During her dance Tam became aware of a tall, thin fellow with straggly grey hair standing at a table further back into the room. He watched her calmly, a slight frown on his face. There was something odd about his left eye, though at this distance it wasn't possible to tell what.

When she'd finished, Tam collected up the coins that had been thrown her way. The tall fellow approached, carrying her belongings. Up close she could see that his left eye was blind; marred by a short scar that ran diagonally across it from his cheekbone to the tip of his nose. The fellow was fairly old - certainly over 40 - and dressed well in a quilted red doublet and black breeches.

He approached Tam and handed across her belongings, before putting an arm around her shoulders and leading her towards the first hall.

"Young lady, that was an impressive performance. I feel I do not need to congratulate you upon it, for the crowd has that honour. My name is Emryn. How should I address a lady such as yourself who carries such interesting accoutrements?"

Tam smiled as the man approached, she accepted her belongings with a grateful nod and put her boots back on. She leaned into him as he put his arm around her and allowed herself to be guided through to the barroom. ”I’m Tamika Ward, but please, call me Tam. You have a really nice place here, anyone who can draw a bath for me has my approval though I’m yet to taste the promised fine wine.”

She looked up at Emyrn from under her fringe, ”I’m a dancer.” She grins, ”As you can likely tell, and I’m looking for work.”

She always believed in the saying ‘keep it simple’, and if Emryn already had his doubts about her profession she may have to think on the spot. If the man owned the tavern then he was certainly someone she would like to be well acquainted with if she was to stay on as a permanent resident as planned.

She held out her hand, holding the coins tipped from her entertaining, ”Please, see the girls get these. I promised them I wouldn’t take their tips.”
This message was last edited by the player at 13:54, Mon 01 June 2009.

Emryn smiled broadly, his narrow, lined features creasing. His voice was deep and smooth, his speech unhurried.

"Tam. The wine here is of course fine, for I choose it."

He stopped by the stairway - it led down as well as up. As he took the coins from Tam, his touch lingered, his one good eye looking deep into her two.

"You are most gracious, Tam, though I'm sure the girls wouldn't begrudge you coin well earned. Please, wash from yourself the dust and weariness of travel, and I will send for you anon."

He extended an arm towards the rising stairs in a broad gesture, and propelled her gently in that direction.

---

OOC: As he takes the coins he briefly lays three fingers on your palm in the Thieves Cant sign for 'Tib' meaning a young lass.

Tam smiled to Emryn and gave him a slight nod. ”I look forward to our talk.”

She followed the stairs upwards and found the room to which her key fit. She wasn’t so taken aback at Emryn’s revelation, though was somewhat surprised he revealed himself without knowing anything about her. It made her somewhat concerned, and somewhat relieved. The man would have power, to afford to be so trusting, and he would clearly not see her as a threat. She was concerned that this Emryn was not a man to cross or cheat, or that he was a man many said no to. She was also relieved that perhaps she had found a safe place to rest, and that his protection may somewhat be extended to her simply by residing in his tavern.

Tam shook her head, clearing it of all thoughts but a warm bath and stepped into her room. Locking to door behind her she stood in the entrance, wondering exactly what two gold pieces bought her in way of a room.

Tam's room for the night was impressive. The panelling of downstairs was continued up here. It was revealing that the room was in good condition and well kept - clearly not just anybody stayed here.

A large four-poster bed with heavy blue velvet drapes dominated the room, placed centrally along the wall opposite the door. At its foot was an oblong chest that looked easily big enough to hold all of Tam's possessions twice over.

To the left was a heavy carved desk and matching armchair upholstered in the same velvet as the drapes. A candlestand with four unlit candles upon was placed in the corner left of the door. On the right was a window opening carved into the stone. The glass leaded panes were closed, but the shutters outside stood opening, displaying a view of the gardens. Tam's room overlooked the entrance, where the three guards could be seen just beyond the arch of the wall, rubbing their hands and joking together in the winter weather.

There was no fireplace in the room, but it couldn't be called cold; probably the heat from the bars below went some way towards keeping the building comfortable. A cast iron bath on four feet styled like lion's paws stood off to the right of the door, steam rising from the water within it. Next to the bath was a small metal plate, with a pumice stone and a strigil upon it.

