Closed A Warm Day of Winter (Kavala)

[Stefan]

85th of Winter, 513 AV

Stefan didn’t mind doing odd jobs, as long as he could get some extra coin, but in his life, he never did this kind of work. A musician, a thief, a sailor, an advisor occasionally, that’s the type of things that he was used to do.

But he never thought that he will end up as the escort of an important woman.

Just the day before, Stefan was told about the job by Silka; a Konti named Kavala requested company from a young man, and for some reason, Silka had chosen him... maybe he was getting promoted, or something like that? He couldn’t be sure, as she didn’t told him many details, but the instructions where simple.

She was going to accompany that woman and do what she tells him to do, without exceptions. When Stefan asked, jokingly, what he would do if she requested him to jump off the waterfall, Silka simply replied that he would have to ask first if she wanted him to jump naked or not. He didn’t inquire any further and just listened to the instructions.

He must make sure that she the best day of her life, or at least a really good day. But most important, and Silka couldn’t stress that enough: Stefan was to make sure that she feels loved. Again, Stefan didn’t receive many details, but it seemed really important, almost like Silka talked about Kavala with respect. It meant serious business, apparently.

He considered it for a moment. Stefan understood that the Curtain didn’t have to pay him: it was a matter of the client to pay as she sees fit, so he must better do a good job. Now it was only due for Stefan to decide.

Spent the whole day with a woman he didn’t even knew, do the best to cheer her up, make feel important, and then probably get paid.

It goes without saying that he agreed almost immediately.

So he prepared himself for the day early in the morning. First, and following Silka’s advice, he took his map and went towards the Moonstone Bathhouse, to take a proper bath. It took a little too long, but it was relaxing, and in the end, Stefan ended up perfectly clean and fresh. After that, he returned to the Curtain, where Madame Silka was waiting for him. She knew a thing or two about cosmetology, so she personally helped Stefan with that. He preferred to keep it simple, though, so it the treatment consisted only some perfume and fixing his hair properly.

Now the issue was the clothing... it was true that Stefan only had some light clothes, but these were far from appropriate, so he ended up asking to borrow some of them for the Curtain itself. He ended up with a light, blue shirt and flowing pants of purple colour, and also an elegant, dark coat. It was to extravagant for his taste, but at least it will help him to get warm. Still, he was almost sure that it were women clothes... the fact that they fitted him perfectly was concerning.

And now, it was a matter of waiting. He sat down on one of the tables, facing the door of the premises. Since it was early in the day, around the 11th Bell, and there weren’t any men around except for the Akalak bouncers, it would not be hard to spot him. So he waited there, with his new, fancy clothes and the fresh feeling of the perfume.

[Kavala]

This had been prescribed. It hadn’t been her brother nor Caelum nor even one of the Kelvics who had suggested it. Instead, Kavala’s trainer had given her the day off and told her to go find a man to take care of her for the day and treat her like a lady. The problem was, she had no idea what that meant or how to go about finding one. Some discrete questioning, namely by paying her ex-Nakivak friend Calla a visit and outlining the problem to her, got things set up. Calla had laughed, told her she’d arranged everything, and Kavala was given a time and date and place to meet the one that was going to pamper her.

The Velvet Curtain was the place and a bell before midday was the time. She was assured she had the entire day and night if she wanted it and found the individual to her liking. The pay would be up to her, decidedly something she’d have judge by how much she got out of the ‘session’ as Calla called it. But she was uncertain what one did with a hired escort. Was the purpose sex? Was the purpose just to relax or be pampered? Anir hadn’t specified. He hadn’t had any other suggestion other than that she go see a professional and learn how a woman should be treated. It was an interesting situation, one that was new for Kavala but not new for the world.

She’d in fact combed the Chavena looking for threads of Chavi from wealthy women to see what happened during these events. She’d found nothing quite like it. In fact, the only thing she’d found was rich Alahean nobles who often kept slaves and used them for all sorts of things that Kavala mostly found unsavory. She’d walked the Chavi of men too and learned what one did with whores, but that too wasn’t exactly what this was. So she felt rather blinded and wasn’t sure if she was going to stay or not.

Kavala dressed carefully for the occasion. She was assured she’d have a suite alone to herself with the man, perhaps one of the private rooms or above floor places in The Velvet Curtain. And if she wanted too, she could take him home for the night or even later, paying him as she saw fit though the base pay was stressed to her at the time she’d signed the contract to hire him for the day and perhaps longer.

