Lisa Lombardi's page

"Would that revenge satisfy The Savored Sting?"

Straightening her posture Lisa hiffs on her pipe again, her lips curled into a slight frown. "I can see where my darling Raesilia gets her sharp whit... Yes, yes I believe we can compromise here." she finally settles on before all hell breaks loose.

Lisa finds it difficult to remain calm given the circumstances... They'd been found out, and what was worse, special attention seemed to be focused on her!

This was bad.

The courtesan takes a step back and reaches for the dagger at her hip. "Not interested. Sorry for leading you on like that at the ball but it was all just part of the job." Lisa sneers and whips out the blade she'd used seriously only once before.

"I do hope we can remain friends." she taunts.

Lisa's foot taps incessantly against the floor as she hears Marius out, her amber eyes firmly fixed on the man, her grip tightening on her pipe until...

"Unacceptable!" Lisa barks slamming her pipe down onto the table as she rises to her feet and glares at Marius intensely. "You know what I've lost. You know how much effort I've gone through to even the score. How my skin has crawled as I've gotten close with that insufferable man. And you want him to just walk away with a slap on the wrist and expect me to be satisfied with that?" She slams her hand down once more atop the table causing her wine glass to to and spill over its contents. "UN-AC-CEPTABLE!"

"I've already compromised here by agreeing that the Count be let to live here, yet you deny me even this?" Lisa growls through gritted teeth. "Is this not a war Marius? A shadow war but a war never-the-less. And in war... You kill your enemies. Do you not? Soldier?"

Lisa puzzles over Velvet's question taking a long drag of her pipe before settling on an answer she had been chewing on for some time. "We needn't, necessarily, kill the bastard. We simply have to ensure that the results of our actions lead to him believing death would have been a preferable option... Stealing his title, land, and wealth is a good start. The complete and utter annihilation of his reputation would be a good follow up. And the coup de grace would be the removal of his personal ties. He seems closest to his steward. We can kill him. Preferably in front of our good Count. Then I would be satisfied." The courtesan smirks wicked.

"He shall know loss as I have."

"As for the rest, we'll I've never planned a raid before but I believe we should understand the facts first. What must we do to destroy this teleportation circle? As I hear it, if that activates our plan is dead in the water so I believe solving this issue is of paramount importance."

Lisa giggles playfully as their new companion and she seem to find common ground. "Why tea sounds lovely! Jasmine is a favorite of mine but I'd love to experiment a little if you have something you'd like to introduce me to."

Since I can't figure out how to roll a dice in discord I'll just rumormonger here

Rumormonger: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

The courtesan patiently waits through Velvet's deflections and questions gauging the woman as she does.

"My, my Raesilia darling. What an interesting 'teacher' you have. Certainly more than meets the eye, but then, so were you."

"Well, for starters thank you for speaking so highly of me but, I am no spy master. My skills are in the extraction of information and plying others, bending their will to serve my needs. As such, I am much more inclined to think of how we can use this little birdie to our advantage." Lisa licks her lips as some truly devilish ideas come to mind.

"After all, we know that she is violent... AND she IS close to one of the Lotheeds we seek to dispatch. If we can play them against one another then the best case scenario is they both take each other out! Your rumor idea was good but what if we twist the source? Make it sound as though the rumor comes from Titus himself? Simultaneously, we could spread the opposite rumor that the Swan is merely using Titus as an in to higher society and better targets, that he is beneath her and she is disgusted every time she allows him to lay his slimy paws on her? That she believes he is an idiot and fool and will dispatch of him swiftly once his usefulness has run its course?" Lisa hums maliciously at the idea. "Yes, I think that would work quite well, especially seeing as I'm sure neither is too terribly far from the truth from each other's perspective."

Lisa cocks her head slightly confused as Rose's instructor approaches for an awkward confrontation, then she laughs. "Do you believe use ladies of the night to be devoid of such feelings? If anything my time dealing with hardship and passion in equal measure has brought me to be more genuine with my intent than anything. And besides, sometimes a word from the heart is more motivating than any logic... wouldn't you agree? Or has your line of work kept you from experiencing such heartfelt emotion and kept you from being your truest self?"

Lisa shakes here head slowly and tries not to let the sadness show in her eyes as she attempts to smile casually at Frater Mosle, "I'm afraid she is away on business for the moment but she is quite well I assure you. For now though, we should focus on the matter at hand, let's get this over with... I do hate spiders... no offense."

"What you have with Araig may not be what one traditionally thinks of when one mentions 'true love,' however..." Lisa gaze is fixed on the young woman as her hand drifts down to her black brooch. "But familial love is no less strong than romantic love. After all, you yourself have indicated that you would be willing to risk your own life to lift the curse from your dear brother. That alone is proof that your love is true."

Lisa barely has time to stretch her legs from the long carriage ride before snacks and tea are being served up. Still, the courtesan is not one to turn down hospitality and soon finds herself enjoy a relaxing sip of tea as her gnomish compatriot explains the situation.

Meanwhile, Lisa's amber eyes trace the figure of Miss Arabella Telus taking in the obvious signs of sleep deprivation and general weariness as as Lotti finishes her spiel there is a slight clink as Lisa sets down her cup and dabs her mouth on a proffered napkin. "Dear Arabella, it is plain to see that you are suffering... sleep must be hard to come by when your dear brother is so unfortunately hexed... You may be afraid but know that we have stood face to face with your brother since his transformation and survive today to stand before you now. If we can keep ourselves safe then we can certainly do the same for you."

The break-in has Lisa pacing throughout the manor in an absolute fit. The audacity of this thief to intrude upon their home, take their things, and threaten them in this time when Lisa was already so trouble from Rose's sudden departure... it was all too much.

Lisa would find this interloper, this cowardly fool... And she would make him pay.

When Rose's teacher arrives Lisa hand strays from her tobacco pipe to the dagger on her thigh until she introduces herself as Rose's teacher.

Lisa breaths a sigh of relief and shakes her head. "Enough with the tough act Lady Mokei. This is the teacher our darling Raesilia spoke of and if she trust's her that's obviously good enough for me." Lisa takes a drag of her pipe and reaches out for a handshake.

