Cadence ignored the high-born and wealthy patrons' words, smiling warmly at them as if she couldn't understand a word they said. She was used to such treatment. Men and women attending her performances at her first Master's villa would often casually discuss her as she sang or danced, debating where she ranked among the region's slaves, speculating on what sort of physical services her masters expected of her or how much jade might be required to enjoy those services themselves. All in all, people who at least thought they were hiding their rudeness was a nice change of pace.<br/><br/>A flurry of flapping wings drew her eyes up, and she saw a small, bright-eyed magpie land on the edge of the roof. He gave a few chirps and tilted his head to the side, but Cadence motioned for him to stay put with a subtle twist of her hand just before she passed beneath him.<br/><br/>Stepping up, she crossed the veranda and read the short message, then paused and read it three more times, almost unable to believe her luck. A bright grin lit up her face and she snatched the flyer off the wall and slipped in through the front door, searching for an employee.