Miss Winters

i. Bitter Tea

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A woman was seated in the parlour having afternoon tea. Symmetrical patterns adorned the carpet. Flowers preserved in an eternal bloom decorated the chairs and similar bold floral designs embellished the walls. The table at which she was seated was crowded with fancy cakes, scones and pastries.

Laura Winters sat across from the woman with her gladstone bag placed on the floor beside her. Tucking stray auburn hair behind her ear, she assessed the treats on the table. Picking up a scone, she smeared it with butter and strawberry jam before taking a satisfyingly large bite. The sugary sweet sparking a scarlet blush across her cheeks. Laura was utterly content with the dessert. Wishing only for another.

"I see you still enjoy the desserts," said the woman.

Her accent had dulled over the years of knowing her. Once a sharp knife that could cut through people with delicate precision, now it barely left a mark. Blending with the rest of Tarum. If not for her feathers, she would seamlessly fade into any crowd.

A teapot was delicately lifted, pouring a dark liquid into the porcelain cup. From the smell, Laura assumed it to be juventas tea. Imported all the way from the Viridis Empire, she wondered if the cost was worth the drink. Moving the cup up to her nose, she flinched. The bitter smell overwhelmed her senses. A cube of sugar- No. Three. The more, the better. She began to stir the drink with a teaspoon absently.

Noticing Laura's interest in the tea, the woman spoke up saying, "Juventas tea. Said to promote youth and beauty. It was imported all the way-"

Laura interrupted, "from Viridis."

"Why yes," the woman gave Laura a muddled look. Unsure of herself, she asked, "Did I already tell you this?"

"No Cecília, I've seen this tea before during one of my ventures."

"Of course. Your ventures."

The woman known as Cecília Flores was a unique resident found in the city of Tarum. Though this sentiment probably applies to all of Idrimis. For Cecília Flores was a sylph. A species of human-like beings that are unknown to most of the world.

Vivid green and blue feathers framed her humanoid face and down her back. From her chin, a plumage of white fell across her throat and faded into a rich brown though the high neckline of her dress hid this. Sharp bird-like talons replaced her feet and made it impossible to wear any footwear. Instead, she wore bejewelled rings and ankle bracelets that gave an appealing glimmer to her every step. The sleeves of her dress were tight and ended at the wrist. The dress as a whole was beautiful with ruffles and pleats that were the look of this Season with the addition of a hole in the back where her wings extended out. Occasionally, Laura had observed them stretch into a shudder when Cecília was agitated as was the case now.

"Have you read the paper of late?" She asked, "It says the current Duke of Veritas is to marry the eldest daughter of the Crown Princess."

Feeling awkward, Laura took a sip of her tea. She knew where this was heading and tried to redirect the conversation. "I also read that more funding has been placed into researching the capabilities of tools powered by magic. Perhaps advancements towards these magic tools could aid in my work-"

Piercing chestnut-coloured eyes glared at Laura. She could almost see the pupils shrink as Cecília spoke, "Are you ever going to get married?"

"Apologies. I simply adore the life of freedom. For me to tie myself down now would be a dreadful shame."

"Perhaps if you were to wed into wealth, there would be no need for you to wander off into danger. One of these days, one of those monsters will be too much for you to handle. What then?" Cecília's accent became more noticeable as her tone shifted to one of worry, mumbling words that Laura couldn't hear.

Silence settled heavily between the two women.

"I'm young." Laura sipped her tea before continuing, "I only take the easy jobs, never over my head."

Placing the tea down, Laura took the hand of the woman across from her. It was plumed by a host of feathers but it remained humanoid in shape. Scars and calluses were littered about her bare palms. Remnants of a past that are best left forgotten.

Cecília gazed gloomily at her empty teacup. Moving her hand away from Laura, she said, "That doesn't stop me from worrying. Laura-"

"The arson has struck again!" a voice cried from outside. Laura nearly knocked over her bag along with the table as she moved to look outside the window and saw a small lad running down the street. Black soot smudged his face and boots. The boy called out, "The Artemisia manor is burning down!"

Laura quickly turned back to Cecília. The sylph did not smile, nor did she protest. With something akin to pain in her eyes, she said, "Be safe."

Snatching her equipment bag, Laura rushed to the scene of the crime. There was work to be done.

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Hope you liked the chapter. Thanks for the votes in the prologue. Appreciate it.

Background Facts: The appearance of sylphs is based on hummingbirds, specifically the long-tailed sylph which is native to South America.