The Lady’s Hand (A Dickings & Dalliances Adventure) - (Closed Except By Invitation)

[WeaverofWorlds]

Grastik paused for a moment, eyes narrowing suspiciously. He wasn't sure if he was meant to be fooled, or if the shapeshifter was even expecting that to work, but it was clear that something wasn't entirely right. Still, whatever it was, if Arx was claiming to be fine, than perhaps it wasn't really his business. Still... the possibility of something being wrong was concerning, partly for the mission ahead and partly just on the general principal of the thing. Helping the downtrodden was certainly his Goddess' primary concern, but extending help in general was looked on just as favorably. He eyed the man a moment longer before deciding, if nothing else, to let the matter drop for now and bring it up again at another point. All that said...

"If you need help, don't hesitate to ask. I've seen my share of shit, both on the streets and in the houses, and I'm not one to hold anything against another."

That seemed appropriate enough, and if Arx still chose to keep whatever was bothering him to himself, than so be it. Grastik could respect another's privacy, just as much as he hoped another would respect his when asked uncomfortable questions. Instead of making further comment on the matter, he instead turned the conversation elsewhere, jerking a thumb back in the direction of the shop.

"I presume you'll be gathering another set of clothing for yourself then?"

 

[Poprockz]

Grastik clearly looked as though he wasn't buying Arx's bullshit, and he didn't necessarily blame him. The lie he just spat out was dismal at best, not something he would normally have failed at. The fact of the matter was that he was somewhat flustered, and a ruffled thief didn't make for a good liar. He didn't want to admit to himself how much this was affecting him, but it was difficult to deny when he had just been caught in an alleyway looking like a dejected pervert sadly pawing at his junk.

He wasn't sure what kind of "help" Grastik could provide, even if he had the good intention to do so. Granted, he probably had enough magic or divine power to charge up Arx's contraceptive tattoo, but that wasn't the first thing on Arx's list of things to take care of. Besides that, he wasn't sure why the half-orc wanted to help. His motivations were still a bit up in the air, and he hadn't quite sussed him out yet which made him generally untrustworthy. He had earned points for himself for securing Arx's chance at getting more clothes, but he had yet to earn Arx's confidence.

It was a nice gesture, admittedly though, so he responded with a short nod before shifting uncomfortably in the alley. The smell of piss was familiar, but he couldn't say he enjoyed it all that much.

"Oh, absolutely. If I can get another outfit for free on that noble's tab, I'm going to take advantage if I can." He walked forward out of the alleyway, pausing next to Gristak's shoulder and looking at him sideways. "I feel like I've earned that much, at least." With that, he walked back to the shop, opening the door and stepping inside.

 

[WeaverofWorlds]

"Hm." So it was to be the keeping of his own council. Well, far be it for him to contest the point. Instead, he continued with the desired conversation, keeping his tone as light and unconcerned as he could. Even he knew that it'd be difficult to miss, he'd never been one to keep his emotions in check, but he'd make the effort at least. "Far be it for me to get in the someone taking advantage of the rich. You'll forgive me if I tag along, though, keep an eye on things."

Not that a negative would have truly stopped him. Even as Arx headed off down the road, the half-orc fell into step behind him, narrowed eyes momentarily finding the man's back before shifting away. As much as it concerned him, he'd resolved to leave the elf be, and it would just hurt things if he pushed things unnecessarily. Best to get his mind back on other matters. What he hadn't expected to find, upon stepping back into the shop, was something that barely passed for clothing, much less usable armor. He wasn't entirely sure what it was that people thought the rich got up to at the Tulip, but it wasn't for lack of imagination, if nothing else. Rather than comment on that, he simply stepped to the side, choosing, perhaps more wisely than he knew, to keep his mouth shut and let Arx get on with things.

 

[Poprockz]

Though the half-orc couldn’t see it, there was a smile on the changeling’s lips as he walked away from him. It was always nice to find others with similar ideas regarding the wealthy and the redistribution of wealth.

