The Long Road to Ruin Ch. 03

"And who do we have here, sneaking into my apartment?" The woman asked, her jovial tone bringing smile to Shiloh's face.

"Are you Mistress Joanna?"

"Yes, I am Joanna." Her smile widened greatly.

"Master Nathan sends me. I'm here for lesson four," Shiloh explained.

"Lesson four!" She laughed. "Somehow I'd have wagered that I'd be lesson six. Come in, please."

"Lesson six?" Shiloh cocked her head at Joanna in askance.

Joanna laughed again. "Never mind that. Let's have a glass of wine. Come."

Shiloh followed her further into the apartment.

"Come, my sweet." Joanna motioned as she poured a glass of red wine for Shiloh and one for herself. "Drink up, sweet girl."

"Thank you, Mistress Joanna," Shiloh replied as she drank down the glass of wine.

"Just call me Joanna, please. And tell me, what is your name?"

"Shiloh."

"Shiloh. That's a pretty name. Like Princess Shiloh." Joanna smiled fondly.

"My father gave it to me..." Shiloh replied, smiling warmly at the thought of her father.

"Don't worry. I won't question you any further." Joanna smiled and took a sip of her wine. "So go ahead, ask me whatever is on your mind."

"Do you know who I am?"

"You're a nice young lass who is under Master Nathan's protection. That's all I need to know."

Shiloh nodded, thankful that her real identity was being protected. "What can you tell me about Master Nathan?"

"Nathan...?" Joanna sighed and took another sip of her wine, then smiled her warm smile once more. "Nathan appears to be tough, but he's a decent man. One of the most honorable I have ever met. Mind you, coming from me, honorable probably doesn't mean a lot."

Joanna chuckled warmly. "Nathan protects me from harm. From time to time, he sends young ones like you to learn from me. And once in a while, he and I enjoy some time together, if you know what I mean." She winked at Shiloh.

Shiloh nodded her head. "I think I know what you're trying to say." Though she couldn't and furthermore, didn't relish the thought of conjuring that image in her head.

Joanna giggled, another warm smile crossing her lovely features.

"Could you tell me anything about yourself?" Shiloh asked, moving to a new subject.

"About me?" She smiled and sipped her wine. "Well, dear child, I won't bore you with the details of my youth. When I was about your age, I decided life was boring and ran away from home. I was young and silly and wanted to see the whole world. Well, I ended up in a place called 'The Velvet Dancer.' That sounds a lot more glamorous than it really was. In reality, it was just a cheap brothel.

"Whatever you do, don't ever think you can make a living easily by offering yourself to the sailors. In the brothels, they tell girls like you how easy everything is and that they care for you. That you can choose your customers and nonsense like that. Don't believe it. They invest money in you when they take you in and they want it back tenfold. So, it's more like you have to fight over customers with the other girls, hoping to bring in enough money so they're content with you. And if they aren't, or if you're getting older, they cut your throat and throw you out."

"I would never do anything like that!" Shiloh lied, blushing bright red as she thought of her encounter with Rhys.

"Good, anyway. Once I found out how things worked, I decided to leave 'The Velvet Dancer.' Leaving alive is not as easy as it sounds, but I managed to hide on a ship. In a wooden crate below deck."

Shiloh listened to Joanna's tale more intently, wondering where it was leading and what it had to do with her lesson.

"It was one of the ships Nathan uses to bring certain goods into Betancuria. He was there himself when they opened the crate and I popped out." Joanna chuckled and raised her glass to her lips, draining it this time.

"He must have liked what he saw."

Joanna winked. "I think so. To make a long story short, he took me under his protection. Ever since, I work for him. It is a good life and I am happy. I have four children now myself. They work for the family, too. Nathan does care. You shall see."

"Are your children by Master Nathan?" Shiloh asked, curiously.

"No, they are not. Their father was a member of the family, but he passed away a few years ago."

"Oh, I am sorry. I know what it is like to lose loved ones. My parents are gone as well," Shiloh stated. "Killed the night of the Dhorn attack."

