"Mrrowl..."
Hahahaha! You're funny Daud! But you know, I think you are right to compliment her on her newfound charming looks. Pyron continues to chuckle.
"I was sincere in my lasciviousness, dirt and grime can only conceal so much."
Tolenn stands and looks down at their handiwork.
Amazed by her transformation, she grins in delight, saying quietly to Gaius and Pyron "Thank you."
At Daud's comment, she turn and says "I'm glad you approve , Daud. Hopefully, I don't garner similiar attention when we're inside." she says lightly.
"Uh-huh! I'm sure these guys won't be interested in you at all. Not a single bit." He continues to laugh. "All right, let's go. Again, who are you bodyguarding? I can pull off a lie or even intimidate someone pretty well myself and my horns can help me with getting into places like this. This might be something that I should take the lead. I think I look the part and I can definitely play the part.
Honestly, I really won't have to act much, because I really do want to enjoy my time, and I like the idea of having a sexy bodyguard. Actually, having you back me up and having these two as my friends that I am taking to have a good time at a place where I heard was worth my time and hard-earned money. If they ask, I would say, 'She here to keep others from causing harm to me after I have had a few drinks and to keep me from spending her pay.' I think that is a simple lie that they can buy followed by something that will make them laugh."
"...And will put big bullseyes on our backs screaming MARKS to every thug and cutpurse in there." Pinching the ridge of his nose he thinks for a moment. "Why don't you go in and buy a guy or girl and try to get some information out of them while you're with them?"
That actually sounds like a great plan! Perhaps I will do that. And what about you?
"The same. Or be another bodyguard for Gaius, one for his left, one for his right."
I think one bodyguard will suffice. Plans are important, but there is something to be said for improvisation. I think we should enter separately, with Tolenn and I together and Daud and Pyron together. We can talk to twice as many people that way and still remain within earshot. Have fun, enjoy yourselves, and try to get the info nonchalantly once the spirits start flowing.
"Ugh, I hate talking to people."
"Perhaps you can pretend to be mute as well." Tolenn says dryly, studiously ignoring the particulars of the activites planned by the others.
"I can work with that."
Gaius and the newly transformed Tolenn walk onto the central crowded pier. Gaius' swagger is certainly not out of place, as the minor nobles who are here have the same air about them, and some of the thugs walk with the same grace and self-assurance.
Tolenn receives more looks, roughly half in disgust at her rough, dirty appearance, the other half leering at her through the early evening light, this type of woman clearly more to their liking than a dolled-up gal.
The sound of carousing booms from the elegantly painted ships
moored to this long pier. Large signs painted in several languages
hang from ropes slung between ships or are nailed to pilings. The
closest ship to the east bears a sign that says, “The Twin Tigers—
Take the Tiger by the Tail and Try Your Luck!” Opposite that, to the
west, a barge’s sign says, “Welcome to the Goldenhawk—No Safer
Stay in Old Korvosa!” Further to the southeast is “Dragon’s Breath
Corridor—Dream the Dragon’s Dreams at Affordable Prices!”,
while opposite that is the “House of Clouds—The Caress of Our
Lovelies Will Take You Straight to Heaven!” Only the largest ship, to
the south, bears no signage at all. Short rope bridges or gangplanks
provide access to the decks of these ships from the pier, or from the
decks of other ships. Sailors, thugs, drunkards, prostitutes, and what
could even be a few well-dressed nobles carouse on the pier and
the decks of all five ships, seemingly oblivious to Korvosa’s recent
troubles. Here and there, large men dressed in chainmail patrol the
area, grim faces in a sea of revelry.
Two of the guards stand at the meeting of land and pier, but give the duo only a cursory glance (one grins at Tolenn) before turning back to view the line of customers behind the two.
As they travel down the pier, Tolenn takes a deep breath, knowing that descending into this pit of iniquity will sorely test her discipline.
Ignoring the jeers and cat-calls both, Tolenn gives the grinning guard and emotionless glance , before walking up the gangplank with Gaius, her manner solicitous of his presence and the proximity of any other to his person.
Ooh, look Daud. The House of Clouds! I think I would like to go there at some point! Seeing that Tolenn didn't urge Gaius into going there, Pyron meandered behind them enough to keep a distance but still be close enough.
More self-conscious than she lets on, Tolenn doesn't notice much going on around her and her ward.
Pyron and Daud follow quite a few paces behind Tolenn and Gaius. Pyron is able to notice that although the crowd is loud and full of likely disreputable characters, there appears to be quite a bit of order to the place. Whoever this Devargo is, he runs a tight ship, so to speak. Guards patrol the pier and boats, and customers seem to be treated rather well, from outside appearances anyway.