Tam's eyes widened and she raised a hand to her mouth in awe, the room was splendor like she has only ever heard of. Laughing to herself she darted deeper into the room, her eyes unable to stay focused at any single thing long as she studied the luxury of the room. While certainly worth its price in gold she couldn't help but start thinking of ways in which she could afford to maintain such a lifestyle. Her bath was almost forgotten in her excitement but she was reminded as she let her hands slide over the intricately crafted tub. Smiling to herself she unpacked her belongings, she set her clothing in the trunk at the foot of the bed and an outfit on the bed. Tossing her backpack next to the bed Tam began to undress. Her two daggers were placed in the nightstand beside the bed, placing her small, black leather satchel containing her thieves tools and belt-pouch next to them. Stripping off her armor and boots Tam stretched, thankful to be out of her armor for the first time in days. Picking up her quarter-staff and the bottle of wine Tam looked at the wineglass and, figuring she didn't have a third hand and wouldn't need the glass, walked over to the bath.

Resting her staff against the wall beside the bath Tam slipped into the water, pleased that it was still hot. Opening the bottle of wine Tam smiled as its aroma reached her nose, savoring the sweet smell of berries Tam was indeed pleased by the wine selection. Tossing manners and etiquette aside Tam took a generous gulp from the bottle, and exhaled deep in satisfaction. More comfortable now than she had been in weeks Tam slid deep into the bath and took another drink from the bottle. Closing her eyes Tam let the bottle rest on her stomach, half submerged in the water.

Some time and half a bottle of red wine later, as the water in the bath was cooling, Tam finished up cleaning herself. She pulled up a stool next to the bath and began washing the grime of travel out of her armor and boots while she waited on Emryn's call.

When Tam opened the chest at the foot of the bed she found it contained a couple of blankets, presumably proof against the winter cold. There was still more than enough room for her belongings in the huge box.

Whilst she was engrossed in the maintenance of her well-worn armour, a knock came at the door and a female voice called:
"Mistress Ward? Master Emryn will see you now."

”Just a minute.” Tam called out.

Drawing an outfit from the trunk Tam got changed into clothes entirely more comfortable and fitting. She pulled on a pair of simple, tight, black leather pants and the same high-boots, now cleaned, that she had worn when she arrived. Tam selected a deep blue silk half-shirt, cut high around her ribs to leave her midriff bare, with wide flared sleeves

She tossed her armor on top of the clothes chest to dry and walked to the nightstand to retrieve her belt. Strapping her belt on Tam attached her tools satchel and belt-pouch as well as sheathing her two daggers. Pulling a braided leather strip from her backpack she put her hair up into a single ponytail, leaving her fringe hanging low around her eyes.

Within a minute Tam was attired and feeling great, spotting the bottle still on the floor beside the bath she picked it up, took one further quick swig and left it on the nightstand. Opening the door Tam locked it behind her before smiling to the girl. ”Alrighty then, please, lead on.”

The maid who'd come to fetch Tamika was a short, plump woman a couple of years younger than Tam. Raising her eyebrows a little at Tam's attire, she set off without a word.

The two walked back downstairs and through the main hall - where Tam drew many admiring glances, from male and female alike - and into the small entrance room. There, the maid led the way through the guarded door. Though the half-orc narrowed his eyes at Tam's daggers, he said nothing.

The door led into a stone corridor that took an  almost immediate left. It was clear from the narrow windows running along the right hand wall that this corridor passed along the outer edge of the building. Tam caught further glances of the gardens and the patrolling guards as each opening flashed past.

Ignoring the first door they passed - a wide, double entrance with well-made oaken doors guarded by another fellow - the maid continued on to the next. Still silent, she stood beside the door and opened it, lowering her head to indicate Tam should enter.

Inside was an ornate drawing room. A few fine paintings hung on the panelled walls. A fireplace yet more impressive than those of the other rooms lay on the right hand wall, mantelpiece carved into the shapes of fantastical beasts and coloured with bright paints. The floor was covered in a soft burgundy carpet - a great luxury. Two benches, with high backs, and two chairs, all of oak, were arranged around a matching low table. The seats were padded with cushions. In one corner of the room was a keyed instrument, and around the walls stood various dressers and cabinets.

Emryn rose from one of the chairs and approached Tam. "Delighted to see you again my girl. What an interesting outfit - may I say it suits you very well indeed? Please, sit down. Would you care for a drink?"

He took her hand and directed her to the nearest chair.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:57, Tue 02 June 2009.

Tam smiled to the maid and motioned for her to continue, paying little attention to her reaction Tam followed her through to the hall. Her smile widened inwardly as she felt eyes on her once again, she controlled her urge to tap her feet or catch the eye of a man and followed the maid through to the guarded door. As the orc eyes her weapons she places a palm on either hilt, preparing to disarm herself, but as no such request was forthcoming she continued through the doorway.

