Chapter 2: Money for Tevinter

That night Vivian went through the savings jar. A large pile of coins was dumped out on the table representing month and months of diligent savings. So far she had saved up thirty one gold pieces, two hundred silver pieces and a rather large pile of copper coins that she was too tired to count. Putting the money back she was certain it would be enough. However there was a way she could make more between now and the day they were leaving, just in case. In the tavern where she worked if a man or woman wanted "company" the person was instructed to go up to the bar keep and ask for fresh sheets to be brought up to the room. In short it was the underbelly tavern code of sex for hire. Vivian had on some occasions exploited this sometimes rather well paying fact, particularly if the person she was serving had a lot of coin. With plenty of tavern experience under her belt, she knew the type to look for. Well she was about to invoke that option once again as she cast her eyes to ceiling where Kora lay sleeping. She was prepared to do anything and go to any lengths to keep her niece safe and get out of Ferelden. So the next morning she and Kora decided they would leave in a fortnight and during the day. It would give Vivian enough time to get more money and leaving during the day would look less conspicuous.

Kora did not like the idea of Vivian working the late night shift at the tavern but saw the necessity of it. Fortunately Esilia was more than happy to allow Kora to stay with her while Vivian worked. So after her normal shift during the day, Vivian came home and slept a few hours while Kora prepared the evening meal. After lessons and a promise she would not work too hard, she walked Kora to Esilia's house then headed back towards the Tavern. Earlier that day she had informed Corbit of their plans to leave and head north towards the coast and Antiva. She fibbed saying she had received a letter from her parents' family who lived in Treviso and were eagerly waiting for she and Kora's arrival. It was better for everyone if they did not know where they were really going. Not to mention it would throw people off their trail if they became hunted again. Corbit had been surprised and a little sad that they would be leaving but he understood. He was used to workers coming and going in his tavern. The permanent workers where the ones who made Bower's Hill their home and he knew Vivian had only planned to be here temporarily. As she changed into her night time bar clothes she felt a heavy weight was partially lifted off of her. They would be leaving soon with hopefully a lot more coin in hand. She put on a low cut bodice with an off–the-shoulder blouse in order to show more skin.

First thing a man was going to look at as she bent over to put the ale or food on the table was the cleavage. Maker, men were so easy to beguile when you had a generous curves on display and charming smile for them. She couldn't help but feel a bit of revulsion and disgust at herself. It was degrading at times but as her mother had said sometimes you do what you have to do in order to survive. Pimping herself out on occasion had paid the rent or bought the food so Kora did not go hungry. So now it was going to give them extra money to get to Tevinter and out of this life.

Pimped out and primped as she called it, she looked out at the tavern and surveyed the large, noisy room. A conglomeration of men, women and a few children filled the tables almost to bursting. As soon as a table was cleared it was once again quickly filled. In the large corner table by the fire she spotted what she was looking for. A band of leather clad men, which usually indicated mercenaries, had come in while she was changing. Judging by their dress and weapons she estimated that they would have a good amount of coin on them. Several were not so bad looking which made the job she would solicit tonight more tolerable. It was always easier soliciting herself to men who had looks.

After she dropped mugs of ale off at one table she sauntered over putting on her most beguiling smile ignoring the sick feeling in her stomach. "Evening boys, what can I get you for tonight?"

The company of seven men looked her up and down greedily as if they had not seen or had a woman in months. "Well aren't you quite a sight to see tonight and such a lovely thing. Drinks and large platters of bread, cheese and meat for us pretty lady. Oh and a bath is to be setup in my room."

Vivian smiled as the man who spoke seemed to be leader and was licking his lips as he stared at her."Oh yes he is interested and by the looks of him he will pay well." Vivian thought to herself as she turned and swung her hips walking towards the bar. She could positively feel the lust oozing out from him." Corbit, I need seven beers and a two traveler platters for the mercs in the corner."

Corbit scanned the room finding the table and nodded. "Sure coming right up. Anything else they want?".

Vivian knew what Corbit meant as he was what one could call a pimp when working the fresh sheets routine. But Corbit was a good man and kept personal "bouncers" on hand in case anyone got out of control with the bar maids. He made good money running the tavern and inn here so what the girls made he took a small portion of and let them keep the rest. Vivian nodded her head slightly. "The man with the black wolf arm band and large axe. I think he is the leader and is looking for company tonight. I will inquire quietly and find out if he wants fresh sheets."

Corbit nodded saying. "Good deal. I will let Denar and Ilta know if he accepts the offer and to keep an eye and ear out in case you run into trouble." Vivian nodded as he loaded her tray down with beers.

Carrying the heavy load over she put the tray down to distribute the beers. Vivian flashed her eyes at the leader. "Here are your beers boys and the food will be right out. Anything else I can get you in the meantime?"

The leader took a long drink of his beer and wiped away the foam mustache that had formed. In a low voice he said "How about you? Are you available later this evening?"

