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Helme moves up next to Josef. "You've met another rock? That sounds interesting. I really do have a job opportunity for her. I'm not interested in her latest deal, but her sailing skills can be of use by an interested party." she pauses for few seconds. "I'm fairly sure what they will ask her to sail is honest work most of the time anyway. Can you give me a lead on where I might find her."
Oh, I have no idea where she went, sorry. She just disappears from time to time and comes back in a few weeks. Then again, if she has beef with the Besmarans, that could extend the trip., Josef responds and shrugs, but Niana quiets down a bit as she works on Garr's braids, and listens in on the conversation.
Niana continues to braid in silence when Eadric ask his question, and just shakes her head with a quiet "nu-uh". Cypher wins her over with her radiant persona, however, and the girl confesses: "Me and mommy have a secret.", she puts her index finger to her lips, smiling. "She got me a tattoo!"
Josef is clearly startled by this information. "When was this?", he asks for details, trying to not sound angered.
Niana's smile fades and she looks at her father, then on the ground in shame. "A day before she left. She said I shouldn't talk to anyone about it. Sorry, daddy!"
"It's okay sweetheart. Can I see it?"
Niana nods, turns around, and pulls up her shirt from her back to reveal a map of the Steaming Sea.
Josef looks at Niana's back with his index finger scratching his chin. "Well, that's the Steaming Sea, for sure. But that's far from specific."
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Tenibri steps back to make room for others. "Me either," he acknowledges to Eadric. "Should have made more time for geography while I was at the Grand Lodge, I guess." He pulls out a scrap of paper and writes a little note. "Gotta remember to study that when I get a chance. Could be handy."
He then turns to Josef. "Any idea why your wife would have tattooed a map like this on your daughter? That's not the usual thing to do..."
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"I tried studying at the lodge geography once, but like, the fjords of Avistan gave me a most excellent idea for a shield pattern. I mean, Bro, it was totally awesome, but by the time I finished my design and looked up, the class was over." Eadric steps back and starts scratching his head as he turns to Josef. "Hey, Bro. Do you mind if I make a quick sketch so that we can, like, study it properly later? Only we've got another temple to visit today, and we really should get going... If you're going to be alight, that is."
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Garr nods to Eadric as he finishes, the large man's beard now sports a french braid. Different colored strands of twine braided within, red, yellow, and white, give his beard the illusion of having waves of fire rolling throughout. Capping it off, a small bell hangs on the end, secured by the twine. "Eadric's right. A quick sketch, and we have to be off. Our employers anxious to get his trinkets back. Although I personally consider this matter unresolved. And vow on my honor to teach those responsible a lesson." Garr finishes by lowering his head and bowing slightly to Josef before giving a small smile to the girls and, bell ringing as he walks, goes and waits for "Shadowtongue" the boss, to give the next order.
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Cypher taps a island on the girls back as the finch on their shoulder whistles something into their ear.
This island. It's bigger than it's suppose to be. Probably a clue. But Garr is right, we must be going.
They pull out ink and paper and make a sketch of the tattoo, and pass it to Helme, the island of interest circled.
For your employers. Now, let's get going shall we?
Josef and the girls thank you again for your intervention, and with the bicorne in your possession, you carry on with your duties.
You move east towards your next destination. Garr's bell producing rhytmical dings as you do. Upon first glance, it is hard to imagine the House of the Silken Veil as a brothel. It is a large, grimy, two story marble building topped with an ugly blood-red steeple. Nevertheless, its three entrances are each hung with freshly laundered curtains and the heavy, floral smell of incense wafts from the building.
Each entrance is guarded by a large, muscular man with a face fit for a headsman. Where do they get these people? Are they three brothers that were burning their faces with coal for the first 5 years of their life?
In any case, their looks do not match their manners. They greet you, let you in politely, and close the door behind you. The place is significantly darker compared with the street. This is probably due to the heavy curtains blocking sight, and sunlight, from the outside. Illumination is achieved by a large amount of candles and strategically placed items of varying shapes and sizes that produce magical, heatless light.
