The establishment known as The Zenana is something of a oasis on the outskirts of the sun baked city of Drybrush. It is a place of respite with an array of spa services available in the full Turkish bath including massage, sauna, therapeutic mineral baths, as well as any spa treatment a woman (or man) may desire. There is a large salon available for socializing, as well, with large open arches and gauzy curtains that allow any available breeze to enter the space where the floor is covered with rugs and pillows situated around low tables, some with hookahs situated atop them. Though it isn't necessarily advertised it is common knowledge that the women and men who serve The Zenana will also entertain guests in more erotic pursuits should that be what they are looking for. And of course, at any time, one may enjoy and purchase an assortment of substances from the standard opiates one might expect to find to more exotic concoctions intended for the supernatural clientele.

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Ameerah the control freak might enjoy seeing personally to each and every detail involved in running Heruin and it's many businesses but she didn't. She actually wanted to have a personal life and, unlike Ameerah, understood that being a good ruler meant finding the right people to serve you. Damn mongrel and her pack tendencies that insisted she over see it all herself. She'd be the death of her, she was sure of it.

Unsure how long she could keep her annoying counterpart stuffed in a box she set about making the changes she felt were best for herself and for Heruin, whether Ameerah liked it or not. The first step had been to appoint Seterios as the Manager of The Zenana in Drybrush. He had been given a similar chance to run The Siren's Corner on Eiler and had not had much success. Whether it was his own ineptitude at business management or the war that occurred shortly after his appointment to the position she couldn't say but the bottom line was she needed people loyal to her in positions of power on her continent. If Seterios could do the job at The Zenana, and do it well, she might consider him for a higher position within her ranks. It was something of a test, really.

Ever aware of that her time was potentially limited she saw to the necessary paperwork for Seterios' appointment when she returned to their island that night. The next morning three messengers were dispatched to various destinations, some with much further distances to travel than others. The first was sent to Eiler, to the Hall of Records, with the required paper work officially confirming Seterios as the new manager of The Zenana, her personal seal embossed on the parchment in her own blood to confirm the validity of the appointment.

The other two messengers were sent into Drybrush. The first to The Zenana with a letter to Fatima, the employee who had done her best to keep things running without a proper manager, to advise her that she would soon have a new manager and finally some help. The second messenger was sent to find Seterios with a personal letter from Amunette....or rather, as Ameerah. Or so she let Seterios think.

”Seterios,

Your appointment as the Manager of The Zenana is official. I have notified Fatima of the staff there that you will take your place as manager within the next day. She will provide you with all the information you need regarding the running of the place. I will also be visiting to discuss certain matters regarding it's management once you have settled in.

Remember, if you do well this time there could be bigger opportunities in your future.

Ameerah.”

The messenger eventually found Seterios at the hotel where he had a room. The letter was delivered and that was that. Seterios was now the manager of The Zenana. She hadn't lied. If he excelled at The Zenana, if she was convinced of his loyalty, she might consider him for a higher position in her government. It was up to Seterios, though. Only time would tell.

The day was blistering hot outside, so he had decided to go for a much needed dip in the cool pool at the Zenana, which he was still amazed at having been thought of as a potential employee of. Having thought of nothing else since the night he had run into Ameerah and Valorious, he had tried to contain his excitement, but there was only one thing a person could do when they had potential good news. And that was to relish in it for as long as it boosted ones mood. And that is exactly what he'd done that night after watching the ship blow up and 'Meerah and Val had left to parts unknown.

As usual, he was left to his own devices, but he didn't mind, he'd spent the last few days enjoying himself, but also tending to some much needed time alone.

Letters had been sent out to Tyrelle and Tristan, as well as Lily and the rest of his little group which had survived and had followed him to the vastness of the desert. There was no way he was leaving them behind and he had sworn to protect them; which is why he had ensured they remained close in a camp not too far from Drybrush until coin could be raised to better their lodgings. He knew they'd need to find employment and begin their lives over as well, and little by little, each one had slowly found themselves beginning life anew.

He had eventually found a modest house for them to rent within town, not too far from the Market; along its eastern side. He had encouraged them all to find work they could do, so that all of them could pitch in and keep the house. Naturally they all looked up to him, and he hadn't come to mind it so much. They had become part of his family after all, even if they weren't born into the Pack or officially adopted in.

