<br/><strong>Name:  Semele (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=266077.msg13129368#msg13129368)</strong><br/><br/><strong>CLIENT</strong><br/><br/><strong>Situation:</strong>Entering the One-Night Bride with need, panache and more clients!<br/><br/><strong>Tagging:</strong>Velen and Antonio; mentioning Celeste and Stephen; Open<br/><br/><strong>Content Warning:</strong><em>devious smiles</em><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><hr/><hr/><br/><br/>The curtains to the main entrance were pulled apart wide enough to allow the small group of clients to enter. Semele, owner of the Pink Hydra - the One Night Bride’s main competitor, was fenced by four males, two of which were her personal guards. The others were close business partners which she brought to the ONB for some fun. It was part of her annual report and a self-confident statement – the venture allowed them to test the competition first-hand and thus rightfully compare it to the services offered at Pink Hydra.  It spoke volumes of her rather unusual way to run her affairs and in 99% of cases it had the desired impact. The partners had a wonderful time on her expense, always asked for the best food, wine and women, but in the end continued their patronage for the Pink Hydra. It was not because the services at the Bride lacked or because of any major difference of quality between the two establishments… it was due to the eccentricity of the former and partly to Semele’s personal charm. Her clientele was quite the specific one – most of them were either living within the Bazaar or highly knowledgeable of its offerings, just like her. Boredom seemed to be the most unlikely threat anyone would receive at this magical place. And yet for many such as her it was inevitable. So she took them and herself away from the flamboyant and boisterous rooms of the Pink Hydra straight into the luxurious and intimate chambers of the One Night Bride.<br/><br/>Her entrance was as always, dramatic. The two bodyguards were of the Wolf Clan, twins. Both were large, bulky, their frames covered in ivory and grey fur, their snouts bore one or two scars and both dressed identical bar for the color scheme in leather pieces strong enough to stand the flexing of their limbs. The most loyal guards one could find in the Bazaar and they didn’t come cheap. Her business partners were of a different species. The tall, lanky one was half-dragon judging by the scales on his neck and by the lizard-like nose on his otherwise handsome face.  The second partner was shorter than even Semele herself and very young compared to the other members of the group. He was in fact representing his father and despite his efforts to hide it, this was his first time visiting such an establishment. Semele initially thought it was bad business to have his first impression at the Bride rather than at her own. However, if he were to fall in the wrong hands, ones not so tender or patient as required to render his first experience a most pleasant one, she wouldn’t mind it. It bothered her that this was a rather delicate situation: she had to make sure the youngster had enough of a good time to relate it to his father, but not good enough to seek it again here.<br/><br/>As for herself, she was looking for something really special, someone to help her unwind and forget everything for an hour or two at least, if not for the night. She had her mind set on one of the younger Grooms, those who really aimed to please and who allowed themselves to be molded to her preference. If Fate would present itself with something different that wouldn’t be a problem, either. Dressed in a sparkling champagne-colored dress with white fur keeping her shoulders warm, Semele looked like one of those Hollywood stars Celeste was so fond of. The golden curls and striking red lipstick gave her a Marilyn Monroe edge. The fact that she was surrounded by the four males all dressed in black only added to that image. Giving Mr. Jeffrey a coy smile as they passed by him, the small group took one of the large benches hostage. The woman and her partners took a seat while the bodyguards remained standing behind them. She allowed the dragon-man to order drinks for them and watched him smile to the pretty waitress.<br/><br/><strong>“Gentlemen, all is allowed, but not all is permitted.”</strong>She joked teasingly while she scanned the room herself.<strong>“Things go a bit different here, I would suggest taking the time to watch and listen before choosing a Bride. Or a Groom. Yet if you need additional information, I am here to please.”</strong>At the Pink Hydra the selection process was based more or less on a client’s profile, they went through a quick survey before one or two courtesans were suggested to them. In most cases the clients were so pleased, that they asked for the same one a second time or even on the third visit. There was also the “surprise draw”, a fun and public event in which the participants took the risk of enjoying (or not) a courtesan completely different to their tastes. Those who backed down on their word were symbolically hit with flowers and booed playfully by other clients and staff members. But she was here to see what the two would choose for themselves and to take more than a peek at what Celeste’s staff has been up to lately. New additions perhaps? Or new approaches.<br/><br/>Once the drinks were brought, she took the time to savor her own. Eyes closed, she allowed only the taste to woe her, paired with the rich, spicy fragrance of the room. Then she finally gazed around the room, attentive to details. The juggler was certainly a new addition, Semele thought as her eyes scanned Antonio from his long dreads to the tips of his boots. Was he part of the<em>offerings</em>or just an entertainer? If so, Celeste had certainly lost her mind. It wasn’t in her style at all. And speaking of the devil, there she was in full splendour conversating with a client who by all standards didn’t look like much. All standards except the looks, he was handsome enough to pass as a Groom, was this part of a job interview then? Semele chuckled at the thought.<br/><br/>“Saw anything funny?”  the young man beside her asked hopeful, clinging to any chance to brush away his slight unease.<br/><br/><strong>”Yes, the juggler amuses me.”</strong>she lied, focusing on Antonio once more. Perhaps she could do some hiring of her own tonight, if he wasn’t already taken.<br/><br/><strong>”Bravo!”</strong>she raised her glass towards Antonio and briefly touched the arm of the closest bodyguard. The Wolf-man approached him looking as menacing as ever and as he reached inside his black suit, it looked like he was pulling out a weapon for a moment. But then he jiggled the small satchel and the familiar sound of coins ringing reached Antonio’s ears.<br/><br/>”The lady enjoys you.” he growled. An odd statement, ambiguous at least. The Wolf-man remained in front of him, waiting for Antonio to take the coins. Semele smiled. Would he stop the juggling just for that?<br/><br/>Taking one more sip, her gaze changed direction and met with Velen’s brown eyes. Now here was a Groom she never bothered to try before. Semele knew some things about him, information gathered here and there throughout the years, but as a competitor she has always focused more on Celeste’s female courtesans. They were more in number and brought in more coins. As a client however, she viewed him as a pretty boy, a player or at best a secret tease. There was something different about him tonight.<br/>