The rays of evening sunlight filtering through the shop windows tint everything a rosy pink, heralding the end of a business day and the approaching dusk. Business has been mild today and Kia has had time to take things at her leisure and look over her personal projects.

The white mouse sits on a tall stool before the counter, the cash box at one end, and a mechanical torso of bluish metal dominating most of it, with a few stray parts here and there, and a row of various tools laid out before her. She holds the head in her hands, peering up through the neck at the innards.

Several wires poke from the neck of the mechanical Khatta head as well as some belts and pulleys. It's odd, really… the device is set up with wires as though it were powered by electricity, but there are no signs of a motor or a battery. Even Kia's limited expertise on the subject informs her that this device is powered by clockwork. The wires seem a bit redundant, really.

Twitching her whiskers with amusement, she sets the head onto the counter and tilts up the torso instead, looking into its neck as she tries to determine if the wires link into the torso somewhere, or if they are meant to connect to each other within the head, and have simply come loose.

Some empty slots set into a metal pole that probably serves as the "spine" of the automaton look to be just the right size to plug the wires into. Other wires twist in and out and tangle around the workings inside of the thing. Still, it looks like it was designed to disassemble easily, although it obviously suffered a bit of damage from being taken apart so roughly. More wire might need to be soldered in to complete the odd "circuits" here and there where a wire was torn in half, but the damage is minimal.

Kia nods to herself, and hums quietly as she mounts the head on the torso, clicking gears together and checking where she'll need to supplement the wires to make them connect, for future reference.

It takes a bit of work to get the socket in the spine linking it to the neck aligned just right, but after a bit of fiddling, Kia's efforts are met with a satisfying click as the head sinks down. The little cobalt-blue bow tie set into the neck rests comfortably under the chin of the mechanical Khatta.

She smiles with satisfaction at the click. For a few moments after she completes the assembly, the mouse sits in contemplation of it, rubbing a chamois over the torso and head, buffing fingerprints and oil off of parts which she has already cleaned once, prior to assembly.

The Automaton, even though it still lacks two legs, is still very impressive. The gears have practically assembled themselves under Kia's hands and it almost now looks like a person is quietly resting on Kia's tabletop. Unfortunately though, the body still remains motionless.

After a short while, the Skeek sets the cloth beside the mechanoid, and fetches the newly-purchased quantometer from beneath the counter. She studies it for a few moments, ascertaining how best to open it up without further damaging the unusual device.

From the dent in the side, Kia can just make out a seam in the 'egg'… and some of the decorations show hints of some tiny screws hidden within their workings. They'd be hard to spot unless you knew what you were looking for. It might require the jeweler's tools instead of Kia's normal larger ones, but her delicate Skeek hands are perfect for the job.

The mouse sets the quantometer down on the countertop, and, after a glance at the door to ensure there are no customers about to enter, dashes up the stairs to fetch down her box of jeweler's tools.

It looks like business has just about wound down for the day, and Kia's tools are easily located and gathered up.

Outside, the great clock tower chimes in the official arrival of evening. The sun will probably be setting in another half hour.

After clicking open the hinge on the box, Kia unpacks one of the finer screwdrivers. With the tip of her tongue unconsciously stuck between her teeth, she works diligently at removing each tiny screw on the egg-shaped device, quite lost in her work and almost missing the clock tower's chime.

The cover proves to be stubborn to get off due to the dent, but after slowly coaxing it by wiggling it around a little bit, the top of the quantometer is finally removed. Inside the problem is fairly apparent; several gears were crushed and knocked loose because of the fall it took. The gears will probably have to be replaced and a loose spring will need to be worked back in. It's not impossible work, but requires an extremely delicate touch.

She sets the quantometer on the counter again, and reaches for a set of jeweler's tweezers from the box, then pauses, frowning. She glances out one of the windows and notices that the fading work light is the result of the setting sun. Kia shakes her head at herself, and goes to her door to flip the "Closed" sign and lock up.

