"We are here to pick up a chest from Lady Ghusoon for delivery," Abbas replied simply, not going into further detail than he judged the door guards required.  "We should be expected."  The elven warrior made no move to draw his blades - though he felt confident in his ability to handle the guards if necessary, and the heat of the day had clearly dulled their expected level of security, offensive actions were less likely to produce a waive-through or beckoning of the internal escort.

Instead he allowed the lady on his arm and the priest at his back to reinforce his words should any doubt remain.

"The trollop," Jibril muttered barely audible under his breath.  He winked at Fareeda and added loudly, "And I'm sure you'll be able to greatly aid in this transaction.  Have you worked for her before?"

Sniffing loudly, the tanned human guard lazily stepped to one side and pushed open the gate, allowing just enough room for the group to pass one at a time. "You're expected elf, you wouldn't have made it this close to the gate otherwise." He gestured for them to enter into the villa. "Do not think to cause any trouble - miss Jala has much more than myself and Bursuq here looking after her wealth." His eyes narrowed with the threat and he spat again off the edge of the byway. "One of the slaves will take you to the Mistress' chambers."

The other guard, 'Bursuq' said nothing the whole time and refused to move an inch to make it easier for the group to pass. His orcish gaze did not stray once from Abbas, and his lips were twisted into a snarl at the mere sight of the elf.

Once past the gate, the connecting byway from the drudach wall formed a wide stone staircase descending onto a path that meandered through the villa's enclosed garden. The perfectly trimmed grass turf had evidently been recently replaced, yet was already beginning to wilt and fade in the Calimshan sun. Small topiary trees and bushes were placed around the garden, sculpted into the shapes of various animals - tigers, elephants, dolphins, lions - all brought to life in meticulous carvings of the living foliage. The scent of flowers wafted through the air from ranks of orchids, delilahs, roses and lotuses arranged carefully against the walls and the sound of rushing water echoed around the garden from dozens of marble fountains.



It seemed money was not much of an issue to whoever inhabited this mansion...

The group continued along the path, transfixed by the sheer beauty of what lay around them. Seeing their approach, a man left his tending of the flowers and moved to greet them, his stooped posture and the brand on his bare chest marking him clearly as a slave. Stripped to the waist and clad only in white breeches with a sash around his waist, the slave made no effort to make eye contact. He appeared to be the only person out here other than Abbas, Linni, Jibril and Fareeda and his shoulders and shaved head were raw and blistered from exposure to the sun. He bowed and gestured to follow him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:44, Sun 12 July 2009.

"It would be wise to follow all of the advice that the harem guards say. They are the authority here, superceded only by the Mistress of the House. I would reccomend keeping your words well chosen and keep to the subject for which we came." Fareeda looked genuinely worried.

Jibril marched solemnly with the others, while admiring the beauty of the villa and the interior gardens.  "The trollop certainly has good taste. I'll begrudge her that," he thought to himself with an amused smirk.  For now, he was content to let Abbas spearhead this interaction with Jala Ghusoon.  He kept a wary eye out though as they proceeded, while mentally reciting a defensive spell in his mind if this was some sort of trap.  This, after all, was Calimport.

Linni went along with the others, smiling happily and ignoring the guards' gruff demeanour and barely concealed threats. As they entered the garden she laughed and danced about on the grass, skipping between the sculpted trees and fountains like a child. She was young, very young for a gnome, and that fact was becoming more and more evident. Would she be a liability for the dangers that lay ahead?

As the slave came over, she looked at his sunburn and winced. "I think someone has got on the wrong side of this 'mistress' - who'd make their slaves work outside on a day like this?" She skipped after him, giggling. "Don't worry, I can do a lot worse than sunburn if things get nasty."

Abbas made no move to his blades, but allowed a touch of his readines to bleed through in the gate negotiations - he wouldn't start a fight, but he was more than ready to finish it.  When he walked through the gate, he was the one to walk the closest to the orc.

As they walked through the palacial grounds, the elf's gaze drifted, never focusing more than momentarily on any one area, instead endlessly casting to and fro.

