Post by moiramacarran on Jan 16, 2009 0:47:57 GMT -6
Moira: After she had spoke to Shaden last night, that insane night where a private conversation was not possible, Moira realized what a busy place the Gilded Lily was and what a busy woman Shaden herself was. She returned today, moving silently to the door of the Lily and pressing it open. A pause in the foyer and letting her gaze drift to see if the housekeeper was about to remind her about finger prints. Were the housekeeper no where to be seen Moira would look leave the foyer to enter tha main room of the Lily, but at the same time she did hope to see the housekeeper from last night so she could find Shaden for her. Moira herself did not want to go nosing about the Lily looking for Shaden, she did not know the place nor if she should be nosing around it seeking people out. Her way of dress today was much like last night, the same rust colored cloak covering her completely, even the hood had been drawn up until she were in the foyer, which at that time it would be pulled back. Her dress was a violet color from what could be seen though most of it was still covered by the cloak which Moira still wore. After standing outside most of the day with her newly made friends, as she would call them now, she was still numb from that cold that had seeped its way in through her bones to the very core of her being. "Hello?" She called out, just in case no one has heard her enter.
Shaden: Shaden appeared from her office, a handful of ledgers tucked against her breast, over the rounded belly that sheltered the child within, soft green folds of ivy colored velvet , cut in empire style to allow for her now.. full figure.. at 7 months pregnant there was just.. well no way to hide the bump..gracefully, so it was displayed with love and pride.. no matter that the father was a source of constant..speculation.. " Ahhhh Moira... so nice to see you.. just in time.. I like punctuality.. " the radiant smile that greeted Moira, was warm and friendly, copper curls bounced as she walked.. " Come lets go into the kitchen I'm starved" she moved with a grace that was uncommon of a pregnant lady and one had to wonder if she practically glided on air when not so... ungainly... " Throw your cloak off over on of the chairs.. " her hand waived Idly as she moved... " I just can't seem to get enough to eat lately.. but I suppose I can blame it on eating for two "
Moira: Moira smiled at Shaden when she saw the woman enter. No housekeeper to tell her to keep her mits to herself today. She was near to envious of Shaden, how someone seven months pregnant could move that lightly was an enigma to her, Moira doubting she would ever have that ability if ever she found herself expecting a child. She chuckled when Shaden spoke of how hungry she was. "Well, I've read that the body, when pregnant, craves the food it needs so in my opinion you should eat all you want, though of course not to an over amounted excess." Quoting the book. She removed her cloak and under it could now be seen that the violet gown was one that was decorated in black lace embroidery all about the hem, long sleeved and tight bodice, those sleeves too were tight fitted but she could still move without ripping the sleeves wide open. The rusty colored cloak slung to hang over the back of a chair, only because she saw no hooks in which to hang it from. "Besides that, you do radiate a healthy glow." Pregnant women always looked so good, so unfair to those not pregnant!
Shaden: "Why Thank you.. and I seem to share the same opinion about eating as your book.. at First I worried over every inch my waist expanded with this child, but the more I grow with her, the more my love grows for her... and I could care less if I were the size of a house.. as long as I get to meet this little one soon" Ushered into the Kitchen the smells of roasting meats and vegetables assailed them, Gerda nodding to both and setting out plates for them along with warmed spiced cider.. Venison roast and root vegetables that had been cooked in a savory gravy with fresh bread " I hope you don't' mind the causal lunch.. but we keep.. formal dinners.. and family style at Lunch and breakfast.. so it's easy for the girls to come and go.. " she settled and waved her hand at the opposite chair for Moira... " Come don't be shy so what is it you wished to speak of with me ?" Shaden had already guessed but wanted to see if the girl before her would be plain spoken or dance about the subject.. call it.. part of a test.
Moira: Moira had trailed after Shaden into the kitchen. She shook her head, she did not mind settling in the kitchen at all, it was warm and cozy in here, she always preferred kitchens and how snug they felt to the formal coldness that came with many a dining room. Sitting in a chair and leaning back a bit, it felt like someone had shoved a metal rod down her spine from all the standing she had done outside. The smell of the food near had her drooling but she did manage to control herself rather easily. "I wanted to inquire about this establishment. It is a place of courtesans?" The question easy to ask now, she had been wary last night with the child present, she did not want to be the one in Skye to corrupt a small girl, it was not her place nor her right and she was unaware of how much the child had known of such things and if Moira had been wrong than that was all the more damage she may have done to the child's psyche, she wouldn't have that on her conscience. not ever.
