with some serious study, he should be able to translate the sketches into something more understandable. He looked back up to address her. “Yeah, fishing seems overly complicated to me. The rod itself has so many parts to it. It can be rather hard to figure out." Glancing back down at the book, Kane considered offering his help. Deciphering information from books had always been something he’d enjoyed, and perhaps with two people working, the job would be achieved more quickly. It can’t hurt to ask. Kane pointed to the book and spoke, “If you’d like, I might be able to help you with that. It might be easier with two sets of eyes.” He shrugged. “It also may make the actual process of fishing go much more smoothly.” This seemed like a good plan to him. Any other time he’d had trouble with something, he had found others interested in the subject to work with, and it almost always seemed to help. Except for when I learned to cook, but I’m not getting into that. He gave her a companionable smile. “What do you think?”

[Kitchi]

“Yeah, fishing seems overly complicated to me. The rod itself has so many parts to it. It can be rather hard to figure out." Kitchi glanced back up at him as he began speaking again. In another time and place she might have been annoyed at his constant interruptions meaning that she could not focus on the book long enough to gather information but she knew that she would probably not learn much anyways.“If you’d like, I might be able to help you with that. It might be easier with two sets of eyes.” He shrugged as he pointed towards the book. “It also may make the actual process of fishing go much more smoothly.” Blue eyes cast down to the sketches once again, she was considering his words once more. He was perhaps right, two sets of eyes were almost always better then one. “What do you think?” Kitchi was met with a silent expectation filling the air as she thought about the words spoken between them.
"Sure, that is a nice idea. Which part should we start with? This bit looks most complex so maybe that? Or do you think that something easier would be a better start?" Kitchi smiled and pointed towards the bottom of the rod, the wire seemed to combine together into a rotating section with a faint handle. Her blue eyes followed the curve of the rod up to the more simplistic portion. It simply had a few metal circles running up the side of it which the string threaded through each circle.

[Kane]

Kane considered her words as he too studied the diagram. Usually, for something like this, it was best to begin from one of the more important mechanisms. Begin with the most important and build your knowledge from there. “Well, with something like a fishing rod, I’d think the best place to start would be on one of the main parts that make it work.” He nodded to himself, turning his eyes to the woman. “Like, to figure out how the thing works mainly as a whole, and then try to learn the rest out from that.” He waved his hands around as he spoke, using them to illustrate his point. Looking back at the diagram, he traced the line of the wire. “You’re right though, this would probably be the best place to start.” His eyes shifted to the next page, which held several paragraphs describing some parts of the figure. Skimming over the text, he found that it held quite a bit of information about the different parts of the rod, but not enough for his liking. “It seems as though this part is called... the reel?” He examined the book closer. “Yeah, that’s right.” He remembered his brothers mentioning something like that. Leaning over, he read the text more thoroughly this time. According to the book, the reel had the wire wound around it, and could be used to extend and retract the wire. The handle on the side of the reel would be rotated to pull the wire and is the mechanism that would be used to reel in any fish to be caught. “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...” Kane shifted his eyes back to the Inarta “I guess we’ll have to figure that part out on the actual rod, right...?” He paused with a realization. “You know, I don’t know your name. It would probably be easier to work together if we know each other’s names.” He rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment at not realizing this earlier. “Uhm, I’m Kane.”