*snifflz* I'm so touched - this story has the most reviews of all of my fics! And this was just a backup to my Death Mark'd Love...looks like the tables are turning.
I need to warn you guys about something (two somethings, actually).
1. My internet server (host - terminology...who cares?) is closing down. I've already signed up for a new one, but in Portugal, things are *s-l-o-w*. So there might be a period of...I dunno how long...that I'm away. It took me more than six months to get this server....*grrr* But don't worry - if I'm cut off from you guys, I'll be writing 24-7...ok, now I'm exaggerating...but since I have a whole WEEK off...*thinks*
2. You are free to take my stories and post them on your Tortall site. All I ask is a way for the reader to contact me (my e-addy is bigego_13@hotmail.com ) and for you to tell me what your site is. K?
3. I know, I know, I only said two things...but since Daine is a hooker...there will be...er...'steamy' scenes...I might have to post them as different fics or change the story's entire rating. What should I do??? Tell me when u review, k?
Oh, some more things to say: sorry if the part where Daine explains her maddness is kinda...'short'. Sorry - but you've the books, dontcha?
And...er...I've really speed time up - I couldn't be bothered discribing how Daine learns her magic. I'm telling you now that she's managed to learn how to use an animal's senses as her own - let's leave it at that. And the country Zallara is part of the Carthaki Empire (it's TP's invention - I found the name in EM).
~ happy reading!
Giovanna xoxo
^íÃÞ
Part VII
One morning in early spring, Daine found Damara bent over a table. She was shuffling through a pile of papers. Every so often, she would scribble a few things down on a form - a form which Daine recognized.
It's that time of year again? she asked her foster mother. Startled, Damara met her blue eyes and smiled dryly.
It sure is. Seven of my girls got themselves engaged - five of them are married at present. I only have two ladies, and you, working here. And me. That makes four courtesans in the most famous brothel of the Eastern Lands!
Four very good courtesans, corrected Daine, pulling up a chair and glancing curiously at the transferal forms. Pichi the Kisser, Valentina My Valentine, Damara Janasri, me -
grinned Damara. You. Bedbug.
Daine blushed. I hate that name.
Why? I think it's cute! With a sigh, Damara looked at one of the papers. Do you know someone called Midsummer? She's got very good recommendations.
Midsummer? Yeah, my friend over at the Squealing Harlot (remember that inn' Alanna and Numair passed as they made their way to the Gallan royal palace?). Her real name's Juliana Tomeksri.
How much does she make a week?
Twenty gold pieces, which is quite good considering she didn't have first class training. Actually, Juliana told me that she had no training at all!
Damara pursed her lips. Interesting. I'll tell Mistress Catherine, over at the Squealing Harlot, to hand her over in exchange for some...stuff.
Daine blushed again, but asked instead, How many girls are you going to take as trainees?
At least four. I've already had two girls from a closed-down brothel transferred here. Juliana makes three. I need another.
With a nod, Daine looked through more of the papers. Anyone in mind?
Damara shrugged. As long as she's pretty and young. Of course, I wouldn't say nay to an exotic looking girl!
Does Suratamangari' sound exotic enough for you? inquired Daine, shoving a form under Damara's nose. She isn't fixed to any particular brothel and she's quite young - eighteen.
Damara pursed her lips. That's a Zallaran name, I think.
It is. The thing says she earns twenty-five gold pieces a week. Pretty good.
Damara bent down and scribbled something down. Go give these, she added, gesturing to the forms, to the owners of the brothels. Tell them I want the girls before in three days.
Daine found herself laughing silently when she got her first glimpse of the four assembled trainees. They all looked so terrified!
Well, they should be she thought dryly. After all, they are in the presence of the owner of the most famous brothel in the Eastern Lands!
The two girls pulled from the liquidated brothel were twins. Both were tall and willowy, with creamy white skin. They both had shockingly blonde hair that reached their waists, and bright, sky-blue eyes, fringed with pale lashes.
The girl who called herself Suratamangari was of medium height, but her figure was full. She had a dark olive complexion, silky black hair, and ebony eyes that were as soft as a deer's. Her lips were ruddy, and she wore bright silks that smelled slightly of incense.
Then there was Juliana Tomeksri, one of Daine's dearest friends. Juliana, also known as Midsummer, was quite tall. Her skin was darkly tanned from months spent in the sun. Her rich golden hair fell down her back in soft waves, and her emerald eyes were sharp. Her face was constructed with high cheekbones, a delicate chin, and full, soft lips.
Compared to them three, I'm just pretty' Daine thought gloomily. I can't compete with their curves and hair. My hair is just a mess of brown curls. With that depressing thought, Daine sat down and smiled weakly at Damara. She had just bustled in, elegant in a crimson gown, and positioned herself in front of the four trainees, who were sitting in a class-like formation before a blackboard.
Good morning, girls! she began cheerfully.