Pyron just follows the group ahead. He doesn't want to split up completely at this time.
Daud silently saunters along, keeping an eye out for anyone with sticky fingers.
Daud does not see anyone engaged in the ancient tradition of lightening the loads of their fellows. It seems remarkably well-behaved, if rowdy.
Come, let's see if this 'House of Clouds' holds true to their promises.
As Gaius and Tolenn approach the 'House of Clouds':
A single long structure sits atop the main deck of this ship—the
double doors always hang open to reveal a large room decorated
with throw rugs, large pillows, and air thick with incense and
lit by red paper lanterns. The scent of anise, rosewater, and
cinnamon pour forth from smoking bronze braziers set on
silver stands carved in the likenesses of slit-eyed serpents and
proud hunting birds here and there, while several scantily-clad
men and women loiter about the barge’s deck.
Soon after you cross onto the deck of the ship, an exquisitely lovely half-elf woman, who seems a decade or more older than Gaius, crosses through the crowd, sashaying her hips as she walks towards you all. Her smile is sultry as she approaches, and her tone is husky and sensual. She has obviously dismissed Tolenn as a servant or hired help and nothing more. "Welcome to the House of Clouds, good sir. I am Halvara. I haven't seen you on here before, and I remember all my repeat customers. You can talk to any of the men and women you like. When you make a selection, come see me." She stands there, hands behind her back, shoulders square, breasts thrusting out in what is clearly a practiced pose as she awaits possible questions.
When Pyron sees Gauis end up choosing the House of Clouds, Pyron grins. Looking at Daud he says, "You know, I think I would really like to check out the House of Clouds. But first, let's ask someone around here to see if they know what the best etiquette would be once we are inside and if they know of any local specials given to those who frequent the place or who we would want to see. Help me look for someone.
He'll look around and sense who would be a good person that might know the info and who would talk to him about it.
Daud will immediately hook an arm around Pyron as he attempts to leave. "Courtesan, the only questions you ask in places like this is in the bedroom with whoever you arranged to be with. You start asking questions blindly and we'll find you floating face down in the channels before morning. You also don't ask for recommendations save for from the Madame, that way you get screwed instead of screwed over. Just be calm and go after someone you like. Just follow my lead." Hug-dragging the man along with him as he enters the "House" he begins scanning the room to see who all there is to offer, keeping an eye out for exoticness, unusualness, and/or anyone dressed up like a librarian/follower of Abadar.
As Gaius gets instructions for choosing a bedfellow, Daud drags Pyron onto the deck and into the structure on the House of Clouds. Inside are a wide assortment of men and women. Tall, short, thin, curvy, the people range from adequate to quite lovely.
Daud is interested by an exquisitely beautiful human woman in her mid-twenties with raven-black hair, bright green eyes, and enough curves to make exploration of them quite a pleasure. On the other hand, there is a kitsune, her slender physique quite pleasing to the eye, who fits the bill as exotic. For a good blend of both, there is an elf woman with blond hair and blue eyes, barely topping five feet.
Leaning his head to the side, "See anyone you're interested in?"
Soon after you cross onto the deck of the ship, an exquisitely lovely half-elf woman, who seems a decade or more older than Gaius, crosses through the crowd, sashaying her hips as she walks towards you all. Her smile is sultry as she approaches, and her tone is husky and sensual. She has obviously dismissed Tolenn as a servant or hired help and nothing more. "Welcome to the House of Clouds, good sir. I am Halvara. I haven't seen you on here before, and I remember all my repeat customers. You can talk to any of the men and women you like. When you make a selection, come see me." She stands there, hands behind her back, shoulders square, breasts thrusting out in what is clearly a practiced pose as she awaits possible questions.
That won't be necessary, I've already made my decision, Gaius says with a mischievous smile.
Is there somewhere you and I can go more privately to...talk?
He extends a hand to Halvara.
Her hands remain behind her back, her grin widening. "You have good taste, sir. Expensive taste, as well. One hundred pieces of gold is my price, talking or otherwise...sure you don't want to reconsider?" Her eyes are predatory. She will obviously be delighted at either outcome.
Excellent! I feared you would say that your beauty was priceless, and I would have to agree. I've heard it said that forbidden flames burn hottest.
His smile seems genuine, but when he turns to Tolenn his tone indicates a directive. Not loud or angry, but firm. Pay the lovely lady her due and see to it that we are not disturbed.
