Toiling for Coin

[Odette Lamberte]

“‘Tis best that you naught make a mess of the drinks, this time, Odette.” The owners’ voice was thick with warning as I lifted the tray of poorly distilled drinks from the bar top with both hands to secure the tray against another accident that I was not entirely my blame.

“My feet will step lightly this time, I assure you.” I called back to the owner as I carried the tray away to a far table situated in the back of the tavern, hoping disaster would be avoided, this time, during my short journey to the table.

Unlike moments ago, when I had been jolted harshly by rowdy drunkards, whose actions spilled my last tray of drinks onto the floor, I was mindful of the actions of others so that the drinks could safely be delivered to the patrons for whom they were intended for.

The pair of men grumbled their thanks for my service as their mugs and pitcher were settled upon their table. “You are welcome, my lords.” I spoke kindly to them, with one man taking coin from his purse to lay upon the table as payment for drink and service.

I dipped down slightly to gather the coins up into one hand, smiling to each man as I did so, and I was unexpectedly rewarded, if one may call it as such, with repulsive, half-toothy grins as they studied the swell of my breasts tucked under the bodice that I had purchased in the presence of Juliette, some days ago, to aid in the earning of coin for my livelihood.

I daresay that the garment lent its aid this night, as an extra coin was produced by the other patron to rest along with the others in my hand. I shivered but naught for reasons that were pleasurable, I’m certain they thought otherwise. Politely I smiled at them and thankfully, they returned to whatever matter of discussion they had between them, offering me the chance to slip away from their company to see about the comfort of the other patrons in the tavern, for which I took.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

What was it that took me to the Poulet Gauche that early afternoon? Likely the excitement of the situation, the liberation of the moment.

I didn't look as sophiticated as would be expected of someone in my station. In truth, I was embarrassed - my clothes were crumpled from the assignation with Riva, and I'd gone directly to the temple of Naamah to lay my thanks. I looked scruffy, a stubble making my face foreign, more so than usual, though of course my accent usually did mislead others until they saw me - I sound perfectly d'Angeline, as my mother raised me in her tongue with all the gusto she could muster.

The girl at the counter was pretty, and I waited patiently for her to be done dealing with the ruffians who were about to be her patrons. Poor thing. I was toying with two ducats absently, and smiled to myself. She was walking about, and I waved her over.

"Any chance one can get some Wine in this establishment, prettiness?" I asked her elegantly, grinning wide.

[Odette Lamberte]

Ah… another thirsty patron in need of service! I welcomed his silent beckoning with a smile, a grateful one at that, that he had not sought the need to howl for my attention from afar, like so many before him. Mayhap he had a grain of manners unlike so many around him, I would soon find out.

As I drew closer to his table, I folded my tray before me and dipped my head slightly to acknowledge his question. “One stands a grand chance of obtaining wine in this establishment, my lord, if one flatters the matron enough.” Gentle laughter poured from my lips. “I jest with you, my lord. ‘Tis a drink of wine that you need, I shall fetch it for you.”

[Gillermo Stregazza]

A light laughter escaped my lips and I grinned rakishly at the girl – ah! Those D’Angelines… even the matrons are lovely as angels. This one was pretty enough, and spirited to match. I didn’t so much as follow it, but on impulse I wanted to draw her on my lap and kiss her cheeks for her good manners and humor – she was delightful.

But she was about to turn to leave already, giving me forfeit without the game, and so instead of treating her like a regular wench, I just grinned, and said, “I don’t flatter people whose name is unknown to me, pretty face. So who am I praising, exactly?”

[Odette Lamberte]

In curiosity I studied him whilst he spoke, taking in his unkempt appearance with a steady gaze, which left me to wonder what manner of profession he served that left him in such a state. I could hazard a guess though somewhat about him left me to abandon the attempt.

I shook my head in amusement before willing myself to gracefully turn away from him. Without pause, I glanced briefly over one shoulder in his direction to offer a name that I was certain he would forget once he consumed enough drink, “Odette”. If he praised such a name in that moment, it was lost upon my ear as a roar of drunken laughter erupted from a table of patrons that I now passed.

As I anticipated from this handful of drunkards, a few hands snaked out in the hopes of catching my waist to draw me near. I ruined their plans by stepping lightly out of their reach and shaking a single finger at them to chastise their attempt through a smile. “Better luck next try, my lords!”

