Artwork by N. R. Eccles-Smith
Their Mind and Matter – Chapter 5
Your accent. Is it not Tri’squenan? Don’t your upper types think tattoos are blemishes? Why would you want something from me?’
Valeska stared back at the tattoo artist with little more than her most malicious glare. She didn’t need to answer such an invasive lot of questions.
‘I-I see.’ The elvish man unravelled a leather skin full of various needles, bottles of ink and other strange objects that made Valeska’s stomach turn. He threw a towel over his shoulder as his fingers ran across the objects like the strings of a harp. Plucking one small needle and a thin vial of black ink, he pressed the top of the vial to a spike on the side of the needle until ink ran down it and swelled at the point. He then grasped a small hammer and said, ‘describe to me again what you want.’ He raised the little hammer, pointing it like a wand. ‘And no complaints when it hurts. We don’t stop until it’s finished.’
With that, an hour went by that felt longer than her whole journey from home to this cavern. At first, Valeska could bear it, the small pricking and light taps of the hammer were bearable, then she noticed the small trails of blood running from her shoulder, streaking across her side and neck. Thunder rose in her chest and each strike of the hammer felt like it was driving a nail into her shoulder, which was quite frankly exactly what was happening. She wasn’t allowed to turn her head and see the progression, but instead had to stare at the far end of the room. A single chair waited alone in that corner, and so many times, she wished she had invited Casimir to come along to sit there. He must have been bored, waiting around for her at that bar. At least he was able to make fun conversation with Raiken or some of the other Daolin’s court members.
Finally, the artist stepped back. ‘Hold the cloth there, gently,’ he said. Valeska obeyed until he came back with some medical equipment. Was she badly injured? Did this normally happen? The artist wrapped up the skin where he had worked, and then began putting his tools away. He didn’t say a word.
‘Is it done?’ Valeska finally asked.
The artist turned back to her with eyes strained red. ‘Yes.’
‘Then what is the matter?’ Valeska sat upright, the wound on her shoulder stinging and throbbing like the hammer was still pricking it with holes.
‘I’ve told many stories for people through my work, but yours… You have such a sad story.’
Valeska thought about it, but couldn’t see what was so tragic. She had been through a lot, but everyone else had as well, and the tattoo was merely symbolising her recent life.
‘I think it’s quite sad to lose people through choice,’ the artist said. ‘It means more could have been done.’
‘Not always.’ Valeska got up, face suddenly burning hot. She briskly made for the door, but was stopped by the voice of the artist once more.
‘I have heard your story in other ways,’ he said, wiping the needle clean. ‘Don’t let it end like they did.’
That stayed with Valeska for some time, even as she stood face to face with Jamelsie. The woman was explaining the abilities of a particle weaver, but a lot of it went over Valeska’s head. She wished Casimir was around once again to explain it to her later, but she had been called to the leader’s place on her own. Truly, Valeska wanted to understand her strange giftings, but there was also so much more on her mind. She thought of her days leaving home and all the terrible times that came between then and now. Her head swam with the memory of the weeping artist, and why was there a strange burning feeling in her chest? Something felt so wrong, but it also was so small. If it was so small, then why did it keep distracting her. She hated the way that feeling ate her other thoughts away, how it warned her of something she wasn’t even aware of.
‘So, try it with me,’ Jamelsie said. She sat across from Valeska at the table with its enormous map, holding her magnificent crystal jointed staff in hand. When Valeska didn’t respond, she said, ‘um, are you with me? Awaken.’
‘Hm, ah… sorry!’ Valeska’s thought riddled trance faded and she could already feel heat rising through her top’s collar. She quickly assessed the situation, noting the poise of Jamelsie’s hand over her weapon. She was pretty sure the conversation was concerning how Valeska could add the same sort of crystal to her own weapons, so she ripped out her new copper hilted daggers. The strain in her left shoulder reminded her to avoid using it so much. She laid the pair of weapons on the table and placed a hand on their hilts.
‘You quite alright?’ Jamelsie’s eyes were hard, but something lay beneath them that revealed her true concern. Her wing twitched and shoulders rolled, as if shaking something off.
‘It has just been a lot.’ Valeska faltered, unsure what exactly she was going to follow that up with. Somehow, her mind felt clearer the more she worried about it, and said, ‘this place, it is a lot to adjust to. I don’t know if Daolin’s is right for me.’
