"Mr. Lourdou can just calm his arse down and kiss mine. The boy was rescued by the same people who rescued me and is on his way to his family's house as we speak. That should calm everything down. Nothing to be done about the dead guards though. It was some damn gang of Tiefling Bastards wanting some ransom money. STupid, greedy, m#$&^$f%^@ing bastards. And right now all I want is to get washed off, put some clean clothes and eat. Those f#@$*ers didn't believe in feeding their prisoners."
Lucrezia will make her way over to the stairs leading upstairs to the third level, calling after the dog to follow her.
"Lucrezia! Your back" as Tracy runs down the stairs towards you. "Shhhhhh, better keep our voices down Mr. Lourdou is angry. poor Pearl hasn't left her room 'cpet for the beatins' in three days, now. He blames ye both for the trouble."
Wagging his tail he lopes after you.
"Beatings! What the hell is he beatin' on Pearl for? She didn't kidnap the boy. Is he in her room now?" Without waiting for Tracy's answer, Lucrezia darts up the stairs to Pearls room to check on her.
Orsin when you leave Gruum's shop with a brand new sword and scabbard, three fine whetstones, oil and cloth for proper blade maintenance. You have also given your oath to care for said blade or lose you manhood and a foot of height.
You can get back to your apartment.
Orsin does his best to remain alert as he moves through the streets of Westcrown towards his flat, but he can't help but be at least somewhat distracted by his shiny new instrument of death.
Pearl answers her door, he eyes are puffy from the crying, she brightens up when she sees you. Where'veye been...I's got in soooo much trouble with that noble boy...." She cries....""I swear I didn't cause him no harm...he left happy...like always."
Lucrezia gives Pearl a big hug. "It'll be alright Pearl. I know you had nothing to do with it. I ended up getting kidnapped by the same bastards that got that boy, but we're both safe now. I'm here and he's on his way to his family's home. I'm supposed to meet them tomorrow for lunch with the people that rescued us and I'll make sure they know that none of us that work here had anything to do with the kidnapping."
Orsin has a bit of pep in his step wiht his shiny new magick longsword on his side.
You see a a few merchants nod at you, one offers you a coffee on the house. There are also a few more girls are even more flirtatious with you, then before. Generally, at more people seem friendlier towwards you.
"Really...Trent is ok? Honest to goodness you speak truth?" She lights up considerably, "I've been prayin' to Calistria this 'tire time...she's looks after us workin' girls." She looks up towards the ceiling. "I never doubtcha again."
"I'm ready for a long long bath, a hot meal...plenty of berries and cream and bubbles." Batting her lashes at Andrea. "I've plenty of aches that need tending too." as she lightly touches the small of your back.
"Really, I swear he is ok. Understandably upset over the whole ordeal, but he's ok." Lucrezia gives her another hug. "I'm heading up to my room to get cleaned up. I'll see ya downstairs later, ok?"
Unless Pearl stops her, Lucrezia goes up the next flight of stairs and goes to her small room. Once there, she tries to clean up both herself and the dog that seems to have adopted her. Ok, get the dog and myself cleaned up and then I can finally get some food. I swear I nearly took more damage from Orn's hug than from that fight with the bandits. The big fella just doesn't understand how strong he is. He'll also probably be glued to my arse the rest of the night, too worried to let me outa his sight. I wonder if giving him a tumble would get this obsession outa his system or just make it worse?
When she's done getting herself and the dog cleaned up, Lucrezia heads back down to the main room and goes over to the bar to order herself some food and drink.
"I'm ready for a long long bath, a hot meal...plenty of berries and cream and bubbles." Batting her lashes at Andrea. "I've plenty of aches that need tending too." as she lightly touches the small of your back.
Andrea bites her lip as a thrill passes through her at touch. Well I have just the cure for for your needs. Andrea takes Fiosa's hand and they head to the market.
Dinner is a filling but simple affair of meat and vegetables that is quite the change after several nights of rations. Fiosa demonstrates that she has good talent with cooking as she deftly tosses the meat and vegtables over the fire.
Once dinner is done, they enjoy some sweet fruit and cream, making eyes at each other as they pop the food into each other's mouth and nibble on fingers. Then it is time for a bath and massage..