The rabble on the streets outside has long since dispersed although a few people are out and making their ways to their homes. The familiar rustle of Shingle's junk cart rings off in the distance as the junk merchant heads home, Binter's is closing up the tent flaps and the old Rhian can be seen throwing a few buckets of water across the tabletops to clean them, and a robed Khatta and a very sultry-dressed wolf that looks to be of Himarian stock wander up the street.

After going to the first window to draw the shutters, she pauses, looking out at the street for signs of her anticipated "guest" for the evening. She calls out, "Good night!" to Binter, out of habit, then turns her attention to the robed Khatta, studying the figure and the Jupani companion, to see if they might be the people she's expecting.

Binter waves a hand and grunts in response, sloshing another bucket across a tabletop before closing up the last tent flap.

The Khatta does look familiar now that Kia thinks about it; it's a calico at the very least, although his robe is bright green and much finer looking than the last time Kia saw him. The wolf under his arm is new… her clothing is a glittering patchwork of colors and the soft chime of jewelry calls out as she walks. Her fur shows signs of being painted decoratively and she walks with an almost drunken sway to her hips. She's no noble lady… just a lady of the night with a patron by the looks of things.

Kia smiles wryly as the pair moves up the street. "Some disguise," she murmurs to herself. She folds her arms against the windowsill, closing her eyes and leaning out to breathe in the evening air. When she opens them again, she looks about the street casually, trying not to focus her attention on the wolf and feline.

The pair seem to be ready to walk right past Kia's shop until Binter ties down the last tent flap and plods off into the tarpaper shack built into the tent. As soon as the street is clear, the pair both nonchalantly turn around and stroll into Kia's shop.

With a flick of her tail as they turn towards her shop, the mouse hustles from the window to unlock the door before they arrive, letting the pair open it themselves as she steps aside and leans against the counter. "Good evening, sir, madam," she bids them in her best friendly-shopkeeper-style, "How may I help you?"

"I appear to have broken my watch, and we're in a bit of a hurry… can you help us?" The Calico asks, dangling a thick copper necklace. Odd, there doesn't seem to be any sort of watch set into it at all. The Jupani simply snuggles up against the Khatta's side while he speaks and looks rather bored with the whole affair.

Frowning, she reaches for the offered item. "Let me see it. It's closing time for me… I'll just lock the door to make sure no more customers come in, if you don't mind?" She slips towards the door and starts to close it again.

The Khatta and Jupani both step aside to let Kia get to the door. The Calico seems just as twitchy and nervous as before while the Jupani looks detached and lets her gaze wander around inside the shop to study the items inside.

The mouse locks the door and shutters the nearest windows, before returning her attention to her "customers". She holds out her hand for the "watch", letting the Khatta take his cue when he chooses it.

Patch relaxes and pockets the necklace again. "Thanks. Er… this is Silk." He gestures to the wolf who curtsies at the mouse.

Kia smiles at Patch and Silk, returning the curtsy. "Pleased to meet you, Silk," she says warmly, though quietly. "What's your plan from here, Patch?"

"Well," the Khatta fidgets with his cloak. "I'm going to try to hock the necklace tonight and hopefully get enough to buy an airship ticket. From there, we can maybe go to Safar or Chronotopia or some other place and hide out. As long as it's not anywhere in Rephidim, I'll be happy."

The mouse nods, moving about her shop to shutter the remaining windows. When she's done, she speaks softly once more, "You'll be leaving here alone, then? I don't think anyone saw you enter, but since you looked like customers, anyone who did might find it odd that only one left."

Patch struggles out of his cloak. "Well, if you'll let me borrow your roof for a moment I can slip off that way… but if anyone asks I can always say that she dumped me 'cause I haggled too much." He winks.

The Jupani rolls her eyes.

Kia giggles. "I'm more concerned about the ones who won't ask than any who would. I doubt anything will come of it until the morrow even if someone did see you, though. Would you like some dinner before you leave?" She gestures to the staircase leading to her workrooms.

