4 comments/ 5415 views/ 2 favorites Twisted Royal Ch. 01 By: AmazingZero A/N: This is my very first submission on literotica. This story will have romance and some light vanilla sexual interactions later. But it's mostly plot and development. § is a symbol that will be next to a word in my story that will be defined at the end of a chapter. This is a made up world, so there will be some strange words/and or languages as well as unfamiliar terms. oOo Dashe wasn't a bad person. She just didn't like people fucking with her. Since day one she had been thrown into a world of darkness and pain, so she wanted to make the best of the life she had now. She wasn't too clear on the details of her past. She remembered light, and then she remembered the darkness of the night surrounding her, along with the warmth of a blanket. Mother Teresa had said her mother left her in a basket in front of the orphanage, and that she and the other 'Mothers'§ had taken her in because if they hadn't, she would have been found by an Imperial guard§ sooner or later. Even then those damned intimidating Imperial 'soldiers' had been scaling the nights, making sure no unauthorized citizen or foreigner was out past the city curfew. If they had found her, she would have been a walking dead man- er, baby. Things hadn't really increased in favor for Dashe after the Mothers took her in though. She had been only four at the time, but that was an early age to be exposed to such abuse and mistreatment. Not just from the Mothers, but the other children too. Dashe had the dark bronze skin and curly mass of raven hair that only Nabrenians§ had, not to mention the large tattoo on her back that the Mothers had assumed was a birthmark. She was pretty much an outcast amongst her peers and the rest of the city. Which might not sound that bad if you didn't know the current state of affairs in the world of Navalice§. Basically, she was a minority in her city. A minority whose originated ethnicity wasn't exactly held with pride. She wasn't a political person, but ever since running away from the orphanage with her two comrades, she had seen the affects of war and death firsthand. The kingdoms of Nabren and Zavier were apparently at war with Genese, the current kingdom/city she resided in. She wasn't too familiar with why or how the war had started, but alot of the laws and restrictions had become more severe because of the war. Genese had already been an unethical place before, though the faults of the city were both hidden and generally unspoken of, but now the war had seemed to uncover the ugly inequality between noble and commoner. Basically, taxes were rising sky high. Imperial soldiers had become more abusive of their power. Poverty wasn't that uncommon anymore, and Dashe had to struggle to keep her feet firmly set to the ground. For the last two years she had been free from the orphanage, and for the last two years she had been scraping by with her two friends; Kaime and Maire. They had stuck together through thick and thin, and even though they all butted heads a bit, they would never abandon each other. Dashe considered them her family, and they knew it well despite her usual reserved personality . Of course friendship wasn't going to pay the bills. For a while the three orphans had been homeless, and though Maire and Dashe weren't fond of stealing, they didn't reprimand Kaime as hard as they should have when he nabbed some wealthy democrats wallet. It put food in their mouths and clothes on their back, though the guilt was still there. Money never lasted however, and eventually they would have to skip a nights meal to work, work, work. As it always was in the prestigious kingdom of Genese. The rich grew richer and the poor grew poorer. But she had a plan. Nevertheless if her pride would be intact by the end of said plan. Yes, her pride had always been one of her most prized possessions. Though she had lived the majority of her life beaten and scorned by the orphanage Head Mother, and had also been under the scrutinizing of the entire Genesian race due to her darker skin and desertian attire, Dashe had always walked with her chin in the air and a sense of silent strength that no one could destroy. Kaime and Maire had been the only two other orphans in her wretched former 'home' that Dashe had been close to. Kaime was a rowdy and too handsome for his own good thief who gave off the air that he only cared about himself. Yet he had always been protective of Dashe and Maire as if they were his sisters. It hadn't taken much consideration for him to dump his life in the slums of the orphanage to run off with his friends in the hopes of finding a better life. Maire on the other hand, had been very reluctant to leave her old home. She liked to consider herself the more reasonable and down to earth of her friends. Despite her hate for the orphanage and the cruel money grubbers who ruled over it, Maire had been grateful for the roof over her head and the food, though meager, that was always present on her plate. But even a roof over her head and food could never make Maire withstand the torture she had went through. Though she was the more respectably and obedient of the