She’d dressed carefully. Forgoing her leathers which was her normal wear, Kavala had instead opted for women’s finery that had merited a shopping trip with Calla. She wore a pale black corset and thin laced panties that matched. Above that she wore a ladies dress that flowed about her in layers but cinched up tight at the waist allowing the top of the corset to be seen. It was a pale wine color that gave the Konti and her iridescent scales false color in her face that she’d normally not have. It wasn’t an inflexible torture of woman’s fashion, but instead it was a comfortable dress that supported Kavala’s ribs and breasts and left her enough room to breath and move. A fur hooded cloak topped the outfit as well as thin kidskin black boots. The dress itself was dyed wine at the top but ombred down to black at the hem and sleeves. It had removable parts – namely sleeves and skirt layers – so it could be tailor worn towards the weather and season.

Kavala had taken time with her hair, piling it up on her head and trying to coax the pale smooth strands into curls. She’d lined her eyes with kohl and brushed hints of color on her face at her cheeks. Her lips were painted the same wine color as her dress. Kavala would have liked to have said she felt foolish, dressed in layers and soliciting the attention of a man. But in truth she felt empowered, beautiful, and curious.. Calla had urged her, as had Anir, to not laugh and not be shy at such things. Instead, they had both assured her it was common of the wealthy of the world to hire such escorts and companions and that she would enjoy herself… should enjoy herself. She had outright asked them if she should expect that the man would have sex with her and they’d laughed. That, they had said, was up to her. He would if it pleased her, but more importantly, escorts were for the woman’s pleasure and to make her feel special. He’d go with her anywhere she wanted to, do anything she wanted too, and simply make sure she had a good time.

She wasn’t unarmed either. Strapped to her thighs beneath her dress were a brace of daggers, both fighting and throwing. And tucked into her hair were a double set of sheathed tamo’s that looked more like hair ornaments than weapons.

It all sounded far fetched to Kavala who was used to having spent the majority of her last few seasons all but ignored by the one person that she thought should care for her. In fact, that was the history of her relationship with men. All of it was fine until she conceived, then they were gone and off again, looking for new territory.

Would this one be different? There would be no more children for the Konti. Her home was full of them and she loved the ones she had dearly. But they deserved to be protected and loved by a mother who gave them her undivided attention and didn’t subject them all pregnancy after pregnancy. Was this one human? Akalak? Maybe even a different race? Kavala was uncertain… she knew she disliked humans but she didn’t know how far the dislike went. Vanator was human and her brother and she loved him dearly… but were there other exceptions?

The Konti strode into the Velvet Curtain, proud but a little wary. She spotted the man sitting as if waiting and raised a white eyebrow. She approached the table and paused before him. Her eyes were quick to assess and she wondered absently if she could take him in a fight. There was a power in that thought and it relaxed her a bit, trying to decide.

“I’m Kavala. I have an … appointment.” She said softly, starting to unfasten her fur lined black cloak.

[Stefan]

Stefan didn’t had to wait too long, when a beautiful Konti, using gorgeous clothes walked in. It was wondrous sight; the dress suited her just right, with a wine colour that highlighted her fair skin, giving her an appearance of elegancy, and yet, for some reason, danger, as if she was ready to kill him at any moment. He liked that.

Stefan stood up quickly, lowering his head, and smiled politely at her, “Miss Kavala, my name is Stefan and I’ll have the honour to be your escort for the day” he said as he took her left hand and kissed it softly, lowering his head. He looked at her in the eye, but his smiled changed to an expression of disbelief. “This can’t be right... how it is possible that someone as stunning as you could need someone as me? Unbelievable. Some people simply don’t appreciate beauty...” He shook his head as in disappointment, but then winked at her “Don’t worry, my dear, I’ll make my job to please you as best as possible, I promise.”

Stefan smiled again taking her hand and guiding her towards the table, sitting along with her on the high backed chair. On the table there was an open Bluevein Prime bottle and two glasses, which Stefan filled quickly “Let’s start, shall we? Just the finest wine for the finest of ladies, such as yourself... if you allow me to say it, that dress suits you perfectly, Miss Kavala. Elegant, yet practical, and it do accentuate your figure, my dear.”

