Succi looked out the window as she listened to Sombra speak in her slow, rational tone. This was her therapy lesson. Every day, twice a day. It was helping.
"You're making excellent progress, Succi" The woman said softly. "I've asked the elders, per the request of the Teller, to grant you supervised access to the pool once a day. Lorelie said that it might alleviate some tension and help you concentrate on your therapy better. All the better to help rehabilitate you."
Succinde smiled happily. She knew that in her short stay, her good behavior had already gained her more privilages than most of the other tennants. "When...." She asked meekly, eyes on a bluebird outside the window. "When may I leave?"
Sombra was perfectly evasive. "Your actions have nearly cost one man his life, Succi. Not to mention your attempt on the Teller's afianced after your seduction of said man and a threat upon the life of the Teller. You have hurt many, Succi....and that cannot be ignored. You are lucky you didn't break any of the Written Laws. You are lucky you are one of the strongest Clair in Rien. These two facts are what have saved your life. You are lucky the Elders found you more valuable alive."
Succi looked at her hands, ashamed. "I...I am grateful, Sombra. Truly. Its just...I'm lonely. I want to go to Rhydin. I want to see my friends." Sombra shook her head. "You know, I'm sure, that even if the Elders do deem you fit to leave this place, you will not be allowed access to Rhydin. You burned that bridge, Succi. Don't cry amongst the ashes"
The guard arrived then, beckoning to Succi. The pink haired girl stayed in her seat stubbornly as the older woman's words rang in her head. "If they do deem me fit' Why wouldn't they' You said I was making great progress. That I am better. You said..." Her voice was rising, near hysterical.
Sombra gave the guard a subtle half nod, the gesture for him to step in. Succi, stood, backing up helplessly. "They can't keep me here. They can't. You can't! You said you were going to make me better so I wouldn't be a threat when I was around the public. How can I know when I'm better if I'm not AROUND anyone?" The guard caught her by the arm, firmly, but gently. "Lets get you back to your room now, Miss Stargazer..." He said softly.
Succi tried to shake him off. "No! No! Please....tell me I'm getting out, Sombra! Tell me that someday I might get out!" But she could see it. She didn't even have to use her Gift to read the woman's mind. She had known since the day Succinde had arrived here that the pink eyed girl would stay here. Succi struggled against the guard who tried to calm her. "No! No, Brutae...lemme go! Please!"
Sombra turned from her, then, her yellow eyes sad. "I'll send for the Teller later, Succinde....mayhap she can comfort you. I am truly sorry. " With that, the guard simply picked Succi up and slung the girl over his shoulder like a sack of kicking, sobbing hen feed. Succi felt herself slide into despair as she considered her life sentence.