Arx glanced at Gristak as the bell on the shop door jingled, raising an eyebrow at him but otherwise saying nothing. If he deemed it his prerogative to tag along, then that was fine. If the thief had been after some deft-handed swiping, he might have made more of a fuss, but as he was simply shopping, he didn’t mind having a bit of company. Besides, Grastik could more effectively lead him to Tulips once they were finished here.



Turning to the orc clothier, he stopped and crossed his arms, his eyes flicking downward and back up. Perhaps he was admiring the skimpy outfit in his hands, perhaps not.

“I see you’ve been expecting me, and already picked out something I would most certainly like. A man after my heart if there ever was one.” He pointed at the strips of leather almost lazily and added, “put it in a bag for me, would you my good man?”

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

Eleg smiled, happy to see another patron with exceptional taste in fashion. “Ah, the elusive elf.” Even as he said it he felt his spent and satisfied cock begin to stiffen. He reached for a bag on the counter, and slipped the glorified harness inside. “I was briefed on your tastes by your compatriots, Lovely. And I have to say: I approve.” He nodded toward Grastik. “I only wish you could talk my handsome distant cousin over there into something more fashionable.” He held out the bag, still unconcerned with his nudity despite his swelling organ on display. The elf was very attractive, but there was something about the man, over and above, that drew the orc to him. “There are rooms in the back…if you’d like to try it on…”

 

[Poprockz]

“As tempting an offer as that is, I’m afraid that I have an appointment I have to attend to, and Grastik here is happy in his rather… humble robes. Perhaps next time I’ll allow you into my own back room. But…” He seemed to think for a second, reaching up and resting his chin in his hand while beginning to thoughtfully tap his cheek. His silver eyes were somewhat piercing, though they gave nothing away but his seeming air of aloofness.

“Though, I have an query a man like you might be able to help me with. Let’s say, hypothetically, that you knocked up a woman with that virile semen of yours… what is your perspective on taking responsibility for that child, even if the woman disappears afterwards?” Though it seemed to be a rather playful game of “what if?” the elf studied him closely, a playful smile on his face.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

Eleg’s face jerked back in shock, which quickly settled into amusement. “Been talking with your harpy friend, I take it?” He glanced wistfully at the counter where he’d bred the odd woman. “That was just a bit of bravado to get the blood pumping, you know.”

He smiled again at this strange man he was inexplicably attracted to. “But I’ll give you an answer all the same. I have three children already. Their mothers haven’t disappeared in any way, but if they had I’d figure something out.” He reached over and lifted a gown that seemed to shimmer in the low evening light. “I’m an artist, Beautiful. And my children are my greatest works.” He ran his fingers over the cloth. “I’ll make sure they’re taken care of.”

 

[Poprockz]

“Hm,” he hummed softly. “No. It’s not about her.” His tone was soft but dismissive with a touch of amusement. He walked slowly forward step by step, leaning next to Eleg so he could grab his outfit, his body perhaps an inch from him. The smell of Eleg’s body and breath washed over him, and he couldn’t deny that he found it enticing. Teasing was fun in its own right, so teasing was what he did.

The next moment, he pulled back and swiftly sauntered away toward the door.” This outfit didn’t need to be adjusted anyway, the straps being adjustable themselves. Therefore he had no reason to linger, his interest now set on getting to Tulips and seeing what that was all about. Before he exited though, he held the door open and gave Eleg a wink, “I’m grateful for your answer though. It was quite… illuminating.”

The ring of the bell announced his exit, the man moving slowly, knowing that Grastik would soon follow.

 

[justspitballing]

The first place Sprite stopped in her flight was by her home, the massive tree just a little bit behind Sword & Sheathes. She dropped off her loose clothing and ponder the idea of putting on panties under her armor. It was what was expected, she was a professional, but she gained such a better feeling of herself by not and just risking what others may see. The skirt of her new armor did cover her for the most part, but moving it in just the slightest of unexpected ways could give anyone an eye full. And flying, flying with this armor on would let anyone looking up see her, fully. The idea was just too much to give up on. It was a treat she could not do without. So she left her home wearing only the armor and nothing under it whatsoever.