Women liked compliments, as far as Stefan knew. However, it always depends on the woman, and she didn’t knew Kavala quite well, as he didn’t had any details at his disposition, and it would be extremely embarrassing to ask her what she liked, so he ended the verbal flirting as soon as he picked his glass of wine. But for now, works where enough. The silence, if used properly, was just as good: as he drank slowly his wine, making sure to let Kavala finish the glass first, he did what he could with small details. A sly smile, a fleeting wink of the eye, a small lick in her lips, small sighs when he tasted the wine, lowering his head when he look her in the eye and also delicacy when he poured her refilled her glass, among other details. He was going to see how well she would react at it, but the message was clear. He was there to give her company, to do what she said when she said the word.

He did take care to finish the wine after Kavala; it required some timing and really small sips, but with care, to not to appear that he was doing it on purpose. He smirked at her, “Don’t worry, it’s not the first time that I finish second...” he snickered softly, eyeing her with a smile “It’s odd... I could smell this fine wine, but something was overpowering it. A faint, yet nice smell... you’re not wearing any perfume, aren’t you? No, you’re not... indeed, the natural scent of a lady is better than any perfume...” he gave her another wink, smiling warmly at her.

Stefan got up of the table, taking Kavala’s hand to get her up from the table, and then grabbed her by the arm with care, smiling calmly and warmly all the way. “So Miss Kavala, where are we going? Your wishes are my orders... though if you allow a bold suggestion on my part, what if we go to the Moonstone Bathhouse? I can easily arrange some special time for the both of us...” he said in a seductive tone, as he exited the Velvet Curtain with Kavala by her arm.

[Kavala]

Kavala smiled nervously at the man. She thought she recognized him from Sybel’s party, but she couldn’t be sure. “Stefan, nice to formally meet you as well. I think we've seen each other at my ex-future sister in law's party... I think? That never did turn out well. The wedding was called off.” When the man kissed her hand and made his comment, the woman wanted to crawl under a rock. Mortification filled her. Was she supposed to explain? Was he just making idle conversation? The Konti adverted her gaze and frowned slightly, shifting awkwardly. Anir said this would be good for her. He wouldn’t give her bad advice would he?

“I was a raid survivor.” She said softly, not sure if Stefan knew what that meant. “Which means… the Akalak rescued me from slavers. It was a rough time then. I was then indentured as a contract breeder. I had two pregnancies, one of which survived, and was released from my duties.” This was all common record, nothing personal, and Kavala didn’t mind explaining to Stefan part of the reason she was here. “I recently had two more children from a man I was desperately in love with. But he stopped coming around as I got larger, and though he did visit once after the children were born, I haven’t seen him since. I suspect fatherhood was too much for him. But he broke my heart because he of all of them was the one I gifted it too. My children were born this season and I have been recovering for most of it, training to get my body back in shape and you were recommended to me. I do not particularly like… flattery or compliments. They make me uncomfortable. And I have no idea what I’m supposed to do here with you. But they assured me… my trainer and my friend… .that it would be good for me.” Kavala said, getting to the core of the matter just like that.

He poured them wine and she sat down; sipping at it, but uncertain if she needed it. Had it been something other than bluevein, she’d most likely would have passed on it, but since it was such a fine wine, it seemed almost criminal to do so. The wine did its job though and relaxed her a bit, calming her nerves.

His compliments about her smell left her uncomfortable again, especially backed by the suggestion that they got o the baths. She closed her eyes briefly, set aside her empty wineglass, and finally opened them to meet his gaze. “Do I smell offensive? I did bathe this morning, but then I was out with the horses… I know that scent can linger though I barely notice it these days.” Her words were apologetic. “I will bathe if you desire or require it, but that’s not something I had expected. I was told we could just talk… dine… that you’d show me a good time. I wasn’t sure if that meant I had to sleep with you – that this is how things are done – or if it meant something else. I’ve never hired an escort before, and I don’t honestly know what to do with one. I… don’t really want to go out. I would prefer to stay in.” She said, suddenly glad Stefan was human and not Akalak. Had he been Akalak, Kavala wondered if she’d get even more submissive with one. She was usually a bold person who knew her mind and what she wanted.

But he had her by the arm, wanted her to go with him to the bathhouse, and suddenly, that felt like maybe it should be the thing they do. A pale hand crept up and ran itself across her forehead. She slipped her arm deeper into his, and shook her head. “I didn’t hire you for sex. I honestly don’t think you’d enjoy it much anyhow. My body is not quite back to normal… though its functional. My trainer and my friend suggested I… hire you. I have just ended a rather bad relationship and my self worth has been… at an all time low. They said you would help. Not with flattery but by just helping me learn to better talk with men, interact with them, be less of a Nakivak ready to take my clothing off and service her contract and more of a real person to your sex. They said an escort would take off the pressure. And that you would answer my questions and treat me with respect, not laughing at what I wanted to know. My friend said there were suites here, private rooms, were we could dine and talk and langish the day away doing nothing at all.” She said softly, not sure if that’s what he wanted to hear or not.

