Episode 26 | Alluring Circle

Windshell activates.

Scene starts on a small but busy market place. Raka and Lyn are buying supplies.

Merchant:A’ight, here’s your fish.

Lyn:Thaaaank you!

Raka:Seven… eight. And here’s your eight Siya.

Raka hands him seven clay coins.

Merchant:Ah… that’s an odd design for a Siya.

Raka:Sorry, do you have a different currency?

Merchant:Oh no, we have Siya, but… I guess ours aren’t as worn as these…

Raka:I suppose they see more use in a larger town…

Merchant:(with a slanted smile) They’re still similar enough to our coins. You’re not from here, are you?

Raka:No, I’m from Kærûn.

Merchant:Ah, down east, isn’t it?

Raka:That’s right.

Merchant:I’ve heard of the place. What brought you here? Where are ya staying?

Raka:I don’t think that’s your business.

Merchant: (laughs) Fair enough. I was just curious if you’re one of Darïa’s guests.

Raka:Darïa?

Merchant:There’s quite a bunch of new faces in town today. The celebrations, you understand.

Lyn:Uuuh, is there a party going on?

Raka:We’re not staying here.

Lyn:Boo!

Merchant:Are you planning to head back out, then?

Raka:Ideally, yes. We still have some distance we need to cover.

Merchant:Piece of advice for ya: you really should stay. I don’t think the weather will hold up tonight. Looks like rain, perhaps even snow.

Lyn:Snow?! Shit. Time for my thermo leggings to pull their weight…

Merchant:To be quite frank… The woods aren’t safe at night around here anymore.

Raka:How so?

Merchant:Not a good place to be caught in a storm in.

Raka:We can take care of ourselves.

Merchant:Oh, no doubt. But can you defend yourselves against a beast?

Lyn:(slight terror) A Beast?!

Raka:(mild concern) A beast?

Merchant:Aye,

Raka:What kind of beast do you mean?

Merchant:There’s been rumors in town lately of something strange wandering through the woods.

Raka:What do you mean by that?

Merchant:Not sure what it is. Some say it’s a beast that… (catches himself, then leans in conspiratorially) that eats people.

Raka:The Khorpan’bælatharis?

Merchant:No, no, not the corpse collector, far worse than that. This other thing, it lures people into the forest, you see, and they never come back. Has taken two people already.

Lyn:Now THAT sounds ominous.

Merchant:Yea. You seem like nice people. Don’t let that thing get you.

Lyn:(whining) Can we stay in town for tonight, Raka?

Raka:(sighs) We’ll keep an eye out, thanks for the advice.

Merchant:Not a problem. Take care of yourselves.

Raka:Come Lyn, let’s go.

Lyn:Now I’m scared. Can’t we stay at an Inn here tonight? I’d enjoy some sleeping on actual beds again for a change…

Raka:This isn’t a large town, I doubt there’s enough travelers coming by here to bother opening an Inn for.

Lyn:Are there such things as beasts in this world?

Raka:(scoffs, laughing) You’ve already seen Malaki.

Lyn:Aww, that’s rude. He’s not a monster, he’s cute and cuddly! I mean the evil kind of monsters, of the “will eat your face” variety!

Raka:(sighs) I don’t know, I haven’t seen one. But why does this suddenly frighten you? You’ve already been face to face with Vær, Væhar and even Væron. You even wanted to punch one “in the face” yourself.

Lyn:They’re spirits, that’s different. They don’t eat your face.

Raka:The Eyta-Vær ate your friends.

Lyn:Eugh, you’re so rude. Er… if you say it that way, it sounds much worse. I guess you’re right on that one…

Raka:We’ll just have to be more careful when we camp, hm?

Lyn:But I can barely defend myself when I’m taking a shift!

Raka:You can wake me or Malaki up if anything happens. Anyway, do we need anything else?

Lyn:Let’s see, bread, smoked fish – sadly no meat – dried fruits, bag of nuts, spices, Kibble for you and Mal-

Raka:(sighs) I told you, you can feed all of that to Malaki. I’m not an animal, don’t try to treat me like one.

Lyn:You’ll always be an animal to me. Um, what else… Ink, paper… And this nice little hood. Thanks again for that, by the way!

Raka:Don’t thank me… It’s easier to hide your Rontar that way, if you already insist on coming to buy supplies with me.

Lyn:It didn’t seem like people here really minded either your grey fur nor my super smooth skin, though.

Raka:They were very nice people indeed here. Perhaps I was a little… too short tempered with some of them… considering our last interaction with a town.

Lyn:Well other than that, I can’t think of anything else we might’ve forgotten.

Raka:Great, then let’s find…

In the distance at the edge of the gate of the village, they can see Malaki, speaking to one of the villagers.

Lyn:Who’s that with him?

Raka:Fiyar’ta- Why did he come this close to the gate?!

Lyn:Doesn’t look like she’s hostile. He looks quite intimidated, though.

Raka:(sighs) We’ll figure this out.

Raka and Lyn rush over to the gate, leaving the small but noisy marketplace behind them.

As they approach, the dialogue between Malaki and Darïa comes into focus.

Darïa:Moktu ra’te? Not… understand? >(You don’t understand?)

Malaki:(uncomfortable) I don’t know what you say-

Darïa:Væmel ro’te. You… good see? See… Look! Look good! Fai amehan ro… um… don’t feel cold, yes? It is Kukolon’kos, and you’re not wearing arni’garædar… pants? Y, pants- fai fara-kashan… the fur, it is all you own, yes? (You are handsome. And you are resistant. It is winter, yet you walk with nothing but pants and a fur-cloak.)

Malaki:I didn’t mean to trespass, you DRAGGED me here! I will leave!

Darïa:Tu! No- Falrïa- stay. Ræcrontïa’mæ… to my house you come, y? You can… ahufalriæ ṽal’mæ. Stay here, yes? (No, stay! Come to my house. You can stay the night)

Malaki:(uncomfortable, pleading) R-Raka!

Darïa:Raka?