Jamelsie heaved a sigh, and made a discomforting clattering sound with her teeth. ‘It can be a lot, the lifestyle we live. You probably aren’t used to such a location.’ She gestured up to the chaotically strewn bridges above and the bar shaped lights peppered across the cavern like windchimes. Truly, this place was a different plane of existence from the surface altogether, which wasn’t entirely untrue. Some people in the base called it the Sundered World, or at least it was very close to that world beneath the surface.
‘It is actually very beautiful here. I do not worry so much about the place itself, but I struggle with people. I do not think I could find what I am seeking for my life in such a populated place.’
‘I see.’ Jamelsie didn’t pursue the subject immediately, as seemed to be her way. She took the pose she had before, then lifted the weapon. ‘Find a position that is comfortable for you, then close your eyes. Keep at least one hand close to one of your blades, but not touching it.’ Valeska obeyed, and let her eyes fall. ‘Now, think about how you feel when you weave particles. If it is a warmth in your chest, focus on that.’ Valeska imagined the feeling of that buzz in her mind, the way it sharpened and quickened her thinking. ‘Now, imagine it passing into your hand, and out of your fingertips. Think of it like water, dripping onto your weapon.’ Valeska followed every word, and a slight numbness took her hand. It made her fingertips heavy. ‘Now, open your eyes and don’t lose that feeling.’
The light made it difficult to open her eyes straight away, but Valeska eventually focused. From her hand fell a light in the form of a mist, so strangely disparate and glaring all at once. It poured onto the dagger and settled across it. The edge of the weapon seemed to have more of a glossy finish, and something about it took on a purple hue.
‘What is this, again?’ Valeska asked, trying not to sound like she completely ignored the explanation.
‘This is called particle augmenting.’ Jamelsie heaved a breath once again. She didn’t seem fooled in the slightest. ‘It will place an amount of particle energy in a solid form on your weapon and connect you to it better. You should find it meeting its mark far easier than a normal dagger.’
‘And the other dagger?’
‘I cannot explain it, but most cannot gift their power to more than one weapon at any time.’
That was annoying. Valeska didn’t like the idea of having mismatched weapons. Symmetry was key in all things, truly.
‘Tell me, Valeska.’ Jamelsie placed her weapon down and traced a finger along the table’s map. ‘Is there any work that springs to mind you might enjoy? We have to consider you and your partner earning your keep.’
Valeska didn’t want to think about living here after she just got her mind off it, but there wasn’t much else to do when she was stuck pouring some otherworldly power onto a pointy piece of steel.
‘Does the barkeep need help?’ Valeska asked. That sort of job wouldn’t be so bad. Though it meant she would likely end up talking to nearly every member of the court once a day, which was simply too many people. Hopefully the woman who ran it would be able help with that. What was her name? Lila?
‘She can be quite stubborn about her position,’ Jamelise said, her larger wing stretching around her side. She reached up and plucked a small ball of fluff from amongst the down. ‘I can talk to Lilith, but she may outright refuse help. Anything else? Do you have particular skills you can offer?’
‘Aside from my combat training, I do not have a lot of skills I take interest in.’ Valeska focussed back on her work, which was beginning to take shape. The blade’s edge was thicker, but the way it mirrored the cavern’s depths in purple was enrapturing. ‘I do know how to run a business, however. My family was always famous for its schooling on being successful.’
‘Maybe you can help with the money flow, then.’ That suggestion nearly made Valeska sick. She couldn’t think of anything more soul crushing.
‘What does Hamai do?’ she asked, trying to weave the particles into a pattern on the blade’s side.
‘You should already know, but she adventures. I personally give her the requests she takes and she’s paid based on the job. Sometimes it’s monsters, other times it’s no more than collecting information.’ Jamelsie finished plucking her feathers clean, then leaned over the table to look at the work in progress.
‘Would she want some help? I understand the group she was with when we met does not usually travel with her.’
‘You’d have to ask her yourself. She hasn’t opposed help, but never worked with someone permanently either.’ Jamelsie made that horrid clattering noise with her teeth again. ‘Looks like you’re just about finished.’ She sat back and gave a stout nod.
‘Oh!’ Valeska released that bit of focus on her power, and the flow stopped. She lifted the now partly crystal blade and peered into it. It was nearly twice as long as before, and the purple crystal was so clear, she could see a slightly magnified Jamelsie through it. Fine loops of crystal ran up its side, like hole riddled vines wrapping it up.
