feat: drafted fifty-one through fifty-four

chapters/chapter-16.md

@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ Linsan nodded. "Yes, dame."
 
 "Walking to Palanis?" That was the next village according to the sign Linsan had passed recently.
 
-"And beyond. I'm heading to Moon Over Stone Waters."
+"And beyond. I'm heading to Stone Over Moon Waterss."
 
 The driver whistled. "That's a pretty good hike. About three or four weeks walk, I be guessing."
 

chapters/chapter-17.md

@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@ She spotted the chews that Maril wanted. With a shaking hand, she picked them up
 
 As Gal took Linsan's money and recorded the sale, Linsan lost herself in despair. With a car, the murderers would easily outpace her. Even at her best, she couldn't hope to catch with them. However, she was heading in the right direction and now she knew to ask about a car.
 
-Would it matter if they would get to Moon Over Stone Waters long before her? How long would it take to set up a sale? Or if they already had a buyer, how long before they moved on?
+Would it matter if they would get to Stone Over Moon Waterss long before her? How long would it take to set up a sale? Or if they already had a buyer, how long before they moved on?
 
 "I'm sorry, Love, I thought you knew." Gal handed her Maril's supplies in a small paper bag.
 
@@ -250,7 +250,7 @@ Gal shoved the basket in Linsan's hands. "My nephew said there was a shut down n
 
 "I don't know if it would help, but they are heading to Stone Water right now."
 
-"Moon Over Stone Waters?"
+"Stone Over Moon Waterss?"
 
 Gal said, "Probably. The message was short but they were 'on schedule for the sale in Stone Waters.' Does that mean anything to you?"
 

chapters/chapter-40.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ teaser: &teaser >
 summary: *teaser
 ---
 
-> The hand of a craftman is more treasured than any tool on the table. A tool needs not years of training and practice. A blade can never be as sharp as the mind that wields it. --- Gregor Maldin-Cross, *The Art of Carpentry*
+> The hand of a craftman is more treasured than any tool on the table. A tool needs not years of training and practice. A blade can never be as sharp as the mind that wields it. --- Gregor Maldin-Cross, _The Art of Carpentry_
 
 Linsan sat at one of the tables in the public house. An array of tools and scraps of wood from around the village spread out around her on a tablecloth as she worked a thin knife back and forth to create a channel for the spline. It was tedious and precise work but also something she had been doing since she was a little girl.
 

chapters/chapter-41.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ teaser: &teaser >
 summary: *teaser
 ---
 
-> The nature of combative music is not the force of the notes but the way they twist and turn through defenses. But to know the song is to know how it ends, and no offense can conqueror if the end is known. --- Jaber Darsil, *The Inefficiencies of Military Music*
+> The nature of combative music is not the force of the notes but the way they twist and turn through defenses. But to know the song is to know how it ends, and no offense can conqueror if the end is known. --- Jaber Darsil, _The Inefficiencies of Military Music_
 
 Linsan's ears rang from Brook's latest concussion blast. Her hand dipped for a moment before she brought it up. "Almost. This time, remember it's one... two... three... clap. You want to clap just as I hit the high note."
 

chapters/chapter-44.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ teaser: &teaser >
 summary: *teaser
 ---
 
-> The Glasscoaster continued to be a viable mode of transportation for almost half a century despite the considerable advances in technology. --- Forsin dea Casin, *The Legacy of the Glass Vehicle Company*
+> The Glasscoaster continued to be a viable mode of transportation for almost half a century despite the considerable advances in technology. --- Forsin dea Casin, _The Legacy of the Glass Vehicle Company_
 
 Linsan didn't realize how much losing the Glasscoaster had stressed her. Being in the leather seat felt like a comfortable bed and the heat filtering through the windshield made it hard to keep her eyes open. Underneath her, the rumble of the engine and the thump of pistons were a lullaby.
 

