Questa slipped between Ila and the window and nudged her away from it.

Anger filled Xavier but he didn't let it show. "If the only way you can get it is by spending coin, maybe it's time to look at what you're doing wrong. And no, I don't pay for it. Now, this rebuilding is a new start for everyone. The past is over. No one, and I mean no one here is to be considered for paid sex.

"So you just take it?" He brightened.

Ila winced.

Xavier began to think most of the villagers were idiots or criminals. No wonder Shawn wanted to retire. "No, no you are not. You are expected to act civilized and be with your wives. If I hear one word about unwanted advances, you will be in the dungeon faster than you can say how much."

"So is this whore supposed to just be out of a job then?" He said, trying to sound benevolent. "Whores need to make a living too."

"I-I was working in the kitchen." Ila said, not wanting Xavier to think she wanted to be a whore. "I liked working in the kitchen."

"Whore don't belong in kitchens, touching the food we eat." He scoffed.

"And decent people don't deserve to have to eat with beef-witted fools. You are welcome to dine in Portside. Miss Ila wishes to work in the kitchen and she has permission from your lord. I would not cross him if I were you."

"That is madness!" He exclaimed in disgust. "Does he know she's a whore?"

Ila considered the window or the stairs.

"She is no longer a whore. And Lord Thornblade believes in new starts. This is a fresh start for all. Grow up."

"That's disgusting. I'm getting my family out of this cesspit." He angrily stormed down the stairs.

Ila was flushed with shame. She forced herself to look up at Xavier.

"Miss Ila, I'm very sorry you've had to put up with such hatred. Such actions will not be tolerated by Lord Thornblade, I can assure you. When ever you have a problem, please find myself or Lord Thornblade." Xavier gave her a kind smile.

Ila looked back down. "I'm sorry to have caused a problem."

"It is not you who caused any problems, lass," Xavier assured her.

"A bunch of coves want ter shag 'er. A bunch of bints want ter tear 'er face off. She wants ter pitch 'erself out this window." Questa said, deciding to make Ila Xavier's problem. She did not mind protecting Ila from filthy blokes, but did not like trying to keep her from killing herself.

"The word will need to be spread that such behavior will not be tolerated by Lord Thornblade. Miss Ila, I promise we'll find a way to fix it."

"Thank you." Ila looked down, blushing. She did not think there was any way to fix it.

"The sooner these people realize this a  new start for every one, the better they'll be. And they'll find themselves banished if they can't fall into line."

Ila could feel her eyes getting warm with tears. She felt like men only wanted to use her ever since the Crimson Dove branded her. Xavier was the first one to see the brand and not treat her like a whore. She nodded, her throat feeling tight.

Difyr was nearly run over by two men hurrying down the stairs. One looked like he had a broken hand and she would have asked to look at it, but she heard him muttering about 'that whore' and decided his hand wasn't important. Difyr hurried up the tower until she found Questa, Xavier and Ila.

"What happened?" Difyr asked, going over to Ila. She could see that her sleeve was gone and she had angry looking scratches on her arm.

"Everyone found out." Ila said in a small voice.

"Come along, we'll get those scratches cleaned up and then we'll see how soon Millie can fix your blouse." Difyr glanced at Xavier, then frowned at Questa. "Juniper wants to see you, what is this about you cutting off ears?"

"They needed their ears cut off. Wouldn't leave Ila alone." Questa shrugged and headed down the stairs.

Ila winced, feeling guilty. "They were very angry to find out someone like me was working in the kitchen... I think Questa just wanted to protect me."

Difyr sighed and slipped an arm around Ila. "Let's get you fixed up... Xavier, might I have a word with you after?"

"Of course. I'm doing the evening walk through, but I should be near the healing rooms and kitchen area fairly soon."

"This shouldn't take long." Difyr said, leading Ila down the stairs.