She picked up the other plain dagger, and tried to feel the difference between the two. There was hardly any more weight in the crystalline weapon, and it actually felt easier to wield. If she closed her eyes, she could almost see where the dagger was aimed for.
‘Beautiful.’ Jamelsie slackened into her seat, a foot on the side of the table. She smiled through that veil of wild black hair until her wound stitching bowed and folded. ‘Look after it, and it’ll do the same for you. Only use it when you’re sure you want your blow to be decisive.’
‘Of course.’ Valeska gave a bow to the Jade Pillar, then slipped her weapons into the sheaths on each of her boots. Unfortunately, the crystal blade didn’t fit quite as comfortably any more. ‘Where would I find Hamai?’
‘I would say in the dining area. She isn’t too partial to early mornings when she’s not travelling, so you will find she’s still having breakfast, despite the late morning hour.’ Jamelsie grunted a laugh to herself and threw her staff over her shoulder. ‘I’ll come with you–I need to see Raiken anyway.’
Crossing the stone floor to reach the bar, Valeska noticed that there was a surprising amount of people present at this time of day. She didn’t see any reason for them other than the food and drink they scarfed down at an alarming rate. Even the burly info collecting gentleman, Gavel, was at the bar and eating whilst still taking notes for something.
‘Strange bunch, aren’t they.’ Jamelsie found a bar stool and sat on it, propping herself against the tabletop.
‘Why are there so many?’ Valeska found a seat, still on the lookout for Hamai.
A different voice answered her.
‘Been a nice catch last night.’ Raiken approached the pair, wiping his hands down on his overalls. He looked out of breath, as if he had done battle with this catch in the kitchen before serving it up. ‘Hamai went pleasure hunting and got herself in a tussle with an asgolian.’
Valeska smiled blankly, trying to hide the fact that she didn’t know what that last word meant.
‘Big lizard that electrifies itself to kill,’ Jamelsie whispered.
Raiken slid an enormous plate onto the table. Tiny cubes of smoked meats lay heaped on top, with a sweet smell that likely came from the sauces drizzled over it all. He waved a hand over it in a gesture of offering. Valeska accepted, and now understood why so many people from the court had gathered. The taste made her feel as if she hadn’t eaten in days, a balm for pain and dryness that she didn’t think was there in the first place. It both stung with a nice bitterness and tickled as sweetly as a dessert. Valeska had experienced lots of wonderful foods, but something about this made it so much better. It felt genuine.
‘Enjoying?’ A flutter of near silent feathers, and the tall form of Hamai landed on a seat next to Valeska.
‘Mm.’ Valeska nodded, covering her preoccupied mouth before facing the Hamai. The owlfolk woman was draped in a lovely orange dress that let her shoulder feathers show and split down the sides. To some amount, it was much the same style as the one Valeska wore.
‘Yur dwresh ish nishe,’ Valeska said, before immediately turning away to hide her face.
‘Why, thank you, lady Valeska.’ Hamai plucked a piece of meat from the plate and it vanished faster than the time it took to blink.
With her gaze averted, Valeska caught Raiken acting oddly. He had his eyes to the floor, and brow furrowed in a dark mess. He seemed to be tracing patterns on the table with his eyes. Was something bothering him?
‘How did you kill the beast?’ Jamelsie asked with a crooked smile that made her stitching undulate.
‘One halberd pinned it in place, and then I took my time wearing it down.’ Hamai made a motion like she was swinging one of her weapons. ‘Its electricity was quite dangerous, so I kept my distance. When it seemed tired enough, I dealt the severing blow.’
‘Severing?’ Valeska strained her neck back.
‘Head from body.’ Hamai shrugged, wings flexing as if doubling the gesture proved more casual.
‘Oh.’ Valeska thought about whether she really wanted to be working with someone who regularly killed beasts, but then she remembered the other option that would dry out her very being. ‘Hamai, do you think you would like to work with someone?’
Hamai’s posture straightened and her head cocked to one side. A trill called from the back of her throat, which Valeska found rather endearing. ‘I see.’ Hamai towered over Valeska in a pose that shaded the dark feathers on her face to pitch black. ‘Are you offering help?’ she asked with another rattle escaping her beak.