"I would really like to know your expectations and hopes in an honest manner from this session. It would help me to clear up any uncertainty and nervousness." She said frankly. Had he expected to take her to the baths and seduce her? Did women pay for men to service them routinely? Torrid affairs were not Kavala’s specialty. Not really. And she wasn’t even sure if he understood what an ex-Nakivak was… they were, after all, no better than paid whores themselves.

How much experience did Stefan have and what was his training? Kavala was curious about what his story was and why he was here in Riverfall doing this.

[Stefan]

Stefan listened to Kavala’s history with attention. It was really tragic, but he understood her reasons to come here. Post-birth depression was quite common; at least that’s what he had heard, and even more considering that the man she loved abandoned her... He suddenly understood for what he was needed, though now he knew the mistakes he had made. She didn’t liked compliments, so there was that. He had to pay attention to what she said, it could be vital.

“My apologies, Miss Kavala. I assure you, that your friends care deeply for you, because let’s be honest, only a concerned friend would pay for this type of services.“ Stefan said trying to ease her. It didn’t require a genius to know that she was as new at this as him, and that complicated thing. The fact that she was so open to him gave that away.

And now that she mentioned what he said, he just wanted to bit off his tongue, but his expression remained as calm as always. That came out wrong, and now he just noticed, now far too late. “Again, Miss Kavala... my apologies. I didn’t mean to suggest such things. I suggested that, perhaps, you would like a massage at the bathhouse, but apparently, I misspoke my intentions...” his words were polite, yet apologetic, like a gentleman that honestly knew that petched up everything. Her gaze, though beautiful, gave him a sense of shame for what he had said.

By now, they were outside the Curtain, and he listened at what she said, taking her by the arm. His heart sank a little when she mention that she didn’t hire him for sex; that was a disappointment, but again, it was her choice, though he didn’t thought that he would not enjoy the sex with her, even if her body was not “quite back to normal”, as she said, but didn’t said anything about it. “I see... well, we can work that out...” he winked at her “Again, I’m going to do what you desire... so if what you want is a nice conversation, then we better go to a nice place, shall we? The bathhouse is an option, but of course, we could go to a nice restaurant or even at a park. The last thing I want is to make you feel uncomfortable... though as it seems, it’s far too late for that.” He chuckled a little.

He paused to let Kavala speak, and he replied rapidly “Honestly? I don’t know, in fact. Of course, I was expecting sex, but I was told to do what you required the best as I could, even if you didn’t wanted, and then I would get paid... but frankly, for someone as you, I would do it for free. So there you go... anything you want, for the price you see fit, nothing more, nothing less, without doing anything you don’t want to.”Stefan noticed that he complimented her a little too late, and the harm was done. He didn’t want to say that he had not experience in the escort business, but at this point, it was fairly obvious.

“Well, Miss Kavala... you told me your history, and I appreciate it. But of course, it’s only fair if I tell you mine, right?” he smiled at her, just ready to speak. “You see, I was born in Zeltiva, but there was a slight misunderstanding, so I ended up as a servant to a group of bandits. However, they released me, as they saw me unfitting for their duties, and I ended up in Alvadas, playing music for a living, but of course doing what I could do to earn some coin, until I was recruited by a leatherworker, but alas, I had to leave him. So I served three years as a sailor, travelling all around Mizahar, but for personal issues, I decided to settle down here in Riverfall... sorry, it’s not to interesting, but that’s my story!” he snickered a little bit, hiding the true purpose. Though he didn’t mind the gory details about Kavala’s background, he didn’t know if she would mind his own gory details, so he omitted some of the information. He hoped Kavala wouldn’t tell, as he didn’t want her to think she was dating a madman, and much less know that she hired a former yet useless slave, a thief, a scoundrel, and even a murderer. That would certainly ruin even more the mood, if that was even possible.

Stefan just wanted her to be comfortable, but he knew that he was doing a pretty bad job at it.

