To be removed from the Gallows is a help in and of itself. It would have alleviated some of the tight worry she'd been carrying around since Kostos' address and the ensuing argument just to be away.

But it must be said: Loxley's company makes it all the easier to shake off. Not easy, but easier.

He kisses her cheek, and Derrica snares the front of his tunic to stall his departure until she can brush a soft kiss to his mouth before releasing him. He smells nice. She likes hearing his laugh, and the picture he paints of his mornings.

"Better listening than the crystals," is surely no contest. "Maybe I'll have to join you for breakfast sometime, and hear some of it myself."