[center][h1][b][color=c4df9b]Tayla[/color][/b]
[color=00aeef]Chres[/color][/h1][/center]

mentioned [@13org] [@HokumPocus]
[hr]

Chres grunted and took a sip from his flask as he followed Karina into the room.

Tayla frowned as she watched the two go. Did she believe what Sil was implying? Noooo -Tayla's back stiffen- well... maybe???... It was complicated. 

Sil's words triggered her. Experience had taught her that she couldn't be too careful when people start tossing around comments such as Sil's. And besides, Karina with a man???? 

Tayla had trouble picturing such a thing. Although the woman did have her moments of typical femineity, they were often sidelined by the murderous looks she gave others who slighted her. 

Furthermore, could a curiosity in other woman be the real reason Tayla that was still alive? Three times, Tayla did battle with the woman. Three times Karina let Tayla live. Heck, the third time she had even saved Tayla's life! Then she even went to Tayla and asked the woman to serve her! Who did such a thing with someone who tried to murder them?!?! 

Maybe Akai was right. Maybe Karina really was a dominatrix.

Tayla cringed at the thought. With a shake of the head, she thought it better to focus on a different topic. 

She looked to Octavio, the man she had chosen to stay with in a panic.

Somehow, she got the impression that this one wouldn't be a problem like the others. Not once had she caught the man glancing at her backside or chest. The lack of interest made her feel a little more at ease. 

[hr]
The guest rooms were all identical. Each with a bed large enough for two and a privy set in a connected room. The privy even came with a tub for bathing. With a simple request to a servant, they would bring buckets of water and fill tub. 

Unfortunately, they were unable to provide quality soap. Due to the war impacting trade, obtaining proper soaps from the Nation of Smell had become a tall order. Instead, the only soap they had on hand were poorly scented soaps made of animal fats and wood ash.

It didn't take to long for dinner to be called. Chres and the rest were invited to the dining room where they were all seated at a long table and presented with a generous spread of food and wine.

Chres eyed the wine and made note that he would have to ask if they had anything harder.

As if on cue, the young servant from earlier entered the room.

"My apologies, Sirs and Madams." She said with a bow. "Master Ru'Tev and the Princess will not be joining you. I've been instructed to inform you that they will be taking their dinner in the Master's study. They are in the midst of discussing political matters and asked not to be disturbed. In the meantime, the master wishes that you enjoy the spread before you."