PM to join [Ruby's Scarlet Sanctum] Hunting for Whispers (Aider)

[Kaie]

27th of Fall, 514 AV
18th Bell



It was a shady business they were striking. The Myrian woman wasn't particularly nervous about their set up. It was hardly betraying the integrity of her employer's business if it had any integrity about it to begin with. Hundreds of whisperers and spies from different city factions must've wandered into the brothel, lingering near targets of interest in hopes of eavesdropping something worth reporting back. It wasn't as if Kaie was bringing her own allegiances into
their scheme anyways. All she was doing was aiding, well, Aider. Though the man had proven he had some mettle he still was morally untainted by Sunberth's poison...so far. Besides, what harm could he possibly do under her watch?

The Myrian bouncer secured her Kukri harness and sword belt before meandering down into Ruby's. Whores flitted through the hallways, giggling to one another and showing off their outfits for the night. As she passed a few of the rooms with doors open, performers sat before their mirrors primping their hair and perfecting their make-up. Even the men up for hire were meticulous when it came to their suits and bow-ties. When Ruby ran the show, everything had to be perfect. Seats in the audience were luxurious in appearance, lights were dimmed to add allure and mystery to the stage, and guards constantly prowled in the shadows to quell trouble before it was noticed. When the show commenced, thus would begin again Ruby's battle for business supremacy over Brega. She supposed no city must've ever experienced such palpable jealousy.

Roaming the halls toward the showroom, Kaie couldn't help but notice the ritualistic early arrival of one familiar face in particular. He often came to the Sanctum with several strong arms in tow. Apparently he enjoyed coming through the side door as well, and before long like a hound after a fox, he found Ruby well before anyone else could. The woman seemed to take great pleasure in his company and his affections, even if Kaie suspected they might've been superficial. So far the Myrian had learned very little of the man other than what she could see. He was a handsome man, proud with a swagger and a confidence that could only come with some sort of authority. Once she heard Ruby call him Joan.

The four men disappeared down a corridor separate from Kaie's path, and thus momentarily left her thoughts. Instead she continued on toward the main door where Aider was sure to arrive soon with the first wave of lustful citizens. Until he arrived she'd take a post at the door. Her companion for the time being was a bully of a boy some gossiped lived in the orphanage since he was seven. All he offered her was a steely glare. Amber eyes narrowed upon him, a curl coming to her lip to enforce her worth. With a scoff his sights turned toward the streets where a few men were already heading their way. A hand rested all too eagerly on his dagger.

This could cause issues, She grumbled internally.

[Aider Silander]

It was still surreal to him. The idea that he would meet Kaie on something other then fate or chance. They had planned a meeting that was not of their normal nature. Not a random chance meeting or a lustful brush between the two. The had set out to actually meet as people. He shook his head and emptied his mind of the thoughts. Dressing himself with a deep red colored wool tunic and dark leather pants. He pulled his jacket around his body and combed through his hair before leaving his room and pulling the door shut. It had been a few days since they met in the graveyard. The lustful play between the two that night played over in his mind again.

He enjoyed it much more then their first time. It felt like more then just pure lust taking over the two. But his mind settled on one thing every time. The few precious moments after. Where she cuddled up beside him and closed her eyes. He remembered her head on his chest. The beautiful look on her face as she rested there. Happy and content with his presence and the moment they had shared. His boots hit the dirty road outside of his apartment as he wandered down the road on his way to Ruby's. She knew where he stayed now. Knew where she could find him if she ever needed him. His eyes rose to the sky as he walked for a few brief chimes. His mind wondering if this planned meeting was also part of the gods plans. He began to wonder if they truly had something planned for the Myrian and the Nykian. But the idea quickly vanished from his head as he looked down at the ground. Daydreaming was not his thing. He refused to let his mind wonder about things that we not important.

Instead he thought of her. Thought of what might happen and what he might ask of her. He saw Ruby's come into sight and saw the tanned skin of the woman he was looking for. The one that held his heart in her hands. Her eyes were locked on another man. The look on her face made it seem like she expected him to do something. Aider stuck his hand in his pocket. Wrapping the knuckleduster around his knuckles as he waked closer. He smiled at Kaie and waved his free hand in the air.

