Shadows over Sigil - The Deva Spark

"Air traffic in the city of Sigil may only take place within the designated air corridors.

This restriction does not apply to the griffon riders of the Harmonium when performing their duties."

City Ordinance of Sigil

Third Guild Day of Savorus, 126 HR

Erin had to admit to herself that she was a little nervous as she entered the Barracks together with Da'nanin, her second-in-command and consort. After all, Sarin had invited her to his headquarters personally, and he had never done that before. On top of that, he hadn't given any specific reason, which was doubly uncharacteristic of him. When Da'nanin joked that he would certainly arrest her because he had found out about the Blue Jay, she had been tempted to believe him for a moment. She had actually felt a certain sense of anxiety, but also a joyful excitement. After all, that would have been an extraordinary experience. But in that case, Sarin would certainly have given her that special reproachful look as soon as they had entered the reception hall. There, however, they were greeted warmly by the concierge Diana, who asked a young half-elf named Jostos to take them to the upper floor. That was a welcome experience, too, because Erin had never set foot on the upper floor of the Barracks before. Although she had already held a few politically relevant meetings with Sarin tête-à-tête and had also met with his wife Faith on several occasions, they had always met in one of the ground level auditoriums – but mostly outside the Barracks, either in the Festhall, the Hall of Speakers or one of the upscale restaurants in the Lady's Ward. She didn't miss the fact that Da'nanin looked around with the same interest as she did, and he couldn't help but innocently ask Jostos if there were also interrogation cells on the upper floor where suspects could be kept for a while. Erin playfully nudged him in the side and he laughed heartily. If Jostos found their behavior strange, she hid it perfectly, because she just smiled politely and appeared neither amazed nor irritated. Perhaps she had already learned not to be surprised by Sensates, thanks to Naghûl's more frequent visits to the Barracks lately. Erin, on the other hand, was a little taken aback when she realized that the triaria didn't lead them to Sarin's office, but to one of the four corner towers. These were comparatively low, only one floor higher than the two-story Barracks, but relatively spacious in diameter. At the top, they offered a beautiful view over the Lady's Ward. Although the Barracks themselves were not particularly high compared to other faction headquarters, they were located on a hill, from which one could easily overlook the surrounding area. Her colleague Sarin was waiting for them here. Da'nanin bowed deeply before him, while the paladin, as always, kissed the hand she offered him.

"My dear Sarin, I am thrilled about your invitation," Erin said with a smile. "Even though I have to admit that I hadn't expected to meet up here on one of the towers. Tell me, to what do I owe the honor of this invitation?"

"Well, you will surely remember that I mentioned a present on the occasion of your factol's day," he explained politely. "But I said I couldn't hand it to you."

"Of course I remember!" She felt the slight, welcome tickle of anticipation, definitely one of her favorite feelings. "And I assure you, I've been more than excited for the last two weeks."

He cleared his throat apologetically. "Yes, I know it's actually been two weeks since then and I've been tarrying. I could make excuses about having a lot on my plate, but who among us hasn't? Nevertheless, that is no way to behave towards a lady, so please forgive me."

"Oh, don't worry, Factol Sarin," Da'nanin interjected with a slight grin. "You've increased the anticipation, and things that she can't have right away have a greater appeal for Erin per se."