After that she took a long flight to Tulips. She assumed her teammates would be busy trying to get more clothing out of that orc. So Sprite took her time and flew well over the city, taking in the fresh air and the peaceful nature of it all. When she did come down it was just before Tulips.

The place tried to dwarf Sword & Sheathes in every way it could. It was a much larger building, with much upper-class clients, and every cent it earned seemed to go straight into making it look more extravagant. Purple velvet drapes hung over its large windows, many of them if pulled open gave an expert view of the city or the peaceful lake behind the building. Knowing how much the crowed in this building likely felt above others, and as such how much they likely looked down on a being such as herself did put her a bit on edge. But she would be ready for anything.

She charged in and walked through the front door. A half-elf receptionist was sitting behind a desk as she entered.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

The half-elf perked up as Sprite walked in, her teal blue eyes sparkling in the golden light of the foyer. The desk was marble-topped darkwood, and it came to just under her chin.

“Good evening!” she said in a warm, professional tone. Sprite looked the part of a successful adventurer, who were some of Tulips’ best clientele, if occasionally a bit eccentric.

“Do you have an appointment, or would you like to see who’s available?” There was a ruffling sound as she opened a book that wasn’t visible behind the desk.

 

[justspitballing]

Sprite Did notice the sparkle of the elf’s ocean blue eyes and the brown, soft, curls of her hair. She had a charming face in how it stood out and she presented herself kindly enough, but Sprite still knew that she was under the budget of this place. She approached the desk and slid her hand onto it.

The elf was a little on the short side and Sprite being a harpy was of course a bit on the tall side, as such Sprite’s chest, more specifically the bosom of her breasts, rested on top of the desk along with her hand, just before the elf’s face. Sprite didn’t take note, in her mind she was standing up above this being, showing off her strength.

“I do have a reservation for Verigge. I and some of my… friends, are to see Mellavia. I’ve heard good things about her so I came here as quick as I could, but the rest of my group should be around soon enough,” Sprite said as formally as she could.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

The woman quickly glanced down at her schedule for the evening before looking back up at Sprite. “Ah, yes! Of course.” Another look at the book in front of her. “Mellavia will be ready in just a moment. If you’d like to have a seat…” She gestured to a plush bench against the wall behind Sprite. “Is there anything we can get you? A drink, perhaps?”

The room was quiet and still behind her, the bustle of whores readying themselves for their next appointment not reaching the lobby. It was a serene, peaceful place that belied the debauchery that surely existed down the halls and up the stairs.

 

[justspitballing]

“Just some goat’s milk would be fine,” Sprite said. It was a very simple drink, showing off her poor means that she wouldn’t have ordered if she thought things through. But of course, Sprite would not drink any alcohol while on a task so very important.

Sprite eyed the bench. The calmness of this place made her nervous along with its grand nature. At the Sword & Sheathes one could hear people all about, the moans of pleasure being the most notable, but also random chatter and light bickering. If things were about to go south it was always obvious. Here though, there could be an ambush just waiting for you behind any doorway and you wouldn’t know it. She had to suppose that orc having his way with her also added to her anxiety. She had already been bested today, twice if one were to count Grastik and his fight with her, so she felt like she could be beaten. Her confidence had been shaken so much in this day. But she had to seem confident at least.

Sprite nodded and smiled lightly. “Make sure she doesn’t take to long,” she then stated and went to the bench and sat down softly.

 

[WeaverofWorlds]

The half-orc followed along behind Arx, content to leave whatever ideas and thoughts he had on the rather odd conversation within the confines of his own mind. If the shifter decided to spill, that would be his choice, until then Grastik would keep his own counsel on that matter. Regardless, the journey onward was a quiet one, broken up only by the cleric's gentle directions towards the more upscale district of the city and the Tulip that lay within it. It wasn't a particularly long journey, and despite the silence it wasn't unpleasant, at least for him.