Shaden: " Yes Indeed" she took a bite of stew and a sip of cider " The Lily is the most prestigious house in Turas Lan.. we cater to the nobles and upper Military men... accompany them to functions of state, balls, gatherings... entertain them on matters of business... and personally.. if the client wishes.. " she settled the cup back on the table gazing at the girl before her " The girls of the Lily are some of the most beautiful and Talented in all the land.. they lack for nothing.. and are secure amongst the social status here in Turas Lan."
Moira: Moira lifted the glass of cider, taking a sip as Shaden explained the workings of the courtesans. Finishing her drink of the warm liquid she replaced it to the table. "I understand." Taking it in that she had all but been told she was not acceptable. She lacked in much of a talent in just about anything that she could think of and she did not think she would meet the requirements of catering to the higher status men that were their patrons. The lower class perhaps, she may fit in with them better. But even if she were told something akin to 'sorry, you suck' in kinder terms she would at least eat the lunch she had been invited to have, because reason one, she was starving, and secondly, she liked Shaden already. But she couldn't help asking one question no matter. "I was curious, does the child who was here know what goes on here?" She had little idea if business took place right in the main room of the Lily or in a more private area of it.
Shaden: In Fact Moira had read Shaden wrong.. she was not passing judgment at all.. " Nae the little one.. Seanna.. doesn't know what goes on here.. she is just.. well Her father Patroned one of the Lily's.. fell in love with her and is planning to marry her.. they stopped by to bring me some cinnamon rolls.. as a thank you for .. arranging their meeting.. that and Maggie and Jack are lovely people and Seanna is lovely child as well.. as long as it's not business hours she's safe enough here and wont' be.. privy to the business side of things.. " she smiled buttering a piece of bread and passed it to Moira " So you came here looking for work?" she inquired lightly able to read the bit of hesitation in the girls manner
Moira: Moira was more a pessimist, she always saw the bad side to things over the more positive side. It was a curse, sometimes she had a hard time shaking it. Nodding she took the bread from Shaden. "thank you." and listening to the story of the child and she smiled. "I see, glad I held back from asking last night then." She chuckled. Now nibbling on the butter bread. "Did you eat them all in a sitting? I would have, they smelled good." Taking care between bites of the bread not to make a mess, it would look bad to make a slob of herself in front of Shaden, or anyone really, it just wasn't her way to eat like a starved farm hand.
Shaden: "Hmmmmm " she hummed as she ate softly as Moira questioned her.. " I did not eat them all.. I had quite a bit of help from the girls and servants as well as Nicholas.. " she wiped her mouth with a napkin blotting carefully before leaning back hands on her belly.. massaging softly.. the velvet shifting with the movements of the child within " well even had you asked.. well.. there are ways of speaking of things.. without speaking of things.. we would have managed.. " she smiled lightly wondering if the girl wanted employment of merely a meal
Moira: A nod, likely they could have spoken on it had she tried harder but with all the people about she would have rather spoken in private to be honest. "Have you a need for any more by chance? I don't know how well I would do at it." Being bluntly honest. "But I do know it appeals to me by far more than being a server or bar wench." She was sick of the run of the mill regular jobs. She wanted to do something better and she knew she had the skill to a degree to do something more with herself.
Shaden: "I'm always on the lookout for new Lily's.. and with Marguerite leaving there is an opening.. There is training and education to be done before you can become a full fledged Lily.. I would pair you with an already working Lily to learn the ins and outs of the business.. you won't be lacking when it comes time to fully take your place among them.. " she smiled.. softly... " Of Course you realize that this is a job that requires intimate services... that you may be called upon to give to gentlemen that will patron you.. ?"
Moira: She liked the sound of the job already. An occupation where she was required to learn and know things and not just any idiot could do it would give her a real boost in confidence if she made it. "Yes, I had heard that was the working order of things and I don't mind. Though I do have to ask, do your girls have their choice in saying yes or no to customers or do they just do the job and ignore any negativity they may have. And.. do you do that part of the job as well? And.. is it men only?" Well, women had needs to, she's heard of women going to such places to hire girls as well but if it happened here in Skye, she had no idea. "Please forgive me if I ask to much as well, I like to learn what I can about anything I go into doing. I did meet one of your girls today I believe, she was a very nice person, if you don't mind my saying so."
