675-08-11 - Getting the Madame
Getting the Madame | |||||||
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Summary: Edris is picked up by Adara and a few guards to be escorted to the castle. | |||||||
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As the evening approaches night a group of guards, seemingly a mix of both castle and city guards, enters the Night's Dream brothel. Why? Well why do most guards visit brothels in the capital? Some still have their armor on, others don't, roughly a half dozen total, the one that seems to be the commander walks up and asks, "Is the Madame here, we'd like to discuss a special service option."
The guards will meet with a quite tall and impressive fellow, the bouncer that guards the door. Skimming the small crowd with a slightly amused eye - they are not on duty, right? - the man will let out a good-natured chuckle, before he shakes his head. "Are you sure, you can afford this? This isn't the Purple Ribbon - but the Night's Dream. Our patrons do like to have a certain standard, both in regards to the girls as well as the clientel." It seems he is little inclined to let any of them in.
A good thing then maybe, that the Madame is not far. Edris emerges from behind that heavy curtain, looking all her splendid self as usual. The dress she wears, of a green colour, and tailored to charm her already quite obvious state. Grey-green eyes will study the guards attentively, while her lips are curled into a smile, and one of her hands is gently placed upon the arm of the strong defender of her establishment. Her gaze mayhaps lingering on one guard a tad longer, before it drifts back to the man that was speaking. "Here I am. So what is this special service you require, and why, by Onimoria, did you come in such huge a crowd?" Her tone is friendly, and outwardly playful, while the intent ear may notice a slight tension below that well-practiced facade.
The lead guard says, "We can pay what we need to." to the bouncer as he tries to stop them. Then as Edris approaches and speaks they add, "Perhaps its best discussed in private Madame, sensitive matters and all that." smiling, as the other guards are a mix of looking around nervously, perhaps from all the attention, looking a bit too happy, or embarrassed.
Both brows jump upwards at the odd reply. "Well, let me see your coin and we may have a deal," Edris counters with a polite smile, the expression in her eyes firm and determined. "If this is indeed an inofficial matter... you will have to obey the same rules as all the others who come here. And only those who can pay may enter."
A short guard in armor steps forward as the officer says, "Let the virgin through." snickering a bit, as the shorter guard holds out a large pouch of currency, though at this range Edris likely can notice some familair features under the helmet of the quiet 'virgin', who barely looks old enough to shave based on height.
An amused flicker will appear in Edris' eyes when the 'virgin' is ushered forward. That flicker will fade, and lowering her gaze the redhead will take the pouch and check it briefly. Her lips curling into a smile next as she raises her hand for a casual wave. "Very well then. Follow me inside." She will lead them through the curtain into the ground floor of the Night's Dream, where the more common based clientel will be found. The gaze of the Madame will shift to the stairs and a soft sigh will escape her, her slender fingers motioning for the 'virgin' to step closer. "I know you must be very excited, lad," she says, loud enough for anyone to overhear, before she leans in and adds at a low murmured volume: "My private quarters, or will a room down here do? As... guards on the Upper Floor might lead to a bit of uproar." Beaming widely, as if the offered whisper may have contained some frivolous remark, Edris will straighten, her intent gaze not quite matching the playful mien of her face.
The 'virgin' simply nods a bit shyly, then leans in closer as Edris whispers to him, perhaps as though she were kissing his cheek as well and whispers back, "We need to talk. You pick." in a soft voice, barely enough to escape the helmet Adara is hiding under.
Another moment of pondering follows, before the Madame nods with a sigh. "Follow me," she says, shooting the guards a a glance over her shoulder before she leads the way up the stairs, gesturing for them to remain as quiet as possible before they enter the first floor. The area is lit, but not too obtrosively, and there is certainly some action going on in the corners. The journey will not end here, as Edris moves towards the next stairs, that will lead up to a gallery - and her private quarters. All the bunch will be admitted, with a light roll of her grey-green eyes, before Edris follows them inside and closes the door behind her.
"What unexpected pleasure," the Madame remarks with a smile then, turning her attention not to the 'officer' but the 'virgin'. "Would you like some refreshments?", she inquires, gesturing towards the table where a bowl of fruit and a flagon of wine with some cups are waiting.
Once the door is closed and they are alone Adara gestures and the five guards take up positions by the door and watch Edris, all smiles gone, all business. Adara says, "No need, we shouldn't be here that long." She then moves close to speak more privately to Edris and asks, "Do you trust me Edris?" in a casual, serious tone.
"I respect you," Edris replies evenly, leaning casually against the table. If she makes notice of the guards taking up positions it does not show in her bearing. But of course she notices! "As for trust...", she adds after a moment, "that would require more time. So far I have had little reason to doubt in your abilities." She offers the remark with an amiable smile. "I know two girls of mine have gone missing. And I suspect this has something to do with your question, Lady Adara. Has it not?"
Adara says, "They wouldn't have if you were honest with me about Nathan fathering your child, and the fact you used them to compromise the castle's security." is whispered in a displeased voice, as she adds, "Fortunately for you the queen has spoken. Bastard or not, she insists you come to the castle for the duration of your pregnancy, then the matter will be discussed in more detail. In the meantime another will be assigned to handle the Night's Dream." her words are calm, though her tone makes it clear there isn't a choice in the matter.
"Isn't it 'Prince' Nathan, my lady?", Edris is bold enough to correct her superior in a pointed way. Although the words of Adara make her smile fade, and her hand moves instinctively to the curve of her belly. "In fact, you never asked me.", she says after a moment of pondering perhaps to deny the fact, which she already suspects will have little use. "And I trust it will not help my case to tell you I had not really planned a thing such as this to happen. So." Her gaze is lowered. "I am to return to the castle?" Stressing that word a bit oddly perhaps. "If that is the wish of the Queen I shall certainly obey. Am I allowed to take some belongings with me? I suppose it will be your task to appoint my successor?" The latter not really a question, but a stated fact.
Adara whispers, "Your belongings will be brought to you. You are to be given a room of your own in the castle and guards to protect you and the bastard. I asked if you trusted me, yet the fact you didn't have the courage to tell me about this sooner was answer enough before you replied. These guards are here to escort you back and ensure you settle in safely. I have Whispers among them as well, however they are simply added manpower in case you caused issues. I was hoping you'd not cause a scene and come along peacefully, at least you have done so as I did not wish to harm the reputation of this establishment. Use what excuses you wish, but we are leaving now."
"Then why did you even ask the question, my lady?", Edris replies with a forced calm. "You and I are not familiar. You came back just recently from the Two Rivers. How could you expect me to offer you that trust? But forgive me my words. I am pregnant, as you can see, and therefore less guided by reason than I should be. I understand I disappointed you. For that I appologize." A faint smile will curl her lips as she looks up, her grey-green eyes sparkling with a certain pride. "Of course I will come along, and not make a scene. I am, after all a Whisper." And with that said she will push herself away fom the table and get a cloak from her wardrobe. "I will tell Shianna to look after the place and that I am heading to the castle for an important report. Then you can make arrangements as you see fit.", she remarks softly, casting a last glance about her private quarters and will move to the door.
Adara makes no reply this time, her piece has been said, she simply moves with the guards as they follow Edris closely, ensuring there is no chance she can try and make a break for it, though Adara doubts Edris would be that stupid when with child, the guards aren't taking chances as they allow Edris to settle matters then escorts her to her new room.