Some people, those few Capitolites who have actually seen Linden's talisman, have assumed that he keeps the bones as trophies. Nothing could be further from the truth; he's not outwardly sentimental, but has clearly handled these often, perhaps almost as often as he's dwelt unwholesomely on his obsession with the departed Scorpii.

The scars they share makes him listen to her words in ways that he wouldn't if they came from the mouths of others. The faded smile gains strength as it stretches again from the corners of his pale lips as she calls it beautiful, implying that it's simply because of what it means and how it's handled.

"Grieving for a stranger is enough to make me feel like it matters and the world is different now. That's what I need, and of everyone I know, I think you knew that before I did."