Imprints in Stone [AU]

[GamesMaster]

After a first night such as that, everyone agreed Beth shouldn't work the next night the brothel is open. To give one of the other girls practice bringing in clients, Beth's agreed to instead help Don and Carver guard. Without natural weapons, and with a hot temper, it turns out Carver's mostly been demoted to 'errand boy' -- fetching the things the girls need, checking in on them between clients, occasionally bringing drinks for the guards. 

It's perhaps a sign of Vangal's favor that he's out refilling the water jug when the guard walks up to the warehouse. Don skids into the hallway where Beth is just walking Bri's client out the back way, a panicked look on his face. "Shit! It's a guard -- in uniform and everything! He gave the right sign so I let him in, he's out front waiting. What do we do?!"

[Bethany]

Beth only hesitates a moment. "He gave the sign and he's alone?" At the nod, she takes a breath. "Well, then ask him what sort of girl he's interested in. No, better, let him know what we have on offer, better to be upfront about our limits. I'll grab a tray and some wine. Maybe grab some fruit or something if I can do it fast and be right behind you."

[GamesMaster]

"We're going to get shut down," moans Don, but quietly. "Alright. Alright. Maybe he's here for a girl. Bharnerol, please let him be here for a girl." So saying, Don turns, straightening his back and squaring his shoulders, to head for the front of the house again.

When Bethany arrives, Don is still laying out their offerings. The man is a merikos dwarf, with an impressive red beard braided in the dwarven style, too tall to be purebred; he strokes said offering as he listens. "Only one cat, eh?"

"Brianne is merikos catfolk," Don says, his voice polite, subservient, though Beth can see his jaw clench. 

"Alright, give me that one, then. She better be good."

"What services will you be wanting? We charge extra for--"

The merikos laughs. "Charge? Boy, you're lucky I don't shut you down for operating without a license."

[Bethany]

Asshole. "Wine sir?" she cuts in, a smile bolted in place. "It's not fancy, just a five year red. We have some sliced apples as well, if you want a snack while Brianne readies herself?" Red-headed merikos dwarf, looks maybe upper twenties, brown eyes, small scar on his throat, just above the collar of his uniform. And... he took his name tag off but left his rank. Corporal. We'll have to see if we can track him down.

[GamesMaster]

He's not shutting us down? Don's tail floats from side to side, a sign he's pleased. "Of course, my mistake. I was so distracted by your magnificent beard I didn't notice your uniform."

"Hah! Cats. See it doesn't happen again," he replies gruffly. "Yeah, I'll take some wine, girl. Will it be long?"

Don shakes his head. "Simply inform me your desires and I will let Brianne know at once." 

"She's a cat. I know how you cats like it."

"Of course. Very good." Don gives a bit of a bow and backs toward the door. 

[Bethany]

Asshole, Bethany thinks sourly as she pours him a glass of wine. "Shall I leave the bottle sir?"

[GamesMaster]

"Nah, he won't be that long I'm sure."

And sure enough, a few minutes later, Don escorts him back to Bri's room. When Don returns, he slumps against the wall. "Good thing she just got done. <c>rank enemy urine-stains."

[Bethany]

"..." Bethany steps a little closer, then whispers, "you called him a piss-stain, right?"

[GamesMaster]

He winces. "That's not polite," he points out. "Sorry. I just-- ugh." 

[Bethany]

Bethany giggles a little. "Yes, I rather suspected that calling him piss was rude. But curses and insults are an important part of language and I like to be through." She licks her lips. "How was Bri?"

[GamesMaster]

"Pissed. Worried. I pointed out if he fucks her, he can't shut us down, can he? So we'll be safe right?"

[Bethany]

"Red hair, corporal rank, scar on his neck, brown eyes, later twenties. Shouldn't be too hard to find out his name, make sure he realizes that if we get shut down, he gets reported," Bethany agrees. "We should talk it over after closing, see if people are willing to make it a regular thing at a discount in exchange for his helping cover our existence."

[GamesMaster]

Don makes a face. "You'd want that kind of attention?"

[Bethany]

"We already have that kind of attention. Might as well try to put some reins on it, rather than letting it run wild."

[GamesMaster]

"Yeah, we for sure can't have this guy dropping by for a freebie every shift."