The Angel of the Undercity & A Homecoming

[Oriena]

Carmen emerged to catch her eye some short time after Amaya left, but beyond a tight look no words were exchanged. Sometimes the woman knew when to simply ride the currents of Oriena’s whim, which was probably why their business relationship had lasted as long as it had. Certainly she would not risk a spectacle in front of the patrons, and she would smooth over any disgruntlement Ori imagined -- with the clients and staff both. Whether the lingering customers remained or fled to better prospects Oriena did not actually care. It was the company of channelers she sought tonight.

The women began to drift through then. The flutter of trepidation in Juliana’s voice sharpened a smile to Ori’s lips, though she only laughed for the introduction. “Oh, I’m sure.” A brow arched, but no sense of offense was taken, and nor did she much seem to notice the fawning. Instead she only considered the little birds the woman tugged alongside, both possessed of the power that made them hum with familiarity. One woman she already knew, and sultry amusement marked the recognition.

“Ilesha.” The word came out a caress, mostly because she was sure it would make the little sweet uncomfortable under the spotlight of such attention. Oriena’s invitation the last time they met had been a genuine thing, but she was vaguely surprised to see the woman had actually returned to what she undoubtedly considered a den of iniquity. The shining cords of kinship, perhaps, else more yawn-worthy desires of a scholarly nature.

The other was a stranger, expression writ with awe that teased something more playful into Oriena’s expression. “And you, what’s your name?”