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

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urning in<strong>to</strong> my back as we walked, "So..."<br />

Annah just looked at me as I addressed her, and she frowned. She didn't<br />

take the wine, "Aye? What <strong>do</strong> yeh want now?"<br />

I blinked, "Are you all right?"<br />

She just glared at me.<br />

"Er, I was hoping I could ask you about a few things-"<br />

"Why <strong>do</strong>n't yeh ask the stuck-up-ubus yer questions, then?" Annah's eyes<br />

narrowed <strong>to</strong> slits. "Why are we even traveling with her? We <strong>do</strong>n't NEED her,<br />

we <strong>do</strong>n't."<br />

The other patrons glanced at us with practiced nonchalance, but their<br />

conversation halted. The silence was thick with the mass effort <strong>to</strong> ignore our<br />

little spat. "Annah, please. You're very important <strong>to</strong> me, and I need your<br />

help."<br />

"Oh, aye, and why is THAT then? This should <strong>be</strong> rich, it should. Yeh pity me,<br />

is that it? Yeh think I slow yeh <strong>do</strong>wn? Go on, say it!" I was surprised she<br />

didn't slap or shiv me then.<br />

"I <strong>do</strong>n't pity you, and you <strong>do</strong>n't slow me <strong>do</strong>wn - you're quick, you're skilled,<br />

and I really need all the help I can get."<br />

Annah frowned, her tail flicking back and forth. "Aye... well... know I'll gut<br />

her if she starts sizing us up for a feast, I will." She glared at me. "And <strong>do</strong>n't<br />

get any ideas I'm staying <strong>cause</strong> yeh want me <strong>to</strong> - I'm just helpin' yeh out, I<br />

am."<br />

"Fine. Now... we need <strong>to</strong> think about where we're going."<br />

"Aye?" she snatched the wine roughly from my hand, and a few splashes<br />

dribbled <strong>do</strong>wn the bulbous crystal. She <strong>to</strong>ok a good swig. Silently I<br />

wondered if her rough drinking habits had <strong>to</strong> <strong>do</strong> with her life in the Hive or if<br />

she just wanted <strong>to</strong> get a little alcohol in her <strong>to</strong> put up with me.<br />

As our conversation lowered in<strong>to</strong> a flat simmer, the other patrons <strong>be</strong>gan<br />

speaking again. Chats about the weather <strong>to</strong> get the ball rolling, and moving<br />

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