"Welcome aboard Miss Velvet. I am the illustrious Twilight Temptress of Taldor, Lisa Lombardi in the flesh. And you are right in time to prove yourself useful to us... How do you feel about tracking down a thief with me?"

Lisa sits, shoulders uncharacteristically slumped, kneading the edges of her dress anxiously as she listens intently to every word of Rose's statement. A million thoughts rush through the woman's head as she tries her best to remain calm and level-headed on the surface.

"This... This is just all so sudden Raesilia darling, a-and, while I'm sure your teacher is great, there is certainly no replacement for you! And, just look at Marius, that boy wouldn't know which way was up without you to tip his chin. Why, we'll be simply lost without you..." Lisa attempts a feeble argument knowing full-well that the decision has already been made.

"And what about you Raesilia? What of your safety? The road on which you embark is long and fraught with peril! Oh, I just can't stand the thought of something happening to you! Wouldn't you at least like some company or- or-" The courtesan sighs and bites her lip, eyes trained on the floor.

"I understand, some journeys must be taken alone... I just don't know what I'm going to do without my favorite tailor... and my best friend." Lisa looks up with a sad smile, lingering tears collecting in her amber eyes. "I do wish you the best of luck Raesilia, just know there will be Hell to pay if you aren't back with us soon."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22

Lisa casually sips at her delicious cocktail whilst slumped back in her chair, the scarlet hue of intoxication flushing her cheeks.

"Glad to know it's all well in hand Baroness." She giggles. "Money right? It's so good to have but such tedium to deal with... much like men in that way I suppose. Sometimes I think of the tales of the barbarian queen of the Stolen Lands and think, you know she was onto something. Story goes she had handsome man-servants chained around her throne. Ha! Can you imagine?" She takes another sip as the ice clinks around the glass and sighs wistfully.

"Must have been nice though. All the fun with none of the lip or machismo. Ah one can but dream." She giggles drunkenly.

Lisa giggles at the Baron's adorable response to her light flirtation, "Dame Crabbe you say? My, my dear Baron is there any woman at court who's eye you have yet to catch?"

"Now if you'll excuse me, I must make my rounds amongst our guests. A pleasure as always Baron Okerra." Lisa bows graciously and makes her exit just as Riftun pulls a steaming glazed ham out of the oven.

In the dining room the courtesan catches sight of Baroness Adella flanked by the other ladies of the house and an array of empty wine glasses noticing the one still largely full glass with a smirk. "If I had known you'd resorted to drinking that swill I'd have broken out the hard liquor earlier Baroness!" She laughs "Why, Lady Talbot had just gifted me a lovely bottle of vodka I was planning to enjoy in my own private little after-party but I suppose we could open it now, that is unless you have lost your taste for the burn of a fine liquor?"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28

As the festivities begin to get underway Lisa greets Baron Okerra as he enters the kitchen, having been back there ordering Riftun about as he scurries hurriedly around the kitchen in a pink apron smeared with flour, sugar, and various other ingredients. "Baron Okerra! My how absolutely lovely to see you again! I found myself missing your dignified grace and that sweet shy blush of yours." She laughs teasingly.

"Tell me, good Baron, how goes the search for a motherly figure for your daughter hmm? A man as handsome and prestigious as yourself must be spoiled for choice, no?" She laughs playfully and gently rests her hand on his arm for just a moment before continuing. "While I do wish you luck in your search, I must admit there's a selfish little part of me that's hoping you wouldn't mind spending some of your time with me this evening dear Baron. Oh! And I'm certain Lady Kontiantina is dying to see you as well." She adds with a charming smile.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 29 -4 if Good or Chaotic = 25

Lisa instantly picks up on the new behavior that the pudgy little man is showing. His flushed cheeks, the shortness of his breath, not to mention the more obvious hints...

The courtesan has dealt with his kind many, many time in her line of work, some especially sought her out as domineering behavior came rather naturally to this woman. She knew just how to handle them.

"Don't you dare talk down to me you sniveling little worm." She rebukes the man, her gaze turning especially cold as she literally looks down on him. "I am well aware of the workings of the aristocracy, certainly more so than yourself I have no doubt. And it's more than apparent that this man before me has eaten more than enough already."

Lisa scowls, "Disgusting."

"Obviously, you have no idea how to treat a woman. So here's what you're going to do. First of all, you're going to drop your tacked on expenses and charge the people of Stachys a fair and reasonable rate. Then you're going to follow me back to my chambers, like a good dog, and follow my exact instructions until I'm fully satisfied you know how to properly treat a woman." Lisa leans forward to whisper in the Squire's ear.

"Do I make myself perfectly clear? If I have to repeat myself there will be... consequences."

Diplomacy/Intimidate: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23 +4 Daily Legalistic bonus to get us to 27 in total

Lisa grumbles as she is fetched from her chambers, just getting a good afternoonr nap in.... looking this good takes a lot of beauty sleep after all.

But when she finally meets the dreaded tax man, it turns out that it was good thing she was called upon as the devils whispers immediately begin bouncing around inside her head as the man drones on about back taxes and states an outrageous sum.

Lisa steps forward with a sly smirk extending her hand daintily. "My dear Squire Eta. It is so good to meet you. Lisa Lombardi, otherwise known as the Twilight Temptress of Taldor. Perhaps you've heard of me?"

Her grin turns wicked now her gaze sharpening to a deadly point. "And yet, I've never heard of you. How cutious, despite your elegant and, it must be said, quite expensive garb. What is that real gold in the lining? Tell me dear Squire does the Count know you are taking more taxes than he has ordered? Should we send him a letter to let him know?"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23

Daily Fortune Reroll

Intimidate: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25

Rose's hand clasped firmly around her own, the passionate woman's words as she speaks out angrily, no, [b]defiantly in the face of hellish powers she cannot comprehend, her steadfast loyalty... It's all too much for Lisa in the end and she breaks down sobbing again. "Oh Raesilia... how can you do this? How do you manage to kindle a flame of hope from a fire that has long since burnt down to ash? You... you truly are something special darling... I don't think I've ever met anyone like you before... So even if no one else could break this contract... find a way out for me, I have faith you can." The courtesan wipes her eyes before reaching down and unclipping the little, leatherbound, black book from her thigh holster.

