"What sort of place is this? Hey is that Orsin going up the stairs with that girl?"
"I hope you never feel you need to offer a prayer with me," Orsin says wryly. He regrets saying it the moment he finishes, realizing the all too real danger women of Shu Lien's position are often placed in. He whispers in her ear, "I'll get you out of here one day, I promise."
He locks eyes with her once more, "Perhaps we could continue our conversation somewhere a bit more private?"
"Well now, you just going to stand there or would you like to help me outa these clothes?" Lucrezia begins unlacing her tunic as she talks.
"What sort of place is this? Hey is that Orsin going up the stairs with that girl?"
Oh it is an excellent tavern and, well, they do offer prostitutes on the above floor, but we are here to meet Orsin and Lucrezia for the party.
Andrea looks over to see Orsin go up the stairs. Hmm.. Well it looks like Orsin has decided to get his jollies if I am guessing. Rather insensitive don't you think?[/b]
Hey there luv. A familiar voice spoke. Andrea turned to see Tracy standing there. Come for some dinner? Tracy pecks Andrea
on the cheek.
Hello Tracy, good to see you. Andrea introduces Fiosa. This is Fiosa, we have come to meet Lucrezia and a fellow named Orsin for a party. They said they would be down here but I see Orsin has gotten other ideas. Andrea's eyebrow twitches.
Oh don't you mind him. I'll get you a nice seat, I do belive Lucrezia got a table set aside for you. Just head this way.
Tracy moves off into the tavern leading the way.
Orsin chivalrously opens the door to Shu Lien's chambers. She may be slave, but her room is theatrically decorated in Tian furniture and ornaments of questionable origin. To an educated eye, many of the pieces are domestic imitations of Tian designs, imperfectly replicated, but readily available. To Orsin and Shu Lien's other patrons, however, the overall effect was convincing enough.
Orsin remains standing once he closes the door behind him, while Shu Lien lights a candle inside a spherical paper lantern of pale red. He drinks in her appearance one more time before getting down to business.
"I need to know: Are you any closer to identifying Gregorio's killer?"
Orsin says the word "killer" venomously even though it's not really accurate. He's asked Shu Lien this question a hundred times before and she knows who he means: the unknown patron of the Theatre Mortrescci opera that killed Gregorio.
Two bells later the adventurers emerge from their respective rooms to join the drinking festivities down stairs. Lucrenzia has one happy half-orc with her. Maurice is telling stories about the fall of the Goblin Kingdom earlier in the week. Laughing heartedly.
Many commoners, and a few minor nobles partake in the fun and story telling. "Tell us about the raid on the Bastards hideout? Where there really 100 tieflings to fight?"
Ermolos, Janiven, Amaya, along with the the sergeant's squad is there.
Now as curious as she is aroused, Lucrezia helps him remove his clothes.
"Another production? And the patron who's commissioned it?" Orsin begins sweating. This is the biggest lead that Shu Lien has had in months and he's surprised it has taken her this long to tell him since he arrived.
---
After Shu Lien's response, whatever it may be, Orsin doesn't press the matter further. She puts herself in grave danger pulling secrets from her clients on his behalf and he knows better than to push her to endanger herself further.
When he joins her in bed, they do as they have always done together. He lies on his side, fully dressed, while she holds him. She hums gently and plays with his hair. Within moments he falls asleep.
Andrea drinks a little more wine, pacing herself for the evening as more people filter in.
A 100 tieflings?! Unfortunatly not, there wasn't enough space down there. They were wall to wall though and we just as vile as people said they were. Andrea notices Tracy making a little chit-chat with Fiosa and sees that Fiosa's uncertainy about being in a taven-slash-brothel has faded.
Too bad we couldn't get the leader alive though. Andrea pouts into her wine. After all the trouble he gave us it would be a fine thign to watch him hang along with the others.
Andrea finally notices Orsin and Lucrezia appear and waves them over. There you two are. Andrea winks. Come on and have a drink, the rest of our frineds have shown up.
After a night of heavy partying by all, the next afternoon arrives way too soon. Brains are pounding and bodies ache from the night's merriments.
To Orn's tremendous delight he had a second tumble with Lucrezia, albeit in a drunken state. Whether or not she recollects practicing her rope use skill - well, that doesn't matter to the elated bouncer. When he shows up for work, his big half-fanged orc smile reveals the joys from the previous day. He takes the staff's good hearted ribbing well until Master Lourdou enters the room.
"Orn, if Lucrenzia decides to come down today," he pauses a brief moment "have her come to my office."
---
"Yes, sir." the nervous slave responds.
Lucrezia wakes up to a dull pounding in her head. You think by now I'd learn not to drink so damn much. Oh well... Moving about the room to get dressed makes her realize a whole nother set of aches. Owww. Guess we were too drunk the second time to take it easy. That and he was a lot more, uhm, impressive, than I had expected.
