Miss Thornwick's expression shifts as you explain waking up in an alleyway. Her sharp eyes take on a skeptical glint, and she makes a face that suggests she's heard this story before, probably from more than a few patrons who'd had too much to drink.

[b]"Uh-huh,"[/b] she says, her tone dry. [b]"Right. Woke up in an alley with no memory of how you got there. Sure, honey."[/b]

But when you mention being followed, her expression softens slightly, becoming more serious. She taps her quill against the desk thoughtfully.

[b]"Well, if someone was tailin' you, Gerta'll make sure you're taken care of. She'll probably let you crash in one of the spare rooms upstairs. Might even give you some work around the place if you can't pay for your stay right now."[/b] She waves a hand dismissively, as if this is a common enough arrangement.

There's a brief silence as she returns to sorting her coins, but then her eyes drift back to you. Specifically, to your neck.

She pauses, setting down the coins she was holding.

[b]"Though..."[/b] she says slowly, leaning forward slightly to get a better look. [b]"With a piece like [i]that[/i] around your neck, I'd wager you've got the means to pay for your stay just fine."[/b] 

Her gaze lingers on your grandmother's pendant, the delicate white gold chain and star-shaped design with its emerald center catching the lamplight.

[b]"That's no cheap trinket, girl. That's quality work. Arcane quality, if I'm not mistaken."[/b]

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[b]What do you do?[/b]