"Oh dear," Maester Hirsch said, sounding not at all distressed. "Well, come with me, then.  We'll soon get you sorted out."<br/><br/>Soon and sorted out meant another walk through the city again and crossing a bridge to a luxurious spa and bath house of considerable size...large enough that one could fit most of Underleaf into the central courtyard. It also means meeting two more unusual people in an annex off to one side of the main spa: one of them a distractingly beautiful, voluptuous, pneumatic Night Person so cheerful and open of manner that Kenna felt almost immediately at ease...and possibly also distracted, since the woman's costume was meant to draw an appreciative eye to her ample charms. The other was someone sleek and almost androgynous, but who styled their hair in a practical yet feminine way. Their skin was a pale green, similar to Kenna's, and they immediately sat up upon viewing the petite student, studying her carefully. The green was marred only by a birthmark the color of port wine that seemed to cover half of what Kenna could see of the other's body. To her eyes, it was merely a curiosity...but there was a guardedness about this second person that spoke volumes.<br/><br/>Maester Hirsch opened matters by bowing to the pair and addressing the Incredible Hawtness as "Good Mistress Urr," which was as far as he got before the Night Woman let out a low, sultry laugh.<br/><br/>"Now, now, we've been over this, darling. For you, always and evermore, it's Bulgan."<br/><br/>"Of course, Bulgan, I pray you forgive me. I was hoping to set a proper example for my newest student. May I present Kenna Falzin, recently arrived from the Pavin Weald? Student Falzin, these are Bulgan Urr, proprietress of this spa, and her partner..."<br/><br/>"<em>Business</em>partner," muttered the green-skinned clerk. The voice was high and light.<br/><br/>"Also my dearest and oldest friend," Bulgan smiled warmly at her associate. "Without whom my delightful spa would be in truly sorry shape."<br/><br/>"Mistress Moore Heather," Hirsch finally managed, patting Kenna gently on the shoulder. "Ladies, Student Kelzin is on scholarship and is in dire need of lodgings under careful and most watchful guardianship. She is, according to the reports forwarded by the traveling noble involved, quite industrious by nature and charming and pleasant in personality."<br/><br/>"Aaaand you are calling in that favor," Moore replied in a dry tone, one brow rising as...she seemed the right word...gave Kenna another piercing visual examination.<br/><br/>"And, as you say, I am calling in a favor, plus allowing you to receive compensation from the royal funds for support of such good works as this." He spread his hands as if to say 'you have caught me' and grinned.<br/><br/>"If we accept," Bulgan said, slipping one arm through his and leading him off, "then we may need to speak of other compensation. Tell me, dear, how is your lovely blacksmith these days! It's been ages since you brought that delicious hunk of manhood by to say hello..."<br/><br/>She led the man off, leaving Kenna with the quiet Sea-folk, who was still staring at her. Or maybe glaring. Her sour expression hadn't changed much.<br/><br/>"Lodgings, plus food, plus who knows what other upkeep. You're likely to be an expensive investment," she mused, eyes lingering on Kenna. "Plus you'll be over at the College most of the time, so finding the best way to make use of you is going to be interesting."  With a sigh, she sat back. "Oh, we'll take you in, have no fear. Bulgan seems to like you already and it is not as though we don't owe a few favors to the College. You'll be less trouble than some of what they could ask for instead."<br/><br/>She snorted softly.<br/><br/>"If, that is, you can keep from passing out whenever Bulga smiles at you.<em>Caria</em>, yes?"<br/><br/>