Crescent Boudoir

From its artful awning to its masterfully crafted sign (a shapely, long haired woman in featureless silhouette, with one leg bent and propped upon the adjacent crescent moon), the storefront of Crescent Boudoir conveys as both classy and naughty.   Most of the local ladies -- those who fit the appellation, as well as some who don't --  know the place.   Anticipating a romantic tryst or just trying to keep your husband's attention at home, this is where you go to equip.

Inside, the decor is elegant, painted in darker sensual shades.   The shop stocks a wide variety of women's undergarments, from the conservative to the highly exotic.   Also sold are night gowns and robes, as well as perfumes and accessories.   And be sure to inquire about the toy of the week special.

Upon entering - the door jingling a set of chimes - a raven-haired human woman, perhaps approaching her fourth decade of age, is stylishly dressed and immaculately groomed.   She gives an easy sort of smile, and says cheerily -- "Good day -- can I help you find something?  Or would you just like to browse?"

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Inaya cast her gaze about the shop.   It was...not like any she had visited before.   The direction her life had gone, the religious training and devotion that had consumed her recent years, didn't exactly leave a lot of leisure for the sort of things many other women concerned themselves with.    Her conservative grandparents would have frowned their disapproval at her entering such a place.  Her mother, though -- she knew her mother would have loved it, in her day.    The thought made her smile a little.

She inclined her head, held out the slip of parchment she carried.  "This looks like a...lovely store, but I did not come in to shop.    My visit concerns Pelor's Day, and gifts to be picked up, for the Blessed Stars boarding house?"

"Ah," said the woman, approaching and gazing at the parchment.  "Of course.  Just a moment, please --  I'll be back."

Watching as she went off to the backroom, Inaya could but wonder just what sort of gifts this place would supply to children?   She soon had her answer, as the woman returned, and showed her some of them:

Adorable little shawls and sweaters, and pajamas, in the bright colors children tended to love.  She smiled, more fully this time.

"Thank you.  I'm sure they will love these."   

"I hope they will."    She eyed Inaya in a speculative fashion.   "Sure you don't wish to look around before you go? Find something to wear, for that special someone?"

"No," she said a little too abruptly, "there is no one."    But her eyes strayed toward the racks, and the items that hung there.

"Well...alright.  I'll take just a quick look through." 

The woman smiled knowingly, and gestured graciously at the racks.  Many of her best customers had begun with 'just a quick look through'...


River Quarter