"Wise advice, Fareeda, and worthwhile to be aware of same.  Are there any characteristics of hers which should govern our interaction with her?" Abbas clarified quietly as he followed the garden slave.

The slave lead the group through the rest of the garden and through a wide doorway into the villa itself. A short flight of steps lead to a huge reception hall, the ceiling of which curved upwards into the villa's main dome roof some fifty feet above. Gorgeous carvings and friezes covered the inside of the dome and golden light speared down from a stained glass window in its centre. Ranks of sculpted marble pillars supported the huge chamber and chequered blue and white tiles covered the floor. The scent of lavender hung heavy in the air.

Following a thick blue carpet that struck across the tiles, the slave lead Jala's guests on into a winding corridor. They passed along, glancing into the countless rooms and chambers. Slaves worked tirelessly in sweltering kitchens, struggling to prepare a constant feast for the mistress and her guests; semi-clad men and women giggled and chased each other between luxurious indoor swimming pools, saunas and spa pools; and the many guest rooms swam in passionate colours and moody lighting - from several of which could be heard muffled moans of pleasure.

Moving quickly past, the slave finally brought the group to a large double-entrance to what seemed to be the master bedroom. Nodding once, he turned and headed off to resume his punishment. More of an oversized banquet hall than a bedroom, the huge room was also draped in shadow, every window covered by multi-coloured drapes and curtains that billowed softly in the breeze. These curtains continued into the room on long rails, forming private chambers in which figures writhed in passion. Elsewhere, men and women played and cooled off in a variety of shallow pools, centred by phallus-shaped statues that fountained water back into the pool.

Keeping their eyes averted, the guests continued on until they reached the Mistress herself, sprawled elegantly across a large divan in one of the room’s corners. A well built slave, naked except for a sash covering his loins, fanned her from one side and a young human sat nearby on an opaque wooden chest, his pretty face and green eyes fixed longingly on the Mistress.

This Mistress, Jala Ghusoon, was indeed beautiful. Just as the rumours had said, and more. She was stunning, divine, almost. Her barely concealed curves rippled along with the divan she lay across and smouldering hazel-brown eyes fixed each member of the group as they approached. It was easy to see how one possessing beauty so rare, so natural, so breathtaking could rise to such power in a city like Calimport.

Jala watched her 'guests' approach, a knowing smile hidden by her delicate red veil. Of all of them her eyes held longest on Fareeda - and not just her eyes...

"Welcome to my home, humble adventurers." She lifted her arm to gesture around her with a smile, revealing for a brief instant her bulging cleavage. "I trust Valenduq saw you in safely - he tried to escape during the...festivities last night, can you believe it? Perhaps I should show him what life is like for a slave elsewhere in the city? Then he would understand how lucky he is to be in my service, hm." Her eyes lifted in a gentle smile at this as she clicked her fingers to send the slave behind her scampering away.

She gestured over at the pretty-faced human sat on the chest. "This is Lambrac Se'Kilderic, my security advisor and...friend. He will assist you in taking the chest back to Professor Hingleswip. It is, after all, Greengrass today, and I would be aghast to see Kraust's goods not delivered safely." She smiled again and let a hand accidentally brush her shawl from across her leg, revealing the curve of her thigh. She glanced at Fareeda, eyes full of desire, then continued. "So perhaps the Professor has said more of what it is he is looking for in those gloomy jungles? You are the third group of adventurers he has hired you know? I should despair to think of what grisly fate the others met." She picked at a fingernail as if not aware of her own blatant attempt to scare them. "If you do happen to find anything...pretty on your journey - I am something of a collector of rare baubles and I can offer some very attractive rewards," Her eyes fixed again on Fareeda as she said this and her hand dropped to rest just above her right breast. "Very attractive indeed."

