It is noon on a hot day in a bustling marketplace outside of Per-Bastet’s Perfume District. The scent of cinnamon, incense, and sweat lingers in the air. Nearby, a camel trader and his long train of animals shamble past, the smell of musk trailing after them. A crowd of dancing, henna-painted young women follows a handsome man beating a darbuka. Behind him, three men bear an enormous carpet, bound for a nearby building, and shout for people to get out of the way.

Through the bustling street, you quickly find the tavern you’re looking for - The Saffron Palace. It is a well-known tavern located in the heart of the marketplace. With its unique blend of scents, it's a popular spot for locals and travelers alike looking to escape the scorching heat. The tavern is known for its colorful and lively atmosphere, with a constant flow of entertainers passing through, such as henna-painted dancers and musicians. The interior of the tavern is decorated with exotic tapestries, intricate lanterns, and cushioned seating, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. The menu features a variety of refreshing drinks and spicy dishes to satisfy any traveler's cravings, making it the perfect stop for anyone passing through the marketplace.

You’re here to meet Mistress Henna Mjelidi. You’ve heard she has an offer of 500 gp to retrieve a lost magic item for her. You didn’t get too much detail, just the item was very precious to her, and she dearly wants it back. Perhaps you’re here for the reward, perhaps you’re here because you’re interested in its magic properties and see this as an opportunity to learn more about it, or maybe you believe in the importance of helping others and don't want to see Henna suffer the loss of something so valuable to her. Whatever the reason, you’re here to have an audience with Henna, and ask for any clues she has regarding the lost object.

When you tell one of the servers you’re here see Henna Mjelidi, she nods and takes you to a private room in the back, hidden from view from the bustling marketplace. The room is decorated in the same exotic style as the rest of the tavern, with rich, golden-hued tapestries adorning the walls and plush cushions covering the seating. The room is dimly lit, adding to its cozy and secretive atmosphere. At the center of the room is a low table surrounded by cushions, perfect for a quiet meal or confidential business. The room also features a discreet serving hatch, allowing the guests to order food and drinks without being disturbed.

As you’re waiting for Henna to arrive, take the time to introduce your character.

A young woman, probably twenty two or twenty three, sits on one of the cushioned chairs. She is clad in regal gold and white chain mail armor, and looking around in awe at the room about her. She breathes a sigh of relief, perhaps eager to be away from the heat, or the people. She sweeps a bit of stray hair out from her face, and sighs as she waits, saying a quick prayer to her god. “Helm, please protect me and this woman who has summoned me. Protect those that may be forced to reside with me, and all of those around me.” She mutters softly, head bowed. She finishes praying, taking a quick look at her pale hand as she removes her glove, and frowns. Slipping the glove back on, anyone entering can see her staring at a ring on one of its fingers.

The Saffron Palace was not the place Kerra was used to or had ever dealt with. The clients - sure, when they were outside, but not the establishment itself. So fancy, it could as well be the Dome itself. But 500 gold sounded irresistible and seemed to be true after all. Kerra half expected to be thrown out and laughed at when she finally decided to check out the accidental mark. Yet, she was escorted into that even fancier room (that felt like a trap but the brown tabaxi tried not to think about it now) and left here to wait for the very real Mistress Henna Mjelidi. Unfortunately, not alone.

The presence of someone else - obviously, not the Mistress - was not a complete surprise (500 gold had to attract half the city) but something to be accounted for. Tabaxi's yellow-green eyes narrowed studying the woman on the cushions, taking in expensive armour, weapon and the posture of someone knowing how to use them. The ring got a separate look. Then Kerra flashed the woman a smile (that demonstrated sharp fangs), adjusted a bit her very worn-out simple cloak over simple and also worn leather armour and in one fluent move got to the other side of the room, silently lowered on the cushion and froze there, watching the door.

“Oh, hello..” The woman flashed a small, nervous smile back as she looked to the Tabaxi. “Um, I’m Natasha. It’s good to meet you, Miss…?” She seemed to be anxious by the presence of another. 

A young halfling woman enters the tavern. She is a few inches over three foot tall and noticeably pretty with long dark red hair, large amber-brown eyes and a peaches and cream complexion. Her dress and hooded robe are striking, even outlandish in purples and blues with stars and other mystical symbols carefully woven into the cloth. While she greets the tavern with a pleasant smile there is also a glint in her eyes - five hundred is a lot of gold for a moderately successful sorceress...

