Milk Baths

Etilen's mother had instilled in him the importance of keeping his skin smooth and healthy, and his body lithe, and his spirit calm - even when luxuries were scarce. The Risan Bath House was one of his favorite places on board the station - it was a place for him to preserve and nurture his instrument, as well as put it on display for other bathers. He always felt happy here, and thought he would really like Risa if he ever went.
He stretched before stepping into a milk bath, dragging a natural sponge over his limbs and relaxing there a while. He folded his arms on the cool stone ridge of the bath and looked through the base of steam at the room, scanning it for prospects.

Three wrinkled elder Ferengi lingered in the steam, swathed in towels.
"I trust you're an enterprising businessman like us. I'm Daimon Letek. What's the price of good company during times such as these?"

Etilen smoothed his hair back, regarding the Ferengi haughtily while letting them inspect his shoulders and torso as he rose from the bath.
"It's a pleasure, Daimon," he said with a warm smile. "But I wouldn't describe myself that way at all. Would you like to join me and we can discuss your pleasures?"
He held his hand out. "There's no point in appraising a wine unless you've sampled a taste."

"A businessman lets his services speak for themselves," said Letek. My quarters are 451-A. Are you trained in Oo-mox?"

Etilen grins. "A man who pays generously gets a generous reward." He reaches up and strokes the Daimon's brow ridge to the back of his ear with a wet, milky finger.

"How does a slip of gold pressed latinum sound? I won't pay any more for it. I'm a busy man after all," he hissed through his jagged teeth.

Etien withdraws, sinking back into the bath.
"I'm sorry to hear your business is doing so poorly, Daimon. I would not accept one slip to brush a Vulcan's hair, much less Oo-mox. I hope you enjoy better prosperity soon."

"Harsh words for someone of your trade. Perhaps I was too hasty. How does three slips of gold pressed latinum sound?" He kneels near Etilen's bath and traces a finger down his thigh.

Etilen laughs as though he is charmed by the Daimon's wit.
"Daimon.. I know it is difficult to keep track of the passing decades at your advanced age.. but I am no longer a starving waif on occupied Bajor, but a consummate professional. Just yesterday a distinguished officer who I shall not name was happy to give me two strips for my time. And Daimon Letek... your lobes in particular are quite a mouthful."

"I respect the way you drive a bargain," says Letek. "I'll give you two strips to appear at me quarters tonight. Please me and there will be more. What do you say to that?" He waits eagerly for Etilen's reply.

Etilen smiles. "I didn't know you cared. I'll see you tonight, then."