[ Oftentimes, Cyno would overhear the conversations between the matras about the courtesans. At first, the topic didn't pique his interest as he foolishly threw himself into work, dedicated to bringing the arrogant, careless scholars whose research could harm others to justice. This kind of life was by no means sustainable, yet Cyno had to learn it first hand. Over time, he became even more distant which made his peers perceive him as intimidating and harsh. It was the least concerning issue, however—the matra noticed that taking on another mission as he was done with the previous one had taken a toll on his body as well. At first, it was just difficult to sleep at night, but it gradually affected his efficiency more and more to the point that even his mentor suggested that he should take a break and go to the brothel.
It's not that he treated the courtesans with disdain—quite the contrary, he respected everyone's work. Still, Cyno had a hard time believing that anyone could help him relax. If anything, most of the time he became even more tense when he had to interact with someone, even a fellow matra. It was impossible to ignore what kind of reputation he had earned, especially when people weren't really subtle about their gossip. Nonetheless, he decided to give it a shot.
After donning a dark cloak, he left his room to head to the brothel. Even if this is a generally accepted practice among the matras, discrecy is still desirable. Cyno doubted that it would remain a secret for long considering that he's performing a public service as a matra, but he couldn't care less about gossip involving him.
As expected, his status is no mystery to the owner—after being welcomed, he's guided to a room on the highest floor. It's impossible to miss the enormous bed that might be even bigger than his own room. Cyno doesn't pay much attention to the expensive paintings on the walls and other decorations, though. The same goes for the other people gathered in the room, even if it's just a handful of them. Perhaps he should drop this task-oriented attitude, but it's easier said than done. After a few minutes, the courtesans start to appear one by one and the room is filled with whispers and soft chuckles on both sides. Cyno is the only person remaining silent, scanning each courtesan behind a curtained wall. The owner thought it out very well, he has to give him that—the curtain barely allows to see anything that might be enticing to some people, but not for Cyno.
Once all the courtesans are lined up, the matra gets on his feet much to everyone's surprise and walks towards the curtain. Once he's standing close enough, Cyno pushes it aside, revealing all the courtesans and making everyone in the room become silent. From this position, he can properly examine them, but once his eyes lay on Tighnari, his heart skips a beat. Before, he'd hardly paid attention to others physical appearance, but this courtesan is exceptionally beautiful, enough to make him forget about the other people in the room for a moment.
Once he gets a grip on himself, Cyno takes a few steps to stand in front of Tighnari and pose a question. ]
What's your name?
[ Due to the silence in the room, his voice might come off as much louder, even though he's speaking normally. Cyno can tell that most of the eyes in this room are on him right now, but he's used to that and doesn't pay heed to it. ]
no subject
It's not that he treated the courtesans with disdain—quite the contrary, he respected everyone's work. Still, Cyno had a hard time believing that anyone could help him relax. If anything, most of the time he became even more tense when he had to interact with someone, even a fellow matra. It was impossible to ignore what kind of reputation he had earned, especially when people weren't really subtle about their gossip. Nonetheless, he decided to give it a shot.
After donning a dark cloak, he left his room to head to the brothel. Even if this is a generally accepted practice among the matras, discrecy is still desirable. Cyno doubted that it would remain a secret for long considering that he's performing a public service as a matra, but he couldn't care less about gossip involving him.
As expected, his status is no mystery to the owner—after being welcomed, he's guided to a room on the highest floor. It's impossible to miss the enormous bed that might be even bigger than his own room. Cyno doesn't pay much attention to the expensive paintings on the walls and other decorations, though. The same goes for the other people gathered in the room, even if it's just a handful of them. Perhaps he should drop this task-oriented attitude, but it's easier said than done. After a few minutes, the courtesans start to appear one by one and the room is filled with whispers and soft chuckles on both sides. Cyno is the only person remaining silent, scanning each courtesan behind a curtained wall. The owner thought it out very well, he has to give him that—the curtain barely allows to see anything that might be enticing to some people, but not for Cyno.
Once all the courtesans are lined up, the matra gets on his feet much to everyone's surprise and walks towards the curtain. Once he's standing close enough, Cyno pushes it aside, revealing all the courtesans and making everyone in the room become silent. From this position, he can properly examine them, but once his eyes lay on Tighnari, his heart skips a beat. Before, he'd hardly paid attention to others physical appearance, but this courtesan is exceptionally beautiful, enough to make him forget about the other people in the room for a moment.
Once he gets a grip on himself, Cyno takes a few steps to stand in front of Tighnari and pose a question. ]
What's your name?
[ Due to the silence in the room, his voice might come off as much louder, even though he's speaking normally. Cyno can tell that most of the eyes in this room are on him right now, but he's used to that and doesn't pay heed to it. ]