Talia's gazed around the tavern's room, appraising the patrons. Since her mother had forced her to become a whore, Talia had learnt how to tell which men were on the lookout for company - as well as which ones had the money to pay for it.
"Don't give it away too cheaply." Mia liked to advise her daughter, and Talia took this advice to heart, especially since her mother was taking 90% of her earnings. Talia wanted to argue but Mia was insistent that the family was in a lot of debt. Raising two children alone had been hard on her, and now Talia was an adult, it was time that she contributed. Still, since she had started whoring, Talia had managed to secrete away a good portion of her earnings, as well as buying several new dresses. Mia had insisted on the new clothes, telling her daughter that clients wouldn't pay as well for a whore wearing rags.
Talia's gaze fell on a well dressed elf, sitting at a table eating, his human servant sitting opposite him. His clothes were of the highest quality, and it was obvious from his bearing and the look of disdain on his face that he considered himself far above his surroundings. Talia bristled a little at this, though she knew logically that her town was small and the tavern, while the best in the area, was probably nothing compared to establishments in the bigger cities. Still, he clearly had money to spare, and Talia didn't want to waste the opportunity.
Talia approached the table, and the elf looked down his nose at her before looking away. His servant spoke up.
"Are you wanting something, that you disturb his lordship's meal?" The servant spoke haughtily.
Talia swallowed nervously. A noble. She hadn't expected that, and wasn't sure how to continue, but she steeled her nerves and answered, smiling sweetly.
"My apologies if my presence causes offence. I merely noted that your employer was new in town, and wished to offer him company if he wished it. We're a friendly town, we hate to see travellers feeling cold or lonely."
Talia felt the elf's stern gaze on her and she kept her head high and focused on his servant, her smile fixed in place.
"You think my lord wants the company of a half-elf?" The servant sneered at her. "My lord has no need to pay for company, but if he did, he wouldn't sully himself with a half breed."
Talia flushed a bright red. While she wasn't a stranger to discrimination, it was usually based on her poverty and mother's occupation. The town was mostly made up of humans, who saw her heritage as exotic and attractive. The few elves who had passed through while she was growing up had never indicated she was lesser for her human blood, though they weren't nobility.
"My error, you have my apologies." Talia curtsied abruptly and turned to leave. A slight cough prevented her, and she looked back just in time to see the elven lord give his servant a slight nod.
"My lord has no need for your services, I however find you charming. I will come and find you once my lord has retired for the evening. You will be well compensated."
The servant's tone changed so abruptly from derison to politeness that Talia didn't know what to think, but she was in no position to turn down clients. She curtsied again.
"As you wish sir."
Feeling anxious over the strange encounter, Talia went to her room to wash her face and check her appearance. She decided to change into a different dress, a new one that she felt accentuated her small waist and ample bosom. The change helped reassure her somewhat, though she still felt ill at ease over the situation. She felt she had been judged and was perturbed that she had been found lacking. After ensuring she looked acceptable, she returned to the main tavern room.
The noble was gone, and there was no sign of his servant yet. Talia hoped she hadn't missed him, and settled in with a drink to wait.
When her brother Quinn entered the tavern, Tallia stifled an inner groan. She still hadn't told him about her new employment, and avoided looking for customers when he was around. She had thought he was off for the evening, walking with one of the local lasses who were always making eyes at him. She tried to hide in her seat but he saw her and headed straight towards her, sitting next to her and giving her a brotherly kiss on the cheek.