Then, he extends a hand to Halvara. After you...
Halvara's sensual smiles indicates both amusement and pleasure at Gaius' comment, and her barely perceptible nod indicates understanding, as well. Her almond eyes shift to Tolenn, her stance more relaxed but still not moving, her look expectant.
Tolenn nods at the 'command', then methodically counts out 100 gold pieces for the woman.
She then resumes her survey of the area, for threats and also to look her part.
Perception
Not giving Pyron a chance to respond he releases him from his vice like arm lock and continues his nonchalant saunter over to the emerald eyed beauty. "Hello milady, would I presume too much for a moment of your attentions?"
Halvara waits patiently as Tolenn counts out the gold, smiling in pleasure as the woman hands them over. She smiles widely at Gaius at this point, taking his hand and leading him into the hold of the ship.
------------------------------------
Daud, eager to show Pyron how it is done, approaches the lovely Chelish woman, question asked. In response, the woman chuckles, "I don't know, my lord...I suppose that depends on how many moments you would like?"
Daud responds with a faint smile. "With you? Many. But you must forgive my rudeness, I've aggressed your presence but haven't asked yet your name, if you mind my trespass?" With her willing, he will bring one of her hands up to his lips.
"My given name is Valeria, but my lord can call me what he wishes." A faint smile curls on her lips, her manner relaxed.
"Valeria is what I wish, and if you may wish, my name is Wednesday. But before we continue I seem to have been struck with an annoying bit of altruism, you see my friend," making a discreet hand gesture towards Pyron, "It is his first time. Being here, and in all other senses of that phrase. I was most hopeful you could help me pick a suitable companion for him, at which point we could return to our own pleasant conversation."
She grins more readily now, glancing discretely at Pyron before returning her gaze to Wednesday. "I suppose that depends on what kind of first experience my lord would like for his friend?"
"Something pleasant of course, the kind of experience most men start pining for when blood first departs its course from their upper head."
"Besides for myself, handsome Wednesday? Hmmm..." She puts a hand to her face, putting her forefinger on the corner of her lips in a thoughtful pose. Her other arm crosses her midsection, which has the obviously purposeful distraction of raising her breasts.
"I think Daphne over there would be good for your friend." She points quickly to a redhead with large hips and a narrow chest, her face long but comely. "She knows how to take charge with a...ummm...newcomer, but isn't as aggressive as some of our other ladies." She giggles at thought, green eyes dancing merrily.
"Ah, then if you'll excuse me for just a moment." as he turns to head back to Pyron he keeps his head tilted to the side so she can still see his faint smile and his eyes fretting to keep a look upon her.
Upon reaching Pyron he'll embrace him in that familiar one-armed hug-lock as he uses his other hand to indicate the redhead. "I have it on good authority that Miss Daphne would be most receptive to you. Have fun." ending the lock with a few pats on his shoulder Daud will slightly less nonchalantly saunter back over to Valeria.
"You'll have to forgive me for my vacation. Now where were we Milady Valeria?"
She chuckles, arching an ebony brow. "I believe we were at the part where you tell me your desires and I tell you the price of accommodation. Although, you're kind of easy on the eyes, if you'd rather chat a bit." Her lips curl up in a sultry smile at that.
"Hmm the more time in your presence the more it seems I might have to storm a dragon's hoard to afford your attentions. Are these prices what you humbly deign you deserve or are they set by your boss? Business aside I do likewise enjoy the pleasant company and personage I find myself with while with you. Have you a conversation piece in mind?"
The woman looks slyly over to where Halvara departed, her eyes narrowed in calculation. She looks back to Daud, a faint smile on her face. "It's been a while since someone has been interested in my mouth for conversation, so I suppose I will humor you for a while. Our prices are indeed set by our employer. And while our wages aren't what I could command on the street, Halvara and Devargo offer the kind of protection that none of us could garner on our own. More gold means little when you are lying face down in a gutter, robbed and beaten within an inch of your life." She chuckles wryly, her green eyes meeting Wednesday's. "We are rarely bothered beyond the actual pleasurable act our customers purchase, and when there IS trouble, it is dealt with swiftly and efficiently."
Daud nods his head from side to side as Valeria speaks. "I'm interested in every part of a women, from their thoughts to their voices to their bodies. That being said protection is most important in this line of work so its good to hear that offsets your lessened income. I wouldn't suppose they let you keep tips either do they?"
She chuckles, shrugging. "They ask no questions, as long as you provide the base fee."