Fait Accompli: An Unwilling Tutelage

[Seperallis]

"I would be more surprised were you not," said Nevina, two fingers running under Elke's jaw and stopping on her pulse. "You thankfully managed Betton's Decoction a few times. Still, it is no replacement for proper nutrition; I will have a dinner for you as soon as I can. But first..."

The crimson mage released Elke, and for the first time she received a full, clear view of the women's face: slightly puffed and heavy-lidded, her eyes tinged bloodshot at the edges, brow creased down and face pulled back in deliberate concentration. She sat back and upright, pushing her frizzing and slightly matted hair behind her shoulders, then holding one finger up and moving it in slow, swirling motions before the young woman.

"First, follow the tip of my finger with your eyes," she said, "and only your eyes. What do you remember of...that night?"