Muses Menagerie

Disappointing, but not a surprise. Aidan had figured as much. Still, he could be comforted by the fact that a beautiful young woman would be eating well tonight, thanks to him. Whether she intended to scam him into doing so or not, he could understand that one born without privilige had to do so to survive – even in Calcheth. He wouldn’t hold a grudge or look down on her for that.

“Ah, such are the cruel hands of fate. But if we were meant to be, we would cross paths again regardless.” And he let it be for now.

~

Aidan was certain he would be scolded for taking so long to return home, but knew that if he mentioned he’d spent time with a girl, no one would make a big deal out of it. The next hour and a half was spent primarily watching Melody eat and try things, with the occasional commentary by himself or Scarlet, if she came around to check up on them. Then, the attendants – that he paid for – boxed up everything left over, and he turned to his lovely company to say goodbye.

“I hope you and whoever is blessed to share the rest of your meals with you have a wonderful evening, my lovely Melody,” Her hand was gently seized and lifted to his lips as he made to depart. “Please say safe and well.”

She could not help but smile as he graced her hand with a small kiss. Of course, it was just a formality the nobles were used to, but for Eiko it was uncommon in such a setting. Once more she cursed Aidan for catching her so unguarded. Eiko knew better than to trust his kind, yet here she was, fawning over his affections. 

     Male attention was something she received non-stop during the week, but that was at her job. Those men paid for her time, paid for her to shower them in praise and inflate their egos. Aidan was clearly different. At least, he seemed to be. Eiko thought herself to be a decent judge of character-- if she wasn’t she simply would not have survived this long.

     “I still cannot thank you enough for the meal. It is a gesture I won’t forget. Your kindness will extend to many that share my home and I will be sure they know of your generosity as well.” Flipping their hands so his rested atop hers she leaned forward and pressed a light kiss to his knuckles.

     “May Rahksana keep you, Aidan. If fate decides we aren’t meant to meet again I assure you I won’t easily forget tonight.” With one last smile she nodded at him and rose from her seat, leading the attendants out into the cool evening air. Eiko did not cast him even the smallest of glances as she left. It would be better that way.

     After ensuring that neither Aidan nor Scarlet were watching which direction she was heading she motioned for the two servers carrying the leftovers to follow her. No longer was their intended destination the entertainment district. Instead they turned East, where the slums lay. 

     “Follow me and I will tip you well. Keep the details of this trip a secret between the three of us and I will tip you even better.” Both attendants bobbed their heads in agreement and Eiko turned on her heel. “Thank you.” 

- - - - - - - - - 

     After arriving at a shabby run-down building in the slums and offloading the precious cargo the two couriers were tipped handsomely (with coins from Aidan’s gifted purse). Miming a zipping motion across her lips Eiko nodded at them when they returned the gesture.

     Knocking on the sun-faded wood of the door she called out, “Special delivery!”. A few moments later the door creaked open, a pair of sunken eyes peering up from the crack in the door.

     “What’s da password?” a tiny voice squeaked out.

     “Oh so there’s a password now? Nobody told me soooo I guess I’ll scarf down all these snacks by myself...”

     “Snacks!? That counts as a password.” Tiny hands pulled the door open wide, revealing a young boy in mismatched, raggedy clothing. “Get in here with the snacks! I’m starvin’!”

     “Oh don’t worry I will, but I’m going to need you to call for some backup. There’s a whole lot to eat.”

     “Really?! I’ll go get everyone!” Scurrying off the boy ducked behind an old curtain hanging in a doorway, narrowly dodging the woman emerging from that room. 

     “Please Pascal, no running inside!” Emmie called out behind her. As she reached the house’s threshold she pulled Eiko into a tight hug. “I overheard a little bit just now. Thank you for bringing us something to eat.” Glancing over her friend’s should Emmie saw just how many parcels of food had arrived. “Good Gods, Eiko! Where the in the Hells did you get all of this from?” Breaking away from their hug Emmie began to cart the food inside with help from her friend.

     “It’s a bit of a long story. I’ll gladly share once we get all of the kids fed.”

     “Oh of course! Also, before it slips my mind, The Madame left you a message. Something about a last minute booking for the troupe this weekend.” She pointed to a small wax-sealed envelope pinned to the wall.

     “Thanks, I’ll look right away.” The contents of the letter informed Eiko that there had been a late request for a performance from her ensemble at a high society masquerade. An arrangement to provide entertainment for the richest of the elites, with Eiko as a featured dancer.

