"Nothing quite as egregious as you are picturing, I am sure. We provide the same amount to all of the Uniques."

Liris could feel a chill down her spine at the placid smile perched on Cealia's face. That was her response? Not even a flinch when she stood and confronted her? Liris peered deep into those bland eyes, searching for malice.

"I don't believe you."

Still no reaction? Even with her own words used against her? Cealia merely brushed a speck of dust off her dress.

"And I'm not asking you to. All we wish for is the betterment of the city and the safety of its residents."

Liris scoffed. Really? How brazen could a person be?

"Of course."

Ignoring the deadpan delivery, Cealia smiled again.

"I'm glad you understand now. The details of what we may ask for you to do will depend on quite a number of factors."

A flicker of her eyes, darting. Liris felt like a pebble in a crystal clear pond, every feeling revealed. In this case, literally. It disappeared as quickly as it had come, Cealia's eyes perfectly dull once more. Liris felt her heart clench. Outright hatred and violence were old friends, this...this was a baleful novelty. Liris shivered...the room was warm.

"Hmm...this won't do. I'm sure you are worn out from this ordeal, on many levels. Let me guide you to the room set aside for you and I'll answer all your questions in due time."

Cealia stood, patted Liris on the shoulder, (she didn't pull back in time) and walked sedately to the door. She pulled it open and stepped aside, waiting. Liris hadn't moved. Thoughts and feelings churned within. What would happen if she refused? She could sit down right here and force their hand. Would they drag her out forcibly? Lock her in? Let her go back to her life? But what if she had misread the situation? Were they really so bad? Sure, the pillars had been a nightmare...and nobody had thought to ask if she were willing. On the other hand, here she sat with an ability. If only she hadn't pushed so hard against the pillar. If she had been calmer, would the ability have been just Telepathy? There was no going back…or was there? Could this ability be removed, returned? But the mist burned so much. She daren't risk it again. Although, two hundred marks would hold it at bay for quite some time. Would that be enough iron to reach the pillars? Could she navigate her way without guidance? Maybe someone else who had survived could lead the way. Or bribe a Keeper, if they could be bribed. How much were they being paid if Uniques received two hundred? Where would they-

"Preferably today dear."

Oh...Cealia was still waiting.

Liris’ feet moved forward, up the steps. There really was no other choice. Inwardly, she laughed in cruel mockery. Running? Defying the Keepers and Council? Her? Of course not. As always, she'd give in...let them win...disgusting wretch that she was.

Passing by Cealia, Liris paused until the door was closed and fastened. The hall felt colder, exposed. Or was that her? Leaving no time for contemplation, Cealia began strolling...albeit at a leisurely pace. Again, she could bolt and flee, but would that end in anything besides more suffering? Cealia was nearing the corner without slowing. Fine, there was always later. One step, another, Liris followed.

"As you can see, these passageways are artfully designed to navigate the labyrinth of the Central Spire."

Not waiting for her to catch up? Was that not rude? Or did she even notice? Liris hurried to close the distance.

"An important thing to remember, always walk on the right side. There are many times when a porter will come barreling through, and I would hate to see you trampled."

Noted. Upon catching up, Liris made sure to hug the right wall, trailing a pace behind Cealia. What walls they were. At first glance, they appeared deceptively simple. Always the same pale stone cut in slabs. This close however, intricate details sprung forth. Geometric lines and patterns crossed each block and into the next. Miniscule etching tying the walls together into one cohesive unit. The lines only covered a fraction of the surface, but it was enough to notice. Such a waste of effort, but it did look nice.

"Oh, I almost forgot. All of your meals will be provided and brought to you anywhere in the Spire. Our cooks are unparalleled in the city, and perhaps, any of the others as well. Take care to eat even when you don't feel up to the task. Our abilities do much, but they won't hold illness at bay."

Liris rolled her eyes...and desperately hoped that didn't count as an emotion. Forgetting to eat? Did Cealia have any clue what it was like outside of this pocket of opulence? Skipping a meal would be akin to instructing a bird to cease flying.

"How will I find my way back here?"

That gave Cealia pause. Liris planted her foot and stopped just in time to avoid an embarrassing collision. Cealia glanced over her shoulder with a strange expression before resuming her march to...wherever they were going.

"Back here? You'll not need to return for quite some time, if ever. Hmm...I suppose you don't know what all is contained within the Spire. If there was a room you could wish for, anything at all, what would it be?"

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A room? What did it matter? She wanted out! They continued in silence through two more corners and one passerby.

"Well?"

Just couldn't let it drop, could she? Fine...a room. What answer was she expecting? Probably some nonsense like a chamber of books, floor to ceiling. Or an enclosed garden with perfect landscaping. Maybe she even expected a snarky reply referencing a treasury or throne to sit upon. Though...what did she wish for?

"A small room with three things. A table, a chair, and a box."

"Well, I dare say you have piqued my interest. What would be inside the box?"

"Life."

