As the sun came up, Kestrel stood by her room window, holding a hot mug of tea, and watched the city wake up. The dorm was old, with chipped paint on the door and window frames, and a small wooden bed. But, the room was clean and had new stuff. Plus, it had an amazing view of the foggy sea far off.
The hot water in her mug was brought by the alphas in the morning. The tea in it was a present from Birdie, who said she got the wild leaves from cliffs herself.
Back in the Tower, there was always hot water, and the tea made by the housekeepers was really fancy.
But, Kestrel found this mug of wild tea much tastier. Maybe it was because they were picked from cliffs.
Kestrel wiped the foggy window with her sleeve and looked down. The people living near the outpost were packed in tight, their run-down houses all squished together. Far off, a big wall surrounded these homes and a tiny watchtower.
Even though it was early, the nearby streets were already buzzing.
