scene 002 - they’re not who you thought

Afyuli found their way to Sygy Ynäun without trouble. April was right. It did look like it had random things in it. There were tables and nightstands under an awning outside. In the glass, it looked like there were strange outfits on mannequins, ancient jewelry in cases, and odd objects here and there. On the glass, there was a sign that said “Sygy Ynäun, where everything is magical!” After what Afyuli saw earlier, they believed that sign.

After staring into the shop from the street for some time, they finally walked in. A bell rang as the door opened and slammed shut. 

“Good morning! Is there anything I can do for you?” A bubbly plump old lady waddled up to Afyuli. When she caught sight of their glasses, she grabbed their hand that held them. “So they didn’t work?”

“They work fine, ma’am. I think. You see... I’m not sure how these glasses work.” 

“What did you see, my child?” She leaned in, her eyes wide and alert.

“I’m not sure you’d believe me.” I looked around to see posters of monsters, charms that are supposed to ward off all evil, and tokens of luck. “But... something tells me I’ll be surprised.”

“Come. Sit with me, my child.” She gripped Afyuli’s sleeve and walked off. They ended up behind the store, where only employees were allowed. “I suppose there is much to talk about. Now tell me. What is it that you saw?”

“I’m not sure what it is I saw, exactly. But, there were many little creatures. Some were like hairy lizards. Others were winged rats... or something. I think I even saw a black puffball moving.” Before they knew it, they were rambling. “Ah. Sorry. I’m sure you think I’m crazy.”

“Not one bit. You are the first to come in telling me those glasses work.” Her jaw was dropped.

“I’m not crazy? Even though my friend couldn’t see these things either?”

“My child, those glasses your friend gifted you are special. They are not meant for human eyes, nor many mythical eyes.” She gently whisked the glasses from their hand.

“But, I’m human... right?”

“Child, if you were seeing what you described, you are no human. Only the Hukäj have the eyes for them.” She held the glasses to Afyuli’s eyes. 

“Are you Hukäj?” Afyuli asked impulsively.

“No, my child. I am not near as powerful as the Hukäj. Here, wear them and tell me what you see.”

They thought they knew what to expect, what Afyuli saw shocked them to the core. There, in front of them sat a humanoid figure with feathers and pointy ears.

“Ma’am. I’m sorry, but what are you?” Afyuli knew they were being rude, but they still asked regardless.

“I am a harpie. Would you like to see yourself in the mirror?”

Their mind was spinning a million miles a second, but couldn’t resist seeing what they looked like with the glasses on. “Yes, please.”

“Tell me what you see.” The harpy handed her a mirror. “Is your hair black? Eyes white?”

“No ma’am. My hair is white. And my eyes yellow. My ears are pointy, too! And wings! I have bird wings on my back!” They didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, rejoice, or call lies. “Am I really a Hukäj?”

At this point, Afyuli would have believed it.”

“No. You are no Hukäj. Hukäj don’t have wings or pointy ears. Their hair is black and eyes are white.” The old harpie seemed taken aback. “It sounds like you are an Avian, though, your people call yourselves Enäjaiafeþ. This is impossible. There is no way for you to not be Hukäj.”

“If I’m no human nor Hukäj, is it possible I’m mixed?” Afyuli hesitated to ask.

“No. Hukäj and Enäjaiafeþ are sworn enemies despite many factors.” The old woman stood and reached behind her to grab some books. She sifted through the pages until she stumbled upon what looked to be a fairy tale. “Child, what is your name?”

“I am Afyuli Aßie.”

“Let me read the inscription on the eyeglasses.” She waved her hands out, expecting the glasses with haste. 

“Is something wrong, ma’am?” 

“Quite so. Come back tomorrow afternoon. I’ll know more, then. Until then, don’t take these off and watch your back.” She gave them back just as quickly. “And whatever you do, don’t trust anyone. Not even your best friend.”