Joanna cast her a sympathetic look.

"Can you tell me about my lesson?"

Joanna nodded and inclined her head. "Very well. What I want to teach you is how to make the best of your pretty looks."

"Oh, please tell me more!" Shiloh beamed, figuring she would like this lesson.

"Do you think it is indecent to use your charms in order to get what you want?" Joanna asked.

"Well, I don't have a problem making a pretty face at somebody if I have to." Shiloh smiled a brilliant smile and thought of Caron.

Joanna giggled like a girl and nodded her head. "I can see that! Now, other people may tell you that only the strong get what they want or that you can sneak your way around. That's silly. You'll always find somebody who's tougher than you. And if you're sneaking, all it takes is one dry branch and you're screwed. But if you use your charms to your advantage, you will find that you'll reach your goals most easily without the need for shedding blood.

"Plus you are really pretty child. I doubt you will have difficulties making people do what you want if you're smart enough. A cute smile in the right direction, a sway of your pretty hips, and men will just melt away."

"I've done that already, yes..." Once again her thoughts traveled to Caron. She knew if she threw a sweet smile at him that she garnered more attention from him.

"I thought so." Joanna winked at her. "So tell me, do you have any sexual experience?"

The question shocked Shiloh. She wasn't sure how to answer that. "Some," she muttered softly, thinking of Vico and the sailor she'd just tried to service.

"Listen to me, sweet child; do not be afraid of your body. It was meant to be the way it is and touching certain spots can give you sweet feelings. I would encourage you to play with yourself. Maybe grab a naughty book and read it when you are alone and comfortable, and then...,"

Shiloh flushed bright red. She had never thought of touching herself in any of her private areas, though she had to admit that it felt rather good when Caron had fondled her bottom when he was showing her how to pick-pocket a plum.

"Now back to your lesson. As I said, you need to learn to use your charms. So I want you to help a son of mine who's on a rather difficult mission. He needs to pick-pocket something from somebody here in the city. From a bard, to be exact. A sort of famous bard even. Her name is Pia. She's currently lodging at the Lion's Head Inn in the northern section of Betancuria. It is extremely important he acquires this thing from Pia."

"And how I am to help with that? I mean, shouldn't he be learning to charm it out of her?"

"Well, Pia is very much afraid of being robbed. That's why she has hired a bodyguard. Quite a brute. And we don't know where she keeps that thing my son has to obtain. But we guess she carries it with her, usually."

"That sounds like a difficult task, indeed."

"Yes, and that is where you come in. Pia is known to have a favor for pretty girls. She might be blown away if you do it right."

"Ack! You want me to flirt with a woman?!?!"

Joanna chuckled. "You don't have to fall in love with her. I want you to approach her, maybe have a few glasses of wine together. Talk to her, pretend you are taken by her charms and be a real sweetie. Eventually, she'll ask you to go upstairs with her, to her room. I hope so anyway. It's unlikely she'll have her bodyguard to come along for this. So you two will go up alone. My son will be hiding upstairs, and when you appear, he'll knock Pia unconscious. Don't worry, she'll survive. Just hard enough so he can snatch that thing from her. He grabs it, you two hit the road, and everybody's happy. My son will have fulfilled his mission and I'll tell Nathan what a sweet charmer you are.

"There is one more thing, though. You should get yourself a sexy outfit for the occasion. Pia can be difficult when she's approached in the wrong mood. Or she might suspect something. But if you give her something to goggle, she'll hopefully abandon all caution." Joanna handed her a heavy pouch of coins.

"I'll give her something to look at, I promise." Shiloh grinned as she palmed the coin pouch. She now had money. Perhaps it would be enough to buy that sexy outfit and the beggar's clothing.

"Just don't push too hard, okay. You don't want to make Pia suspicious. That may blow the whole mission. You'll need to go to Talana's Store in North Betancuria. Choose something sexy. Now Pia's usually in the common room in the evenings. Meet my son outside of the Lion's Head Inn first to discuss any last changes to tactics. He's easy to spot. He has bright red hair, just like me! Good luck, my sweet."