Andrea leads Fiosa up to the bath that has been prepared and slowly undresses her before helping her into the bubbly water. Slipping off her robe, Andrea joins her and begins cleaning away the dust, dirt and grime of the battle at the church until she is sparkling clean and slick from soap and water.
Andrea then begins massaging Fiosa's feet, the sturdy feet of halfings still need care and Andrea works out the knots and aches, placing little kisses on the toes until the tensions of the past few days are worked out. Of course, Andrea knows that there are tensions elsewhere and her fingers work up calves, thighs and other intimate areas, giving each one a kiss, and before she worships at the divine altar of Calistria, she breathes a prayer and turns the kiss into a divine act.
Cleaning up the bar, wiping down the counters and refilling the tankard supply for the afternoon rush.
Sure glad Lucrevia is back safely. She didn't look too injured. I'd k'll any fool who hurts her. Her hair looked really good all teased, I swear she does that to git to me. I'd like to run my fingers through that hair, give it good tug. A smile on the half-orc's face.
Orsin smiles broadly at the people he passes on the streets. Greeting the merchants with a friendly "hello", kindly declining the gracious coffee offers, and offering a deep nod and a "ladies" to his groupies. He can't help but release a happy sigh as the light of the new day washes away the trouble of last night.
When he returns to his apartment, however, he is reminded of why he came. The finely appointed flat is dark and messy. The heavy, embroidered curtains blanketed the chamber in darkness and the still air is cool. Paper playbills from past performances litter the mahogany tables and masterwork virginal. The satin and cotton sheets of the large bed are scattered, wrinkled, or tightly wound in certain places.
Their disorder reflect nights of restless sleep.
A tiny section of wall behind the open privy door reveals Orsin's intentions in the city. Parchment pages with circumspect language are tacked into the wall, each alluding to private performances of Theatre Mortrescci. Some documents are torn ticket stubs, while others are cryptic invitations written in a non-descript hand. Nothing, however, provides the bard with any clue to the identity of his "brother's" killer.
Orsin decides that he'll have to pay a visit to Shu Lien at The Reverse Mermaid before joining the others at the Grotto.
The opera singer quickly bathes, cleans his courtier's clothes, and sets out into the city once more, en route to the bordello.
Theo Libane, the haberdasher, is excited to see Orsin on the street. "Hello Master Orsin, care to join me in the shop around the corner today?" When he hears about the the spools of cloth that was found he eagerly offers to buy the spools for 200 GP.
"I will make you an outfit that will be the talk of the town all season." Smiling and using a cane to get around his busy shop. Rusty, the fighter, is there helping out and seems genuinely content right now.
"Ah, Master Libane...!" Orsin says. He's glad to see the haberdasher, but feels pressed for time with his decision to visit Shu Lien.
My goodness, I forgot his shop was on the way to the Mermaid...I'll have to make this quick.
"Yes, the fabric is quite good. Exquisite shades of purple and gold. But if I may...please don't be too...creative...with your design. I have a reputation to maintain as a warrior these days. Perhaps..."
A brilliant idea dawns on him.
"How about this, Master Libane: I shall let you design the costume for my next stage performance! Can you imagine how many of the city's finest will see your work? You'll have commissions for years after one performance! Now what would an opportunity like that be worth to you? I have a lunch tomorrow with the Miseppi family tomorrow and I need to look my best, though not over the top."
"Yes, yes that would be wonderful..." his face is glowing and several patrons nod approvingly. You do nottice he is a bit busier than last time too...he is maximizing his reputation for his recent capture and escape. I've held you up way to long."
Tweaker finishes his story and asks Tiny how things are going. He is happy to be able to return Tiny's tools. No has been around asking about me have they? I probably need to get a note send to David that I got trapped in a job. Could you do that for me so he trusts the message?
Tweaker's eyes shifting to look outside. Surprised Samantha didn't show up at that place or maybe she did. How does she always find me? Tiny notices when Tweaker starts worrying about the girl he won't allow in his shop though Tiny knows nothing about her as well. She is always in decent clothes but dressed just enough to prevent knowing more than she is female and has a pretty face.
Lucrezia enters the main tavern area feeling much cleaner and now even hungrier than before. "C'mon pup, let's go get some food."
