Headed by a Snake

Coraline bit her upper lip as she looked around her. There wasn't really a good place to focus on. Beatrice was... not in any... particular fixed location.

"Uh... can we... not burn? The boat? It's a nice boat."

"It's a ship," Tychon scolded, "It's literally in the name: air-ship."

Was that really important right now?!

The spirit seemed to hesitate... flitting about her like a fairy...

It didn't seem unhappy, though... It was more like it was... excited?

⊰ no burn? ⊱

Coraline laughed nervously, "I'd really... like for the ship to land safely-- you know, with all the passengers still alive?"

⊰ gone ⊱

⊰ nikandros gone ⊱

⊰ no friend ⊱

"Aww..." Coraline pursed her lips... She sounded lonely, "You know me, though!"

⊰ you are all we know ⊱

⊰ no friend ⊱

⊰ you . friend? ⊱

The spirit's innocence made Coraline smile from the heart, "Of course, I'll be your friend. My name is Coraline!"

⊰ friend ⊱

⊰ beatrice greets you ⊱

⊰ friend coraline ⊱

⊰ no burn ⊱

"Th... thank you, Beatrice..." Coraline grinned, relieved that she wasn't going to be immolated to death in the next few moments.

That... was actually quite nice. Through that short, sweet exchange, she gained an Iron-Rank Elemental Spirit as a friend. Maybe she could even kidnap her and become a Fire Elementalist?

As for why she could so easily establish a connection with Beatrice?

It was because she was cute!

Why two particular individuals kept disrespecting that unnerved her greatly-- but it was FINE! Beatrice understood! That was enough!

Tychon turned and began heading to the door, "Sounds like you've everything in control."

"Y...yeah..." Coraline stared at the floor, even as Beatrice 'danced' around her in celebration. "I got it."

"Wonderful," Tychon waved. "I'm going back to my room to get some rest."

He left immediately, not giving anyone a chance for a counterargument. She and Lone (and Beatrice!) watched his departing back.

What a fickle person...

She still didn't like him. But he wasn't... terrible. She just didn't prefer his company.

She turned towards the steady companion at her side, Mister Lone. He still had a look of concern on his face.

It wasn't really a surprise, as it seemed that he was nearly killed by Beatrice. If it wasn't for Sir Tychon, Lone might have really died just then...

As friendly as Beatrice was, she was still technically a dangerous, untameable force of nature.

"H...hey," She muttered quietly.

"Hey," He smiled.

...That smile. Coraline swore she'd never get tricked by that. It seemed... she failed, though.

"You... you wanna talk? ...Just for a little bit?"

"Yeah," Lone nodded. "I do. Just you and me, right?"

⊰ beatrice also ⊱

...

⟬ Before noon, third sun. Cersei's Rest. ⟭

"I still don't understand Boss' puzzle box," Lone groaned as he stepped onto the off-boarding ramp.

"You wouldn't," Coraline giggled. "Only a Circle-Mage or... or Sir Tychon would be able to. It was designed for people who had a good sense for magic."

"But... he explained it! And more than once!" Lone idly scratched the scar on his cheek.

Cute.

"Whoa," He held his hand out, blocking her way, "Watch your step."

"Give me your arm, then," Coraline rolled her eyes as she latched onto his outstretched arm.

The ramp had a sturdy wooden railing to prevent any accidents. However, if he was going to fuss over her, she was going to take advantage of it.

"Aha, right."

"Dummy."

Lone led her down the ramp, allowing Coraline to enjoy the 'safety' he provided. It made her feel like a princess being attended by a knight.

Four men from the Church were waiting for them in the receiving area. They immediately moved to intercept them-- odd, because they didn't have any reason to run.

Also, escaping Cersei's Rest was impossible. Besides being the capital and most defended city in Tyrion, it was also... a very large island.

"Hold," Their leader called out, "You, there-- the gentleman with the elf girl."

By his attire, he was a Church Inquisitor, wearing a dark, fitted gambeson, a matching wide-brimmed hat, and a draping cloth mask covering his nose and mouth.

He also looked big enough to snap Coraline in half... and was a little taller than Lone, though that might have been because he was wearing boots?

"Hey, how's it goin'?" Lone asked cheerfully.

...That was the strangest way Coraline had EVER heard anyone talk to a Church Inquisitor! How could he be so relaxed?! Inquisitors could literally order someone to death if they even LOOKED at them wrong!

"I'm well, thank you," The Inquisitor nodded. His voice was deep and gravelly through his mask, and it sounded like he was speaking out of the side of his mouth. "My name is Inquisitor Sagonis. And you are?"

"Lone," The boy saluted... which Sagonis promptly returned. "What's the mask for, Inquisitor? Are you sick?"

"Axe to the teeth, over a decade back. Wicked scar."

"Can I see?"

Sagonis raised an eyebrow... "Sure."

The Inquisitor briefly took off his mask, causing Coraline to avert her gaze. What she saw underneath it made her want to puke...

Her male friend had... strange tastes.

Lone filled the Inquisitor in on the situation... and after he put his cloth mask back on, he approached her.

"Miss Coraline, I presume?" Sagonis narrowed his eyes, sizing her up... "Decanus Tychon did not mention you were an elf..."

Coraline smiled politely. Xenophobia ran deep in Tyrion culture, even for elves. Admittedly, this was the best reception she could have hoped for.

She inclined her head in respect, "That's correct, Inquisitor."

"I will have you answer my questions, concerning the murder of your Ambassador, the... gentleman from House Highblade."

"The person responsible is confined to a bed on the ship," Coraline nodded. "I'll take you to see them."

If the Church enforcers misbehaved, she'd consider having Beatrice teach them a lesson.

"Very well," Sagonis nodded. "And the Elven relics?"

"That..."

Coraline turned back at the off-boarding ramp.

Atop it was a certain green-haired noble (who was also a Decanus, it seemed.)

She smiled politely, "The young master is bringing them now."