The Land of Grimney - The Illustrated Adventures of Cora Pearl, aged 12

Oh I'm sorry I dozed off! Thank yer kind sir, that is generous of yer. I is glad yer likes me painting! I will get off ter bed now if yer don't mind lady. I've been walking fer days.....tired out I am, tired out......

This is an inn gnome-friend, you can go to bed whenever you like... And with whoever you like as long as they're willing.

*She winks.*

As long as there is no violence and you pay your way, I'm a happy mermaid.

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

Think nothing of it little one. You've got some skill with a brush. Damn. You should be proud.

*He smiles at the gnome and winks at Philomena*.

This some kind of brothel?

*His eyes widen*.

That love thing. Good for some. Horses for courses. I've never fancied that kind of responsibility. Footloose and fancy free, that's me.

*He shrugs*.

But Vortigern Jet. Not the best choice for a lover. I mean. That's one bad seed. He's real bad.

*He nods slowly*.

I'll teach Kalvos to duel. Most knights don't understand the basics. They're good at the swift kill, but us duelists we like to toy with the opposition. It's a sport for a man like me.

Brothel? No! I would hate to think anyone charges.

*Philomena grins.*

I was brought up in a mermaid palace. Things are a bit more liberal in terms of bedroom playmates there. Sometimes I shock the humans.

Yes Vortigern isn't the most noble of men but he is handsome and knows how to enjoy himself.

*She frowns a little.*

The duel... Just make sure he can win. Isn't a swift kill better?

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

I'm not easily shocked. But I'm going to say that the mating rituals of mermaids have always been fascinating to me. I Read about it in a book somewhere.

*He takes a deep breath in and puffs out his cheeks*.

Man it was beautifully illustrated.

*He grins and winks*.

Better not go there, the fires already made me hot under the collar.

*He raises an eyebrow*.

Steady boy steady!

*He laughs*.

And.... Moving swiftly on....

*He strokes the hilt of his sword and smiles at Philomena*.

The duelist is not seeking a swift kill. It's all about disarming a foe.

*He shakes his head and looks serious*.

Damn no. It's no game of hack and slash, that's for the butcher and his cleaver.

*He chuckles*.

A swift kill? There's no art to that. With the right movements you can tire an opponent to the point they are bettered. Before you know it they've given up the ghost.

*He rubs his hands together*.

Now lead on honey. I'd like a bath. And a pretty maid to scrub my back with an olive stone.

*He whispers*

I brought one in my backpack. Good for the skin. Never go anywhere without it.

*He smiles again*.

Let's get scrubbing!

I am afraid you will have to scrub your own back... Unless you want it to be scrubbed by a mad toad? I don't offer that kind of service and neither does my maid. Now I am with a human, I have to play by human rules.

*She smiles and kisses him on the cheek.*

Thank you for coming. I'll send Kalvos to you once you have breakfast. He's a bit of a dreamer so if he doesn't concentrate remind him he is fighting for Karina and I. Still he is a knight, so discipline isn't usually an issue.

*Philomena picks up the baby.*

Your bath is ready. You can use some of my bath products if you wish.

*The mermaid beckons Stark and he follows her up the stairs.*

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

Hello Lady. I painted your portrait last night. What do yer think lady?

Errrrrr.... It is quite... Ahem colourful... You seem to have highlighted my breasts.

*Philomena smiles.*

You'll have to speak to Kalvos and see if he wants to buy it. It would be very vain to buy my own portrait... That is what lovers are for.

*She cuddles the baby.*

I wonder how Kalvos is getting on training with Master Stark? I bet he is missing all his baby cuddles. I never realised human men were so mushy over their first-borns.

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

Master Stark needs a bandage. He's sustained a cut.

*She shakes her head*.

He's also broken a vase and that toad has bitten him. So he may need something to rub into the wound to prevent infection.

*Kerdisha looks at the painting*.

Glowing breasts, that's most unusual.

Oh dear... Is Kalvos harmed? I think perhaps they should practice outside from now on. I will get the first aid kit.

*She shakes her head.*

Men and their swords, always swinging them about and making trouble.

_________________
http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/