tushanshu_logs | (no subject)

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(no subject)

Characters: Inara Serra & Open
Date: After her network post, during this week (2/5-2/10)
Location: Various. See below!
Situation: Various
Warnings/Rating: PG13 at least. There will 100% be talkings of sex.

((ooc: this is kind of a catch-all post generated from Inara’s network post. If you want to interact with her in any way feel free to tag in outside of the setup below! She has a few meetings set up but feel free to tag outside of them!))

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[ the smile broadens a fraction. [

Then you will find it perfectly suited to your needs, then.

[ she pours him a cup, and herself one as well. ]

Now, you had questions for me...?

Edited 2013-02-12 03:04 (UTC)

Quite so.

[He accepts the cup of tea with a nod of thanks.]

In the main, I wanted to know more about what it is you do, beyond the brief overview that you provided us in your introduction. And furthermore, what might be involved in [a slight pause] your usual manner of transaction.

[ Inara nods thoughtfully. ]

What I do truly depends on the needs of my clients. Some just want someone respectable to attend society functions with them, such as dinner parties or balls.

Others may wish to simply have someone that they are able to share a conversation with - someone that they feel actually cares about them on a personal level.

Those in positions of authority are often individuals lacking in the time to develop personal relationships outside of their professional life, and in turn they approach me, or one of my fellow Companions.

You see, my profession isn't simply about physical intimacy - it's about compatibility of spirit, of the soul. I choose clients based on chemistry and what I think is a good match. I genuinely care for my clients - and that, I think, is a large part of what differentiates me from a common prostitute.

[Henry leans forward slightly; Inara's concept of Companionship is in many ways not unfamiliar, but that last bit about genuine caring is truly curious. He has known a fair number of ladies with careers of distinction, so to speak, but has never had any illusions about caring. His intellectual interest is now well up.]

There are ladies in other worlds who would find that attachment a liability, you know. I have known some myself, and I have found them to be refreshingly unsentimental. Though I do not accuse you of sentimentality, let me hasten to add. You will forgive me—given my own experiences, I find your philosophy on the matter highly unusual.

[ Inara chuckles quietly, and rests her hands on the table. ]

It's -- a professional sort of caring, geared more towards their overall well-being. I apologize, I wasn't very clear. It is not affection in the romantic sense, but more...

[ she pauses, considering. ]

I strive to see my clients happy. I truly enjoy my time with them, and only wish them the best. Does that make sense?

Ah. [He nods, his expression clearing.] I understand, I believe; forgive me if I misinterpreted you. It is a particular sort of professional interest, then.

It’s quite alright, I didn’t word it very clearly – I simply wanted to stress that I’m not just a ‘whore’. [ in some cases, the term can be applied – though not to Inara. There is, however, a difference between licensed Companions and the women of the Rim brothels. ]

One of the better analogies I can think of is…nurse to patient. A nurse – or doctor, too – cares for their patients and wants them to be well, to be happy and healthy and full of life. How I feel is not dissimilar.

[ heavens if she held genuine romantic affection for her clients her life would be one gigantic NIGHTMARE – moreso than it is already . ]

My dear, that word [it's not that he is above saying "whore", but he is deliberately choosing not to use it for now] could not possibly apply to one as refined and elegant as yourself. [Not idle flattery; Henry has his points of reference, after all.] I shall think of you, then, as a kind of physician of the soul—curing the soul by means of the senses.

[ Inara smiles at the compliment, though she's inclined to agree with him. She's trained to be as such, and to think she was anything less would be to think less of herself, period. ]

[ Inara is not ashamed of her job, and that is that. ]

Thank you. You have a way with words and turn of phrase. It's a quality I can admire. It's been my experience that certain people are not as eager to seek out alternatives to their preconceived notions, but you seem receptive.

[ she likes the description he came up with - it fits in many ways, truly. ]

[Henry almost grins at that.]

One never benefits from shutting oneself off from new ideas or new experiences. Along which lines, of course, is the next logical question—what are the terms by which one may become a patient, most gracious Hygieia of the soul?

Well...

[ Inara considers this and leans back in her chair, looking particularly thoughtful. ]

There are no definitive terms, aside from the standard requirement of mutual respect between client and Companion. The Guild is, as of yet, nonexistent here but I still follow its laws, and its rules. I will choose my clients, and refuse those I deem a potential threat to the safety and integrity of not only myself but my future establishment.

Beyond that, it is mostly about checking for compatability of spirit, and then addressing with the client how often they'd like to be seen.

And from there, I should think it fairly obvious.

[Completely fascinating—that her profession operates in an organised manner and what's more, she chooses her clients? Henry finds himself liking her rather more and more.]

I see. Thank you, that is most interesting. Well, you need not answer now, but if I may, I should like to submit myself for consideration as a suitable client.

[Said with all apparent humility, though he can't quite imagine that he'd be deemed unsuitable. He's a gentleman, after all.]

[ Inara likes him - he's well mannered, eloquent, and respectful. She nods, still smiling, and rests her hands on the table. ]

Then consider yourself submitted, Lord Wotton. I look forward to further engagements set in your company.

[ she lifts her tea cup, and gives him a smile that's slightly coy. ]

To furthering our potential arrangement, then?

I thank you; you are as generous as you are beautiful.

[Henry raises his cup in return.]

May it be a mutually rewarding one, Miss Serra.

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