chapters/chapter-45.md

@@ -5,9 +5,9 @@ teaser: &teaser >
 summary: *teaser
 ---
 
-> You ply your skill for a bit of coin just as I do for another. In the end, we have two bits to rub together and nothing more. But as one, we make far more than our hatred would allow separately. --- Linslar Gabon-Forst, *As Two Brothers Fight, A Tale of Choices Most Dire*
+> You ply your skill for a bit of coin just as I do for another. In the end, we have two bits to rub together and nothing more. But as one, we make far more than our hatred would allow separately. --- Linslar Gabon-Forst, _As Two Brothers Fight, A Tale of Choices Most Dire_
 
-Linsan sighed as she sat on a bench near one of the city fountains. When they arrived in _Sicmla Rihemlan_ early in the morning, she had high hopes they would be able to find Tilbin or at least confirmation of their destination with Palisis. But hours of walking through the city, asking everyone she could find, there wasn't even a hint of the murderers.
+Linsan sighed as she sat on a bench near one of the city fountains. When they arrived in Sicmla Rihemlan early in the morning, she had high hopes they would be able to find Tilbin or at least confirmation of their destination with Palisis. But hours of walking through the city, asking everyone she could find, there wasn't even a hint of the murderers.
 
 She rocked her violin case back and forth between her knees as she leaned back. The sun painted across her face and she signed again. Despite the clear skies, it was a cool day and perfect for walking around town. But she was tired of chasing after Tabil. The feeling of being lost rose up and she groaned.
 

chapters/chapter-46.md

@@ -9,9 +9,9 @@ summary: *teaser
 
 Linsan didn't know exactly where she was going, but just knowing Tilbin was in the city gave her hope. She headed toward the south before she realized that Miska was leading the way. "Do you know something?"
 
-"There is only one mechanics shop in this part of town. A bunch of *bagatos* running a Piston shop."
+"There is only one mechanics shop in this part of town. A bunch of _bagatos_ running a Piston shop."
 
-"*Bagatos*?"
+"_Bagatos_?"
 
 Miska smiled grimly. "Men who lie out of their assholes."
 

chapters/chapter-47.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ teaser: &teaser >
 summary: *teaser
 ---
 
-> With magic capable of breaking everything, it is the unassailable rules that prevent our society from collapse. --- The Silver King, *The Mandatory Auditing Act*
+> With magic capable of breaking everything, it is the unassailable rules that prevent our society from collapse. --- The Silver King, _The Mandatory Auditing Act_
 
 Linsan hurried down the road, weaving through the press of people. Her eyes scanned the front of buildings until she came up to the marble entrance to the _River Bank Trust_, the Ralonix location. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs to catch her breath.
 

chapters/chapter-48.md

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ summary: *teaser
 
 Linsan fought back the tears as she carried a cup of tea back to the Glasscoaster. The large mug had an obscene amount of sugar in it and the heavy cream swirled with every step. She even asked for a bit of whipped cream on the top though she didn't have faith it would do anything.
 
-They were two days out from _Sicmla Rihemlan_ in a small town on their way of Stone Over Moon Waters. The hot morning beat down on her back, cutting through her clothes and causing her skin to stick to the fabric.
+They were two days out from Sicmla Rihemlan in a small town on their way of Stone Over Moon Waters. The hot morning beat down on her back, cutting through her clothes and causing her skin to stick to the fabric.
 
 Miska rolled out from underneath the buggy. She wiped the sweat off her brow as the air around her wavered and shifted from her magic. "I fused the leak on the tank. We must have scraped against a rut and busted some seams. I had to use the last of our plates to fix it."
 

