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[Merci d'Rue]

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Left sealed on the table in Hanses Hostel, addressed to Quinn.

Quinn,

Long ago you poisoned and tried to destroy me. After this was discovered you were commanded to spend the rest of your days serving the King and Stonegate. I made many angry when I followed this course of action. There were those that felt that your harm to me should mean certain death.

However, we are not like the normal clans of this world. We embrace that which is different, we understand strength and diversity. I knew that at one time you would be key in events beyond my control and that somehow in that moment, (not normally) I could trust you.

I am pleased I am alive to say, that I was not wrong about you...

My very existence today is partially because of you. However, this does not mean I am foolish enough to think that all wounds are healed, that your dislike for my kind has abated. So before you fear that I have dropped a sappy, thanks for saving my life, I want you to know that I still expect from you what I have always expected, no more and no less. I am on my toes and on guard as we should always be.

However you have my respect,..

With that said, I release you of any required service to Stonegate. You have removed such debt as of last night. However, I know that you will not leave us, that you can not leave us for I still live, and breath, as well as others like me. You must keep us close, keep me close, and watch.

Let me challenge you one bit further, should I EVER step out of line as I did last eve, I can trust you to end my life quickly, and hopefully painlessly.

You are truly one of us Quinn, whether you like it or not. Your own bindings will keep you near.

In Strength,
Merci

*held inside is a small crystal charm, the shape of a mask, made of ice, oddly not melting..
_________________
May destiny guide you...

[Harlequin]

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Quinn read the letter through a second time, muttering. “Sure, make it look like it’s my choice to stay. You lot better not get all emotional when I don’t head for the hills.”

She considered the letter a moment, realizing that the oracle’s assumption was correct, but unwilling to admit it in response. “I’ll just pretend I never saw this.”

She started to throw the letter into the hearth where coals pulsed cheerily in the early haze of morning, but paused, removing the icy mask charm from the letter.

Carefully, Quinn tied the charm to the lacy red bow on her thigh-high stocking, just above the top of her boot. “There now. She’ll know I read it. And I won’t have to admit I want to stay. Everybody wins.” Carelessly, she crinkled up the letter and gave it an overhanded toss onto the coals, smiling as the flames torched any remaining evidence.

“I still don’t like you.”
_________________
Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.
~Paul Laurence Dunbar