Valeska began questioning her decision. She realised that Hamai seemed to have a problem working with anyone other than Raiken. Hamai likely didn’t want to have someone in her way, and would find Valeska an irritation more so than helpful. Valeska just wanted to take a plate of the nice meat and hide in her hearth until Casimir found her. Wait, where did Casimir go?
‘It seems she particularly has skills for combat.’ Jamelsie cut between them. ‘I think it would be beneficial for her to work with you.’
Hamai’s posture didn’t change, but she said, ‘of course! I would most enjoy a partner.’ Though her voice showed enthusiasm, she still seemed so imposing that Valeska really wasn’t convinced she was happy with the idea. It seemed Jamelsie was concerned as well, as she gestured for Hamai to sit.
‘Shame,’ Raiken said, wiping his hands on a cloth. ‘I hear you’ve got a nice job coming for you. Would’ve like to join in on that one.’
‘Raiken,’ Jamelsie said with the tone of a frustrated parent. ‘It’s not final, yet.’
‘Who?’ Hamai asked.
Valeska snorted.
‘Don’t.’ Hamai put a claw to Valeska’s lips.
‘I will speak to you tomorrow, both of you, if you’re in agreement to work together.’ Jamelsie leaned back into her chair.
Hamai still had a look that seemed like she was scrutinizing every aspect of Valeska’s soul. ‘Well, do you want to work together?’
‘I, um… y–uh, yes!’ Valeska spluttered.
‘Oi, Hamai!’ croaked a voice from across the diner. A large orcish woman stood from her table, two other bulky elvish folk along with her. She didn’t seem to know where Hamai was, looking in the wrong direction for the owlfolk woman. Hamai, was across the room in a swift flit that scarcely disrupted the air.
‘Oh, this should be good.’ Jamelsie settled into her seat. Valeska flinched, unsure what was about to happen. Her mind had one idea, but surely everyone here got along too well for that.
‘Can I help you, Goblin?’ Hamai’s voice ran softly through the crowd, and settled every conversation nearby. Several diners made a quick escape with handfuls of meat.
‘It’s Gomlin.’ The woman, far larger than Hamai, cracked her knuckles against her own jaw. ‘And you still owe me that rematch after you cheated.’
‘Cheated?’ Hamai retorted. ‘You never said I couldn’t use my weapons.’ Hamai propped a foot on a chair and leaned in close.
‘It was a fist fight, damnit!’ Gomlin gargled.
Valeska’s head clammed with sweat running down the sides. The two companions with Gomlin were closing in.
‘Better go back her up.’ Jamelsi snatched a mug of ale from the bar and laughed before downing the whole thing.
‘Uh.’ Valeska nervously crossed the space, and got close enough for Hamai to take notice. If the owlfolk woman was imposing before, she looked like a gleeful child now. Did she not understand appropriate times for certain faces?
‘Oh, you have a follower now?’ Gomlin kept cracking her knuckles, and it honestly sounded like they would snap at any moment.
‘Friend.’ Hamai righted herself, then dropped her voice to a harsh whisper. ‘Are you sure, Miss Valeska?’
‘Yes.’ Valeska didn’t even think about her response, which part of her wished she had. She really didn’t feel like getting beat up today. She got as close as she could to Hamai without getting in the way of those wings, then reminded herself to ask if she could touch them later. The two friends of Gomlin circled in either direction, eyes on Valeska now. Not good.
‘Miss Valeska,’ Hamai began, ‘I would like to know your thoughts on these people.’
‘Huh?’
‘Do they look worth my time?’ Those words and a cheery hoot was all it took to send Gomlin into a frenzied rage. Hamai swivelled past her, flitting onto a table and bowing with grace.
Valeska tried to step in, but the other two brawlers moved into her line of sight.
‘Show them what you can do!’ Jamelsie was laughing and had a drink high in the air. ‘Have some fun!’
The brawlers didn’t look like they would be fun. They charged Valeska, trying to pincer her between them with open hands like wrestlers. She wanted time to think, to resolve the situation with a swift escape, but something else came to her. Particles wove their way through her, giving her that buzz that sharpened her. She took in the moment, from the fight in front of her, all the way down to the young woman sneaking extra meats from the bar.