She holds the book in her hand for a few seconds, tracing her fingers thoughtfully over the cover. In one swift motion, as if ripping off a bandage, she opens the small book to its first page where red, blood infused ink that should have long ago faded stains the page in brilliant red as though it were just put there mere moments ago.

Lisa hands the book over to Rose looking her in the eyes meaningfully, "Please Raesilia... do be careful... they are more powerful than you or I could ever hope to be... and if escaping this fate comes at the cost of your own life or the completion of my goal... Then I would prefer for things to remain as they are. Do you understand? No harm must come to you. I will not stand for it." She emphasizes as Rose reads the dedication and the contract written below.

"This book of sordid deeds and dangerous secrets is dedicated to Belial, The Pale Kiss."

"This contract, bound in blood, hereby stipulates that the Lord Belial confer upon Lisa Lombardi a portion of his own power increasing with each great act* accomplished by Lisa Lombardi in service to her accomplishment of her goal, the establishment of one Grand Royal Brothel of Taldor.** In payment for services rendered by Lord Belial Lisa Lombardi hereby agrees to the total forfeiture of her immortal soul to the custody of Lord Belial upon her death, whether natural or otherwise, regardless of her accomplishment of her goal, the establishment of a Grand Royal Brothel of Taldor. Lord Belial is then free to use or discard the soul of Lisa Lombardi as Lord Belial see's fit."

**Grand Royal Brothel of Taldor refers to an institution, approved of and supported by the ruling class of the nation of Taldor wherein sex workers of all kinds may ply their trade in conditions which Lisa Lombardi determines to be acceptable

Finally there is a signature by an x at the bottom of the page, pressed hard into the page as though written with a level of for indicating that the signee was perhaps angry or especially determined.

Lisa Lombardi

Now

Lisa is taken by suprise at the sudden ferocity of the hug and yet her wide eyes quickly close as she wraps her arms around Rose in turn, holding the other woman tightly as the courtesans body began to shake.

The dam of reserve and strength had been broken and the tears fell freely as Rose let the courtesan finally feel everything.

After a moment taken to compose herself when the two separate Lisa sniffles and shakes her head. "Oh Raesilia... that is far too sweet but... I fear there has been some misunderstanding of Kimi and my relationship. We did love each other, dearly, it's true... We grew up side by side together after all. Each the fatherless daughter of one of the Nymph's Kiss's many whores... At times we hated each other, we fought and bickered over the silliest things and yet, we cared deeply for one another, we would watch each other's backs no matter what and pulled one another out of many scraps... Kimi and I loved one another but it was more of a sisterly love not the romantic kind that you and that handsome dullard of yours share."

"Though I suppose that too is a kind of love that is now forever lost to me..." Lisa looks out the window into the distance.

Rose's soft hands falling upon her shoulders brings the courtesan's drifting mind back to the room, her focus intently upon the woman before her. There were so many compliments, Rose was being so sweet that even Lisa could swear she almost felt her heart flutter with joy at the young noble's barrage of kindness... and yet. "Talent... Isn't everything." Lisa's head dips in defeat as she explains.

"My mother was extraordinarily beautiful. And every bit of singing talent I have was inherited from her. My sharp tongue as well... And she died alone... Unloved... my dear Raesilia I don't even know my father's name... and neither did she. The point being... you can have talent, beauty, and a way with word but there are other things to factor in as well. Personality. History. And luck. As far as my supposed kindness goes... of course I help you and Sepsinia out when I can, I care for you deeply and thus in a way my kindness is selfish because it means I get to keep you around and Sepsinia.. well... she's like a sweet little wounded bird, you know? How could I not help her?"

The courtesan dabs at her tears with the edge of the blanket. "The truth is no one wants to be with a spiteful whore with a history of blackmail and coercion to get what she wants... Sure they'll have some fun but the idea of falling in love with a high-class prostitute is laughable.. many of them don't even see me as a person really. More 'status symbol' or 'plaything.'"

"Being a courtesan isn't all bad though... there are parts I enjoy. The glitz and glamour. The parties. The flirtation. Even the sex is occasionally rather enjoyable... not as often as I'd like but it does feel empowering... It just comes with a price... everything does. And I guess you could say I'm feeling some 'buyer's remorse.'" Lisa chuckles listlessly.

"It hurts to see you like this. Are you truly so unhappy, living the life of Courtesan? Then... why don't you leave all that behind?"

"Please, don't tell me someone, or something, is forcing you to live like this? That they bound you and have some hold on you? I... I would rebel! Find some way to fix it. I would cheat until it was broken! Anything to not just stand by and watch you suffer!"

Lisa's breath catches in her throat, her heart races in her chest as Rose seems to have stumbled directly into her deepest darkest secret. Her first instinct is to run away or shout that the Taldan noble is being crazy. To obfuscate the truth if she can, after all, what would she do if Rose found out? She was so good and to hear that her friend had contract with devils? Surely she would hate her? Surely she would disown her. She may even try to imprison her here and now and yet... as Lisa gazes upon Rose's tear stained face she feels powerless to resist. To keep the truth from Raesilia any longer was a thought more unbearable than any sentence this woman she cared so deeply for could pass upon her.

"Damn your puppy dog eyes..." Lisa eventually makes out with a soft chuckles as she wipes the tears from Rose's cheeks.

"I can't keep it from you any longer Raesilia... I've never told a soul this before... save for my dear Kimi... The truth is.. I can never wholly belong to another regardless of my life choices... a decision I made years ago has already decided... who my very soul belongs to." Lisa swallows hard, her throat suddenly feely very tight and her mouth quite dry.

"You're such a clever girl, I should have known you'd figure it out eventually... The reason I live my lif as I do... The reason I must continue to lead the life I do is because I made a pact, a blood signed conract with a powerful devil... She offered my great power in exchange for my very immortal soul. And I gladly took the offer. I needed to... Life may have been a challenge for you Raesilia darling but you have no idea what it was like growing up destitute in a low-end brothel. Everyday we struggled to feed ourselves. Everyday we had to endure the worst insults hurled at us. Everyday we were spit at. And everyday was another chance that one of our firneds would be hurt, killed, or catch some deadly ailment for which we could not afford the cure. It was Hell Raesilia. I have seen Hell." She shakes her head and sits tall, filled with both suffering and determination.