As they drew closer, however, Grastik slowed his pace, growing a bit more guarded than he had outwardly projected so far. His kind, the followers of Pheela, were welcome in the Tulip, just not... openly. Usually it was one of the senior priests, Ellewen or Tavrik, but he'd reason to go on occasion to fill in and tend to the sick or wounded. Still, the owner of the Tulip didn't care for Pheela's chosen coming in through the front door. He'd need to use a more subtle method, commonly used by the whores and workers when they wanted to discretely leave the premises... or for others to discretely enter.

"I'll need to split off from you here, Arx. The Tulip is sometimes unwelcoming to some, at least openly, so I'll need to use an alternative means of entry. I won't be long, however, and I'm sure someone inside can guide me to our contact."

 

[Poprockz]

Arx nodded at Gristak, patting him on the shoulder and responding, “alright, fair enough. I suppose I’ll see you inside then.” Having said his peace, he smiled and turned away, heading toward a nearby alleyway he spotted. The changeling switched into a female form, donning her more elegant outfit, it’s long black cloth feeling smooth and pleasing against her skin. The form she chose was that of a Raven-haired beauty, her proportions similar if not almost identical to the red-headed form; she still wanted everything to fit well after all.

She could have been the red-head, but that form was already in the public eye, and she preferred to be more discreet. Her short black hair was in a slanted bob, her almond eyes a dark brown that was almost black, black tattoos on her eyelids to give the appearance of winged eyeliner. Pointed elf ears peaked out of her locks, her small lips a pale pink. Reaching into her pack, she put on a few green rings and a matching necklace, jewelry that was typically held by the wealthy.

While she did this, she thought about the half-orc. What was it about him that the establishment didn’t like? It couldn’t be because he was an orc, could it? That would be very behind the times and disgusting in her opinion. Then what? It simply added to the mystery surrounding the man, and she couldn’t help but mull it over a bit.

Once she was all ready, she put on a pair of black flats and walked into Tulips.

“Spriiite, there you are. I feared that you might have started our little session with Mellavia without me,” she smiled genially at the harpy before sauntering up to the counter. “I’m Arx and I’m here for the Verigge session as well.”

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

The half-elf receptionist smiled. “Of course.” She gestured to the bench. “It should just be a moment more. Anything to drink while you wait?”

Drinks were brought out by a stout and curvy dwarven woman, who quickly vanished back the way she’d come. It was only a few minutes more before a slender, bronze-scaled dragonborn in silky, form-fitting robes.

“The reservation for Verigge?” they asked in a husky contralto. Once Sprite and Arx were ready, they led them through a short hallway to a set of stairs that turned a corner as they went up to the second floor. The stairs kept going up, but the dragonborn led them out into a long hallway, just as elegantly decorated as the rest of the brothel, but with rows of identical doors, almost like it was designed to disorient patrons.

They turned one more corner into an identical-looking hallway, and stopped in front of a nondescript door on the left. They opened it, and would close the door and disappear as soon as Sprite and Arx entered. The dragonborn would be on their way back to whatever room they’d come from, walking past the side entrance, just as Grastik stepped inside the brothel.

Inside the room, a fit and well-sculpted tiefling lay draped against a low stack of pillows at the head of a low platform bed. Flower petals dotted the silk sheets around her, and candles lined the walls, wafting a floral scent into the room. Against one wall sat a wooden tub, smaller than the ones at Swords & Sheathes, but private. The tiefling wore only loose pants and an unbuttoned vest, both of a sheer, gauzy blue fabric that seemed to highlight her rich, purple skin. She smiled at Arx and Sprite’s entrance.

“Ah, I’ve been waiting for you. Which one of you is the mysterious Verigge?” she purred.

 

[justspitballing]

Sprite was only caught off guard for a moment by Arx new form. Once she stated her name Sprite put the parts together. She couldn’t understand why this being kept changing. Did they not feel comfortable in any form that they tried so they just kept trying? Was it because they had all just met and their form they were actually comfortable with would only be shown if they knew Sprite better. Sprite still wasn’t even sure fully what Arx even was so figuring out these mysteries would be impossible for now.

