The grinding scream of the chains masked the noise of a chair abruptly shoved backward as the owner stood up with haste. Mirielle's eyes momentarily widened in shock when the redhead vanished and reappeared behind the penitent, blatantly ignoring her warning. Why he's taunting her in that manner she had no idea, but that didn't mean the sinner appreciated the gesture.

The silence that followed was deafening, simmering tension almost palpable on the skin. Mirielle's hand paused halfway reaching for a sword that wasn't there, creeping toward the nearest butter knife as the penitent monologued her history. A flash of recognition, eyes narrowing in grim determination... then it all deflated the moment the redhead stood back up not even bloodied.

Well, the spike stabbing through his hand wasn't drawing blood somehow. Of course. Someone picked by the Archbishop cant be any ordinary joe.

He retreated with an apology, though whether the transgression was forgived or not was up to debate. It certainly wouldn't be forgotten anytime soon, especially by Mirielle. Exhaling a deep breath, the ex-inquisitor carefully settled the knife onto the table before returning to her seat. The creaking of the wooden legs a lot louder now that there's no cacophony of grinding metal to mask it off.

[b][color=#778da9]"So it's the Blackthorn Witch. Never thought I'd see you in person."[/color][/b] The initial hostility seemed to have receded for now, bottled and hidden under the surface. Yet only a fool would've thought that it had vanished. Despite her own misgivings however, credit where it's due. Molestation was a serious breach of dignity, and people had suffered more than a couple light stab for it. Amaris had been rather merciful in her warning, all things considered. [b][color=#778da9]"I would've expected you to run him through... good job holding back."[/color][/b]

That said, Mirielle wouldn't readily believe everything the sinner said. Slavery ring? Condoned by the government? Hogwash, the Order would've stormed the parliament if that's the case. There were lines that one should never cross, no matter how great the temptation was. Whatever the goal of the backstory was, there must be something greater at play.

She'll find out eventually. No nefarious plot can be hidden forever from her ever-vigilant watch.