The ladies.

You step up to the table quietly pull out your chosen chair and sit down. You smile and glance around and suddenly it occurs to you that by sitting between the dark elf and the Medusa by all appearances the men are on the left and the women are in the right. ‘Well ain’t that a son of a bitch, did I do that on purpose?’ You think to yourself.

The meat pie as well as a feast of vegetables and fruits are then brought in by three serving girls in skimpy bikinis and high heeled sandals. They are all girls that at a glance you would possibly guess they were strippers. All three have long hair, one black, one blonde and of course the third is a redhead. They smile and “accidentally” brush against basically everyone as they set the food around the table, then vanish out of the room as fast as they came in.

“The blonde is my favorite.” The elf whispers to you as they walk out of the room. Then she asks, “Haven’t seen you around here before, what’s your name?”

“Riley.” You whisper and shake her hand.

She kisses your knuckle and says, “Charmed.”

Your host walks in a few minutes later with, “I hope you are all enjoying the food.” Grabs the head seat and sits down adding, “And the company.”

All of you eat in relative silence till the servant girls bring in several bottles of wine. As the **** flows you all start talking more and you learn most of their names. The elf is Ishkala, the Medusa is Sassa, the halfling is of course Alicia, the Minotaur is Edward, the snake is Ashuss, and your host is called My Lady, so you don’t get her name. The servant girls have obviously been given servant or possibly performer names as they are called Red, Onyx, and Sunshine, clearly in reference to their hair color.

You also discover the elf and halfling have traveled a lot together and the elf is a lush. The Medusa when drunk confides that she has a thing for the Minotaur, though he has broken it off, and she warns that he loves anal. She also informs you that the snake is a wizard.

Eventually the meal ends and people begin strolling around the house as it fills with music from the little band of the three servants. They are quite talented and you find it quite refreshing to simply watch them with a drink in hand. Hours pass and it all begins to sort of feel rather normal.

Finally the host walks up to you and says, “All of your things will be returned to you when you decide to leave. Don’t worry.”

“What happens now?” You ask her. “Do I owe you something?”

“No silly, I’m doing this for you as a favor to a friend. You can go wherever you feel like it. As for where you are. You are near the city of brass on the elemental plane of fire. In my little town. I guess you would say I’m the mayor.”

“What are all these people doing here?” You ask.

“Oh for the most part, same as you, recuperating. My city is a safe haven. I have a strict no **** law. It works quite well I must say. People pay to hang out here when they are hurt or in danger. Most stay a few days, others longer. It depends, I also don’t pry for details so I get some criminals as well I suppose, but it is a service many people need.” She then bids you good evening and let’s you know any unoccupied room is fair game. As she walks off you find yourself sort of alone.