As much as he longed to linger in the cool baths, he didn't want to turn into a prune, so he reluctantly left the cool water and took a few minutes to dry himself off, much to the delight of a few onlookers. He flashed them a smile and he could have swore some of them swooned. He finished with a wink and then dressed himself in one of his famous kilts, though this one was made of cotton rather than leather.

A dark shadow-grey one was worn under a white one. He then slid into a cotton tunic and tugged that down into place. Another was put on as well, and like his kilts, the shadow-grey lay under the white. An indigo robe was then donned before he sat down long enough to put on his socks and shoes; leather quarter boots.

Roughly twenty minutes later he felt presentable and began making his way out of the pool area and to the bar area. He didn't stop for a drink though, he was headed to the house where the others waited, 'cause he had swore to be there in time for supper. He was longing to one day own some actual property of his own, maybe even hoped to build his own home. Time would tell though. Out to the streets, he had made it, almost.

The messenger had searched his usual haunts, but finding 'Rios was usually easy, unless he didn't want to be found. He wasn't a sloth about his appearance, that was something he took some pride in. But he wasn't overly vain...at least he didn't think so!

Before he knew what was happening, he and the messenger collided, though it was purely an accidental thing. 'Rios had opened the door and was about to exit, the messenger was entering, and after two steps between them, bodies collided. Realizing he made a blunder, he grabbed the person's arm to steady them and once neither was falling on their ass, both chuckled.

"Ohmygosh..I'm so sorry. Are you alright? I'm -so- sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going." Both blurted out around the same time, looking guilty and a bit embarrassed all at the same time.

'Rios studied the man and soon realized he might there for a reason and offered to buy him a drink. So long as it was hibiscus punch! Agreeing, 'Rios led him to the counter for that drink. "You need to cool off, friend. You'll roast to death in this heat if you don't drink plenty of fluids. You looked about to drop." he told the man, showing some concern. "What message do you bring? What should I call you? Have I ever seen you before?"

The messenger supplied his name after slaking his thirst and while Rios sipped his own punch, he watched Ian reach into his satchel and pull out the message. Taking it from him, he bowed his head appreciatively once he saw the seal. It could be an invitation, a summons, a mission, anything. He studied the familiar seal for a long moment before looking back up to Ian.

"Ya have to tell me if its good news or bad." he said, handing it back to the man. "I can't...I hate reading bad news." Course that was no lie, but he wasn't looking forward to bad news. While Ian tried to protest, he shoved the letter back in his hand. "C'mon...don't leave a guy in suspense!! Or I might have to kiss ya!" he whispered. "C'mon already...tell me..tell me its good news." he urged, hoping that it wasn't something terrible, like a huge sand worm ravaging some nearby camp.

Breaking the seal, Ian read it for himself and then folded it back up and handed it 'Rios. "It ain't nothing to worry over."

"Are you sure?!"

"Yes."

Eyed him, critically, making sure the man wasn't yanking his chain.

"Honest...its nothing worth worrying over?" Rios asked again.

"Positive." replied the messenger.

Hesitantly Rios began unfolding the paper and then looked back up at Ian, eyes filled with growing anticipation and a smidge of worry.

"Go ahead, have a look. Or if your too chicken, I could just go tell Fatima right now you won't be showing up to help her."

Rios' eyes widened as he stared dumb and awestruck at Ian. "Fatima? What...why?" His thoughts began racing and he was forced to slow them down so he could think. "The heck does she want me for?" He hadn't even be sure if the woman had taken notice of him, but how could she not when he was charming all of the ladies and men at the Zenana!

Finally growing a bit of courage, he read the message for himself and promptly fell into a chair, staring at the words on the parchment. "Ohhhhh Fuuuucccck..." It was official..he was going to be working now. "Ian...she went and made me Manager.." Course he had always hoped to maybe do something worth while and he could charm the pants off most folks, and this was going to take all of his effort. "I think things are looking up..and I need a drink to calm my nerves."

Flagging the tender down, he ordered two shots of Brandy. "Wish me luck...I think I might need it." he said with a grin before knocking back a long sip of the liquor. Oh yeah...he was going to need all of his wiles and charm, and maybe a bit of luck tossed in too.