chapters/chapter-51.md

@@ -0,0 +1,134 @@
+---
+title: Denied
+teaser: &teaser >
+    A quick trip for supplies ends up leaving a bitter experience for the three women.
+summary: *teaser
+---
+
+> The ideals of Tarsan superiority afford little mercy to those who lived on the lands they conquered. Their languages, ways of life, and even their skin was first presented as trophies, then as examples, and then dismissed as savage. --- Paramol da Jast, _The Colonizer's Blade_
+
+It was a small village only two days from their destination. Linsan stretched while walking around the back end of the Glasscoaster where Miska was finishing up inspecting for more damage.
+
+The blonde crawled out from underneath the boiler. "Everything is holding well. I think I've replaced the entire thing by now."
+
+Linsan gestured to an engraved plaque near the back. "Not this. This looks original."
+
+Miska swung her arm away as the heat gathered around her. Linsan snatched her hand back before Miska punched the plate, denting it with a burst of light and flame. With her fingers, she dug into the plate and then tore it off.
+
+The smoldering metal landed on the ground, hissing.
+
+Miska spat on it. "Better?"
+
+"Good thing that wasn't attached into the boiler, otherwise you'd be leaking water all over." Linsan kept her voice steady, as if she was being sarcastic.
+
+With a start, Miska looked down at the opening but there wasn't any water coming out of the holes. She let out a sigh. "Don't scare me like that!"
+
+With a grin, Linsan said, "Sorry, couldn't resist."
+
+Miska draped her arm over Linsan's shoulder and guided her toward one of the few buildings in the center of the village. It was the mayor's house and doubled as the general store. The sign next to it said "Welcome to Two Pines! Population 18."
+
+"Are you okay with this, Lin?"
+
+"Your arm around me?" Linsan leaned against her. "No, I don't mind at all."
+
+"I meant what is going on between me and Princess. I feel like I stole her." Miska sighed.
+
+Linsan shrugged. "Are you taking care of her?"
+
+"Yes and I intend to keep doing that."
+
+"Is she happy?"
+
+"I mean, she sounds happy when I'm---"
+
+"'I know what a woman being pleasured sounds like.'" Linsan smirked at Miska's previous line. "No, what I meant was, I think she is happy with you. I... I want to be her friend, but I'm not the lover she needs."
+
+"At all?"
+
+Linsan shrugged. "Maybe? I mean, it felt good but I don't think we really 'loved' each other but I could be wrong. We were intimate but I saw how she looks at you over breakfast."
+
+"You mean when she offered me her drink?"
+
+"Well, she's never done that for me." Linsan chuckled. "Let Brook be Brook. If you two are in love, or lust, or just want to have fun, then it won't bother me. I want both of you to be happy and my friends."
+
+Miska kissed Linsan's ear. "Thank you, _gifil_."
+
+As they approached, three men about Linsan's age looked up from a small table. They held cards in their hands and had mugs of drink near them.
+
+Linsan glanced at them before starting up the two stairs leading to the front door.
+
+One frowned and a prickle of concern rippled along Linsan's skin.
+
+"Hey! She can't come in."
+
+Linsan glanced through the window to see Brook had a large pile of supplies on the counter as an old man tallied up her purchase. Then she looked at the speaker. "Why can't I?"
+
+"Not you. Her." He pointed at Miska.
+
+Miska tensed.
+
+Linsan stepped up. "Why not?"
+
+"We don't serve dirt here."
+
+Linsan started forward, but Miska held her back.
+
+"Don't," she whispered. "Just... let's go and wait for Brook at the car."
+
+"Why?" Linsan asked, fighting the growing rage.
+
+"Because this never works out for us." Miska's eyes were hard and angry but her voice was steady.
+
+The door creaked open and Brook stuck her head out. "Do you two want... what's wrong?"
+
+Linsan gestured to the guys. "They won't let Miska in."
+
+With a confused look, Brook looked at Miska and then to them. "Why?"
+
+The speaker stood up followed by his friends. "You two are friends with dirt? She smells like shit. Why debase yourself by standing next to her? You best get rid of that beast before she cuts your throat and robs you."
+
+Linsan wished she had her violin. She saw Brook's hand tightened on the door.
+
+Brook's lips tightened. Then she pulled her head back to talk to the old man. "You have a problem with my friend buying something?"
+
+The shopkeeper leaned out a window to look at them and pulled back. "She can stay outside," he said with a grunt.
+
+Brook's teeth ground together. In an instant, she plastered a smile that Linsan could tell was fake. Opening the door sharply, she strode out the store and down the stairs.
+
+"Oi! What about your stuff!?"
+
+Brook waved dismissively as she headed straight for the Glasscoaster. "Didn't pay for it, haven't taken it."
+
+Miska and Linsan hurried after her.
+
+The door slammed open and the old man stormed out. "You better pay for it, Miss!"
+
+"Don't owe you anything, old man!"
+
+The three young man came down the stairs, their faces twisted in rage. One in the back snapped his fingers and flames covered his hand. A knife appeared in someone's hand.
+
+Linsan tensed. There were four of them and she didn't have her violin. She imagined how long it would take to get to the buggy to defend herself.
+
+"I'll call the sheriff!" yelled the man.
+
+Brook spun on her heels. "You do that!" she screamed. "And I will call my daddy and his lawyers. Let's see how that turns out!"
+
+It was a lie, but the fury and anger was palatable. If Linsan didn't know better, Brook sounded exactly like the spoiled princess from their youth.
+
+The man with a knife hesitated.
+
+"When we're done, then he will buy out whatever loan you have on this shitty village and make sure you know exactly what happens when you mess with his baby!"
+
+All four of them stepped back.
+
+"Drown me," whispered Miska.
+
+Brook's face darkened. "Now, I can't stand the smell of this crappy place anymore. So I'm going to get in my buggy and I'm getting out of here. You keep your shit and leave us alone!"
+
+They managed to hurry to the buggy and get inside. A moment later, Brook was accelerating out of the village.
+
+Linsan sat uncomfortably as the pressure ground her into the seat.
+
+Brook let out a sniff and tears sparkled on her cheeks. "I shouldn't have lied about my daddy."
+
+Miska reached around the seat to hug her from behind. "Thank you," she whispered.

