Chapters 1 & 2

In the first chapter it only took me a paragraph or two to know exactly where Toloki was. As he walked out of the Ridges I could easily visualize the where he was walking adding an interesting depth to the story which is often impossible to achieve, unless the setting is a place one has seen with their own eyes. The idea of a professional mourner is rather odd and a little insulting. As if implying that the deceased had no one who cared for them so someone else must be called for to feign sadness. I would like to learn more about professional mourners because I feel as though that is not the intended result. The second chapter I found interesting in that it showed a side to slavery where the slaves actually had some power. Where the Abyssinian Queen is able to make the owner run wild, with little effort. Also I was confussed that so much time and money would be put into the wedding. Though I can only guess it is similar to someone waxing his (or possibly her) car till it shines like a mirror. Essential making their property shine to make others enviouse. Also is it ever explained who exactly the sciolist is?