The dark entrance hallway ends with a silken curtain. Moving forward, you put the curtain aside to reveal a large central room with multiple large, comfortable couches placed near short tables of polished wood. multiple patrons are engaged in conversations with their company, and barely turn their head when you enter. The staff, however, does. A circular bar is dominating the middle section of the room, with at least two bartenders serving drinks to patrons or to other members of the temple.
A voice can be heard from behind you "Well hello there! You must be new in town. I never saw you here. And neither did my colleagues." An odd hint of sincere lascive polish tingles the tone of the sentence. Turning around, you find multiple temple acolytes, cladly dressed in various shades of yellow and orange. Many of them sport visible, and probably hidden (for now), ornate tattoos on their skin.
"Why don't we get to know each other?", they ask and slowly move in closer, showcasing their features on the way. "Maybe start with some liquid courage?", another acolyte asks as the group swoops in to bend or absolutely break the boundaries of personal space.
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As the acolytes swoop in, Eadric once again starts to glow red, this time blushing insecurely, not knowing where to look. "W... Well, I've already... Umm, I'm on duty?" He tries to refuse the proffered drink, but his voice cracks a little and it comes out sounding more like a question. He then struggles for the right words as the acolytes hover ever closer, shattering his idea of what personal space is. "I... I think we should, like, talk to the h-head of this temple... Business stuff... Aspis?" He starts pulling at his collar, and looks around like a startled deer. Is it like, totally hot in here or is it just me?
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Cypher lights up as they enter a place full of their kind of people.
Oooooooh my. You have quiet the establishment. Unfortunately, my dears...
They reach out and pull a acolyte close and stroke their arm gently, leaning in very, VERY close to them face to face, just turning away at the last moment to speak in a purposefully breathy voice into his ear.
We have business to attend to... so why don't you be a gooooood little acolyte and go get your head priest for me hm?
Even by Cypher's standards they are exuding a shockingly powerful erotic presence.
After all, good little acolyte's get rewards don't they? No need to dull the senses with alcohol... I would want to feel...
Cypher's hands disappear for a bit that more than likely produces some interesting sounds from the acolyte.
Every. Last. Inch. of You.
They forcibly turn them around and swat them lightly on the rear.
Go on. Move quickly... I plan on enjoying this establishment, but business before pleasure.
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Garr walks into the brothel, bell jingling. His eyes go wide as he takes in all the "sights", the large martial artist haven taken a vow of abstinence years ago. The flesh parade seems quite silly to the man, never understanding peoples constant need to procreate. "This is HEAVEN! Quick... Ladies a drink! And a dance! Who is in the mood to boogie with a hero?!" Garr enthusiastically does an awkward jig around the brothel, eliciting laughs as he goes, his goofy demeanor and bell ringing bringing some light-heartedness to the place
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Helme follows the group in. She stops, and looks around. Having been hanging around Cypher for the last few months she's almost immune to the acolyte's offer. Almost. "A drink sounds lovely, but we do have business to attend to. No not that type of business dear. I'll wait at the bar for your temple leader to arrive." she gives an acolyte a saucy wink as she moves to the bar.
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Tenibri knows that the acolyte currently in Cypher's charms can do nothing but Cypher's bidding, at this point, so he waves another over.
Seeing her--him? You know, I'm just not sure... Seeing Cypher at work is like watching a master artist at work. Wow.
When the other acolyte arrives, he accepts a drink. "I will have one while I wait, I think. Thanks." It's only after he asks that he remembers they're actually in a potentially hostile environment. I guess if they bring me one, I'll just pretend to drink... just in case.
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This is the moment that Kazu has been dreading, after receiving the missive. If he had been awkward when facing the two girls earlier, he is literally digging his feet into the floor as if to form a hole to disappear into. You distinctly get the sense that if tengus had sweat glands, his feathers would be completely drenched by now.