Tasmara is not a total stranger to The Saffron Palace. She'd even performed here once or twice. Still it was an overwhelming experience on any visit and it took a few moments for her to adjust as she was led to the private room. Recognising one of her fellow fortune seekers Tasmara gave a wave and a smile towards Natasha; "Hello again! Good to see one familiar face here at least!"

Stealing one of the empty seats she flashed a welcoming smile at the Tabaxi woman: "Hello I'm Tasmara the Unlucky. A pleasure to meet you."

A human, with short curly hair, a well trimmed beard and in his twenties, sits in the tavern drinking tea from beautiful golden glass. His favorite place here was the North corner, a bit darker to not bring too much attention on him but with a view on the whole establishment. Felix arrived in Per-Bastet last week from CandleKeep, after weeks of travel, and already started gathering information on this city in his notebooks. As soon he arrived, he was in awe with this place, this culture was so different from the Sword Coast. The colors were so bright, and the scents coming from everywhere was making him sometime dizzy.
After finishing his tea, Felix placed his books back in his bag and walked toward the barkeeper. He had found a few days ago a note on the board, that someone needed a hand to find a magical objet and decided it would be a great opportunity to study this city and making a bit of money. "My advance from the Keep is running low" he thought to himself while gently tapping his coin purse.

The barkeeper showed him the way and Felix entered  the backroom. Some people were already here. He nod and presented himself with his accent from the Sword Coast. 
" It is nice to meet you. I am guessing you are here for the job ? My name is Felix Wallace"

Tabaxi did not have time to answer when a flashy newcomer entered the room too. Seemingly unarmed, but Kerra was not waving her weapon around either. The place was getting more crowded by the second. And these two even seemed to know each other. Well, if you can't beat them... After but just a moment of hesitation, the cat-woman smiled again now to both women. "I am Kerra." She did not elaborate any further but the next visitor said it out loud and confirmed the obvious - there was a job but now four different people were after it. The new man - Felix - was carefully studied as well with the slightest longer attention to his purse. "Know much about the job?"

A long-eared Harengon woman pushes her way through the crowd as the server leads her to the back room. "Actually, would you mind waiting a moment, young man, I just want to order some of this delicious food before I meet Mistress Henna." She pauses to hear the server's reply. "Oh, I can order from there? Thank the goddess -- lead on then!"

Her white robes flash, covering most of the discreet chainmail armour underneath it. Her many blue gemstone earrings glint in the light from the lanterns as she enters the back room. Her paw touches the Bastet amulet around her neck as her eyes fall on Natasha. 

"Ah -- Mistress Natasha! What a surprise to see you!  Remember me? Daphyra. We met at the Temple. You were in a spot of... uhh... difficulty..." she trails off, aware now that there are others in the room.

"Oh. Are you all here to assist Mistress Henna?" She seems a little put out at the notion. 

Natasha nods to both women, smiling quickly and even more nervously. “It’s good to see you two!” She’s doing her best to be bubbly about all of this around two people who helped her - but she can’t exactly shake her anxiety. “Kerra, it’s nice to meet you. Same to you, Felix. My name is Natasha as I’m sure you’ve already heard. Natasha Dinavere, Paladin of Helm.” She shows her holy symbol, her smile growing slightly wider as she does. “So we’ve all taken a pretty cushy job, huh?” She asks, looking around the room. “Five hundred gold is a nice payment. “What are you guys gonna do with it?”

That was too much! Cool careful demeanour left Kerra for a good minute while she was openly staring at the blue gems sparkling in long trembling ears. Finally, she was able to lower her eyes to meet Daphyra's and answer once again. "Mistress Henna Mjelidi, yes." She blinked, glanced at the earrings once more, and supported Natasha's small talk with another question of her own. "Do you know her?"

Daphyra shoots an almost-jealous glance at Tasmara, before returning her gaze to Natasha. "I am glad to see you found more friends to assist you." She pointedly looks away before answering the question.

"Cushy?" The harengon shakes her head, "I am here to help. It is my duty. after all." She preens ever so slightly, her pink nose delicately raised.

She pats her amulet in a very conscious way. "The fee will be donated to the Temple, of course. My Lady Bastet --" she closes her eyes as she says the name, "--is a goddess who appreciates the richness of life."