chapters/chapter-52.md

@@ -0,0 +1,124 @@
+---
+title: Visitors
+teaser: &teaser >
+    They finally arrived at Stone Over Moon Waters with two days to spare. The three women come up with their next steps.
+summary: *teaser
+---
+
+> Stone Over Moon Waters was named for the stone shrines that dotted the thirty-eight islands of Moon. Their purpose has been lost in history and no one knows who carved them. --- Paramol da Jast, _Origin of the Moon Shrines_
+
+Linsan couldn't move fast enough as she scrambled out of the Glasscoaster. She careened her head to look at an elegant glass and metal arch that soared above her head and crossed the narrow passage of water to the next island over. She was finally in Stone Over Moon Waters at the entrance of the largest city she had ever seen in her life.
+
+There was something about knowing that Stone Over Moon Waters had been built over thirty-eight islands and the colleges from her father's essays and experiencing how every breeze set off a song and everything shone brilliant in the noon light.
+
+The city had been built to demonstrate the arts and it showed. None of the builders were mere squares rising up but curves and colors and shine that made it feel like she had entered the fairy realm in Haladin's _Towers of Diamond_.
+
+She smiled broadly and closed her eyes, just to feel as the ocean wind blew through the city and strummed along decorations designed to turn wind into horns, strings, and drums. It was disharmonious in many ways, chaotic in others, but there remained a rhythm of music that could not be escaped.
+
+Miska chuckled as she crawled out. "I think she found love. Sorry, Brook, Linsan just had her heart stolen by another."
+
+Linsan wanted to pull out her violin and play. The city demanded it but so did her quest. She took a long deep and finally caught the salty scent of the ocean blowing past her.
+
+Brook rested her hand on Linsan's shoulder. "You okay?"
+
+Linsan nodded and smiled. "I always dreamed of coming here when I grew up. This is where music grows, the center of my family's life."
+
+"Hasn't your family always been in Cobbler's End?"
+
+Linsan rolled her eyes and playfully bumped Brook with her hip. "Yes, but my mother has sung here so many times and she would come back with so many amazing stories that sounded... amazing. But just this little bit," she gestured to the courtyard with a dozen cars and two dozen horses that marked the entrance to the city, "is so much different than home. How could I really understand?"
+
+Brook's eyes softened and she nodded before turning away.
+
+With guilt plucked like the wind-blown sculptures, Linsan tore her attention away from the beauty and focused on her two friends next to the Glasscoaster. "Okay, I'm done for now."
+
+Miska grinned.
+
+Brook settled next to her, her light blue dress rippling along Miska's shorts and stained top. She looked at the city but it wasn't joy that painted her face. "We have two days before the sale."
+
+Miska laughed. "You drove like a spring fury which is why we have so much time. If we're lucky, we beat them here. Too bad this city has so many ways to sneak in."
+
+Stone Over Moon Waters was officially built over forty-three islands with bridges and constructions linking them together but it also filled a bay and there were as many boats as horses, pedestrians, and vehicles pouring into the city.
+
+A smile almost showed up on Brook's face.
+
+Linsan returned to the buggy and leaned opposite of them. "So, we have time before Palisis. I hope that gives us enough time to catch Tabil. We need a place to stay and start asking questions, right? Brook, do you still want to find an inn to stay at?"