None the less she quickly chugged down her milk and then fallowed the dragonborn along with Arx. If this building was aged up one hundred years and full of the undead there would be no way to tell it apart from a Lich’s home. That’s how complex and extravagant the maze of this place felt. In the end Sprite had no idea how to get back to the main lobby as she stood before the Tiefling.

“She is,” Sprite nodded at Arx in response to the question of who Verigge was.

This was the only plan that made any sense. Arx clearly knew from experience how to act like other people so she could clearly handle herself as someone else here.

“I’m just an extra set of hands,” Sprite added, purely to suggest she was a bodyguard. Given where they were though it could be miss understood.

 

[Poprockz]

Arx accepted a drink and sipped on it a bit before before following the Dragonborn. She too thought to herself that the place seemed to be a difficult place to navigate, and that made her wonder if it was because they were hiding valuables here. If there was one thing thieves hated, it was not being able to escape in a quick and efficient manner. This place made that task seem rather daunting- it certainly wasn’t a place she would have tried unless she was feeling very ambitious and had fucked in most of the rooms.

The tiefling was gorgeous, and Arx couldn’t help but look her up and down as she spoke. Oof, that vest was fucking hot, just covering her nipples from the changeling’s approving eyes.

So this was the lady the noble was talking about, the one who had abandoned research in favor of becoming a high-class white. There wasn’t anything wrong with liking the carnal pleasure of another’s company, but it certainly was an odd change of profession. What had happened in those ruins that changed her, and how would they squeeze the information from her? Seduction was on the table, but if need be she was sure Sprite would be willing to intimidate her.

“Mhm, indeed.” Arx agreed, “though I go by many names…” she lifted her glass to her mouth and as it obstructed it, she mouthed the words, “wildest dream.”

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

A bit of magic flared at Arx’s words, unnoticed by the tiefling, as was its dissipation. She languidly stretched her arms over her head, her vest making an empty threat to fall open and expose her even more.

The words “well, extra hands are always welcome” glide out from between her full lips, but her focus is on Arx. Her gaze is a well-crafted combination of appraisal and approval, and she pats the bed next to her.

“Why don’t you have a seat? It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” One of her bare feet rubs her calf. “It’s not every day someone I’ve never met asks for me by name.”

 

[Poprockz]

Unfortunately, it seemed that the spell was lost on her, it’s magic unable to discern what her desires might be. Such a pity… she would have liked to see what such a woman dreamed of.

Having brought the glass up, she sipped it as though having never mouthed anything. Though the Tiefling offered her a place on the bed, she merely strolled slowly to a nearby loveseat before sitting down. Oh how she wanted to sit on those soft sheets, and she knew her gaze had betrayed her hope that the vest would open. She could just imagine running her hands up that violet skin and finding out their size and shape. Still, she wanted to wait until the half-orc was present.

“I got a recommendation for you. I heard that you were a sight to behold, a clever woman, and one I would be remiss if I didn’t visit before leaving town.” Arx took another sip and tipped the glass at her. “I have my second associate coming here soon. I think he would be a bit put off if we had too much fun without him, so…” her head tilted to the side with a flirty smile.

“Can you dance?”

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

Mellavia gave “Verigge” a sly look, and crossed her legs as she twisted to sit on the edge of the bed, right where she’d pat the sheets before. The movement briefly revealed her utter lack of undergarments, a well-trimmed patch of black hair and a plump dark purple set of lips waiting behind the sheer fabric of her pants.

“Oh dear! What a charmer you are, asking a lady to dance.” She reached over to a crystal mounted onto a device that looked like a half-flattened drinking horn. A rousing, drum-heavy tune started to emanate from the horn, but Mellavia slid her fingers along the crystal until something slower started playing, a lute and a fiddle featuring heavily. Her eyes stayed on Arx’s for her approval.