“Oh, don’t worry. I only enter ladies’ humble little rooms if they invite me directly.” Melody was cute, all flustered like that. Although he was acutely aware that she had most likely approached him looking for handouts, he couldn’t deny this felt like her genuine self now. He appreciated it. 

“–Sadly, I have an appointment to keep and will have to part ways with you after this. But I don’t believe I’d be of much help, anyway. You’re going to need one or two attendants to help you bring everything home, I’m certain. Best employ those better suited to the job.”

“But I could always drop by your place another time, if you so wish.”

     Such an offer caught her off guard. Was she opposed to such a thing? Before she could give it any thought her mouth blurted out a, “Yes--” then she backtracked. “Or, rather I would. I don’t think it would be easy to arrange another meeting, unfortunately.” Casting a sincerely apologetic smile his way she reached across the table and gingerly placed her hand upon his. “I’m having a wonderful time, so trust me when I say it’s not you. It’s me. I’m just a very busy woman.”

     Why in the Nine Hells was she so being so openly honest with this man? Wasn’t she a professional for Goddess’s sake? Something about him had her lowering her guard and she damned him for that. 

     Noticing several servers approaching their table with trays in hand she withdrew from him, her touch trailing down the length of his fingers before fully breaking away. 

     “Let’s not dally on such troubling things, hm? I have food to try out!” Picking up her spoon she immediately dipped into a hearty stew the waitress had placed in front of her. Eiko grinned at Aidan as she cooled the soup down by blowing on it, smiling at the taste as she fully indulged in the dish. Hopefully he would not press harder about meeting her again. Even if she secretly wished he would.

“Pace yourself,” Aidan reminded her, although he was chuckling at her enthusiasm. “I’d recommend tasting everything next, and setting aside what you want to have boxed up for you to return home with.”

There would be plenty of food leftover, after all. Scarlet had quite a menu.

“Where is home, anyway? If you don’t mind my asking.” He popped a grilled, halved pepper into his mouth.

     Eiko hadn’t considered that spending more time with Aidan meant giving him more time to ask questions. Questions she did not plan to answer truthfully-- at least completely. 

     Swallowing the rest of the hors d'oeuvre she had been chewing on, Eiko held a hand up in a ‘one moment’ gesture as she washed everything down with a swig of chilled water. 'What the hell, even the water tastes damn good!?’ The upper districts really were woven from a different cloth than where she was from.

     “Oh, uhm, nowhere very interesting I must admit. I just rent out a humble little room in the entertainment district. If you’re familiar with The Revelry it’s right by there. My building is a bit particular about visitors though so... I’m afraid I can’t show it to you exactly, but I can take you near my building. I should be able to carry the rest of the food the short remaining distance myself.” Not an outright lie, just bending the truth. Renting a room was something she did but that was not where she actually lived. He needn’t know that though.

     “Wait, how presumptuous of me, you never even specified that you would be the one helping me carry everything! Oh now I’m embarrassed. Please pardon my pretentious assumption.” 

“You have absolutely nothing to worry about,” Aidan reassured her, giving a dismissive wave. “I am not anywhere near the scoundrel Scarlet makes me out to be. I simply have a natural magnetism and charm that many are drawn to. It isn’t my fault at all!”

For the most part, it was true. He was just naturally flirty. He had to concentrate to turn it off!

“I am merely here to take you on a culinary tour of Miss Scarlet’s cuisine, for as long as you are able.” … Again, how had he ended up doing this for a young lady that bumped into him? Ah, well. At least she was enjoyable company. 

     “Oh, that’s a shame. I do so enjoy a challenge. If you change your mind let me know.” Winking at him she sat back up as a server came over and placed down a platter of appetizers onto their table. Eiko’s attention immediately snapped to the colorful assortment of finger foods. Grilled fruits and vegetables, fried cheese, sliced meats, and small pieces of bread were arranged in a spiral that encompassed the entire dish. “Good gods...”

     “Ohh this looks so delicious! And they’re only the appetizers? Aidan, please remind me not to fill up on these. I want at least one bite of all her offerings...” Reaching for the delectable array of snacks she stacked peppers, cheese, and a slice of beef on a portion of bread. Popping the entire thing into her mouth all at once she chewed, eyes closed she appreciated the flavors. A hand daintily covering her mouth while she finished chewing and swallowing, she looked at Aidan, green eyes bright as she stared at him. Her expression was one of amazement, her emerald hues practically sparkling.