Nearly tripping over the dog that must have followed her back upstairs at some point in the night, Lucrezia manages to find all her clothes, cleans up and gets dressed. Wearily walking down the stairs, she makes her way over to the bar amid the good natured comments of some of the girls who know exactly why her walk is a little stiff.
Seeing Orn restocking the bar for the day, Lucrezia makes her way over to him. When she gets closer, she's a bit perplexed by the look of nervous concern clear on his face. He sure was happy enough last night. He's not worried he hurt me or anything, is he? Though Orn's face does brighten up at the sight of Lucrezia, he still looks rather worried as he gives her Lourdou's message.
"I may as well go up there now and get this over with." With a weary sigh, Lucrezia heads up to the office.
Mr. Alphonse Lourdou has never shied away from distinguishing himself as a "have" versus "the have nots" in life. Although not a "noble' by birth right, he certainly has attained wealth from being a shipping merchant and purveyor of entertainment. Regardless of how much tangible wealth he has been able to gather, he has yet to acquire his biggest goal - noble title. This has eluded him since his relocation to Westcrown some 10 years previous.
His taste of finery is clearly visible within his spacious office. The scent of spices from far away lands linger in the air, attractive silks adorn the chairs, while the rarest polished redwood serves as his desk.
Hearing the knock on door, precisely as the large gold and silver trimmed clock strikes 12 bells. "Enter."
With a sigh, Lucrezia opens up the door and enters Lourdou's office. Well aware that he dislikes his employees and servants to sit upon his expensive chairs, Lucrezia simply stands if front of his desk.
Attempting to at least be polite until she figures out if she still has a job or not, Lucrezia attempts to at least be polite. "You wanted to see me, sir? I guess you've heard about the kidnapping by now."
Orsin you found yourself waking up in your "Lovely Lotus'" room and when you finally mangae to get yourself downstairs with a splitting headache you see the Lucrenzia walking away. At that time a happy Andrea, Fiosa, and Friendly Tracy all manage to bound down the steps. The mirthful chatter of the three ringing - like a temple's bell - between Orsin's ears.Must be fricken good to be a walking medicine cabinet. Oh, got a headache or disease from a debaucherous evening? Noooo, problem call on your diety. Whereas the rest of humanity has to suffer! A venomous look on the dandy's faced.
John when you get back to your mentor's training center,
** spoiler omitted **
"I agree, something is moving in the shadows, and I think the Bastards of Erebus may have named who. We found a letter sent ot them, it was a rejection letter and the person who sent it called themselves the council. Another person we ran into, one of the tieflings, said that their leader was trying to get into the Council of Thieves."
He simply sits there staring for a few moments as Lucrezia enters the room and rambles about the kidnapping.
"Oh yes, I've heard about the kidnapping and actually witnessed the four dead Missepi family guards and the coachman in my own alley." His stern look. "I actually had to endure several days of personal hell answering to the dottari, the Rack, and oh, don't let me forget the Missepe family. WHO if I must remind you is a large shipping merchant in the city."
He takes a good long look at you. "At first I was accused of planning this event...Why do you ask? Because my bouncer went missing!"
Oh, like it's my fault I had to get f#*@ing kidnapped? Lucrezia takes a few deep breaths to calm herself before she responds. "Your bouncer happened to find herself kidnapped along with the Missepe boy and had nothing at all to do with any planning of it. While you were being questioned, I was stripped and tossed into a cage beside him. I'll be sure to tell the Missepi family that I had nothing at all to do with the kidnapping when I meet them later this afternoon." You pompous son-of-a-b~~+#.
Proud of herself for managing to not yell at him and tell him that it was his fault for being too cheap to hire enough guards to keep watch over his stablishment, Lucrezia waits for his response, still wondering if she is fired or not.
John your mentor's eyes go wide with the mentioning of the Council of Thieves, this is followed by an audible <groan>, "Some believe the Council of Thieves to be legend or a myth, but early in my career and yes, your father's, the Council power was in effect. Although this influence has waxed and waned over the years, the evidence seems to suggest that the Council is trying to return to its former glory."
He stops, "It's time that you consider carrying that shield more. You have friends with the dottari and a few noble houses now, that should be able to handle any suspicion about that Arael rescue."
"By the way, it's a great honor to be invited to afternoon cocktails at the Missepi residence, that is one of the good families in this city. Wish the Lord well from me."
A sly grin crosses his face at the rage building in her. "Yes, so I've already heard from Lord Missepi himself yesterday. Fortunately."
He gives you the same look as when buying a pleasure slave. "To my surprise, I've been asked Not to terminate your services.I will see you back at work tomorrow."