orphans she had scars etched along her back and arms as reminders of the abuse she had endured at the hands of the 'Mothers' of the orphanage. She had been the protector of the more smaller and weak children there and had payed the price for it. Eventually she had no choice but to run off with Dashe and Kaime. It had been a rough road at first. They were orphans without a penny to their name after all. Kaime had resorted to thievery while Maire tried her game at singing in bars and cleaning houses. Dashe had become a waitress until her boss had no choice to fire her since so many of the tenants disliked a 'darkie' serving them. Eventually they had gathered enough money to buy a small cabin like home on the inskirts of town. It was small and crowded, but it had a huge backyard and a large Airship Holder§ where the orphans usually found themselves sleeping in when the harsh cold winter hit. It didn't take long for the house to become a decent home for them, and despite Kaimes constant warnings that they would have to move eventually; they all grew fond of it. And now they were about to lose it. Dashe hadn't known what to do when she woke up to find an eviction notice hanging at the window of their front door. Due to the upcoming war many prices had risen in the kingdom of Genese, so now instead of having to pay 89 £ they had to pay 200 £. By the next sunrise no less. Kaime and Maire didn't know. They had left the night before to get ready for another work filled day. So Dashe was the only one available to see this unpleasant surprise. Maire would panic if she knew. And Dashe didn't even want to imagine how Kaime might react. He had never been on good terms with Sir Fringe, the landowner, and more than once Dashe had had to restrain Kaime from marching over to the mans mansion to give him a bloody eye. He wouldn't have stood a chance anyway. Sir Fringe was a paltry man but rather powerful, he could afford security. Not to mention his own daughter Stella, who Kaime had tried courting at one time to spite the man, was a powerful crystal mage in training. They were screwed if they didn't find the money. She had to do something. Quickly. Dashe let out an inaudible sigh and pushed herself further into the shadows of the market roof. She had always been a stealthy person, and since the Market vendor had more than once ordered her to stay away from his shop, thanks to Kaimes rusty thievery skills no less, Dashe now had to be careful whenever she hid there. Just as Dashe felt her back collide with a pillar on the roof, an idea struck her mind. When she had first ran away from the orphanage, her and her friends had split up to find some food before meeting at a dark alley, the only shelter option they had at the time. She had run into a beautiful woman with a devil may care aura. It had been a dark night, and the memory was foggy. But Dashe couldn't help reminiscing on it. oOo -Flashback- Dashe limped through the dark hidden passageways sloping through the city, a small pouch clutched in her dirty hands as she stayed in the shadows. She couldn't afford for an Imperial guard to catch her and ask for her papers. Because she didn't have any. She had left them at the orphanage. Her eyes were determined but her expression was stony as she trudged along. She was in pain, but she had managed to steal some bread and even a small sugary cake from the bakery across town. Of course the bakers son, a bulky meatball of a man, had managed to beat her soundly before she could escape. Thankfully he hadn't seen her face or her skin in the dark room, so he wouldn't be able to identify her later. She had to move quickly though before he could alert the Imperials that a thief was on the loose. It was a feat to be an amateur thief and still be breathing, and she was happy that she at least contributed something to the meal her and her friends would share at midnight. Kaime and Maire would be waiting for her, if they had found food already that is. In times like these, it would be understandable -though dissapointing- if they hadn't found even a crumb. And just as that sad thought crossed her mind, Dashe heard the sound of a young feminine whistle. Not a calling whistle, but a whistle that was high pitched and in tune as if someone was humming a song. Dashe felt her body tense as her eyes shot around the dim lit street. She pushed herself hurriedly between the brick walls of two of the closest buildings, ignoring the sharp pain that sprang through her ankle. 'Please don't let them see me...' Dashe prayed silently as she waited for whoever it was to pass. If it was an Imperial soldier..... She didn't want to think about what would happen if she was caught. Her skin baring ripped clothes and mud caked skin, not to mention the concealed food would all rise up questions. Already she could hear the sound of the whistle getting closer, and Dashe inched further along the thin passage between the buildings. Luckily her frame was small, but not small enough to squeeze through to the other side and run off. She'd have to wait. And she did. For several long seconds that felt like forever she waited with the pouch clutched to her chest and her breath caught in her throat. And just like that, the whistle stopped. A long beat of silence passed, the dim sound of the wind blowing being the only sound to grace Dashes ears. She waited a second, then another, before slowing opening her eyes and glancing to her left. She only saw a limited view of the street and a few buildings across from her. The only way to see more would be to come out of her hiding spot. At that moment, the sound of the City bell rang out. Twelve times it chimed, signifying that midnight had approached. A strong feeling of reluctance overtook Dashe. What if the person hadn't gone? Sure, the whistling had stopped. But she couldn't be sure.... 