There was a replying mumble.
Why are you so nervous? Damara demanded. You've already worked as courtesans!
Then why are we here as trainees? asked Suratamangari in a sour voice.
replied Damara, her voice matching the trainee's in vinegar, you worked as third-class courtesans. You weren't even courtesans! You were prostitutes, and cheap ones at that. You especially.
gasped Suratamangari. Why me?
You played with men on the streets,Damara said shortly. And that, girls, is the easiest way to find yourself dead. With no brothel to back you up, you're as good as gone. No woman who wishes to become a top-notch courtesan plays with men in dark alleys. You must take pride in your work. Remember that.
Daine hid a grin. She'd heard that lecture many times, and felt a wee bit sorry for the others.
So, let's start introductions, continued Damara. You all know me. I'm Damara Janasri, head of the Silver Temple. That's Daine Sarrasri, otherwise known as Bedbug. She gestured to her foster-daughter, who ducked her head. Hopefully, you all will turn out the way she did - but then again, I got Daine when she was thirteen. Compared to that, you're all old.
Daine frowned. She got me when I was thirteen? She got me? That can't be right... She shook away those disturbing thoughts and returned her attention to the class.
You two, Damara called, gesturing at the twins. Names please, and titles, if you have any. Any other information would be nice, too.
The twins stood. Suddenly, Daine noticed one of them had a small scar under her right eye - handy for identification purposes.
My birth name is Kara Mariansri, the one without the scar began. Her voice was low and smooth. Sometimes, they call me Strawberry.
I'm Hannah, said the other, meeting Damara's eyes squarely. Hannah Mariansri. They call me Raspberry. Some men back at the our ex-brothel liked to have both of us at the same time.
Smart of them, granted Damara. You two are so alike. You may sit; you, your name, please.
Juliana stood gracefully. I'm Juliana Tomeksri. I was labeled as Midsummer' because that's when I'm most active. The Squealing Harlot always throws Midsummer parties - good for business, they are. She flashed a dazzling smile and sat. Immediately, Suratamangari got up. In her pleasantly accented voice, she began,
I come from Zallara. Before I escaped my owners, I worked as a lesser concubine for one of the minor princes of Carthak. Then I came here. No one wanted to hire me. Sure, I got some part-time deals, but it was mostly working in the dark alleyways.
Just out of curiosities sake, piped up Daine, what does Suratamangari' mean?
Suratamangari smiled crookedly. She is one of our goddesses of love and passion. Most of you northerners find it a mouthful - you may call me Mangar.
Daine nodded her thanks, then returned her attention to Damara, who was tapping a manicured finger impatiently against her thigh.
Thank you, she said after a moment of silence. Now that you know who we are, and we know who you are, we can begin.
Hannah raised her hand. Mistress Damara?
What exactly will we be learning here? We already know our trade.
Damara's eyes were searching as she replied, But do you know how to care for yourselves? You and your sisters have coarse skin - washing dishes? You all are underfed - Juliana, are you anorexic?
Juliana's blush answered the question.
Your body is the only one you're getting. Damara's voice cracked like a whip. Love your body - and use it as many ways as you can...but wisely. I don't care if you think you are too fat, too thin, too tall, too short - it's your body, yours for the rest of your life. It's a gift from the gods.
Juliana, Hannah, Kara, and Mangar all looked down. They winced when Damara added in a quiet voice,
Anyone who works here and tries to change her body in a harmful way will be kicked out. Publicly.
Daine hid another grin. That lecture was another old one - the only way to change one's body in a healthy' manner, in Damara's opinion, was exercise. A lot of it. So when her foster-mother handed out activity schedules, she thanked the gods it wasn't her who was receiving the training.
Later that week, Juliana found Daine lying extended on her bed, eyes level to a bird's. Daine was silent - then she suddenly burst out laughing.
May I? she asked the bird; a small falcon. It screeched and Daine grinned.
My thanks. Then she closed her eyes. A minute or two passed - suddenly, she flicked them open and searched the room.
Juliana nearly fainted. Daine no longer had stormy blue eyes - they were the hawk's yellow! She must have made some noise, as the bird screeched again and Daine jerked. Her eyes resumed their normal color.
she gasped, steadying herself. What - how?
You - your - your eyes! cried Juliana, landing heavily on the bed. What happened?
Daine's expression was one of concern. Juliana, you mustn't tell anyone. No one but Damara knows - it must stay that way! Don't tell; swear to me you won't tell!
But what was that? whispered Juliana, taking deep breaths.
Blue eyes begging for understanding, Daine whispered, I have magic. It's called wildmagic, and it lets me communicate with all animals. Recently, I began to practice shaping something of me into an animal. Thus the eyes. Now swear you won t tell!
With a sigh, Juliana pledged, In the name of Mithros, I pledge never to reveal the nature of your power. Happy?
Daine nodded.
Good. What did the bird say?¤