The Black Diamond, Part 2

Log Info

• Title: The Black Diamond, part 2
• Emitter: Delilah
• Characters: Ashes, Elyanna, Merek
• Place: A18: Alexandrian Docks - The Black Diamond
• Time: Monday, January 18, 2021, 8:28 PM
• Summary: The investigation at the Black Diamond continues. Merek uses direct questions while Ash and Ely disengage from the prostitute they have attracted to sneak upstairs. Merek buys drinks and suggests buying the Black Diamon to distract people, and finally makes some headway in finding some things out about Ella, while the Other Girls get hung up on the Forbidden door. Locks. Curses, foiled again.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  Appearing, in Order  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Ashes        5'11"    177 Lb     Hobgoblin         Female    A somber arvec in grey clothes with a skull face  
Merek        5'10"    215 Lb     Human             Male      A black-haired, dusky male with golden eyes.
Elyanna      5'11"    153 Lb     Half-Orc          Female    A grim, Arvek-blooded woman in raven feathers.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  Noteable NPCs  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Astella                          Shadow Elf        Female    A prostitute, maitre'd of the Black Diamond
Miria                            Human             Female    A prostitute, employee of the Black Diamond
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  As the GM  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Delilah      5'4"     106 Lb     Human             Female    A golden haired human girl in white robes.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

Previously

A human male and two hobgoblin women go to the Black Diamond. It's not a joke; It's an investigation by Merek and friends. They are greeted by a naked Mul'niessa, Astelle, who is leaving nothing to the imagination and offering quite a lot. She focuses on Merek, who heads off with her to distract everyone by being a High-Roller. Ash and Ely find a corner of the brothel and try to make themselves invisible; having forgotten the part of the plan where they start off invisible and end up attracting a prospecting prostitute. Things are going... with Merek dumping the metaphysical equivalent of a bucket of water by casting a Calm Emotions spell... to no obvious effect. Ashlee and Elyanna engage the professional approaching them.

In the last moments...

Merek seems to think about it, while he takes a cigarette to place into his mouth, lighting that. He then states a thing in Draconic, while he nods to the woman, fingers dancing about with a nice wave, to mask that he's casting the spell, "Kind of like that. I mean more do you have any women that do home calls? We have quite the setup at home, you know." He tries to keep the Calm Emotions away when it comes to Ashlee as well as Elyanna. He doesn't seem to actually have any interest in any of the women.

The man looks to Ashlee, it's a subtle look, perhaps the fact that his favorite ex was about keeps the man from that interest. Well, maybe. One can only think about why he has little interest.

Elyanna lifts her chin a touch, an almost imperious little arch of her eyebrow to follow as the local color brings herself around. A lookover, top(s) to bottom and finally to her face on her offer and, "You may, at that." She doesn't give Ashes the sidelong glance her proxy volunteering would otherwise warrant, but instead, "A plate of gah'gen if you have it, with a flute of something...." she rolls her wrist, splaying her fingers a moment as she fishes for, "Myrrish." Her hands encapsulate her knee once more and she ammends a touch huskily, "The rest depends on what you bring to the table, darling."

Now

If Astelle speaks Draconic, she doesn't let on; mostly, it doesn't seem like the Mul'Niessa has even really noticed that Merek said something in said language, she's more absorbed in thinking about the question. "Home calls? Well... Not generally, as a rule? We do visit other inns, but Mistress Valia doesn't generally like us going to people's homes. Not since Lacey went to a house party and got found face down in the bay the next morning, see." She shrugs her shoulders, still resting against Merek's back. "If you was a regular here, though, might make an exception?"

The woman speaking to Ashes and Elyanna, meanwhile, doesn't seem inclined to squeeze Elyanna unless specifically invited to do so by the party in question. She does, however, raise an eyebrow at the order. "I'll... see if the cook knows how to make that," she replies. "But a flute of something Myrrish, we can definitely achieve." She pauses, and quirks her lips upwards. "Let me see to that and we'll... see what else I can bring to the table."

Ashlee acknowledges that her order has gone in with a simple, monotone, "Thanks." She stares, examining the woman who approached after Elyanna has. Her comparison points are dancers at Ma Rosie's and corpses at the Grey Lady's. Neither references are among her favourite things, they simply are. The woman is taller, significantly skinnier than Ma Rosie's dancers, and not a corpse. She manages to have curves still, which don't jiggle as much as the gobbo's rolls of fat, but are still something. Ash, with her understanding of beauty standards would evaluate her as hideously ugly. Perhaps not as ugly as she is, but close. Compared to the others however, she seems average which makes the Mourner question her value system. She's never really sure how long a stare is too long, so she stares for a long time just to be sure. "Ok."

