The fourth option

Cathy lingered at the docks for a while, planning what to do next and enjoying the fresh breeze from the ocean. Dockers were loading and unloading ships, even at this late hour and the scene reminded Cathy of the numerous times she had departed from harbours just like this one. Often at night, and often penniless and ****, haggling with smugglers and privateers for passage, and with city guards or rival criminals on her heels. The phrase "I'll suck your cock once we're out on open sea" had been her ticket out many times and she could still taste the rough blend of saltwater, rum and sea captain's cum in her mouth.

Sure, a bohemian life like that had its charm, but Cathy was a weary of travel. It would be nice settle down and sleep in her own bed for a while, a decent one. But a decent bed wasn't free and her savings wouldn't last very long in a big city like this. It was time she earned some real coin.

Cathy turned back the way she had come from and once she reached the merchants quarters she took a left. Cathy had made up her mind. She was going to join the ranks of Tharros many prostitutes. Again.

It seemed like a good idea. Being a harlot wasn't so bad as long as you had the face and body, a hefty sexual appetite and some control of the assortment of clients and their payments. It paid better than dancing and it was relatively safe, at least compared to burglary. And it was a great way to get information in case you felt like doing some thieving again. Yes, Cathy felt quite pleased with her decision as she followed the steady stream of drunken sailors towards the Kettle.

Before long she reached the gates to Tharros rambunctious red light district with the highest concentration of debauchery known in the civilized world.

Cathy had barely passed the gates before a familiar voice called out.

"Well, look who's back!"

Cathy's watchful face split into a wide smile when she turned and saw a stunning dark beauty clad in a scandalously scanty silk ensemble. It was her old friend Janna!

The two of them had started stripping together when Cathy first came to Tharros and they had some great wild times together back then. But that was ages ago and Cathy had often wondered what had become of the beautiful Janna with her jet-black hair and massive breasts who always brought in the biggest tips, but had a bad habit of getting into bed with the wrong kind of men.

Cathy hugged and kissed Janna. "Good to see you, Silly slut!" she said.

"You too, Little cut-throat! So what brings you of all people back to the old Kettle? Some of those grand schemes of yours?"

"Well, actually I'm thinking about getting back into the game."

"Really?" Janna raised an eyebrow. "So what happened to Miss Too-Good-to-be-a-Whore-and-Soon-to-be-a-Master-Rouge-Magician-and-Millionaire?"

"Getting there..." Cathy smirked. "But in the meantime I'm here and I need some work. Where are you working these days?"

"Uhm, for One-Eyed Grolf, he's kind of a big man nowadays," Janna said and and looked a bit nervous.

"That mean bastard? Oh dear," Cathy said and involuntarily took a step back.

"Yes... well... it was good to see you, but I really must head back," Janna said, gave Cathy an apologetic kiss and then hurried off.

"That was a a bit worrying. But Janna is a big girl and she can handle herself," Cathy persuaded herself as she watched her old friend scamper down the busy street. She looked around at the bustling bars and brothels, filled with whores, harlots, drunks, lords, merchants, beggars, bards, scoundrels, thieves and thugs. There was certainly no a lack of customers, but not competition either.

"Well, let's get to work," she said to herself.