[Kaie]

Her cautious gaze was torn from her apparent partner and back toward the streets. The first of many had already begun to arrive. They approached, some with stupid grins and others with hardened expressions of apathy. All the pair of bouncers had to do was give them a stern glance as they neared the entrance to pass between them. It was idiotic to expect any patron to pass through their doors with empty hands. The streets were too dangerous to travel without protection. To complicate things further, everyone had their own agendas as well. It was just their job to decide whose agendas might conflict with the safety and steadiness of Ruby's thriving business. So far trouble was no imminent.

When Aider approached, Kaie looked at him no differently than she did any of the other patrons making their way inside. When her partner made no movement to stop his entry, her only hint that he was clear to proceed was simple.
"Enjoy the show." Then her attention was onto the next patron, sizing the woman up before her partner waved her through. Each chime nearing the showtime thickened the crowd, and though her mind drifted toward Aider where he meandered inside, her focus laid with her profession.

"Petch's your problem, mate?" A scruffy, bony looking older man huffed when the orphan bouncer shook his head. As much as she disliked the man, his judgement seemed sound. He was right in this instance anyway. Poorly concealed in the back of the old man's waistband was the shape of a small, hand-held crossbow. Trying to take someone out from a distance tonight? Amber eyes turned curiously to the orphan at her side. His face was pinched in a way that did not convey amusement.
"Get your arse the petch out of here before I beat the petch out of you," He roared back with a vicious shove that almost sent the denied man on his rear. Shyke. In a flash the old man had scrambled off the filthy street and tore the crossbow from his back. The orphan let out a grunt as he ducked in time to avoid the bolt that whizzed past his skull, and knocked into the old man with a crushing blow.

As the two tussled in the street, patrons shoved their way forward in hopes of taking advantage of the situation. The Myrian, not new to her job, positioned herself firmly before the opened door and made a showy unsheath of her sword. There was a cry from the streets and she managed to catch a glance of the orphan's fist hooking downward through the crowd. "Everyone back the petch up! Back the petch up!" Kaie shouted over the unsettled masses, jutting the point of her gladius about her to reinforce the seriousness of her warning. For the most part all obeyed the word of the sword. At least they did until there was screaming from the old man.

The orphan bouncer had returned from his brawl with blood about his face, clothes, and fists. There was nothing in his dead eyes as he walked back to take his position. In his wake there laid the crumpled old man beside his crushed crossbow, bloodied into near silence. Someone screamed and there was renewed urgency to get inside, some beginning to shout now. "You want to end up like him? You want to be next? Shut the petch up and get back in a line!" The orphan's gruesome presence at the door again reinforced the Myrian's message. Soon enough a line was reformed and the two bouncers moved people along as quickly as they could before the show started.

When the rush quelled and the curtain opened for the first act, she was replaced at the door by another bouncer. She sheathed her sword and entered the grand room. Not a seat was empty tonight, which surely pleased her employer. She slipped her way through the darkness in search of her lover, amber eyes studying each dark haired head as she approached. Eventually she resigned to "guard" near the bar. Perhaps he'd linger near at some point. Until then she would remain and torture herself in the presence of alcohol she could not consume.

[Aider Silander]

It was no different then any other time he had come to Ruby's though he didn't really expect it to be. He smiled and nodded at Kaie as he made his way inside. He hovered by the door for a few moments before sliding into the crowd. Avoiding chit-chatting with anyone he walked the floor. Staying within huge portions of the crowd as he walked. The place was filling up quickly, it would be rather easy for Aider to talk to Kaie without any interruptions but part of him wondered if he might distract her. He shook his head and leaned against a wall. She was trained in combat and instinct like he was raised to search for knowledge. She would be more of a distraction to him then he would her. But he felt different then he normally did.

Instead of a cold, annoyed center hidden behind a straight face. He was happy, truly happy that he was able to talk to her on their own means rather then being brought together by fate. He turned his head towards the door when he heard a scream. A few patrons shuffling in. He sighed and bit his lips. He thought the gods might interfere anyway. Wanting the two to meet only on their schedule. He turned a gold Miza over in his pocket as he chewed on his cheek. He was beginning to think of questions he could ask her. Focusing more on his job then them, that's what he was here for. That is what they sat up. As much as he wanted to give in and talk to her about them. He had no choice but to hold his tongue.