[Kavala]

Kavala enjoyed Stefan’s ability to listen. He seemed gifted with an ability to follow through and seem interested whether the subject was to him or not. And in that light she felt comfortable talking to him, if the subject matter was somewhat awkward. “There is no need to apologize. I imagine I’m not the only one that this comes off as awkward with the first few times. I’ve never… hired… companionship before.” She admitted, not as if it was something distasteful, but as if it was a new experience she’d never thought to have before.

“A massage would be nice. I am just relieved I’m not offensive in the scent department.” The Konti said softly, uncertainty fluttering across her gaze in a rare moment of weakness. She was uncertain about a lot of things these days when it came to men. Used, discarded, the Konti had very little sense of self worth outside of her career and her ability to protect those that she loved. She didn’t see herself as beautiful or particularly valuable or sexy. It was one of the reasons she worked so hard on her body, to make it an effective weapon since it was something that had let her down in other ways.

“A massage, a restaurant, even a park sounds lovely. I come to down frequently, but mostly just for shopping, not for pleasure. I’m usually… very busy. Not just with the kids, but with the business. Spring is coming up and I will miss my sleep while the horses foal out and I worry about clients and the other animals birthing. It’s a busy time. I’m glad I got my own birth out of the way.” She said, looking over at Stefan. He seemed truly disappointed about the sex. And Kavala didn’t mind talking about it.

“Do you get hired for sex often? I mean… is there much call for it? I wouldn’t have thought there was, but I enjoyed it a great deal when I wasn’t pregnant and had the body for it. I didn’t know if other women did as well, enough that is to hire pleasure instead of seek it out in bars or festivals. What do you think is the appeal to your services verses a stranger? Is it just taking out the unknown… that is… you’ll go home at the end of the day with coin in your pocket and she knows shes out with someone safe?” Kavala mused aloud, and turned to smile at Stefan. She didn’t know if he was open to talking about his profession or not, but she was curious.

“Do your clients ever fall in love with you?” She asked, curious about that as well. “I had two Talvis’. I fell for the first one, but the second one nearly killed me. This last relationship I just got out of I loved too… but he had no idea how to love me back. It was better to move on.” The Konti said, sadness infusing her words for a moment. She had a look about her; a quiet devastation that she quickly covered up with a ready smile that looked like it was forced.

“I would be glad to hear your history.” Kavala answered when he spoke of his. “How can you say your history doesn’t sound interesting?” The Konti said, her arm in his now as they strolled down the street heading for the bathhouse. “You got to travel and see the world. Sailing is a lovely past time. Do you have any experience in it? I have a catamaran that I take out to sea once in a while. If it wasn’t so chilling, I’d suggest we take it out and eat on the sea. I love the sea. But… maybe that’s not your favorite now. Alvadas is a place I’ve never heard of. But I did visit Zeltiva briefly on my way two and from Mura.” The Konti said, wondering if he’d indeed tell her more of the city of illusions. She’d just heard stories, not first hand accounts from anyone who’d ever traveled there.

The more they talked and walked, the more the Konti seemed to relax. She started to understand a little more about him without him really telling her outright. “You know, you sound like you’ve lived the life of a rogue… and though you say sailor I hear pirate in my head. I am not a Seer by any means, but I suspect you’ve lived less than an honest life. But you know… Stefan I truly love music. I’d love to hear you play sometime. I should have remembered from Sybel’s party… but I’d love for you just to play for me sometime today.” She added, smiling slightly and hoping he’d agree. Maybe she could dance a little too. She loved dancing, though she wasn’t all that good at it.

“Is there any place you haven’t been that you want to go?” She said, moving slightly on the cobbles to bypass a mud puddle. The winter hadn’t been kind on Riverfall at all weatherwise. “I’ve recently got to visit the Kingdom of Sultros and had a very good time there. It was just the Southern Boarder Post, but it was still a real glimpse into the Isur and their culture. They were fantastic hosts.” Kavala commented, and spent a little time describing the outpost to Stefan and her adventures there with a young Isur youth.

Yes, she was definitely getting more and more relaxed.

[Stefan]

“Don’t worry about that, Miss Kavala. One has to chart new waters once in a while. Because, what is life if you don’t taste new things?” he replied, still grabbing her by the arm and walking towards the bathhouse, though he didn’t knew exactly where it was... he got lost again, as it seems, but she didn’t had to know. He just had to pretend that the place they were heading was intended for it... maybe they could end in a nice park.