Raka:I’m sorry-

Darïa:Ah, Fæhu! (hello)

Lyn:Feyhu to you too!

Raka:F-Fæhu- apologies, he’s… (with a glare at Malaki) not supposed to be here.

Lyn:Yea, he’s… he’s just Malaki.

Malaki:(defensive) She dragged me here!

Darïa:Ah, are you… rhæ itar’feïr?

Lyn:What?

Darïa:Or you are… Nar’ræcronþaïr- Also a mistress, yes?(Is she your mate? Or your mistress)

Raka:No, I’m-

Lyn:What did she say?

Raka:He’s-

Darïa:Y?

Raka:No, he’s not- Tu.

Darïa:Tu?

Raka:Itu’rhæ, but we travel together. Sorry if his presence offended you, we will leave-

Darïa:Tu, leþsa, moktu mæ. Sah, azyri gonræ? (No, sorry, I don’t understand. Do you speak Azyri?)

Raka:Y, gonræ azyri.

Malaki:I think she doesn’t understand.

Darïa:Y, Moktu- understand not, yes.

Raka:Leþsa, iærduhfalarïa. (Sorry, just a moment)

Darïa:Y, y. Leþsa, leþsa…

Raka:(to Malaki) What happened?

Malaki:She saw me and dragged me in here! I didn’t come in here myself! And I don’t know what she says, I don’t understand-

Raka:(sighs) Alright. I’ll me speak to her.

There are two conversations overlapping here. Lyn and Malaki are in focus, Raka and Darïa in the background.

Lyn:I think that just overloaded her system.

Malaki:I… don’t know what that means.

Lyn:Too many people talking to her at the same time. Ooh, I like her dress. It looks nice and warm, haven’t seen people around here wearing that style. Maybe she’s not from here?

Malaki:I don’t know.

Lyn:Do you know her… race- rontar?

Malaki:No… I haven’t seen anyone like her before.

Lyn:Me neither. Hey, wana know what I got for you form the market?

Malaki:(exited) Show me.

Lyn:Here, look (snickering).

Malaki:Berries!

Lyn:Omyo, right?

Malaki:Omyo, yes.

Lyn:(secretive, snickering)I told Raka I wanted them for myself, you know how she is about getting treats for you. She never suspected that I was gona share them with you!

Malaki:(sly) You deceived her! (eating one) Delicious!

Lyn:Teehee… wait, leme try one too- (chewing) Oh daaaaang they’re sweet!

Malaki:They taste good in stew.

Lyn:Berry stew! Will you cook that for us later?

Malaki:If we find food that work with them. Not everything does.

Lyn:What do you need?

Malaki:Snow-Yag. Nuts. Ground up Larki. Mushrooms- from the bark of trees, not the ones on the ground. And Roots.

Lyn:Dang, you should’ve made a shopping list for us.

Dialogue happens off-mic

Raka:Leþsa. Toïl ro’arular-maïr? (Apologies. Did his presence offend you?)

Darïa:Tu tu! Kwarandil he is, to me. Sah, þa akari maïr? His name? (Oh no! I found him interesting. What is his name?)

Raka:(taken aback) Kwa-kwarandil?… Malaki itar.

(Interesting?… His name is Malaki.)

Darïa:Malaki! þa rontari itar? (Malaki! What is his Rontar?)

Raka:(uncertain) Nes ratu? (You… don’t know?)

Darïa:Tu. Don’t seen his rontar. Takun’xir-Þæan I am, from low lands. Valley? (I’ve never seen one like him before here. I came here from further south.)

Raka:Ah. Skur itar. (He is a Skur.)

Darïa:Skur? Inkæn… Like… grey demons, yes?

Raka:Y. (Exactly.)

Darïa:Vor… not grey. His fur isn’t, itu?

Raka:Y, ynkæn skur itu’maïr… (he is a little unusual for a Skur…)

Darïa:Kwarandil he is, yes.

Raka:Tusuri ro… (I suppose so…)

Darïa:Kukolon’kos it is, vor not cold for him.

Raka:Y, niṽra’Kukolon o-væ’hiþu ro’maïr. (He’s well adapted for the climate, yes.)

Darïa:I have interest, in a fyr’che. With him.

Raka:Fyr’che- Chedrin?! …

Darïa:Y.

Raka:Fæhar, kynwar itar’tæ? Maïrtïa fiarfæ ra-ha’mæ… (Are you sure? I could ask him…)

Darïa:Y, ker duh’mae.

Raka:Maïr fiarfæ ra-ha’mæ. (I will ask him)

Darïa:Ker duh’mæ. (please)

Raka turns back to the other two, slightly uncomfortable.

Raka:Are you two done?

Lyn:What did she say?

Raka:She asks if… if Malaki would like to sire a child with her.

Malaki:(angry) No!

Lyn:Woooow, go get em, Tiger!

Malaki:(angry) No, I don’t! Don’t demand that of me!

Raka:I… No one demands it, she asked!

Malaki:(angry) An ask is just a demand said in a different way! You wanted the same, last night! Stop “asking” for that!

Lyn:Yea, what is this, heat season?

Raka:(sighs) Kukolon’kos is a good month to conceive, if you want to bear a child in Luri or Faelyon, yes.

Lyn:The what and what now?

Raka:But that’s not what I was interested in.

Malaki:If she wants that, she should mate with her own Rontar!

Lyn:Yea, just asking a stranger on the street seems a bit desperate.

Raka:It’s a common practice. A mistress will pick sires based on their physical attributes in hopes that they will pass those on. She was particularly interested in the fact that Malaki seems so resilient to the cold climate, given that he wears nothing but pants and his fur cloak.

Lyn:Makes sense to me.

Malaki:(growls) I don’t care, I won’t mate!

There are two conversations overlapping here. Lyn and Malaki are in focus, Raka and Darïa in the background.

Lyn:Gee, I think you’re overreacting a little.

Malaki:(angry) I don’t mate with Kyrjir!

Lyn:Why not, bro? If she’s that interested, chances are you’ll barely have to do anything besides being… present. If you know what I mean. Just enjoy the ride.