Leaning on the table pretending she was mopping up a spill she said in a quiet tone. "I am but one must be discreet so as not to attract attention. When you are ready to retire for the evening go the bar keep and tell him you would like fresh sheets for the night. It is three sovereigns for half the night, whatever you want. A bouncer will follow you up stairs, give the money to him and I will be along right after that. I promise you will not be disappointed." Vivian put on her act she had used so many times before by dropping her voice into a sultry, seductive tone and stared him in the eyes with the promise of a good time. The man was evidently aroused judging by the slight flush in his face but he kept his composure while he trailed a finger up her thigh and nodded. "Done, I will see you later then." Vivian winked at him then moved onto the next table that filled up. One a return trip back to the bar she informed Corbit it was a go and he signaled Denar over to handle the rest when the merc leader went upstairs.

Drustin watched the woman go up to the barkeep to converse with him. She certainly fit the description that had been given to him although her hair was dark reddish brown and not blonde. But hair color could easily be changed with dye. When one looked at her there was not even a hint of her mage talents but he was not interested in that. Draven had given him permission to keep her busy and occupied. What she offered him tonight was exactly what he had in mind for the next couple of days. The full figured body she sported sent little shivers of anticipation down his back and into his loins. Yes he was most certainly going to keep this one nearby and well bribed for repeat visits with plenty of coin. Drustin figured his brother should be here in a day or so. His messenger boy had arrived late this morning with Draven's letter. He had left some men at the camp to watch for Draven and to send word into town when they arrived. Drustin knew that Draven would know where to find him. They used an old ruin that was thought to be elven construction for their hideaway and rest point when traveling the area.

After three rounds of beers, mostly drank by his men, the Drustin excused himself for the night. His men guffawed at him and went to finishing their ales before seeking their beds upstairs. Vivian watched from the corner of her eye as he went to Corbit and inquired about fresh sheets then gave her a slight nod. Vivian finished her rounds as he headed up to his room. The bodyguard standing near the stairs followed him a split second afterwards to not only collect payment but act as a bouncer to curtail any trouble. The hour was late and most of the travelers had retired to beds or caravans they were traveling in. As she took the last beer mugs to the back of the bar she took off her apron and put in her cubby hole. Corbit was drying out a mug as she came up to him "Denar is up there with money and Ilta says it is a go. A stack of sheets are in the linen closet with the protection in the pillow case."

Vivian nodded her thanks. "I will be safe and as long as Denar is there I am not going to worry. I will see you later boss." Not wanting to keep the merc waiting she took the stack of sheets set out for her and climbed up the stairs. She went down one of the hallways until she found Denar standing outside the man's door. He nodded to her with a serious look on his face but Vivian had always liked him. "He paid his money and I will be right outside the door my dear girl. Any trouble and I will be there." Denar said eye flicking to the door as she prepared to knock on it. She nodded her thanks and waited for the door to open.

Drustin answered the door in nothing but a towel around his waist with water dripping from his hair and body. "Come on in, I just finished up my bath." He stepped side to let her enter and nodded at Denar. As the door closed Denar stepped across the hall and took his place as guard. Vivian set the sheets down on the bureau of the small room and removed the lamb skin condom from its place. The merc leader dried his hair and threw towel on the rim of the tub.

Vivian walked towards him swinging her hips causing his arousal to become very evident. She brushed her lips against his licking them while whispering. "So where shall we start?"

A few hours later Denar heard the door latch open and he stepped away from the door as Vivian came out. Hair tangled, flush faced and that rumpled look indicated that man had gotten what she offered. She closed the door behind her as he asked. "Are you all right? Any trouble I need to know about?"

Vivian shook her head noticing how sore her thighs and breasts were as she walked. "Everything went just as it should. Thanks for standing guard Denar, I think I am going to go home and sleep."

Denar handed her a pouch that had her cut in it. "Corbit already got his portion. I will walk you home. It is late and you do not need to going out into the town alone." Vivian smiled gratefully as he led her downstairs and out the tavern door. Other than some the bar maids cleaning up and Corbit shutting the lamps off the tavern room was empty. Vivian waved a good night to Corbit on the way out. She bid Denar goodnight when she reached her little house. Laying the money pouch under the sink Vivian pumped some water into a bucket and washed her body down. She scrubbed at herself to get the cheap whore feeling off of her. "This is for Kora, this is for Kora. This will get us safely to Tevinter." Vivian repeated silently rinsing away the soapy suds.

It had obviously been a while for the man as he was rough and quick the first round. But she had delivered him a night of satisfaction that left him passed out cold. At first he refused to use the male protection but when she told him it was not only policy and that was non-negotiable he consented. She would be damned if she was going to catch a disease or get pregnant with some stranger's child. After her bath was done, she dumped the water, changed into night clothes and fell into bed exhausted.

When Vivian returned the next day Corbit told her that the merc once again requested her services for the next two nights. "He left quite a hefty deposit too." Vivian went behind the bar and went slack jawed when she saw the pouch near the till. It was large, fat and looked very heavy. Corbit eyed her with a wide grin asking. "Not to be snooping but what did you do to him last night?"

To his amusement Vivian blushed a little replying. "Nothing more than what a woman with tricks usually does. Looks like I have acquired enough to get Janna and me to Antiva." Vivian sighed to herself in relief thinking. "Two more nights, I can do this two more nights and then we will be ready to leave."