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Eris lifted the bag as if to present the contents within to someone with x-ray vision. "A book on..." She attempted to rephrase for ears that might still be listening, no matter how few, "our people. I've been stumbling around the the dark about it, and this book will be a great help. By the way, the woman kept complimenting you, you must have done something really great for her!"
She considered the question carefully as they stood, trying to determine how best to answer. She tugged on her hair, fidgeting a little, and then spoke. "I believe, very firmly, in accepting gifts with gratitude. To do less would disrespect the giver, and an ungracious recipient is something I was raised to believe as extremely rude."
Eris looked away. "And besides..." she said, more quietly but with conviction, "repayiing debts is important. The Council's actions have prevented me from repaying several great debts, and as soon as I have my freedom again I intent to do so. It is not a comfortable feeling, knowing that out there, there are people that have done me very great favors and that I cannot do the same, to both balance the scales and show my affection and gratitude towards these people. So when you tell me that someone owes you a favor, I consider it an honor to help her to balance those scales, and it in turn puts me in both your and her debt.
"You did not have to "lend" me your favor, and that woman did not have to ensure that what I took with me was something I desperately needed. I could have left with a trinket, and her debt still would have been paid. So if there is a way I can repay this favor to you, or to her, I will do so."
Eris rolled her eyes and sighed. "That's for the best. I doubt the Council would respond well to anyone not completely under their thumb. I'm glad you're getting at least something out of this deal, because they're not exactly accommodating." She held up her hand in a copy of an oath in court, "And I swear I will never reveal any of your secrets to the Council. I owe you at least that much, in return for all you've done for me already."