{ pfsb } a letter and a meeting

[jaskoleczka]

Time is passing strangely for Ciri; it's difficult to tell if she has slept entire days or only a few hours. There is no way to mark the days aside from weather, and that changes quickly enough that it is wholly unreliable.

(The Bar, in her infinite kindness and usual sympathetic meddling, has in fact created a mild time loop in Ciri's room, giving her time to recover and somewhat ignoring the distressed flurry which has emanated out in ripples from her arrival.)

She comes downstairs, therefore, determined to more fully explore this strange place. There are stables she wishes to visit, and the woods remind her very slightly of those around Kaer Morhen...but her plans are abruptly canceled when, along with the strong hot tea she'd ordered, Lady Bar provides her also with a note.

Anyone watching would see Ciri rub at her forehead as if to quell a sudden headache, then lay a hand on the bartop and request something in a soft voice. Quill and pen appear, and she bends her head to write briskly and neatly:

Reverend Daughter,

I am terribly sorry for the distress I have caused. Please know it was not intentional.
I welcome your request for a meeting. I am at your disposal and shall visit Room 99 within the hour.

- Ciri

Folding the note, she looks for a waitrat to charge with its delivery and watches as the messenger scampers up the stairs before she turns with a sigh back to her tea.

Which she is now wishing was something a good deal stronger.

---

It's about half an hour later that she stands at the door of Room 99 with no idea of what to expect, knocking lightly with gloved knuckles.

Comments

[lightamidchaos]

"Not all practice musical cultivation," he says, "but cultivating with the sword is usual. Although Qinghe Nie has taken another step, and cultivates with a more warlike, battle-focused blade."

He glances at her.

"I would be happy to spar, some time. If you want."

[jaskoleczka]

"Now that would be a challenge indeed," she says, smiling. "I accept. But in the meantime..."

She glances again at the note, and sighs slightly, pushing away her tea with reluctance. "I must go speak with the Reverend Daughter."

[lightamidchaos]

He nods.

"Do you want me to accompany you?"

[jaskoleczka]

Her smile presses a bare curve into the corners of her mouth. "You're very kind, but no."

Rising, she unbuckles Zireael from around her chest and holds the scabbard loosely in one hand. "I shall make my pilgrimage alone, as befits a penitent." Now her smile grows stronger and a bit rakish; she winks at him.

"If things go badly, remember me well."

[lightamidchaos]

"I will see you later," he says instead, exuding quiet confidence.

Lan Wangji stands up and offers her a proper bow.

"Be well, Ciri."