“I don’t believe so, but I don’t see why we couldn’t indu–”

“Aidan!” A sharp, husky voice growled as soon as they stepped into the restaurant, and an amazonian redhead approached the pair looking stern – at him, anyway. “No, no, no. You’re not allowed in here anymore!”

–Oh, right.

“Miss Scarlet! Whatever did I do to earn such a cold reception?”

“Every time you waltz your fancy ass in here, my girls stop workin’!” Scarlet snapped, hands on her hips. She looked to Melody, tone just as stern, “You be on your guard, missy! This boy may be handsome, but he’s a whole lotta trouble!”

“Did I hear that you think I’m handsome, Miss Scarlet?” Aidan flirted back, unashamed – and then quickly amended, “Actually, my dear friend Melody here was interested in your fine cuisine! I had been swearing up and down all day how wonderful your food is, and she’d been so excited to try it… why, I was willing to treat her to one of everything, but I suppose if we’re not welcome–”

“Wait. One of everything?” The owner interrupted. “That’ll cost you a pretty penny, you know!”

“I do! And I’m sure the two of us wouldn’t be able to finish it all, and so I would also pay for someone to assist in delivering any leftovers to the young lady’s abode. But I won’t force our presence upon y–”

“Oh, shove it,” Scarlet hissed. “Come in, sit down – your usual table’s open.” And she stomped off, “But I’m firin’ up one of everything just like you said! You’d best be ready to pay!”

“Thank you love!” Aidan called after her, and then gave Melody a delighted smile. “Shall we? My table is the best in the entire establishment.”

     Upon hearing “one of everything” Eiko nearly fainted -- genuinely this time. Never had the opportunity to indulge in such a treat presented itself to her. She would be a fool not to take it. True, she did possess some mild resentment towards the young noble’s inherited wealth, but why not take advantage of such a rare situation? Plus, the mention of leftovers to take with her was another reason to accept his generosity. Empty stomachs back home would be full for the first time in a long while.

     Sliding into one of the luxurious seats at Aidan’s table Eiko cast a quick glance back towards the restaurateur. Smirking at the charming blond seated across from her she rested her chin on one of her hands.

     “She seems like a real spitfire. I like her.” Her freehand picked up a fork and spun it around her forefinger, a dexterous fidget she had mastered. “So, Mister Trouble, you’re popular with the ladies? How worried should I be? I think I could handle anything you throw at me. Take that as a challenge if you so choose.”

Aidan eyed his hand held between both of hers. Then he smiled sweetly at her.

“It is behind you, my delicate fair maiden.” On the other side of the street, marked with quite a large sign. With a giggle, he straightened and twirled her, however, and properly escorted her in the restaurant’s direction. “But fear not! I shall accompany you the entirety of the way there, and then some – clearly, your hunger has gotten to you.”

     “Really? Is it that obvious I have been drained of my strength?” Pretending to be weakened from hunger she leaned into the bit (by leaning into him), still fake swooning. However, as they drew closer to the establishment and the smells of seasoned meat being seared over hot charcoal wafted over to them she perked right up.

     “Ohh!~ It smells delicious. I’m practically drooling. Truthfully, I skipped out on dinner last night and had nothing to fix up for breakfast so I haven’t eaten in nearly half a day...” A blush crept to her cheeks, although she looked more ashamed than embarrassed. 

Okay, this was an unexpected response. Was she genuinely hungry, or trying to catch him off-guard? The latter had been achieved regardless.

“She’s very well known for her use of spice,” he answered finally with a short, sheepish laugh. “It’s quite flavorful. And she does do kebabs, last I checked. I’d recommend the Bombspice Sirloin, myself. She also does a surf-and-turf version, pulling crab from the Southern Seas. I believe that’s my favorite. And the portions are quite reasonable.”

Dammit. Now he was getting hungry!

     “Oh dear... Surf and turf... That’s very tempting. I don’t get the chance to indulge in crab very often!” Eiko reached for his hand, gently sandwiching it between hers. “Would you be so kind as to guide me to these delicious kebabs? I want to take the quickest path there. I cannot waste another moment without them or I fear I shall perish!”

Ah.

As easy as it was for Aidan to be blinded by a pretty face – and this one was indeed pretty – the number of ‘happy coincidences’ was quickly climbing. He would like to imagine that she was indeed merely attracted to him and was trying to spend more time with him – but that was a man’s scheme, not a woman’s. There was no reason for this interaction to last any longer; he had given her more than enough money to find and pay for whatever delicious meal she had been seeking on her own. After all, they were strangers. He could have been a very charming creep – or worse. In his experience, at least, women did not spend time with men for longer than was necessary, unless they were bound by some legal document.