Walking straight over to the bar, she sees Orn cleaning up and prepping for the early dinner crowd. "Heya Orn, what's Cerra got cooked up today?" Well I suppose there is one other I still need to do besides eat... "Is Lourdou still hanging about? I guess I should find out if I still got a job or not."
"Think nothing of it! Come by The Mermaid's Grotto tonight and we'll speak with my associate Andrea about getting you those spools. She works for the Westcrown Exchange House and currently manages my finances."
Shouting from the threshold as he exits, Orsin says, "We'll discuss designs tonight, my friend!"
He returns to the busy streets and presses on to The Reverse Mermaid.
After the bath and other activities, Andrea gets dressed in her town clothes, grateful for the chance to get out of her armor and into a clean outfit.
We'll be meeting Lucrezia and the others for a party later, would you be interested, Fiosa?
A party would be fun, especially after all the exictment yesterday. Where will we be going?
The Mermaid's Grotto.
Fiosa's smile falters.
Andrea...why are we going to a brothel? Fiosa's eyebrow arches.
It isn't justa brothel, they have a tavern. Lucrezia is a bouncer there. Just some nice wine and snacks.
Well, I guess that wouldn't be so bad.
Andrea smiles to herself. I wonder if she would be up for a tumble with Tracy and me. A little wine and cheer..Hee
"Master's been out all day with Jak and Racor , something about going to see soem people."
I like wet hair too, wonder how she gets herself to smell so enticing? A silly grin on his face.
"You've plans...to..to...today?" the red blush of his face hits his green tint and makes an unattractive brown color. Hate when that happens.
"Happy to get the note to David fer you." As he wiped his greasy fingers on his trousers.
"So did yer traps work? It's important that they work." He asks and nods."I mean ye didn't know who they were for, but aslongasthey workas designed thatisthemost importantthing forus as designers."
The bright signage showing the Reverse Mermaids can be seen as you approach. You are greeted warmly as you enter.
A dottari guard just getting off duty, not one you can recognize from this morning comes on inside and sits at the bar near Lucrezia. He is humming a happy song, "A mead and bowl of stew if I you could."
"Ah well. Guess I can just wait til later to find out." Lucrezia bites her lower lip as she ponders what may happen. Getting booted outa the navy wasn't exactly a great thing to have on a resume. If I loose my job here I wonder if I'd be able to find work anywhere else. Though the job suck donkey ass I do happen to like the other people that work here and I think I'd actually miss them. Huh, I think I'd actually might miss Orn too..."
Lucrezia gives a small sigh as she gives her head a shake to clear out her thoughts. "Well, later this evening some of the people who helped rescue me and the boy will be over for dinner and drink. Until then, I got no plans except to eat and relax a bit. That cage was not a comfortable place to get any rest in ya know." Wait a minute, he's blushing isn't he? It looks so odd when he does it, what with the greenish skin and all.... But why? Oohh..
"Orn, did you have any plans made for today?"
I didn't get to see if they worked except the one they threw me down. It worked great. Got lucky that an armored guy fell down and was able to help me out.
Tweaker is more relaxed now and looking around the shop listening to Tiny talk about any new items.
Don't know what my new job will need though. If not making traps then hopefully that means they are needed traps figured out. That is the most fun. Figuring out how someone else got something to work and changing it.
Orn spills the mead he is pouring. "NOOOOO," nearly shouting at Lucrezia his eager reply. Absentmindedly, he hits his forehead but with the mug of mead and it pours down his face and neck.
Oh, just calm down...breath...breath, calm down...I suck at playing cards...no poker face.
---
The guard looks over at Lucrezia "Rescue?"
"So ya gonna go to that brotheltomeetyer new assiciates? They did ask ya to join 'em, always good to know guard to...look David's in the dottari."
Okaayy...I think I should give Orn a moment to compose himself otherwise he's going to embarrass himself even more... Lucrezia turns slightly to address the guard.
"Yeah, rescue and it's nice to meet ya David. The other day was quite busy for me. Got rescued from that gods be damned tiefling bastards gang and then helped the group that rescued fight the rest of the gang that they didn't manage to kill on the way in."
Orsin when you enter there is buzz in the tavern, "Got the Missepe son back and finally found that Noble Jospuph the brother of the Matron of the Grulios House, albeit dead, but his family can mourn now." One well dressed man is telling a few companions over drinks.