Malaki:Disgusting. Constrained us to the Skundr to rot, then want to fornicate with Skurki for their own advantage. I have no interest.

Lyn:Now you’re just being prejudiced. She hasn’t said anything bad about Skurki has she?

Malaki:(considering) No. She… she didn’t seem to know what I was.

Lyn:See? We’ve been through quite a few villages, most of which expressed some level of racism against either of us. This is the first place were we’ve not run in any troubles of that kind.

Dialogue happens off-mic

Raka:(sighs, then turns to Darïa) Leþsa. Kewaratu taias’maïr.(Sorry. He’s not interested)

Darïa:(disappointed)Ah… Fyn’fæa. Unfortunate. Ah, leþsa! You also are kwarandil. (But you’re also handsome)

Raka:(uncertain) Uh… Te…dïo sunah. (thank you)

Darïa:Maybe you ræcrontïa’mæ, y? Fai stay, over night with me. (You can come to my home and stay for the night.)

Raka:Ah- Fæhar? An toha? (Really? All three?)

Darïa:Y, y! This night fæantar our house- We nairäa- built it. Now finish! We celebrate! You come, also! Pafaïteo vin’tæ! (Yes, of course! Tonight we celebrate the building of our house. We like company. You will be welcomed.)

Raka:Tedïo sunah- She says we can stay at her house tonight.

Lyn:Hecks yea! Beats sleeping outside, after the story that merchant just told us-

Windshell deactivates.

INT. AURILS STUDY – EVENING

Yosha is noting down the last few spoken words (possibly whispering them to herself as she writes) before she realizes the recording has ended. She puts down her scriber in surprise.

Yosha:(murmuring) beats sleeping outside, considering the story the merchant just told us… (surprised) Oh- that was shorter than I expected… Hm…

Yosha:Why did it even turn on for this segment? I wonder… if there will be more recordings later. (considering) Should I do the references already? It’s already getting late… I don’t think Akasar Auril or Ethiovar are coming in today…

Oh well, I can wait a bit, maybe another recording will come in. Actually… hmm, that means I have some time to write that letter I’ve been meaning to write… I’m sure he’s already worried about me not writing him in a few days…

Yosha pulls out a sheet of paper from one of the drawers, then picks up her pen and starts writing.

Yosha:Faehu, Brother. Today I feel a little… lonely, to be honest. It has been a while since you’ve visited mom and me. It’s… difficult finding others I can confide in, I think. Not many I feel confident having a deep conversation with, you know? I mean, I have Parek and Nilti, and I love them both dearly, but… I don’t know… Sometimes I feel conflicted bringing certain things up with them, you know? Nilti is a bit hotheaded sometimes, and Parek is… he feels distant at times. I mean, I know he’s with Nilti of course, but… (sighs, out of dictating mode) I’m doing it again, I’m being too vague… why is this so difficult…? (back to dictating) He doesn’t seem to be as interested in… me as a person. Which is… fine, I suppose… He doesn’t have to-

Windshell activates.

Yosha stops scribing in surprise.

Yosha:(surprised) Oh! (worried) Oh no… Where did I put- Ah there…

Focus shifts to the windshells recording.

Lyn and Raka are inside a cottage, noisy with celebration. Some people are singing in the background, others are eating and drinking. Some are involved in friendly banter.

Lyn:(raised voice) Gee, I didn’t think there would be a party! This is awesome!

Raka:(raised voice) Well I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.

Lyn:(raised voice) I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone from the village was present here! (to another party-goer) Hi, I’m Lyn!

Guest:(slightly slurred) Hey, little one…

Darïa:(raised voice) Xir’avator? More drink? (more drinks?)

Raka:(raised voice) Tu, sunah! (no, thanks) Lyn, you?

Lyn:(raised voice) What?

Raka:(raised voice) Do you want another drink?

Lyn:(raised voice) Drinks? Yes please- ker du may? That meant please, right?

Darïa:(raised voice, heavily accented) Ker duh’mæ, please, yes! (laughs) Thæanæa will I learn, also.

Raka:(raised voice) I think you’re doing great!

Darïa:(raised voice, laughing) Ker duh’mæ!

Darïa:(raised voice, heavily accented) Not easy it is. Very different. Ah- Leþsa, sorry. (off to offer drinks to other people) Xir’avator?

Lyn:(raised voice) Have you tried these yet? They’re delicious!

Raka:(raised voice) No, thanks. I think I’ve had enough for tonight. Have you seen Malaki?

Lyn:(raised voice) Seen him, but… I’m not sure. Darïa offered him some whine earlier but he didn’t want any. Then some chick gave him some suggestive gestures and he left with her.

Raka:(raised voice) A chick?

Lyn:(raised voice) Yea, girl, woman, mistress, whatever. You know, someone to “mate with”.

Raka:(raised voice) Strange. After he turned Darïa down and what he said to me, I honestly thought he preferred males. With the way he’s so focused on Azeri…

Lyn:(shrugs, chewing) I don’t know what he’s into. I thought he was into mudpools and thornbushes, you know?

Raka:(raised voice, amused) Well, one does not exclude the other.

Lyn:(raised voice) In all honesty, you fur-guys seem to be all over the place when it comes to what attracts you. Figured it’s no use to bother keeping track.

Raka:(raised voice) What do you mean?

Lyn:(raised voice) I mean I thought you were into females until you asked Malaki.

Raka:(raised voice) Well I prefer females, but I’m not opposed to males, as long as they’re interesting.

Lyn:Huh. So you’re basically think that Malaki is interesting.

Raka:I mean… more than the average I’ve dealt with so far, I suppose…

Lyn:(raised voice) So you basically haven’t settled on anything yet?

Raka:(raised voice) I don’t… I don’t understand… Settled?

Lyn:(raised voice) I mean, what attracts you, females or males?

Raka:(raised voice) Why do I need to “settled”? Most Rontar I know of don’t settle. Some have a preference, but will accept either.

Lyn:(raised voice) Huh. Well I guess Malaki might have a preference for non-Kyrjir then?