“I told her to keep her money. I’ll do this for free. I don’t really need it.” Natasha looks to Daphyra. “There could be more done with the money than give it to me.” She stretches a bit - tipping her chair a bit too far back and almost falling. “…That was close.” She says as she stops herself from hitting the floor. “I promise I’m more in tune with my movements normally… I just didn’t sleep a lot last night.”

Soon after you’re all settled, the heavy tapestries on the door are lifted open, revealing a figure whose entrance is as graceful as the movement of a serpent. Henna glides into the room with a feline beauty that is both captivating and intimidating. 

Her form is draped in long, flowing silk robes. The fabric billows behind her as she moves, her face is veiled with sheer gossamer, which only adds to her allure. Yet, her amber eyes that shine with intensity are still visible above the soft veil. Her gray fur is adorned with intricate henna tattoos, each swirling pattern accentuating the lithe curves of her form. The markings seem to come alive under the flickering light of the room, like shimmering silver scales on the back of a mystical beast. With the exception of her long, gray tail that sweeps behind her, and her mesmerizing golden eyes, the tabaxi could almost be mistaken for human.

“Hello, my darlings.” Henna purrs as her eyes scan the room, her golden gaze lingering on Tasmara's mystical robe woven with symbols. Licking her lips, her lips curl into a sultry smile, and a soft purr rumbles in her throat. Taking a seat, her soft, sultry speaks Common with a heavy accent, although the purr in her voice makes the ill-pronounced words sound seductive. “I’m glad you all answered my call so promptly. I am Henna, and I have a task for you. Recently, a valuable gem was stolen from me. The thief, Raheed, is currently hiding in the Perfume District, where he is known to have friends. A dangerous place where I fear to tread. I need you to retrieve my property from him. I can offer you 500 gp for your services. Time is of the essence, and I urge you to act quickly. I should warn you that Raheed is an ugly, rat-like man with rotting teeth, so he should be easy to spot. Will you accept my offer, my dear?"

Kerra watched Mistress Henna's entry with wide-opened eyes and a mixture of curiosity, admiration and eagerness only a cat of her ... stature would understand. It was also a pleasure to know she and the future employer spoke the same (body) language. Kerra's tale twitched, expressing careful attention, eyes narrowed again and she spoke, trying to add a little of this purring in her tone too (one never feels a personal lack of manners so sharply, than when one meets one's well-mannered own). "I accept. That's 500 for all of us?" A hundred was good too (and way over what Kerra ever had) plus, such a connection! It was definitely worth it!

Kerra scratched her head ruining the small accomplishment on the manners front, thinking about what she could hear on the matter. She never worked Perfume District but any rat in the city knew what was there. Raheed, Raheed... hm. "Bad man. Bad place. What's that gem look like?"

History: 19

Felix listened carefully to the Tabaxi. Mesmerised by the dress and the golden ornaments, he found it extremely hard to keep his focus.  “Mistress Henna, I am no thief but I guess we could see if we could get it back through legal channel”.
He then grabbed his little notebook and pencil, ready to write: “Would it be possible to have a bit more information about this gem? What does it look like and why is this so important to act fast?”

Tasmara blushed at Henna's look but her mind was on business at the moment. Her expression grew serious (in so much as that was possible in that she still looked adorable.)

"Is the gem magical?" she asked, nodding in agreement as Felix asked a similar line of questions. The halfling woman leaned forward, thoughtful. "If it is then this may be more than a simple thief, even an ugly one." 

Natasha can be seen staring at the Tabaxi, not looking… staring at her lithe curves and dress. She realizes however that she’s probably being caught in this action and does her best to look at the cats eyes. With an *ahem* she slowly speaks. “How much resistance should we expect in this endeavor? Anyone of particular danger we should look out for?” Natasha ran a hand over her holy symbol. “I can fight - but I do not wish to shed blood. Could, feasibly, altercations be solved non-violently?”

Daphyra stands straight, her ears at attention adding to her height. "By all means Mistress Henna! I am ready to search for your gemstone. Can you tell us a little more about it? I am sure there are many gemstones in this city and we would wish to return you the right one. Did you see this Rasheed taking the stone himself?"

Natasha looks to the other holy woman. “Yes, that was my next question. I do think we need specifics. A painting of it might help.” She smiles at Daphyra.