“I see that you’re very busy, my dear. But it doesn’t hurt to relax once in a while, doesn’t it? That’s the reason I’m here, after all.” He acknowledged. She was a working woman, and a very successful at that, and while Stefan itself was afraid of horses, and didn’t like kids, he could respect Kavalas’ conviction, but was actually surprised that she didn’t manage to have time for herself. He then proceeded to answer Kavalas’ questions. “Actually, I’m not hired very often...” he didn’t wanted to say that he was inexperienced in the business, even though that was true. “I mostly just do it out of pleasure. Everybody likes it, one way or another, so I’m glad to be the one who spreads it” he chuckled slightly “Aye, many women use buy these services, but of course, it’s a private matter, so don’t expect to hear it anywhere... it has its advantages. You never know who you’ll meet at a bar, and though anonymous sex is appealing, some people like to know their partners. It makes them feel safer, and with reason. It’s also a business, and the payment can be negotiated, which can benefit both parties... besides, escorts need to be discreet. Nobody hires them if they go telling everybody about their acts, don’t you think?”

He didn’t mind talking about it, as he was really open, and it was really hard to embarrass him. Talking about sex was second nature to him, though he shrugged when she talked about love, but still, he couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. “It’s sad to hear it... you’re such a wonderful woman, Kavala, but I’m glad that you knew how to move on. Life will be full of sadness, but it’s also full of joy!” he said, as he got a risky idea, but he had to try it.

He got Kavala by the hands, and started to do a little, cheery dance with her, all whilst smiling “Life if for joy, life if to dance! Yes, sadness will come, that is a fact, but you need to get up, and show me a grin, and live life at his full!” he laughed a little bit, now calming down “Sorry, I couldn’t help but to be a little silly...”

“Oh, yes, I really like to travel, and for three years, sailing was my life...” Kavala could notice that his eyes brightened up when he mentioned the catamaran “Oh, that sounds simply lovely! Perhaps in other time, I would love to sail with you, my dear” truth be told, he needed a break from sailing, but he did long for that salty air and the sun bathing the waves. “So, you take sailing as a hobby, don’t you? It is gratifying. Do you like to travel? You seem like the time of women that likes adventures and travelling, but correct me if I’m wrong...” he was truly enjoying the conversation, as talking to her was really interesting. Sometimes, that was what it was needed; a nice conversation.

However, it was incredibly upsetting when she said that he lived the life of a rogue, and the thing about pirates. It was true, but how did she know? He didn’t mentioned anything about it... but it would have be suspicious to not to talk about it. “Oh, if I was a pirates, I wouldn’t have survived this long, my dear” he chuckled, and sighed with relief when she talked about music, even more when Kavala’s request. “It would be a pleasure and an honour, my dear... would you like a serenade, just for you? I’ll gladly do it...”

“Any places I would like to visit...” he thought for a moment, and nodded “Aye... Sunberth comes to mind, maybe Ahnatep, even Avanthal... but truly, I would be happy to travel anywhere.” Stefan’s eyes brightened as he said it, as with hope, and he didn’t try to hide it “And you, my dear? Any place that would be pleasing to visit?” the way he spoke was also more relaxed, but his grip was firm and warm, as if he was distracted by the conversation, and wasn’t actually paying attention to the way ahead of them.

[Kavala]

Truth be told, Kavala kept fluctuating from feeling comfortable to uncomfortable, with a lean towards discomfort when Stefan seemed unable to find his way to the spa and kept grabbing her arm as if she couldn’t walk on her own. The Konti wanted to like her companion, but there was something off about him, like he was trying really hard to impress her when there was no need. What she’d really wanted was someone to talk to, perhaps spend some time with, but not someone that met her one place and wanted to drag her all over the city in a series of plans that she may or may not have liked. The woman would have been quietly comfortable just sitting down to a nice fire, some good company, and perhaps having the masseuse come to her… or even if Stefan himself was trained in such things. She knew too the wine was to loosen her tongue and inhibitions. But it honestly didn’t work that way, not with her, and decidedly not on a first date out with someone – even a paid date.

She wanted to relax, as he suggested, but he was making it hard for her. They were wandering just about as far from the spa as he could have taken her and it put her on edge. If he was going to the bathhouse, then why hadn’t they taken the right turn and walked down the right street? Where they going somewhere else instead? Kavala wasn’t worried about dark alleys and being taken advantage of… not now, not in this time of her life, but had she not had the training she had, there would be a definite question in her mind as to what Stefan’s motivations were. It was all well and good to tell her to relax, but he hadn’t given her any reason or opportunity to.