Thankfully, the rest of the party is speaking and taking charge, as he attempts to hide behind the rest of them.
Despite Kazu's attempts to take cover behind the rest of the party, some of the acolytes get to him and make several notes on the beautiful colour, and sructure, of his feathers. They also suggestively ask whether he is ticklish.
"Perhaps later, then.", another of the acolytes smiles at the group with a wink. "If you would follow me, please."
To the dissappointment of the staff, two of the acolytes take you to a set of stairs on the opposite side of the room. The rest give the party looks. Some hungry, some curious, some outright provocative. Especially after Garr's little two-step and Cypher's virtue of being themselves. They move to the above floor and through a long hall stretching across the entire building, bringing you above the entrance you used to get in. A gentle knock and an invitation later, the acolytes open the door into a large, thoroughly decorated office. Long, heavy drapes line the walls, and thick carpets cover the floor.
A large bed in the middle of the room is encicrled with a silken canopy, only showing only a silhouette of a person laying on the mattress.
"Mistress Pamodae, these guests state they have business with you.", one of the acolytes addresses the woman.
"Thank you, my prescious honeybees. I'll handle it. Go tend to our other guests, and cancel my dinner meeting, please.", the woman responds to your companion and invites you in once the acolytes leave. "Come, sit. I'll be with you in a moment. I wasn't expecting guests. Not business-related guests, anyway."
The woman reaches out from the canopy and picks up a silken gown hanging just outside. Once she puts it on, she spreads the canopy open and adjusts her hair a bit. With a smile and a simple hand gesture, the woman invites you to sit again and points to several pillows surrounding a short table. "Welcome to the House of The Silken Veil, Ladies and Gentlemen. My name is Shorafa Pamodae."
She slowly picks up a bottle of wine walks over to the table. "Come and sit! There's no need to be shy.", she invites you again, still gently smiling. "I'm afraid you were not on my list of appointments for today, however. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking to?", she remains standing next to the table until all of you take a seat, and pours red wine into 7 glasses. Her skin has a pink-ish tint to it and her short- and wide-sleeved gown is revealing several tattoos on her forearms. Two short horns seem to be growing out of the top of her forehead, but they seem at least partially concealed by her hair.
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Eadric was bashful before, but this latest turn of events has his cheeks glowing whole new shades of red heretofore unknown to man. Ready to follow Kazu's example, the glowing brawler looks around desperately for someplace to no avail. Reluctantly, he enters the room as Shorafa Pamodae gets dressed, "H... Hello- Err... s-sit?" He asks as he looks around for chairs, but finds only pillows. Deciding that talking is even more out of the question than normal, Eadric gives Cypher a lost look and sinks down awkwardly on the indicated pillow as Mistress Pamodae invites the group to sit for the third time. Just in case the beautiful, robed woman looks to him for an answer to her question, Eadric picks up a glass of wine and starts chugging so that he has an excuse not to speak for at least a few more seconds.
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Cypher lounges back into a set of pillows, natural as can be, and smiles at the madam.
The name is Shadowtongue. Unfortunately, I'm not here for pleasure, not at the moment at least. I'm here on behalf of the Aspis consortium... unfortunately, your behind on your payments, and I'm here to pick up a certain object, which I believe you discussed already with my employer as your payment. If this transaction can go nice and smoothly, we can wrap up this boring money talk and get to much more.... enjoyable matters.
At the mention of the name Shadowtongue, Shorafa measures Cypher up and down with a clam demeanor of a predator in the hunt. "Well I'll be... The infamous Thestil Shadowtongue, in my humble temple."
"I've heard you're in town. Quite the smooth tongue, as well, I see.", she says as she pours in some more wine, winking at both Eadric and Garr.
"I have the dagger, yes. I would prefer to keep it, however. Perhaps you would consider a counter-offer?", she waits for all of you to sit down, and does so herself.