+
+Brook ducked her head and shook her head. Her dark curls bounced off the roof of the Glasscoaster. "N-No... I can't."
+
+Unsaid was the pain of being banned from her father's bank and the access to her wealth. She confined that she only had about a thousand cukdins left.
+
+Miska hugged her. "I'll go with you. For moral support."
+
+She looked up with a pained expression. "T-Thank you, but... you probably shouldn't. Remember the last stop?"
+
+Miska's eyes darkened.
+
+Linsan cringed. The event at the village was an uncomfortable reminder that they were only three women traveling alone and Miska was far out of her comfort area. She shook her head as she thought. Then, she remembered a play. "How about as a servant?"
+
+"What!?" explained Brook and Miska.
+
+"Look," Linsan held up her hands. "It was in the play---"
+
+"No!" Brook said pointing. "Do not tell me the name!"
+
+Miska smirked.
+
+"Or the history. Or the writer."
+
+Linsan sheepishly said, "Playwrights. There were two---"
+
+"No. Just tell us the idea."
+
+"Fine. This 'completely random idea in my head' was to dress Miska up as your servant. That would be something these people would do, right? We find a good inn, something that a lady," she pointed to Brook, "would have and then get a room."
+
+Miska frowned. "But that will eat up most of our money."
+
+"About a hundred cuks for a day to get a suite if we stick to the outside of the city," Brook said.
+
+Linsan winced as she watched Brook carefully. "There will be a Ralonix branch here. I can stop by there. My parents said they would leave me some money, it might be a hundred or more, but that would give us more time."
+
+Her friend rested her head against the Glasscoaster but said nothing.
+
+"We know we only need a few days. I might be able to busk or we can figure out how to get more money while we're here. But having Miska as your servant would also protect her from being attacked for being tribal or banned from entering buildings because she would serving her lady, even if it would be considered uncouth."
+
+Miska made a face. Then she took a deep breath and then grinned. "Fine, but after this, I want Princess to be my servant for a week."
+
+Brook's head snapped up as she stared at Miska. At the blonde's playful grin, a blush darkened her cheeks. In a matter of seconds, her entire face was red.
+
+Miska turned to Linsan. "Works for me," she announced with a grin.
+
+Linsan looked to Brook. "Could you do it?"
+
+Brook gulped. "Y-Yeah... but a problem."
+
+"What?"
+
+"A lady wouldn't be seen with a servant looking liking her."
+
+Miska smile dropped.
+
+Then a sly smile came from Brook. "She has to wear a dress if she's going to be my servant."
+
+A low growl rose from Miska.
+
+"A pretty one that matches mine."
+
+Miska's shoulders slumped.
+
+"Along with a proper hat, gloves, and shoes. That would be the lady-like thing to do."
+
+"I changed my mind," Miska said with mock annoyance. "This is a terrible idea."
+
+Linsan grinned. "I'm sorry, just an idea."
+
+"No, no," Miska said holding up her hands. "It's a good idea. But never tell me which play it game from or who wrote it."
+
+Linsan held up her hand. "Deal."
+
+"So, dress up Miska, get an inn. You'll go... to the bank and get more money. Try to find out what you can and meet us at the inn?"
+
+"Plan," Linsan said.
+
+Brook sighed and then straightened. She tugged on her dress to make sure it was smooth and then headed toward the entrance of a building with a "Welcome" sign on it. The center would have maps of the city along with places to stay and their prices. "Come along, servant."
+
+Miska followed while making obscene gestures to Brook's backside.