"I made a deal with her for power in order to make it so no other girl or boy will have to go through what we did. Not in my city at least... Since then my every move, every seduction, every manipulation, every coercion has been to bring me closer to my goal. I will create a safe haven in Oppara. The first official Grand Royal Brothel of Taldor. A place where honest sex workers can ply their trade safely. Treated with respect, housed and cared for properly, ensuring that no disease nor violence shall ever be visited upon its staff or their clients. I am willing to sell my soul for this... For if I can prevent anyone else from living through the Hell I went through, then my soul being damned for all eternity is a worthy price to pay."

Lisa clasps Rose's hand once more, "You are too kind to worry about me Raesilia... but you can see now... it's already too late. The contract is iron-clad and the devil... she is far too powerful to oppose. Besides... I still have need of her gifts... even if they do make anyone of kind heart or wild disposition feel a tingle of discomfort and mistrust... I am well on my way to my goal but I have still so much yet to do. Please, just focus on your own happiness. It's right here in front of you. I am just a distraction, as I always have been. So come to me when you need advice, or a laugh, or a shoulder to cry on. But don't think on my problems. For me, happily ever after was just never in the cards."

Lisa giggles at her friend's playfulness, "Most men only love it when they get to see it Raesilia darling. Not that you would need to resort to such a thing, of course! You and our dear Lord Erallan are still very much young and in love I'm sure things are already plenty hot in the bedroom but should you ever feel the desire to spice things up a little... well you know who to call."

When Rose produces her gift to the fair courtesan she practically squeals in delight as she greedily grabs the bottle, "Oh Raesilia! Oh you shouldn't have really! I adore it! I absolutely love, love, love it! Oh Raesilia!" She reaches out and embraces her friend in a tight squeeze. "You really are too good to me darling, the only way it could be sweeter is if you pilfered it from the Count's private reserves yourself." The courtesan removes herself from the woman with one last squeeze then begins adjusting her hair looking up at her giant shimmering mirror.

"What?" She asks when Rose catches her eye with a questioning glance at the mirror. "It's good for self reflection... and besides sometimes you just want to see a pro at work." she jests before the mood begins to turn somber as Rose brings up the events of the night at Baronet Vort's 'village.'

"Yes... About that, I suppose I do owe you an explanation." Lisa's amber eyes cast downwards and she begins to nervously kneed the bed's fine sheets between her fingers as she struggles to find the words.

"I may as well just come out and say it then." she sighs, "That night at the village... I happened upon you, Lord Erallan and yourself that is, in the woods. I saw you, a saw the kiss, and the tenderness between you two. The love the passion... And I was very happy, ecstatic really! But then... And I'm ashamed to say this... I started to feel very alone." She turns her head aside too ashamed to face her friend now directly.

"It's not the first time I felt it. Nor will it be the last... but as a courtesan one must embrace the idea of a life were all you ever are is a stopgap relationship at best... a temporary diversion at worst. You fall smitten from time to time but you know deep down every time that it can never be, that it will never last. That no one will ever look at me the way Marius looked at you. That no one will ever kiss me the way you kissed him. That no one will ever hold me the way you held each other..." Lisa wipes her eyes quickly, she knows that if she lets even a single tear drop she wont be able to stop the deluge to follow.

She takes in a sharp breath and turns back to her friend with reddened eyes and a broken smile. "But I was determined not to take away from your moment! It was a hard-won triumph after all and you deserved to be happy so I slunk back o the village and tried to drown my sorrows. And.. well, I'm afraid that in a moment of weakness I may have dumped a lot of emotional baggage on poor Konstiantina. The poor dear she was only trying to help, but when she brought up the idea of serving a god... giving myself to something greater, I didn't take it very well... Come to think of it I maaay have compared her proselytizing to the damned abadarians who let my mother die from the plague because we didn't have the money to afford a cure." She chuckles morosely. "Rather cruel of me to do so don't you think? But that's just who I am... lonely and spiteful... No wonder I'm unworthy of real love then hm?"

She reaches out and holds Rose's hand in her own. "And now I'm unloading all this on you... Please darling, Raesilia honestly, you're very precious to me... don't ever think of yourself as a poor friend I gain a lot of strength from you and your support is what has largely helped get me through the passing of my Kimi...And for that I am eternally grateful."

Lisa stands and makes her way towards the exit hastily, "Thank you for the audience Archbanker I do believe we've discussed everything we need." The courtesan speaks sharply though with an air being entirely unsurprised as though she knew exactly how this would go from the beginning.

She turns to Marius and frowns. "Lord Erallan I think the best way we can honor the banker is to do as their god would wish and conserve the most money. I believe we have other, more affordable and benevolent options available to us in Oppara. Now let us be off before the good banker starts charging us for 'wasted time.'"

Know. Local: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Lisa, for her part, sits amusedly on the sidelines of this conversation sipping her tea thinking devilish thoughts on the Archbanker's offer to finance them a temple. "I'll be damned if that they think for one moment we'd allow them to build a temple to their stingy god in our tranquil pastoral getaway... I may just recommend those Abadarians pay for a Calistrian temple! Ha! Can you imagine? That would show them... and maybe bring a little bit more of my style to Stachys.

Lisa does her very best not to look too impressed upon meeting the gorgeous Archbanker within the Abadarian temple. She did so despise Abadarians after all she couldn't let the envy of their wealth at such a young age show.

To do so would as much as admit defeat.

The courtesan does find a seat for herself and smiles warmly at Marius's guarded answer. Well played, keep your cards close to your chest dear Marius, we don't know what side other wealth may have plied the greedy little eyes of these money-mongers.