The Konti kept her feelings to herself, not wanting to make him even more nervous than he seemed already. He talked a lot, which was fine, but it made her even more quiet because she had a feeling he disliked the silence that she often longed for to bring her peace.

She liked that he was open about his business and what it was he did. And she couldn’t help but wonder how many women he bedded daily who paid him coin. Was he that good that people came back? As he talked she listened, nodding when appropriate and withholding her questions as to not overwhelm him with her curiosity. She was curious, though, and a little amused. She wondered too if he knew how condescending it was when he called her ‘my dear’. The Konti wasn’t used having someone talk down to her. And that’s how it seemed when he added the insincere endearments. It was, however, a male quality she ran into quite a bit. And she wondered if other women felt the same way she did or if they were used to such things? Was he like that in bed too? Taking charge and trying to own the moment or did he share it? Her mother had often said that males came in two different categories in the bedroom. Some where like studs, mounting and breeding, taking and being quick about it. Others were true lovers. And she’d urged Kavala to always take a lover, not a stud. Was Stefan one or the other? Kavala almost asked him.

When he called her wonderful she wanted to ask him how he knew that? Quickly biting her lip, she refrained from uttering the demand out loud, wanting instead to watch him and see if he gave other compliments without merit. It wasn’t a turn on to her. Instead she’d be more satisfied if he’d asked her what she’d done to drive the men away or even why such things had never worked out.

She vetoed the skipping and merry dance, eyes wide at the suddenness of it. Was he a bit more drunk than she had anticipated? But it was over almost before it started and she relaxed again as he started to speak. The awkwardness of the situation grew more intense. The Healer wasn’t a child, she was a woman with troubles that wanted to forget about them for a time. Stefan was seemingly adding to them… with this show of …. she wasn’t sure what to deem it. A Date? An engagement? A business arrangement? The Konti swallowed and regretted taking the advice that lead her to this situation. She wondered how long suddenly she’d have to wait before she could extract herself from the situation. Stefan was nice. He was handsome. He seemed intelligent. But there was no chemistry between them and no attraction on her end. In fact, his awkwardness, his seemingly child-like need to ply her with alcohol then skip down the street was rapidly driving her to retreat within herself. She would have been better off riding out to go visit the first Drykas Pavilion she came across… strangers or naught…. To get some time away from her life and out of her own head.

Kavala’s growing discomfort and need to extract herself from the situation settled slightly when he talked about traveling and his life before Riverfall. He seemed more confident about it and more willing to associate good things with it and how it had strengthened him. That interested her. He had sailed. And he had an interest in sailing and even her catamaran. That she could relate too and talk about.

“No. I am not adventuresome nor do I like to travel much. It’s nice to occasionally get away, but my life is here and so is my purpose. I just wanted to learn to sail better because I want to be able to travel if the need arises. It frequently does. Horses are my life but there are some places that even their strong legs can’t take a woman.” Kavala admitted, glancing around stoically once more. Where were they? Did he even know where he was trying to take her?

Kavala had meant no insult by calling him a pirate and commenting on his life. She was new to sea terminology having lived her life on the grass. It was an easy mistake, especially to one whom listened to the bar tales about pirates and rogues and how they wandered and stole for a living. She nodded at the places he listed he wanted to visit. Some she’d heard of, but most she knew nothing about. Avanthal was the only familiar name, but only because once some of her kin had to ride north to retrieve a ghosts family to put that ghost at ease.

“I would like to visit the past more… explore the great places of history when they were alive and at the height of their glory.” She added, looking thoughtful and knowing it sounded silly. She could in fact visit, not that he’d understand. But she’d have to find keys first and keys were most difficult to acquire. Sometimes one could get lucky in the Chavena, but mostly it was hard research that lead to such things.

Kavala said nothing about that though. Instead she looked around and quietly asked. “Are we lost? I thought we were going to a bathhouse. This doesn’t look anywhere near one that I know of.” She said, her voice a mixture of concern and caution.

[Stefan]

Stefan hated to admit it, but he had to be honest to himself: everything was going wrong, and Kavala seemed unpleased with his displays of affection. Truth be told, everything was so artificial... he hated these flamboyant clothes, and the fact that they were lost, since he didn’t knew the city too well didn’t help at all.

Still... he couldn’t help it, but he actually liked Kavala. She was strong, determinate, and even though she suffered, it only added to her beauty. On other circumstances, it might have worked well, but he was doing this as a job, not as pleasure. It was simply not right for him.

