Zexen replied to Dorian with a fatigued chuckle. ”Yeah the weather here is to die for.” Zexen managed to roast his meat enough to eat it and took several large bites before continuing. ”Valen Alus used to have winters, with snow. I’m the reason it’s a desert climate perpetually. I used to hate winter and one day I wished and prayed with all my might that my country would never see another cold day again. I was about 6 years old then. All I remember is glowing and a light shot from me to the sky parting the clouds. I fainted after that. I woke up in melted snow under a hot sun. We had never had another true winter day since and that was so many years ago. It was difficult for the citizens to adjust to life in a new climate. My father dealt with anyone that was cross with me for what I did. Not even he could fix it.”
His light heart joke had turned the conversation into a dark story of the past. The power that his pupil spoke of was astounding, as well as terrifying. The power to change the climate of an entire nation was too great. If Zexen did that in Khalidor, Dorian would kill him immediately without hesitation. Thankfully he felt that Zexen wouldn't have the mana to manage that even if he wanted to.
Zexen looked up at Dorian and smiled with a glimmer of regret in his eyes. ”I guess your icy training regimine is somewhat a fitting punishment for my making life difficult for my people.” Dorian looked down at his feet, then at the prison that they had been nearing. It was ironic, that much was true. He felt that he should say something comforting to his student, but no words came to mind. He had things that he hadn't come to terms with either, so how could he lecture on self forgiveness?
The prison was as large as ever, although he noticed that the guns on the wall were new. Apparently they had replaced all of their ballistas with cannon and the spears with muskets. A good combination if a prisoner escaped, after all none of them would stand a chance in close combat with those locked up there. ”Do you mind if I at least take the bracelet off while we’re inside? I’m worried it’s all taking too much of a toll on me.” Dorian waved a hand of approval to Zexen as he spoke to the guards. They were lowered down to the bottom level via elevator. The ropes were strong, but the men on each level with swords ready to cut displayed that the rope could be cut in case of escape. Upon reaching the bottom level, Dorian and Zexen walked to Fiona's heavily guarded cell. Even Dorian could feel his mana being sapped from the various items in the room.
”Lady Fiona, it is good to see you are relatively well. Although I wish we were meeting under better circumstances.” Zexen turned towards Dorian, ”Dorian, how long must she remain imprisoned? You really think she is responsible for the manabomb?” Dorian sat down in a chair across from her cell. She seemed comfortable enough, not luxurious like a castle, but not filth ridden like an inn at the docks either. "Frankly I don't know. The current evidence seems to point towards her involvement in some form. Besides, the senate wants someone to be blamed for the attack and she just happens to be the prime suspect." He scratched his beard again and looked Fiona in the eyes. "This is what's going to happen. You're going to tell me your story of what happened in every detail. If I believe what you tell me then you have nothing to fear. As of the moment, I am you judge, jury..." He pulled pulled a pistol out of his jacket. "And if need be, executioner." He told her, cocking the pistol. "Now start talking."