Her satchel is adjusted on her lap, her arms are tucked in, "I'll have a horn."

Merek looks to Astelle while nodding in thought, then he begins to lean back while he considers. "So, the place is discreet in that case? I do recall a tribune mentioning that one of the workers were found in a trial. We are private about these things, you know." The man then nods a bit, "I will drink a Mul'neissa wine if you keep any." He then takes a look to Ashlee and Elyanna, "Would perhaps one of you look around and see if the place would be to your liking? If you're permitted." He smiles, then nodding along to the woman.

Elyanna nods with a certain glimmer in her eye, despite the haughty expression on her face, "This should be illuminating." the Hobkin replies in a husky purr. There's a glance to her friend, and a glimmer of mirth as she replies in Goblin-talk, "This seems the place for it."

Did she just make a joke?

The highborn halfbreed glances about the chamber, surveying the clientelle and the sample platter as it were, to see just what plays, here.

The woman speaking to Ashes and Elyanna nods, smiles, and sashays off, heading into the door that it would seem leads to the kitchen. Astelle, for her part, takes her time; she seems perfectly comfortable leaning up behind Merek's back, but she does ultimately stand up and straighten with a stretch. "As you wish," she replies pleasantly, before she, too, saunters off towards the kitchen.

This, for the moment, leaves the trio more or less on their own. Well, surrounded by half and fully naked prostitutes and their customers, that is, but not with anyone speaking to them specifically.

Merek does take a moment to consider when Astelle walks away. He possibly expected a little information. The man stands up while he takes a look to the two, and waits to see which of them would be checking the place. "While you look at what you might find, I would like to take one of you to speak to the people with me." He waits to see which of the two would like to do basic intel and which will be sneaking into information.

Ashee blinks and stares at Merek. Her voice is monotone, but firm, she thought she explained this earlier. "No one speaks to me." She has a scary face, moves like she's a maniken, and reminds people of the time Grandma died. She knows Elyanna isn't much better. "Or her. You were going to talk. We were going to look around."

Because they're experts at searching for things that can't be found.

"Well, you both can look around, although it looks like they want to give you two more attention than I thought, and aren't seeming to want to speak to me on what I was doing, well I will figure it all out, you two are doing well," Merek offers, then he walks along to find Astelle, "Would you mind if I paid for drinks for all the patrons?" The man thinks that the more that are drunk will not pay attention to the two.

They really should go into business together.

Elyanna, for her part, considers her partners in this venture and nods, "Discretely seems to have fallen by the wayside." She glances to Ashes on her affirmation, "I can probably peel my way to the information, but not before the Guard shows up. Certain proclivities require I alter my approach." she returns in Goblin-talk.

Ashlee waits until Merek has moved off. She leans closer to Elyanna. "Suggest we go upstairs, tell her I'll watch." She will put her unblinking nature to good use. "After a drink."

Luckily, in a place like this, nobody is even vaguely listening; everyone is far too absorbed with drink, food, gambling, and naked women. But, it's not like the trio don't have their own attendants; the sound of bare feet heralds Astelle's return first, approaching with a glass that is very full of wine, of a deep, dark red color. "Mul'Niessa wine," she offers, resting one hand unabashedly on Merek's shoulder. "I hope it's too your liking? It is of a two hundred year old vintage, properly aged."

The other woman emerges afterwards, bearing the drinks ordered by Ashes and Elyanna, offering them both up in turn. "The chef thinks he knows how to make gah'gen, but hasn't been asked for it in almost twenty years," she admits. "So he is giving it his best go, and hopes it will be up to your standards, yes?"

Merek looks to the woman that's engaging with Ashlee and Elyanna, while he nods along to Astelle, "Ah, thank you. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind if I asked to speak to your attendant," he then nods to the woman speaking to the two he came with. I would like the both of you keeping company with me while those two see if this place is to their liking."

"Thanks." Ashlee takes her drink, takes a sip, holds the drink. She nods as the woman explains their impending meal. "This will be interesting. So what's..."

She's interrupted at Merek tries to draw their 'date' away. Her lips tighten. She takes another sip, "I hope the Gah'gen is good."