Emryn's room was just as lavish as she had expected and she may not have been able to stop herself gawking had her rented room not have been almost similar, if not as inviting and cozy. Tam turns to the maid as she prepares to leave and places a hand on her shoulder, with her other hand she performs a slight flourish and produces a silver coin. Placing the coin in the maids hand Tam smiles kindly at the girl and steps inside as the door is closed behind her.

Her gaze lingered on the strange keyed instrument, while she could dance to it, playing music was an entirely different matter. She always admired such performers that could produce such wonderful music from such complicated machines. She had some regrets she never had the time to learn.

As Emryn took her hand she smiled up at him, "Thank you, I'm afraid I didn't have the foresight to pack for travelling, but I'm hoping to settle in Caer Anddross. You've certainly made me quite welcome." As she sits Tam's eyes brighten at the offer, still with the taste of warm wine in her mouth she was not going to resist an offer of further indulgence, "Certainly, and while I'm no expert I certainly agree with your taste in wine."

The maid took the tip silently, with the faintest of grateful smiles. Tam got the feeling she'd been expecting such.

At Tam's acceptance of his offer, Emryn clapped his hands together. A male servant entered through a door opposite that through which Tam had come, and received instructions from his master.

Emryn settled into the chair opposite his guest.

"Now then dimber-mort, let's to strap. I'm the upright-man here, and I want no eriffs or hedge-birds. Benar?"

He wore an amused smile, clearly gauging Tam's reaction to his thieves talk.

---

OOC: dimber-mort is a pretty wench, strap is work, upright-man is the leader, an eriff is a beginner, a hedge-bird is a scoundrel. Benar means good. If you'd like to use any of this sort of thing here's a link, but please try and avoid any anachronisms.
http://pascalbonenfant.com/18c/cant/

Tam replied in kind without hesitation, her eyes showing a rare seriousness.  "I'm keen to start to strap, and I ain't no green head. While I'm quite the kit seeking coin, I've been known to take a dive on occassion." She sighed to herself, she was about to put herself on the line. "I ran a canting crew out of Aferbryn for some seasons before I was sent here to find a fence named Garth."

She looked at Emryn with eyes turned to concern, "It'd be a knave in grain who'd warn a lass of what she couldn't do, keeping her from getting back'ed."

---

_{OOC: [strap] work, [green head] novice, [kit] dancer, [dive] pickpocket, [knave in grain] first rate man, [back'ed] killed}

In contrast to Tam's seriousness, Emryn burst out in a pleasant laugh, silently clapping his hands together.

"Wonderful, wonderful! I know a filching-mort when I see one."

His laughter died down.

"Well you've done the right thing in coming here first. Tell me - were you sent to the Swung Fist or is your presence here a happy coincidence?"

The door at the back opened and the servant reappeared, bearing a tray with two glasses of red wine. He offered first choice to Tam. Taking the remaining glass, Emryn continued once the servant had left them alone.

"Truly, if it's work you're wanting you could do worse than Garth. He's one of the best and most cautious fences in the city. I'm sure you'll know, the two things go hand in hand. If it's other work you're after then I'd be delighted to offer you employment here - but under strict terms. So let's have it - what are your particular talents?"

It was notable that Emryn had made no mention of Tam's armaments, and that Emryn himself appeared unarmed aside from a small belt knife - more a tool than a weapon, though in a pinch it would of course serve.

---

[filching-mort] female thief
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:31, Tue 02 June 2009.

Tam smiled once more, her relief was obvious. She had thought for a moment the possibility that Emryn was a reformed thief and about to lynch her for walking into his establishment. As always, however, her natural instincts had served her well, "Oh, not so much coincidence as knowing where to look. See, I was told to look in the Scars for Garth and as I intend to seek him tonight I thought I would find a place to stay. I skipped the taverns in the square apart from seeking directions, after wandering about for a bit I found your place.”

Tam took a drink from her glass before she continued, ”Well, as far as more honest profession goes dancing is about it. As I said, I ran a small crew well for a couple years, I’d be most specialized in confidence and double-speak though I have talents in burglary and theft. I can hold myself in a fight, though it’s something I generally avoid.”

She took another draught from her glass, ”I’d take any employment you can offer at this stage, I’m not even sure what Garth can do for me. If you want a dancer, I can do that. If you have more… interesting work in mind I'm quite open to an offer.”

Emryn nodded.

"It all becomes clear! Well then, since you're new around here and don't seem to know how things work, I'll explain a few things for you."

His tone was warm as he continued, instructional rather than lecturing.

