Love & Money

Love & Money

“I need to borrow some money.” Enigma told honestly, but she made sure it was quiet enough not to be overheard by anyone else. “I kinda quit my job today.” She laughed, even if it looked as though she didn't find her situation funny.

Pushing the smaller trunk along the floor underneath the table with her foot, Malikah's blank expression morphed into a grin. “It's a good job I came baring gifts then, isn't it?”

“I'm so glad you turned up today.” She gave a relieved huff as she cocked her head. “My tab...It was beyond me.”

Lighting her pipe and taking a few puffs, the older girl leaned back to listen. “Why'd you quit?”

Enigma poured the both of them drinks while everyone else were busy with their own things. “I had a little trouble with my employer.”

Malikah slowly directed her eyes to the stain on her friend's hip and then back to the younger girls face to let her know she'd already noticed that something had happened. “So that's where the blood came from?”

“What'd you expect me to do?” Slamming the jug down on the table, Enigma snapped but quickly regained her composure when a few others looked over. “They wanted me to kill a kid.”

“Was he anyone important?” Malikah took a long drag on her vice as she stared ahead. It wasn't like she was angry or even upset that her friend had killed someone, it would just cause problems for both of them if the victim was someone of power.

“No.”

“Then why are you even giving it a second thought? Enjoy the night.” Slapping Enigma on the shoulder, the older girl turned away and let her mind wander. “We'll be leaving in a day or two, so make the most of it.”

 

As the night progressed, the louder the occupants got. A few people had left - that beast from earlier was one of them - but not long after more people had turned up to enjoy a night out. Even the young Fanalis had taken to lulling over the Corps Captain and using flirtatious talk. He apparently didn't mind though, as he returned the actions with the occasional grope under the table that he thought no one saw.

For the first time in as long as she could remember, Malikah wasn't feeling the buzz. Maybe Reim alcohol just wasn't up to her standards. Maybe at the back of her mind she knew what was going to come in due time. Maybe she was just more drunk than usual and couldn't possibly pass out with all the commotion. Hoisting herself up from the bench beside her friend, foreigner made for the exit.

“Ah, Malik!” The pink haired girl flapped her hand wildly when she spotted her friend trying to escape. “Whur ya goin'?”

Grimacing at the state the younger girl was in, the other female pointed outside. “For a walk.”

Throwing herself back in a huff, Enigma clicked her tongue off her teeth. She was mad, but only for a moment. As soon as a large hand had began playing with the hem of her dress, she seemed to have forgot all about her tantrum.

 

Shuffling along aimlessly, Malikah took in the night life of such a huge city. In this particular part of town, much of the activities consisted of things like drinking, sanctioned fights and renting whores. Many 'one night only' couples staggered up and down the streets, laughing and teasing each other while the not-so-far off commentary of a match of brawn rang just about the noise.

Eyes that had been made up more than usual caught sight of an unmistakable figure a few yards away. Deciding there was nothing better to do, she advanced for the man sitting outside one of the other drinking tents by himself.

“How about you buy a woman?” Malikah dropped down on the bench beside Rohroh and waved at the keeper to bring her something.

Her company just scoffed. “Why would I do that?”

Receiving her drink, the woman looked up at the man at least three times her mass. “I can list five things off the top of my head.”

“You should go back and look after your friend.” He ignored the jokes he was sure she was spouting.

“Oh, is she in some kind of trouble? If your mean your friend getting a hold of her then I don't think I'd be able to separate them even with a crowbar.” Brushing stray hairs off her face, the young woman peered down into the rich burgundy liquid.

Scrunching his eyebrows with distaste, a growl escaped his lips. “I meant you. It's dangerous around here at night.”

“Pft.” She cut off her own laugh when he sneered at her. Although, her tone retained the mockery. “You're worried about me?”

“I never said that.” He looked away as he rested his elbows on the thick wooden table. “It's paperwork if something happens to you.”

Bringing her drink to her lips, Malikah tread dangerously. “How about you buy my company for the night then? I'm sure I'll be safe if you keep an eye on me.”

As he had been for the most part, Rohroh held his jug midway between the table and his mouth as he scowled down at his company. “What are you saying? Why would I buy your company?”

Putting her drink down, Malikah stared up at amber eyes that had been narrowed even further in anticipation to what she had to say. “From the way you said that, you either you dislike my personality and just want some action, or you actually can't stand me.”

His expression loosened some. “I didn't mean it in either way.”

Breaking out into a grin, the woman nudged his arm. “You should lighten up. Stress causes all sorts of illnesses.”

Without explaining anything, Rohroh stood up. “Come with me.”

It took a second, but the woman followed suit at got up out of her seat. “Oh aye?” Her eyebrow flickered upwards at the thoughts that had flashed through her head.

 

Chin resting atop of the table, Enigma groaned at the spinning room.

Placing a hand on her lower back, Mu looked over the girl with concern. “I think you need some rest.”

“You're just trying to get me into bed.”

Mu choked at the double meaning that had been yelled across the packed room. “Come on.” Pulling the inebriated woman onto his back, he snatched up the two trunks that had been left behind by the other woman.

Before getting out of the door, the barman called out to the Fanalis. “Make sure she pays her tab soon.”

“I'll pay it tomorrow.” Mu waved him off.

The bar keep was about to explain the extent of the payment, but the Captain had already left.

This was the first time he had ever had to literally carry his friend from drinking too much. It made him wonder why she had gotten into such a state. Was it that woman, Malikah? They seemed to share something going beyond friendship. But that doesn't explain why the other girl had just gotten up and left, or why the girl on his back had drunk herself into a stupor.

'Maybe they had a fight over me...?' A blush illuminated his cheeks as he set of walking through the darkness and towards Enigma's place.

Making it out onto the main street, he was met by the usual rowdiness of the district. Scantily clad females clung to the men who had bought them as a few vendors remained open to sell quick food, drinks and the usual festival things such as wreaths, masks and fresh confetti. Even in the 'darker' parts of the city, things were always lively. Children from the lower echelons ran around chasing each other while a few people walked around promoting events.

Mu had been going about his own business of getting the girl back to her apartment when a certain someone caught his eye. Almost dropping the woman on his back from shock at the oddity, the man stopped to make sure he wasn't seeing things.

 

Updated: 11th Feb 2013 - 01:38am