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Post by Ceutinde on Sept 2, 2020 16:34:27 GMT
The HoP&RfOH started its life as a massive four-story mansion, kindly donated by the heir to a deceased Reclaimer. Since then, it has acquired neighboring buildings and added wings, but the heart of the institution remains the old house. The first floor is a tavern open to the public, with the second a private club open only to Reclaimers (current and former) and their guests. The top two floors were previously a mix of more intimate settings for paying customers and healers' wards, but most of the latter have expanded into their own surrounding buildings.
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Post by Ceutinde on Sept 9, 2020 21:30:07 GMT
As the coach approached the HoP&RfOH, Ceutinde knocked again on the ceiling, three times now. "So he takes us to the main entrance, not the private one. It's much more impressive, for your first time. We'll let you try the back door next time." She said by way of explanation, only smirking a little at the innuendo.
They pulled up in the front of the converted manse and an attendant opened the door, ushering the ladies inside. Ceutinde led the way into a large circular foyer, dominated at the center by a larger-than-life statue of a nude elven woman that Silvia no doubt recognized as the goddess Sylveria. "The model for that still works here, if you like what you see. Sculptor wanted to use me at first, but that seemed a bit pompous, and I've always figured the Life-Bringer should have a few more curves than I do."
She pointed first to the double-doors opposite the entrance. "That's for the general public. Still the finest bar and entertainment in the city, but as I said, you qualify for a more...refined air now." Ceutinde took Silvia's hand and started leading her up one of the two staircases that wrapped around the room. Two bouncers waited at the top of the stairs, both of whom she greeted warmly. One of them opened a door engraved "Private Club", which led into a decent-sized bar. It wasn't particularly busy at this hour, mostly just a few old-timers telling hunting stories, each of them with at least one scantily-clad employee nodding and laughing along. "I've always felt that listening to what they have to say is vital to our mission, here."
A human woman, probably late-20s with a blond bob and more clothes than most of the rest of those around, approached the pair with a smile. "My lady Ceutinde, so good to see you, and with a friend." Looking at Silvia, she introduced herself. "Don't believe I've had the pleasure. I'm Malaire, frontside manager. Is it your first time?"
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Post by Silvia Raizer on Sept 9, 2020 21:48:48 GMT
"Yes." Silvia swept off her hat and bowed to the woman. "Silvia Raizer, bard and adventurer. I am truly honoured to be here. I'm starting to feel a little overdressed." She laughed.
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Post by Ceutinde on Sept 9, 2020 22:03:34 GMT
"Certainly not. The clientele comes in dressed as they like, it's our job to get you more comfortable," The manager told Silvia, "What can we interest you in?"
"Silvia was hoping for a massage," Ceutinde added in, "And I have some research to do. Keep her entertained for a little while? All on the house, of course."
"I'm sure we can see to that." Malaire took Silvia's arm and led her toward the bar. "Let's get you a glass of something soothing and find you a masseuse. What's your poison?"
"I'll be just upstairs, yell if you need me for anything," Ceutinde added as she started toward a side door, "But you're in good hands."
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Post by Silvia Raizer on Sept 9, 2020 22:08:04 GMT
"I don't doubt it." Silvia smiled at Ceutinde. "Please let me know if you find anything useful."
"Wine would suit me today," Silvia said to Malaire. "Have you served here a long time?"
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Post by Ceutinde on Sept 9, 2020 22:18:34 GMT
Ceutinde headed upstairs to her study.
"Oh, about ten years now?" Malaire answered as she uncorked a bottle from the night before and poured a glass. She stopped, considered, and poured a second half-glass for herself, as well. "Started out scrubbing glasses, then tending bar, now in charge of far too many things, but primarily getting the right customer to the right expert. And you're one of the ones that Madame Ceutinde ran off with lately, right?"