Turning her smiles more challengingly towards the Archbanker Lisa remarks. "And I am Lisa Lombardi, known in more discerning circles as the Twilight Temptress of Taldor currently serving as retinue for our young up-and-coming Lord Erallan. And I have to say, I must agree with you my dear Archbanker, the debt you owe us is indeed great and now twofold as we have rescued your acolyte and now my dear Lord Errallan has also illuminated you with the information you had so glibly requested. For the information, I suspect tea would suffice. As for the lost, hapless acolyte well, I must admit that I I am rather curious as to what you had in mind." She coyly plays with her hair.

Lisa shrugs at the tone of the conversation shifting with Rose's input just as Marius was seeming to get on board but it mattered not. In the end they were able to retrieve the wealth the woman had stolen, her cooperation, and a gift. So perhaps it was for the best.

"Very well, why don't we let bygones be bygones then shall we? You can have your lake, the mud has somewhat spoiled my perception of it regardless. That Night Swan will still need to be dealt with however and the question remains how to best use our dear Swan Princess to best effect against the bastard count?" Lisa turns to the Swan Maiden thoughtfully stroking her chin.

"Can you leave this place? If we needed you to accompany us to the count's palace to overthrow the man would you be able to do that?"

"S~~&!" Lisa hisses as the arrow embeds itself in the dirt mere inches away from her dainty foot. The courtesan almost immediately flies into combat only hindered by her allies calming presence. Still as the discussion continues Lisa scowls menacingly at the woman before her clearly irked at the whole arrow incident, still the courtesan had to admit... that cloak was fabulous.

"I still haven't heard a 'thank you' for all the effort we, especially poor Lotti went through extinguishing that little slime problem of yours. I think we are owed at least an apology if nothing else. Burning ogre jelly is a smell that really sticks with you, you know?" Lisa huffs.

"Then there is the matter that you HAVE been engaged in banditry as you yourself have admitted. Attacking caravans... maybe even killing innocents? Just because you were mad?" Lisa waggles her finger and tuts like a mother scolding a child. "Naughty, naughty."

She turns her head as to cast her voice over her shoulder at the man behind her. "What say you Lord Erallan? What is a suitable punishment for such crimes hmm? Perhaps, a bit of cooperation from upcoming events?"

Lisa smirks, "Marius darling, you always look a tad ridiculous with your puffed out chest and your strutting posture. I wouldn't worry too much about it. It's part of your charm at this point." The courtesan winks and struts forward boldly waving off the illusion as though it were mere dust in the wind.

"Now, the question is, who would set something like this up? What are they trying to scare people off from?"

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Lisa grimaces at the gelatinous creature shrugging off the effects of her ray and huffs as she stomps further back through the mud. Her face is contorted in disgust as she hisses, "Fine, Lotti has always had a knack for cleaning up messes so this one's all yours."

Just moving out of range of the creature. Not much else I can do for now >.>'

Lisa was in the middle of a long, bitter, and curse-filled diatribe against mud and the war crimes it had surely committed against her garments when a strange gelatinous monster bursts forth from the water and Konstiantina charges in headlong at the creature just as Rose was explaining their inability to fight such a creature.

"Konstiantina you zealous fool! Back away from that creature now you here me?" She scowls and takes a few steps away from the creature. "You know, I'm having a bad day covered in muck, grime, and filth traversing this place on foot and then you... You show up around here just to make my day even worse. What even are you? Disgusting creature... you sicken me." She says as she wipes the sweat from her brow and points her hand at the creature before her. "Allow me to return the favor."

With that a neon green light erupts from her fingertips and crashes into the quivering ooze.

Ranged Touch vs Jelly: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

I can't see the map now so I would like to move as far away as possible from the jelly and hit it with Ray of Sickening. It must make a fort save of 17 or be sickened for five minutes. If it rolls a 10 or higher on its saving throw Lisa will use Misfortune to force a reroll.

Lisa tries her best not to smirk as she observes the new behavior between Rose and Marius, their tells plain as punch to a woman of her experience in such amorous matters. The blushing uncertainty of young love was always amusing even if such things were now far behind the courtesan herself.

Lisa clears her throat, "Mhmm! Yes, eyes on the prize now Marius... Anyways, I say that we follow the east bank until we reach the highway. Seems the path of least resistance to me. What say you?"

Lisa's expression changes almost immediately upon receiving the flattery from Lord Erallan, she blinks several times in shock at the man's response before grinning playfully back at the man.

"Oh flattery will get you everywhere my dear Marius!" She touches on his fine vestments teasingly before lifting hand up to her cheek in contemplation at the new challenge set before her.

"Hmm, well, nobles such as the Count are sadistic creatures at heart... I can relate I suppose. But regardless. If we were to offer the man a punishment such as exile and frame it as being worse than death that may be enough to keep the good Count from getting too upset. But you'd have to frame it right. It's all in the presentation you understand."

Lisa can't help but tut under her breath at the situation as she overhears the conversation between Lady Mokei and Lord Erallan play out. "Are you certain that is the wises course of action my lord?" She scowls disapprovingly.

"I understand what it means to be hungry as much as anyone and, indeed, I have ventured on the wrong side of the law more than once to put food in my belly as a youth but to willfully ignore the law? At this critical juncture when we are about to make our move?" The courtesan shakes her head woefully.

"I can get us in the Palace of Birdsong simply because the Count has taken a liking to me through great effort expended on my part might I add. If we cross him now we could lose that good grace and our in! The death of this man will be tragic yes... but if we don't do this right, if we lose sight of our greater objective then countless more like him will perish." Lisa sighs and takes a drag of her tobacco pipe.

"Sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good Mar- er Lord Erallan. I trust you will make the correct decision."

Lisa dabs her lips with a napkin, clearing whatever remained of breakfast as she, yet hungrily eyes the map of scattered factions which now made up the empire of Taldor. "Oh please, you really mustn't all be so doom and gloom about this. Surely you can see what I see here can you not?" She looks around the table with an eager smile, her glossy nails rapping excitedly along the top of the table.

"Opportunity of course!" She exclaims delightedly.

"Imagine if we had looked at this map and it was instead two solid factions. Ours and Pythareus'. And they were of equal size? that would be quite the tedious fight with no clear winner one way or the other. The situation is only worse if you imagine Pythareus' faction was even larger! No. many small factions means there is room to maneuver. Alliances can be made, such as with the Solari faction as I feel the Grand Duchess and myself have quite a bit in common. Smaller foes can be crushed and weaker factions vassalized and absorbed by our own ever-growing faction." Lisa theorizes giddily.

