The story of Rene

"This place used to be a gambling den. One my parents would frequent. They actually did pretty well, and some of their gambling paid for our home and other possessions. We were...we were happy" she says as her eyes tear up a little.

"About when I was 18 the gambling den changed ownership to a weasel of a man named Don. My parents didn't recognize the danger this man posed until he made them a sure bet. My parents bet everything and more" she says as a tear runs down her cheek.

"So the bet didn't work out well for them" you offer when she doesn't continue. "You don't have to continue if this is too much for you" you suggest.

"No, it's ok, I'll keep going...just...give me a second" she says wiping her eyes.

"Take as long as you need hun" Annabel offers. After a couple minutes she continues.

"The bet didn't work out is an understatement. We lost everything and went into debt with Don. He had all of us under his boot, and forced us to work for him to pay off the debt. The term is indentured servant, but that's just a fancy term for slaves. We were forced to clean, cook, and...service...his customers" she says quietly.

"He was the one who determined our pay, and since he forced us to live there...here...he charged rent. We were getting no where fast with our debt. So my parents decided we should run away. Start somewhere else. We didn't make it far, and Don...he...he...killed" she says before she starts quietly crying. You quickly stand and move to her to stand her up and wrap your arms around her. At first she is tense like you are going to hurt her, but she finally relaxes in your embrace. Several minutes pass as she cries on your shoulder, but eventually she pushes you away.

"It's ok, I'm ready to continue" she says. You walk back to your chair and Rene stands there looking conflicted. "Can...can I...can I sit in your lap while you hold me. It's just been a really long time since someone held me like that without wanting my body" she asks shyly.

"Of course" you say holding your arms out. She walks over sitting sideways in your lap and leans her head against your chest, and you wrap your arms around her again.

"Mmmmm...thank you" she murmurs.

"Anytime you want" you offer.

"So...I found myself alone suddenly, but the debt was still owed. I resigned myself to working for that man. I tried working harder and playing the part to see if he'd treat me better, and it worked a little. After a year or so Don decided to sell the building, and the owners of The Gem bought it and all within, including my debt. They renovated the place to a hotel as you can see. At first they treated me like any other of their employees. I cleaned rooms, cooked, did all of those types of jobs. Eventually a wealthy man offered them something extra to...be with me. They accepted and I served him for a couple days. It went like that for a year or so. I'd work regular jobs and get...loaned...to some of their customers occasionally. That's when they saw something with potential. They would offer the Emperor Suite with its own personal attendant. Me. I would serve the customer however they saw fit. It has been this way for the last two years now, and it is my only job now. If I play the part well then I get more pay for each customer" she says.

She doesn't continue so that must be the end of the story.

"How much do you still owe on the debt" you ask.

"About twenty gold I think" she says with a sigh.

"How much do you get per customer" you ask.

"Anywhere between one hundred to five hundred copper, less after rent" she answers solemnly. At that rate it'll take decades to pay off the debt you realize. You look at the three girls and they nod their heads at you.

"Thank you for telling us your story Rene" you say squeezing her a little tighter.

"There is something I want you to do for me, do you need a moment" you ask her.

"No I can help however you need" she answers with a sniff.

"I want you to go get Theo and then come back here with him" you tell her. She nods her head, gets out of your lap, and slowly walks out the door closing it behind her.