There were groans and laughter alike from their table but it died when at last I arrived at the bar to fill my foreign patron’s drink request. As the bar keep set about pouring the wine, I glanced across the tavern to spy upon my rough-edged patron.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

“Odette,” I repeated it, tasting its simple form, the graceful opening vowel and the neat, elegant consonants. Before I could tease her, she was gone, and I smiled, and turned to the table, gazing the people that were there. In a corner, a one-eyes wench who had the grace of keeping two teeth winked at me, and I stifled a grimace of horror.

I turned, and placed myself against the chair, playing still with the coin in my hand, drumming with my other hand against the back of the chair. The place was crowded, and I realized I could have talked to myself if I wanted, without no-one hearing it. Absently, I whistled gondolier’s tune, waiting for my glass to be served.

I smiled with satisfaction. I knew just the thing to praise the matron and earn my keep. Besides, I needed to test out my abilities to charm. It had been a long time coming, with all the restraints imposed on me by the beast, and this one girl did indeed have enough spirit to please me.

My eyes were lost on the crowd an instant, and I wondered how long the drink would take. Gaze straight to the bar, I saw red wine on its way, and the pretty wench gazing my way. I smiled, and reclined, my demeanor telling a tale of patience.

[Odette Lamberte]

Despite the foolishness I felt at being discovered by him, the smile was returned though it momentarily crumbled as the bar keep mumbled lowly to me. “He’s a lad with a keen eye for beauty. Show our hospitality by sitting a spell with him, you are needful of the break anyway.”

With that spoken, and no time left to argue the merits of maintaining a vigil over the other patrons lingering about this evening, I was sent along my way with the freshly poured drink in hand. I maneuvered around the table of would-be-gropers as I had moments ago, earning moans of disapproval as my attention was focus on a single patron…him.

My breasts heaved gently as I drew in a deep breath of air and leaned down to settle his drink upon the table before him once I was near enough. “The other patrons thought it good sport to attempt whisking me away from the likes of you, my lord. Mayhap they sensed that you are nothing short of trouble for me.” My eyes sparkled in merriment.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

I observed, patiently, like one does a game. The pretty gazelle avoiding intelligently, gracefully, the lions, the predators too lazy too leap. She moved around them like one surfs a tide, the glass of wine on the tray a figure of prow, proud, erect, unmoving and unspilled. She had commendable skill, if anything.

"Trouble be indeed my middle name, Odette," I replied, smiling wide. "Though what matters is not what they believe about me, but what you do?"

I looked at her with a smirking, lifted eyebrow, very amused at the situation. Would she please me? Perhaps. I had my own personal fosterling, soon to move in at home, and the woman I'd asked to marry me, whom I loved, and on whom I waited. Yet, I felt inclined to play this game, if only to give her something more pleasant to add to her day than big groping hands, though the fact that she had a pretty face and a spirit to match was no deterrent in the least.

[Odette Lamberte]

“I’ve the time to figure what you are about, my lord…if in fact it is trouble.” Without a thought, I lowered my tray down onto the table then stepped purposely around the back of his chair to view the whole of my patron before settling down into a chair along his left side. If indeed he was trouble, in the worst of ways, I planned somewhat to be at an advantage in hopefully being at his weak side…so was my plan.

“You have a name to praise, if you so desire though I’ve not a name for your praises.” I grinned a little then leaned back in my chair until I sat comfortably in a position that didn’t steal away the grace I held within my being. “What shall I call you?”

His clothing looked a fright, I could think of many a negative thing to call him though it would not at all be polite to utter them so, I pushed them from thought to offer him my full attention.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

For the first time in a while, I didn’t quite feel like giving off the spread of my name and title. As that Orchis adept had rightly pointed out, it was rather long, impressive, and, if anything, a little scary. Besides, indicating that I was a Serenissiman high noble was trouble – and not the kind I was after. I had pride in my name, a great deal of it, indeed. I kept it to myself, for now

She circled me, and I feared she may have noticed the missing lock of hair in my otherwise well-kept head, but then again, it was only a sign that I wasn’t rich – an impression that did well for the moment.

“Gil,” I replied with a grin. “Short for Gillermo,” I added, standing and giving her, in jest, an extravagant bow and a flourish. I sat back, smiling wide, and said, “I feel as though I am blessed, to have such attention,” and I gave a look of indication towards the ruffians, adding, “though mayhap it will be my undoing?” I shrugged, and added, “I’d take on many ugly men on the behalf of pretty lasses, though.”

With a wide grin, I patted my sword, though my demeanor was relaxed. I felt ready to take on the world, this day. Asherat, if I were a peacock, I’d have been spanning the wheel, just for the heck of it.

