A frown stuck upon Cicero’s expression. It didn’t go away as Dana continued to explain about the group. What a shoddy explanation, Cicero thought to herself bitterly. Having finished belting her boots, she leaned back in the chair. The wood creaked as she crossed her arms over her torso tightly. As Tam glanced at her, she quirked an eyebrow that expressed Why are you looking at me?. The instructions Tam gave to Dana made Cicero sit back up on the chair. She felt a tension run through her muscles. The woman forced herself to stay seated... for the moment.
Dana stared at Tam with wide eyes as he gave the instructions to her. She stammered, “Sp-p-peak to ‘em?” Her cheeks paled so much that her skin appeared to have become grey. She dropped the folds of her dress before nodding to show that even though she was surprised by the instructions, she understood.
Cicero noticed the second glance Tam threw her way and she eyed him with serious consideration. The woman stood up swiftly off the chair and walked over to Dana. She was at least twice the size of the girl if not more. Cicero reached down, squatting down so she could easily see the girl’s expression. Her fingers intertwined with the matted dirty hair. Cicero’s grip was tight, far from gentle as Dana let out a pained cry. The cry only made Cicero tug at the elf’s hair harder.
“You better not tell them anything more than to meet us.” Cicero hissed at the girl, “Tell them less than nothing and make sure you bring only two... or I will send word back and have your brother killed...” Cicero eyed the girl before adding in an even softer hiss, “Right in front of your mother.” She brought her hand up, grabbing at the girl’s face so Dana had to look her in the eyes (or eye, considering Cicero was wearing her patch). Her gloved fingers indented against the paled skin, creating small red marks on the grey flesh, “Do you understand, knife ears?” Tears welled up in Dana’s eyes. She tried to nod but the tight hold on her hair and face prevented such a movement. Instead, she whimpered. Cicero leaned in, “Excuse me? I couldn’t hear you.”
Dana gulped before responding, “Yes, sers, yes. I und’stand.” Cicero let go of the girl sharply. Dana gasped in relief. Cicero scoffed, pointing to the door. Dana nodded, quickly turning on heel and heading out of the room.
Cicero slowly rose back to her tall height before looking over at Tam, “I hope you know what you’re doing.” She adjusted her belt, getting it prepared to hold the heavy mace that laid nearby.