Last night I dreamt that somebody loved me (Sondra)

[Trista]

Trista fluttered down until she was hovering only a few inches off the ground. She swished her blue-furred tail, a bit nervously.

"Erm...yes, hello." The pause that followed was just long enough to be awkward. There were any number of things Trista could say here, but none of them seemed like a good idea. Several options whirled through her head, but she finally settled on some kind of honesty -- it seemed the least likely to get her in trouble.

Deliberately, Trista switched from Common to Kontinese for the rest of the conversation. "I don't really know into what it is that I have stepped, but I find myself suddenly placed in a position of grave awkwardness." Although she was never difficult to understand, some of the sentence constructions that Trista used were rather more formal or were worded differently than those a native speaker would use.

"The other one, the one at whom you were swearing -- Veya, yes? -- stopped me after your hasty departure. Something about a family dispute, an antipathy toward one's gift, and an implication of dissolute living. At any rate, she wished for me to see if I could locate you for the purposes of conversing with you, and I agreed to oblige her. Which brings me to this juncture in time, relating this experience to you."

She shrugged and tilted her head to one side. "Sondra, this Veya seems concerned with you. However, every story has multiple sides, and I have only been entrusted with one thus far. And so it is that, having achieved my initial objective, I find myself rather at a loss as to how to proceed further."

It had been a while since Trista had tried to hold a conversation in Kontinese, and it required a certain level of mental effort. She was aware that she hadn't ended with a question, but it was close enough, and now the metaphorical ball was in Sondra's metaphorical court. Metaphorically, that is.

[Sondra]

Sondra's eyebrows went up at the delicacy of Trista's diction. The surprise morphed to a kind of amusement that bled into a slight smile.
"Your Kontinese is admirable," Sondra answered in the same, "But a little too pretty for my level of social standing."
Feeling mildly charitable, Sondra offered, "I'll speak in Kontinese with you, and I promise you'll pick up something that reflects 'local color'."

Having ignored the Tskanna in the room for long enough, Sondra finally got around to answering at least some of the Akvatari's concerns.

"Hey, I'm sorry Veya recruited you. Should've run while you had the chance. You don't have to proceed at all here. Every family has problems, but Konti families tend to be peaceable like and empathetic. When a contention comes up, though, it's a thing to behold."
Sondra's smile here was mocking and bitter around the edges.

The Konti began walking again, eager to be on the move.
"Veya, the lapdog, needs to ease off, and Grandmother has enough progeny to entertain her."
Sondra shrugged, "I don't like my gift and I do have loose standards. What does it concern them?"
Her hands flexed and made fists as she thought of other things.
"I'd be in Sunberth if they didn't trick me into coming home. They told me my sister was bartering with Dira. A fever on an island of healers is not stepping on Dira's hem."

Sondra looked both ways down a crossroad before veering left.
"As soon as I get Grandmother's mirror, I'm gone."

Light suddenly seemed to filter from Sondra's brain to her eyes. She spun on her heels to face Trista.
"Actually, Trista, how about we find Veya."
Sondra's expression was devilish smug.
"Today is the day I get that mirror, and you're going to help me with those lovely wings."
Trying to bring an element of fairness to the arrangment, Sondra added, "In exchange, I'm sure there's something you want that I can get you."

[Trista]

Trista raised one eyebrow at the mention of "local color." Having heard Sondra when Veya had showed up, Trista wondered if there were similar words that she didn't yet know, and that was what the Konti meant.

She flew beside Sondra without saying anything as the girl began to walk and talk. Trista got some of the basics of what was going on, though it seemed that Sondra wasn't much interested in giving her much in the way of background.

She was, however, interested in making Trista an offer. It was a rather sketchy-sounding offer, though the Konti wasn't giving details. Nonetheless, however, something about this odd family soap opera into which Trista had stumbled intrigued her. Her hands smoothed out the blue fur on her tail.

"It is undoubtedly the case that there are things of which I believe myself to be in want, but it seems judicious and prudent to set that aside for the moment. When their nature occurs to me, I shall let you know." She gave a thin-lipped smile.