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Cypher stretches like a lazy cat... this is their hunting grounds to, and it's like watching a panther and a leopard stalk each other.
Unfortunately, we are in need of the dagger, or payment in full. If your counter-offer doesn't include either one of those, or something equivalent, I'm afraid we're off to a bad start.
They pout and run their finger along the pillow they are sitting on.
That would be quiet the pity after all... this place is very nice after all.
Before the woman can properly react to the thinly veiled threat, Cypher smiles disarmingly.
But of course, a servant of the lady of the stinger would know better than to propose a deal where she would slight her... partners, so this is merely all bluster that is required of when people of our stature haggle. Tell me, what are you willing to give me that will sate the Aspis's thirst more than the dagger?
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Eadric scoots slightly closer to Helme, appreciating her calming influence as his wine glass is topped up by Shorafa. He opens his mouth to thank her, but nothing comes, making him resemble a goldfish until he nervously starts chugging the second glass of wine. However, as uncomfortable as he is, Eadric is unable to keep his eyes off the two masters of their art as they continue to size each other up.
The tiefling puts the bottle down and picks up her glass, smiling slyly. "I suppose you could call it haggling, yes. I prefer the term 'business negotiation', but so be it."
"You all seem to know how to enjoy yourselves. If you would allow it, I have a humble proposal for all of you. Surely, you know the reputation of the House of the Silken Veil. We are an entertainment and hospitability establishment.", she looks around you, scanning you for a short while, keeping her smile. "Now, if you don't mind me making an assumption here - your reward for returning to Jenk with my dagger will be what? A few lousy coins? You could do so much better than that.."
She takes a sip of her glass, and puts it on the table. "At my disposal, I have dozens of exquisite acolytes ready to fulfill your every desire. Now I know what you think, but there is so much more than the pleasures of the flesh. Though many of our clients are after just that, the temple offers so much more. Exotic wine, exquisite company - be it for enjoyment of the fine arts, or lengthy scholarly discussions. DANCE!"
Shofara makes a gradiose gesture with her hands, showcasing the room's qualities. Fine silks and satin, pleasant smells of rare spices mixed with myrrh, several musical instruments hanging on the walls.
"We offer the full package. Wealthy men come from abroad to sample them, and they pay a hefty price. Usually in platinum bars or prescious gems. I offer this to you, several hours of our full service, for a measly price - I get to keep what is mine to begin with. And one signature from the infamous Thestil Shadowtongue. That's all I want in exchange."
She reaches for her inner thigh and unties something underneath her gown. She produces a narrow ribbon secured to a scroll case, and puts it on a nearby table next to an inkbowl and a pen.
I, Thestil Shadowtongue, declare on behalf of the Aspis consortium, that the debt of the House of The Silken Veil in Riddleport towards Virdin Jenk, the Barracuda Cartage, and the Aspis Consortium Riddleport Branch, or any other affiliated organisations, has been repaid in full, including the past-due interest.
"Don't be Jenk's lackeys. You have so much more potential. Why waste it?", she smiles. "I can assure you we can be -SO- much more satisfying than that coward patting you on the back."
The tiefling reclines away from the table and sips her wine while she waits for your response.
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Cypher looks over the contract, studying it for a moment.
So in return for betraying my employer... you offer me a night or two of exquisite pleasure?
They stand, continuing to look at the contract, as if thinking the matter over.
The finest silks and wines and spices, dances and desire....
They wander for a moment, back and forth.
And all we'd have to do is laugh in the face of one of the most powerful organizations in the inner sea. Why, it's practically a bargain!
At this point, Cypher's sarcasm is apparent as they stand in front of Shorafa and smile.
You know who I am. Are you REALLY so incompetent as to think THIS could bribe me?
Cypher legitimately seems a little offended as they move closer to Shorafa.
You small minded whore. Do you think I give a damn about what Jenk thinks about me? Do you honestly think YOU can offer me more than what I can obtain myself? Have you underestimated me THAT much?
