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There is a strange pain in your shoulders and it takes you a few seconds to notice you were tensing this entire time. It really has been too long since you had been around people socially. You used to be the life of the party, but now even simple interactions leave you stressed and drained.
You smile in resignation and lay back against the pillow bed. You can't see the girls while staring at the ceiling, and eventually you relax enough that even your excitement cools down. They must think you are a real odd fellow. Insane old man screaming at prostitutes for being unfaithful... Or maybe young virgin boy so shy he broke decorum.
"Ashlad?" Mira brings you out of your thoughts. As you climb back into a sitting position you can see Cora (or Coriander) covered herself again. They are looking at you, a bit dejected, a bit confused.
"What's your story?" You ask in an impulse. They seem even more puzzled by your question than by your silence. You reiterate. "I want to know more about you three."
Finally, their faces resolve into a smile. Mercenaries, travelers and all forms of never-do-wells often hire these women to talk to them, share their bed and partake of their company. You finally gave them something they can work with, something they are proficient and familiar with, and it really shows. In a heartbeat they fly to your side and began pampering you again. They lay you down, caress your bruises with wet and sweet smelling clothes, run fingers over your hair and feed you fresh fruits. All the while talking to you - or more at you - in a charming manner that makes you smile. All things considered, it is very calming.
They talk about themselves, where they came from. Your original assumptions were half-right.
Cora is a Qartian. Was born into slavery, so when her owner's family moved to Throne they had to emancipate her. It was a mixed blessing, since while Throne disallows the ownership of other humans, it also gives the new elevated slaves no safety net or security. Without means - or reason - to care for her, Cora was abandoned on the streets. She spent some awful years there before tagging along with the caravans that travel in and out of the city. Throne is trully gigantic. The city spans over 1000 kilometer square and at its highest point, Throne is over 7 kilometers high. Cora travelled most of it before she met Sammyak. It was Sara and Mira who took her in. This is her first caravan outside of the City of White Stone. You assumed she would be from the western countries considering how thick her accent is, but during her recounting you got a glimpse of the true girl - of Coriander - under there, and you assume she is reinforcing her accent to appear more exotic.
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