As she crossed into the elf side, she would see a lone guard standing there. She squinted at Calliope before her eyes widened and she whistled, clearly giving some sort of signal. "Calliope Enkalyn?"
The elf looked shocked and nodded, gesturing with her head, her nose wrinkling a little from the smell. "Come along."
"Don't apologize," she said gently. "They're in the meeting room. I'll take you up." They climbed up the stairs that she had descended only a week ago. They emerged into the fresh air and she would see the elven city sprawled in front of her, the lights twinkling softly. She would be reminded of the human city, and the cries that called for aid in the darkness.
The guard looked over at her. "You want to... take a shower?" she asked, sounding confused. "I suppose... I suppose that would be alright." She led her up towards the palace, her brow furrowed. "I will inform them of your return."
She looked back at her. "I will bring you there first," she replied gently. They entered the palace, and she would be struck by how light it was, with giant windows that showed the city resting below.
The guard led her to a spare bedroom, with a bathroom attached. It fit the aesthetic of the rest of the castle, lighter and brighter than the human kingdom. "Here you are," she said nervously. "I'll bring you some clothes while you shower and leave 'em on the bed. Okay?"
She nodded, wringing her hands. "Okay. Thank you. If it's possible, could you let my friend Puck know I'm back? He's a guard."
She took a shower, getting rid of the sewage smell and relaxing a little. Eventually she got out, going to get dressed.
There was a soft silence that greeted her as she changed. The guard had left the clothes on the bed as she had promised.
She would see a familiar face sitting outside her door, his back against the wall. He looked up as she opened the door and Puck’s face just fell with relief as he scrambled to his feet. “Calliope...”