Raka:(raised voice) Don’t use that word…

Lyn:(raised voice) It’s what he said earlier, he doesn’t fornicate with Kyrjir.

Raka:Are you sure that’s what the plan was for the two of them? They could just have gone hunting together.

Lyn:(raised voice) Hunting, fornicating… It’s all having to do with body actions. I honestly thought that was a euphemism for the same thing. But no, I don’t know what she said to him. Should we go out looking for him? What with that beast the merchant mentioned.

Raka:(raised voice) That’s really bothering you, isn’t it?

Lyn:Yea…

Raka:I think Malaki’s perfectly capable of taking care of himself.

Lyn:I guess so.

Raka:That aside, neither of us has had any privacy since we started out together.

Lyn:(raised voice) Oh yea, give the boy some space.

Raka:(raised voice) Wait, is the- is the windshell on?

Lyn:(raised voice) I can’t tell, it’s too loud.

Raka:(raised voice) Let’s step outside for a moment.

Lyn:(raised voice) What, me too? I can just give you the windshell if you want to confirm!

Raka:(raised voice) That’s your third helping! I think you could do with a little walk instead of a forth.

Lyn:Buuuh, party pooper! Eugh, fine!

They get up from the table and try to make their way through the hall to the nearest door.

Raka:I think the back door is closer. This way.

Guest:Think she can hold her liquor? (giggling)

Lyn:Yup, yup. Oops sorry.

Guest:Eugh, be careful!

Lyn:Sorry!

Guest:(slurring) Hey little one!

Guest:Look at the little one… look how small she is!

Lyn:Uh, yea, make space!

Guest:Watch where you’re going!

Guest:I’m sitting here!

Lyn:Sorry!

Guest:Right? Straight to my face and I’m trying to use it…

Lyn:Oh oops that was your foot- Sorry!

Guest:(disgusted) Urg, You smell terrible!

Guest:What have you been rolling around in?

Lyn:Sorry, I- I stepped in Spirit-poop, most likely.

Guests are wretching.

Lyn:Oh nice tail, bro!

Guest:(laughs) Thanks. Care for a drink?

Raka:Come on, Lyn!

Lyn:Nope, sorry, I gotta go, I’m being called. But maybe later.

Guest:Ah. A shame.

Guest:See you later…

Lyn:Yup, coming! Almost there!

Darïa:Ah, gærion- you leave?

Raka:Taka hæ ra. Yares destuuræ’ha. (Going for a walk. We will come back.)

Darïa:Äïrnïa. Not safe, the forest.

Raka:Y, arëva’rycar nehlia-e ra’wær. (Yes, we heard) A beast, right?

Darïa:Beast?

Raka:Is… that not it?

Darïa:Tu, not beast, itu. Feïr itar.

Raka:Feïr?

Darïa:Female, yes.

Raka:It’s not a…?

Lyn:Hey, what did she say?

Raka:She told us to be careful-

Lyn:Because of the beast?

Raka:She says it’s not a beast, it’s a…

Darïa:(calling out) Torkas! Torkas!

Torkas:Y, Darïa?

Darïa:Gonræ’te… Your speak better itar, tell Raka arëva- of dangers… Ko vares aïrnïa. Ana’feïr.

Torkas:You mean the woman that’s been taking people away?

Darïa:Y, y, y.

Lyn:A woman? I thought it was a beast!

Torkas:(laughs) Some might call her that.

Raka:What can you tell us?

Torkas:There’s talk that some villagers have been seen following a strange, foreign woman into the woods.

Raka:What Rontar is she?

Torkas:See, that’s what makes her strange, the people who saw her contradict each other on that. Some say she’s a Faraksha, others say she’s a Kselka. Another even said she might’ve been a Skur. But from what I heard they all saw the same people leave the village at roundabout the same time with a female.

Lyn:Uh-oh…

Torkas:So far she’s taken three people into the woods, as I’ve heard.

Raka:Three people?

Lyn:Didn’t the merchant earlier say there were only two?

Torkas:I’ve heard of three. Two men and a woman. Neither of them has come back after they went with that woman away.

Raka:Fiyar’ta… alright, we’ll be careful. Thank you for the information.

Torkas:Not at all, just be careful of any strangers that might approach you.

Raka:Will do. Come, Lyn.

Darïa:Raka?

Raka:Hm?

Darïa:Wakas andaïl anïr.

Raka:Tedio sunah. Wakas andaïl anïr.

They exit the house through the back door. The house opens up near the river, which bubbles as it streams past the house. Outside, there is a couple, obviously drunk and laughing, throwing small objects in the river.

Lyn:Shit, do you think that woman was that beast thing?

Raka:Possibly. But I thought Malaki would know better than to go with strangers.

Lyn:Maybe she lured him in with a truck full of cute puppies?

Raka:(confused) A what?

Lyn:Never mind. So how do we find him?

Raka:Do you know what Rontar the woman you saw was?

Lyn:Pff, as if I know any Rontar beside Skur and Miru. Looked like Darïa’s kind, though.

Raka:Faraksha, alright.(raised voice) Excuse me?

Drunk1:(raised voice, drunk) Hm? What, were we too loud? (subdued laughter)

Raka:No, I just need to ask you a question.

Drunk2:(raised voice, drunk laugh at friends joke) Hey, you’re handsome, want to sit with us?

Drunk1:Come on, it’s gona snow soon, I can smell it. Best to, you know, surround yourself with some lovely warm companions, don’t ya think?

Drunk2:(snickering) Warm.

Raka:I don’t have time for that right now.

Drunk1:Warm. Moist. No wait, that’s you-

Raka:Our friend might be in danger-

Drunk1:I mean this beer over here is really warm…

Drunk2:Because you’ve had your hand on it so long…

Drunk1:Shhhh

Drunk2:We got plenty ale cooling in the river.

Drunk1:(singing) Plenty of ale~

Raka:(raised voice) Um. No thanks. I’m looking for a friend- a guy that looked like a Faraksha with horns.