The Khatta shakes his head. "I shouldn't dally too long. I've got a lot to do tonight."

Silk points to a bucket and then makes scrubbing motions on her fur with her hands.

The mouse nods to both of them. "All right," she agrees. "Come with me, Silk; there's a washtub upstairs and a pump, if you'd like to clean yourself off," she tells the Jupani gently, headed for the staircase. "You'd best come this way, too, if you'd like to exit by the roof again, Patch."

The Calico nods and smiles, bundling his robes under his arms. Underneath, he's wearing a plain grayish set of work coveralls. Silk scratches at her clothes and tugs at her muzzle.

With her customary energy, the Skeek climbs the staircase to the third floor, pointing out a screened-off corner to the Jupani once she arrives. "The tub's back there. There's soap and some washcloths, and the pump was working this morning, at least."

Silk smiles and bows to the Skeek before hiking her dress up around her knees and heading towards the washroom. Patch chuckles as she walks away and grins at Kia. "Impressive disguise, isn't it?"

Kia smiles back at Patch. "I'm sure I'll know just how impressive it when she gets it off," she tells him. "Right now I don't know what she normally looks like." She grins, whiskers twitching. "Oh, could you let me know what Silk would like for dinner before you're gone?"

"Well, when she can afford to be without starving, she's a bit of a picky eater. If you have anything with meat, she'd be thrilled, otherwise she'll manage with whatever you give her." Patch looks over his shoulder. "She'll sleep wherever you tell her to, and I'll be back before sunrise to pick her up if all goes well."

The mouse nods. "I've got some salted beef in the pantry. Perhaps that'll do. How would you like to let us know when you return?"

The Khatta taps his nose. "Well, I could climb up on the roof across from yours and signal you with a mirror if you like. I'd imitate a Creen call, but Silk tells me I have a horrible voice."

With another little chuckle, the mouse nods. "Either will do, I think. I sleep on this level, but I'm usually up a few hours before dawn, so I might be on the second floor."

"I've got good eyes. Just leave a window open so I can spot you," Patch purrs. "And thank you again for your help. We'd both probably be dead if not for you."

From the washroom, the sound of enthusiastic splashing and scrubbing can be heard.

"I hope you're being unduly pessimistic, there," the Skeek answers fervently, although a smile tugs at her lips at the sounds behind the screen. "If you'd've been dead, I'm not sure there's much I can yet do to keep you alive. Take care of yourself while you're finding a buyer for that necklace, now," she cautions.

"I will, I will!" The cat bounces on his heels and peels open one of the shutters, peeking around outside. "And you take care of Silk for me. She's my little treasure."

"I'll do the best that I can." Kia glances to the screen, then the staircase. "I'll go down and fix something for dinner. Feel free to let yourself out." She raises her voice enough to be heard over the splashing, and continues, "Silk, I'll be on the second level when you're ready." She smiles at Patch one last time as she takes a step down. "Good luck."

The Khatta puts two fingers to his temple in a clumsy salute and then vanishes out the window. From the washroom, the sound of a scrub brush being gently tapped against the basin three times is the only response Kia gets to her words.

After descending to the second floor, Kia fusses about in her kitchen, sniffing at some bacon left over from breakfast to decide if it's still good, then setting a frying pan to heat while she rummages through the pantry, digging out a loaf of bread, cheese, and the salted beef.

Several minutes later, the scrubbing noises from upstairs subside, and hesitant footsteps trickle down the staircase, lulled by the smell of dinner.

Kia has settled the bread, meat, and cheese on the table, along with the morning's milk and eating utensils. Having concluded the bacon would do, she places it on to fry, then turns to see what her undisguised company looks like, smiling warmly to her. "Help yourself to the food," she tells her.

The guest looks neither canine nor like the woman of the night that Kia saw before. A Siamese Kattha (the digitigrade variety) eases herself down the final steps. She smiles nervously and glances around before adopting a more aloof demeanor.