After what seemed like a bell Aider noticed Kaie returning into Ruby's. He stood up and slipped back into the crowd. Pushing through again as he made his way to where he last saw her. When he stepped beside her he let his hand brush against hers. "Busy night huh?" Smile spreading across his face as he looked her in the eyes. The beautiful amber of her eyes shining in the low light. "It's different isn't it? Meeting on purpose rather then by fate" he said with a chuckle as he turned to face the same direction that she was facing. Standing close to her as he looked around. "Anyone interesting come in?" he asked curiously. Knowing big names in the city was something the man had to do. Knowing where they visited and how often was a bonus. His heart was a flutter just being close to her. The man had to focus on the situation rather then lose himself. His eyes wandered over every seat in the house. Each with a patron and a whore. Flirting and the like. Some getting into a more personal act then others. Newer whores watching and learning from those more experienced. He often wondered how Kaie could put up with the consent giggling and having to beat the petch out of people who stepped out of line. But then again she probably enjoyed that last part.

[Kaie]

Working nights at Ruby's was taxing. The morning shift had its woes of course with the lack of action and characteristic idleness, but the drunken troublemakers and sketchy presence of some patrons was enough to make two bells seem like seven. She was constantly flitting between the door, the showroom, and the prostitutes' business hallway in search of nuisances. The few moments she stood there waiting near the bar did little to liberate her from her constant state of caution. It wasn't until Aider asserted his presence more openly that she willed herself to relax for even a few ticks.

"Busy? It's always busy. Just another night," She admitted with a huff, adjusting the black leather ensemble Ruby had thrust upon her as a uniform. The corset, while flattering to her chest and slim waist as well as form fitting, wasn't the most comfortable outfit she'd worn. The tightness around her ribs was almost suffocating. "You're right though. It is different, actually expecting you when I run into you. Though in this city I can't decide whether it makes me relieved or nervous." Amber eyes caught sight of the bloodied orphan again, weaving through the crowd with a stern grimace. Apparently he too had been replaced at the door. No doubt Ruby would have a fit when she saw him appearance. Kaie shook the thought away and focused on Aider's question. Information seeking. That's right. Her voice lowered to just above a whisper.

"Same guy comes in to meet with Ruby. Tall. Handsome. I've heard some call him Joan. That's all I've got for you now. I'm not quite sure where he even is, though I can tell you Ruby'll be close by. Careful though. If he's with Ruby it won't be easy to get close and I can't imagine either of them being too thrilled by an eavesdropper."
The curtains opened and the light was centered on a scantily-clad woman. Music began to fill the brothel theater and the vivacious dance had begun. She glanced over the crowd as she spoke.

"He didn't come alone either. Then there's Lily," The Myrian added with a gesture toward the first act on stage. The woman had ventured from the higher platform to wander among the first row of high rollers, gyrating for their pleasure and coin. "She's been disappearing after the show the past couple nights. Guards never find her in the corridors, rooms, or her own personal quarters. Yet she always returns to Ruby at the end of the night with coin." Kaie turned to her lover then, face serious and voice steady. Eyes stared into his as if she meant to hold him there focused on her next words if he heard nothing else. "Whichever path you take, please watch your back and tread lightly."

[Aider Silander]

Being next to her was enough to give the man some kind of comfort and a sense of warmth. His eyes continued to scan the crowd until she spoke. He turned to face her and watched her adjusted the leather that she fit so well. He smiled and leaned forward to whisper in her ear. "You know that corset looks fantastic on you" he teased as he leaned back. "Why would it make you nervous? Do you feel that it might upset the gods?" he asked. By now she would know of his disapproval of the gods and stayed away from anything to do with them. No divine force had guided him through his journey here and he was sure that none would.

