Bosch made a non committal grunt and shuffled back into his corner and poured himself a glass of a clear liquor which Camilla couldn't identify beyond 'alcohol', and settled back down into his chair. Ricardo drew a gold Pavonan piastare from a pouch and laid it on the table, though he looked sour to be parting with the money.

[b]"I think you had best tell us what you have found out so far,"[/b] Camilla said in a quiet voice as they left the shop. The streets were growing darker as true night set in and it would be difficult to secure rooms. Ricardo noded in agreement.

[b]"Yes but not here Amiga, we need to get to lodgings soon, this is not Altdorf, the streets, they are dangerous after dark no?"[/b] It was hard not to agree with that, although she imagined the streets of Altdorf too could be plenty dangerous. Already furtive eyes watched them from alleys and Camilla fancied she could hear the rustle of unseen observers. An old woman, blind in one eye, sat at the entrance of an alley with a beggars bowl in front of her. There were a few coins in the bowl but she made no effort to beg for more. Camilla realized she was a look out, probably for burglars on the roof of one of the buildings across the way.

[b]"Well do you have somewhere in mind?"[/b] she asked as she followed the wounded Tilean. He laughed softly.

[b]"As a matter of fact I do."[/b]

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The House of Joy was understated as brothel's went. It had the look of a well to do tavern or eating club with livered bouncers in front of it. Although the men wore what the propretor must have fondly imagined was Altdorf fashion for servants, roughed sleeves and powdered wigs, the men themselves were muscled and unshaven. The contrast gave them a harlequin like aura which Camilla found uncomfortable. Neither of the two bruisers challenged Ricardo as he swaggered into the parlor of the place, though their eyes lingered longer on Camilla and Cydric, alternating appreciation and suspicion. 

The interior consisted of a dozen or so plush couches and a large bar of dark polished wood. The couches were occupied by men, mostly well dressed, whom Camilla would have pegged as minor merchants or perhaps ships officers, perhaps even the odd member of the gentry, as such things went here in Marienburg anyway. Young women bought them glasses of chilled wine and ale and spoke quietly to them, laughing at the jokes and generally engaging them in pleasant conversation. They weren't naked but the style of clothing definitely ran towards the revealing. Here and there was a stolen kiss, but it seemed the real business was transacted in the back rooms. Camilla could hear the faint echos of the particularly enthusiastic or theatrical from beyond a thick curtain of dark blue velvet. 

[b]"Ricardo, you aren't collecting strays are you," [/b]called an aging but still attractive woman from behind the bar. Her hair had once been red but was now streaked with silver and faint wrinkles gathered at the corners of her eyes. She was dressed in a gown of pale grey silk and wore simple gold jewelry at her throat and wrists. It effected an elegance much more genuine than the gaudy clothing of many a wealthy woman.

[b]"Hilde!"[/b] Ricardo called in obvious enthusiasm and kissed the woman once on each cheek in Tilean fashion.

[b]"Not strays, Hilde dearest, friends,"[/b] he made an expansive gesture to Camilla and Cydric.

[b]"Camilla De La Trantio, and Cydric ..." [/b]Ricardo trailed off awkwardly having not gotten or not remembered Cydric's last name. Hilde was obviously too smooth to let such an oversight stop her however.

[b]"Welcome to The House of Joy Herr Cydric,"[/b] she simpered professionally.

[b]"E per te Camilla,"[/b] she added in accented but understandable Tilean. She stood and spread her arms wide and Camilla obediently greeted her with kisses to the cheeks. Her attention returned immediately to Cydric.

[b]"Can I get you anything mine herr? [/b]Food? Drink... companionship?" she made a vague gesture at the bevy of attractive women and their conversation partners.

[@POOHEAD189]