‘Hey, put those back!’ she cried out to the young thief. Both elvish men hesitated in their charge, which gave her one big opening. She pivoted behind one of them and booted him into his companion. They thudded and needed a few seconds to recollect themselves. Valeska took the opportunity to carve a path through the diner with her particles boosting her. It was like gliding through the air, the way she felt so light and like nothing could slow her down. She requested an empty plate from one of the patrons, and even took an empty mug. Something hilarious came to her. She realised just how big the difference in ability was between her and these two thugs.
‘Refill.’ She dropped the mug and plate with Raiken. ‘Please.’
The brawlers were on their way again, and she retaliated by launching from the bar and took to the air. Maybe time to scare them? She drew her crystal dagger and threw it to their feet. There was a moment of connection with the weapon, like she still had control even after it left her hand. It skated inches from the foot of one of them and shot across the floor.
‘Watch it!’ he squawked.
‘Whoops.’ Maybe it was the adrenaline of the fight, or maybe it was the need to impress Jamelsie and Hamai, but Valeska felt a grin crack her face. ‘Order is up!’ She snatched the freshly refilled mug and plate, then skimmed across the diner, passing those two once again. She served the refills to the patron who thanked her by standing and grabbing his chair.
‘Woo!’ he cried, leaping into the fray. Suddenly, another diner leapt to her feet, and another. The room erupted in a sudden chaotic battle all around, many of the folk laughing and throwing the nice tableware.
‘Bar brawl!’ Cried someone from amongst the crowd.
Hamai was in hysterics, laughing as the room swallowed Gomlin into its thronging heap of people. Jamelsie moved herself onto the benchtop to get a better view, and Raiken goaded people on to fight. Daolin’s Court was very much out of order.
Valeska laughed. It was stupid, pointless even. There was so much needless punching, but it was fun. There were so many happy faces, and they gave her all the more reason to smile. She felt a thud, as a gordlenan woman battered into her.
‘Sorry Valeska.’ She smiled, then barrelled into the crowds once more. Had they met? Was Valeska famous or something? Valeska ignored the thoughts, diving into the crowd and searching for her opponents. Technically speaking, they were still supposed to be fighting. She dipped under punches and rolled around kicks until she found one of the elvish gentleman. He turned with a smile, and charged.
‘You do not learn.’ She stepped into his attack, grabbing him by the arm. She crouched, pressing her back into his gut and then he was in the air. The body launched onto a table, splattering on a plate of nice meats. The gentleman went to get up, but instead scooped up some food and ate.
‘Gyou wing,’ he said, chewing a mouthful.
Valeska darted into the crowds once more. Everyone was so enthusiastic. Did they just love brawls so much? Had it just been a long time since they fought?
‘Lilith is gonna kill us,’ one patron said.
‘Or just Raiken.’ Another bellowed some laughter before getting a strike straight to their gut.
Well, that about explained the situation. She felt something soft press against her back, and noticed the beautiful blue wings blooming either side of her. Hamai took her hand briefly and squeezed it.
‘Here they come.’ Hamai took her stance, brushing her nice dress down of some dirt. Back pressed to back, they braced for Gomlin and her lackey’s arrival. Folks were battered aside, scattered like thrown board game pieces as Gomlin’s hefty figure burst into the space before Valeska. The elvish fellow dove through the people for Hamai, and she engaged him in hand to hand. Gomlin smiled, honing in on Valeska.
Oh no.
In a panic, Valeska vaulted through the air. She kicked off Gomlin’s shoulder, flipping like an acrobat, then folded into the crowd. There had to be a place she could move freely. She wallowed thorough the smashing furniture and kicks that sent others flying. The edge of the brawl came, and so did the edge of the diner’s little suspended cliff. The small land bridge leading to Jamelsie’s cove wasn’t far, and Valeska considered taking the fight there, but that thought ended quickly. Gomlin crashed through the sea of people and blocked Valeska’s path.
‘Why me?’ Valeska crouched, ready to fight.
‘I get distracted easily,’ said Gomlin with an innocent smile. ‘You’re cool.’
The flattery made Valeska think twice about fighting, until Gomlin charged. The massive woman roared like some beast, causing Valeska to react in a panic. Channelling particles to her feet, she took one stride toward Gomlin, then sidestepped effortlessly. The sudden change let her pass Gomlin. Valeska whirled around, digging a heel into Gomlin’s back. The woman winced and cried out, but Valeska wasn’t done. She planted two punches into Gomlin’s side, then wrapped a leg behind the orcish woman’s own leg. With a mighty thrust, Valeska toppled the beast of a person, then gently planted a knee into her chest.