Drunk1:A Faraksha-sha-sha…

Drunk2:(raised voice) Oh, you mean a Skur?

Raka:(raised voice)… Yes, a Skur. But with brown fur. Have you seen him?

Drunk1:(raised voice, drunk) Oh, wait, yea! There was one that came out a while ago, with another ladyfriend. Looked like the Rontar of your friend, there. I mean, the spit!

Lyn:(raised voice) Like me?

Drunk2:(raised voice, drunk) Yea, like you.

Drunk1:Yea actually. Yea, actua- Yea!

Raka:That’s… odd.

Drunk1:Exactly like you!

Lyn:Pff, he would rather lose his horns than go crazy with a human.

Drunk1:Are you sure you’re not her- them?

Lyn:Now we know for certain that he was deceived.

Raka:You got any idea where they went?

Drunk1:Uhh… pff… you know- you know where they went?

Drunk2:Yea, um… that way?

Drunk1:Was it that way?

Drunk2:Yea, that way a bit.

Raka:So… that way? Up the river?

Drunk1:Just a bit, though. It wasn’t all the way that way, was it? It was-

Raka:Alright, thank you.

Drunk1:Hang on- hang on a second. Are you sure you want to intrude on them?

Raka:I’m sure.

Drunk2:I’m sure you know what they’re doing.

Drunk1:Yea- yea (getting rowdy) you know what they’re doing.

Raka:I can imagine. But that doesn’t matter right now, finding him is more important.

Drunk1:They might come back, they might. But after doing what they’re doing.

The two drunks laugh.

Drunk1:Okay, shhhhush. Okay. Look, if you wait a bit, they might come back on their own.

Raka:We can’t rely on a “might”.

Drunk2:For some of Darïa’s fresh baked pies, if nothing else… (scoffs in amusements, then breaks out in uncontrolled giggles)

Raka:Have you not heard of the beast or person luring people into the forest?

Drunk1:I really want a pie… I could murder for a pie right now. Urg, that’s my hand…

Raka:If that person was who we think it was, they might not be coming back at all.

Drunk2:You’re not jealous, are you?

Drunk1:(gasps) I think you’re jealous! Look at that, it’s a jealous face!

Raka:No I’m just- I’m-

Drunk1:You’re jealous! You’re looking jealous~

Raka:He might be in trouble, or worse yet, in real danger. We need to find him.

Drunk2:You could just sit- come sit with us for a bit, we’re good company, too.

Drunk1:Yea, we are fine company, look at us!

Raka:(raised voice) No thanks.

(normal volume) Come on, Lyn.

Lyn:Okay.

Drunk1:We’re good company too, aren’t we? Ay? Ay?

Drunk2:We so are.

Lyn:Wait, why are you bringing your bow along?

Raka:Well we just got mixed information on what we’re actually looking for. I’m still not entirely sure if what we’re looking for is a beast, or a person, or a spirit, or something else entirely. It’s better to be prepared.

Windshell deactivates.

INT. AURILS STUDY – EVENING

Yosha is puts down her scriber.

Yosha:(sighs) What is *with* these recordings today? Maybe I should just do the transcripts tomorrow… I don’t think I feel quite comfortable staying in the university past sundown, either… I’m sure there will be another one in a bit… (resigned) A distraction might help.

She pulls out her letter to her brother, then picks up her scriber to star writing.

Yosha:Where did I stop… Ah.
(writing voice again) Sorry, I’ll stop about Parek now. I think perhaps I’m just a little on edge right now.
I’m still helping Akasar Auril transcribe the Windshell recordings, but as it turns out, Akasar Auril is currently… “gone to Aelmir”. Have you ever heard of that happening for Almirêus? I don’t think I have… but then again, Akasar Auril is one of the only Almirêus I’ve been in contact with… Well, I still come into his study to transcribe the windshell recordings that come in every day. Don’t want work to pile up on me. But I feel a little odd going into an Akasar’s study and staying there long past sundown when he’s not even here… I got caught by Akasar Ethiovar the other day and had to explain what that was all about… It felt very uncomfortable. I don’t think Akasar Auril has let anyone know about his project beside Akasar Raka and me, so having to explain what his intention was with the project and why I’m helping him felt… quite uncomfortable… But I really believe that the Windshells are a worthy project to sink my time into. I want to give it my all, and really help this project flourish. So perhaps one day we may be able to speak to each other despite the distance between us. Wouldn’t that be great? And of course, Akasar Raka’s involvement in this project is… (with a knowing smirk) is a great motivator to me. I’ve had many chances to get to know her on a deeper level than I could’ve ever hoped for. Even if she’s unaware that I know these things about her now-

Windshell activates.

Yosha:(quick intake of breath) Oh, there it is again!

Yosha quickly shoves her letter aside to continue her writing on the transcript.

Raka and Lyn are walking through the underbrush, looking for Malaki.

They are travelling lighter than usual, as they left the majority of their possessions at Darïa’s house.

Lyn:Woohoo, windshell!

Raka:Fiyar’ta…

Lyn:Did it work?

Raka:No… This is… odd. I tugged his äthwar quite hard, but it doesn’t seem to go connect to him at all.

Lyn:What does that mean?

Raka climbs over a fallen tree.

Raka:I don’t know…

Lyn:Crap… Hey, can you shine your headlight over here-

Raka:Hm? Where?

Lyn:Dude, not in my face!

Raka:Sorry!

Lyn:On this log, you just stepped over this. I don’t wana slip over it and break my neck.

Raka:Here.

Lyn scrambles over tree that had fallen.

Lyn:Thanks. Urg… I think the rain is starting to turn into snow sludge.

Raka:It is… we should hurry up and find him soon… maybe I could try… (sighs) Hmm, no…

Lyn:What? You know any rune-y stuff we could try to locate him?

Raka:I could try a Luring circle, or I could compose a reel for his äthwar. Or…

Lyn:A reel?

Raka:A woven construct I can use to… essentially pull him here.

Lyn:Oh. Like that thing I made to get the Echo-Væhar to come to me?

Raka:Similar to that, except you reel in a person rather than a spirit.