Jibril's eyes twinkled as took in the surroundings. Despite his best intentions to let Abbas speak first, he couldn't resist the temptation. "The Professor is looking for death in the jungles--ours primarily."  He dabs a bead of sweat off of his forehead with his persimmon colored silk handkerchief.  "Speaking of jungles and baubles, how much is that bauble you just sent away?" Jibril points to the well-built slave with the fan and gives Jala a sly smile.  "Since I am journeying to the jungle, I also need to keep cool, and he appears to have some expertise in...fanning."  Jibril had some skill in bartering for baubles.  "As for Valenduq, was he seeking to join that rabble of freed and escaped slaves known as the Nadhari?" 

Chult. The word still echoed in his mind. Chult. Why did it have to be Chult? Why not the jungles of Lantan - almost as lush, only one-eighth the danger. And with less spiders. He'd take the burning deserts of Calimshan, the monstrous pirates strongholds of Nelanther, but Chult? Still, this was his job, one he'd been hired to do.

He was prepared as much as he could be, not as much as he would have liked. How could one prepare for Chult? He'd left instructions about security arrangements with the head-slaves, about how to deal with the new trap in the north wing. He'd packed his tools and gear, some clothes that would survive the jungle. Hopefully this gnomish professor would provide anything else that might be required. As for mental preparation... well, he'd spent the afternoon gaining enough pleasant memories of Mistress Jala as could last him the entire trip there and back. Perhaps that was why she had sent for the fanner soon after? Parting was such sweet sorrow, still more if when he half-expected not to return.

Lambrac stirred from his reverie at the arrival of the others, and stood at the mention of his name. Bright green eyes peered out from under a mop of copper-red hair, tied back in a loose pony-tail. Eyes and hair contrasted with his pale yellow-skin, almost like old parchment. His face was handsome and exotic, with almost half-elven features with a sprinkle of gnome.

He was of average height and slender build, clad simply in loose breeches and shirt, under a flowing travelling coat, all in pale shades of white, yellow and brown. He bowed neatly and elegantly, displaying fluid movements with grace and balance. "Well met, my lords and lady." he purred.

Lambrac cast an appraising eye over them. They didn't look like jungle explorers. The elf seemed capable enough, but a foppish priest, a gnomish girl who seemed far too young even for her kind, and... a dancing girl? He couldn't fathom her purpose, but at least they wouldn't be short of entertainment on this journey.

Waitaminute. Third group of adventurers for this mission? A grisly fate for the others? It was probably some other mission, surely, presumably successful. Yeah.

Putting such troubling thoughts aside, Lambrac waited while business was discussed, which turned, quite naturally enough for Calimshan, to slavery. He studied the mosaic tiled floor quite intently, admiring the pattern. He might not have liked the concept, but, when in Calimshan... He'd already been paid with Jala's money and lived off their labour, even indulged in the odd massage and a dancing girl after his labours, so he could hardly complain. But still. It was all so terribly... inefficient. A automated fanning device would have done the slave's job just as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:14, Wed 15 July 2009.

Abbas nodded politely, giving more depth to his inclination of neck, but a significant step from obesience - this powerful noble figure knew and enjoyed her power, and for all her relaxed sensuality - the elf was no stone - she enjoyed her power more, cloaking the control in sammite rather than steel.
Fortunately the introduction and conversation with Fareeda had assisted in blunting much of the voluptuous ruler's effect... at least so far as that he could still think above the neck.

"We will keep your generous offer in mind, Mistress Ghusoon, and thank you for your courtesy of welcome," the elf sidestepped the question of details in favour of addressing her second conversational link.  Keeping a reserved and respectful distance, both in location and tone of discourse, Abbas continued,"If your security advisor is prepared, we can depart immediately to ensure safe delivery, and preferably before the heat of the day strengthens.

"By your leave, Mistress Ghusoon?"

All in all, this task in Calimshan had already proven his most enjoyable.

Jala regarded Jibril cooly as he began to inquire about the cost of slaves. It seemed business negotiations came as easy to her as idle chatter about the weather. "All the slaves and Jhasina you have seen around the villa are thorough-bred and in a perfect state of health - I do not accept anything less. They are brought in especially from Mezro, Tashalar and Tethyr, and individually assessed and inspected for the role they are to serve in my household. I keep well away from the common gutter-trash in the Shackles Ward, you see." She fixed the priest with an unwavering gaze and smiled faintly. "One hundred platinum per head, no less." The manner in which Jala discussed the slaves was disturbing. It was clear she saw them as nothing more than furniture, bought to improve the decor of her home - no more human beings than the luxurious divan she lay across. "I suppose the question is how well have the Magistrati been paying you?" She winked at him, stroking the back of her hand with two fingers.

