Mistborn #02 The Well of Ascension

their occupants—that way the noblemen wouldn't be exposed to the elements.
    As she approached, her tin let her hear voices. One was Tindwyl, the other. . .
    "I didn't bring much," Allrianne said. "A couple hundred boxings. But I do so need something to wear. I can't survive on borrowed gowns forever!"
    Vin paused as she turned into the last part of the hallway.
    "The king's gift will surely be enough to pay for a dress, dear," Tindwyl said, noticing Vin. "Ah, here she is."
    A sullen-looking Spook stood with the two women. He had on his palace guard's uniform, though he wore the jacket undone and the trousers loose. Vin walked forward slowly. "I wasn't expecting company," she said.
    "Young Allrianne was trained as a courtly noblewoman," Tindwyl said. "She will know the current fashions, and will be able to advise on your purchases."
    "And Spook?"
    Tindwyl turned, eyeing the boy. "Packman."
    Well, that explains his mood , Vin thought.
    "Come," Tindwyl said, walking toward the courtyard. Allrianne followed quickly, walking with a light, graceful step. Vin glanced at Spook, who shrugged, and they followed as well.
    "How did you get pulled into this?" Vin whispered to Spook.
    "Was up too early, sneaking food," Spook grumbled. "Miss Imposing there noticed me, smiled like a wolfhound, and said, 'We'll be needing your services this afternoon, young man.'"
    Vin nodded. "Stay alert and keep your tin burning. Remember, we're at war."
    Spook obediently did what she said. Standing close to him as she was, Vin easily picked up and identified his tin's Allomantic pulses—meaning he wasn't the spy.
    Another one off the list , Vin thought. At least this trip won't be a total waste .
    A coach waited for them by the front keep gates. Spook climbed up beside the coachman, and the women piled into the back. Vin sat down inside, and OreSeur climbed in and took the seat next to her. Allrianne and Tindwyl sat across from her, and Allrianne eyed OreSeur with a frown, wrinkling her nose. "Does the animal have to sit on the seats with us?"
    "Yes," Vin said as the carriage started moving.
    Allrianne obviously expected more of an explanation, but Vin didn't give one. Finally, Allrianne turned to look out the window. "Are you sure we'll be safe, traveling with only one manservant, Tindwyl?"
    Tindwyl eyed Vin. "Oh, I think that we'll be all right."
    "Oh, that's right," Allrianne said, looking back at Vin. "You're an Allomancer! Are the things they say true?"
    "What things?" Vin asked quietly.
    "Well, they say you killed the Lord Ruler, for one. And that you're kind of. . .um. . .well." Allrianne bit her lip. "Well, just a little bit rickety."
    "Rickety?"
    "And dangerous," Allrianne said. "But, well, that can't be true. I mean, you're going shopping with us, right?"
    Is she trying to provoke me on purpose ?
    "Do you always wear clothing like that?" Allrianne asked.
    Vin was in her standard gray trousers and tan shirt. "It's easy to fight in."
    "Yes, but. . .well." Allrianne smiled. "I guess that's why we're here today, right, Tindwyl?"
    "Yes, dear," Tindwyl said. She'd been studying Vin through the entire conversation.
    Like what you see ? Vin thought. What is it you want ?
    "You have to be the strangest noblewoman I've ever met," Allrianne declared. "Did you grow up far from court? I did, but my mother was quite certain to train me well. Of course, she was just trying to make me into a good catch so Father could auction me off to make an alliance."
    Allrianne smiled. It had been a while since Vin had been forced to deal with women like her. She remembered hours spent at court, smiling, pretending to be Valette Renoux. Often when she thought of those days, she remembered the bad things. The spite she'd faced from court members, her own lack of comfort in the role.
    But, there had also been good things. Elend was one. She would never have met him if she hadn't been pretending to be a noblewoman. And the balls—with their colors, their music, and their gowns—had held a certain transfixing charm. The graceful dancing, the careful interactions, the perfectly decorated rooms. . .
    Those things are gone now , she told herself. We don't have time for silly balls and gatherings, not when the dominance is on the verge of collapse .
    Tindwyl was still watching her.
    "Well?" Allrianne asked.
    "What?" Vin asked.
    "Did you grow up far from court?"
    "I'm not noble, Allrianne. I'm skaa."
    Allrianne paled, then flushed, then raised her fingers to her lips.