'Kaime and Maire are probably worried sick about me though.' She realized. And just like that, her consideration of her comrades outweighed her fear. Seconds ticked past before Dashe slowly began to slide out of the thin passageway she was wedged into. Cold air hit her instantly as she stepped out into the open, and Dashe glanced around the city with a wary eye. The view was normal as ever. Dark and gloomy, with only a few dim street lights lighting the enclosure. The windows of every building and house seemed to be pitch black, and the distant sound of rushing water from the City Fountain could be heard. Dashe let out another relieved breath and let the pouch hang loosely from her hands as she took a moment to relax her nerves. "A little late for a youngster like you to be out...." A soft voice called in the distance. Instantly Dashes relaxed stance turned tense once more. Turning swiftly to the right, her eyes connected with a figure sitting calmly across the steps of one of the buildings a few feet off. On closer look it was a curvious woman in a long silky gold dress that matched the curls sailing down her back and shoulders. The lady had lips stained with red that seemed to be permanently set into a smirk. Dashe took a tentative step backward. 'Now, now.' The woman said cheerfully, brushing strands of hair out of her face as she did so. "There's no need to run off. I'm not the type of woman to call an Imperial on such a poor girl..." The womans sharp gray eyes assessed her appearance, and the stare made Dashe feel even more uneasy than before. She couldn't decide if she should just run off or speak. The woman had seen her face, though it was still pretty dark the street lights had made it easy to identify her. As if sensing Dashes disdain, the woman sighed and slowly pushed herself to her feet. "You're too young to be running about. Imperial soldiers could catch you and take you to jail. Not to mention you're a defenseless pretty girl, regardless of your filth. I'm a woman. I can handle myself, but you?" The woman scoffed. A pang of irritation sprang forward like a slap to her face. She didn't even know this woman, and the woman didn't know her. Who was she to just insult her like that? In fact, the Imperials were more likely to try and bed that 'woman' than Dashe.. Her dress didn't leave much to the imagination, and Dashe said so. Her voice was low and raspy and practically a whisper, so the woman blinked in surprise when she spoke. "Feisty, aren't you?" The woman replied after a moment of silence. The wind was becoming stronger, and though the street was relatively empty it might not be for long. Both of them seemed to realize this at the same time, and the woman stood up a little straighter. "What's your name?" She demanded, putting a sharply fingernailed hand on her hip. Dashe only stared at her. "Come on now. I don't bite. And I hate the Imperials as much as anyone, I won't snitch to them. You just look hungry and cold. I'm not one to let a child die of starvation." The woman snapped when Dashe didn't reply. Dashes dark brows rose slightly at this. Compassion was something very few had in the city. Especially toward her kind. The woman was intimidating and seemed like the type to be able to seduce with just words. But all Dashe saw when she looked at the womans face was strength and honesty, along with far too much rouge. With a sigh she finally spoke. "My name is Dante Ashe...most know me as just Dashe." It felt weird saying her full name, especially to a stranger. Even Kaime and Maire never called her Dante Ashe. The woman seemed to be unaffected by her strange foreign name though and simply nodded. At that very moment, the City Bell sounded again. Only this time it was just once, which meant they were already one hour into the new day. The loud Ding reverberated in Dashes ears, and she glanced behind her hurriedly. Kaime and Maire would definitely be at the alley by now. Turning back to the woman, Dashe blinked when she saw her advancing quickly. Her first instinct was to flee, but the woman only stopped a few inches in front of her. She looked significantly more beautiful up close, though her expression was more grim than before. "Here." The woman said softly as she held out her hand. A small necklace donning a crystal as blue and clear as water was set into her palm. Dashe stared at it in confusion before she realized the woman wanted her to take it. The crystal felt cool and hard as it made contact with Dashes own palm, and the young girl couldn't help but admire