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Kaitlyn sat alone in the corner of a cell. She and Emil had been separated not long after entry into the city. It was bewildering, amazing, and somewhat terrifying, the number of armed guards present. But the thing that stunned her the most was the pair of eyes that had landed on her at that time. It was one of 3 sets of golden eyes that appeared. Knowing what she was capable of, the legends surrounding the strength of golden eyes, and the dozen or so other armed and armored people accompanying them, there was little choice but to surrender.

They were relieved of their meager belongings, separated, and led to dungeons, at least, that's what she assumed, and for now, had hoped would happen to Emil. Hopefully, they wouldn't execute either of them. They were shown a surprising amount of consideration while being led to the fortress atop the hill in the center of town. The guards leveled shields to their sides, blocking the view of the townspeople. Though there were weapons leveled at them, they remained a reasonable distance away, and they were escorted into the fortress where they split into 2 groups and went their separate ways.

Kaitlyn glanced up as she heard a door close. Light footsteps approached her, calm and dignified. It wasn't the churlish sound of heavy boots, but a light and dignified walk that she herself had practiced at home after reading one too many books about etiquette. She'd halfway expected to have food literally thrown at her by some brute, but instead, a soothing scent reached her nostrils. It was... the scent of tea. 

Someone stood just out of reach of the light from the small window in her cell. She strained her eyes to see, and the person moved, as if responding. The voice was feminine, refined, and cut through the silence.

"I'm sure things have been hard for you, Kaitlyn, the Wake of Embers."

Her eyes opened wide. They'd given false names at the entrance and were permitted without issue. How did this person know her name? What happened next caused her mouth to fall agape.

"I'm going to unlock your cell, set up a table, and serve you some tea. I suggest you don't try to do anything like fight me or escape." With those words, there was a golden glow. The eyes radiating that glow approached, and 3 daggers materialized half a hand's breadth away from Kaitlyn's face. "Work with me, and I can get you out of here. Try anything stupid, and you'll be dead before you can scream."

Kaitlyn's audible gulp filled the space after the words, and as promised, the cell door was unlocked, and a simple table was set up. Atop the table was a tea kettle and 2 porcelain teacups. Kaitlyn had scarcely ever seen porcelain teacups, and this was the last place she expected to find them. She took that moment to examine the woman as she entered the light.

A slender frame, fair skin, golden eyes, ears tapered to a point, red hair which transitioned to yellow, tied up in a braided bun, and features that seemed to scream nobility. She wore clothes that seemed to be a mixture between robes and armor, essentially a dress with strategically placed leather or armor, seemed out of place, yet perfectly fitting. She did however wear a necklace that didn't seem to quite match the rest of her clothing. The woman appeared to be an elf, a high elf at that. Their kind was seldom seen outside of their nation, and even more seldom in human-controlled domains such as the nation of Veridian. Kaitlyn understood 2 things from the limited information given: This woman was not your average high elf, and given the fact that she either lived or worked in the area as a golden eyes, she was as strong as she was beautiful, something which Kaitlyn did not think lightly.

Kaityln watched as the woman set up 2 chairs, leisurely sat in one of them, and picked up the kettle from its base. The glow in her eyes had dimmed, and the daggers had faded out of existence, but a warm glow emanated from her hand. "Sometimes using magic to do things feels a bit too easy, but this place isn't exactly meant for entertaining guests." She turned to Kaityln, "Come, sit."

She cautiously got up at took a seat, staring suspiciously at the tea kettle as a cup was poured for her. The woman from her cup first, before gently setting it back down at the small table. "It is the custom of noble hosts to drink first, to show that the drink is not poisoned, not that it would matter for people with certain blessings. You should be able to destroy most poisons."

The surprised expression Kaitlyn realized she must've shown was not missed. It was met with a refined laugh. "It seems you have much to learn. I could set about teaching you, should things go well. OH, pardon me. I have forgotten to introduce myself. You may call me Spica. Also, though I do know your name, what would you like to be called?"

Kaitlyn paused. It was a single, simple question, and yet, she was taken aback. "Uhm... Kaitlyn?"

"'Uhm' is an unusual choice for a name... but if you insist..."

"No, just Kaitlyn, please."

Spica chuckled, "Then, Kaitlyn it shall be. So, I have received reports of you and your companion killing several people. Is that correct?"

"What?! I haven't killed anyone, and Emil only killed..." Realization hit her as she just noted that Emil has killed at least once. "I mean... he... I..."

"Drink the tea, dear. It will help."

A warm, subdued sweetness spread through her mouth as she gulped the tea. It did help, even if she couldn't be bothered to enjoy its flavor.

Spica's eyes crinkled from over her teacup. "I am not here to convince either, nor your companion. All I ask is that you are honest. We, of course, can pass judgment, but as we're on good terms with the territories that our reports come from, we may be able to work something out."

Kaitlyn sensed no hostility, no disdain, and no ill intent. She took a deep breath and took another large gulp of tea. "I... should probably start from the beginning. Just... please wait until I finish before you judge him..."

 

 

The vivid hues of sunset filtered in through the barred window of the jail. An additional kettle of tea had been brought in, and the ladies ate dinner together in the uninviting space. Kaitlyn finally finished telling the story after some hours, sobs, and general misery.

Spica returned an understanding nod, "I see. And, I'd like to confirm, you mentioned a man by the name of Kazamir, correct?"

"Yes. If my information is correct, that's who's been after me, and the one who sent Emil."

"I see. I'll look into his father's whereabouts and condition, though I'm afraid you'll have to spend the night down here. I will order proper bedding. We don't keep it down here since its usually empty and damp."

As Spica got, taking the table and tea set with her, Kaitlyn could only wonder how a jail was kept in better shape than most of the taverns she'd been staying at.

 


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Aug 3, 2025 06:04 by Snow Celeste

Very solid scene. Your voice is really shining here.