Joan? The name had sounded familiar and he continued to listen to Kaie as he pondered it. "Ah I remember him. He was with Ruby that night that we first ran into each other in this city. The disrespectful slime of a man who decided to whisper in my ear that night." he said as he crossed his arms. His eyes floating up to the stage as music began to play. He had almost forgotten about the show that the brothel was famous for. He turned his eyes back to Kaie and sighed. "He won't be easy to get to and with him hovering around Ruby it might do you a displeasure if he remembers who I am." He scratched the bottom of his chin. A thick beard had begun to grown within the past days. The last thing he wanted was to get her into trouble with her boss. He cared about her more then he cared for the coin that would fill his pocket with the information he might be able to get about him.

Lily was a name he had not heard before at least not that he could remember. She was a whore who disappeared every night after the show and returned with coin. He shrugged his shoulders that could mean a number of things to him. She could be supplying drugs or weapons to a member of a gang or even other services. "Has anyone ever checked the grounds when she goes missing?" he asked. If she did stay around it would be a lot easier to track her. Her words of warning and safety echoed in his ears for a chime. His eyes looked her over for a second almost as if he could not believe that she had said that. She must have cared about him somewhat, or at least he thought."Don't worry dear. I'll be fine, if you can or want to you can always walk with me and I'll keep and eye on ether of them. Unless you think you are needed here" he said with a nod as he reached out his hand to entangle two of their fingers. "I can meet you back here in a few chimes if you can not come with me". He would wait for her answer before moving along the back line of the crowd watching Lily and keeping his eye out for Joan. Though the man was sure that if he was with Ruby he would be able to find him.

[Kaie]

To his compliment she couldn't help but grin and roll her eyes at him. Despite how it might've made her look more appealing just as Ruby had intended, it was tempting to just tear the damned thing off and burn it out of spite for its abusive nature. Unfortunately, that was not the sort of behavior she was being paid for. "Upset the gods make me nervous? Far from it. Nervous about another element being added to this setting is all," She brushed his accusation off, though his words did make her think for a tick. Now that he mentioned it there was probably upset within the Mizahar cosmos. It was only the displeasure of one deity that made her uneasy. Myri and her children looked down upon the barbarians outside their race. What exactly did her Mother think of her running around outside the jungle and with a barbarian man?

Aider's recount of recent memories shook her momentarily from troubling thoughts. She gave a nod of agreement. He was right. Joan had surely been there the night Aider had made his appearance, she too remembered his charming presence in the corridor. A smile came to her face when her lover voiced his disdain for the person of interest's character. "Then you'd be the first I've met to dislike the guy. All the women here swoon over him, some of the men too." It was true. If she had a gold coin for every time a whore sighed longingly when the man passed she'd be richer than any in the city. At least Aider's judgement didn't appear clouded by his feelings for the guy. His rational thoughts were reassuring for the woman.

"No one has the time to check the grounds. We can't spare the swords to constantly sweep it with so much to keep an eye on inside. If you're clever about it you might be able to tail her. In a chime her performance will be done and she'll go into the preparation room before anywhere else. It connects to one of the corridors that leads to the hallway you met Ruby in when we saw each other here. No one is stopped in that hall with all the rooms if they're in a whore's company. Give her a few ticks and she'll probably walk right past you." Lily made her way back to the stage to continue her dance. Men began to wolf call and already were some inquiring about her price. The rest were completely mesmerized by the way she moved her body.

Kaie almost stiffened at the interlacing of their fingers. It had been so long since such a thing had been done for her. At least in the way he did it. It was not a heat-of-the-moment gesture of lust she'd experienced since she left Falyndar with men in the bedroom. It was genuine. It was intended to mean something. She cleared her throat and offered him a small smile.
"My absence would be noted. I'll be watching you and checking in from time to time. Otherwise we'll meet back here just as you said. Good luck." And with that the two parted to fall into the separate roles.

An applause roared to signal Lily's departure from the stage. The next act was a tall blonde Kaie recognized as a singer. She was older than some of the other girls Ruby relied on, but she was far from aged out. Whistles came with her entrance. Rather than uselessly standing in one place, the Myrian moved to check the side door to ensure it was indeed locked. Perhaps she'd even get a chance to meet up with Joan herself on the way.