The mouse offers her another reassuring smile before tending to her frying bacon again. When she's done with it, she sets the strips onto a plate and places them on the table. "I'm sorry I don't know Savanite Sign," she says to her guest. "I'm glad you at least understand me. Do you know how to write in Rephidim Standard?"

The Kattha nods and pats her throat, shrugging. Her dress looks much plainer than before, a gray piece of cloth with some holes cut into it for her head, arms, and tail and a belt tied around her waist to hold it in place. She seats herself at the table and begins to delicately nibble at the food.

Before she seats herself, the mouse walks to one of her work tables to pluck up a slate and some chalk. "That'll let the conversation be a little less one-sided, at least." She sets the writing materials beside her guest, then settles herself before a plate, breaking off a chunk of bread and slicing free some cheese.

Silk wipes some grease from her fingers against her dress and places the slate in her lap. She stuffs a small chunk of bread in her mouth and then scribbles with the chalk while she chews thoughtfully. After swallowing she holds the slate up. "Interesting place you have," it reads.

The mouse smiles. "Thank you. I think, anyway," she adds with a grin. "It's still a work in progress. Eventually I may get around to making the work areas a little more distinct from the living areas, but it sorta suits me the way it is." She devours a bit of cheese and bread while she pauses, thinking.

The Kattha wipes off her writing on the slate and resumes eating as well. Her ears twitch nervously as she chews.

After several minutes of quiet eating, Kia finishes her meal and leans back, a glass of milk in her hands. "Did you want to say what happened to bring you to… this pass, or would you rather not discuss it?" she asks softly.

Silk shrugs and scribbles on the slate again. "Overambitious, stupid. Paid the price." She raises her head up and pats her neck where a hint of a scar across her throat shows through the fur.

The mouse nods in quiet sympathy. "What were you trying to do?" she continues, her tone carefully gentle, making no effort to pressure the feline.

"Get rich. Stole from people, not part of guild. Faraon found out," the Kattha replies, pausing to blow chalk dust from her fingers.

Kia stands and picks up her plate, reaching for Silk's if she's done. "There are much safer lines of work," she notes with a wry smile, "but I guess you've figured that part out."

Silk just shrugs, wiping her arm across the slate to erase it.

Once she's settled the dishes into the sink and pumped water over them to let them soak, the Skeek turns back to her guest. "Let's get you a cot set up upstairs. Is there anything else you need? Or would like to do?"

The Kattha plucks at her lip for a moment before responding. "Do you have lute? I enjoy sound of music and chance to play."

The mouse rubs the back of her neck thoughtfully. "I think I've got one downstairs. Either that, or I was working on fixing it and haven't finished yet." She twitches her whiskers. "I tend to have a lot of projects going at once. Sometimes I lose track of what's been finished. Let's check the shop." She moves to the stairs.

Silk drains the rest of her milk and places the slate on the table, following after the mouse.

Downstairs, it only takes the mouse a moment to locate the lute, hanging on a peg near the counter. "Here," she tells the Khatta, taking it down and handing it to her. The piece has been lovingly cared for, the inlaid wood gleaming beneath a soft veneer. "It's probably out of tune again… I don't play, myself."

Silk almost cuddles the thing in her arms as though she were reunited with a long lost friend. She plucks her fingers across the strings and then expertly twists the keys at the neck before strumming it again. The note produced sounds almost like a gentle sigh of relief or release of some sort.

The Skeek props her elbows against the counter, leaning forward with her head against her hands as she watches the Kattha manipulate the instrument.

The Siamese cat arches an eyebrow at the Skeek and then genuinely smiles at her. She bows and sits down in a chair, slowly pulling a melody from the lute. It carries a tune reminiscent of an old nursery rhyme about a paper Creen that was carried on the breeze and flew all over Sinai, and then was caught in a rainstorm and fell into the ocean.

As the feline plays, Kia eases herself quietly onto her stool to listen. She lights three candles in a candelabra on the counter, as the dusk grows deeper in the shuttered store. Dust motes flicker in the firelight while the old tune fills the stillness.