"Don't mention it," Miyako said with a big grin. "We'll still be in Katapesh for a while, so if you ever wanna hang out, we could probably do something."<br/><br/>"Umm Miyako, aren't you forgetting something?"<br/><br/>The sorcerous sister stopped in her tracks. "Oh yeah, there's no doors in this place! Alright, hold my hands again, and we'll all be outta here!"<br/><br/><hr/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: andale mono;">Forgetting Something?</span></span></div><br/>Munira was beaming by the time they got back to their hotel with all the research notes. "We were only here but briefly, yet it feels like the end of a long quest," she said with a yawn before plopping down the couch.<br/><br/><em>Knock knock knock.</em><br/><br/>Munira looked over to the door, then Neferi. "Did you order anything?" she asked.<br/><br/><em>Knock knock knock.</em>"Open up, it's Francisco! I just saw you go in, I know you're there!"<br/><br/>Letting out a sigh, Munira strode over to the door to let him in. "We don't have your scroll, if that's what you're asking for. We already used it."<br/><br/>"I figured as much," the businessman said. "Such an exact amount tends to involve things of that nature. But the matter of fact is that you both took out a loan, and need to pay it back."<br/><br/>After opening up their collected wallets, the hotel room's table was a sparkling pile of 172 gold pieces. A treasure horde for a commoner, but a shoestring budget for noblewomen.<br/><br/>"We don't have enough money," Munira said. "Sorry."<br/><br/>"No matter, that's fine, it really is!" Francisco said with a suspiciously optimistic tone. "It's not unusual for loans to be paid off in installments! I'll be gladly taking all this. As for the remaining 953 gold pieces, this contract here states that the creditor is within their rights to pass off the debt to a suitable third party capable of ensuring a steady return in a manner best suited to the circumstances and skill talent of the debtors!"<br/><br/>Munira folded her arms. "I'd like to see that in writing, if you may."<br/><br/>It was all there, in the very contract Neferi and Munira signed...in Kelish.<br/><br/>"Oops, sorry Neferi, I must have missed that! Francisco, we are of highborn heritage; we can probably get...oh."<br/><br/>She promptly remembered how her House was in bad financial straits. "Actually, what plan do you have in mind, Francisco? We do have useful talents which should be of good use in a city like this."<br/><br/>"Well, let's see...you're young, exotic, both in peak physical condition if I do say so myself...I figured that work as a masseuse would be best, so I passed on your debt to Lady Awan's Massage Parlor."<br/><br/>"A...masseuse?" Munira was confused. "I don't think that sounds right."<br/><br/>"Perhaps not, but her employees make money which Katapesh's commoners dream about! Far more than you'd get as dockworkers, messengers, restaurant workers, or other lowly wages unfitting of two ladies of your station! Don't worry, just go, you'll be safe and sound and work off your debt in no time!"<br/><br/><hr/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;">Lady Awan's Massage Parlor</span></span><br/><br/>(https://i.imgur.com/K2GmkaS.png?1)</div><br/><br/>Located near the Docks, the three-story building seemed unusually colorful and ostentatious for its location. The owner by the same name seemed happy and soft-spoken at their arrival, showing the pair around the place. It had an all-female workface, and the sailors and travelers seemed quite happy to procure their services. The scent of rosewater and various oils permeated the establishment.<br/><br/>"Francisco informed me of your debt," Awan said. "Not to worry, you should be able to break even in a few month's time. This is no debtor's prison; you'll be able to sleep here with room and board, along with three meals, deducted from your weekly salaries, and security is on hand if any clients get unruly or try to withhold payment. Beyond that you're free to go about Katapesh during nonwork hours as you please, although if you leave the city and don't return within 24 hours we'll alert the temple of Abadar that you might be trying to shunt your contract or been kidnapped. Either way we'll devote resources to your safe return."<br/><br/>"Lady Awan, we're out of tissues in Room 107!"<br/><br/>(https://i.imgur.com/iYJusgi.jpg?1)<br/><br/>The elven masseuse was very under-dressed for one of her profession.<br/><br/>"Hmmm, that can be a problem, Lexill. I can lend you a towel for a substitute, catch."<br/><br/>Throwing her a spare, they continued their tour.<br/><br/>"We appreciate your kindness, Laday Awan," Munira said, "but the pair of us have never massaged anyone in a professional manner before. We'll need to learn the ropes before we can start work."<br/><br/>Passing by one room, Neferi noticed a catgirl masseuse and client being closer than usual...<br/><br/>(https://i.imgur.com/6ozsrxf.gif)<br/><br/>"Don't worry, I accounted for that too. I get many girls coming here with little skill, but our specialists on hand teach them the necessities. Truth be told, it's easier than you think. Many clients just want to relax, seek companionship, or even have a lended ear to share things they can't open up about to others. A lot of it is intuitive, reading your client and doing what comes naturally. And if you find the job enjoyable enough, you're more than welcome to stay after your business with Francisco's over."<br/><br/>Before going into her office, this last scene was too noticeable for either Neferi or Munira to miss:<br/><br/>(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/c/ce/ElfServants.jpg)<br/><br/>The door halfway open, an elf girl rode her client, causing the massage table to squeak, as two other undressed elves looked on.<br/><br/>Awan immediately yet discretely closed the door.<br/><br/>"My apologies. Don't let that give you the wrong impression, discretion and privacy are virtues in this establishment. See, this is why I tell my girls to close the doors locked instead of merely closed; sometimes it's like they expect the wind spirits to not be perverts."<br/><br/>Awan smiled, but Munira didn't seem to be in a laughing mood as they entered her office.<br/><br/>"I mean this with all respect, Lady Awan, but I get the feeling this is not just a massage parlor..."<br/><br/>"You guessed right," Awan said. "We do offer non-lewd massages, but most of our clients come here expecting more, and this provides us the majority of our earnings."<br/><br/>Munira sighed. "I suppose we don't have a choice. So, how discrete is your business regarding worker's identities?"<br/><br/>"Worried a father or boyfriend will come in here and discover you?" she asks. "Don't worry, I can tell you're both not from around here; in fact, our more high-profile clienteles often arrange appointments, so I'll tell my girls to keep an eye out for any blue-skinned ladies or gentlemen coming in."<br/><br/>Awan takes both Neferi's and Munira's hands in her own. "I know this may be a big shock and change to your old lives, but I guarantee your stay here will be safe. Our resident herbalists are top-notch and will ensure you won't gain any illnesses or be with child as a consequence of your jobs. And our girls are a kind, tight-knit community; 'if something bothers one of us, it bothers us all,' we say."<br/><br/>As a friendly gesture, she offered the pair some chocolate candy from a jar on her desk. Munira took a piece.