It didn't take long for Selea to find the hidden cave in Mournhold, nor did it take her long to find herself standing at the doorstep of the great Brass Fortress. She took a deep breath and stepped back inside, hoping soon to find—
"By the gears, is that really you? Selea Arcillius?"
Selea spun around, a wide smile on her face. "Luciana!" She approached quickly and the two awkwardly hugged.
"What are you doing here? I didn't imagine I'd ever see you again."
Selea looked around. "I needed to get away. A hidden city seemed like a good bet. And one where I feel fairly confident that people could care less what I've been doing outside the city." She then looked up at the tower looming overhead. "I don't suppose there's any chance I could get an audience with Lord Seht, is there?"
"He doesn't take visitors often."
"I've seen him recently—in Artaeum."
"Artaeum? You really do get around to hidden mysterious cities, don't you?"
"You have no idea." She glanced up at the tower again. "I'm sure in all his 'all-knowingness' he probably already knows I'm here. But do you think that if you see him or are sending messages through to him—could you tell him... tell him the Prisoner has returned and has found her own hidden door."
"Pardon?"
"Just tell him that. He should understand. If it bothers you, you can just tell him that Selea Arcillius has returned to Clockwork City and seeks an audience with Lord Sotha Sil."
Luciana observed her quietly a moment. Selea could tell the other woman was trying to understand exactly what she was up to. "Very well. I'll do my best to deliver your message. How long do you plan on staying?"
"As long as I'm welcome. Do I still hold my citizenship status?"
"Absolutely. You did, after all, save Lord Seht himself."
Selea put a finger to her lips. "Ssh, don't say that too loudly. I'm trying to get away from the hero life for a while, not run towards it."
YOU ARE READING
Solitude: Alone, Together
FanfictionShe's known as the Vestige to some, Champion to others, but by now, Selea Arcillius would prefer to hideway and be unknown. She's tired, and looking for an escape, so she goes to a place that holds mystery and possibility, and to the 'man' who holds...