Lyn:Oh cool, you can do that?

Raka:In theory. I’ve never done it before, I only heard that it’s rather unpleasant for either participants. And… tugging on his äthwar already did nothing, I’m not sure reeling would have any more of an effect.

Lyn:Why not do a luring circle, then?

Raka:Well for one, we don’t know if we’re really dealing with a spirit or something else here.

Lyn:So there ARE other things out there than spirits?!

Raka:There are beasts out there that are neither Therion nor Therianthrop, neither Vær nor deity. Beasts, like the Khorpan’bælaþaris and the deathbirds. Nothing like what the villager described, though, not that I’ve heard of anyway.

Lyn:And those things are not just superstition?

Raka:I won’t dispute their existence until I see them for myself.

Lyn:You disputed quite a few things Malaki said about the Vær that later turned out to be true.

Raka:I… (sighs) I was convinced the things he spoke of were nonsense.

Lyn:Well, we all make mistakes.

Raka:I… suppose so…

Lyn:Eh… My pants are starting to get wet… Was there a third option we could try?

Raka:Well… We could ask Ferryce if he could guide us-

Ferryce:(chuckles) That’s not really Væron knowledge.

Raka:(sigh) I know. But Malaki’s life might be at stake here.

Lyn:Yea, we have to save our lil’ Malapuppy from the clutches of evil!

Ferryce:(amused) Didn’t you say earlier that he’s perfectly capable of taking care of himself?

Raka:(exasperated) If this is a spirit, then I believe he could. But we don’t even know if we’re dealing with Vær or something else here. Can you at least tell us that much?

Ferryce:I could, Raka. But where’s the fun in spoiling it for you? You’re the great Patcher of Kærûn, surely you can figure this out-

Raka:(impatient) Ferryce, does answering that question cost me my daily credit with you, or why are you stalling?

Ferryce:I’m not stalling, Raka. I just don’t want you depending on my expertise to solve your own problems-

Raka:IS Malaki in any danger?

Ferryce:(chuckles) Isn’t it more likely that the Vær are in danger of him?

Raka:Ferryce!

Lyn:I’m not sure if we’re making any progress here.

Raka:(impatient) Can you help us find Malaki?

Ferryce:(amused) Oh, I certainly could, Raka. However-

Raka:(angry) For the fourteens sake, Ferryce, we don’t have time for this!

Lyn:Yo, take a chill-pill, Raka…

Ferryce:(suppressed infuriation) Helping you with such a petty matter is not part of our Oathbond, Raka, and you know it. So if you insist on this, be prepared that I will not grant you any more Væron knowledge for an indefinite period.

(pause. Raka, is obviously struggling with herself)

Ferryce:(disgruntled, challenging) Well, what will it be, Raka? Finding your little pet or continue being able to obtain pieces of my knowledge?

Raka:(through gritted teeth) Help us find Malaki. I insist.

Ferryce:Very well.

A low, pleasant drone starts humming in the background.

Ferryce:I’ll show you to his close proximity. Nothing more. The rest is up to you.

Raka:(relieved) That’s more than enough.

Lyn:Oh, thank the Ferryce!

(pause)

The ambience shifts, and a soothing drone enters.

Lyn:Um… Where… are we now?

Raka:We’ll worry about that later.

Lyn:(sigh) I hope we can find our way back to the big house later… all this wet is really starting to feel uncomfortable-

. Its meant to fill the gap and needn’t be ledgible here, in fact I’d prefer if it was barely perceptible as words.

Raka:Shhh.

Lyn:(lowered voice) Do you hear something?

Raka:(hushed) Don’t you?

(pause)

Lyn:(hushed) Droning.

Raka:(hushed) And voices.

Lyn:(hushed) I don’t hear them.

Raka:(hushed) There!

Lyn:(hushed) See them?

Raka:(hushed) Down that slope. There’s a woman.

Lyn:(hushed) Could be anyone…

Raka:(hushed) Ferryce guided us here, do you really think her presence is pure chance? … What does she look like to you, what Rontar?

Lyn:(hushed) She looks like your… Rontar.

Raka:(hushed) Then that must be her, I see her as a- oh Fiyar’ta- (touching her gem) Fenet Ronturi, cealtïa. (Fire Rune: Jewel Torch, extinguish)

Lyn:(hushed) Why’d you turn the light off?

Raka:(hushed) Whatever that thing is, I think we want to take it by surprise.

Lyn:(hushed) Right, makes sense.

Raka:(hushed) Do you see a Rune in it?

Lyn:(hushed) Um… I’m not sure, she’s standing too close to Malaki, all I see is his runecluster.

Raka:(hushed) Fiyar’ta… I need to get closer to make circles and we still don’t know if she’s a Spirit or not. The only thing I can think of is… a four-way counterbalance.

She pulls out her knife and starts carving a rune into the tree they’re hiding behind.

Lyn:(hushed) Like you did with the Eshävær?

Raka:(hushed) Yes, but with restricting properties this time.

Lyn:(hushed) Oh, I’m ready for this.

Raka:(hushed) Ash, Ebb, Lull, Root. At the very least it would prevent her from using magic of any sort, spirit or not.

Lyn:(hushed) Sounds good.

Raka:(hushed) Stay here. I’ll sneak around them and carve those on nearby trees.

Lyn:(hushed) Um… sure.

Raka:(hushed) Will you be alright on your own?

Lyn:(hushed) I’ll just enjoy the show from the front row.

Raka:(hushed) Whatever that means.

Raka sneaks off.

Off in the distance, we hear the voice of the spirit, talking softly to Malaki.

Spirit:(caring) Lay down. You seem tired.

Malaki:(entranced) I’m fine…

Spirit:(pleasant) You are truly handsome.

Malaki:(entranced) Don’t… touch my face…

Spirit:(mild laugh, sensual) Oh? But this is what you desire, is it not?

Malaki:(entranced) Yes…

Spirit:(sensual) Then give in to me. (whispering) I can give you all you desire.

