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Black Pearl	It has been a month since the House of Repslendant Delights has opened, and it is starting to get a reputation for high quality indeed. Also, as a new place, many are coming to it to See and Be Seen, to gossip and try to pick up more information than they give. The city underworld leaders have also had discreet contacts, at one or two removes, from the Water-borne that everyone knows as Black Pearl. Is she a Dynast? Someone else? Many rumors abound.
Spring Wind	The front door of the House slides open with Spring's arrival, her gaze sweeping across the area towards the front. After a few seconds of a pause, she walks over towards one of the side seating locations and sits down. Removing her cloak, she folds it up next to herself and simply watches for now. She does seem to be searching through the crowds visually but for who? Or what, for that matter?
Black Pearl	Quickly, one of the waitstaff approaches, and gives a courteous bow. "Good day, and welcome to the House of Resplendant Delights. Is there anything that you wish? Anything can be had here, for a price." A duo of performers comes to the stage, one playing the flute and the other with a stringed instrument and bow. Between the two of them, a haunting melody, one of peace and yearning twined, starts to play
Spring Wind	Spring withdraws a small wooden disc, and places it on the table; upon it is carved a rat perched on a crescent moon. "I'm looking for someone, though I can also pass word along if that's of interest." she notes.
Black Pearl	"Of course." He looks at the disk, and then nods. "Actually, if you will follow me, there is someone who wishes to meet with you." The watier gives a deeper bown than before and then starts to lead the way to the second floor, to a larger set of doors keeping a room private. When the doors open, there is an almost inhumanly beautiful woman at the table. A crystal decanter of wine and a chilled glass is there, as well as a well laid out tray of fruits, cheeses, and cuts of meat. The water goes to her, bows, and hands her the disk. After a moment of discussion, he leaves the room, and the blue-eyed woman looks up. "Well...this is an interesting token you bear."
Spring Wind	"That's one word for it." Spring says, sitting down. "Here I wanted to meet a contact, but that can wait. Nobody ever really sets appointments for those sorts of things." she continues. "I'd be surprised at your interest, but... I'm not that naive about a place that caters to worldly pleasures."
Black Pearl	"There are official rules, and unofficial ones," Pearl replies. "It is good to always do things properly with each. In any event, I am sure that you know I am Black Pearl. How are you addressed?" She smiles, "And please, if you wish any of what is here, by all means have some."
Spring Wind	"Spring Wind, Spring, or several different unkind and creative titles." she says, picking up a few grapes and rotating them around her hand before moving one up into her fingers and popping it into her mouth. "Mostly honest, a few courier jobs or reports put food on the table when labor isn't enough."
Black Pearl	Pearl smiles, "Come now, we both know you do more than that. So you are closer to the Rat Queen than most believe you to be." She takes a sip of her wine, "I truly do not mind. Though I would not be pleased to find burglary here--I would have to defend what is mine, of course--it is always good to know the shape of the rulers of the streets and rooftops."
Spring Wind	"Well it's not like I'm her #2 or something." Spring says, shrugging. "Lots of people chip in at times, the kickback to struggling people is appreciated. I'll keep my sticky fingers off your stuff though, pissing someone off in their own house is a bad idea. Mostly. But here it is for sure."
Black Pearl	"And besides, if I voluntarily provide some support, thing things are better for you and yours, and for me and mine since the Queen is not coming after me and instead going after others...and perhaps I can hire expertise from time to time, Spring?"
Spring Wind	"Of course." Spring says, "I'll pass that along, though what you could provide is a worthwhile piece of information too. Can't come to you for an agreement if I don't know what to ask for."
Black Pearl	"Well, as far as basic support, there is food and clothing. If you are asking for more..." Pearl shrugs slightly. "It is common knowledge that I have dealings with the Guild. Or is there something more...particular you are searching for? Are you looking for my own areas of expertise?"
Spring Wind	"As much as you're willing to speak to." Spring says, "We've only just met after all, and I'm a go-between at that."
