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#Post#: 377--------------------------------------------------
The Hell is Lake Laogai?
By: Lilibeth Ambershard Date: December 23, 2013, 12:34 am
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Lilibeth ascended quickly, her lithe frame making its way to the
rooftops of Ba-Sing-Se, in order to afford her a better view of
the vast, sprawling city.
Although meeting the twins had been a welcome distraction,
Lilibeth was an angry earthbender with a mission. She needed to
find out why exactly the Dai-Li had been after her, although it
clearly had something to do with her parents, a place called
Lake Laogai, and something about her "not doing much thinking
afterwards", or something.
Still, one thing was clear to the short-haired bender; she
needed information on this Lake. If possible, its location. She
had never heard of it before now, but she figured someone must
know about it, and if there was one place in Ba-Sing-Se she was
guaranteed to find information, it was The Viper Den.
Lilibeth was only a young woman, and although she could
certainly appreciate an attractive body, be it male or (in
particular) female, she didn't possess enough of a libido or
taste for alcohol to have visited the Den before now.
She had heard a reasonably large amount about it, though, from
her family's rather disgusting guards, and if it was as valuable
a resource for those in need of rumours as claimed by said
guards, then it could be essential in finding out what her
family and the Dai Li were planning.
So, taking a deep breath, Lilibeth jumped from the city's
rooftops and returned to the streets, heading unerringly
downwards into the lower areas of the immense city, in search of
the Den, and the information she hoped she would find within.
#Post#: 378--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Hell is Lake Laogai?
By: Ma Lynn Date: December 23, 2013, 7:53 am
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"He'a, bredda. Jur Stonebreak'a Brew," Ma'Lynn said as she set
down a mug of some kind of foaming drink down on a table in
front of one of the patrons in her Den. She offered him a wink
and a gentle pat on the shoulder as she passed, the bangles
looped around her wrists and ankles jingling together with her
movements. The wink, of course, wasn't sincere at all, but was
just a ploy in order to con the man out of leaving a few more
coins than normal as a tip. Common practice in the Den, but
apparently something often welcomed as it was something that
rarely ever failed, even for the other barmaids she'd hired to
help keep the Den running smoothly.
Grinning a little bit to herself, Ma'Lynn took a deep breath and
inhaled the sweet scent some of the hookas being smoked in the
corner were emitting, infusing the Den with one of the only
kinds of shisha that 'Lynn allowed to be smoked in her
establishment, mostly because of its pleasant, calming scent.
The smoke wasn't allowed to linger and hinder vision inside of
the Den however, as various holes near the ceiling of the Den
provided ample air ventilation. Just one more way 'Lynn kept her
pride and joy accessible to all.
Unfortunately, it was a somewhat slow day. Middle of the week
wasn't usually the best for business, but even then, that didn't
keep the Den from pulling in quite a few heads to partake in its
services. It wasn't packed, but there were enough people for a
quiet buzz of overlapping conversation to be present, drowning
out any one conversation from being heard unless someone
listened hard enough.
Listen is exactly what 'Lynn did though. Grinning to herself,
she slowly wandered the Den, picking out tidbits of conversation
before stopping to occupy herself with something somewhere
nearby where she could eavesdrop, sometimes even not even hiding
that she was listening in--or, chiming in on the conversation
herself before moving on to different pastures. It was a slow
day, but it was a good day.
It was just a shame that nothing particularly interesting had
happened yet.
#Post#: 379--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Hell is Lake Laogai?
By: Lilibeth Ambershard Date: December 23, 2013, 8:12 am
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Lilibeth approached the.. establishment, in which she hoped to
find her answers, somewhat nervously.
Still, she tried not to show her nervousness in her expression
or tread, keeping her face neutral, and steps determined, as she
pushed open the Den's (rather grand) door, and entered.
The scent of smoke in the air didn't exactly do wonders for her
mood or determination either, the earth-bender coughing a little
at the thick scent in the air. At least it wasn't choking; there
seemed to be some kind of ventilation to keep it from growing
too thick, which Lili was rather appreciative of.
As she was greeted by the gentle buzzing of a myriad of closed
conversations, Lili paused, unsure of who to approach for
information, and, in fact, unsure of how things operated here at
all. This showed a little, as the dark-haired woman approached
the nearest bar-like structure she could find, dark green eyes
scanning the Den with a mixture of curiosity, and uncertainty.
#Post#: 380--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Hell is Lake Laogai?
By: Ma Lynn Date: December 23, 2013, 8:45 am
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As it so happened, 'Lynn's slow meandering path through the Den
had left her close to the entrance when a dark-haired woman
stepped into the bar. While 'Lynn didn't pay any mind to this at
first, her attention was quickly caught when the woman coughed a
bit... Giving 'Lynn a signal that maybe this woman wasn't so
acclimated to being in smoky environments. Which meant she was a
new customer in her Den. Smirking and watching the woman walk
through her bar as if she was prey, 'Lynn waited until the woman
sat down at the bar before slowly sauntering her way over and
slipping into the seat next to the woman without asking for an
invitation.