chapters/chapter-53.md

@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+---
+title: Messages
+teaser: &teaser >
+    Linsan gets messages and money from her parents.
+summary: *teaser
+---
+
+> A mother should never bury her daughter, not in a shallow grave and not with hands soaked with blood of her child's murderer. --- _The Ghosts of the Mary Glory_ (Act 1, Scene 5)
+
+Linsan smiled to herself as she slowly walked down the stairs from the bank. In her hand was a message from her parents, written in block letters after being translated by the strange device that allowed for communication across distances.
+
+> hope you safe. miss you. please respond. love mum dad.
+
+She brought the back card up.
+
+> never give up. dad.
+
+Her steps stopped as she looked at the other.
+
+> ghsts of mary glory. a4s9.
+
+Linsan smiled as the tears burned her eyes. She knew exactly what her mother was trying to say and whispered the line, "Oh, daughter I miss you so. I reach for you but my fingers cannot touch. I call but no sound will travel. I long to run my fingers through your hair as you walk a path I have not been able to follow."
+
+She sobbed for a moment hoping it wasn't the next line that her mother referred to: "The icy waters on my neck tell me that I will be with you soon enough and I pray you are waiting for me at the crossroads of shadow and hope."
+
+Linsan sobbed through the rest of the cards to calm down but it quickly became apparent that the little abbreviated messages continued to keep her crying with joy. She shoved them deep into her pocket, along with the six hundred cuckdins her parents had sent her, minus the amount to send a message back.
+
+She sighed and continued down the stone stairs. At the foot, she saw a flutist playing classical music at the bottom. A wisp of a girl who stood there, nodding to the padding pedestrians who paid her no heed. Around her waist, a bright red badge had "Musician", the date, and a number.
+
+Linsan slowed with a desire to know how much it would cost to busk in the city of music. Then she spotted the same number on a pole above her. The flutist had to pay for a single day at a single location.
+
+"Damn," Linsan muttered to herself. It would make sense that a city dedicated to music would not only have heavy competition to play but also regulations. Playing for some cash wouldn't be an option for her.
+
+She shook her head and tightened her grip on her violin. With her awe of the city diminished, she headed down the street toward the _hotel_ that Brook had selected; Linsan had never heard of a place only dedicated to sleeping with no food or drink available.
+
+Along the way, she admired the architecture and art while listening to the music around her. There were musicians but relatively few performers at almost every corner, each one with a red badge for that day.
+
+At one corner, she came up to a town crier holding up a newspaper. "Breaking news, auction for priceless artifact moved up to tonight!"
+
+Icy claws raked along her senses. She spun on her heels and hurried back. At the sight of Palisis as an ink drawing on the front, her throat tightened. She frantically bought a copy and read the announcement.
+
+> Private sellers have procured a promise of sale for the legendary Palisis Sterlig, a virginal violin rumored to have been destroyed in a devastating fire thirteen years ago. The artifact has been split from a previously scheduled event for a one-night-only opportunity for local collectors to acquire to this treasure. Minimum bid, five million cuks.
+
+Her hands trembled as she read through the rest of the article. There was no mentioned of who was selling it by name, but an ink drawing of Tilbin, Mayforn, and Gabaw wearing black suits next to the violin said enough.
+
+"Shit!" Linsan turned on her heels and sprinted for the others.