Elyanna accepts the flute with a slight dip of her chin, "Hope should be nurtured, yes?" she replies before bringing it to her face to partake of the fragrance, first. "This..." she starts, taking a measured sip, then continues, "This will do nicely." With Merek's words, she flicks him a curious eye, but, "We have... expectations." she ammends.

Merek looks to the two, then the woman, then to Astelle. He waits to see what they want to do, considering the original plan was them having time to sneak about. If that changed, or they give any indication, he will nod and decide to just take the time to talk with Astelle and leave the two at it.

The two women meet eyes; but it is Astelle who breaks the gaze first, looking back to Merek and flashing a smile. "If you'd like," she offers. "I don't mind sharing. I can be generous, with the right company, and Miria is one of my favorites."

Favorite indeed; the two lean towards each other and share a quick kiss.

"As long as you ladies don't mind," the one apparently named Miria answers, turning her gaze back to Ashes and Elyanna. "The Gah'gen should be out soon, but, you're more than welcome to look around if you'd like -- just stay out of Mistress Vallia's office, at the end of the hall upstairs. She's been known to break fingers, yes? Best not to cause a stir." She pauses, and smiles, "At least, not /that/ kind of stir."

Merek of course will leave the decision completely up to Ashlee and Elyanna. "If you want her company, by all means. You know I am good for it," he notes, the indication he will be handing the business aspect of their adventure with coin. He waits to see what the two decide while he offers a smile to Astelle.

Elyanna takes in the show of affections with no real register on any spectrum, though she considers the flesh en profile for the duration over the rim of her flute for a slow sip. "By all means." she offers, glancing to Ashes, "Let us see what meets the bar, yes?" Of course, the specific warnings scream 'delicious trap' but, at least it gives a framework.

The Ashen Arvek, "Yes, lead the way." She holds her glass firmly, and while her eyes are on bodies, it's not that kind of attention. The Mourner is mildly fascinated by the movements. "Not the end of the hallway."

Merek nods a bit to the two, then he smiles along to them while he then places an arm about both women, attention upon them. "Well, we should party." He then lifts up the wine to drink from it, "Thank you! You know, I might like to be a patron to your establishment. Introduce me to everyone," which likely means anyone in the main area.

"Well! Alright then." Miria rests a hand on Merek's shoulder, while Astelle takes up a position on the other side of him and does the same. "Well... let's leave some people to their business, hmmm? But we can introduce you to a few."

"It's a pity Ella isn't back yet," muses Astelle. "I think you'd have liked her. Or at least, she'd like you, definitely, I'm certain you're her type." She pauses, and smiles, "Not that I don't like you just fine, of course," she adds, just before Miria reaches over and gives her a swat on the behind.

"Astelle! Sass!" she declares, playfully.

This, of course, leaves Ashes and Elyanna... more or less unoccupied, but for their drinks, and free to do as they'd please. Whatever that might be.

"Ella? Why isn't she back?" Merek asks, lifting his brow in thought. The man seems to be curious while he takes a drink of the wine. He then nods to the woman, "Ladies, you all look pretty lovely." The man doesn't look like he has any issue with brothels, while being polite he takes a moment to think about it, "And why would I be Ella's type?" he asks.

Elyanna's ears don't quite twitch to the fullest extent of her father's people, which is good, because the dropping of that particular name would certainly prompt them to do so. Instead, the hobkin begins her 'perusal' of the establishment with her flute of wine.

She wouldn't be surprised Ella hasn't come back yet, though that she, in particular, is mentioned by name in regards to any of their company tells her there's already more mud in the water, but she scopes things out, regardless, for the scant chance to see anything in this sham of justice set right.

Just this once.... would be a good start.

Ash gives the signal! The signal is sliding off her seat and heading for the stairs, her glass held out in front of her like a holy symbol. Back, begone ye creatures of the flesh, your charms will not tempt me, for I carry the wine of libido slaying. Or something like that. Ashlee isn't sure how effective her drink will be.

So she sneaks, carefully.

"Why isn't Ella back? I'm not sure; I just know that she didn't come in tonight like she was s'posed to," Astelle explains, "But she must've had a good reason because Mistress Vallia isn't angry about it." She shrugs lightly. "No big deal. More of you for me tonight."

"You'd be Ella's type," Miria adds, "Because she likes people like you. People who are a little bit unusual -- not, y'know, in a bad way? Just different. She's always found a bit of oddness to be attractive."