That received another look of perplexation, quickly obscured of course. Liris pretended not to notice. Was that so strange? Maybe to someone like Cealia or Ingvoth, but anyone from the street -her heart panged in memory- they would understand. Comfort was nice, and who didn't long for safety, but something worth living for? That was a luxury none of those dear faces would ever dare to dream of. Did they all think she had abandoned them? Perhaps she had.

Cealia said nothing. Neither did Liris. They continued in silence for some time, passing by countless doorways and intersecting hallways. Another corner rounded, and the hall was flooded with light. Had it really been that dark this whole time? Sconces mounted periodically had seemed bright, but were only a crude imitation.

All along one side, the stone was perforated with large arched windows overlooking a courtyard. Did a simi-enclosed space covered in luscious grass and a few trees count as a courtyard? Whatever it was, the sun was a welcome reprieve from cold surfaces. It was already nearing sundown, nearly time for second meal. She'd yet to have a first. Maybe Cealia's warning had been needed after all.

"Ah, perfect timing. The one on the left was in your place only a year ago. Watch carefully."

There were people in the 'courtyard'? In her defense, both figures were wearing green tunics which perfectly blended in with the nearby vegetation. One had a bow drawn aiming at a target- no...the other one?!

Liris opened her mouth to call out, hoping the young man could hear through the thick pane. Cealia wanted her to watch a murder? Was this a twisted warning? The arrow streaked across the sky, impaling the man through his chest, and kept going.

Why wasn't he falling?

She had observed someone getting stabbed years ago, was an arrow so different? Where was the scream of agony? Instinctual dropping to the ground and clutching of the wound? Come to think of it, where was the blood? She glanced over at Cealia who was watching her intently. No concern to be found there. Liris whipped her head back to the two men. The bow wielder was nodding and nocking another arrow. The 'target' didn't even blink!

"Watch closer."

This was madness! The bow was being pulled back, was he to be murdered a second time? It was no less shocking as it flew through the air, but watch closely she did. Straight through him again! Wait...was that a flinch at the last second? It almost looked as if he- that was impossible. She leaned against the glass, squinting against the sun. Was that it? Had he actually managed to dodge at the last moment?

"How...I don't...the arrow was so." Gathering herself, Liris tore her eyes away from the fascinating spectacle.

"Explain." After everything, she was owed that much.

"More entertaining than I had hoped! Your expressions are quite pleasant when you allow them to be."

Liris flushed but forced it down. This was all a distraction. She stood up straighter and turned her back fully to the windows.

"What precisely just happened?"

"Did you think you were the only Unique? Was Yarth so unmemorable? I suppose that is fair considering his bearing, he really should be more attentive."

Liris stared, not budging. The moment hung between them until Cealia broke it with a small nod in acquiescence.

"You just witnessed a training session with one of our brightest advocates. A Unique obviously, else he'd be lying in a pool of blood right now. His ability is simple but allows for such displays without too much effort."

Another pause, Liris refused to let her impatience show. Cealia appeared to enjoy dragging it out, all the same.

"To put it succinctly and grossly oversimplify, Pacim can react at speeds that defy comprehension. Note however, he is not moving at ludicrous speeds, only reacting."

Despite best intentions, Liris was fascinated. Nodding in response, she slowly turned back to watch, catching a satisfied smirk as she did so. It seemed so simple now. The man, Pacim, just waited for the archer to fire...and then leaned out of the way. Some element of mystery and luster had disappeared, but it remained captivating. Another arrow was loosed. It was clearer now, a twist sideways, the ripples in his tunic as the arrow streaked by.

Incredible...and terrifying.

This was what he was capable of after only a year? Surely it was powerful as a means to remain safe, but what other use could it possibly have? Why train him to begin with? Her own ability was obviously far worse, still, would they train her to control it better as well? Did she even want to? Even now, returning to that...place, she'd almost rather have an arrow strike true.

"Come along, we're nearly there."

Cealia had moved. Not far, but enough to be surprising. How had she not noticed the sudden absence? Liris followed...less begrudgingly this time. Another corner and they both reached a set of stairs. Up and up they climbed in a circle, three full floors...maybe more? The landings didn't align properly, making it impossible to tell.

Finally, they arrived. Cealia gestured to a wooden door adjacent to the landing.

"And here we are, your room."

Liris stood at the threshold, hand hovering above the latch. Hers? Only hers? The wooden door gleamed, beautiful carvings of vines flowed across from frame to frame. As her hand alighted, Cealia turned and began descending. Two steps down, she paused.

"Settle in and get some rest. As I'm sure you are acutely experiencing, using your ability is immensely exhausting. Sleep if you can. In a few hours, someone will return for you. The council is convening later this evening."

Dropping that bucket of glowing coals onto her proverbial bare feet, Cealia disappeared down the stairwell. Liris wished she could be glad. Though her presence was annoying at best, isolation felt worse. Bracing herself, Liris closed her eyes and lifted the latch.