Spit out the Bone (M)

[Philomel]

"You mean 'Drys' bless that I found you."

She laughed quite merry then, a pure, sweet voice in the air. Slowly she breathed, smile still on her face as the laughter died away, looking around the room and remembering the last time she had been here. So long ago now, back in those days that she was not a mother. This was her personal room, her own suite saved only for herself, her high-society clients, like the few princes and officials she had enchanted with her unique feminine wiles. It was, from time to time, also used by those similar clients for use by other courtesans, but by then only. It was known, and told to those men (and, though rarely, women) that it was a room mostly dedicated to the Matriarch of the brothels. Much expense had been poured into making this room oppulent and glamerous, with the finest royal silks, velvets and vulcana wool decorating it, all with the richest dyes. Bright blue, made from the oppulent lapis lazuli was foremost as a colour with violets and greens made from emeralds aside.

Looking back over to the man who was once more not dead, but alive, Philomel found herself gently smiling and appreciating the finer things she had. No longer did she need to worry about the lingering thought in the back of her mind that he was completely gone from her life. Instead she could be strong in the knowledge he was back. Even in that brief span during the preparation for the hunt of Lichensith Ulroke she had found comfort in the fact he was there. But then he was gone again, those few days of hope thrown to rubbish. She just hoped that this time it was permanat, that he was here, now. Her friend once more, her ally.

She considered what he said about this 'Director Wilfhelm' and his residency within Radsanth. If he truly was a member, and a strong one at that, of the current Brotherhood (without Shinsou) then it was very much possible he was connected to the rising of the struggles with the militia. Perhaps he was the prepetrator behind it? If that was so, then she had a keen interest in his campaign. For even though her ladies could survive through such troubling times, history had told that it was easier without them.

Rolling her shoulders back she surveyed him up and down briefly before planting her hands on her lap. The fact that he was here, after his proud Brotherhood had tried to overthrow him was good and suited her well. It meant that perhaps there was yet chance of a reigniting of that alliance, that had served her Gilded Lily well. Though they themselves were focusing now on the wider feminist issues than simply power, they would once more be willing to extend a hand of friendship - if the right hand was extended.

"So you have met your father again. You told me before that he has a curious history with you, but if he is willing to protect the fact you are living ... well. He could have killed you, and clearly he did not, so I would say that you can indeed trust him."

She looped a hair behind her ear and watched as the midday sun streamed in through the window and lit up Shinsou's fair hair.

"As for me, I was given a message. One of my Lilies intercepted a missive of some kind ..." she paused as she tried to remember the words, "Something like, 'Success unsure. New research - Van Osiris is no longer in Salvar.' But it told me what I needed to know and we came down." A smile came to her lips. "Ah yes, I have 'Lilies' now, not just 'Ladies'. Recently I have had male professionals wishing to join on a permanant basis. It is not just Vaeron living with us.

"As to your 'problem' ... it might be yours, but I am able to help, Shinsou. I have heard of military unrest in this city, and that always will mean problems for my brothels and inns, even though they may be able to live through tougher times than that." She took a moment then frowned, "I retract that statement - I know that they will be able to live through tougher times. But my point stands, I am willing to assist. But before that I honestly think you should rest, change, bathe even, you look exhausted," she gestured to his wet clothes, "You are at one of my establishments after all. I can summon even a lady to bathe you if that is what you want."

[Shinsou Vaan Osiris]

Mature content for new few posts.

So, the Brotherhood aren’t sure about what happened to me. Good, and bad.

Philomel’s news presented a quandary for the Telgradian, who sat pensively in his chair stroking his chin. Whilst it was good that no-one had tracked him out of Salvar, there was now no doubt in his mind that his opponents in Whitevale would be scouring the continents for any trace of him. If they so much as got a sniff of his movements, all sorts of flaming wreckage would be steered towards him and the Gilded Lily that harboured him. With dawn threatening to kiss Radasanth soon, Shinsou realised there was little to be done for another twenty four hours. Trying to get into Crennick’s personal residence in broad daylight was tantamount to suicide, even for him, so at this moment the Faun’s offer of rest and relaxation was the most tempting option.

“A decent soak would be appreciated, but I don’t need a girl. They need to be attending to your paying customers. Thank you, Philomel.” Shinsou, brushing his rain slicked brown hair back, smiled wearily. “As soon as nightfall hits tomorrow, we’ll go right into the heart of Crennick’s little nest and redecorate. Until then…”

He rose from his chair, removing his coat to reveal his taut black dress shirt and bare arms. Smiling, he offered the faun a hand.

“Bathe with me, if you have the time.”

Much like the Faun’s personal quarters, her bathroom oozed luxury.

The bathing tub that stood on its own ivory podium in the centre was fashioned from fine, polished copper and carefully moulded. It was big enough for at least four adults to sit in, comfortably, and the water was just the right temperature. If anyone ever demanded anything bigger or better, they’d have to go to the river. No-one could spare the metal for something like that. Beside it, a table jutted out, composed of shells the colour of sand, the hues varying like the beach from dawn to dusk. The mosaic was polished to a high shine and from below the great golden disk came legs of twisting driftwood.

As the faun followed the Telgradian into the room, rolling her shoulders back and slipping off her top layer of clothing, she pondered for a moment.

“Shinsou, do you think you’ll ever go back to the Brotherhood?”

The question made him pause. It was one he really hadn’t considered the answer to just yet, but eventually Shinsou found the words.

“There is conflict within the Brotherhood. Like any animal or substance squeezed into a smaller space, eventually the internal energy will defeat the external pressure - and that, Phi, is revolution, sharp and violent. That’s what Crennick stands for. He feels that I am weakening the Brotherhood, so this has been coming for some time.” Shinsou shook his head. “But the movements I was making with the Brotherhood were in the directions of peace; turning a once criminal syndicate into a powerful, legitimate organization that can actually make a difference. That's why I’m taking down the walls of this institution a piece at a time, randomly, quietly, letting pressure escape nice and slow. That's evolution, gentle and peaceful. I won’t give up on it yet.”

There was a prolonged quiet as further clothes made their way onto the polished tiles of the bathroom floor. As the pair gracefully slid into the copper tub, Shinsou closed his eyes and felt the warm water touch his skin. It was the best feeling he had felt in weeks. As he extended his legs, he could feel Philomel’s lower body fur brush against him. There was no effort from either party to retract; comfortable with their contact. Instead, the faun responded with a subtle movement towards her ally.

“I won’t abandon you or the Gilded Lily, though, either.” He smiled up at the faun, who gazed at him curiously. "You are too important to me."

“Which is why I must ask you an important question…”

“Oh?” Philomel responded, looping wet strands of hair behind her ears.

“Can Delath still tunnel underground?”

Shinsou’s golden eyes blazed with the light of an idea that had been brewing ever since he had entered the bathroom. “I remember him doing that against me in the Citadel, and if he can do what he did there, I think we’ve found our way into Radasanth. Then, both of our problems are solved."