Fortunately for Elyanna and Ashes, the concept of people sneaking off -- in a brothel -- is not uncommon. If any patrons are paying attention they probably just assume that one of them is about to pay the other for services -- and the staff likely just think they're off to do the same thing, but pro bono. Which, it seems, is fine.

Into the back areas, the Black Diamond seems much like an inn, with a hallway, rooms, and stairs; except that there's a lot more moaning going on, and... other sounds.

Merek seems to think about this, lifting a hand to his chin while he scratches the stubble. "Well, now I'm worried about it. I know you said... What happened to that one woman before," he then finds a place to settle in, taking a moment to play with what looks like a deck of cards. "So tell me, your establishment has been around for a while, what would you be able to say of the prices?"

Ashlee has big, goblinoid ears. When she isn't attaching lizards or piercings to them, they function well, scouping in all sounds. She glances sideways at Elyanna, who is a little better off. Her ears are smaller, more refined, perhaps she hears less. Best to ignore them, like one ignores the noises corpses make during preparation. It's all a part of life, and more life, and a world the Mourner doesn't believe she's really a part of. She nods towards a door beside the one at the end of the hallway, a good place to stop, reassess and either duck in and wait if the forbidden room is occupied, or use as a bluff while they enter.

Elyanna skirts the odd twining pairing with a sort of practiced eye very much like she was eyeing cuts of meat, much as she had at the Blue Door those months past. When she, and the Sisters both, had managed to use Elyanna's dark past to make certain things right. She considers that slaver's final moments, a fate she isn't entire sure she doesn't still deserve, but continues in her appraisals, trusting her friend to catch whatever she misses.

mmm.

A quick glance about the halls to see if there are eyes on them at all, then she leans close to die verbotene Tur for a quick listen for signs of life inside.

"Don't worry," Astelle explains, as she takes up a position literally sitting on Merek's knee, while Miria arranges herself beside him. "Ella's fine. If she wasn't fine, Mistress Vallia would be on an absolute warpath. She used to be an adventurer, yeah? You don't want to get on her wrong side, I wasn't kidding about breaking fingers."

"Yeah," Miria adds, "That's why the Black Diamond has all the best whores. Mistress Vallia is by far the best madam to work for." She pauses, and perks an eyebrow upwards. "Prices?" She chuckles. "Ella'd definitely like you. Most people don't ask that sort of question, really, but don't worry, we won't rob you blind."

In the back, and up the stairs, is that one door, the one forbidden; it's a pretty good bet there's nobody in it. For one thing, there's no sound coming from inside. For another, the door is locked, which may or may not be an impediment. On the plus side, there's a bit of room under the door; apparently this place was never really built for full privacy.

"Ah, I apologize. I'm just used to you know," Merek notes, while he nods. The man looks to the cards with him, then the drink while he sips from that. "An Adventurer, what kind of people does she hire for the place? I don't see a lot of adventurers get into the business."

Ash's familiar, Chippen, emerges from her sleeve. She presses her hand to the door, letting him run onto then down it, and under it. "I should have a spell for this."

While his mistress thinks it over, the familiar runs up to the handle. He might just be able to manage a simple lock. Meanwhile, Ash takes out her Holy Symbol, speaking quietly. "Feiu of the Tears, open this for me" >tnk<. Hmmm. "Feiu of the Tears, grant passage." >tnk<. She bites her lip slightly.

"Do you have a bent piece of wire?"

This was so much easier when she could just whip someone else into doing it!

A shake of her head, as it seems, well, no one's home, and they locked up behind themselves and Elyanna sighs. Thwarted by a door and a need for-

Blink-blink.

A glance to Ashes, then a quick look around before she pulls a small cliplike hair pin from her raven locks, "Like this?".

OOC Convos

<OOC> Merek wonders how far 70,000 gold goes in these places.
<OOC> Elyanna says, "you could probably buy this place to 20k"
<OOC> Delilah says, "If it was for sale, probably you could. It isn't, but hey. :P"

<OOC> Elyanna says, "just replaces the naughty bits with placeholders. 'Smouldering sexual tension' 'OMG Scandal!' 'Naughtiness abounds!' :P"

<OOC> Merek says, "Enchanted alcohol that destroys libido."
<OOC> Merek says, "Yes."
<OOC> Merek says, "New wondrous item."
<OOC> Elyanna says, "Single Malt Sad-in-Pants?"

<OOC> Merek says, "The scene is roleplay only so you can probably just get creative as crap without magic as well."
<OOC> Merek says, "or who knows, cantrips and creativity without actually casting."