She could feel the hair at the back of her head stand on end. Each one of their glances felt like they were reading her thoughts.
Their appearances were veiled in the darkness created by their purple robes. Even if she sneaked a glance or two, she would only be met with a void without an ounce of pity or sympathy.
The thought sank harder when a harsh sentence was delivered by a booming voice which belonged to one of the purple robes.
"Blossom is thereby punished for unwarranted trespassing!" She collapsed to her knees, confused and dazed; She didn't know what to think or even know what she should have been thinking.
A few moments ago, she had been standing dazed in front of her mirror and in the span of a couple of hours, she had been captured, jailed and tried for her sudden appearance in the Holy Sanctuary. At least that was what she could put together from the murmurs around her.
"Umm.. excuse me what do you mean by punished? I have done nothing wrong" She grimaced at the squeakiness of her voice that betrayed her initial intention of revealing no trace of her nervousness.
"Weavers are prohibited from crossing the Boundary. As such, you shall be sent to the gallows where you and your written Fate shall be axed"
She was confused. What was a Weaver? What boundary? The terminology confused her brain way more than the average math equation. Either way, she knew going to the gallows would be an experience not worth experiencing. The image of her bloodied head rolling sent a chill down her spine.
She had to find a way out.
"Let's not get hasty. Can't I just go back?"
" We don't need to do all this. I am sure such esteemed persons such as yourselves have better things to do than killing off a non-threatening teenager such as I"
" You would be surprised" A voice came from behind her. She whipped her head around and came face to face with a boy who looked about her age strolling into the room. His curly dark hair bounced with every step he took as he glared at the purple-robed people with his blue eyes.
"To what do we owe the pleasure, Honourable Seat?" One of the purple-robed people spoke menacingly.
"Nothing that should concern you. It's just I have just been made aware of a trial regarding a particular Weaver who has crossed the Boundary"
"Yes. We have already reached a verdict. She is to be sent to the gallows"
The boy smirked.
"Such harsh punishment"
Blossom was at her wit's end. She didn't know if the boy was there to save her or was after something else entirely.
She felt a chill run down her spine and peeked around only to see he was staring at her with a calm smile.
"Grand Council, I have a suggestion" He peeled his gaze away from her and back to the purple-robed people.
"Free her and return her to her world"
"Preposterous!" One of them banged their hand onto the table.
"Watch your anger, Freeman," said another purple-robed person.
"How can I, Gemini? He dares intrude on the affairs of the council. He must think being the leader's pet means he has free reign over all matters"
"You jest. I assure you I have no such intention"
" Even if that was likely, have you forgotten there is no way for her to return?" Freeman sneered.
"How come? She could always go through the other route"
" But that way is not–"
"Silence! Let's not reveal anything to the outsider" Gemini interrupted.
All Blossom could do was sigh inwardly. She felt weird knowing the boy was fighting with these people for her safety.
She was curious why he was going to such great lengths. Though she dared not to interrupt, she wanted to assess her situation first before doing something hastily. She had a gut feeling that all these people were powerful enough to kill her.
"Was it the leader who sent you here?" Gemini asked suddenly.
"Why would she trouble herself with such a meddlesome problem?" Freeman barked, seething with rage.
"Stay doggy. Who sent me does not matter. All you should know is that this Weaver is to be sent back to Earth" said the boy with a mocking smile.
Gemini looked at the boy and felt uneasy. She had a bad premonition. The person in front of her has always had a knack for turning things upside down. Something struck her that perhaps he was aware of what they were trying to do.
If so, it would be best to not cause any more suspicion but that didn't mean she would take the disrespect standing.
"Freeman, Arrow, I think it would do us well to listen to him"
"What! How could that brat tell us what to do? We are the Council! And punishing vermin falls under our jurisdiction!"
"Calm down. Gemini is right" Arrow spoke for the first time.
"You can't be serious too–"
"It would do us well. Little Seat, you may do as you please" Arrow said cooly.
"As I should" the boy gave a mocking bow and prepared to make his way out.
" Hold on!" Gemini called elegantly as she walked towards Blossom.
"Since you have been so meddlesome about this girl's safety, why don't you take care of taking her that other route" She motioned him over to where Blossom was kneeling.
" It would be improper, I still have my duties as the Honoured Seat" The boy gave a forced smile.
" Nonsense. Since you are so adamant about her well-being, I figured you would also like to accompany her all the way" A smile formed on Gemini's face. She flicked her wrist and a scroll appeared in mid-air and landed in her hand.
"Let me help you. As of today, Nicholas, the Honoured Seat of our Sanctuary of Narrators has been temporarily suspended from all duties to accompany Miss Blossom, a Gold grade Weaver."
The whole hall was silenced. Nicholas showed a troubled expression. With that declaration, he knew that it was all but inevitable that he would have to guide this girl back home.
" Thank you for your consideration. I, Nicholas of the Sanctuary of Narrators, hereby accept the order"
Blossom glanced at him as he bowed to the Council. She was aware that he didn't want to help her which made her feel guilty. If only, she hadn't dropped into the Sanctuary.
Perhaps, he wouldn't have been implicated in the whole affair. In any case, she needed him. After all, she was a foreigner to this place and its rules.
"Funny how you are making him pledge when I haven't decided whether I want him to be my guide" Blossom voiced her opinion as she stood up. She sensed Gemini's gaze trained on her but ignored it.
" However, I am quite aware of where I stand so I will allow him to be my guide."
"Allow him?" Gemini raised an eyebrow.
" My, my, this girl seems interesting. Have fun, Little Seat" Gemini said whilst ruffling his curls before strutting out. Following that, everyone else soon exited the hall till only Nicholas and Blossom were left.