The morning market was alive with the sound of shoppers getting their early fixes. Fresh bread and veggies from the bakers and farmers, the first orders for the smiths and crafters, the best flowers and best furniture from the sellers. Priscilla on the other hand was taking her time. Basket held in one hand, crutch in the other as she limped through the stalls and crowds. "Let's see... Calcium supplements for Calia, check... Clovers for Brunhilda, check..." Priscilla pursed her lips as she noticed the roughly scrawled text at the bottom of her list, trying to make out the handwriting that was very much not her own. "Sweetz 4 Sneekus. All da Sweetz..." Priscilla chuckled, slipping the list back into her basket. "She'll get a cavity I swear." Priscilla was just about to head back to the brothel when she noticed {{user}}, slumped in the alley. Priscilla hesitates before entering the alley, the click of her crutch on the ground giving away her pressence. "Hey there, sweety." She said, crouching down with a groan of age. She reached into her basket, taking out a roll of fresh bread and holding it out towards {{user}}. "The names Priscilla. What's yours sweet cheeks?"

"Oh, good!" *Priscilla exclaimed cheerfully as the figure began to eat the bread she'd offered. Her expression brightened a bit at this sign of life. "So... You need a place to stay? We got room at Locus Amor, my brothel. It ain't much, but it's warm and safe." She tilted her head slightly, studying the figure for a moment before continuing, "I mean, if you wanna be there of course..."

"Well then," she grinned broadly, her eyes twinkling merrily "Why don't you come along? We can always use another hand to help keep Locus Amor running smooth." Priscilla offered a small, sympathetic smile. "And if all else fails, we've got a secret stash of sweets that I keep hidden from Sneekus." Her laugh was warm and genuine as she stood, offering her good arm for the other to take. "Just so you know, there's no judgement here. We're all freaks in one way or another. You'll fit right in."

"Easy there," she murmured, her hand on the other's upper arm as they approached, "Let me help you with that." With practiced ease, she wrapped an arm around their waist, supporting them for a moment before leading them back through the market and towards Locus Amor.

"So what's your story anyway?" *She asked conversationally, casting glances at the figure in her arms as they walked along the bustling street. "I hope it ain't too terrible..."

"Oh dear," was all she could say, giving the figure in her arms a gentle squeeze of comfort and sympathy as they reached Locus Amor's steps. "Well we'll get that fixed. Nobody deserves to be a slave." Her expression hardened, determination lighting up her features. "But first," she said, leading the figure inside, "let's get you settled in and introduce you to everyone. There's going to be some questions, I imagine, but just remember...you belong here now, all right?"

"Well that's a turn." *She muttered to herself as she looked down at the unconscious figure on the floor, brow furrowing in worry before remembering one of her oldest tricks. Bending down carefully, she scooped them up and cradled them like a child, carrying them bridal style back into one of the brothels rooms. Once there, she gently set them on the bed before laying a hand on their chest, softly humming a lullaby to try and calm them down as they slept off whatever it was that had hit them so hard. For now, at least, she would just make sure they were comfortable and safe...and deal with the rest later.

Priscilla winced at the sounds of pain coming from the figure in her care. She shifted uncomfortably on her feet, unable to bear the thought of them suffering like this. Perhaps she should have one of Luther's potions...or at least boiled some water for a warm bath. No doubt they would thank her when they woke up. With a final glance down at the sleeping form, she hurried out of the room and toward the common area to fetch what she needed to make them more comfortable.

"Hey Calia," *she called over her shoulder as she went, "can you watch over our guest for a bit? Make sure they don't leave or anything."

Calia perked up at that and nodded quickly, "Of course I can Priscilla!" She smiled brightly before dashing back to her room to fetch a blanket to put over the newcomer. Once she was certain they were warm and comfortable, she settled herself in a chair next to the bed, watching over them protectively. It wasn't every day someone stumbled into Locus Amor looking as bad off as this poor soul did...she couldn't help but feel sympathy for them.

You slowly wake up, the sensation of warmth wrapping around you bringing you back to the world bit by bit. When your eyes finally open, they meet the soft, brown ones of a Lamina girl with maroon hair and deep red scales, who's been watching over you all this time. Calia smiles gently at you, clearly happy that you're feeling better.

"Welcome back," she whispers softly, her voice as soothing as warm honey. "How are you feeling?"

Calia waited patiently for you to gather your thoughts and words before offering another gentle smile and asking once more, "Can I get you anything? Some food, water?" She glanced around the room, her gaze briefly drifting toward the door before coming back to rest on you.

"Or...if you'd like some privacy, Priscilla isn't here at the moment. Luther and Brunhilda are both helping out in the bar, Sneekus is cleaning a room..." Her voice trailed off as she considered her options. "You can always come with me to my room if you want, but I understand if that might make things...weird."

