A single step across the threshold. It felt like more than that. Eyes still squeezed shut, Liris moved to the side and allowed the door to swing closed. The air was still. She was alone at last. Why didn't it feel better than this? Her fingertips slid across her clothes, the rough texture was familiar, calming. There were many new holes, what was new? Her skin felt foreign through the thin fabric; cold and stiff under her warm digits. Perhaps this wasn't comforting after all. Gathering courage, she opened her eyes.

It was a room. Shocking. What had she been expecting? It was much larger than she had pictured and much barer. A single piece of furniture was placed haphazardly in one corner. Large and welcoming to be sure, but it was merely a bed. It had to cost more than the collective value of everything she had ever owned...in the end, a bed was a bed.

The floor was equally high quality. Set in a herringbone pattern, each board looked to be hand-carved and masterfully placed. On the wall opposite the bed, a low hearth protruded from the stone. In the opening were logs, artfully positioned, practically begging to be lit. Then there was the window.

It was narrow but exceedingly tall. It drew the eye up even higher to the ceiling above. Light streamed through it, painting an orange silhouette beside the door. Stepping across the room, many steps, she peered out. The view stole her breath. Liris didn't fancy herself a whimsical person to be caught up in silly things like paintings and 'quaint scenery'; at least, not until now.

Below, much farther than expected, was the same courtyard containing that dodger of arrows. He was still there, along with the archer, practicing. On three sides of the courtyard, including hers, stone walls loomed. They stretched upwards, appearing to touch the clouds. Obviously that was ridiculous, somehow she could still imagine it. Similar portals to the one she stood next to marred their otherwise pristine surface. All together, it was a brutal beauty. In stark contrast was the remaining side. No walls blocked the view, besides a few much closer to the ground. This left a clear perspective stretching out as far as she could see and framed perfectly by the stone on either side.

Tiny buildings were nearest. They were placed almost at random as if a giant tossed them down and left them wherever they fell. Growing slightly more uniform near the outer wall, and a bit taller as well, each one was alluring. Roofs in various hues overlapped and between them, tiny people were walking along. The outer wall threw its shadow upon them, yet the spirit and warmth of each building refused to be snuffed out.

Beyond that final barrier was a narrow strip of farmland...and then, only Brume. Even from this vantage point, far higher than she'd ever been, it was endless. Craning her neck back, she could see it arching over the outer wall, and wisps floated directly above that vibrant courtyard. Or did it? It was so far away, even from this height, she couldn't say for certain.

Looking down again, she just watched.

The more distant figures she saw going about their day, the more she allowed herself to relax. That was probably a mistake. Emotions and doubts, long held at bay, encroached. She truly was alone, and not in a good way. Ripped away from Perry, Elisa, and little Rutho...where were they right now? Tucked away in that nook between the bakeries? Were they managing to find enough food to sleep through another night? Perry would look after them. Had she taught him enough?

Guilt, bone deep. She was only thinking of them now? It had been nearly two days! She had betrayed them. Would she be able to even look at them? Seeing the judgment in those precious eyes would break her once and for all. Turning away from the window, she leaned against the cold wall. The sun apparently didn't have enough time to seep all the way through. How fitting.

Liris stared instead, at the floor. The dizzying pattern drew her thoughts deeper. What was she even doing here? What did they want of her? Cealia had still managed to dodge the question. Oh right, wasn't she supposed to be tired? Using abilities caused exhaustion, or some such. She felt fine. Alright, far from fine...but that wasn't physical. She could almost feel those small arms wrapping around her. Mirroring it with her own, she pulled her shoulders together.

Sliding down the stone, she pulled her knees close to her chest and leaned her head on tense forearms. Silently, tears formed and splattered on the floor. She wasn't hiding from the feelings any longer. They surged through, sweeping all else away. Liris sat and watched as a tiny puddle slowly formed on the center of a dark board. The wall at her back drew heat from her body, she deserved it.

__________________________________________________________

A knock at the door. Minutes later? Hours? It mattered not. The tears had long since dried, her body was stiff. Looking up, the room was dark. Had there been a sconce near the door? Another knock. Weary, Liris rose and crossed the room. Heedless of her state, she pulled it open to reveal a young man, hand raised to knock again. Surprise flashed across his face but he politely stepped back and lightly bowed.

"My apologies...Madame.?"

The title was said firmly but with the undertone of a question clearly conveyed. Liris couldn't bring herself to care.

"What."

"Ah, I have been instructed to escort you to the council. I believe they have requested your presence at your earliest convivence."

Oh right...that.

"Must it be now?"

"They were quite insistent I'm afraid." He paused, taking in her condition. "Do forgive me if I overstep, but I would offer you a bit of advice." Another pause, was he waiting for permission? How strange.

"Again, please excuse any breach in propriety...I have noted you are new here and...well."

Were all the residents of the Spire this strange? The man grimaced.

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"It's just that...the council holds quite a large amount of sway. I understand your position and of course, you know better than I...but..."