"I'll do my best." Shiloh smiled, her mind racing. What had she gotten herself into?

"Oh, one last thing, sweetie. When shall I tell my son to be there?" Joanna asked, still smiling.

"Uhhhmmm, tomorrow evening. I have something I have to do tonight." Shiloh remembered she'd agreed to meet with Rhys at dark at the dockhouse.

"I'll tell him you'll meet him tomorrow then." Joanna smiled kindly and winked at her.

Shiloh bobbed a curtsy and quickly left the cozy apartment. She made her way out of the building and continued back down River Road the way she came. She crossed back over into North Betancuria, headed towards the Bear Pit. She felt the need to bathe and she also needed to stop at Talana's. But first she had to bathe.

O.O

Shiloh closed her eyes and leaned back for a moment, enjoying the warmth of the soapy water all around her. She had already finished scrubbing herself thoroughly when she heard the sounds of a door opening and footsteps. Somebody had obviously entered the room!

Her eyes flew open to see Caron walking over to the tub with a wide grin on his face and she noticed his eyes were firmly focused on her breasts. She forced herself not to cry out in alarm and calmed her racing heart. Shiloh plastered a bright smile on her face and tried not to mind that he was there. "Hi, Caron!"

"Hey there, Shiloh! How's the water?" His eyes devoured her as his grin grew even wider.

"Fine, want to join me?" She smirked and winked at him.

"You bet," he laughed. "But I think Chella wouldn't be too happy to see me scrubbing your butt."

A handsome smile lingered on his lips.

"Ah, since when were you so afraid?" She teased, as she slowly eased herself upwards along the back of the tub, boldly allowing her nipples to poke out of the water.

Caron gulped as he watched her every move. "Not afraid. Just careful, and sort of busy, too. I have to fetch something. But I'll be right back."

Caron nonchalantly strolled into Chella's room. A few moments later, he returned, carrying one of Chella's mirrors under his arm.

"I'm pretty sure Chella would box your ears nicely if she caught you stealing her mirror."

"Nah, she asked me to clean it." Caron rolled his eyes.

"Poor you. Would you like help?"

Caron smiled at her. "No, I'll be fine, but thanks for offering."

"Sure?"

"Yes, Shiloh. Oh! I almost forgot! How did your talk with Master Nathan go earlier?"

Caron knelt back down beside the tub.

"It wasn't so bad. He didn't spank me, that's for sure. He wants me to work for him, so no more kitchen work for me. I have to pass a few lessons first, however."

Caron's smile faded greatly. "Oh I see."

Shiloh eyed him, noting how not so very happy he sounded to hear that. "What's wrong, Caron?"

He sighed deeply. "Nothing...I'm glad you are getting the chance to do something else besides kitchen work."

"But?" Shiloh knew there had to be more to his disappointment.

"Yeah...well..." Caron shrugged, looking away.

"Well...what?"

"You see, I liked that you were in the kitchen. Or rather, that you were around. It has been fun spending time with you in the evenings, showing you my tricks and all..."

"I enjoyed that, too, Caron, but, ya know, I still will be around in the evenings. I'll still be sleeping here."

Caron cleared his throat. "I'd better leave you be. I think the water is getting cold." He pointed to the tips of her hardened nipples and grinned, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"Caron! Anyway, I am happy just to see you."

He laughed and picked up the mirror. "Yeah, right! Take care of yourself, okay? I'll catch you later."

Shiloh let out a deep breath as she watched him open the door and step out into the kitchen, then close it behind him, protecting her modesty. She quickly finished her bath and climbed out, drying herself off with a cloth that sat near the oven in the room. The cloth was soft and fluffy, warming her skin as she chased away the water droplets still clinging to her.

With a deep sigh, she dressed herself and made her way back into the kitchen. Caron was standing near one of the sinks, cleaning the mirror as Trissa fawned over him. Shiloh watched as the other girl pressed her breasts into Caron's arm, leaning into him to help him with his task. A dark scowl crossed her face and she loudly cleared her throat, making everyone in the kitchen stop and look up at her.