Ye do a bit of 'side werk and ye dead fer a day." His boot kicks the bunk. "git up...I ain't yer rooster." The well aimed boot kicks Duncan's arse.
Ermolos is polishing the breast plate for the eigth time this morning. His hardened fingers memorizing each curve, dimple and texture on the armor. He sits there in what are obviously new clothes, not ornate but certainly the best clothes he could afford given he was meeting a noble's family in less than two hours. He looks a bit nervous and tugs on the new puffy shirt, then he remembered Theo, the haberdasher, assured him he was properly attired.
"Ja 'ave a good time yesterday afternoon? David had ti carry you back nearly. He said ja'new f..f..companions be a fun sort. 'pparently there's a pretty and flirty cleric of the pleasure goddess, that had David's eye." Tiny giggles, "don't suppose she has any friends...don't reallyneedtobe pretty either." His belly rolls with his laughter.
Prepared to argue with him about keeping her job, Lucrezia feels as if the winds been taken outa her sails when he informs her that she still has a job. Uhm...ok, that was easier than I thought. The lard arse looks way too pleased with himself though. I wonder what it is that I'm missing here?
"Well then, since that's been settled, I guess I'll go then." Assuming that he is done with her, Lucrezia heads back down to the main tavern room once again. Giving a friendly wave to Orsin, Andrea, Fiosa and Tracy, Lucrezia first makes her way back over to Orn. "Well, it looks like I still have a job here. I'm supposed to report back to work tomorrow." Lucrezia smiles at Orn, glad that she won't have to move out of her room upstairs. I should've given Orn a tumble some time ago. Glad I'll still be able to work here with him and have plenty of chances to make up for lost time.
Duncan sleepily opens.one.eya, then other. He grappled with the idea of staying in but that.wasn'thefy with Grumm.
Orn eyes light up when he hears the news. "I...er, ...I just..wanted to"don't be a fool you dork."see if you wanted to tumble some in future?" He shrugs...beads of sweat on his large brow. Did I just say that out loud...my...why do I speak some times?
Andrea cracks an eye open and smacks her lips a bit, the hangover making her head ache. Not as bad as it used to be. Andrea thinks as she struggles up from the downy comforters.
The bed was one of the larger ones, covered with soft blankets and pillow, perfect for a group of people who didn't mind snuggling up after a big tumble. Noticing several lumps under the covers, Andrea lifts up an edge to see who was there..
Orsin doesn't speak to anyone come morning. He'd drowned his anxieties about his new discovery last night and now his head felt like Duncan's anvil. He offers a weak smile to his friends as he passes them by, but he doesn't speak a word to Shu Lien, instead leaving 25 gold on her dresser as he departs. He heads home and fixes his appearance before he is to rendezvous with the others for the Miseppi lunch.
Unable to keep from grinning at the awkward way Orn asks for another go roud, Lucrezia leans over the bar and gives him a kiss on the cheek. "Consider yourself invited to my room later tonight."
With that, Lucrezia gives him a wink and then turns around and heads over the table where Orsin, Andrea, Fiosa and Tracy sit. Pulling up a chair, Lucrezia looks on over at Tracy. "All right, go ahead and tell me who won the bet. You girls were keeping it quiet, but I know there was betting pool on when I would finally break down and tumble with Orn."
Earlier
Andrea grins as she sees Fiosa's foot underneth the covers and Tracy's leg as well. Remembering last night, Andrea's mind recalls a hesistant Fiosa sitting on the bed and an understanding Tracy encouraging her with little hugs and kisses, which lead into much more enjoyable activities.
Slipping under the covers, Andrea gave both a kiss on the cheek. Morning you two. I hope your heads don't hurt too much.
Hey there luvs. Tracy yawned. Now that is a nice wake-up call, all set for breakfast?
Fiosa blushed. Breakfast sounds nice, ummm..Thank you for a very nice evening.
No thanks needed luv. Tracy smiled as they got dressed. Always willin to treat a friend of Andrea's proper.
All three then got dressed and headed downstairs where others were beginning to gether and Tracy got the third degree from Lucrezia.
I didn't do much. I went and had a drink though the liquid burns enough that I would think it would be poison and felt very sleepy. Laid my head down and fell asleep. I would like to again but someone mentioned something about I have to attend a meeting at the Missepi estate. Do you think I need to buy better clothes? I still need to purchase another work outfit after the one I had on for the last job became filled with clothes? Why do I need to see the nobles? I did hardly anything. I just unlocked the cages really. I was rescued. Would they even know if I was there? I am not one for speaking with the big words in fancy ways. I am confused on why there is even a need to be doing this. *YAWNS*
Tweaker takes a big break because of the yawn I guess I am just nervous about being near nobles and worried I will do something wrong.
