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

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is your sad little path <strong>to</strong> feeling <strong>be</strong>tter about who you are, I suggest you just<br />

give up, go home, and marry <strong>of</strong>f in<strong>to</strong> some courtier's harem!"<br />

"I... I..."<br />

Morte turned <strong>to</strong> me as if she was no longer there. "See, chief, I know what's<br />

going <strong>to</strong> happen here. We all know Morte's right on the ball with this one.<br />

But oh, no, proud little Desert Princess, cut <strong>do</strong>wn in public, humiliat-"<br />

The woman drew her blade and, snarling like an enraged animal, lunged at<br />

Morte.<br />

I caught her hand just as a s<strong>of</strong>t, melodious voice pierced the snarling.<br />

"Young Sarhava? Sarhava Vhjul, could it <strong>be</strong> you?"<br />

The young woman <strong>appear</strong>ed confused for a moment, then recognized<br />

Fall-from-Grace as she stepped <strong>do</strong>wn from the entrance <strong>to</strong> the Festhall, a<br />

porcelain cup <strong>of</strong> tea in one hand and a saucer in the other. Sarhava stepped<br />

back and sheathed her blade immediately, startled and abashed. "Mistress<br />

Grace! I had <strong>not</strong> <strong>not</strong>iced you... only shamefully <strong>do</strong> I admit this, for your<br />

noble <strong>appear</strong>ance would <strong>be</strong> obvious <strong>to</strong> even a dullard."<br />

Fall-From-Grace gave the barest <strong>of</strong> nods and set the cup <strong>do</strong>wn on a tray held<br />

by one <strong>of</strong> the servers. Folding her hands in front <strong>of</strong> her she held herself,<br />

statuesque. "Your words are most skillfully chosen, unlike those heard so<br />

recently."<br />

"Yes, Mistress... I regret that such words were spoken in your presence."<br />

Sarhava bowed her head in shame.<br />

"I regret they were spoken at all." Grace's <strong>to</strong>ne barely changed, but the<br />

subtle reprimand seemed <strong>to</strong> crack the young woman's face like a whip. "It<br />

pains <strong>to</strong> see an old student <strong>of</strong> mine <strong>be</strong>having so..."<br />

"Eh..." She frowned, then regained her composure. "In any event, Mistress,<br />

what brings you out <strong>of</strong> the establishment? Some errand?"<br />

"These are my companions that I am traveling with. I would expect the same<br />

courtesy given <strong>to</strong> them as you have given <strong>to</strong> me. Such is a hallmark and the<br />

responsibility <strong>of</strong> those... noble-born."<br />

761

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