[Aider Silander]

Aider laughed and shook his head. "Another element hmm?" he teased with a smile. He could only think as to what she meant about that. He wondered if it was from him being here or if he might get himself into trouble that was bothering her or maybe it was that she would get into some kind of trouble because of him. While it was true that there was a chance that he could get caught and that could lead to some displeasure with particular people the man was confident in his abilities. "Everything will be fine" he said with a shrug. It was true for the most part, he was only looking for a lead at the most. He would not push it any farther if he thought it would lead down a bad road.

"All the women? Even you?" he teased her at her own words. "Dear I have no interest in swine. Petch, I have no interest in the women in here ether. There is only one woman in this city who holds my interest and you already know who that is." He sighed and looked over his shoulder, he could see the man talking to Ruby. Joan was a good looking man in his own right. But he had sown the seeds of hatred in Aider on that day that he whispered in his ear.

He took in her words about the dancer and the layout of the hall. "Do you have any particular interest in her? Friendship or otherwise? Because if she is tied to one of the gangs then I can not promise that she will be safe if I sell the information. Then again she might just be pleasuring people off grounds. I do not know the rules for the whores here." he said with a shrug. His eyes on the stage for a few moments before he looked back at lovely Myrian. His finger interlaced with hers while they stood there. Even if he was here on business he wanted to have some pleasure with it and it might relax the Myrian a bit more. He did not want her to be testy and on alert in case something were to go wrong.

"Fair enough. Do not worry, it shouldn't take to long. I'll see you back here. If not you know where to find me" he said. Releasing her hand he slipped into the crowd and followed behind Lily until they reached the hall that connected to the preparation room. He leaned against the wall and began flirting with one of the other whores that wasn't preoccupied. He watched the room out of the corner of his eye waiting for her to reappear. When she did, Aider would follow behind her to see where she went. She slipped off into a corner where two men were waiting and began flirting with them. Aider slipped as close to them as he could without them noticing and began to listen to their conversation though it was only pieces that he caught. She did as he though she was offering service to a group of men off grounds for a bigger cut then she would get at Ruby's. Aider assumed that there was something else involved to but the only way he could find out would be to follow them. He would wait until they got up and walked by. He noticed the marking on one of their hands. They were from the Daggerhand and that alone was enough for Aider to decide it was not worth the risk. He stood up and sank into the crowd again. Trying to search out for Joan.

[Kaie]

To his mockery over Joan, she gave him a playful shove. Once when she glanced into the crowds she thought she spotted the mysterious man. He disappeared again before long. Her attention returned to lover again to answer his concerns. "Fine, then forget him. Lily's no interest of mine, but I can think of a few who would take value in the knowing where she sneaks off to. No one will pay more than Ruby. She protects her "little darlings" well. Your theory might have weight, but there's only one way to know for sure, " She offered with a shrug, amber eyes still looking through the sea of bodies before them for a trace of Joan or her employer. She offered his hand a squeeze and nodded her head. "Don't get caught whatever you do." And with that they separated to take on their own agendas.

It was generally a bit easier to handle the crowds once they were mesmerized by Ruby's showgirls and boys. The hardest part of her job inside during this time would be keeping the audience in line. Thus, she pulled herself away from the bar once she'd watched Aider disappear into the sea of people, and made way for the front of the stage. Shirtless men wearing bow ties wandered around with drinks. Girls flounced about, trying to win over the fancy of some of the higher paying customers. The Myrian posted up at the front of the stage, hand on her gladius and eyes diligently scanning the room. The orphan bouncer's head bobbed up and down between the rows of seats. Twice she caught his stare and it wasn't a pleasant one.

"My boys tell me you've had your eye on me."
Kaie almost ripped her sword from her sheath right then, but when she turned her head she quickly thought the better of it. Joan grinned from behind her, lingering just at her backside. "Mind telling me why?" She licked her lips and centered herself before answering. The initial alarm of his surprised appearance remained. "You're a familiar face. Who Ruby spends time with is none of my business," She responded evenly, eyes still forced straight ahead. Joan chuckled to himself, and brushed her hair from her shoulder. She found her free hand turning to a fist in spite of herself. And yet his charm was infectious.
"You don't have any idea who I am do you?" His lips murmured beside her ear, lips pulled back to expose near-perfect teeth. "Would you like to?"

