Azira's Chronicles: Chapter 3

***Azira's Chronicles: Chapter 3***

*(9 years later)*

It was the seventh night of **عيد نوروز** [Iranian New Year (Nowruz)], and business at **پلنگ ابریشم** [Silken Leopard] tavern was profitable. I had to start getting ready for my performances around when the sun set; it took some time getting changed and decorated. Once I had oiled up, got dressed, and took to the stage, I first peeked out of my curtain- there were lots of customers. I snickered aloud. *I was bound to get laid by one of these unsuspecting fools at some point tonight,* I thought to myself chuckling. Once the food and drink for celebration was brought out, I let my music play for a bit before making my appearance delving right into a show that I'd been preparing for some time. I tried to do something different every year of the celebration, it kept customers coming, and kept business good... I had taken to dancing about two years ago, but now, being 19, I could perform better and entice my customers a bit more being full matured. It had its ups and downs. The majority of the folks that came in to the Silken Leopard around this time of year, were primarily rich merchants or lowly beggars trying to get the meal for the day. We would fast before festivities commenced over night- not because of the cultural appropriation, but because, well, we needed to ensure we had enough space for the feasting. Beggars would indeed get some small scraps and leftover portions, where customers would pay half-price for their meals. The only downside with that, though, was that if I, or any of the other performers, didn't put on a good enough show, we tended to fall short that year for our budget. I was determined this year would be a good year for the Tavern. I had lots of fun though, not just because of dancing and maybe getting laid, for a price of course, but because it enabled me to ween out viable information.

The information I would ween out of my customers, would be passed along to those of the Tavern we trusted, shady folk that were affiliated with my small Black Market organization I had on the side. Money was reasonable. I wasn't living lavishly, but I'd say I was living quite comfortably. This field of work had many perks such as: eating free, first two drinks being free, the rest discounted, and if I offered myself for some time with desperate customers, most of that income was kept for myself. Furthermore, I was able to meet my lustrous needs and wants freely. If I was an Acolyte, I'd say Derketo was quite pleased with me. I was living a life of comfortable virality, and kept my customers interested as to keep the Goddess pleased- something she dearly appreciated. I didn't jump right into this field of work. Growing up poor and lowly, I grew a hunger for more. I wanted to stop worrying about if I'd eat in a day, as well as keep my siblings alive. I was quite skeptical about the whole thing at first...but when I consistently found it harder and harder to just steal or beg for the life of my siblings, once I reached a mature age, I started to find...other means...of gaining an income to provide. Yes, this practice was frowned upon by many, but merchants enjoyed their petty, nightly encounters with me whether simply by watching, or..if they were lucky, they'd have their time with me. I was finally able to provide for the only family known to me, my three brothers and I. I didn't lose my lowly thieving practice though- once merchants and others had their time with me whilst drunk, they'd find the next day they were missing a bit more coin or jewelry than they remembered spending. This was a risky, dangerous business to run, but it worked for a time. My brother still did his part in arranging larger heists and the sort, whilst I used these means to also provide. I was bound to get caught one of these days...

The night drew on...the profits came- we were having great business. Everyone was enjoying their celebrations. After my performance and all of the feedback I received from the drunkards, I'd smirk and thank the next commenter. I made sure to take any coin tips that came with it. I was feeling quite...devious tonight though. I was also a bit intoxicated, this was dangerous. I decided to take a handsome looking merchant to my quarters after receiving my first half of the payment. He was a fine gentlemen for sure. This merchant, calling himself *Zaafur*, was quite impressive in bed. Almost...too impressive. I got leary after our time. I toyed with him a bit, gave him some time, and when we were finished...I decided I couldn't let him leave. Ever. He ended up being a bit short of the money I requested anyway (or so he claimed)...my drunken self got enraged, the situation escalated, and, well...I took a knife I kept hidden under my pillow, and slit his throat. His blood got everywhere. I searched him hastily, then quickly tried to cover up the mess. I stole some fancy jewelry he was wearing, examined it- it looked like it was worth more than my life. I searched his pockets once more, and came across a letter with a....*Royal* seal? *Oh...by Derketo...what have I done?* I exclaimed to myself. This was no merchant, it was a prince whom was on royal business who had decided to find himself in *MY* tavern, with *ME* in bed. I froze- staring at his now lifeless body lying beneath me. I didn't know what to do. This would require help to try to cover up, help I was unsure I could afford...I called in a trusted, corrupt guard, asking him to dispose of the Prince's body for me- I didn't say whom he was, as I had hidden the letter I had found before I had called him in- only time would tell what would become of this event...and my fate...