[Odette Lamberte]

“I’d naught worry over the drunkards here…not yet anyway No fights have ever broken out over me minding one patron over another.” My eyes drifted over his attire inquisitively before coming to meet his eyes.

“By the look of you, I wager that you battled many an ugly man over a lass or two, prior to your arrival here.” I smiled kindly at my worse for wear patron, sparingly contemplating what his life tale was that eventually led him to this tavern.

“May I inquire how such a charming fellow wandered into my midst? My ear, thankfully, is not lazy and I have the time for a story.” I leaned slightly towards him to show my interest, in that same moment I crossed my arms under the fullness of my breasts, which were amply swollen thanks to the bodice I wore, and waited patiently for any information about himself that he would share.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

“Not fights insofar on your behalf?” I asked, grinning wide. “What a travesty!”

She was turning on the charm, showing off her assets, and I smiled,
letting my eyes trace a moment the tantalizing crevice between her breasts. That was a rather convincing argument she was making.

“I did, somewhat, survive a fight” I replied to her questioning gaze, “and I am celebrating the fact that I prevailed.”

I took a sip of wine. It wasn’t half as good as what I usually drank , but it was potable. I smiled faintly, toying with the stem of the glass a moment, reflecting. I hadn’t told many the tale of the curse. The individuals who knew could be counted on my right hand’s finger. Riva and Octavier, both sworn to secrecy. Cascata and To-Biko, loyal to me as family always is. Then, there was Mirielle. The woman I loved. The one I’d risked death for.

“I am celebrating the fact that I am alive, Odette,” I told her at length. “Last night, I entered a ritual, not knowing if I would live to see the dawn. The miracle of existence is upon me.” My smile became more tender. The long cut on my arm stung a moment. I ignored it, and took another sip.

[Odette Lamberte]

His explanation touched me deeply, the tenderness in his smile touched me even deeper. I shuddered lightly at the sensation washing throughout my body and quietly watched him whilst I collected my thoughts.

A ritual that courted death itself, it was horrifyingly fascinating to me. I could press him for details though that would hardly be a proper show of hospitality. Instead, I lifted a graceful hand to caress his cheek with care, letting the tips of my fingers brush over his stubble as I slowly began to pull my hand away.

“Mayhap you are indeed trouble, Gil. Let me do somewhat to continue your celebration. Save your two ducats, I shall burden the cost of food and drink for you this eve, if I can honor your courage as I desire?” Easily I smiled, hoping that he would take me up on the offer as I figured him for poor and wanted very badly to do him a kindness.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

There was a moment of quiet, during which both of us were lost in thought. What toiled in her mind, I could not tell. My own was filled with enthusiasm and joy, deep and miraculous, as though something fundamental in me had twisted.

Suddenly, I understood. I’d let go. With the vanquishing of Ka’Shorok, my self-loathing over the woman I’d so badly hurt in Illyria had gone. I’d forgiven myself. And suddenly, I realized I needed to send word to Cascata, to To-Biko. I wanted to see Mirielle and whisk her away.

My musings were interrupted by a gentle caress, not unlike one my Angel bestowed on me at times, and I smiled softly in return for her generous offer. The truth was, I couldn’t accept. One as rich as I, taking money from her, so sweet and gentle? It would be terrible. I sighed. I had to come clean.

“That is so very generous of you, Odette,” I replied gently, catching her hand. “But contrary to appearances, I am rather at ease. However, if you would stay a moment, and share the joy with me, I would be honored.”

[Odette Lamberte]

My fingers curled into themselves as he captured my hand, the tips gently resting against the palm of my hand as I thought what to say next. I should have been more careful in judging him for poor, I felt silly and chuckled softly in spite of myself. “Forgive me, Gil. I meant no offense in my offer. I will remain for as long as you like.”

There came a roar of laughter from the table of drunkards that I had so nimbly avoided moments ago, I looked away from my none to poor company to spy upon them. They were presently content with each other’s company, I hoped that they remained in high spirits to spare me witness to another brawl in this tavern.

I smiled kindly at their musings then returned my attention to Gil “Would you care for another drink? I promise to return so that you could steal away my hand once more.” I grinned sidelong at him before glancing at our joined hands. “Or I could keep my place and be wooed by your charm.” I teased him. “What say you?”

[Gillermo Stregazza]

I let quietness settle between us. For all the rambunctious exclamations of the nearby table, I would have been unable to hear anything she said. Thus, I waited.

When calm had returned and she had given me option, I took pause, and captured her eye. “First, I need to tell you, you’ve done no wrong,” I told her, chuckling. “I do indeed look like I just went through the seven hells, which I did.”