"You have piqued my inquisitiveness, and I am, at this time, inclined to give you assistance. However, I must query -- what is this mirror of which you speak? And how, exactly, would one with wings be of value to you in obtaining it?"

[Sondra]

Sondra had to digest Trista's formal diction, so there was a beat of silence after the Akvatari's answers.

"Curiosity. I'm learning it's an excellent enticement for your race." Sondra gave a sly smile. She liked to know what moved people.
"Konti are excessively nosy, so it works on them as well. When you're used to being privy to private impulses and thoughts, it's no wonder."

The Konti slowed, her eyes passing over the bobbing heads. While her looks were mostly forward, she gave a sketch of what Trista had been recruited into.
"It's a black scrying mirror. Belongs to my grandmother. She keeps it in a locked tower, however she is inclined to leave the window unlatched," A wicked glimmer touched her eyes, "As she is always touting the benefits of fresh sea air."

Sondra was giving Trista more attention now.
"I can't leave the island with it. I'll be the first suspect, they'll frisk me at the docks. But if we can wrap it and send it with a courier to Syliras..."

Her pleased tone broke into surprise, "There she is." The Konti was trying to disguise her distaste, but the words came out through her teeth.
"Sweet. Little. Veya."

Veya had spotted Trista and was half skipping towards her.
"Oh you are a blessing! How did you persuade her back? I am indebted."
She smiled and her hands were all happy flutters, "Grandmother will be so happy."

With little more in the way of thanks, the beaming Konti began to lead Sondra away. Sondra's expression flicked to panic then to stubbornness.
"Trista's coming, Veya."
"Oh?" her surprise was quickly masked by a giggle, "Of course! I just got so caught up. Silly me. Do come Trista!"
The Konti tried to warmly clasp the Akvatari's hand, "Grandmother will like you very much."

[Trista]

Locked in a tower? Frisked at the docks? It sounded like this wasn't some small caper, but a major heist. Before the Akvatari could make any expression of concern, however, Veya came into view again.

The Konti's effusive thanks made her more than a little embarrassed, especially since she seemed now to have become a double agent of sorts. She managed a "You're welcome," but that was about it. And she did it in Common -- as soon as Veya came onto the scene, she switched back out of Kontinese.

She took Veya's hand, but as the conversation continued, it was her turn to feel a twinge of panic. It sounded as if she might have to meet this Grandmother figure...which would probably be the end of everything. Trista wasn't a good liar anyway, and how would she be able to hide the fact that she'd been enlisted to help steal a mirror from someone who had the Konti sight?

Well, she probably couldn't, which answered that semi-rhetorical question. The best she could hope for was that Grandmother might also be able to see that Trista's curiosity, not any criminal instinct, had led her to this pass, at which point Trista could throw herself upon the mercy of the metaphorical court.

Her blue wings twitched, and she followed Veya and Sondra to wherever it was they were going. Her mood wasn't anywhere near as high as it had been a few minutes earlier...but Veya probably wasn't observant enough to notice, and Sondra might or might not care.

[Sondra]

Led by Veya, who was near skipping from delight, the trio was wound through Mura's streets toward the finer residences. Despite Sondra's slightly ragged appearance, her family manse inspired a quiet assertion of means.

The pale building matched the feminine and almost aquatic quality of the rest of Mura. Slight rose and violet undertones warmed the curves of stone, and as promised a cluster of modest towers spiraled from the western wing of the house.
There were no gates, Mura was a peaceful place. Only a stone path liberally woven with thyme and lobelia preceded the round, lilac door.

Sondra could barely look at the opal colored house, whereas Veya was taking deep breaths, as if the air around it was enchanted.
"Isn't it lovely, Trista?" Veya announced, "Grandmother has a particular touch."

Sondra commented aridly, "She does like pretty things."

Veya only smiled vapidly and knocked on the door. No answer came after Veya's first round of pounding. Sondra was looking at her nails, not really caring if they stayed on the porch all day.
"Grandmother's probably cooped up in her tower. The tallest one, so she's even further from such menial things like answering the door."