"I do not know where he was planning to go - though I doubt he would have knowledge of the Nadhari, being from the Nelanther Isles. No, more likely he would have been picked up by some grotty festhall elsewhere in the sabban and have been wishing for a return to me after a week of mistreatment." She sighed and glanced at the floor. "Foolish slave. No wonder he never got anywhere better in life."

Sensing Abbas' reluctance to reveal anything about the nature of the Professor's expedition, Jala allowed herself a gentle laugh. "You moon elves are so stern and proper. Why don't you ever lie back and have fun like your wilder cousins, hm?" She laughed again and gestured at the chest. "By all means, take your leave. You are not slaves - unless you want to be?"

The Mistress laughed and looked over at Fareeda once more, seemingly have already forgotten about the presence of Lambrac. "You are an odd choice for such a venture, girl - why do you seek to risk that exquisite body of yours?" Jala looked her up and down, her tongue playing provocatively over her front teeth. "The horrible, bug-infested jungles are no place for that figure. Why not come and work for me instead? I think we both know what your real 'talents' are." She winked at the bard, biting the end of her finger. "The rewards would be endless."

Jibril laughed politely at the ridiculously high price for the slave. He stroked his oiled goatee. "Obviously, he is of the finest quality.  As for the Magistrati, I will just say that both you and they have similar interests--collecting rare baubles. I am sure that the jungles of Chult have a few such things hidden in their dark depths. A shame that you might not see them, since I have great loyalty to my church--but perhaps I could be persuaded to show them to you if I find them. I am much more amenable to such ideas when I am kept properly cooled and fanned in a sweltering jungle."

Fareeda averted her eyes out of habit, then quickly resumed her quiet posture. She fiddled as the others talked, but stole glance at the fine woman across from her. Her skin had started to glisten from the slight amount of sweat the heat was producing. When the Mistress spoke to her directly, Fareeda blushed deeply. "I am flattered and humbled by your compliments, but I am not worthy for your harem, Mistress. I am going on this trip for the pleasure of looking for fine, exotic slaves from the jungle, as well as being able to tell of the tales that will come from there. I am not a rich woman, Mistress, and there are many things that I would do for money." She bit her lip suggestivly.

Lambrac for his part stayed in his place and shuffled his feet. Was this a slaving expedition? These Calishites really needed a few good constructs around the place, or some better labour laws. At least he had no obligation to get involved, and could devote his time to the exploration of ruins and the acquisition of treasure, on commission for Mistress Ghusoon - who'd already moved on to a new toy, it seemed.

He'd had no great illusions as to his relationship with Jala, not around her palace, though those he did have had now been dashed. A light sigh on his lips, he shrugged on his backpack, and lifted the chest - an obvious sign that he was ready to go.

Jala shook her delicate head at Jibril's words. It was evident she had haggled with the best of them, and Jibril wasn't the best. "Do not fret, priest, I have ways of getting what I want."


She smiled and looked back at Fareeda. "Quite the budding entrepreneur aren't we? That is too bad," She looked the bard up and down again. "I wouldn't say 'not worthy'. A little rough around the edges but nothing I couldn't smooth out." She winked and gracefully leant over to a nearby plate of grapes. Plucking a juicy morsel and placing it into her mouth.

Noticing many of the group edging away and motioning to leave, the Mistress wafted at them with a free hand. "Very well, off you go. Do enjoy the jungles. Try not to catch too many diseases." Jala watched Fareeda turn to leave, her eyes lingering on the visible curve of the bard's backside. "That is if you're sure you can't stay an hour or so? I have the most wonderful Greengrass party planned! Food, drink, Jhasinas - everything you could ever desire and more."

