"They're just about two years old, now. Maybe a little more. A crow and cup for the Dregs, then two white roses for the brothel I worked in. They were required after I signed my contract."

Nina wrinkled her nose, but shrugged. It was no different than wearing the livery of a mercher's house, she supposed. Especially for her: she could remove the tattoos whenever she wanted to.

"The Kerch like to mark what's theirs."