Malaki:(entranced, mumbling) This is not… what I…

Spirit:(disappointed) You would let a female like me pass?

Malaki:(entranced, mumbling) You’re not… a female… you are… hmm…

Spirit:(amused) Want me to prove it to you?

Malaki:(entranced, mumbling) No…

Spirit:Come, give me your hand. (mischievous) Touch me.

Malaki:(entranced, mumbling) No…

Spirit:(sensual) This feels real, doesn’t it?

Malaki:(entranced, mumbling) This is not…

Spirit:Oh? Would you rather touch here, then? (mischievous little laugh)

Malaki:(entranced, mumbling) You said you would show…

A long pause.

Spirit:Ah, is this not good enough for you? (turning male) Maybe what you truly desire is Azeri, after all?

Malaki:(entranced) Azeri, yes… yes…

Spirit:Come, touch me.

Malaki:(entranced) No… Not like that…

Spirit:But it is what you desire, is it not?

Malaki:(entranced) No… I want Azeri, not…

Spirit:But I am Azeri.

Malaki:(entranced) You’re… not him…

Spirit:Of course I AM Azeri, you silly mortal! You feel it, don’t you? My mortal body, my flesh?

Malaki:(entranced, wistful) No… you’re just…

Raka:A pesky spirit that feeds on desires!

Lyn:Yea! Tell it, Raka!

Spirit:(chuckles, then turns female) Ah… Would you like to join us? Is that what you desire?

Raka takes an arrow from her quiver and aims.

Raka:Step away from Malaki.

Spirit:(amused) A bow? (chuckles) Don’t be silly. You know you can’t hurt Vær with-

Raka releases without hesitation. The arrow pierces the Spirits shoulder, knocking it back a step.

Malaki:(enthralled) No!

Spirit:(slightly startled, but not hurt) Ah. You are bold.

Raka:And you are very stupid for a Vær. You manifested, that means arrows CAN hit you.

Lyn:Uh-huh! She kids you not, bro! Get away from Mal!

Raka draws another arrow and aims.

Spirit:Quiver your arrow… perhaps we can reach an agreement otherwise.

Raka:(threatening, shakes her head) Ah. Don’t make me use another one. Step. Away. From Malaki.

Lyn:Raka! You could hurt him! You’re good, bro, but you could still hurt him!

Spirit:Listen to your companion, little mortal.

Malaki:(entranced) Raka… Don’t… take Azeri from me…

Raka:Snap out of it, Malaki, that’s not him!

Malaki:(entranced, wistful) I know, I know! … I know…

Raka:Then why do you let it do this to you?

Malaki:(entranced, wistful) She… She says she knows… (almost sobbing) where Azeri is!

Raka:You know that’s a lie, Malaki. Ferryce didn’t know where Azeri is. There’s no way a lowly Spirit could know more than a Væron.

After a short moment, Malaki stumbles away form the spirit, but falls to his knees. Lyn jumps up and hastes toward Malaki.

Lyn:Shit- Mal! Are you alright?

Raka:Lyn Stop!

Lyn halts.

Raka:Don’t get closer!

Lyn:But Mal needs help-

Spirit:(amused chuckle) He is weakened. Voided of his desire. Weak little mortals.

Malaki:(despaired) Azeri…

Malaki continues dragging himself across the floor, then stops. He pants heavily, as physical strain causes his exertion.

Lyn:What’s happening to them?

Raka:Desire spirits suck their victims dry of desires, filling the void with despair.

Lyn:That’s even more reason to help him up!

Raka:He has to get up by himself. Proof that he’s still got willpower left.

Spirit:(condescending chuckle) Don’t expect too much. I thought that this one would have more desire in him than the others.

Raka:Others?!

Spirit:But I was wrong. He barely lasted night.

Raka:What did you do to the others?

Spirit:(shifting back to female) I gave them what they desired. And they… (lustful, turning male) gave me theirs, in return.

Raka:Where are they?

Spirit:(scoffs) Lost. Voided of desire, just like this one.

Lyn:You killed them?

Spirit:(surprised) Kill them? (amused) Of course not! I let them go when they ceased being nourishing.

Raka:Then why did none of your victims come back to the village?

Spirit:(amused) Perhaps they had no desire to return to it.

Malaki:(strained, despaired) Pesky… Vær…

Raka:Get up, Malaki.

Malaki huffs, then with a strained effort, digs his claws into a nearby tree to try and push himself up.

Raka:(smirks) So you do have some fighting spirit left. Good. (Raising voice, addressing the Spirit) Listen, Vær! I will give you your desire, if you satisfy mine.

Spirit:(shifting back to female) Very well. Which of your many desires would you like fulfilled?

Raka:For you to return to the Aetherweb.

Spirit:(distraught) No… No!

Lyn:Yea! Go back to where you came from, we don’t want you here!

Spirit: (angry) I don’t want to go back, I like being out of the stupid weave! You can’t force me!

Raka:You are gluttonous and care not for the consequence of your actions! Go back to the Aetherweb, feast on the desires like you used to! There is no shortage of it among mortals!

Spirit:No shortage of it?! You are not the Vær that has to feed on these peoples! Their desires don’t have any sophistication, no zeal, no zest! No, leave me be! I can… (sly, female) I can give you all you desire, as long as you give me your desire in return!

Raka:There is nothing you can give me.

Spirit:(male, laughs) Are you sure? How about that girl you like? (turning female) The one from the bakery? (alluring) I’ve been watching you from afar, Raka. Every morning I see you, on your way to university, buying fresh bread from my housekeeper. You are so handsome.

Raka:(annoyed) I’m not interested in an airhead like her.

Spirit:But you think of me from time to time, hm? (laughs, male) Or do you desire to undo what you caused your Aunt to become?

Raka:(growls) Stop.

Spirit:(older female, if you can do that, despaired accusation) Raka, this is your fault! Your stupidity did this to me! It is your fault I had to join the Væron and become as this!

Raka:Bite your fangs!

