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You wonder why this Lady Death, who seems experienced and wiser then anyone you've ever met, is asking for a story. As though to be entertained by it like a cheap floozie; something you have done before, a bit to your youthful shame. But seeing her piercing white eyes, you feel as though she can see the measure of your words through you; not mind reading exactly, but... something close. You decide to tell her the truth. She invites you to sit on one of the cushioned couches before you continue.
<span class="mu-r">"It was when I was only a few months on a whaling ship that it happened. I practiced the throws and rowing each day, gaining my strength. I never expected to be the one to spot the beast that took my leg, but I did..."</span>
When your story is over, she smiles, and thanks you. Then, she pulls out a pearl hidden from a pocket; a large sized golden pearl. This is worth about ten regular pearls, and hands it to you.
"A reward, for telling the <span class="mu-s">truth</span>."
<span class="mu-r">"Uhm... Thank you, Mam. But I don't quite understand. Why are you giving this to me?"</span>
"This is MIstress. The only place in the ocean where the whores pay you. I have just whored myself to you, as such, you are now paid."
<span class="mu-r">"W-What!?"</span> You clench, not wanting to accept the pearl now, feeling sticky in your hands. This is a Lady Death speaking like thus!
<span class="mu-r">"I would never call you- but we didn't-"</span> She waves a hand to silence you.
"Please. Do you know what the difference between the sexes are? Some say it is physical, but this is hardly the case. Both are needed to make children, and men are feeble more often in their lives then they are mighty. Some say it is the focus on love; but women and men love differently, and men may very well love more. No, the difference is Men go out into the world, and fight and hunt and explore and then die, but it is the women who <span class="mu-i">remember</span>. I have now served you as a woman does. I will remember your story, Captain "Rich". That is my purpose. This is the least I can do to repay you for fulfilling yours."
<span class="mu-r">"...I don't see that a sensible business model."</span> You say after a moment of thought, with a meek smile. She rolls her eyes.
"Oh please. The name "Mistress" isn't a euphemism. We're close to the Fruit Barons for a reason, young captain. Their pearls will fund any triflings I give away. Every other woman on this island is for sale, it's the least I can do. You and your crew can stay for a day, long enough to repair any damage to your ship and relax a bit before heading out to find more stories for me. Goodbye, <span class="mu-i">Captain</span>."
With that, you bow your head to the lady death, feeling like you were enlightened to something you still don't quite yet have a name for, and exit into the clean and dusty streets.
>Update continues in ~12 hours