"Says a group of calling themself "Brotherhood of Westcrown" just had enough marched right in and kilt them all. Heard one is Hellknight of the Scourge."
---
"I heard from one was that opera singer, who stared in that Dying White Roses show that flopped last season. Apparently, he can actually wield a sword." The table laughs.
"Sargeant Maurice Greenhelm is buddy...mentioend it today...that's why I'm here for the party after the shift." He smiles Yes, I'm David,"
----
Orn's heart splits in two as he watches you speak to the man calling himself David.
When Andrea and Fiosa eventually arrive, Andrea seems to be quite comfortable in the building while Fiosa is a bit red-faced.
Looking around, Fiosa tries to find Lucrezia or perhaps Tracy who might be able to help Andrea find her friends.
"It wasn't a flop! For your information, the chorus had to be quarantined for a !"
Orsin immediately falls silent after the outburst, his features slowly twisting as he feels the entire room's eyes on him. He lowers his face and tries in vain to discreetly make his way to the counter, letting the buzz of tavern resume once more after the deafening silence. He patiently waits for his Lovely Lotus, as he calls her, to find him as she always does.
Figuring she's give Orn enough time to dry the mead off his face, she turns back towards him. Well, if I end up getting fired I seriously doubt I'd be allowed back in here and Orn doesn't have the freedom to leave this place. Maybe I should take what could be my last chance to...to...well, to find out how I feel about him.
"Hey Orn, you never said what plans you had for this afternoon. Was there something you had in mind before or possibly after the party when your shift has ended?"
Your Lovely Lotus approaches a few wmoments later and touches yoru forearm gently. Her smile lifting your heart. "Buy a girl drink?"
---
Lucrezia you hear the uproar and turn to see Orsin leaning on the bar as the tiny tian, who calls herself Shu Lien touches Orsin's arm.
"I'm actually not workin' today, just here 'elping out...cause well, that's what I do." he says with a shrug. He musters his courage and takes a deep breath. "Seem like a fine afternoon to tumble around a bit." His half-tusk toothy smile shows.
"Just the one?" Orsin jokes as he kisses her on the cheek. Amaya's face flashes in his mind's eye as his lips touch Shu Lien's face and the bard subtly recoils for a moment. Meeting the woman's gaze once more he asks, "What will it be tonight?"
Orsin happily pays for her drink and makes small talk with her. He's always let her dictate when they're ready to retire upstairs, even if it's only to talk business.
Huh, either they were quicker than I thought they'd be or I took longer than I thought getting cleaned up... "Orison, good to see you again. Orn, this is one of the people who helped to rescue me."
Orsin date simply says "Wine and you."
Edit: Better Now
Orsin looks up for a moment from his canoodling and recognizes the woman's face. "...Lucrezia, isn't it? I hadn't expected anyone else to be here yet. You do realize you're nearly two bells early, yes?"
He looks to the half-orc beside the new member of the Brotherhood and gives a courteous nod. "Hello."
The half-orc respoonds, "Hello and thanks"
Lucrezia shrugs at Orisin's question. "Yeah, but I happen to live up on the third floor of this place. I was actually just on my way back to my room for a bit until the party starts though."
Lucrezia will stand up and start to head back to the stairs, pausing a moment to turn back towards Orn and asks: "You coming?
"HI Lucrenzia,' her bright smile as shw waves at Orn. "She gently guides orsin away from the bar. When out of earshot, [b]"Orn has had a thing for her since she arrived. Maybe today is his lucky day...Calistria's smiling."
"One of my new...associates would likely agree with you. Do they revere the Wasp Queen in Tian Xia?" Orsin's question is asked in earnest. He's always been curious about the places beyond the shores of Cheliax: the places he's been able to visit in song but never in body.
Orn covers the distance it three quick strides and heads up the stairs, his heart pounding.
"One of my new...associates would likely agree with you. Do they revere the Wasp Queen in Tian Xia?" Orsin's question is asked in earnest. He's always been curious about the places beyond the shores of Cheliax: the places he's been able to visit in song but never in body.
They revere the Wasp Queen in brothels...us escorts always offer a prayer for safety."