chapters/chapter-54.md

@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+---
+title: New Plans
+teaser: &teaser >
+    The three women struggle to come up with a new plan after the surprise announcement.
+summary: *teaser
+---
+
+> Third time to that door for sisters three. Two chances gone and only one left to save me from that cold ditch at night. --- Paun Goss-Masters, _Stolen Hearts in My Palm_
+
+Linsan sat on the richly appointed bed and tried not to think about the luxury. The _hotel_ was definitely more impressive than she thought it would be, with a marble tub with magically heated water and perfumes of every time. The carpet was thick and rich. Through one door, she spotted a second bedroom and small quarters for the "servant" but Miska had made it clear that only two beds would be occupied that night.
+
+On the far side of the room, Brook paced back and forth as she frowned. She had said nothing since reading the newspaper announcement.
+
+Miska sat in a corner, watching Brook move but saying nothing. She wore her usual shorts and stained shirt, but a deep red dress hung on a rod behind her. She had a box of matching shoes on the table next to her.
+
+Linsan couldn't picture the blonde wearing anything with so many ribbons and ruffles, but she was curious to see the results.
+
+Miska pushed herself up. "Princess?"
+
+Brook held out a hand. "Okay, I have an idea."
+
+"Which play?" Miska said with a sly grin.
+
+Brook glared at her, then snorted with laughter. "No, no play or story. We're going to invade the auction."
+
+Linsan shook her head. "I could probably get in as a musician...?" She said, her voice trailing off as she thought about the badges. A high profile auction would be a perfect opportunity to look for a patron; there would be competition to play and she doubted anyone would allow a nobody to slip in. She wondered if her mother's pin would have a chance, but she couldn't imagine anyone could remember her mother with so many talents in one place.
+
+"Right," Brook said. "You're coming in as my lover."
+
+Linsan blinked. "W-What?"
+
+Miska snorted with amusement.
+
+Brook blushed. "It's just a role, just like you suggested with Miska. I have my servant---"
+
+Miska cleared her throat.
+
+"---and she's already an odd choice for these closed-minded assholes. I've already heard some of the gossip starting. Not to mention, that cow in the back room obviously thought that Miska and I were intimate."
+
+"How?" Miska added. "She just poured you a glass a wine and practically shoved her fingers in my ass to measure my 'inseam' whatever that is."
+
+"I grew up with this crap. I know the looks, I know that sniff and attitude. But let's use it. I'm traveling alone, there are so many pretty people on every single corner, so it might make sense I would pick up someone that got my interest. Right?"
+
+Linsan cringed at the idea, but then she remembered _Garters Sweet and Soft_, a song about the very thing they were talking about. She smirked and opened her mouth.
+
+"No!" snapped Brook. "Do not tell me! No!"
+
+Linsan laughed.
+
+Then Miska joined in.
+
+Brook tried to resist but then smirked. "But, it would work, right?"
+
+Linsan shrugged. "We can try. It's the only thing we can do. What about you? Are you coming with us?"
+
+"No. I need to take the investigation paperwork to the local guards. It might convince them to help. They aren't required to, we are rather distant from Cobbler's End, but the notary statements are verifiable and we might able to prove that those bastards---"
+
+She smacked the picture of the murderers.
+
+"---are the ones who killed my daddy. Or at least enough to stop the auction and try to find someone with a cool head to listen."
+
+It was a thin, fragile plan. But Linsan couldn't think of another. "I'll do it."
+
+Brook's shoulder slumped. "Um... one other thing."
+
+The tone worried Linsan.
+
+"The paperwork doesn't talk about your daddy's violin. They didn't know it was stolen. There is barely a chance we can get the murderers, but you might see your family's legacy sold off in front of your eyes."
+
+Linsan struggled with the sudden surge of sorrow. She tensed for a moment to fight the emotions and then nodded. "I told you before. I'm here for you. I will try to save Palisis, but if I have to choose you over it, I have no doubt I will pick the one that means the most in my life."
+
+"And that is me, right?"
+
+"Yes, you fool. I will choose my friend."
+
+Brook smiled. "I-I'm sorry."
+
+Linsan hurried over to hug her tightly. They held each other close, not as lovers but as close friends. It felt right and she smiled at the sense of peace that filled her. "Come on, I have to play your star-struck lover ready to seduce you into bringing me into your life of luxury."
+
+Linsan broke the embrace and headed for the door.
+
+Miska went ahead of her with the shoe box in her hand. She held the door open for Linsan.
+
+In the entrance, Linsan turned around. "Oh, Brook?"
+
+Brook sniffed. "Y-Yes?"
+
+Linsan grinned and stepped around the corner as she called out. "You have a great idea. Just like in the song _Stolen Hearts in My Palm_."
+
+The door closed as Brook screamed "Bitch!"

language.json

@@ -57,6 +57,7 @@
         "Wendil's",
         "ba-da",
         "ba-da-da-dum",
-		"blonde"
+        "blonde",
+        "cukdins"
     ]
 }