"Well, can't go wrong with a little nicer clothes...less worklike clothes. Ya know sumthing sort of like goin' to a temple clothes." His chubby face looks at his friend, "Maybe them nobles need better security." Nodding his head vigorously, "Can't hurt to see whatchathey want."
"Besides the noble's son knows which one let 'em out of the cage."
Duncan grumbles. Awright, I'm up. Head hurts, we got any water?
Tweaker will ask Tiny how much he needs for clothes for such occasions and where he should go buy them. Tiny does get a poke in that the girl always looking for him probably would know before he tells Tweaker where to go.
Tweaker goes to the bank and draw enough funds to cover the clothes plus a little more in case they charge him extra and goes to where Tiny said to.
You need to speak with tall well dressed dandy that kept singing during battle, bit he would know where to get tailored
After wondering around the various streets and taking a wrong turn down an alley you do eventually find a haberdasher. He sees you shaking his head a bit, "Come on in...come on in" a friendly wave. "Don't be shy dont be shy, how can I help you today?" He listens intently then starts to move around the shop picking up a few items, "Lets try this on for starters."
"Of course you really should wear a little jewerly with the outfit."
He finally gets you outfitted in a Courtier's Outfit for 20GP.
He can offer you some small trinkets for 50 GP, if you choose. It will consist of a presentable ring and cufflings.
Andrea munches down some sausage while sipping a little Alchemist's Kindess. So, it looks like we will have in invitation to the Missepe's later, I believe all of us are invited, you too Lucrezia. Since you were a part of our group even if a late addition. Being able to get friendly with a noble is quite the opportunity.
Andrea finishes off some fried potatoes. We will need some presentable clothes, luckily Orsin knows a haberdasher who can get us something presentable.
Tweaker looks at the haberdasher when presented with trinkets. He looks puzzled at why they are needed. He tries to get a sense of the person.
He buys the outfit and pieces while understanding that this is all about showmanship and not ability. How did he get into this again?
Thank you good sir. I appreciate you being able to help me. I don't understand all this ruffles and rings stuff. Tweaker gives him 3 gold pieces extra.
The haberdasher senses your insecurity, "Good sir, I would not direct you wrong." He seems sincere enough.
At Andrea's words, Lucrezia looks down at her self as it finally dawns on her that maybe, just maybe, she isn't exactly dressed to be introduced to a noble. "Uhm, I actually didn't think about clothes. I guess you're right though, clothes that are good enough to wear about the tavern aren't exactly suitable to wear in a nobles presence."
Lucrezia's silent for a moment as she wonders what else she should do before the meeting. "I don't suppose we'd have time for someone to fix up my hair too? Kinda embarrassing to admit but I'm pretty much hopeless doing anything to my hair other than just putting it up in a ponytail." Never had much cause before to get all dressed fancy or anything. Can't wear dresses on a navy ship and you certainly can't wear one when you're trying to keep the peace in a tavern. I don't a clue as to what the hell the current fashions are. Lucrezia gives a little groan as she finally realizes just how unprepared she is to meet anyone of noble status.
"You going looking like that?"
'I mean, you need to run a rake or something through all the ...um...fur...I mean hair that you got." his young face not able to contain the laughter.
Gruum lets out some bodily sound as he roars at Ermolos' comment.
Tweaker will go to Tiny's to change then head to where the group would meet and wait for them unless they are there.
Ye got another thing coming If ye think I be wearin pomp clothes. I'll polish me armoramd braid me beard. That's it
The haberdasher wishes you well and good luck. You are able to meet up with the others for journey over to the nobles mansion.
"Ye still wearin' someone's blood on ye neck too" He chuckles loudely, "just tryin' to 'elp." Slapping you ahrd in the back and handing you a tankard.
Tracy looks up at Lucrezia and giggles, "I could help with the hair" her nose twitches a bit, You do sort of smell like half-orc right now so a bath is suggested."
"Don't really think a haberdasher is proper for a lady. They tend to deal with men's clothing."
At Tracy's comment, Lucrezia resists the urge to sniff herself. "Do you suppose I could borrow some of that rose scented soap you got? And I will be happy to let you help me with my hair. Your's always looks so pretty."
If Tracy agrees, they'll head upstairs and get Lucrezia spiffed up a bit.
I'm sure that we can directed to a woman's store nearby the haberdasher's, since he is near other merchents Andrea nods in satisfaction. I]m sure that after bathing, we can hurry over to a dress shop and salon for our hair.
When everyone is ready, Andrea will head over with the others to get some dresses for the party and touch their hair up.
Andrea looks over the piles of cloth. I suppose I should get a proper Calistrian clerical robe later, but that will have to wait until we sell the items at Gerald's I'm running rather low right now.