Deep in the Void

Chapter 4: A Familiar Place

Ceris

Ceris woke up in a comfortable purple bed, in what appeared to be a small bedroom. It definitely wasn't her bedroom, however. Hers had a weapons stand, not a pot of pink orchids.
'So much for it being a dream.' Thought Ceris, staring around the room with mild curiosity. The walls were made from warped wood, as well as some polished endstone and purpur bricks. There was a slight creaking all around, reminding her of the basement of one of her skiffs. Feeling the back of her neck where Naeus had tried to decapitate her, she found that someone had stitched the back of her hood with black thread where the ruby thorn had cut it, but she could feel a thin scar at the base of her neck.

She got up and washed her face in the terracotta sink. Ceris might not trust this place, but she might as well take advantage of what comforts it offered.
She stared a moment longer at the flowers. For some reason they made her uncomfortable, but she wasn't sure why.

Finding that her fatigue was entirely gone, Ceris lifted her arm and focused. Almost immediately, a glowing white blade appeared a couple of centimetres above her lower arm.
Sheathing it for the moment, but relieved she would at least be able to put up a fight should she find herself in danger, she cautiously opened the crimson wood door.

Stepping out, she found herself in a small corridor, using more or less the same materials as the room. Down the right passage were about 3 more doors, which on cautious investigation turned out to be a weapons locker, supply cabinet and broom closet respectively. On her left was a set of purpur brick stairs, which, finding no use in any of the rooms, she ascended.

At the top, she found herself in a place she had only seen from a distance, but knew all too well.
The deck of the Great Orchid was made of well mopped and polished purpur brick, with a raised deck at the back, topped by a warped wood ship's wheel. 3 tall crimson masts rose along the deck, supporting large purple sails. On 3 sides of the ship was a black expanse of water, dark as the void and just as threatening. In front of the ship's prow was a red beach, and on the prow was a woman Ceris had hoped never to face again.

Captain Arabella rose from her perch and gave the Ender Queen a welcoming smile.

'Hello again, Ceris.'