Shaitell

Year 126 of the Shaitell Calendar

The twin moons rose above the clouds, providing an iridescent shine upon the mountainside city's bustling nightlife. The matte blues and whites of Shaitell architecture drank in the lunar essence like a soaker in his cups.

Trel promenade swam with people, the crowd a mix of everything the city had to offer. Roasted meats and vegetables filled the air with a delectable scent, one that when mixed with the briney seaside air, teased even the most refined palate.

Jode stood among the festivities, watching in disgust as a fisherman attempted to sell off his gutter fish as delicacies to the tourists.

"Jode, don't fall behind. I'm not going to come find you again." The skinny boy didn't have to look back to know Jode was contemplating trouble.

"I'm not gonna get into anything Lok, don't be so bossy," Jode said with a huff, her brown bob cut bouncing with the motion. "It's not like I'm gonna do anything!"

Lok turned around with a small grin, "You tend to get into trouble Jode, don't even pretend it isn't true."

"Yeah yeah, whatever you say." As Lok turned around, Jode let a smile slip. Moons, it's nice to see him again.

Far away from the promenade now, the streets were quiet, save for the gentle hum of the buildings. Lok turned into a thin alley and waved Jode over, "It's just up here." The two of them walked up to the sturdy wooden door. "Before we go in, you need to know some things about them."

Jode raised an eyebrow. "If I need a warning, why are you working with them?" Lok sighed.

"It's not like that, it's just that they can be a bit much at first. Try not to get Jura talking, he'll never stop."

"Sure Lok whatever you say, just let me in. I don't like standing in back alleys." Using a rusted iron key from his back pocket, Lok clicked the door open and gave it a push.

The room was dim with a low set ceiling, the Los lights receiving little power from the moons despite the clear night. Cluttered boxes and miscellaneous items littered the room.

"Lok! Welcome back, as you can see, I have made no progress on cleaning!" The jovial giant slapped a hand on Lok's shoulder, making his knees buckle a bit. The giant's eyes focused on Jode curiously. "So this is the one eh Lok?" His heavy accent had a lyrical tone to it.

"Jode, this is Jura, our brawler. As you can see, he's a bit dumb." Lok knocked his knuckles on his head.

"Well that's just right mean, don't ya think? I've been hit in the head a fair amount of times and I'm gettin' old, but I'm not that dumb!" Despite the teasing, Jura had a wild toothy smile. His braided auburn beard and thick-set frame gave a formidable appearance, but his blue eyes were gentle.

"You look like you can hit things pretty good pops." Jode walked past Jura and took a seat at the white wooden table against the back wall.

"Well, that's my job. I'd think after 33 years I'd be pretty good at it!" Jura let out a throaty laugh. "She's got gall, I approve!"

"Thanks, your lordship. Just sit back and wait to hit things, I'll take care of everything else."

With a deep groan, Jura sat down across from Jode. "Wait until ya meet Rae. He's a right laugh!"

Not a minute later, a short man with onyx-black hair walked into the room from the back, his glasses reflecting the soft orange Los lights. "Jura, I'm going to hit you."

"What for my fiendish friend?"

"You haven't made any progress in this room. I told you to clean this place up. The rest of the base is clean and orderly, can't you just do one room?"