it. The woman began to speak again. "If you ever need some extra money, go to the downtown whorehouse and tell them you want to see Little Fox. Show them this crystal... and they'll let you in without a fuss." The woman met Dashes eyes with a sparkling smile. "And who knows..." She continued slowly as she backed away. "Maybe if you gain some weight on your body, you can become the perfect escort§ someday." And with those last offensive words, the woman turned and vanished into the night. -End of flashback- oOo It was an unarguable bad idea. But it was an easy and quick way to get money without having to labor or steal. That 'Little Fox' lady might not still be there, but she said the people there would let her in without a fuss if she showed them the neckalice. Dashe had worn it with her always since then, though she kept it hidden beneath her clothes so the Imperials wouldn't see it. Maire had admired it when she had first seen it, but even she didn't know where Dashe had found it. It was the only secret she kept from them. A secret that was currently nestled under the collar of her blouse. She'd go there today and see how much of the womans words had been true. Maybe she would get lucky. Dashe took a deep breath and stood to her feet. In a flash she was jumping from roof to roof, heading toward downtown Genese. The Whorehouse was only a thirty minute walk. She'd have the money and be gone before Maire or Kaime even reached the house. oOo §Mothers: Female nuns who own and occupy the orphanage, feeding and supervising the children. The Head Mother is over them all. §Imperial soldiers and/or guards: Feared soldiers who work for the council and government of Genese. They have strong authority over the common people and enforce their laws. §Navalice: The universe and world in which the story takes place. It is an alternate universe to earth and has it's own laws and system in which people live. There is magic and medieval settings, but there are modern aspects in certain kingdoms such as advanced technology. §Nabrenians: Natives to the kingdom of Nabre, most of who have tattoos signifying their status. They are commonly referred to as the slang term 'Desert people' and resemble Egyptians in some ways. The people of Nabre are currently at war with Genese and usually are racially discriminated against when venturing outside of their land since they are isolated people and generally misunderstood. Nabre is in alliance with Zavier. §Airship Holder: A large enclosure, typically appearing as a huge garage, generally designed and built for holding Airships. § Escort: Escorts have many meanings. But the slange term is; A prostitute or sex servant, male or female, who is paid for pleasing clients. Twisted Royal Ch. 02 A/N: Surprised at how quickly I got over a thousand views on the first chap. And oooh, todays the 12th of feb. It's my birthday! Whoot. Then again this chapter might not be approved till tomorrow morning. So it'll maybe be the 13th when you guys see it. Hopefully this chapter is acceptable. Don't expect sex right away though. I'm still pretty innocent in that area even if I am legal and taken. Enjoy. As usual § will be next to a word that will be defined in my story, some chapters might not have as many as others though. oOo Dashe felt like a bird as she sprung over the roofs littering the city skies, the wind rushing past her hair and pushing against her smooth face. She had always been a runner, someone who took pleasure in feeling her limbs and soul always on the move. There were alot of things that many didn't know about Dashe. Her yearn for freedom being one of them. She hated being concealed or trapped, and she hated staying in one place for too long. The only exception being her home with Maire and Kaime. She knew the only reason she loved it so much was because it was one of the few things she ever truly owned. A place where she could be comfortable in, a place where no one could order her around or threaten to beat her. A place that she could share with Maire and Kaime happily. She didn't need it to be large or regal. She just needed it to be there. The thought of Sir Fringe just stealing it away from them only made her desperation rise. Pushing herself to move faster, the buildings shooting past her view at a speed she didn't know she had, Dashe ran...and ran and ran until her muscles ached. Maire would have disapproved greatly. "Dashe, you oaf§! Why the bloody crystal§ did you not take a horse!" The brunette would have nagged. Dashe could already imagine Maires blue eyes crinkling in disdain, her hands firmly set on her hips. The thought made Dashe feel a small smile tug at her lips as she ran through the city, jumping from the roof of a church and slipping into an alley so as to avoid the Imperials that were surely lengthening the streets. The alley was long and dark, though the sun was high its rays promptly refused to reside there. Dashe would have minded not if there hadn't been anyone else there. But just her luck, a few youths smoking cigars occupied the ally. Some of them lifted a curious eye when they heard her rapidly advancing, but none of them managed to react in time when she shot past them like