The Cost Of Independence

[*Rainbow Prism]

What was the best way to learn about the problem?

Ask the one who is having the problem.

Instead of asking around the watering holes of Cage and get attention from the watchful eyes, Sill decided to ask the ones who are supposedly having trouble. Having need of information, drow entered Alesha's establishment. This man should know something, with this charity house catering to quippers.

[*Midnight]

Sil smells the place before she sees it. The smell of baking bread cuts through the smog and the usual smell of sewage that The Hive is more famous for. Sil enters a shop front that resembles a delicatessen. The home made posters and art work on the walls makes it brighter than the usual hive slum. The human woman behind the counter smiles as she sees the scrawny drow enter.

"Are you here for Breakfast?"

[*Rainbow Prism]

Looking around, drow took a look at the interior of the diner. It probably tried to look cheerful among the dirt and poverty, giving hope and will to live for next day.

It was good that some people in Hive for once had a good idea.

Giving a bright smile, drow replied:

"I really think your gruel is absolutely yummy, but I am not hungry. Just wondered if I could work here for a while. Got some demand for the staff?"

[*Midnight]

The woman smiles.

"We are always looking for volunteers."

The way she stresses the word makes it clear Sil would be working for free.

"I'm Allesha. Welcome to the pantry. What can you do?"

[*Rainbow Prism]

"What you need me to do?" The girl said coyly.

Working here could be free. But there was opportunity to learn something.

[*Midnight]

"Well can you cook, can you clean, can you chase the drunk bashers out when we need it. After all we can't count on The Harmonium for that here in The Hive. We're never short of work that needs doing."

She smiles

"But there is no point me putting you in the kitchen if you're going to burn the place down."

[*Rainbow Prism]

"I can do everything except for cooking!" There was a loud thump of small fist on the flat chest. Puffing out the breath from her nostrils, petite scoundrel stood proudly.

"When do I begin? I'm out for blood!"

[*Midnight]

The woman takes a step back at the rather belligerent display and for the first time her sunny manner begins to show signs of doubt.

"Its not that kind of place. I could do with someone to help with the washing up, but there is not much blood to be had there. Unless its stew night, but that's mostly down to the cooking."

[*Rainbow Prism]

"Lead the way, boss!"

Most likely she overdid it a bit. But first impression is good way to mask appearance. As long as she got the job, she could get information from inside.

[*Rainbow Prism]

This work was something she lacked in the Cage. This sense of satisfaction she gained from labor for sake of helping instead of monetary reward was almost overwhelming. Why bother with hiding the goodness? Why use facade of greed for money instead of being honest celestian and just chip in?

These thoughts produced during scrubbing of the pan brought faint smile. Maybe she should.

The sound of splintered wood alarmed her. The ears picked up unmistakable sign of trouble.

Carefully putting away the saucepan, the knife in hand, drow crouched and scurried to the door, slightly opening it to look and listen what is happening without giving out her location.