"Ju don't come he'a very often, do ju girly?" 'Lynn asked, an
almost mischievious look in her blue eyes as she glanced over to
the woman beside her. "A friendly tip between ju an' me--an' dis
one be free--I wouldn't look too much like a sca'a'd kitten.
Some o' de guys he'a, dey like to prey on dat kind o' t'ing.
What brings ju to de Vipa' Den, lil' kitten? Come to fo'aget,
o'a ah' ju lookin' fo'a somet'in' a lil' mo'a... personal?"
#Post#: 381--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Hell is Lake Laogai?
By: Lilibeth Ambershard Date: December 23, 2013, 9:29 am
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Lilibeth, who at this point had begun to drum her fingers on the
bar as she awaited the arrival of someone to speak to for
information, looked up for a moment in surprise as she was
addressed.
Her expression of mild surprise became just a little more
obvious as she took in the sight of the woman who sat beside
her, although her gaze was both surprised and a little
appreciative, the earthbender unable to keep her eyes from
roaming briefly over the darker woman's shapely form. Still not
as cute as Corelia, Lilibeth thought to herself, but she had an
exotic and good-humoured air about her, which Lili couldn't deny
was a little enticing.
Shaking her head to clear it of the thoughts that had sprung up
upon the new arrival's arrival, Lilibeth tilted her head to eye
her curiously, waiting until she had finished speaking to reply,
her voice and expression a little more steady than it had been a
moment ago.
"Nah, this is my first time here, and thanks for the advice, but
I think I can take care of myself." Lili replied, voice only
wavering a little, defending herself not being something Lili
was really worried about.
"Oh.. well, actually, I'm here for some information. I need to
know some things about a place called Lake Laogai." Lilibeth
replied, her face blooming in a faint blush after she had
deciphered what the new arrival was talking about by referring
to something "personal." As tempting as that might be, she had
to stay on track, all she needed from this place was
information, and she hoped her new.. friend, would be able to
help somehow in that respect.
#Post#: 382--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Hell is Lake Laogai?
By: Ma Lynn Date: December 23, 2013, 10:29 am
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At the woman's obvious roaming over 'Lynn's body, her smirk only
seemed to grow wider at that. She gave no further pursuit to
that obvious glance however, apparently quite used to being
looked over like that. For someone that seemed so confident that
she could take care of herself though, she didn't really sound
all that confident. Not since her voice wavered, despite how
small it was.
The smirk continued to play on her lips as 'Lynn's own eyes
wandered this time, only to quickly snap back up to Lilibeth's
face when she mentioned Lake Laogai, 'Lynn's previous expression
of amusement changing into a kind of scary look of unamused
bewilderment. "What ah' ju t'inkin', girly?" 'Lynn hissed before
glancing around, subtly looking around to see if anyone had
turned their attention their way. "Ju really want info'a'mation
on dat, den follow me lil' kitten, an' keep quiet," she
continued to hiss before pushing herself up and leading
gesturing for the woman to follow.
'Lynn then lead her to the staircase (as was given permission)
that went up to the Den's second story, the rather large
bodyguard there only giving a nod to 'Lynn as she passed, the
look on her face still lacking her earlier amusement. Once
upstairs, she walked past various doors, some of them muffling
moans, grunts, and other noises of intercourse as 'Lynn stormed
past them, some even giving off a certain tell-tale aroma. Two
more large bodyguards patrolled this hallway above the first
floor, and though both watched as 'Lynn lead this strange woman
to one of the doors at the end of the hallway, neither gave any
particular indication of what they thought about the situation.
After reaching one of the doors at the end of the hallway, 'Lynn
unlocked it and stepped inside before ushering Lilibeth in as
well. When she did, 'Lynn locked it back before turning to the
woman and crossing her arms over her chest, still not looking
particularly pleased. "What in de world ah' ju tryin'a do,
kitten? Ju talk about Lake Laogai at random like dat, ju gonna
get all de wrong tah'gets painted on ya head. And I don't need
de Dai-Li comin' into my Den, turnin' de place upside down in a
'routine inspection'," she said mockingly, now pacing a little
bit. "Explain jurself, girly. What be so impo'atent at da Lake
dat ju gotta be so reckless? Do ju wanna disappea'?"
#Post#: 384--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Hell is Lake Laogai?
By: Lilibeth Ambershard Date: December 23, 2013, 10:59 am
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Lili flinched as the woman who was speaking to her suddenly
became angered by her words. It seemed this Lake Laogai must be
rather important, for someone as powerful as the owner of the
Den to be afraid of Dai-Li reprisal for doing something so
simple as mentioning it aloud.
