[video]

[suoxi]

[ Inara appears on the video screen to those who might happen to be watching at this particular time, poised and smiling and entirely at ease. ]

It appears as if new arrivals are a fairly frequent occurrence. Every weekend, it seems. I know it's a trying time and very frustrating, but if one chooses to think of it as an opportunity as opposed to misfortune, then perhaps it isn't quite so bad. In any case - welcome.

[ pleasantries aside...]

Now, down to business -- literally. [ she smiles and it's a bit more cautious this time, head tilting slightly as she wonders at the wisdom of her query. ]

I have been told by the kedan that there is an area of my sector that caters to specific needs and comforts, and while I am certain their tastes run true, mine, perhaps, might be a bit different.

For those of you that don't know me, my name is Inara Serra, and I am a Companion. [ seeing as no one here seems to be from the 'Verse, she decides to elaborate - delicately. ]

I provide company, conversation and comfort to those who might desire such a thing, and I am paid [ a high sum ] for my time. I entertain, converse with, and bestow companionship to my clients, and ensure that they have only a positive, enlightening and joyful experience when they are with me.

[ another polite smile. ]

If there is, perhaps, someone here who could show me some of the...finer institutions that the city has to offer that might be more suited to my personal tastes, I would be most grateful. Thank you.

Comments

[suoxi]

[ more 'the reaver chased the idiot captain' ]

It's something I've heard, yes.

[thetyrant]

[And now an awkward pause for effect.]

And...you...said you were employed, in these places?

[suoxi]

[ AHA. back round to this. ]

The brothels?

[thetyrant]

[AWKWARD SILENCE.]

[suoxi]

[ an amused noise. ]

I have never, nor will I ever, work in a brothel, Logan. I am a Companion - a very, very high class courtesan, if you will.

[ not quite a whore okay ]

1/2

[thetyrant]

[LONGEST AWKWARD SILENCE.]

I...see.

2/2

[thetyrant]

Forgive me. The...professionals of that...sort...are rather...different, in Albion. They existed once, but now there are none but streetwalkers. [Reaver's trying to convince him to open a brothel and some taverns unofficially operate as one, but streetwalkers are really it for now. They tend to have...diseases.]

[suoxi]

[ Inara smiles politely. ]

Judging from that statement alone, I can assure you that my profession is quite different. Companions are very highly respected and are treated as such, and tend to be members of high class society.

[thetyrant]

I see. I didn't mean to give offense, Inara. [He inclines his head respectfully. He's working on this idea -- after all, he doesn't consider whores any lower on the totem pole than factory workers. The people who see them...they're worth a little more contempt, mostly for blowing their money on something so frivolous, and mostly because that money needs to go to the kingdom.]

[suoxi]

None taken. [ the smile is more genuine this time. ]

I simply wished to reiterate that I do realize certain... implications that accompany a profession such as mine.

[thetyrant]

Indeed. [He inclines his head again.] Nevertheless, you have proven from the first moment I met you that you are quite as far as it is possible to be from such implications. [Blah blah platitudes and social tapdancing. Spoken like someone who's been trained to do it from infancy.]

[suoxi]

[ she gives him a looooooook. ]

Have I somehow managed to change how you view me, Logan? I do hope you won't cease to be my dear friend.

[thetyrant]

[The instinct is to answer 'no' immediately, but he doesn't want it to seem like a platitude or like he's insulting her, so he takes the time to formulate a more thoughtful response.]

I admit I would not have expected it of you; surely you can understand why. But I do not wish to end our friendship any more than you do.

[suoxi]

I can. I didn't exactly announce myself upon arrival. [ really, it didn't seem prudent at the time. ]

I am glad for that. I would hate to lose what we have built.

[thetyrant]

[oh avo building relationships. This is almost a foreign concept to Logan, to be honest. Kings don't really do "friends"?????? He's pretty sure he had those, once...but it's been a long time.]

As would I.