Veya's expression changed, she was hiding her own distaste for Sondra, but doing a much better job of it.
"Her clearest visions come when she is undisturbed by worldly affairs. The tower affords her some seclusion."
Trying to repair Grandmother's reputation, Veya smiled at Trista.
"Grandmother is very gifted. She is a gem among Konti."

Sondra was yawning, likely on purpose.
"Too bad she couldn't foresee us at the door."

Veya frowned then returned to knocking.

Taking advantage of Veya's distraction, Sondra wandered away from the porch. She jerked her head, prompting Trista to follow.

"This might take a while if Grandmother is in another one of her trances."
Sondra stretched her arms, then interlaced her fingers behind her head.
"Hope you're not getting cold flippers."

The Konti was staring towards the towers.
"I'll keep her distracted downstairs, we just need a reason to separate you from the group. And a place to hide the mirror once you nab it, so when you join us again, nothing looks suspicious. Any ideas?"

[Trista]

It was a nice place, that much Trista had to admit. It would have been nicer if she had been here by herself, or at least not in between two parties who obviously had some measure of dislike for each other.

No one seemed to be interested in answering the door, and while Veya kept beating on it anyway, Trista flitted over towards Sondra.

"I have swum leagues at great depths, and perhaps my 'flippers' will always retain some of the ocean's chill." She was back in Kontinese now, stilted diction and all, and it might possibly take her half-smile to indicate that this statement was intended to be humorous. Her eyes followed Sondra's to the towers, though she didn't see anything unusual and might not have recognized it if she had.

Her lips pursed. "Is the water in close proximity? I am, one might say, in need of nourishment, and as much as your family's hospitality is no doubt excellent, Akvatari find nearly all cuisine distasteful." She shuddered for effect. "I shall never understand this concept of cooking, for instance. And the roots and sticks land dwellers eat taste resolutely like roots and sticks. I imagine that, in deference to my heritage, I should be allowed to catch myself a brief meal, no?"

"And as for hiding places, the ocean holds many mysteries, no?" She raised her eyebrows to emphasize the question. Trista didn't feel like being more specific, not until she'd already chosen a particular spot beneath the ocean's surface.

"I must request, however, that, should I be apprehended, remanded to the appropriate authorities, and confined in lightless solitude far from both sea and sky, you not forget to provide additional company for me on occasion, aside from the rats or other vermin that would be my cohabitants." Again, the half-smile indicated that she was joking. Maybe. It was hard to tell.

[Sondra]

Surprise crossed Sondra's eyes. She hadn't foreseen the end of Trista's questions and was on the cusp of explaining Grandmother probably had something suitable if she was famished.
"Oh I do believe there is a fine patch of coastline due west from here." Her smile was crooked, "Might be abalone season."
"And don't worry," Sondra added, "I'll do better than visit. I'll spring you out."

Veya began to hem and cough from the porch, finally resorting to a quick "She's Coming!" and churning the air with her arm.
Sondra moved painfully slow, purposely exacerbating Veya who was on the brink of panic.

The lilac door finally opened and a sweet motherly voice greeted them.
"Why hello, my dears! I hope I didn't keep you waiting."
The slim Konti glanced at Trista, and a new delight diffused over her expression, "You brought a friend!" A content purr entered her tone, "What a pleasure."

Grandmother seemed an inappropriate term for the woman. It was literally true, but the woman still glowed with youth, perhaps a shade over 130. Her expressive mouth was serene and her almond shaped eyes were a rare violet. Her long hair fell in thick waves to her waist.

It appeared Sondra had inherited Grandmother's distinctive nose, but the noble look of it was lost in the transfer. Glum looking Sondra seemed more mature with her squarer features and guarded mien.

"Come in, come in!"

She stepped aside waving them into a short entryway that descended into a parlor on one side. The walls were a light violet bordering white and the had windows of mottled glass in rose and lilac.
Sofas with curling arms, plump settees, fat fringed pillows and low hanging glass lamps were arranged about the parlor, all in opal tints of purple, pink and pearl. A set of tarot cards was half spread over a low table.