Slightly reluctantly, Lili stood and followed the older woman,
keeping her eyes on Lynn's back and not on those around them,
deciding that this information must be worth any associated
risks, if it garnered this much of a reaction from the
previously cheerful-seeming woman.
Upon reaching a more private room and entering with the older
woman, Lilibeth flinched once more as she was questioned, before
a thoughtful expression overtook her features, and she replied
after a moments thought.
"I was asking about the Lake, because just a few hours ago, my
family tried to have me taken there by the Dai-Li for some
reason or another. Something about not thinking much afterwards,
and in order to act as a noble representative of my family for a
meeting with the Earth King. I didn't buy it, they got a little
uppity, and so I decided they needed a nap. I went into hiding
for a few hours, and now I need to know Where and What the Hell
Lake Laogai actually is. So please, can you tell me what you
know about it? It doesn't sound like you're much of a fan of..
whatever it is, either." Lilibeth responded, honestly, her voice
determined, a clear hint of anger in her voice at the actions of
her own family.
#Post#: 385--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Hell is Lake Laogai?
By: Ma Lynn Date: December 23, 2013, 5:29 pm
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'Lynn paused her pacing when Lilibeth began explaining herself
and qucikly turned to get a better look at the girl, her arms
still crossed. Her unamused look remained on her face, and she
gave no reaction at all to what the girl was telling her. Then,
after Lilibeth finished speaking, 'Lynn brought a hand up to her
face to rub it gently. She ran her hand down along her face
after that, her previous smirk and look of mischief coming to
her expression as her hand left her face, almost making it seem
like the hand had swept it back onto her features.
"Ju be right. I don't ca'a fo'a de Lake. It be a sick place, an'
one I t'ink a lil' kitten like ju would be in ova' her head
messin' wit'. Fa' be it from me to inta'fe'a wit' a stranga's
intentions d'ough, 'specially since it ain't any o' my business,
so I'll tell some o' de ruma's dat's passed 'round dis place."
Her look of mischief only seemed to increase after she said that
but sure enough, she went on to talk about some of the rumors, a
couple of those including that the lake was some kind of magical
well that scarred anyone who ventured deep inside, and that it
was a portal for demons to use and possess the women that feel
in its waters.
"Now, ju look like a bright girl despite ju recklessly askin'
about Dai Li territory. Ju know none o' dat be true. Howeva',"
'Lynn drew out, now slowly pacing in a calm manner before
Lilibeth, smirk only growing wider. "I ain't su'a if a kitten
like ju unda'stands dat around he'a, info'amation be valuable.
It practically be a currency. So, if I'm gonna be sharin'
somet'in' so delicate wit' ju... It ain't gonna come free. An'
befo'a ju say ju'll pass an' dat ju'll just go lookin'
elsewhe'a, rememba' how risky it be out de'a, askin' about Lake
Laogai whe'a de Dai Li could easily he'a ju. I be offa'rin' a
place o' freedom an' safety," 'Lynn said, turning to Lilibeth to
gently stroke her cheek with the back of a hand, though the look
on her face just held more mischief.
"Ain't no one gettin' up he'a on dis flo'a wit'out someone
knowin', an' even if dey did, dey ain't gonna he'a us past dese
sound-proofed walls. So what's it gonna be, lil' kitten," 'Lynn
purred, patting Lilibeth's cheek as she spoke. "Ah' ju gonna
pass up dis golden oppa'tunity, o'a do ju got somethin' ju could
pay me wit'? An' rememba', it don't hafta be material goods,
eit'a. It could be services, too~."
#Post#: 420--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Hell is Lake Laogai?
By: Lilibeth Ambershard Date: December 29, 2013, 12:51 pm
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Lilibeth stood silently, only raising an incredulous eyebrow in
response to 'Lynn's talk about rumours, and nodding respectfully
at her statements about the value of information. She looked a
little uncomfortable, as if wondering what other Business had
occurred in this very room over the years, and then trying her
very hardest not to think too hard about it.
As the exotic woman's hand ran across her cheek, Lilibeth's
cheeks flamed up in a bright blush, which only intensified at
her continued teasing and pats, the earthbender trying very hard
not to think about what exactly "services" could entail.
Although she might have ordinarily been a confident and powerful
martial-artist, Lilibeth always had problems with becoming
flustered when it came to her.. interest in women, and Lynn's
teasing wasn't helping her at all. Not to mention, the
surroundings themselves were very much out of her comfort zone.
"W-will coin d-do?" Lilibeth spoke up, after she had managed to
reign in her blush a little, although her voice still wavered
uncertainly, and the earthbender found herself unable to keep
her eyes off the shapely, exotic woman before her, and her
mischievous smile. As she spoke, she reached a hand into the
pocket of her simple trousers to withdraw a small handful of
golden coins, most of what remained after she'd given the rest
to the twins in exchange for food and lodgings.
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