"The Swung Fist is my business. I'm sure you've got the measure of what we do for the common folk, but there's a bit more to it than one spies on the surface. The key point is that our establishment is a neutral venue. We allow anyone in who can pay, and who abides by our rules. The wing you are staying in is for the commoners; this wing is for noble guests. We provide a safe venue for all to relax and socialise. Business discussion is forbidden, though of course we can't really enforce that - that's down to social pressure. Here, I am proud to say that those who are mortal enemies on the streets may partake in shared entertainment without fear."

He took a sip of his wine, and smiled in appreciation.

"This brings me to talk of employment. If you are to work here, you would do so in a purely neutral capacity. I take great pains to ensure that none of my staff have interests outside these walls. With that in mind, you either work for me, or you work for someone else. Never both, understand? Of course it may take you some time to find your place in the city, in which time you are welcome to work as a dancer."

"If that is what you wish, I will speak with the matron. Since you seem to have some class about you - the other services offered by some of the girls are by no means compulsory. In time, if you prove your loyalty, you may well find a good position here performing special tasks for me. Although I am careful not to involve myself in the underworld, I am not without enemies and thus I am often in need of capable scoundrels to look after my interests in a subtle, quiet manner. But as I've said, employment with me is just that - me alone - though you are free to leave at any time."

Tam was quite surprised at Emryn, not to mention a bit dissapointed. The man had power, prestige and property and he chose to use it in such a boring manner. She drunk slowly from her glass while Emryn continued, contemplating his position on the affairs of the city. Certainly, as a sanctuary, the Swung Fist would attract the type of people she would want to get to know. As much as Emryn's fence-sitting disappointed her Tam felt that his offers of employment and a place to stay while settling into the city were reasonable, after all Garth could totally fall through on her and provide nothing of interest. At the least here she was being paid, had a roof over her heard and could have all the clean, moral fun she could ask for.

As Emryn finished up Tam smiled, "I never quite understood neutrality, I'm a bit more ambitious." She took one final drink from her glass, leaving it empty. "Though your offer of employment is appreciated I would like to see what Garth can offer me before I settle down as a common dancer. Don't get me wrong, I would take you up on the offer right now but I very well may have greater interests in the city."

Swirling her empty glass around in her hand Tam set in on the table before she continued. "I have other questions, if you don't mind. You seem to know quite a bit on the underbelly of the city, can you tell me about it? Also do you know where I could find Garth?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:11, Wed 03 June 2009.

Emryn nodded in response, a knowing smile on his face.

"I thought as much, young as you are. I once thought the same way; now I provide a much needed service. In return, I get as close to retirement as I'm ever likely to be. Incidentally, I feel you'd be more than just a 'common' dancer - it's why I am offering you employment, after all."

He sprawled back in his chair, and swung his legs over the side of it.

"Well, what would you like to know? The networks run broad and deep. Most everyone of note has some connection with the underworld, though most every crew is secretive in nature."

"I can do one better than that - I can put you in touch with Garth. Mind, it has to be that way. One doesn't simply find him. Naturally, this would be a favour for you."

Tam grinned at retirement, she was well aware she would not likely reach the age of forty, probably not even close. She didn't know if she wanted to. That everyone who was anyone had connections within the underworld didn’t surprise her, it would certainly make things easier if she needed to climb the social ranks within the city. Then again, she doubted that she could remain anonymous if the two sides of society were so intertwined. She realized now the reason of Emryn’s condition of employment.

Tam was relieved that she would not be relegated to a common dancer, but no so that she would be indebted to Emryn for setting up a meeting. ”Alrighty then, if you could set up a meeting for me I’d owe you one. I’ll have my answer for you shortly after.”

Emryn clapped his hands together once more, and the servant reappeared to receive instructions spoken quietly into his ear.

"Consider it done. I'll send someone for you once the meeting is arranged; it'll most likely be tomorrow. Don't worry, this is only a small favour. Such things are a big part of how deals are done round here, you'll grow used to it."

He stood, and stretched his long arms.

"Now if you'll excuse me, the day is yet young and I have business to attend to. It has been a rare pleasure, Tamika."

The older man extended a hand once more to guide Tam to the door, which opened to reveal the same maid she'd met earlier.

"One last thing - I must ask that you remain in the north wing. This side of the Fist is off limits unless you're told otherwise. Regardless of your future choice of employment, you can always find a bed here."

Tam stood and nodded to Emryn, ”Of course, thanks for the advice and the offer of shelter. You need not concern yourself over my intentions,” She doubted she gave him cause for concern at all, ”I will not impose on those areas not permitted.”

Tam had intended to return to her room but she was drawn again to the music in the hall. Taking a seat at a vacant table she watched the performers and tapped a foot to the melody. She still had alot to think on but Emryn had answered much of what she needed to know. She still needed to wait and see what Garth had to offer, if nothing else she was sure it would be worth more coin to her than just dancing. Though Tam had her doubts it would be as entertaining or fun, and no doubt at all it would be more dangerous.