My fingers drummed on the table as I pondered, and then I looked at the glass. It was still half full. The reflection that only a day ago I would have seen it as half-empty made me smile. “A dilemma, indeed. But it would be rather unsightly, to choose wine over the company of a pretty woman, now, would it not?” I had her hand still in mine, and kept it, turning gently her wrist to expose her palm.

“Now do tell, who are you? You are much to delicate and pretty to be a simple bar lass…” I whispered my question as my eyes got lost in the delicate patterns, lines of life and of destiny etched in her hand for good or ill. I had no talent to read them, but I was fascinated.

[Odette Lamberte]

I would have chuckled at his attention if it were not for the fact that I found a dizzying comfort in it. I sighed helpless in delight. My pulse began to quicken as he meticulously studied the life lines etched within the softness of my palm, I wondered if he knew somewhat of my future.

“I’m a pursuer of adventure and knowledge…nothing more.” Oh there was a lot more I could speak of regarding my life but I wasn’t prepared to tax his level of patience and spoil this moment. Besides, aside from a minor detail or two, my life had always been relatively simple, thus a reason to seek what I may of life before I became an old maid.

I steadied my pulse by sheer force of will and leaned in closer to spy my palm curiously. “What befalls me in the future? Will I be compelled to take a ruffian as a husband?” I chuckled then, softly and in good measure.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

I caressed her hand gently, tracing the line in her palm with the tip of my index, as one reads a map. “No ruffians, but a man of valor, who will adore you and take care of you,” I replied firmly. “Accept no less, Odette, it would be too regrettable.”

I held her hand still, and grinned, looking up. “And what do you mean, nothing more. An adventuress, a would-be scholar? What are you doing here, then, tending to the dentally challenged and the idiot alike?” With that, I gave a nudge of my head towards the nearby table – they were, indeed, rather particular, and the lowly of the lowly.

What I found the most interesting, was that she asked about marriage, yet defined herself in ways that suggested independence. Maybe it was the only way out of this joint for her. Or maybe not. She would have to tell me, though – because there was no way I could guess myself.

[Odette Lamberte]

I smiled wryly at his question before lifting my eyes from the palm of my hand to meet his gaze. “Ah…well. The challenged and the idiot’s alike are in need of a heroine, are they not? I mean to serve their needs, for only a short time. In the while between…” I smiled warmly, becoming lost in his eyes before finding my voice again.

“In the while between, I mean to broaden my knowledge through experience or tutelage while I reside here. If I happen upon an adventure along my journey, I will welcome it fully.” I grinned widely at that.

I don’t know what possessed me, I had an idea that it was his eyes, his touch that loosened my tongue, but I told him a bit about myself.

“I have family that I left behind in Siovale, a father and an older brother, to embark upon a life outside a humble abode… all on my own account. My father desired me to remain with him, have me married before he passes from this world but a sense of adventure clings to me to greatly to oblige my father at the moment. So…here I am making somewhat of my life until I earn enough coin to strike out elsewhere.”

[Gillermo Stregazza]

I listened patiently while she spoke, slowly opening up. The time she took to prepare herself, I spent studying her. She did indeed have a little light in her eye, the same perhaps one could find in those who hungered for travel and adventure. I wondered if she had friends to talk to, this one. Her tale, pieced indeed together, and I smiled for her in understanding, but the adventure she sought had been imposed on me.

“You are following your heart,” I replied, smiling gently. “That’s very commendable. But do tell, is your father ill?”

She didn’t seem very far from me in age, and her words reminded me of my own father, and his untimely demise. If I was Duca this day, it wasn’t by cheer chance, though I’d sooner he still be alive. It was early still. I had time to listen, before I moved on with my day.

Through all of it, I was exhilarated. Inside me, nothing foreign stirred, no compulsion took place, no violent horror, no crimson haze. It was me, and only me, sitting at this table. I marveled at the fact.

[Odette Lamberte]

“No.” I paused a moment to consider him with my head slightly tilted off to one side. “He is not ill though the progression of the years is slowly taking its toll upon him.”

While I endured the conditions of this tavern, at times I longed for home, for my father, for my brother though if I returned, I knew for a certainly that I would adventure out once again to follow my heart, as Gil had said. I sighed softly then offered more insight to my life.

“My father served the noble Houses of Camlach long ago, faithfully wearing the badge of Chevalier until war left him lame. He’s not bitter for it, it made him a stronger person I think.” Ah my father, the wound that had retired him from service had claimed his right leg but he never allowed it to distract him from living life, taking a Siovalese wife and siring two children that worried him so.