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Post by Silvia Raizer on Sept 9, 2020 22:42:05 GMT
"Ran off with? That's no way to describe the grandest quest of my life," Silvia scoffed. "Honestly, it was glorious. Your mistress acquitted herself very well, you can be proud of her. I'm so happy I've had the chance to get to know her, and, dare I say it, become her friend."
She lifted the wineglass to her lips and took a sip. "Delightful. I'm eager to learn more about the House, and enjoy some of the services, as already mentioned."
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Post by Ceutinde on Sept 9, 2020 22:47:56 GMT
Malaire pulled out a small notepad and pen and flipped to a blank page. "Well then, let me just get some preferences for your massage and we can get started. Species and sex of the masseuse, that kind of thing. And are there any specific issues we're looking to deal with? Lasting injuries from the adventure, for example."
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Post by Silvia Raizer on Sept 10, 2020 17:14:57 GMT
Silvia grinned. "I hadn't expected so much attention to detail, but I obviously should have. I mostly just want to relax after a difficult few days. I think a focus on my shoulders is the most important part, for me."
She took another sip of wine. "I'd ideally prefer a human or elven female. The hands are more delicate hands than male hands, in most cases."
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Post by Ceutinde on Sept 10, 2020 17:53:18 GMT
"You haven't seen some of our gentlemen," Malaire replied, jotting the preferences down, "But we can certainly get you a young lady. Dainty, but strong enough to work out your knots. Wait right here." She left the bar and disappeared into one of the side doors, before returning a few minutes later with an elven woman, about six feet tall with bright red hair, in a floral robe that Silvia recognized as the same pattern that Ceutinde had worn on the trip. "This is Maksaquare, one of our best. I trust she'll meet your every requirement."
The elf held out a hand to Silvia with a smile. "Follow me and we'll get you sorted out."
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Post by Silvia Raizer on Sept 10, 2020 17:56:29 GMT
Silvia smiled back and took the woman's hand. "I'd appreciate that. I'm looking forward to it." She took her glass with her and followed Maksaquare.
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Post by Ceutinde on Sept 10, 2020 18:19:21 GMT
Maksaquare led Silvia through a doorway and up a set of stairs, saying as they went, "Before we begin, I have to inform you that divination is in place to ensure that nothing untoward occurs. Not that I'm concerned about a friend of the Lady's, but this can of course be a dangerous industry and we do our very best to prevent it. Any complaints you have with my service may similarly be redressed through management, up to and including the Lady Ceutinde herself." They went down a hallway on the third floor, and entered a room well-lit through frosted windows with a tall and firm-looking cot in the middle. She gestured toward it. "Please disrobe, lie down, and we can get started."
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Post by Silvia Raizer on Sept 10, 2020 18:28:55 GMT
Silvia looked around the room with interest and methodically removed her clothing, carefully putting each item aside. She lay on her stomach on the bed and smiled up at the elven woman.
"I'm ready."
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Post by Ceutinde on Sept 10, 2020 18:53:00 GMT
What followed was an hour of rapture. Muscles that Silvia was heretofore unaware of were found and loosened. Whether anything more intimate than a standard massage took place was, of course, strictly confidential. Regardless, at the end of it, she was taken to a separate lounge, given a robe and another glass of wine, and left to relax.
Not terribly long after arriving there, Silvia was found there by Ceutinde, who lowered herself into a nearby armchair. "Well, Saqua seems to be earning her keep. You look like you might melt. Or might have already melted two or three times. Shall we go ahead and book you in for a standing weekly appointment?"
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Post by Silvia Raizer on Sept 10, 2020 18:58:52 GMT
"Oh? That would be a good idea, when I'm actually in the city. I'm an adventurer though, so you may expect me to be out of town fairly frequently. I'm going to Edysse soon, with Nigel Thornheart," Silvia confided. "I'll probably need a massage when I get back though, particularly if I bump into any relatives." She grinned.
"Saqua - if I may call her such - is very talented. I knew you would never employ anyone who wasn't, of course. I've honestly never had such a pleasant massage. I bet didn't have half as good a time as me, but did you manage to find anything?"
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