The Final Strife

—

“Anoor, you cannot wear that.” It was the next day, and Sylah had been trying to get Anoor to change for half a strike.

She twirled, and the lime green monstrosity moved with her. “Why not, isn’t it lovely? It’s a new dress I ordered.” If anything, it drowned her out, detracting from her curves, and adding new bumps where she didn’t need them.

There were no words to describe the hideousness of the dress.

“Anoor, you have to change.”

She pouted. “Why? Don’t you like it?”

“No, I don’t. Personally, I think you should burn it and put the tailor to death, but that’s not the reason. We don’t want you to stick out. The Dredge has its own ecosystem of rules.”

“You mean the rules made by the Warden of Crime?”

“Yes, his Gummers rule the Dredge, with or without the real wardens’ say.”

“Gummers?”

Sylah ground her teeth. “Guild members, they call them Gummers in the Dredge.”

“Oh. Gummers.” The words sounded overpronounced on her lips. “Why is it called the Dredge?”

“I think once people called it the Edge, as it was the furthest quarter away from the Keep. Plus it’s the part of the city where the forgotten live, the people at the bottom of the barrel.”

Anoor paused, thinking. Then she reached for another dress. “What about this?” It was all froth and lace.

“Still green…”

“Or this?”

“Fewer bows.”

“Maybe I could dress as a lesser noble.”

“Too rich.”

“Oh, I know, maybe I could go as a servant?” She pulled out Sylah’s uniform.

“Not unless you want to shave your head.”

Anoor dipped her chin and folded Sylah’s dress carefully, pulling the corners taut as she tucked it away.

Sylah exhaled through her nose. “Just wear your black training gear, something plain, inconspicuous, take off all the jewelry, and tie back your hair. Most people can’t afford the oils you use to keep your curls looking like that.”

“Like what?”

Soft curls that perfectly framed her face. Perfectly touchable. “You know what I mean.” Sylah scowled. “Stop fishing for compliments.”

Anoor’s smile was wicked.

“Now get changed.”

Finally dressed and ready to go, they made their way to the courtyard, although they had to head back once Sylah realized Anoor had slipped on bright orange earrings that hung like two scarves from her ears.

“They were really cheap. Gorn got them for me for my nameday.”

“Stop whining.”