"Ohhhh and being able to rid ourselves of Bartleby once and for all shall be an absolute treat! Really it's just the cherry on top of this whole situation ohhhh I can't wait to see the look on his face! I've secured us an invitation to the Palace of Birdsong whenever we desire so that will be an easy in. As for the charter, I'm sure Raesilia can deal with that simply enough. Lotti can surely handle distracting our dear seneschal. And I shall have the pleasure of informing the good Count that he needs to pack his things and go... Perhaps with Marius as back-up and... and... Aiza! Would you stop doing cartwheels inside the manor? It's all very distracting!"

Sense Motive on Festo: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31

Lisa eyes narrow at the shivering acolyte and, as her friends rush to help, she herself stays back, her arms folded and her face contorted into a scowl.

"Oh and if our help is what you desire then shouldn't you be paying us? That is the code of you Abadarians is it not? 'Never do anything for free.' Or something to that end." The woman questions coldly with a slight smirk of self-satisfaction creeping up on her lips as she observes the shivering of the injured and desperate man before her.

"Cold are you? Strange. I'm perfectly fine even in an outfit such as this." She gestures to her own revealing garments before toying with her hair as she grins wickedly at the acolyte. "I could do the same for you, easily, right here and now. All for the fair and reasonable price of, oh let's say, a hundred gold?"

Rose's words hang in the air for a moment before the sound of Lisa's snoring fills their space.... Seems she must have passed out immediately after hitting the hay... It also seems that a drunk Lisa is heavy on the snoring side so tonight is likely to be a long sleepless one for everyone else.

Lisa raises a brow in a surprise display of shock to hear such intimate details of the usually stoic aasimar's past. After the woman's story reaches its conclusion and its point the courtesan can't help but smile and shake her head in disbelief. "It's hard to believe that you, a noblewoman of angelic blood could sympathize with a thrice damned street whore like myself but... I suppose even the rich and the famous have their problems."

"And yet, there is one difference between the rich and the poor that cannot be so easily changed." There is a deep sorrow in the woman's eyes as she squeezes the paladin's hand in her own before pulling it back.

"Choice. You had the choice to just walk away from it all... That's something that I and many girls in my position growing up lacked... And when we prayed to the gods for salvation we were granted only suffering. And when we were hungry and begging for food from the people all they had to offer from the 'goodness of their hearts' was derisive stares. And when the plague swept through the Nymph's kiss and we went to the Abadarians they would only save those who could afford their 'help.' And when I buried my mother in the most humble of fashion all the Pharasmin's had to offer was their condolences. And throughout all of this... I never had a choice." Lisa turns her head away from Konstiantina so she doesn't see the tears beginning to form in her eyes.

"No... I was given one decision in my life and I took it... I took it so no girl, or boy for that matter, would ever have to go through what I did again... not in my city, not in Oppara. So, while I appreciate your advice Lady Mokei, I'm afraid it's too late for me to dedicate my soul to any god or goddess as I am already dedicated completely to another cause. Even if that means I have to walk this road all alone in the end." Lisa stands still not facing her drinking companion for the night.

"Thank you... for the chat tonight Lady Mokei. I shall be headed to my nights rest but, you did help put things in perspective for me. And... perhaps... as you have said... perhaps we are not so different, you and I.... Goodnight my lady." With that Lisa heads off to bed, head full of thoughts of what could have been and where her soul could have ended up... had it not already been sold in pursuit of her lofty goal.

At first Lisa seems to accept or even drunkenly lean into Konstiantina's gentle comfort but then the courtesan shrugs her shoulders and slips out of the paladin's loose grasp and waves off the woman's apology dismissively, "Has anything happened, she asks. Ha!" The red-headed woman laughs ruefully over her drink before bringing it to her lips once ore and imbibing more of the bitter fluid.

"How to answer that." she frowns as she wipes the remaining liquid from her lips.

"Yes? No? The same thing that always happens I suppose..." Lisa swirls the contents of her mug thoughtfully, her amber eyes set on the movement of its contents and yet somehow also a thousand miles away. "All part and parcel of women in my line of work, people are always coming and going in and out of our lives fast as their coin hits the counter... We often spend our whole lives completely alone all the while surrounded by passing strangers."

Lisa sips some more of her drink, closes her eyes and nods her head to the bite of the bitter fluid as though remembering a good point. "That's... That's the problem you see? I- we're just a stopgap relationship... Until someone can find something real, then we're left behind like yesterday's garbage alone once more.' Lisa huffs blowing a stay strand of hair from her face.

"Loneliness... That's something that never seems to bother you 'my lady,' though I suppose that would be because you 'walk with your goddess everywhere you go' or something like that. Must. Be. Nice." The courtesan scoffs but swiftly shifts her demeanor to a smile.

"I didn't ask you here to ripe bout my own problems though. I wanted to ask you what you want out of all this. Sure, sure it's 'for the good of the nation' and 'Iomedae's will' and all that but surely there's something you want of a more selfish variety. Something I can help you with perhaps hmm? Everybody has something. Something I could help you with perhaps?"

Lisa sighs wistfully gazing out in the direction of the forest. "It seems my latest project has born fruit and well... 'idle hands' and all that."

Everyone else seems to have disappeared somewhere doing gods know what in this dingy little 'town,' if so it could truly be called, and Lisa is left more or less alone and to her own devices. So she tours the dusty fruitless land, greets the dirty peasants politely' declining any handshakes offered, and samples the meager local offerings of porridge, and oddly spongy porridge, and... oh, would you look at that... more tasteless, watery porridge.

Eventually, fully satisfied that she has explored everything this shanty town had to offer, Lisa sits by herself propping up her head with a hand and wearing the most dreadfully bored expression she can muster as the rabble move to and fro about her.

