Dance of the Gods

In the cold cell Veronica slept peacefully. Who knew that it takes the worst environment for the best sleep she had since arriving into this world.

She had no nightmares about weird demonic creatures, and no dreams about a theater built by a drunk architect. Only sweet unconsciousness.

Sleeping for god knows how long, she finally woke up to the sound of a something jingling nearby. Her head hurt a bit and she was lightheaded from yesterday's drinking. She looked around and finally saw a police officer approaching her cell with a keychain in his hand.

"Rise and shine sweetheart. You are free to go."

Because Veronica just woke up she was very confused, but then remembered last night and the murder. 

Slowly she rose to her feet and after stabilizing herself on the wall, she turned towards the officer who was about to put the key into the cell door's lock.

"What do you mean? I thought I was under arrest because of murder?"

Through yesterday's haze she didn't even remember her sentencing, which meant she didn't know that the only reason she was sitting in this cell is, because of her lack of cooperation. The officer looked her straight in the eye and laughed, which further baffled Veronica.

He wasn't much older than herself, but he definitely ate a lot more than her judging by the sizable gut he carried. His hair already started to fall out at the front and there were laughing lines on his face, indicating his possibly annoying personality.

"Murder? No-no-no, the guy you pushed was recorded as a self defense. You are only here because you didn't answer Officer Stephen's questions, that is obstruction of justice. Also you didn't have an ID on you, that is also a crime."

"You were originally fined for 25 gelt, but a nice gentleman came and paid for your release. All charges are dropped, but I do suggest heading to the Courthouse from here. If an officer stops you next time it will be a lot worse than some petty fine."

'Petty fine?! 25 gelt is 9 weeks of work for me!'

The officer finally opened the door and let her out. She walked out of the cell and looked around the place, it seemed weirdly clean. Very unlike how she imagined a police station's cell block to look like.

On both sides of the corridor there were about a dozen or so small cells, similar to the one she spent the night in. At the end there were two larger cells capable of holding a lot more people.

She waited for the officer to close back the door and lead her towards the exit, since she had no memory of the layout. While walking Veronica thought about who could have payed for her release.

'It could be Suze, but no... The officer said it was a gentleman... So maybe James? Hmm... I don't know, but can't think of anyone else.'

The corridor they walked in was nicely decorated with lots of windows for light in the day. The floor was stone with some carpet on it, and the walls were wood paneled. It was made from more expensive wood than the Miles Inn.

'Of course it is more expensive. In the Free Cities they take their laws and justice very seriously and even then they didn't manage to prove that rapist's crime. The Church of Law's 'God' must have been very disappointed.'

Since they took their laws and the upholding of justice very seriously, the police's paychecks were serious as well. They are even better valued, than their navy's sailors.

Their training was harsh and they were always just, at least that's what the propaganda said. Veronica who came from a world of police brutality and corruption –– didn't believe in such fancy ideals, like the police is perfectly neutral when it comes to law.

'Who would think like that? Even if there was a God of Justice, like those fools in the Church of Law believe, what would 'It' do? Smite down the unjust? If that would be the case every crime would be solved fairly quickly!'

Finally they arrived at the reception. It was bigger than she remembered from last night, at the front was a fairly big desk with a woman sitting in the only chair. There was also a large double door which was the entrance, and a bunch of smaller doors all around leading to places unknown to her.

The police officer turned around and said to her before leaving.

"Go talk with Mela, she is the receptionist. You will have to fill out and sign some paperwork, if you can't read or write just ask that nice gentleman who paid for your fine. He looks like a literate person."

'What does that supposed to mean?! I look like someone who can read as well!... At least my previous judgment was correct, he is indeed annoying!'

Then he just walked away with a stupid smile on his face. Veronica really wanted to punch that dumb face, but held herself back. It wouldn't be smart to hit an officer of the law in a police station.

With an audible sigh she walked towards the front desk. There at one of the walls next to the main entrance sat a very familiar middle aged person, he had dark gray hair and magical purple eyes. She finally figured out who paid for her fine.

Seeing her, he quickly jumped up and approached her. He scratched the back of his head and seemingly dodged her every attempt at making eye contact. After taking a deep breath he apologized.

"Miss Veronica, I'm truly sorry about this whole situation. I should have been more harsh on Pete and maybe even follow Suze's advice. I lacked enough will to do anything more drastic and I thought he will learn his lesson. Please accept my deepest apology and allow me to help you out."

She was a bit pissed, because it was his man who tried to harm her. But luckily for him she was a very forgiving person, so she just forced out a small awkward smile and said, "Thanks for your help paying the fine, you could also help me acquire an identification since I don't have one."

Alex nodded. "Well, of course we will head straight to the Courthouse from here. Then I could bring you to that medium I talked about and naturally I will pay for all the expenses."

Going to a medium wasn't in her plans, but if he pays for it then there is no problem. Also it could provide clues about her transmigration, which could give her clues about finding a way back.

"Okay, but first I have to fill out some paper work." Said Veronica and walked towards the reception, but stopped dead in her tracks when Alex spoke.

"Do you need help with reading and writing?"

'Seriously?! Do I actually look like an illiterate?! Why is everybody keep assuming that I can't read or write?!'

After a very big sigh, she didn't even answer him and just kept walking to the receptionist named Mela. She was a woman at the end of her prime, her hair was light brown with a lot of gray and she had glasses on. She wore a nice dark green dress, which reminded Veronica that she didn't change clothes or took a bath since yesterday morning.

Suddenly feeling very self conscious, she looked down on Mela. She was currently reading some book, Veronica looked at the cover, but could only make out the author's name –– J. Y. Simmons.

'Huh... This author must be more famous than I thought. Especially for woman above 30, at least I only saw those age groups read it. Now I'm really curious, I will definitely ask to read the one Suze is reading.'

She stopped at the desk and waited. Mela didn't even deign to look up or acknowledge her. She just turned a page and continued to read. Veronica after waiting for a minute loudly cleared her throat. The receptionist just looked at her with a side eyed glance, then pointed at a couple of papers and went back to reading.

A bit stupefied, she took the papers and started filling them out.

'She is either really rude or that is the best book ever written, but judging by my own world's spicy novels, she is just simply very impolite.'

The papers required very basic information, like name, date of birth, parent names, etc. She used her past information's to fill out most of it, for the date of birth she had to do some math, but after a few minutes everything was filled out and signed.

She handed the papers to the receptionist which she just threw onto some other nicely stacked papers. Without saying a word Veronica moved away and motioned Alex to go. 

They went outside and got on an unfixed public carriage. Since it was after the morning rush, but also before midday, the carriage was mostly empty. Alex paid the driver, and they headed to the Court District.