My dear mother…her passing many years ago still left a hole in my heart that could naught be filled. I missed her.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

"So we endure," I replied thoughtfully. "And all that we meet makes us stronger," I said, at length. Something, the slightest thing in her eyes, or in the movements of her lips had changed, enough to tell me she had some deep cut yet to heal. It was not mine to ask about, though, and so I kept my peace.

I thought a moment. "How long have you been away from home, then?" I asked after a while. It seemed strange, perhaps, but my questioning was purposeful, as surprising as it may be. I was about to buy Riva's marque, and To-Biko was already staying at the house - Asherat knew, I had a reputation for taking in the strays. Except she wasn't really one. She was closer to me in nature than appearances led to believe. To my surprise, I found I liked her.

[Odette Lamberte]

How long had I been away from home? Time seemed to drag on eternally in a place like this. When I had mentally added up the days to form a reply, it hadn’t been that long at all to my surprise.

“I’ve been here since the beginning of the season, give or take a few days.” I chuckled lightly, it helped to temporarily cure the ache in my heart over the loss of my mother. “Not long at all…not long at all, and with some luck I won’t have to bare another season more in this tavern.” I’d needed more than luck on my side to accomplish that feat, mayhap a miracle in earning coin quickly so that I could disengage myself from this job to seek another.

“Enough about me, Gil!” I smiled brightly, taking one last glance at our mingling hands before minding his eyes. “You must have other business to attend today. I should not keep you from the remaining hours in the day to pursue them.”

[Gillermo Stregazza]

“True enough, though my heart breaks for your dismissal” I replied, grinning wide as my hand went to my heart as though I’d just taken a deadly hit. “But I will drop by, some other time, if you like, and we can continue this conversation?”

My offer was sincere. I… liked her. She was smart, and pleasant, and meant for much more that this hell hole. If anything, she gave me a good reason to go back to le Poulet Gauche – Elua knew, I wouldn’t be getting back for the wine.

I squeezed her hand gently, and said, “Will you allow it, if I do?” The last thing I wanted to do was impose on her.

[Odette Lamberte]

“Will I allow it?” I smiled warmly before gentle laughter escaped from my throat. “Of course I will allow it! Truly though, if I’m no where to be found within these walls, you may seek me out where I keep quarter. Send a message and we can meet where ever your heart is content.” I told him then where I resided, hoping that when next we spoke, it would not be face to face in my doleful home.

“Does that suit you, Gil?” What a shame it would be to never see his charming smile again, I thought. I was passing fond of him, but it would not surprise me if our paths never crossed again after this day, fate had a way of favoring one path over another. Still I smiled and waited for his reply patiently.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

I took good stock of the information she gave me, well aware that this was unlikely to be something she did often. “Your trust honors me,” I replied with a smile. “I will seek you out.”

That being said, I left coin on the table, enough to pay for my wine, and for a bit more, and I stood, taking her hand, and bending, rather than pulling her hand to my lips like those uneducated cads did often at court, and gave her delicate knuckles a kiss delicate and charming.

I added, grinning as I straightened my back, “It’s a promise, and I always keep my promises.”

[Odette Lamberte]

A breath caught in my throat as his lips graced my knuckles, ah Elua! I felt faint. I exhaled slowly, lowering the swell of my breasts locked within my bodice briefly as I gazed into his eyes. There was much more to him than his roguish appearance, I prayed that he would keep his promise so that I could learn somewhat more about him.

At last I drew a breath, the fullness of my breasts returned, filling my bodice to capacity as I nodded kindly at his promise and ignored the coin upon the table. “To part from you will mayhap be the death of me, Gil. I will strive to survive our separation…until we cross paths again, be well.” I lazily smiled then slipped my hand gentle from his hold.

[Gillermo Stregazza]

The trouble that affected her was quite visible, and I grinned rakishly. I did like to please a pretty woman. Mayhap… in another time, before I’d spoken my intentions to Mirielle, I would have obliged her eagerly. The thought was tucked away on the long list of ‘could have beens’ that every one of us keeps a tab on.

“I pray not,” I replied, trying to keep the somber edge off my voice. “I could not bear to be the death of you,” or of anyone’s, for that matter. “Business beckons me, but as time allows, I will send for you, and perhaps get to know you in a place more worthy of your prettiness.”

With that, I took my leave, and exited the Poulet Gauche. The test was conclusive – I could be in the presence of a woman of some quality, who desired me, and not have the horror unleashed. On to give the news to Mirielle, then.