“Novalee, you coming?” Felicia yelled up from the bottom of the
stairs.
“Just a second.” Novalee took one last glance at the looking
glass then rushed out of the room and down the stairs. Her wool
skirts trailed behind her. She liked the way wool felt, heavy and
strong. She had always felt vulnerable clothed in the gossamer silk
she had worn at The Temple.
“About time,” Felicia grunted, “We're going to be late.
“Oh come on,” Novalee smiled, “We still have two and a half
hours before we are expected at the Dancing Gypsies.” She made sure
she had everything, then went out the door. “Aren't you coming?”
she smiled.
Felicia shook her head and followed. It was difficult for her to
believe this was the same timid girl they had found in the alley
almost a month ago. She was now a part of their odd little family
held together by Mag.“Slow down,” said Felicia.
Novalee stopped and waited. “I thought we were late?” Novalee
found her new life a happy one. She played the part of distraction
for the group of pickpockets and cut purses. She would play the
ocarina while several members of the gang would walk around in the
audience cutting-purses and picking pocket.
“We're not so late we have to run.” Felicia caught up and they
fell in step together.
“I wasn't running.”
Felicia rolled her eyes.
“Either way I'm hungry, we need to get there before...”
“They're not going to run out of food.” Felicia huffed.
“Are you sure?” Novalee let Felicia set their pace.
Felicia was a short girl and stocky. If it weren't for the point of
her ears no one would believe she had elven blood. She was older than
Novalee, and much more serious. “Yes I'm sure, and don't make
yourself sick.” She said
Novalee nodded. Her appetite was a source of mirth for the Grasping
Magpies. No one could believe how much the little thing was capable
of eating. On more than one occasion she had eaten herself sick. “I
promise. But I would like to eat something before the performance.”
“How can you always be hungry?”
Novalee shrugged. “Call it making up for years of not eating.”
They made it to the tavern when sun was just starting its descent.
The tavern was already filling up. The Dancing Gypsy was near the
North Gate, and most of its patrons were adventurers from the north.
There were other travelers. but mostly it was the place adventurers
stopped at on their first night in the city. They were a little more
free with their treasure and ready to tell anyone and everyone about
the great deeds they had achieved, the damsels they had rescued, the
dragons they had slain. Novalee loved to listen to them talk about
the world outside the city. Maybe latter she would see it herself.
Novalee was given wine and bread which she ate and drank happily.
This would be her fourth time playing at the Dancing Gypsy, and the
first time the cut-purses would be in the crowd. Not too many, they
didn't want too many of the patrons getting robbed, and most
definitely didn't want the theft to be associated with Novalee's
playing. Mag was good at using his resources as long as possible.
After she had eaten and cleaned out her mouth with some water the
tavern keep announced her onto the stage. After bowing she played,
one song after another. She loved the music and let herself become
one with the sounds. She loved to watch the crowd as they were moved
by the music. Tonight looking over the crowd she thought she
recognized someone. She looked again and could not believe who was in
the crowd. It was Slate, a boy from The Temple. Their eyes met and
she knew that he recognized her. That made her nervous.
When she finished playing and she made her way off the stage, Slate
was waiting for her.
“Jade Songbird, what are you doing?”
"It's not Jade anymore." She answered, standing straight
and walking with as much forged confidence as possible. "It's
Novalee."
He blinked, then said, "That is a dumb name."
"So was Jade." Novalee said pushing him out of her way.
Slate was back at her side in a moment, "Well you shouldn't be
out in the open."
"Why?" She shrugged.
"The High Priest is looking for you."
A shiver went down her spine. "He survived?"
"Of course, how can you be so stupid."
Novalee flinched. "Maybe it was just wishful thinking." She
looked down at her feet.
"You should come with me."
"Why? The Magpies can keep me safe."
"Really, you think a bunch of unbelieving thieves can keep you
safe?"
"Why not?"
"Because he knows where you are."
Novalee froze.
"Why do you think I'm here?"
Novalee looked like a rabbit who realized that the wolf had seen it
and now was trying to decide which way to run.
"If you go back to the Magpies tonight by morning the high
priest will have you."
"But if I go with you?" she asked in a quiet voice.
"I'll keep you safe." He offered his hand.
She hesitated, then took it.
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