a bullet. Dashe pushed past one of the few people idly walking near the end of the alley, but she didn't stop to say sorry when the person collided with a wall, the sound of bones crunching springing forth. She heard someone grunt in surprise and shoot obscene curses at her, but she lent a death ear to their voices and ran even faster, only focusing on reaching her destination so she could return to the house before her friends did. And the more she grew closer to the invisible line that separated downtown Genese from her side of the city, the more her limbs began to burn. And the more her limbs burned the more she became unaware of the strange heat spreading from the crystal that lay across her collarbone. oOo After avoiding several more Imperials and staying hidden in the darkest parts of the city, Dashe reached Downtown Genese. Unlike Uptown; the landscape in that particular part of the city was alot more elegant and refined. After studying it, Dashe realized less Imperials marched there and the people were more sophisticated in their dress and manner of posture. The Market in downtown was larger, fresher, and evidently more prettier than the Market that Dashe usually went to. The people who walked in and out of the shops all had some form of expensive attire. She didn't see a single pauper walking the streets. Dashe had seen Uptown once when she had been a mere child being brought to a church and baptized. But she didn't remember anything about it, and she could see why not many commoners ventured there. It was almost like an unspoken law. Peasants stayed to their side, the nobles stayed to theirs. Only under certain circumstances would someone of either station venture to the other side. And as Dashe hesitantly stood at the banister of someones home, her eyes taking in the beautiful sight of the more beautiful side of the city, she felt a wave of bitterness wash over her. She had never been one to care for materialistic things. Unlike Kaime, and even Maire. Dashe wanted a better life than the excuse for one she had had at the orphanage. But she didn't ask for more than she needed. She didn't want a castle or gold like Kaime would tell stories about. She was happy with the home she had now. Even so, Dashe wondered what gave those born more well off the right to lord over their good fortune 'Truly, how did the city- no, how did the world come to be like this?' Dashe wondered as she walked away from the banister in fear that its owner might see her. 'Was I born in such a world where people cannot just be...people? Regardless of status? How out of place I am then, since I am both a filthy foreigner in their eyes AND a peasant. Must there be others like me, trapped between being a commoner and an outcast...' The bitterness only grew as more questions sprung to mind. Why did she and her friends have to be the ones to suffer? Why the bloody crystal did she have to be scorned just because her skin was darker? And why did she feel utterly out of place even despite her exotic differences. It was more than just feeling unwanted. She knew she didn't belong there. But for how long? How long...would she be trapped... In a moment of being lost in her own thoughts, Dashe boldly began to walk along the streets that led to the whorehouse which surely be on the other, more blase side of Uptown. She truly doubted a whorehouse would just be in plain view among the superior elegance of the other buildings. Instantly curious and sharp stares turned her way. Some of the citizens even stopped in their tracks to stare. Of course most had to rush out of the way when a carriage would glide past. Eventually whispers began to accompany the strange looks, but no one made a move towards her. It didn't take long for Dashe to actually notice and feel the heat of their gazes. Dashe began to feel iffy since she hadn't stopped by the house to change her clothes. She only wore a simple black cowl over her shirt, along with a black pair of shorts that did little to conceal her tanned muscular legs. Genese was a hot place in the summer and she rarely wore anything else other than small cloths that hid her unmentionables. It was a habit of hers, and she usually thought nothing of it since Kaime was the only boy around the house. Maire did the same. Still, she didn't want the Upperclass that she did eventually run into to get the wrong idea...Who was she to talk though? She was headed to a whorehouse after all. In a time like this; wasting time feeling self conscious wasn't an option. Still, she didn't like the stares anymore than she liked being stabbed with glass. Swallowing a sigh, Dashe edged along the street until she managed to dash behind another building. Fortunately there was a water pipe along the side of it, and she instantly began to climb toward its roof. She felt more comfortable above the ground anyway. Bearing in mind to stay concealed in the shadows, though scarce, in the city; Dashe paused when she leaped onto the roof of a large funeral home. She crouched down and peered over the edge of the roof as her eyes swept over the marble streets littered with sparkles and golden lanterns. The sun had full risen by then and Dashe was graced with