Spirit:(turning more maniacle) Ah, or perhaps you seek to know the knowledge of Væron, now that Ferryce won’t speak to you anymore, hm? (sly) Or to unsee the gapping cleft of the first tangleweave you opened? (laughs) Or do you still desire to… become a Deity?

Raka:I will earn those things myself!

Spirit:Oh, but you can’t reach that on your own accord, Raka. Nothing you have done is of interest to the gods! You are not memorable. Not worthy of their notice. (low, almost whispering) Yet I can fulfil all of that for you, Raka.

Raka:(starts chanting)Vær, äirnia! (Spirit, listen!)

Spirit:(panicking) No! NO!

Raka:Iæ’garïe vriaṽheo

(You who was born in the weave)

Spirit:(pleading) Please, don’t force me back into the weave!

Raka:Fai takun’nahar ræþa ra’ker! (and passed through its holes!)

Spirit:I will be a good Vær! I… I will hunger on the weave!

Raka:Tænahri kynwæ, cerïa! (Release your accumulated desire)

Spirit:I will starve on the weave! I… will perish on the weave!

Raka:Netoeo vin, garïetïa destuuria! (Cleansed, return to the weave)

The spirit starts running, but can’t escape the counterbalance Raka has drawn around it.

Spirit:(panicing) What is this, what have you done to this place?

Raka:A simple four way counterbalance. And the arrow in your shoulder tethers you to it.

Spirit:(shrieking) No! Nooo!

Raka:Kuneþ! AnhiÞniṽia! (Aether rune: Arrow, repress)

The Spirit shrieks, as it is forced to return to the weave. The arrow from the spirits shoulder drops on the floor, as the droning disappears.

Lyn:Dang! Is it gone?

Malaki:(whisper) Azeri…

Raka:Yes. Back to the weave.

Malaki:(despairing whisper) Azeri…

Lyn:Oh shit- Are you alright, bro?

Lyn hastily rushes over to him to help support him.

Malaki:(exhausted, wistful) Yes… Yes… I’ve… not seen his face in so many years…

Lyn:I’m so sorry you had to go through that…

Raka:Malaki, I’m sorry. That was not your mate.

Malaki:(laughs bitterly) Mate. So this is the reason it tried to seduce me with that shape… It read your thoughts.

Raka:My…

Malaki:No… You’re wrong.

Raka:(confused) I’m… wrong?

Malaki:Azeri is… was… is not my mate.

Raka:He wasn’t? Then why did the Væhar- You said he was your… Vannir Aurki, right? Your… other half?

Malaki:My other horn.

Raka:Oh. I thought that meant-

Malaki:You didn’t ask. You assumed. (laughs bitterly)

Raka:Why are you laughing?

Malaki:The Væhar acted differently before you approached.

Raka:Different? What do you mean?

Malaki:It changed. Because of you.

Raka:Me?

Malaki:Your thoughts. Your understanding of Azeri. That changed what it thought Azeri was to me. (disappointed) You are my pack. You ask questions. But you don’t care…

Raka:(infuriated) I don’t… CARE?!

Malaki:Azeri was not my mate. He was my brother. My other horn. My… my twin.

After a long, silent pause, Raka stomps past Lyn, wordlessly.

Lyn:Uh… Um Raka? Wait, where are you going-

Windshell deactivates.

INT. AURILS STUDY – NIGHT

For a long moment, the room is silent. Then Yosha lets her scriber drop. It rolls off the table.

Yosha rests her face in her palms, elbows leaning on the table. She is deeply shaken by what she just heard, on the edge of tears.

Yosha:(with a shaking voice) No… Oh no… Oh Fiyar’ta… Raka… Malaki… I can’t- I’m so sorry… (sniffing)

She pulls out her letter to her brother. She tries to steel herself, bring order to her thoughts and sort her feelings enough to bring them to paper.

Yosha:Braha… I’m sorry- I can’t finish what I wrote above… There was a misunderstanding… on the windshell, and I… I don’t know how to feel… Raka and Lyn lost track of Malaki and he was possibly in danger… Raka got into an argument with Ferryce, she asked them to help find Malaki. You know how Væron can be about mingling in the affairs of mortals… But when they finally found him, he did Raka wrong, and she got angry and… I mean, I can understand her anger… He… he reproached her, telling her she didn’t care about him, even though… Raka put her career at risk and really angered Ferryce with her request, possibly even shattering her reputation with the Spirits permanently… It’s quite possible that what she did completely destroyed her chances of ever… reaching her goal…

Yosha:(with a sob) Oh Fiyar’ta- what a mess… I can understand her predicament… but I can also understand why Malaki was upset… He thought she cared, at least a little. But she’s been keeping her distance from him, she even outright told Lyn several times she didn’t want to give him the impression she cared… She never asked him about himself, about Azeri, what he meant to Malaki… I’m sure Lyn did, she and Malaki seem to be getting along quite well… I don’t know what happened to Azeri, but Malaki obviously went through a lot to get him back… Braha… I think I completely understand why Malaki reacts to spirits the way he does… I mean, if something were to happen to you, I would tear the world and every single spirit in it to shreds to find you…

With a sob, Yosha shoves the letter aside and turns the last page of the transcript over. She takes a deep breath and tries to set her emotions aside.

Yosha:Okay, calm down, Yosha- Focus! You can do this… (takes a deep breath) Date of recording was Tzanuka on the 4th day of Kukolon’kos (ku-KOLON-kos), 5th year of the Vær (Veyr) in the 101st generation. Vocal enchantments were woven by Kessir Riliniki, Carollyn Monterola, Eyþór Viðarsson, Ester Ellis, Skye Redden, Sarah Golding, Fiona Thraille, Elijah Ramsey, Robert Cudmore, Matthew McLean and Hem Brewster. Music-Shells were provided by Fuimadane. Audio-Enhancements were by Sarah Buchynski. Written and Produced by Kessir Riliniki.

Yosha puts down her scriber and takes a deep breath, then hangs her head on her palms.

Yosha:Oh Fiyar’ta… how I wish Akasar Auril was here… (sniffing) I don’t think I can listen to any more of these on my own… Not after this…