Black Pearl	"Well, I like to think I am an amiable herson and a skilled hostess. If factions need neutral ground, I would certainly be willing to provide it. Beyond that, I certainly have the skills to run and oversee a venture such has this. Beyond that..." She leans forward and smiles, "I suppose you can imagine how many tidbits of information come through here as well."
Spring Wind	"Lips loosened by drink and the odd, 'Encounter'." Spring says, "Extremely effective, knowledge is power, pens and swords... Similar adages if I want to wax poetic. Thank you for your time in this regard, I'll be sure to pass it on." she adds.
Black Pearl	"I am curious also....is there anything that I should know in particular, that would be beneficial...to me, to the Rat Queen, to both? And then...is there anything that /you/ wish, or desire?"
Spring Wind	"She and hers can acquire objects, information, most often from locations people would rather they not enter." Spring says, "About what you'd expect, but with far more skill than usual."
Black Pearl	"And panache as well? Elan? Or perhaps it is better to simply be professional, and not...flamboyant." Black Pearl sits back, relaxing in her chair. "And I suppose there are some questions dangerous to answer. A pity...I do take satisfaction in matching pleasures to desires."
Spring Wind	"I..." Spring pauses. Coughs. "As I'm certain you're not propositioning me, I could come here occasionally for food and drink. Company is complicated as I wouldn't know how to feel about that." she observes. It seems she's less talkative now and a little more tripping over her own words... Or about to.
Black Pearl	"True, I am not propositioning you," Black Pearl says. "Perhaps an Anathema, simply to see and understand what all the hullaballoo is about. But these are also momentary, transitory things. I mean, what do you want in a more grand scheme of things? What do you dream of? What do you yearn for?"
Spring Wind	"A-anthema? I mean I would... Things... Look, what I want changes from moment to moment. The world's constantly moving, I'm part of that constant movement." Spring says, "Obviously I'm not completely unpredictable, but I act because I see something I want to change. Freedom is a big thing for me, like... I dunno, saving someone from exploitation or something."
Black Pearl	Black Pearl listens and nods, those deep blue eyes watching steadily. "I can see that. And I suspect you will try to feel out my employees and see their situation to see if there is something you...feel you must. For myself...family. Security, prosperity for family." She chuckles, "And enjoy life while living it."
Spring Wind	"If you're coercing them, then I have problems. That's a given. Acting on those complaints... Who knows?" Spring says, shrugging. "I'm direct, sometimes impulsive, but not particularly foolish. Or I'd like to think not, anyway."
Black Pearl	"If someone honestly wishes to leave, that is fine. I like to think I pay well for services rendered," Pearl says. "Still, I am aware of dangers in the dark, silent, deadly, unexpected." She chuckles. "I hope I did not fluster you too badly just then."
Spring Wind	"It happens." Spring says, waving dismissively. "You're not going to be the last person to catch me off-guard, you're not the first either. Besides, if I was pissed at you I'd show it." she adds. "Buuuuuut good to know on the willingness thing. Keeping people against their will is frustrating enough, when it gets into more intimate business that's when I start considering scaring the, 'Owner' straight. Or worse."
Black Pearl	"Shocking, perhaps, but..." She shrugs, "I have my reasons," she says. "In any event...is there anything else you would have of me? Or will you be off to let the Queen know of this conversation?"
Spring Wind	"I will, yes. But... My personal reasons exist on their own. The Queen isn't one to push away business partners in the greater scheme of things. A greater good can be compelling, after all." Spring says. "Perspective is needed for any degree of success." she says, standing up. "It was a pleasure to meet you, and I hope I didn't create any doubts about my behavior... Present or future."
Black Pearl	"No doubts about your behavior. Justone question, really, and it really is one I should not ask. Not here, not now...perhaps I will find the answer to it later. I also hope I have not caused too much of a delay in yourown plans. Your contact should be told that you are here, just meeting me, and should be back soon."
Spring Wind	"Doubtful on the delay, and take your time on the question." Spring says, "Hasty questions are worse than no questions at all, most often."