Or, on the other hand, we could stay a while longer. A hour or so longer here meant Chult was an hour or so later. He looked to the Professor's employees to gauge their reaction. "It would be an excellent opportunity for us to become better acquainted, if we are to be working together." he suggested. Purely by reflex his eyes lingered on the dancer, though he knew it would be far from wise to pursue another woman while still in the presence of his last. "And Mistress Ghusoon's soirees are highly enjoyable."

Jibril sniffed loudly. "I think not. If I'm leaving here empty handed, I have no reason to stay." His eyes narrowed on Lambrac. "Well, not completely empty handed since you're coming with us, but I doubt you're worth a 100 platinums..."

Politely refusing Jala's invitation, and despite Lambrac's protests, the group turned and left the Mistress' 'bedchamber', the professor's chest in tow. The slave Valenduq waited by the door and turned on their arrival to lead them back out of the villa.

Following him, the newly increased party marched back through the corridors, across the entrance lobby and out into the garden. The two guards sniggered to each other as they passed but otherwise said nothing.

Outside, the day was fast drawing into the hours of late afternoon and the previous sea-shallows blue of the sky had grown to a much more imposing azure. Night could not be too far away and those native to Calimport knew that night time was when festivals like Greengrass could get dangerous...

"Well, of course, my services are worth far more than a hundred platinums." Lambrac responded defensively, pointedly ignoring any ulterior motives the priest might have had. Of course, trap construction was expensive, not to mention the hired spellcasting, and the need for healing and restoratives in case accidents arose. His funds were getting low, and his pockets light. Jala's payments were generally less of the monetary kind.

As they turned to leave, Lambrac bowed gracefully to his former employer. "Farewell, fair Mistress. May the gods grant me a swift and safe return so that I may gaze upon you once more." Please.

As they walked the darkening streets, Lambrac continued to carry the chest. It was destined for Professor Hingleswip, and he would carry out that task. "So, are you all bound for Chult with Professor Hingleswip on this expedition?" he said by way of conversation.

"The good professor appears to have an eye and need for skilled associates for his journeys," Abbas replied quietly, keeping pace with Lambrac, and eyes flicking from person to person met, from stairwells to join the upperwalkpath to walls and corners that would provide cover for or from trouble...  "As to where this particular journey heads, I have little knowledge," he shrugged slightly, unconcerned.

"We were retained to escort this cargo of supplies for the Professor," the elf added after thinking on his words and civility.  "One never knows much beyond the initial task, after all.

"How did you find Mistress Ghusoon as an employer?  The surroundings were certainly pleasant, but fair flowers in nature are as like to have thorns as sweet scents, so presumptions are dangerous," Abbas returned the conversation volley to the Ghusoon employee.

"A gentlemen never engages in scandalous gossip about a lady." Lambrac retorted. "But I half suspect she is a succubus - I jest, of course." I hope... "That is not so scurrilous; such rumours could only enhance the mistress's reputation, I'm sure."

He decided to explain, lest any of others begin mistaking the nature of his employment, like the priest seemed to have done. "I was - I am her security consultant, responsible for safeguarding her precious possessions, and her valuable person, with locks and traps and well-placed guards. I also operate as a retrievalist - fetching certain items or extracting payment as required. I have worked under Mistress Ghusoon for a number of jobs, and found her to be and fair and honourable employer." He neglected to list any other jobs he had with her, but they were hardly official, and for which he hadn't received payment.

"And what of you all? May I ask your names and know your roles with the good Professor?" The Lantanna spoke swift but melodiously, in a style that was almost elven.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:17, Tue 21 July 2009.

Linni bowed gracefully, a comical sight given her tiny stature. "My name is Linni, I am the most potent magical force this side of, well...Faerun..." She cleared her throat awkwardly, then continued. "I am also Professor Hingleswip's niece, though he may often forget it!"

Following Linni, Fareeda smiled warmly to Lambrac. "Well met, sir. I am Fareeda Haifa." She gestured at the mandolin slung across her back. "I am an entertainer of sorts. I can play a tune or two and a life in Calimport has taught me certain other skills."