the pleasure of seeing the light rays flicker over the fountains and buildings, causing the city to glow. Some people stopped to admire the view, while others went along on their business. Dashe herself was one of the few who admired it. She felt her body relax as she slumped over the curve of the roof, her long raven curls spilling over the side. And for a moment she let herself sit vulnerably out in the open as she tilted her head and studied the new rise of the sun. It looked like paradise. Cupping her palms neatly under her chin, Dashe silently gazed at the beautiful colors splashing along the city. Such beauty made it easy to hide the wrong that was always present in the kingdom. She wished she could change it. But her heart and duty was currently to her friends and to herself. She was a mere girl who didn't even have any magical capabilities to get by. How could someone like her try and rid the world of injustice when she couldn't even pay two hundred pounds to her annoying landowner? Shaking her head with a dry humorless laugh, Dashe answered her own question as she pushed herself to her feet once more. It was simple really. "I can't." oOo "..." Two pairs of smoky brown eyes stared down at Dashe. Eyes that were filled with skepticism. Eyes that belonged to a woman who stood at the front of the large lavish building...that had the words Plaisir Havre§ blinking in large translucent lights. Dashe was not multilingual. But even she could tell she had arrived at the whorehouse. She hadn't known what to expect really. Maybe an old run down building rotting in the middle of a slum like enclosure. She had spent too much of her life in the orphanage apparently, or maybe just in the slums in general, but the whorehouse wasn't what she had imagined. In short, it was not run down. It wasn't rotting, and it didn't even look like a convention for escorts to flaunt themselves. Truly the only reason Dashe had known where to find the whorehouse was because there was literally only one known place where pleasure escorts worked, and apparently the large elegant dome shaped building in front of her was it. When Dashe had arrived there it didn't take long for her to notice the bell placed at the top of the front doors, nor the rope that hung beside it. She had rung the bell twice and it hadn't even been ten seconds before the woman who was now sneering down at her had come out. Dashe had practically lost her voice by then though. She truly had no idea what to say. The Little Fox lady hadn't told her what to say. In fact, all she had said was to show them the crystal...But Dashe couldn't just thrust it into the womans face and demand entry! "..." The woman quirked a light brow when Dashe only stood there awkwardly, her arm behind her neck. Despite the whorehouse being as elegant as the rest of the buildings, it was in a pretty isolated and darker part of the city. It wasn't blase, but it wasn't crowded with crummy and dirty men. And despite Dashe being relieved for that, since she wasn't too keen on people seeing her there, she still felt nervous. She truly had never considered doing...well whatever she was about to do. The woman who resembled a guard dog didn't seem to care about Dashes insecurities though, and let out an annoyed breath as she readjusted the white skin hugging gown she wore. "How long are you going to stand here? Are you here for an escort or not" She finally huffed, her doe eyes narrowed into annoyed slits. Well. She was pleasant. "A woman named Little Fox said I should come here if I ever need money." Dashe explained irritably. Well her voice had finally managed to come out clear. Thank goodness. "I'm sure this is the right place. Can you send her out here or something?" The smoky eyed womans lips curled downward, but she didn't respond. Her lack of reply made Dashe want to throw her hands up in the air in exasperation and groan. What the bloody crystal was wrong with her!? "Little Fox?" The name rolled off the womans tongue, and Dashe didn't miss the distaste clearly evident in her accented voice. There was also a hint of curiosity there. "You must be joking. Do you have any proof that she directed you here?" At times like these, Dashe was ecstatic to have a piece of evidence on her side. The crystal, which felt oddly hot on her skin for some reason, was quickly brought out from under her blouse. Dashe was just about to jut it in the womans face like a gleeful child when her eyes caught sight of it. It was glowing? The womans eyes flickered down to the crystal, which was now heating up Dashes hands and lighting up the the space between them. Instantly her eyes widened and her distant expression slid ajar to reveal her surprise. "That..." The woman stuttered, her pale elegant hands sliding to her mouth. Dashe sent her an inquisitive look. Why was she so shocked? And why was her face turning red like a tomato? She didn't have time to ask though, because in a flash the woman had stepped down the stairs and grabbed the crystal from Dashes hands. Dashe reared back in surprise, not because the woman had snatched it so suddenly, but because of the scream that sprang forth from her mouth. The woman dropped the crystal