Oh Raesilia darling, how could you abandon me to this doldrum? It's, quite frankly, inhumane, possibly a war crime - I'll have to check with Marius - But honestly! No fashion, no style, nothing a person of any measure of sensibility would even call 'food' in this entire place! Really, we had better food at they Nymph's Kiss and that's setting the bar lower that Lord Erallan's sense of self preservation and that alone is an accomplishment in its own right!

Lisa huffs and gets to her feet, slapping the dust from her couture dress as she marches off towards the woods for a private smoke. It was just too noisy here, she could hardly even hear herself think.

Upon her arrival at the edge of the forest Lisa gropes for her box of tobacco in the dark and pries it open with annoyance, rolling her eyes as she stuffs the substance in her tobacco pipe and summons a small spark from her fingertips to bring it to light. She has hardly moved the pipe to her lips when she hears voices just slightly deeper in the woods.

Lisa is about to groan in annoyance at being unable to escape the rabble even here when the familiarity of the voices catches her ear as well as the breath in her throat.

"May I kiss you?"

The courtesan's heart flutters in her chest like the wings of a swallowtail butterfly. She couldn't have heard that right... could she?

The woman careful removes the pipe from her lips and smothers the flame before stepping gingerly forward and peering through the foliage as a voice that sounds an awful lot like her dear friend Rose makes its playful response.

The intrigue, now well past boiling was beginning to bubble over as Lisa careful pushes a branch aside to get a better view, is almost too much to bear and when her amber eyes take in the sight of the two locking lips the courtesan has to bring her own dainty hand to muffle a potential cry of shock and delight at the sight that had felt like it had been so long in the making.

And as she stands there watching Lisa feels happy for her friend. And as she sees them kiss she feels pride in her part whatever that may have been, in making this happen. And as she witnesses them holding each other so close she feels the coldness creeping in once again. And as she steps away and realizes she's all alone all the color seems to drain from the world once again and suddenly she craves the racket of the strangers to the silent whispers of the forest.

Turning quickly on her heel Lisa makes her way back to the festivities, blinking back hear tears, and drowns her bitterness in the rancid spirits the townsfolk provide, its own bitter bite nothing in comparison to that of her mind's own making.

Soon enough Lisa's cheeks burn bright as her red hair which sits messily upon her head as the woman sprawls out over a shoddily made, splintery bench misshapen ceramic mug she nicked from the baronet still in hand when her eyes raise at Konstiantina's passing form.

Suddenly, the courtesan springs up from her slumped posture and begins waving frantically at the passing paladin. "Your Holy Grasshhhhh! Your Holy Grassshhhh Lady Mokei come here! Come heeeerrreeeee! Shhhhit down! I shaved a spot fer you right here shee?" Lisa slurs drunkly and slaps the unrefined wood beside her beckoning the paladin to sit.

"Welcome, welcome! Let me pour you a driiiink! HahahaHAaaa!" She chuckles as she pours a drink for the angelic woman and another for herself which she takes a deep swig of before continuing. "Sheee? Allsh good! Allsh good! I feel like we neeeever talk anymore you and I."

The courtesan laughs and fumbles the drink in her hands. "Whoopsie! HAHA! How are yoooouuu doing thish lovely night Our Lady of Keelhauling? Ish a new title I got in the worsh for yaou. Like it? No? Alright, alriiight it'sh a work in progresh okay? Anyways... I been meaning to ashk you..."

The woman's tone suddenly becomes somber as she stares into the depths of her drink. "How do you do it? Like, what are you getting out of all of this? You always stand... alone or with others and you just... you seem so untouchable, unfazed even... Don't you ever... Isn't it lonely at the top looking down on all us mortals?"

"Three at most?" Lisa cringes visibly at the thought of stuffing herself into such tight chambers out here in the boonies with the potential for all manner of bugs or even rats to serve as bunk-mates. "I'm sure we ladies can make due..." She attempts to put on a pleasant smile despite her obvious distaste with the situation.

"Marius, pardon, Lord Erallan may have to find lodging elsewhere for the night... but where? Hmm?" The courtesan places a hand to her cheek thoughtfully as a nefarious smirk begins to curl her lip. "Perhaps he could bunk with you dear Baronet? Oh! Now wouldn't that be fun? It would be like a slumber party. You could stay up late telling stories, gossiping, doing each other's hair, truth or dare..."

"maybe spin the bottle."

-----

Later that night, Lisa politely samples the food though it is not to her taste.

Lisa's posture stiffens in response to the baronet's polite deflection. Lisa was a flirt sure and true, but even she knew enough to realize that she's barking up the wrong tree. Still, the life of a courtesan was one full of heartbreak and complications, this wasn't the first crush she had that didn't work out and it wouldn't be the last so the woman easily shrugs it off and returns Vort's polite smile.

It was a shame about the muscles though... Perhaps she would make Riftun begin to workout back at home so she would at least have something to look at, though he was similarly unavailable.

Speaking of sowing seeds."

"And I'm certain a man of your caliber shall remember this kindness one day and pay it back ten-fold but until that day let us focus on what we can do here and now to set you up for future success that we might both prosper together." Lisa smirks coyly with the implication of a favor owed.

"Now, why do you ask dear Lady Talbot if she is a bounty hunter of all things? Clearly she is a woman of impeccable class and breeding and as such surely such a lowly profession is beneath her station." Lisa amber eyes seem to glow in the dim light of the building's ramshackle interior as she lays out her pitch.

"No, my dear baronet, what we are is problem solvers. You see, the Iron Lash was indeed a fearsome foe, a terrible manticore that ravage the land and brought low its people. Lord Erallan, Lady Talbot, Lady Mokei, Miss Qeb, and my extremely talented self slew the creature, dragged its carcass out of the forest, and threw it at the feet of the count."[/b] She pauses to take a sip of her tea, wincing slightly at the taste before setting the malformed ceramic aside.

"Needless to say my lord, if you have a problem you need solving you needn't hesitate to ask. The House of Erallan plans to make big changes around here, for the better, after all. Just point us in the right direction and your problem will simply go away... for the proper price of course. Not to say that we require gold or anything so base, but you are a noble and as such I'm certain you are well aware that a simple favor can be worth more than a treasure-laden caravan."

"Now, tell me dear baron, what problem do you need removed?"