They stand and rip the contract in little pieces, glaring at the woman with a haughty expression.
I can assure you, I'm better than anything you have here. I've sampled pain and pleasures the likes that would leave you cold. This isn't just business... it's pleasure.
They let the contract flutter to the floor and look at them with a dark grin.
Now... the dagger?
They hold out their hand.
The tiefling doesn't move an inch as Cypher advances, and sips wine with stoic grace during their response. Once Cypher is done, she stands up and lets out a short giggle: "Smooth AND sharp! Bravo!", she does a little clap. "I suggest you calm your temper, however. Do you really wish to walk into my temple, and decide to trade verbal, or other, blows with me? Shorafa Pamodae, the High Priestess of Calistria; Goddess of trickery, lust and revenge?"
She lets the thought sink in for just a short moment, and continues with a much colder, but still calm, voice "You don't. Many have tried. Many have failed. I am still here, however - and have been dancing on their graves for decades. And I shall continue to do so for a few decades more. Don't confuse my hospitality for decrepitude, dear Shadowtongue. You want your dagger?", she widens her eyes when asking the question. "Fine. You'll get it. Can't hurt to try to offer something else, can it?", the priestess asks with a hint of a shrug in her shoulders.
"But raise your voice at me again, and I swear by the Lady's name - your mouth will become a wasp nest before you finish the sentence."
Her stern look turns into a smile again, and she walks over to the parchment to pick it up. "Still... I'm afraid I will need this signed either way. No business is concluded without proper evidence of the transaction. Doubly so here, in Riddleport."
"There's also the issue of this unfinished wine."
She hands the paper to Cypher again, and after offering everyone a refill, sits down to finish her glass.
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Eadric is busy hurriedly mopping up the wine he just sprayed all over the table and down his front, having been mid-swig when the priestess made her offer. However, with Cypher standing and the conversation getting heated, the out-of-place bodyguard has the presence of mind to at least attempt to decline a refill as he watches for signs of danger. Unfortunately, his glass is refilled regardless, and he's far too distracted to concentrate properly.
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Cypher looks at the woman and barely suppresses a cheeky grin. This was to easy... the hard part was making her as annoyed as possible without getting a mouthful of wasps. But what was fun without some danger?
A wasp and a snake in a tussle, if only it where so easy to predict who would come out on top. The wasps won't be necessary if your willing to stop making such insulting offers.
They take the paper that's handed to them (After presumably someone uses mending on it, and continues. Once our deal is complete, I'd be more than happy to make it up to you and share some wine. After I sign and confirm the transaction, of course. I know this lovely trick from Tien that I think you can appreciate.
Cypher noticeably has not sat, or backed down, and still stands, hand outstretched, waiting for the dagger. As they continue to not move, they give a small, cordial, but cold smile.
You'll forgive my paranoia. Goddess of Trickery, as you said.
And revenge... No way a Calistrian will let that insult go unanswered. The Aspis are gonna have a heck of a wasp problem by the time I'm through.
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Garr refuses any offered drinks as best as possible, drinking instead from his own hip flask if pressured and ranting about wine giving him headaches and bad gas
He's not very convincing though, and stumbles through his words, clearly getting frustrated. He resorts to pouring out the drink on the floor, taking a small misstep, making most of the contents spill out, Garr attempts to make it seem accidental..
Nailed it Garr, she suspects nothing. This is clearly a trap
Garr is too overconfident and dim witted (And probably drunk) to realize NO-ONE fell for his ruse
"I am so sorry M'Lady, I'll clean that up at once!"
Garr rips his shirt off and begins furiously scrubbing the stain with it..
Garr nearly puts holes in the floor with his mighty cleaning abilities, clearly not winning any academy awards this day...
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Helme reaches out and touches Garr on the shoulder. "They have people for that. I'm quite sure that wine isn't the worst thing that's been on this floor."
