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

the rogue's stern countenance dissuaded her. Trist nodded, her happiness
sobered. Whatever they had once held between them had been lost in the
gulf of years. She faced me again, "You have saved me from certain death,
cutter. A slow, painful death... Please wait here, I shall return shortly."
When she returned she was draped in fine silks and her face had been
washed and powdered. Her hair was still in disarray, but a few pins had
tamed it somewhat. She wore the garb of a merchant taking her first step
back into comfort and wealth. "This is not much, but it is a well-deserved
reward for what you have done." She handed me a purse.
"Thank you, Trist," I replied. I resisted the urge to squeeze the bag, but the
weight already told me it meant a month of good living.
"No, I thank you. Farewell, cutter," Trist smiled and turned to Annah, "I hope
you stay with this one. He has a good heart... maybe the Planes can change
after all."
~~~~~
Corvus stood at his usual station in the marketplace, the memory of a smile
on his lips. Though most drew a wide swath between themselves and the
Harmonium, many seemed a little less wary around him. With his head in
the clouds, the Harmonium officer seemed a little unfocused on his job.
"Good day, Corvus. How are you and Karina doing?"
He smiled broadly. "We are doing well, thank you. I owe you for your
kindness, friend."
"Do you know someone named Byron Pikit?"
At the sound of the name Corvus frowned, and warily he nodded his head.
"Yes, I am familiar with Byron."
"What can you tell me about him?"
"Officially, nothing." He paused for a moment before answering.
"Unofficially, he is suspected of being behind most of the criminal activity
here at the market. We believe him to be responsible for the murder of a
merchant named Zac. His list of suspected crimes is quite long."
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