‘Say mercy.’ The words left Valeska’s tongue like spreading wildfire. It stung satisfyingly, and coupled nicely with Gomlin’s shock. Valeska could get used to this, the way her abilities gave her this satisfaction. She wouldn’t mind seeing more people lose like this. If only she had done the same to Taius when she had the chance.
‘Nope.’ Gomlin flicked Valeska off, then stumbled to her feet. ‘I don’t fold so easily.’ Something cracked within the woman that definitely didn’t sound like it was supposed to, and she smiled through it. With a roar that could rival any monster, Gomlin’s muscular form gained mass. She stretched her neck until it clicked like a rock splitting. Like a rock. What was this woman made of? She clapped the air between them, a shockwave of sound sending a spike of pain that pierced Valeska’s ears. She forgot what exactly she had planned to do, and it seemed her body locked up until she couldn’t do what she wanted even if she knew what it was. The buzz of her particles numbed. Gomlin landed a punch perfectly centred on Valeska’s stomach, which brought all that missing feeling in one point. The blunt soreness folded her over her knees, and she tumbled to the edge of the land bridge.
‘Now, how about that word you asked for?’ Gomlin bellowed a laugh. ‘Can you remind me what it was?’ She wandered to Valeska, kneeling to meet her with a blinding grin. Her hand began to move, but Valeska didn’t give it time. The last thing she wanted was to be hit whilst she was already down. That would hurt her both physically and damage her pride. She generated particles until it felt like millions of tiny sparks ran through her veins. The spinning in her head settled like still waters, letting her think clearly. It felt like there wasn’t a thing she couldn’t do, and there was all the time in the world to try it. She grabbed hold of Gomlin’s arm, taking advantage of the attack… or was it? There was very little force. Was Gomlin actually offering a helping hand?
Too late.
Valeska dragged Gomlin to the floor and used the force to get back to her feet. She spun in time to see Gomlin fall over the edge of the bridge.
Oh no. No, no, no! Valeska’s tongue cut against her teeth as she ripped through the space between her and Gomlin. She threw her arms out, chest hammering the stone floor. She barely managed to catch the woman’s wrist, and her shoulders strained taught from the force of her weight. Her very temples tensed with the power to pull Gomlin back to safety, but the woman was swinging about in panic, unable to get a grip on the edge.
Just drop her. It is too much trouble.
The thought made Valeska want to scream all the more. What was that? Who was that?
Gomlin managed to reach a hand onto the edge, but the strain was still fruitless. Valeska slid further and further towards the edge. She threw her legs around, in hopes that she could catch something to help. Then, she did. Or more accurately, something caught her. She strained backwards at the hand wrapped around her leg. The figure had his other hand dangling at his side, but strained to use his good one with everything he had. A thick book fell to his feet, but he barely glanced away.
‘I have you,’ Casimir said.
Working together, they pulled Gomlin clear and back to her feet. Thankfully, it was all over. Gomlin cheerfully messed up Valeska’s hand, congratulating her on the win.
‘Nearly ended up in the Sundered World.’ Gomlin gave a cheerful smile and turned to leave. She brushed shoulders with Hamai, then said, ‘good kid you have there. She’s real sharp.’
Hamai silently nodded, a smile on her face as well. ‘And your boys are in that mess somewhere.’ She gestured to the diner, where the fighting finally calmed. Leaving Gomlin to clean up after her vomiting brawlers, Hamai met Valeska and Casimir with a confident strut.
‘It seems I missed the fun,’ Casimir remarked with a pout.
‘Oh indeed!’ Hamai flicked her wrist, and Valeska’s dagger appeared between her claws. As Valeska reached to grab the object, she felt something cold touch her burning shoulder.
‘Sorry.’ Casimir drew back from the still bound tattoo. Valeska had definitely used it too much, but she understood.
‘This place, Hamai,’ she said as she slowly revealed the pattern of ink, faint trails of blood dappled across it. ‘I think I may find my home here. I have truly broken away from the past, and will find something good.’ She took one last look at the battered and bruised diners who had recovered enough to laugh with the very same people they had been fighting. Then, the cloth fell away to reveal a black chain, center link broken. It was her new freedom, permanently a part of her.