She rested her elbows on the table and her head in her hands trying to shake the thoughts and doubts out of her mind. What will be, will be. There was no point in ruining a day she so surely deserved as rest. Clearing her mind of all thought of work and prediction of the days to come Tam watched the entertainers. Although she winced at every misstep she started to enjoy a quiet afternoons entertainment.

Time passed swiftly for Tam as she enjoyed the performances of the dancers. Every now and then one of the girls would smile at her on their way past, recognising her from earlier.

Tam had time to study the workings of the place; the girls on stage were dancers and nothing more. They would change shift every couple of hours, though breaks were taken more often. From a door next to the stage a middle-aged woman watched the proceedings. Now and then she'd dispatch a girl from the room to a particular table for a private dance - this would sometimes act as a negotiation for other services. There were no signals that Tam could see. It seemed that the matron ran the whole show through experience alone.

As the afternoon went on and the light became low, the place began to fill up. After all, folk could only work while there was light to see by. Servants came round and lit the candles on two large wooden chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

The pace and atmosphere changed as the crowds came. The acts became more organised and scripted. Rather than just dances, true performances were put on, sometimes with a vague storyline, sometimes with a gimmick such as a juggler. A few of the dances became more raunchy.

There was surprisingly little trouble compared to what Tam knew of this sort of place. If a customer became too rowdy, a quiet word from one of the girls was all it took to sort things out.

Food was now being served to the punters. The delicious aromas of cooked meats and vegetables mingled with the smells from the substances being smoked.

Tam enjoyed the afternoon, just as much for the fact she was off her feet as well as the entertainment. She returned the smiles and nods and wished well of the girls who recognized her. She was glad to know the tavern was being run in such fine order, and wondered at her fortunes at seeking this place as first stop in the city. Employees of the Swung Fist certainly looked to be treated better than in any other tavern Tam had seen and, not for the first time that afternoon, Tam considered a more honest life of entertainment.

As evening crept up Tam took the arm of a passing waiter to order a meal. The request was simple, whatever is hot and a glass of wine. Tam could count on one hand the number of hot meals she had over the past few weeks. The thought of trail rations, stale bread and cheese almost made her cry. She had seen enough travelling, and all its annoyances, to last her a long while. As the entertainment started to liven up Tam got more enthused in the spirit of the evening and started to think on maybe one more dance after dinner.

Tam's meal came quite quickly - coneys in onion sauce. It was delicious, which explained the 5sp price.

As the evening drew on a new group of minstrels came in. There were 5 all told, one of whom was a singer of great skill. He seemed almost worth watching alone, but in conjunction with the dancers and performers it was no wonder the place was so popular.

Tam finished the meal, while rabbit was common enough that the meals she had taken at passing farmhouses over the past week generally consisted of it she coudn't remember when it had been cooked so well. Draining her glass of the last of her wine Tam stayed just long enough to watch the final performance of the singer, again marvelling at a talent she had no skill at. Standing from her table Tam leaves a silver coin by the empty plate and stretches her arms high. Resigning herself that exploration of the city could wait for another night Tam headed back to her room.

Locking the door behind her Tam extinguished the candles in the room, removed her clothes and sliped underneath the covers. It didn't take her long to sleep and while she was still excited over the opportunities of the future her exhaustion from weeks of travel finally got to her.

Tam lay in bed until late the next morning, indulging in the luxury of a long sleep while she had the opportunity. Rolling out of bed Tam threw water over her face from a basin dish on the nightstand, wiping the nightsweat from her body with a damp towel she opened the windows in the room. She stood at the window and looked out over the grounds for a brief period, admiring the gardens and tall walls. She turned from the window and began to get changed into the same attire she wore the past evening. As Tam picked up her daggers she frowned briefly and smiled to herself. If ever I was going to be safe, it would be here. Putting her daggers back on the bedside table alongside her thieves tools Tam sat on the bed and pulled on her boots.

As Tam prepared for a morning meal she ran her fingers through her long hair, untangling it from the night, before tying it back up into a single ponytail with the leather strap. Locking her door behind her Tam dropped the key into her beltpouch and headed downstairs.

Smiling to the staff tending the bar Tam ordered her breakfast, "Eggs please, with some bread and juice." She only assumed they would have what she requested available, though given her experiences thus far would be surprised if they didn't. She took a seat at a vacant table and yawned, covering her mouth with a hand as she looked around at those gathered in the room.