from her hands as if it burned and turned away. Dashe gasped and quickly kneeled down to catch it before it could hit the ground. It fell gracefully in her palms and she breathed a sigh of relief before turning to glare at the girl. Her glare faltered however when she saw the pained and shocked expression fluttering across her face. "Why do you have that?" The woman squeaked, her gray eyes flashing between the still glowing crystal in Dashes hands to Dashe herself, who took a deep breath and placed the crystal back safely under her blouse. She was starting to wonder if coming there had been a good idea. "Tell me!" The woman snapped, her hand still clutched to her chest. "Where did you steal it from? Why did it not deny you? Tell me now before I call an Imperial here!" Dashes expression turned to one of surprise before going dark. Putting her hands firmly on her hips, Dashe met the womans gaze firmly with her own. "I told you." Dashe replied irritably. "A woman named Little Fox gave it to me a long time ago. I did not STEAL it from anyone." The woman started as if she didn't believe her. But something seemed to stop her. For a moment she just stood there quietly, her gaze sliding from the lump in Dashes shirt, where the crystal was, to Dashes face. Her smoky eyes regarded Dashe coolly as she absently rubbed her hand, which seemed to be swelling. Dashe hadn't really noticed it before, but from the looks of it the crystal had burned her... "What is your name, girl?" The woman finally asked after a moment. Her expression was now less cold but it was still guarded. Dashe sighed and brought her fingers to her temple. A headache felt as if it was about to brew any second. "Dante Ashe." She said after a moment of considering if she should lie or not. It didn't take long for her to go with the latter. She didn't want to get any deeper in the situation than she already was. Dashes gaze had been swayed toward the ground at that point, so she didn't notice the flicker of surprise that spread across the womans face. Nor did she see how the woman seemed to stiffen before she straightened her posture. "Well." The woman said finally, her composure regained. "Dante...Ashe, if you are to be paid here, you must use your own services to do so. How much money are you in need of?" Her complete change of demeanor caused Dashe to only blink in surprise. The dark haired orphan stood there for a moment, not sure of how to proceed. Should she try to explain her predicament with her landowner or just simply state the amount of money she needed? She had never been in such a situation before so she wasn't sure... "I-I need two hundred pounds to pay rent." Dashe began awkwardly, her hand going to the back of her head once more. She hated asking for money, but the eviction notice had been an unpleasant surprise. Besides, Maire and Kaime couldn't just find so much money in such a short time! Desperate times called for desperate measures, and her friends would forgive her dishonorable way of getting the money eventually. At least...she hoped so. "But I'm not sure what you mean. My services? Do you mean like..." Dashe went on, as she stiffly gestured to her figure, letting the rest of her question go unspoken. Amusement flashed across the womans face but disappeared as quickly as it came. Her reply came quickly. "You came here to a whorehouse wearing 'those' clothes. I am sure you knew what you were getting into." She said softly, her eyes straying from Dashe to gaze toward the bright sky. Dashe paled slightly at the discreet attack at her attire. She knew it wouldn't be so easy to just request money and be on her way. It wasn't like she hadn't already suspected it, and she wouldn't complain. After all it was selfish to even think of asking without giving something in return. But still...she wasn't sure if she was prepared for- She didn't even know how to please a... Oh god even thinking of it made her inwardly shudder in disgust. The woman seemed to notice her discomfort too because her mouth twitched upward. "Come." She said after a pitifful shake of her head. She held out a hand to Dashe. "If you want the money by today, I think you need a change of wardrobe. You have a bit to learn about people like us since you're...new to the trade." Dashe took her hand hesitantly. "What is your name, since I've given you mine?" She asked after a moment. The womans hand felt cold and clammy, but not unpleasant enough for Dashe to pull her own hand away. The woman sent her a dry look as she walked up the steps with Dashe in tow, her heeled feet clicking on the tiles. Her voice was almost sad when she spoke again, something which remained a mystery for a long time after their first meeting. "Call me Olga." And with that the woman pushed open the doors of Plaisir Havre. oOo § Oaf: A clumsy or stupid person. To be called an oaf is considered a grave insult to the general public. § Bloody Crystal: In Navalices terms, it's a slang phrase representing surprise or anger. It can easily be switched with 'What the hell?" or "What the fuck?" but most people use the term bloody crystal. § Plaisir Havre: Translated to Pleasure Haven, it is a more formal way of saying Whorehouse.