So.

“I believe that would be the the Scarlet Grill?” One hand resting on his hip, he turned to glance in the direction of said noticeable smell. “I know the owner of that establishment; she is a very good friend of mine and her meals are quite delicious. If you mention my recommendation, I’m sure she’ll give you a hearty discount.” 

Maybe, depending on what mood he’d left Madame Scarlet in the last time they’d met. 

Or she’d charge her double.

     “Truly? Oh splendid! I’ve yet to try that place out, what dish do you recommend? I can handle nearly any level of spice but I prefer when the dish still tastes good. Pure heat is so dull to me.” It was clear she was giving much thought to what type of meal she would like, very earnestly awaiting Aidan’s recommendations.

Well, could one blame him for staring a bit? No, he hoped not. She was a very pretty young woman, and apparently cursed with a stroke of bad luck today.

“I don’t mind at all. As I said, no harm was done.” At least the street wasn’t too busy at the moment. It’d be impossible to recover all those coins amidst a stampede of feet! He moved to assist her in gathering up the coins, adding, “It isn’t a coin purse, but I do have a spare little bag you can use until you have a replacement.”

It wasn’t an empty little bag, but Aidan didn’t have any problem giving her a bit more than she had. He was far more well-off than most.

     "Oh, really? You wouldn't mind?" She pushed a lock of hair behind her ear, expression bashful as she accepted his gift. Opening up the bag to deposit her coins she noted how it was most certainly not empty, its contents worth more than she herself owned.

The abrupt bump-into was -- well, abrupt, but not a terrible occurrence. If the offender was not a pretty young woman, Aidan Pyralis might have been more wary -- he had lived in Calcheth all his life, after all, and knew of its dangers -- but he found himself sufficiently distracted instead.

Naive, perhaps, but he was still a son of nobility. Clearly, he wasn’t perfect.

“No harm done,” he assured her, chuckling and ensuring she would not continue to stumble as he drew back. “Didn’t drop anything, did you?” Was that a subtle, gentlemanly reason to check her out? Yes and no. He was certainly checking her out, but also minding the ground around them to ensure she hadn’t dropped anything. One could do both.

After regaining her balance with his aid she let go of his arm, her touch lingering perhaps a tad longer than most would. Hands traveled along her form as she patted herself down, searching for any missing possessions, their movements also highlighting her figure. Fingers wrapped around a slender crossbody chain, the end of which was broken.

"Oh drat. My purse strap snapped. This thing is so old, ohh I should have replaced it sooner." Glancing down and spotting a coin she leaned forward, the end of her scarf slipping down off of her shoulder. As it fell away it revealed the swell of her chest, cleavage framed by a barely modest neckline.

Picking up the golden coin she popped back up, blowing back her bangs with a puff of air. Gesturing with a finger she pointed out her shabby coinpurse where it lay a few feet off to the side. Her coins had spilled out, scarce in number.

A burning horizon stood behind the looming silhouettes of buildings as the sun slowly dipped beyond what she could see. Sunsets in Calcheth never grew tiresome, at least to her. Each approaching night set the sky ablaze with a haze of warm colors, their hues mingling together with the darkening sky.

Looking out at the setting sun, Eiko heaved a wistful sigh as she climbed out onto the roof of her troupe's hideout. Folding her legs beneath herself to sit cross-legged on an embroidered cushion she unpacked her dinner from her bag. Tucking into her measly meal of just bread and cheese she watched the sun continue its journey away from her, teasing the moon into view.

'One day I'll get to see that without all the lousy buildings in the way.'

- - - - -

The city of Calcheth never really slept, but the streets were especially lively during the day. Merchants hawked their goods while artists crafted in their open-air workshops, entertaining any who happened to stroll by. Delectable scents lingered in the air, drawing in hungry customers to sample the dishes of local food vendors. Eiko adored how rich the culture of her city was, how there was always something going on. And going-ons meant plenty of people around. People with pockets ripe for picking.

On her way towards the docks she clumsily knocked into someone, clutching onto them to regain her balance.

     As his tongue penetrated into her she let out a shuddering cry, thighs pressing in against his head even harder as she tensed. Another brand new experience for her to enjoy, this one even more delightful than the last! Matching the rhythm that Aidan was working at she moved her hips in tandem, allowing him to taste even deeper.