In the end, after a lot of walking, Stefan gave up, and with a defeated sight, he sat down on a bench; the Cliffside Grotto only a few steps ahead. He invited Kavala do to so as well, though it was up to her to do so. “Miss Kavala, I’m honestly sorry... it wasn’t supposed to be like this, but here we are, lost... I’m new to the city, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise.”

He rubbed his temples in frustration. He needed to be sincere with both of them, so he spoke again “Truth be told... I don’t know how to do it. There are a lot of experienced escorts out there, and why Silka choose me above them is beyond me... and this is actually the very first time I do this kind of job, but at this point, it should be obvious, isn’t it? But anyway... sorry for making this as disaster. If you so desire, we can come back, and you can choose your own escort this time, one more experienced, at least.”

Stefan passed his hand through his hair, making it messy again. He was not used to comb it, but he did for the occasion. With an awkward expression on his face, he looked at Kavala again... but this time there was something odd about her. She looked fair and delicate, but yet, he knew she was quite strong. He suddenly had a change in mind... was it because he was being sincere? It was possible, but this time, Stefan held Kavala’s hand delicately, kissed them softly, and then looked at her blue eyes with his brown ones. His eyes showed some sort of weird determination, but then he began to speak in rhymes.

“On the top of the hill, there was a rose
So gorgeous, fragrant and perfect
But alas she did weep, as the sun arose
A broken heart was the prime suspect

A young man came walking by
Wondering about the mournful cry
He saw the rose clear as day
And he spoke to the cry reply

Why are you so sad? Asked the young man
The rose replied, whipping out her tears
Somebody came and took my petals away
I held them dear, but they’re theirs

The man, perplexed, spoke again
It doesn’t matter if some petals are gone
But the flower they will never attain
So please stop your crying until I’m done

If I did touch you, you’ll surely drew blood
It is no secret that every rose has its thorn
Some petals are gone, but there is still the bud
You’re still precious, by the gods I sworn”

Stefan chuckled at the improvised poem, looking at Kavala’s eyes the whole time. “Cheesy, I know... but I couldn’t contain myself; you’re the kind of woman that inspires poems in men like me.” Again, Stefan took a deep breath “Kavala, sorry for not asking before. What do you want to do?”

[Kavala]

Kavala looked at Stefan with a guarded gaze as he sank down on a park bench. She glanced around, noted where they were, and decided that this was absolutely enough. The Konti remained standing, simply watching the man as he gave his confession. The whole thing seemed horribly… unprofessional to her. First he was overconfident, then he was … this. And she wondered suddenly why some men just seemed to try to be what they thought the other people around them wanted them to be rather than themselves.

The poetry came as an utter surprise too. It didn’t fit with the whole situation, and was awkwardly inserted just as his whole persona had been and then the reveal that he wasn’t what she’d paid to hire.

Truth be told, Kavala was absolutely speechless. She stared at the man a long time thinking this was absolutely the last thing she needed, wanted, or could abide by. Maybe in a different time or a different place she would have laughed it off. Maybe if she were back in Mura and that young untried girl she would have taken him by the hand and comforted him.

Instead, she looked angry suddenly. And it came from deep inside as if she were saying words she wanted to tell someone else, not him really. A deep breath came first, then a pause as if she considered her words carefully and then reconsidered her words again. “You should never lie to a person about who or what you are. You should never be anything or anyone but who you really are. There is a reason this didn’t go well. You misrepresented yourself and you tried to force a situation on yourself that you had no training for. This was not a date, Stefan. This was a business deal and an arrangement to help me relax and to be pampered. Your poetry is nice, but it doesn’t make up for the fact that this has been a disaster. I hope you don’t mind if I do not compensate you for services you did not render. And unlike you, I am not lost. I will see myself home. Your business lies to the east, second crossroads turn right and you should find you way there easily enough. I hope you have a better day and take this as a lesson. I used to have compassion for most people, especially humans. But this has… has been the last straw. I am a business woman and I deal honestly with folks. You should consider doing that in the future as well.” She said, quiet rage dripping from her voice.

Truth was she was humiliated. Everything about this was terrible. It was nothing like was promised – a quiet relaxing evening with a man that would relax her and let her talk and help her heal. Instead it was deception. They were all alike, all of them, from Akalak to human to….

Kavala couldn’t even remotely abide by it anymore. She gave him one last long look, turned on her heel, and marched away with her shoulders straight and her head held high.