Running in Ruin

Derelict Seekers

"O didn't you know I'd been ruined?" said she – The Ruined Maid –Thomas Hardy

The walk back through the twilight cobbled streets of Dragon District was long and I shoved my hands in the pockets of my leather jacket, to ward off the chill creeping down the ink like patterns on my flesh. At least another despot criminal was off the streets. He had been clever, that business gremlin, much more so than the usual ilk I'd become accustomed to dealing with. But strategy is the birth right of a royal. No matter how good a criminal thought they were, as long as I remained in Dragon District they'd always be caught.

My golden eyes cast over the colossal winding towers and obscure mismatched constructions spanning the district. When one was a giant fire breathing reptile, one needed the space to match. The sound of methodical wing beats overhead caught my attention and I watched as a dragon landed gracefully on the roof of a pointed tower before smoothly crawling into the open space beneath. The scene was common, but wayward dragons coming home still brought a smile to my crimson painted lips. I'd always had a soft spot in my cold heart for dragons (and a few others who had earned it).

I turned down Draconis Street, cursing as I caught the heel of my boot on the same wonky cobblestone as always. I made a mental note to talk to Aurelius about fixing it when I next saw him. Or I could send him a crow, though perhaps now when he was still probably dealing with that ass Draper wasn't the best time. That man could give mermaids a run for their doubloons in arrogance.

Finally, I reached the rickety wooden steps artfully curling round the two floor stone building. It was a bit small for my liking, but those who live in Dragon District do so by the grace and approval of the dragons. Therefore, you go where they put you. At the time I had come here, this had been the only space available and I certainly hadn't been in a position to argue. Though I wasn't planning on staying here forever. Soon...with just a bit more time...

Shaking my head, I stomped louder than necessary up the steps and effortlessly pulled my keys from my bag. (A skill many envied). The lock was stiff and after a good five minutes, I finally managed to get the door unstuck, the hanging sign on the surface clattering against the door from the force. Carefully, I straightened it back up and dusted it down, my hands lingering over the carved words: "Orinthea, Corvus Queen and Private Investigator" before heading inside.

My office and living quarters spread before me like raven's wings. Throwing my keys on the table, I proceeded straight for the kettle. What I needed now was a good cup of Blaithwater tea. It was expensive stuff, but no one brewed tea better than witches and a cup would be perfect for easing the headache I could feel building behind my eyes.

What felt like a century later, the kettle rocked and spluttered, fine steam billowing into the air as if it was going to explode. Excellent. Creating the perfect cup of tea was an art form and I'd be damned if this one was anything less. I'd sacrificed my possessions, not my principals.

Carefully cradling the deep purple mug, I edged my way towards my office, hungrily breathing in the tea fumes as I did. The dark wood desk appeared tiny under the scattered papers from various cases. Brushing a rather offensive looking bill (that I'd been purposely ignoring for a week) aside, I gently set the cup down and slumped with all the grace of a dying duck on the battered chair. At least the one good thing about my displacement was no longer having to maintain a proper stance at all times, even when you were bone tired. I let my head fall back against the worn, scratched up brown leather and allowed my eyes to flutter closed for a minute. It was done. Case closed. Poor Patrice would have her justice and I would no longer be haunted by the image of her half eaten body. I had seen all sorts of bodies in all kinds of conditions in the courts, had even ordered some of the executions myself without a second thought. But no one King, Queen or otherwise had ever been subject to or ordered cannibalism.

Suddenly an echoed clop filled the silence and my eyes immediately flew open as I vaulted upright in my seat, scanning the room. A whisper in the shadows caught the corner of my eye. Slowly, one cloven hoof attached to a pale as the moon leg emerged out of the darkness. A deep red dress cut to purposely reveal each leg drifted in to view as more of the figure gradually came into the light. Dark brown hair cascaded round a heart shaped face, continuing its journey in thick waves until curling at the woman's lower back. There was only one person I knew who looked like that.

"Katriel," I acknowledged.

The Boabhan Sith inclined her head slightly in response. "Orinthea, it has been too long Corvus Queen,"

"Indeed, though I'm sure you can understand why I haven't visited lately."

Katriel flicked her amber eyes quickly around the room, appraising every detail of our surroundings in mere seconds. "Yes," she eventually uttered "last year's incident was unfortunate." Her lips twisted round the word as if she was tasting it for the first time. "Machivelius was most outraged when he heard, if I remember correctly, he even offered to go to battle for the dishonour of the act."

"Of course he did, you know Machivelius, he prides honour and loyalty above all else. Though thankfully I managed to talk him out of that ridiculous course of action."

Katriel raised one flawlessly shaped eyebrow. "That is most unlike you,"

"Don't worry Katriel, I haven't lost my mind just yet. You of all people should know careful planning is its own reward when executed." I smirked.

"Ah of course. It is good to see your mind is still sharp and you are well. Both qualities will be needed." She stated factually, immediately setting off warning caws in my head.

"Will they?" I countered, grabbing my mug of tea and taking a casual sip, never breaking gaze with Katriel. Sadly, her decades of working in the Thorn Court meant she had become immune to basic intimidation tactics. Must try harder next time.

"Machivelius has heard of your exploits as an Investigator Corvus Queen, including your rather successful capture rate. As his Emissary, I have been tasked on behalf of his majesty to hire your services."

My eyelids blinked once. Twice. I was not expecting that little titbit to leave her dark lips.

"Why in the hell would the Thorn King want an Investigator? He has just as much power as me, maybe even more at this precise moment. What can I do that he can't?!"

Katriel cast her gaze downward, pressing her mouth into a thin line. It was the first time I'd seen the Boabhan Sith look solemn. She took a breath before deliberately flashing her fangs with anger bubbling behind her eyes, all traces of propriety gone.

"Arella has been murdered."