Grandmother blended into the scene, wearing a cobalt colored gown with long sleeves.

When Sondra passed her, Grandmother placed her hand on her shoulder, and kissed the top of her head.
"Welcome home, my dear."
Sondra looked neither welcome nor at home as she wedged herself into the corner of a sofa.
"Dear Veya, you are a pearl for bringing me such guests."

Grandmother looked to Trista, extending her hand, "I'm Eunoe. Welcome to my home."
After introductions, Eunoe looked to her visitors and announced, "I'll make tea. Jasmine, my granddaughter's favorite."
With that she swept out of the room, leaving Veya in a look of rapture and Sondra staring out the window.

"What do you think of Grandmother?" Veya finally asked Trista, "Isn't she just lovely?Maybe she'll read your tarot. She's very gifted."

[Trista]

Trista followed the duelling relatives into Eunoe’s home. ”I’m Trista; it’s a pleasure to meet you as well,” she said, accepting the proffered handshake. She was in fact extremely nervous, but fortune smiled on her, and Eunoe soon left to get some tea.

It would seem suspicious if she were to leave immediately, and so Trista set herself down on whatever piece of furniture seemed like it would accommodate her body. Sondra appeared to be in no mood to talk, and Veya’s perkiness was a bit much for Trista – she was beginning to see why Sondra had such a hard time dealing with her – and so the Akvatari settled into the awkward silence. It was broken, however, by Veya asking her a question.

”Your grandmother appears to be both a kind and a generous person,” she replied carefully. However, she blanched at the thought of Eunoe reading her tarot. What would come up? You will soon steal something of value belonging to a relative of a friend? It was something that could only end in disaster.

”She seems to have an impressive gift,” Trista replied finally, ”but I wouldn’t dare to impose, especially having come unannounced. Perhaps another time.” Not that there would be another time, but the less Veya knew, the better.

Trista hoped Eunoe showed up with the tea soon. That way, she could get the conversation out of the way and get started on her life of crime. Which, if her fraying nerves were any indication, probably wasn’t going to last long.

[Sondra]

"Oh no, I insist," came Eunoe's warm voice.
A tray was in her hand holding a tea set in the Benshiran style: purple glasses with bronze feet and filigree, and a bronze teapot with cloisonne design.

With a tinkle of glass and metal, Eunoe placed the tray on the low table. Cream and honey were in fingerbowls and long spoons were already in the glasses.
"I spent some of my call in Eyktol. It left me with a fondness for their design."

Eunoe handed Trista a glass of tea continuing, "I don't have as many guests as I like. So I am eager to entertain what few I have."
She gave a brief laugh.

"Come, come, just sit for a moment. I'll only do a simple reading. Three cards towards the future sound fair?"

Sondra was straightening in her seat, but she gave no other looks to dissuade or calm. She behaved precisely as she always did in Grandmother's house: apathetic. At least her manner wouldn't set off any alarms.

Sondra took the glass Grandmother handed her, drinking it without any additions. Her palette was accustomed to bitter brews, plain tea was all sweetness. She finally spoke as Grandmother shuffled the cards.

"Trista might be a person of discretion, Grandmother. Preferring to keep her affairs to herself."

Eunoe smiled and lightly batted this concern with her hand, "Don't be so dour, K'Sondra. Most people like to have their fortunes told."

Grandmother was kneeling at the table now. She addressed Trista, "K'Sondra has a very special form of fortune telling, but because she doesn't like it, she thinks everyone doesn't like it."

The cards were still being discretely shuffled in her hands. Eunoe was waiting for the instant she felt at peace with their order. The moment would be like finally matching the pitch of a omnipresent song.
"There," she breathed happily as the cards stopped.

"Come put out your hands, Trista, like a tray."
Eunoe's voice had taken on a soothing hush, befitting her position but not overplaying it. The Konti had the utmost respect for all the gifts rendered to her.