[This scene is tighter than it appears; the space morphs into a warehouse, the room illuminated by only a single lantern hanging from the ceiling. Inside, Beau stands with her arms crossed in the center, a female elf with a shaved head standing close in front of her and watching her intently. Meanwhile, a delicate and lithe looking elf stands, posture looking a bit desperate and if he's almost about to resort to begging. Beau stays stony-faced as they seem to argue.]

Expositor, I do not think that I have been given a fair shot. Please–

[She waves her hand at him, cutting him off easily.]

I know this girl, because I see much of myself in her. You cannot reach her. Go.

[The elven man looks like he's been crushed, but looks sympathetically towards Beau, mouthing "I apologize that I failed you" as he takes his leave. Meanwhile, Beau finally speaks, looking between the door and the woman before her.]

The fuck was that? -- I feel like he made me look like an asshole, feel like an asshole. Fuck, maybe I’m an asshole.

Maybe you’re an asshole. You probably are an asshole. That’s all right, because so am I. Because sometimes you need someone to be an asshole to get shit done. I am Expositor Dairon, of the Cobalt Soul. I take it you have heard of our station through whispers.

[Beau rolls her eyes, chattering back as they go back and forth. However, Dairon charges forward, serious in her speech and intent.]

We are the hidden strength of the library, you are not wrong. We wade in the filth of society. We weed out the corrupt. We pursue the secret evils of the world, and expose them to the light. We twist the arm of the unjust, until they spill their mysteries. We are the spies. We are the hunters. We are the watchmen to those who rule. We are not kind. We are forthright. We are truth. Do you, Beauregard, want to see the truths of the world?

[It's silent for a second, before Beau cocks a hip, tilting her head and reaching down to rub a hand on her ass.]

Oh god, I’m sorry. I have this burn in my butt from all the smoke you just blew up my ass. It’s just, oh god. Is that a magical talent? All tha--

[She's cut off all of a sudden as the woman moves, lightning quick, and her fist connects at Beau's jaw without even seeing her move. Beau hits the ground hard, the sound echoing through the empty space as she tries to pull herself up.]

Are you listening now? Do I have a choice?-- Let me be your teacher.

[Somehow, Beau still manages to roll her eyes.]

Oh, boy. Is that what I have to look forward to?

[The woman simply shakes her head, otherwise unmoving.]

No. What do you want to do now, that that’s happened?

[Beau's pulling herself off the ground at this point, wiping some blood from the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand.]

I kind of want to fucking punch you back.

[Dairon grins, wide and excited.]

Then do it. What’s stopping you?

[And finally, Beau grins back.]

Now you have my attention.

[Beau takes a reckless swing towards her face, relentless and pissed, and Dairon sidesteps her easily. They fall into this repertoire in the silence- Beau is strong, and fast, but she's reckless and difficult. She gets in some good hits, but Dairon is obviously stronger and faster- she seems like she's barely tapping Beau, but with every hit, her movements get more stiff. It's obvious as the battle goes on that it's one-sided; Beau won't give, won't relent, but Dairon takes shots where she stops herself just before impact to give light taps, or sidesteps gracefully out of the way of lunges that take Beau to the ground. Eventually, she stops, Beau in a heap and frozen.]

I can start you on this path. You can return to your wanderlust, your allies. Our kind learns more in the world than in a library. Agree to my instruction, to use the skills I teach you, as you return throughout your journeys. One day, you too, can become an expositor.

[Finally, Beau is pulling herself from the combat, breath returning to a shaking body. She has bruises forming on her arms, blood falling from her lip, but she looks excited. Alive.]

Okay. I got to hand it to you, that was awesome, and I want to know how to do that. You beat me.

[Dairon's wild smile returns, and she crosses her arms.]

Very well. Your first lesson begins now.

[Be careful wandering into this one, watchers. It may not be safe for those who don't wish to become an example.]