Muddy Alleys

[The Stranger]

"It's a life," he agreed, "Have we had enough, or do we need to delve deeper?" He grinned, "Truly help you find your acting role?"

[Marie]

"Well...I don't know. I mean...is it worth my while to make a habit of this?" She wondered. "I am safe with you, but is it not dangerous if I came by myself?"

[The Stranger]

Finn shrugged, "It is dangerous. Your disguise might be discovered, or you might be harmed because of who you are, but because of who they think you are."

He walked a little ways further, "But in terms of being able to take the pulse of the Seven Kingdoms? This is a skill you must have."

[Marie]

"I, or all women?" She asked. "My disguise is especially dangerous. Perhaps a whore is not the best choice. A man might expect me to...um...Well, you know what I mean." She kept smiling as she skipped along beside him, despite the anxiety of her words. "I am not what my dress proclaims me to be. So I had better be someone else if I come back. A septa, mayhaps. Do they have septas in the winesinks and brothels? I don't believe I know."

[The Stranger]

"There are orphanages, and septs down here who tend to the needy yes. Although the threat is the same. For many men here, a whore or a septa makes little difference in a dark alley with a blade at her throat." Finn said, before frowning.

"I'm sorry... that was... true, but perhaps more then you wanted to hear."

[Marie]

Izzy winced. "Is it always dangerous for women, then? Forever and ever, no matter who she is? If that's so, I am not sure I can come again, except with you. And I know you cannot play guardsman all the time."

[The Stranger]

"it's dangerous everywhere. Look what happened to Mace Tyrell's wife. Dangers for men too, being a woman has nothing to do with it. Life is dangerous."

[Marie]

"Yes, but that is no reason to court danger," she pointed out. "Especially not for a l-woman in my position. I want to know things, it's true, but I also don't want to die. An I am not sure that I will be safe here in the streets. I am no warrior maid from the songs, to defend myself if I am attacked."

[The Stranger]

"Then you'd best hire the best me to do the job for you," he replied.

[Marie]

"Perhaps I could do that," she agreed. "If your prices are not too high.But it is worth considering, yes."

[The Stranger]

"I can only charge what you can afford, but it is the best service." Finn replied

[Marie]

She smiled sweetly at him. "I should like to see proof of that, before I hire you. Much as I would like to simply take your word on trust, I am sure you of all men will understand that it would be foolish not to investigate the matter properly."

[The Stranger]

Finn looked offended, "I think our reputation speaks for itself. All you have is reputation in a business like this. If you found anything by investigating, then we'd not be very good at what we do."

[Marie]

"You forget," she said. "I knew about your father, and his reputation is impeccable, but I didn't know you existed until the coronation feast. So how can I possibly know you by reputation?"

[The Stranger]

Finn smiled, "I am not an independent skulking about on my own. It's a family business."