 

[justspitballing]

Sprite was a bit to nervous, checking around her once or twice, thus missing the sudden flash of Mellavia’s nude nature. To Sprite this was all a bunch of light hearted flirting which she couldn’t get into because of her current on the edge state. Mellavia knew how to present herself. Knew just the right thing to put on and just the right thing to say to get most people interested, but since Sprite was not interested in people, but just actions, a bit of flirting would never fully grab her.

Besides Grastak was still missing and Sprite was out of her element. There was more to be worried about then into right now. Still the better these two talked with one another the more likely they could press on with their goals.

“No one at all can dance better then Verigge. You should see it in motion, impressive really,” Sprite said, nodding towards Arx and her suggestion of dancing.

All the same Sprite kept her eyes on the door so she would be ready for danger if it came.

 

[Poprockz]

It seemed as though there had been some kind of misunderstanding between the three of them. The two other people in the room thought that Arx had intended to sweep the woman off her feet in some kind of dance between the two of them, when in reality Arx had merely been suggesting that Mellavia dance for them to entertain. Backing out now though seemed impossible, as it would be rude to refute the whore and Sprite had already helpfully played it off as though she were the master of dance herself. Shit. She would have to commit to it now, despite it not being her original intent.

Setting her drink down on a side-table, she got up and nodded at the crystal. "That will do just fine." As a man and a woman she had danced on either side of a pairing, dance being something that a lot of nobles liked to indulge in. In order to blend in, she had studied a few dances in order to pool the wool over some of the nobles' eyes, at least long enough to excuse herself and make off with something valuable. So in this case, she would just have to do what she always did- charm and flirt.

Arx began to approach her, the lilting tune of the music getting her in the mood to spin and sway in an intimate battle of wills and finesse. The wings of her black skirt flowed behind her flicking at her heels. Her every move was flirtatious, her self-assured gaze upon the tiefling as she all but glided toward her, assured of her own dancing prowess. She was going to make that woman melt in her arms, swoon at the way she dipped her down. Mellavia was going to be so wet within those sheer pants, her ache for Arx too much to handle. She was going to-

"FUCK!"

The changeling tripped over the corner of the bed in a lapse of grace, pitching forward and knocking into the tiefling on the way down, taking her down as well. To say that she flopped on top of her would be cruel but accurate, her dignity joining the party in the fall. At the very least she was able to cradle the tieflings head to avoid giving her a nasty bump.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

Mellavia squeaked as she fell, “Verigge”’s hands protecting her head from the stone floor. She nearly laughed, shocked at their sudden upending and the irony that it came so soon after such an effusive compliment from the harpy. But, she was a professional, and she didn’t know yet if her client had the self-confidence and self-awareness to enjoy the humor in the situation. So, she chose a different tack.

“You protected me,” she praised sweetly. It wasn’t hard to sound touched by her efforts; it was true, after all. Some of her clients liked to pretend to be white knights, and indulging that was profitable, but Arx’s hand behind her head seemed like a genuine reflex.

Her hand drifted up to stroke Arx’s cheek. “My hero…” Her worshipful expression took on a lusty gleam. “But if you wanted to be on top, you could’ve just asked…” She squirmed under her client’s body, hoping to rub something important.

 

[justspitballing]

Sprite was quick to spring into action. Mellavia being harmed by an uncoordinated dance move would mean their quest died out before it even started. She sprung forward and put her arm around Mellavia and tried to pull her back up.

“I will admit when I saw her dance I was on my fourth drink. Maybe what I remember wasn’t fully spot on,” Sprite told the dumbest lie she could to try and make this whole situation make sense.

Sprite did lift the woman back up only to find when they were both standing again her hand was holding Mellavia’s left breast very firmly. She quickly dropped both her hands. Her strength was practical, not intelligent. She backed away slowly and smiled.

“Second time’s the charm,” Sprite said and then laughed off the fact that she accidently groped the woman. She gestured at Arx to try to get Mellavia to give the woman a second chance at dancing and a second chance for Arx to swipe this tiefling off her feet. Of course if Sprite was more perceptive she would have picked up on the sexual lingo Mellavia was using, but that went right over her head.