[ WP ] In this world , physical appearance depends entirely on personality . All babies are born identical . Beauty is achieved gradually through good thoughts and deeds , while the opposite is true for ugliness .

`` Reevel, didja puke on yer face again or something?'' Bartan sneered. He was perched on a fence playing with a knife. 
 
 `` Nah,'' answered back Reevel as he trudged up out of the gloom, `` Just stabbed a chap in the alleyway. Fellow said I did n't look too handsome.'' He grinned, showing all three of his teeth. `` Just cause it's true do n't mean it's nice to say. Kid needed some to be teachified a little respect.'' 
 
 `` Will'e live?'' asked Bartan, casually balancing the knifeblade on his fingertips. 
 
 `` Mayhap. Gave'im a couple good stabs in the belly, so it'll go nice an' slow either way.'' Reevel jumped up onto the fence next to his partener. `` Bes' part:'is face was bland as a babe's. Could've been any sort of average person, no one'll know who'e was. So what's on the docket tonight, friend?'' 
 
 Bartan stabbed the knife into the fencepost and then pulled out a dirty brass lantern. `` Oh, it's a classic. Folks at the manner have their ways of doing things that ai n't the same at all.'' Flint and steal sparked and the lantern kindled into flame. `` Odd how it's us as is called the ugly ones when all we do is an honest murder or two along the way. This some top grade evil, this one,'' said Bartan as he pulled out a scroll of parchment. `` They told me the deal already, but I let'em know how good my partner knew'd'is letters and they wrote this down real nice for us. Lessen we talk'bout it the better, I suppose.'' 
 
 Reevel squinted at the cramped handwriting, then his jaw broke into an incredulous grin. `` Spit and thunder, they must do the thinking for Hell. It's a nasty, nasty piece of business.'' He licked his lips hungrily. `` I like it I do.'' 
 
 `` Hey, Reveel, you's got a new wart, jist there on the top of your nose.'' Bartan pointed eargerly. 
 
 Reveel poked at it. `` Hey, guess I do. Looks like that bastard did die in the alley after all.'' He jumped down from the fence. `` Well c'mon, only a few hours til sunup. We gots some packages to exchange now, do n't we,'' he chuckled, and the two crept into the night to commence their business. 
 
 The next day, the mayor welcomed a new daughter into his home while the miller's wife sobbed, holding the lifeless babe that had died during the night. 
 
 The mayor's mother was buried in a veil a few weeks later. 

