Sandrine

Dark and mysterious, silent and sensual. A short woman with a plump figure. Broad across the hips, with long curling hair. Sandrine of Kwala is as unusual and strange as any woman in Takshendal and far more than most. Usually only seen in public in the company of her friend Marissa, who usually does any talking to strangers, Sandrine attracts stares and comment where ever she passes by. Even in the broad minded Armorial Quarter, her Jungolian complexion challenges and excites attention. As a prostitute working at the Red Fox, she is in high demand from men seeking novelty, but since her command of Norlish is limited, she makes few friends.

Hilda Grimbleflax

A slender, yet sturdy woman in her middle years. Her strength of personality is immediately evident in her bearing and open manner. Quick to voice her opinion she can often seem fiery and aggressive, but lurking beneath the spitfire one may glimpse a perceptive and prudent woman. Hilda Grimbleflax is the proprietor of the Red Fox coffee house, which is known locally as a private bawdy house. She is usually well dressed, if some what casually. She wears no make up and despite her profession she is not a prostitute. She was once married to a young soldier, but he was killed in some distant war.

Due to her candour and general disposition, Hilda Grimbleflax is very popular with the locals, both amongst the back street poor, the armorial district academics and the many actors, artists and other petty intellectuals.

Note that prostitution is legal in Takshendal due to the teachings of both the Church of Holy Law and the Church of Divine Grace, though it is generally considered something of a shabby, unimpressive trade. Some few prostitutes do make a name for themselves however and one or two become rather famous due to the company they keep. Hilda Grimbleflax is known to employ five girls; Aimeé, Isabelle, Sandrine, Marissa and Kit Kindle.

Note also that coffee is a rare drink in Takshendal, imported in limited supply from Axor.