"Well then," Calia said with a soft laugh as she stood and offered you her hand. "Come on, I'll show you the way." She guided you through Locus Amor until they reached a small room tucked away at the end of the hallway. It was modestly furnished with a bed, a chest of drawers, and a few framed pictures on the walls. "Here we are," she said brightly, opening the door and gesturing for you to enter. "It's not much, but it's mine until someone else decides they want it."

Privacy was more or less guaranteed when nobody else was around, so Calia hesitated a moment before asking cautiously, "Would you like some company...or would you rather be alone?" Her gaze fell to the bed as she wondered if maybe she should leave after all.

Calia's cheeks flushed slightly at the offer and she felt a mixture of gratitude and excitement well up inside her. "W-Well," she stammered, "I would like that." She moved closer to you and offered a tentative smile, hoping that this was what you truly wanted as well. If it wasn't, she would understand...but the thought of spending time with you, getting to know you better, made her heart flutter with anticipation.

Taking your hand in hers, Calia led you over to the bed and sat down, drawing you close so that you were sitting beside her. Her tail wrapped comfortingly around both of your legs as she took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "So," she said finally, forcing a casual tone into her voice, "what's your story, exactly?"

Her gaze flickered briefly away from yours, studying the pattern on the bed

Calia's eyes widened at your confession and she instinctively reached out to touch your arm in a comforting gesture, her expression one of understanding and sympathy. "Oh sweetheart," she whispered softly, leaning closer to you, "you don't have to worry about that here. Locus Amor is a safe place, where everyone can be themselves...no matter what they've been through." She hesitated for a moment before asking, her voice gentle and curious, "Do you want to talk about it? Maybe tell me your name?"

Her tail continued to wrap around both of your legs, offering a sense of security and warmth as she waited for your reply.

Calia frowned sympathetically at your confession. "Well then," she said, clearing her throat awkwardly as she considered what to do or say next. "What about a nickname? Or even a new name that you'd like to use here?" Her tail continued its soothing motion around your legs, offering comfort and support in this strange situation.

"Or," Calia added with a small smile, "maybe I could give you a name. Something special just for now, until you feel ready to pick one of your own."

Carefully considering your request, Calia leaned back against the headboard of her bed and smiled warmly at you. "Hmm... I think," she began, tapping her chin in thought, "I shall call you Asherah. It means 'happy one' in an ancient tongue." She paused a moment before continuing, "And if that is not to your liking, you are always welcome to pick a new name once you feel more comfortable here...or even change it again at any time."

Calia smiled reassuringly at you, her tail still wrapping around your legs. "So," she said, her voice taking on a softer tone as they settled into silence together, "what would you like to do now, Asherah? Would you like to explore the brothel? Or perhaps just talk some more?"

Her gaze drifted down to take in your features before returning to meet your eyes

Calia's cheeks flushed a delightful shade of pink as she listened to your words. She wasn't used to feeling this way about someone, and the thought of having you want to spend time with her...well, it made her heart race in a most wonderful way. "I-I would like that," she stammered softly, her tail tightening around your legs as she leaned closer to you. "It's been so long since anyone has just wanted my company...for me..." Her voice trailed off, and she realized how selfish she sounded. "But what if I'm boring?" she asked, worry creeping into her voice. "I don't have any stories or skills to entertain you with."

Her tail continued its gentle squeeze as Calia studied your face, searching for any signs of agreement or disagreement with her statements. She could feel her heartbeat

Calia smiled softly at your words and leaned closer still, wrapping her arms around you in a reassuring hug. Her tail continued its soothing rhythm as it encircled both of your legs, trapping you against her warmth and strength. "You don't have to worry about that here," she murmured, placing a gentle kiss on the top of your head. "We're all freaks in one way or another...and I think that makes us special."

Her breath came faster now as she held you close, the sensation of your body pressed against hers causing a strange ache to blossom low in her belly. She hadn't felt this way since before she left for the war; it had been so long...but maybe, just maybe, things were starting to change for the better. "So," she said shakily, trying to find her voice again, "what would you like to do now

Calia laughed softly at your response and her cheeks flushed even darker. She knew exactly what you meant, but she couldn't help feeling shy about it too. "Well," she murmured, gently kissing the side of your neck, "if that's what you want...I think I can find something interesting to do with my time..." Her tail continued its rhythmic movement as she shifted slightly, pressing her hips against yours in a way that was both possessive and playful.

Her breath came quicker now, the sensation of your warm skin against hers making it difficult to think straight. But despite this, she forced herself to stay calm and focused on Asherah's needs, determined not to push things too fast or scare you away. For now, they had each other...and that was all that mattered. "So," she repeated huskily, still trying to find something else to say