Shiloh narrowed her eyes at Trissa and then smiled sweetly as her eyes met Caron's. She noticed how he inched away from Trissa and quickly finished cleaning the mirror. With a smile aimed in her direction, he dried the glass and headed back towards Chella's room.

Trissa threw a furious glare at Shiloh and mouthed the words, "Stay away from Caron!"

Shiloh chuckled to herself, stuck her tongue out at the girl, and followed Caron into Chella's room, cornering him as he hung the mirror. He turned around, nearly bumping into her. "Shiloh?"

Shiloh drew in a deep breath and raised both of her hands to his chest. She grabbed whole handfuls of his black tunic and shoved him back against the wall. A surprised gasp slipped forth. Shiloh silenced the noise as she pressed her mouth to his and kissed him in what she hoped might be a possessive manner. Caron parted his lips and deepened the kiss. His tongue begged for entrance while his hands cupped her bottom cheeks. He took control, turning her around until she became the one who was being pressed firmly to the wall. One of his legs parted her thighs as his hands roamed beneath her skirt. His fingers skimmed her rounded cheeks. He pulled her to him, feeling her hot center pulse against his thickening member. He groaned as he broke the kiss. He longed to tear off all her clothing and sink himself into her steamy depths.

He panted and caressed her softly. "Damn, Shiloh...," he murmured. "You don't make it easy on a guy."

Shiloh batted her lashes at him, giving him an innocent look. "I couldn't help myself. I don't really know what came over me."

"Whatever it was, I'd say I'm a damn lucky guy. You are more than welcome to do that more often." Caron's hands stroked her more possessively, his fingers skimming over her bottom to her hips and then to the muff of crisp hair at the juncture of her thighs. Shiloh let out a little moan as he touched her gingerly. "No panties, you scandalous girl!"

A blush colored her cheeks. "I have no use for the silly things."

He begrudgingly pulled away from her, "We'd better stop lest Chella catches us."

Shiloh nodded her head as curiosity got the best of her. She sat down on the edge of Chella's bed. "I have a question for you, Caron."

"And what's that?"

"Something I'm curious about." Shiloh smiled, "About Trissa...what exactly is your relationship with her?"

Caron chuckled. "Oh, I wouldn't go as far as to say that there is a relationship between me and her. She seems to like me, that's all. Why do you ask?"

"She told me to keep my hands off you," Shiloh grinned at him.

"Look, Shiloh, I'm really not interested in her. I know she's had a rough time and I believe she's looking for someone to take care of her."

"Oh. You know I heard you two behind the crates not so long ago."

"Yes, well. What can I say? I find it difficult to say no. She seemed so vulnerable at the time." Caron explained with a shrug of his shoulders. "It really didn't mean anything to me."

"So you gave her comfort, huh?" Shiloh tapped her foot on the floor.

"Just a bit."

"I see. And do you plan on doing it again?"

Caron smirked at her. "Sure. Are you free right now?"

Shiloh blushed profusely. "I didn't mean me, at least not yet."

A laugh escaped Caron's lips. "Sorry, sweetie, but you really asked for that response."

"I think Chella would have our hides if she caught us together like that. We should come up with a place to meet," Shiloh grinned wickedly.

"Little temptress!"

"I am serious, Caron. I wouldn't say no..."

"I know, but I share a domicile with a few other guys."

Shiloh nodded. "So you are interested in me in that way?"

"Of course, how could I not be?" He smiled and caressed her cheek.

Shiloh nodded, "I'm going to be working on lessons the rest of today and part of tomorrow, but perhaps we could meet somewhere outside of the Bear Pit, ya know?" She suggested, "The Lion's Head, perhaps? Or somewhere else?"

Caron grinned widely. "I think that can be arranged."

"Good." Shiloh bestowed her most winning smile upon him and got to her feet. She planted a sweet kiss upon his lips before leaving the room. "See ya later, Caron."

"I'll talk to you later," he replied as he touched his lips.

O.O