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(Scars do not appear to be cause of death –shock ... - Bad Request

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If Annah had learned anything in Sigil, it was that there was no mercy in the<br />

Planes. A sod could <strong>be</strong> cut open and left bleeding in the street without<br />

anyone batting an eye. Children could <strong>be</strong> left <strong>to</strong> prowl hungry and alone,<br />

living only by what they could scrounge or steal. Those brave, daft, or<br />

desperate enough made their jink on their backs, smiling against the stink <strong>of</strong><br />

sweat and unwashed sheets.<br />

Aye, kindness was a rarity in the Planes... the Mercykillers saw <strong>to</strong> that for<br />

those who escaped the relentless grinding <strong>of</strong> sorrow's mills<strong>to</strong>ne. If the fear<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>death</strong> didn't teach this piking bright-eyed sod that, there were plenty <strong>of</strong><br />

other harsh lessons for him <strong>to</strong> face.<br />

A snip <strong>of</strong> a string and a patron's purse fell in<strong>to</strong> her palm. The marks were<br />

fatter here, though with the prowling Harmonium the dangers were greater.<br />

Still, Annah knew a good opportunity when she saw one, and the crowd was<br />

<strong>to</strong>o preoccupied with the slave auction <strong>to</strong> really <strong>not</strong>ice her slinking about.<br />

Might as well pull some coin while she gathered information.<br />

"Annah?"<br />

The tiefling spun around at the sound <strong>of</strong> her name. Her tail flicked, and in a<br />

foolish instant she had nearly reached for her punch-daggers when she<br />

recognized the voice.<br />

"...Trist? Is that yeh?" Annah's heart skipped a <strong>be</strong>at at the sound <strong>of</strong> clinking<br />

chains.<br />

A young woman s<strong>to</strong>od in a cage in the middle <strong>of</strong> the square, <strong>to</strong>ssed amongst<br />

a grimy and sullen-faced group <strong>of</strong> inmates - no <strong>do</strong>ubt bound for the slave<br />

auction. Recognizing Annah, the young woman nodded, dew-eyed and<br />

cheeks pink with shame as she looked <strong>do</strong>wn at her old friend.<br />

"Yeh stupid girl!" Annah hissed, "What've yeh <strong>do</strong>ne now? Yeh were<br />

supposed <strong>to</strong> escape this sort 'o life!"<br />

Her old childhood friend glanced at the guards, and seeing them nod their<br />

assent she knelt on the edge <strong>of</strong> the podium, "It wasn't my fault, Annah! I did<br />

everything right- everything! I married, we had a home and enough money<br />

<strong>to</strong> buy our way in<strong>to</strong> the upper wards. I swear, Annah... it was a fine life!"<br />

"Then what are yeh <strong>do</strong>in here?" Annah's fists tightened. The memories were<br />

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