Shaden: "The Lily's have their choice of clients.. and should one get out of hand or violent there are guards to take care of those sorts of things.. This is a business however and one should try to make things run as smoothly as possible.. a fractious Lily is not good for business" she spoke in a tone that was pleasant but business like as she outlined the part of a Lily " The goal here is twofold.. one.. to provide a service to the gentlemen, and ladies if they so desire.. and two... to educate and raise the standard of Living of the Lilies themselves.. when you become a Lily you contract with me for 5 years.. in that time.. you are educated, clothed given room and board and ample opportunity to make your way into the upper class of society.. each month a part of your earnings are tucked away into a Dowry account.. upon at the end of your 5 years of good service you will receive.. to hopefully accommodate you into marriage or.. a business of your own.." another sip of cider as she awaited to see if the girl understood what she was saying and when she was satisfied it had sunk in she continued... " As for my activities.. they are mine alone.. " she smiled softly.. and winked " Yes Nairne.. I believe.. a very charming girl.. she has grown remarkably since coming here "
Moira: To some, that last bit about contract may have sounded like a prison styled agreement but to Moira is sounded like security, something she hadn't had for a very long time in her life, years at least. "I do apologize for asking, I was not prying, I just wondered if someone came to the place asking for you if you saw people." She did not want to get caught in any situation that would bring about drama or any other unnecessary and annoying acts from people. And a percentage of earnings going to the Lily or a dowry or anything sounded fair to her, some if it ought to go to the Lily as she saw it, the establishment wouldn't be able to pay for itself and the girls were the source of income. "So there is a contract to be signed? It all sounds fair, more than fair, the girls seem to be getting the grand end of the deal, clothing, a place to live, education. But then, there is the question if you would accept someone such as me into this. I have no formal training.." No training at all. "for this line of work though I learn fast if you would give me a chance."
Shaden: "There is a contract to be signed after a grace period.. you will be placed with a mentor for you beginning education... and after a few weeks if you still wish to become a Lily you can sign the contract.. the contract is in place for your security.. you can walk away at anytime.. but you forfeit the dowry.. if you do.. otherwise your half of the earnings are yours.. and you can leave no harm or foul... " she smiled.. and stood her hand going to her back.. softly rubbing " I think you would be an asset to the Lily.. your bright, beautiful and bold.. something men seem to love.. "
Moira: "Thank you, I will do my very best." She stood seeing Shaden stand and quite suddenly she was guilt ridden. "I am sorry to have taken so much of your time, certainly you must be tired. Though it does look as though you will not have to carry the weight of the child much longer." Seemed from the seventh month on was the worst point of pregnancy for comfort. "Is there anything I can do for you?" Poor Shaden would acquire another mother hen over her with Moira, that was for certain, but one that would give her he space others may not at the same time. She would worry from a distance instead of in Shaden's face.
Shaden: "No, no I'm fine.. it's just the weight of the babe on my back.. nothing that is not worth it though " she smiled softly " you are no bother dear.. I hate eating alone and needed a respite from my accounting work.. " she shifted from foot to foot lightly " But now I confess that I have to excuse myself .. because my child sees fit to stomp on my bladder" she chuckled lightly... " If you wish to start your training you can move in when your ready.. I will have Gerda ready a room for you.. and Have Nairne. be your mentor and show you about.. " she smiled softly as she made her way out of the kitchen and to the base of the stairs that led upward.. to her suite of rooms.. " Shall I see you moving in this eve?"
Moira: Moira followed Shaden, thankful she had the housekeeper here just in case. A smile was sent to the woman, and well, her new boss. "Yes, you will, and thank you. You won't be sorry you gave me this chance." She would go off to the Rose, gather what very few belongings she had and return here with them as quickly as possible. Picking up her cloak from the chair back and drawing it over her shoulders to close the front of it. "If I do not see you on my return, have a good night's sleep as well." Resisting saying thank you yet again, she didn't want to seem to over grateful, people didn't like that.