While the state of affairs was dismal here in New Towne Lisa's souring attitude immediately changed upon the great reveal of the Baronet himself caught in a state of semi-undress.

Lisa's eyes go wide as she watches the shirtless man chop his lumber, a bead of sweat rolling down his well-toned back and as he turns to face them, the courtesan can feel her heart racing in her chest as she catches sight of the man's angelic features.

Vort only makes the situation worse as he adorably stammers and shyly makes to cover himself, the poor fool, the damage had already been done and as Lisa bit at her lip she realized, she was lovestruck. This man had it all a sweet innocent personality much like her servant's back home, that was fun to tease, but with a far more manly physique than he had any right to have and a noble title, the only thing he was lacking was money which, admittedly, did lower her interests in anything lasting but... perhaps he would be a fun toy to play with for a time.

"No apologies necessary indeed your lordship, it is a rare pleasure to find someone that can humble our own Lord Erallan. This experience will be good for his character." Lisa giggles and twirls a lock of her wavey red hair between her fingers absently.

"Lisa Lombardi part-time songstress and full-time lover at your service." She winks at the young lord.

"Tell me, are you often out here playing with your wood? It seems to me that a man of your station would have more important things to do? Not that I'm complaining about the show, of course." Lisa teases before allowing the lord to escort them into his... 'estate.'

On the way in she does turn to mouth a silent, Oh my goddess. Thank you. To their cheeky half-elven guide.

Trying not to let the dismal state of their current surroundings get her down, Lisa intends to focus on the positive. That currently being the way the baronet's linen shirt clung to his sweaty muscular frame.

Is it getting hot in here?

Must just be the tea.

"Oh you made these yourself? My, my you must be good with your hands then." Lisa compliments the man on his poorly made crockery. "You simply must show me some time... How you made it, that is. I've always wanted to learn and you strike me as a man who could teach me a thing or two." She teases and adds later under her breath. "And perhaps I could teach you some things in return."

Lisa puts a l=finger to her ruby-red lips thoughtfully, "And here I thought that 'going native' just meant strutting about in the nude. But your option does sound more interesting Raesilia darling. Not to mention, if we were to stumble across a baronet in her birthday suit I dare say young lord Erallan may just lose his head." Lisa chuckles before leaning in to whisper teasingly in Rose's ear.

"Whether that be to his reaction or to your depends fully upon where his eyes might linger, I suppose."

Lisa shakes herself as soon as they leave the complex and insists that her companions search her for spiders. "Regardless, let's just leave this place post-haste. I can't stand bugs and civilization is where my skills truly shine."

"Good luck Lady Talbot! Lord Erallan, don't have too much fun now!" Lisa can't help but giggle as she waves the two off.

"What?" Lisa pouts at Marius' pointed comment before her eyes go wide at Marius' next suggestion.

Quickly, she leans in towards her friend and begins to whisper in her ear. "Oh my goodness! The young lord has invited you to accompany him alone further into this little haunted mansion! What a fantastic opportunity this is! The two of you together, alone, the general spooky atmosphere drawing you closer together, his many arms-" Lisa stops herself with a blush then smirks.

"Don't waste this golden opportunity is all I'm saying my dear Raesilia~" She adds with a wink and a squeeze of the younger woman's hand.

Lisa shrugs, "Well, we could simply hold the lives of the servants remaining here as collateral in case our representative does not return." The courtesan coyly suggests eyeing each of the servants with predatory eyes.

"It would be so easy really. I mean, have an honest look at the sorry state of them, do you actually suspect they could put up any real fight?"

Lisa sneers with disgust at the prospect of sitting down anywhere in this room... the dust, the debris, the webs... One could only imagine in horror what it would do to her outfit!

Resigning herself to stand, it's only when her dear friend produces a blanket and lays it on the couch that Lisa's ruby red lips soften from a scowl to a smile. "Oh Raesilia darling, you do think of everything!" The courtesan plops herself down on the space beside her friend and gives her a happy little squeeze of a hug before returning her attention to the guards before her with mild disdain.

"Oh, how fascinating, and tell us are we supposed to feel pity for a man with so much generosity as to turn three beleaguered women away in a storm? Turning him to a spider may just serve him right you know, now the outside matches the inside." Lisa growls.

"If it were up to me I'd leave and let nature take its course, which would likely end up with your dear baron spinning you all up in his web and sucking your innards out but, for purely business reasons we are at your disposal should you know of any way to lift the curse... but the Baron will owe us and we shall, at the very least, expect favorable relations between our realms in exchange for this great favor." Lisa negotiates.

"and if it fails it might become a 'him or us' situation, which we'd like to avoid."

Lisa nods along in agreement, "And, for the record, I would definitely choose us."

Lisa scowls, "Indeed, has no one in this gods-forsaken town learned proper manners? Lord Erallan is a man of means and we, his entourage, are more capable than we may appear, it would be quite dangerous to underestimate us."

Lisa will have cast the communal delay poison scroll as soon as they arrived.

Lisa scowls at the men and woman who have stepped forward to challenge them. "Insolent! How dare you?! Do you even know who this is?! Lord Erallan and his ancillary stand before you and you treat you noble guests with such rudeness and blatant aggression?! What would your master say? I'm certain he'd have your heads!" Ms. Lombardi huffs indignantly.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31

"So much for being a gracious host, this Baron Telus."

"Well I *do* pride myself on excellent customer satisfaction,"

"Another thing we have in common, I suppose." Lisa returns her friend's wink as they proceed.

---------

" Someone has to make the world a better place. It might as well be us."

"Each of us in our own way." Lisa nods along surprisingly agreeing with the sentiment.

---------
Lisa turns a distinct shade of green at the reveal of the rotten horse meat and stands noticeably further back than the rest of the group covering her delicate nose with her hand. "Ugh! Disgusting! Let us hope to leave this wretched place at once when our business here has concluded!" She shakes her head in glares in disgust.

"Larder? Bait? Does it really matter? It's disgusting all the same and I can't imagine something would actually be drawn to this rotten filth aside from the flies! Surely this was food of last resort that has been left behind when the residents sought to flee... No can we please move along?" The courtesan whines.