"Please...whatever you are trying to say, just say it."

As if being found 'not guilty', his countenance instantly cleared.

"Of course Madame! If I were lucky enough to be in your shoes, I would recommend taking care to not dally. They are currently waiting on you specifically and it is in your best interest to cultivate their favor."

She should have guessed. How tempting it was to slam the door shut and sleep the night away. What would they do? Burst the door down and hurl her from the bed they'd just given her. Actually...they probably would.

"There's not much choice around here is there? Lead on then."

"Absolutely! Although..."

She tried not to sigh, she really did. Another failure.

"Yes?"

"Well, and please don't take this the wrong way, but you might want to visit the washroom first."

Another wince. What was he expecting she would do? Slap him? It was a logical suggestion, she'd been crying for who knew how long.

"Okay, where is that?"

"You weren't informed? My apologies, it's on the first landing below this one. A previous Unique from three generations ago managed to design running water through the whole of the spire. You simply turn a handle and it pours out! Likewise, I'm sure you will appreciate the other...facilities. Do excuse my indelicacy."

Interesting, though she had heard tales of this before. A few of the fancy inns even advertised similar innovations. With a nod, Liris stepped out and closed the door. Looking in both directions, she did her best to memorize the location. With how many twists and turns Cealia had led her through, it might not help at all.

"I'm ready."

Did the young man have a sharp rock in his shoe?

"Madame..."

"Listen, I'm no 'Madame'. Two days ago I was sleeping in an animal stall. I assure you, whatever you could possibly say...I've heard far worse."

The discomfort shifted...was that pity? She stood corrected, that was worse.

"Understood. Still, you are now in an esteemed position and must be treated with the utmost respect. I'm sure you will become accustomed to it with time. What I was going to ask, as you have graciously encouraged, is the state of your…attire, Madame."

"My clothes?"

"Yes...perhaps consider changing into something more suitable for the occasion?"

"This is the entirety of my 'attire' as you put it."

"I see. Were you not informed of anything? Ah...forget I said that. I'm sure you were perfectly instructed on everything you needed to know upon your arrival!"

What type of expression was that? Was he waiting for some sort of response? She didn’t have one to give.

"I'm glad we understand each other."

Did they?

"Underneath your bed should be a crate with clothing and other sundries along with your stipend and all the belongings you brought. I'm sure a few more minutes won't result in our banishment."

Liris gave up on trying to read him. That smile said there was a joke in there somewhere...she couldn't find it. She should probably change into whatever pretentious ensemble they had selected...however...

"You did say they were waiting though. Let's just proceed."

Every version of panic was on display. He wouldn't last a day on the street.

"Are you absolutely sure? You see, it's quite a magnificent meeting room...I'd hate for you to feel out of place. Though of course, you wouldn't be! It's only...well the council often dress in their finest for such occasions and with what your- what I mean to say is, you might feel out of place. Your comfort is my utmost concern after all!"

Sure it was. But no, this is where she could make an actual choice. A quick stop by the washroom wouldn't hurt though.

"Thank you, but I shall proceed as I am. If they want me for some reason or another, it's me they shall receive."

"If you're completely sure..."

"I am."

"Well then, right this way."

He turned and walked ahead, each step perfectly measured. Liris followed, she'd been doing a lot of that today, as he made his way down the steps. Without prompting, he stopped next to the washroom, patiently waiting outside.

It was small but every inch was fully taken advantage of. There was a basin on one side, a tub on the other, and an outhouse in one corner. Would it be an inhouse instead? Above the basin, a haunted visage stared directly into her eyes. Was that what she looked like? Dried streaks down her face from the tears, skin still angry from the Brume. Her hair was matted too, though that wasn’t unusual.

Turning the wooden handle next to the basin, water did shoot out. She should have been more shocked but this was the least surprising thing, as of late. She splashed her face and ran damp fingers through her hair. It didn't help much, but it was better than nothing. Her reflection in the small mirror looked down upon her in judgment. She returned the favor for long enough that it began to feel like another person entirely. Shaking her head, Liris stepped out, mildly refreshed.

There stood the man, in the exact same position as when she'd entered.

"Ready to proceed Madame?"

"No, not really. Let's go."

He complied, turning back to the spiraling stairs.

"What's your name by the way?"

"My apologies yet again! In all the confusion it completely slipped my mind. The name's Urteli, a pleasure to be at your service."

"Thank you. You are by far the kindest person I've met here. Possibly too kind."

"Well..." She could practically feel him searching for something...anything to say. "...you're welcome."

Her mouth rebelled, a half smile breaking free. And so they walked, a comfortable silence carried with them. Turn after turn, she would need a guide back after all, until Urteli came to a sudden stop before double doors.

"And here we are!"

Another door to enter. She didn't bother waiting, mustering willpower or other such nonsense, in this case, none of it would be enough. Placing a hand on each, she pushed them both open and stepped through. Urteli stayed behind.