River’s scalp stung from the way U’tu had tightened her crowning braid extra tight. He stuck it together by the flimsy stem of white roses and adorned the braid with several blooms of its flower.

They arrived at the weaver’s building and it stood out in the line of buildings because it was too bare, too simple compared to the ornate architecture and black marble statues of the rest of the avenue’s finely-built graysyone buildings. The weaver's building was too short, having merely 2 floor levels and it was smack-dab in the middle of two grandiose greystone buildings that held more opulent designs.

As they entered through the threshold, En’tum’s voiced boomed through the halls. “How are we stuck with a no-good weaver like you?“

Lei’la’s lilting voice suffered with worn-out patience. “I remember my teachings well, elder blacksmith. This is how I’m taught to do this weave.”

“Well clearly what tiny brain you have got shrunk during your travels because this isn’t how it’s supposed to be woven.”

“All right. If you will tell me what I need to change, that would be great.“

“And tell you how to do your job?“ he let out a disbelieving guffaw, finally taking notice of U’tu and River. Then he slammed the rolled-up blanket on the cluttered table, shaking her tools on its violent impact. A scissor flew up in the air, hitting Lei’la square at the temples and scuffling her glasses to a tilt.

River charged forward when she saw her bled but U’tu blocked her, his arm shooting up.

En’tum snarled, “I will see you toiling over this weave until you get it right. You are disgracing your elders with this, child. Can’t you even remember the lessons they honor you with? Fucking waste.”

“Grandfather.“ U’tu called.

En’tum’s lips melted into a smile, “Grandson.“ he greeted with a warm embracing hug “Your victory blanket is looking spectacular, the weave is almost perfect. Almost. Just as soon this dumb idiot realizes her mistake then our celebrations can begin.” He gave River a brief once-over before wrapping an arm around U’tu’s shoulder, pulling him away towards the door. “Haven’t we talked about being seen with incomers? It isn’t tasteful.”

A loud slam of the door signalled their departure.

Lei’la peered up to her with a guarded look as she straightened her cluttered table. Her bleeding wound gone as if it hadn’t happened. No scars. No tender wound. Nothing to indicate she was hurt moments before.

Everything about her made River’s heart sank. Gone was the plump girl with starry visions in her eyes and graceful smiles. Instead she looked hollowed and skinny, gaunt cheekbones and dry lips.

The weaver’s spacious room had large windows in every direction, but with no sunlight spilling like it had before. A fireplace burned with weak embers. The chill in the air was stuffy, almost claustrophobic. There weren’t any furnishings outside of her weaving room. Even then, her craft supplies seemed sparse.

Lei’la worried her bottom lip when she showed her the student insignia from sun tribe. “I.. umm“ she sighed “Follow me.“

Across the hallways led to a basement door, they climbed down the stairs to find wooden crates. Hundreds of them piled up on the concrete ground.

Russ’lo twisted when she and Lei’la arrived at the bottom of the stairs. He wore a coat jacket over his sweater, black slacks and black-shined shoes. “Everything seems to be accounted for.“ he told Lei’la, then turned to River. “I know you. River, isn’t it?”

“She’s a student from the sun tribe.”

“Oh, I know.” he strode to her, his fingers tracing the scar around her throat. “This one displeased his dark majesty. You will find nothing here for you. Better run off back to your own tribe.”

Lei’la studied the bronze insignia in her hand, “It’s the southern sun tribe. Not much left for her there, either.”

He gave her a cold, seething smile “And what do you supposed to do with her here? A severed?“

“You know the laws.”

“Are you sure about that? People will steer clear of you. I’d make sure everyone knows this one deserved her severed condition by displeasing our great dark majesty.”

She chuckled, dryly. “You have gone far way out-of-touch, Russ’lo. Tribespeople aren’t as cold as the royal ass you insist to kiss on a daily basis.”

His face morphed to a wild wolf, growling. But he straightened himself, leaning back. “We’re done here. The housing crates are all accounted for. If I see anything missing, I’ll make sure you end up as this one right here. Severed.” Climbing the stairs, he added “One more thing. She doesn’t get to have a housing crate. Our dark majesty wants to make sure she leaves after she’s done at the healers.”

“She won’t survive the trip back ho—“

It was too late. He already climbed up the basement stairs with no thought for listening.

She turned to River, “Did you really displeased his majesty?”

She nodded.

“Good. Fuck him.”

River reached out and held Lei’la’s hand, it was bone-tired and calloused. She peered up to her and found drooping eyelids and heavy bags under her eyes. This girl was merely a teenager, and yet the weight of the world seemed to shift on her shoulders. The very thought sparked River’s instincts. Let me help you.

She drew back, frowning severely. Then she snorted in amusement. “I had a feeling.”

River stopped her when she was about to open up a crate. I don’t want to get you into trouble, Lei’la.

Her smile turned sad, “It’s been a while since I’ve heard my name. You know they used to call me ‘fat bitch’? By Brumcia, what I wouldn’t do to have them call me that again.”

That isn’t very nice. No one should be disrespecting you like that.

She scratched at the uneven wood covering on the crate, “It’s a lot better than what they call me now. How are you even going to help? You don’t have anything but flowers and the clothes you’re wearing.”

Give me a chance. I can figure out something. But you have to know my strongest suit at the moment are courage and ideas. And I can’t do it in my own.

“Say no more. I knew you were trouble when you walked in. If you want to raise hell in this godforsaken place, I’m in.”

She bit her bottom lip and leaned in furtively, do you want to watch things burn?

A spark lighted in her eyes as she leaned down to her, “Hell yes.”