"Joan!"
The man let out an exhale that warmed the flesh at her neck before he pulled away. Straightening up and turning from her, he offered the vivacious brothel owner a winning smile. Ruby sauntered into the shadows after him and took his hand with a giggle. For a tick her eyes seemed to narrow in suspicion, and her gloved hand gestured between Kaie and Joan. "Where did you disappear to, lover?" And she pressed her lips upon his, and her hips found their way to tease at his. Kaie let out the breath she had been holding. That fist did not unclench though, for she could still feel the tension between the two of them. The sensation of his lips so close to her tanned flesh could not be so easily forgotten.

"I was just ensuring you and yours are protected by guards you can trust." He lied smoothly when they had separated. He caressed her jawline with the back of his hand, but the chivalry was lost when the other hand firmly grasped her rear in lust. Ruby tugged him by his shirt down closer to her, their lips hovering just inches away from each other.
"And?" She pressed him further, her eyes lost in his and distracted by his charisma. Joan turned back toward Kaie, eyes roving up and down her revealing get-up with a suggestive gleam, and then returned to Sunberth's second most coveted woman.
"I think you made a fine choice keeping her around." And with that their passion resumed until Ruby managed to coax him back toward her own person quarters. The Myrian watched them until she disappeared.

"Gods..." And then she took moved on, wandering through the seats in a general sweep. So far, no trouble had seemed to arise. For how long could such fortune last?

I wonder how Aider's making out...

[Aider Silander]

The caring she showed him and the slight worry that escaped her lips was foreign to him. He enjoyed it and basked in it for the few moments they stood there together. He could not quiet forget about Joan and what he had said to him that night. He took a half step back at her shove and then returned closer to her then he was before. Feeling the warmth coming off of her body. There was nothing about the man that Aider liked. He made him feel uneasy just knowing that the man came to Ruby's often. He nodded to her response about Lily."I would have to get close to her first and get her away from the scu- I mean Joan" he said while clearing his throat. He looked into her eyes and smiled. "Don't worry about me and just be safe" he said before he let her hand go and slipped away from the crowd.

Watching Lily had been the easy part until she had met with two Daggerhands. He tried his best to not grab their attention. Sticking to the crowd as he kept his eyes on them before they slipped out of the brothel. He shook his head, there was no point to following them out there and he should have enough to give Ruby something. If the rumors were true about where Ruby's allegiance laid then Aider might have struck more gold then he had originally though. The brothel, a place of sex and sweat, held more secrets then the man currently knew what to do with. But none more appealing to him then finding out exactly who Joan was and if there was any other reason for him visiting Ruby's besides liking the curves of the owner.

The man slipped and pushed his way through the crowd. His knuckleduster taking up space in his pocket. Part of the Aider just wanted to drill the inhuman weapon into the side of the mans face. He sighed knowing that it was Sunberth talking through him that wanted to do the harm. But everything about the man just pissed Aider off. The way he talked and looked just added fuel to a fire the man had not felt about anyone. A hatred for something he did not fully understand nor truly cared to. He wanted to see blood pour from the mans face, but it was something that could wait. For now he needed to figure out exactly who he was, or at least get some clue to it and he had to find Ruby. His eyes scanned the crowd for Kaie, hoping to be able to brush by her and talk for a brief moment before moving on.

The crowd pushed and shoved as whore teased man and woman alike and the Nyka was caught in the thick of it. Sliding between some couples who were face deep into each other, wet sounds of making out and other more sexual activities echoed in the mans ears as he moved. His ears perked up when he heard a voice that had become somewhat familiar to him. Ruby had been calling out for the one he was looking for. He pushed his way towards the voice. Stopping when he saw the bronzed skin of his lover standing close to Joan and Ruby. He waited until the couple had moved on back to her private quarters before moving again. He stepped towards Kaie, moving to get behind her.

Once he did he reached out and wrapped one arm around her waist. Letting his fingers spread across her uniform as he moved to step beside her before letting his hand drop."So I followed Lily and know who she is with at least. Though I do not know what they actually do or if its worth anything for Ruby to know." he said with a shrug before looking at her. "Ran into Joan huh? I bet that was fun." he said looking over his shoulder and back towards Ruby's quarters.