Quoted By:
You let your gaze drop from Ellyn, your mind made up. For the coin you’ve invested thus far, you might as well make a paramour of her. Thought was given towards her older cousin filling that purpose, but this one will make for fine enough arm decoration if nothing else. None are like to stop you, least of all the wench herself. Your companions have been paid off, and Ellyn has proven to be about as lusty as one could hope for. It’s just a matter of keeping her mind out of lofty places. Last you need is her taking on her cousin’s haughtiness.
You catch sight of Harlor arriving with the two young ones in tow, putting an end to your musings and allowing for the day to begin in earnest. The hike back up to the smithy is far more bearable this early in the day. The cobblestones do not yet shimmer with heat, and ample shade is provided by awnings and the shadows of buildings. The Westerosi children are as glum as ever. Doubtless unsure yet unsure of her place in your party, Ellyn walks aside the youths though without the familiarity or mothering of her departed cousin. It occurs she is of no relation to the House of Meadows. You’re not quite sure if Gwynfryd’s journey to the Reach is of any comfort to her at all. A thought for later. For now, you are more interested in your last two truly loyal companions.
“Now that you’ve both beggared me, for what will you use the coin?” you ask Harlor and Noren. Neither has been so wealthy in their lifetimes, but they are sellswords through and through. Their earnings will be sand through an hourglass much the same as yours were. Then it will be onto the next venture and the cycle will continue.
“I aim to fuck Ahroreah,” Noren says.
“The owner of the pleasure house? You’ve called her a hag,” you say.
“<span class="mu-i">Experienced</span> I meant,” he says. “She’s younger than Harlor.”
“Still don’t mean you’re not one’ve her discarded runts,” Harlor tells him. “She won’t have you.”
“Fuck off. I knew my mother. Anyway, that’s what makes it all the sweeter, the sport of it. She will say no and then she will see the gold. Half her whores just lay there, but I reckon not her. Must’ve learned some filthy tricks to afford her house,” Noren explains.
“Just so,” you agree. “What of you, Harlor?”
“A man has debts,” Harlor says.
“Your innkeep has debts,” you correct.
“Aye her, too. It’s not charity. Her second daughter is mine. I’m sure’ve it. She has my look,” Harlor says.
“Poor girl,” Noren quips.
Harlor shoots him a dirty look and more loudly continues, “And I thought to dower her proper like.”
“If you’re paying, might be I’m buying. Double up my earnings,” Noren offers.
“You insult her looks and now you want her?” Harlor growls.
“More he insulted yours,” you point out.