She stands. "We really do need that dagger. It's our reputation you see. I realize you understand something of reputations. Some less than stellar ones are easily earned." her right eyebrow raises.
She pats Eadiric on the back. "It's all right. We'll get you cleaned up in a much nicer place than this."
Shorafa observes the clumsiness and seems to be amused. "Don't worry about stains. I'll have that cleaned up. Although that takes care of the wine not being finished, I suppose.", she shrugs. She does, however, raise an eyebrow at Helme's 'much nicer place' comment.
She holds her hand over the former parchment, and mutters something underneath her breath.
Once she removes her hand, the scroll is whole again, and ready to be signed.
"Now...", she moves the scroll towards Cypher. "... that signature and your badge stamp, if you would. Once that is finished, you get your dagger and our official business is over. I feel like the fact that you don't have the blade in your possession is causing some tension here.", she sips from her glass again. "And I would hate to hear that my guests didn't enjoy themselves in our temple. Reputation, as your oread colleague mentions, takes a while to build, and rebuild."
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Eadric slowly stands, wiping the wine from his chin with his sleeve and smiling appreciatively, yet bashfully at Helme. How can people be, like, so totally confident and comfortable in a place like this? He wonders, still blushing at the thought of the earlier acolytes and Shorafa's state of dress. However, thanks to Helme, Eadric regains some of his composure and attempts to catch Cypher's eye, giving them a slight nod to indicate that the priestess seems trustworthy.
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"Just wondering M'Lady... I can't imagine profits are low in this establishment, your "product" is certainly top shelf. Pray tell what could possibly have caused you to become in debt with our employer? You don't have to answer, of course. Just curious." Garr asks, standing back up and tossing the now ruined shirt to the side
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Cypher continues to smile.
My stamp will be affixed when I receive payment, not a moment before.
They shrug and look at the Madam.
Sorry to be difficult, but considering the other... customers we've dealt with today, which involved one of them almost loosing the object in question and trying to hide it, you can understand why we want to confirm what we're getting...
They think for a moment and scratch "their" name onto the paper.
There, a compromise. Half-way completed. As I said, I'll place the stamp once I can inspect the dagger and it is in my hand.
"Oh, I'm not sure about holding it in your hand.", Shofara responds to 'Shadowtongue' whlist standing up. She walks over to a short wall next to her king-sized bed, leans over to the wall itself, and whispers something. She turns her head around to answer Garr's question, but reaches into the wall with her right hand in the meantime, searching for something by touch. "Some of your former colleagues came by once. Let's jsut say they were not as polite as you, and found their new purpose in life as firewood.", she winks back at Garr. "Apparently, blood costs its weight in gold. According to Jenk, at least.", she smirks.
"Ah! Here we go.", she retracts her hand from the wall, and returns to the table holding an iron case with a glass lid. She turns the lid towards you to show you the goods within - a dagger in the shape of a stinger with intricate carvings on the handle, and some on the blade itself. "As I said, not sure about holding it in your hand. I wouldn't even recommend it, to be honest. But if you don't tell that to Jenk, the Barracuda Cartage might have an open position in the management ranks soon. Any of you folks fancy a paper-pusher job?", she winks and smiles slyly. "Now, that stamp, please, and we can exchange these valuable prizes."
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Cypher steps forward, audibly whispering the words to detect magic and confirming if the dagger is the genuine article.
Well now, Jenk asked me to retrieve the items in question, he didn't say aaaanything about doing research on it. That's his problem.
They give a grin and a not so subtle wink to Shofara. Assuming that it does read as the genuine article, they pull out their badge and prepare the stamp and affix it before taking the box.
There... business is done. Perhaps celebrations are in order for a successful business.... and I can think of a few ways I could make apologies for my earlier outbursts...
"Successful business indeed.", Shofara nods towards Tenibri and pours some more wine, then stores the signed and stamped scroll and quickly stores it where it used to be.