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 Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2024 7:03 pm
Yunan simply stared, making no comment save for a raised brow as Nyko explained the necessity of larger breasts. The expression said more than any words he could utter in the moment, especially as he just waited for Nyko to finish with his statement. He knew that other men wouldn’t disagree, but for Yunan…well he had his focus on more than a nice set of breasts and he would leave it at that. Nor would he want to show much for himself, the hybrid settling for a modest display with the attachments.
“I see.” Yunan’s tone was flat even with the compliment, the hybrid still not knowing how to feel about this whole situation. “I don’t know if I should appreciate that or feel more dismayed that this actually worked for us both.” He knew he had pretty features, that much was obvious with his own vanity and how others treated him in the past, but this was a new twist on his appearance. It would take a lot of mental work to even try to offer a smile to anyone tonight, Yunan hoping the cold beauty option would work just as well as anything more flirtatious on the way through the crowd towards the Madame.
Yunan made a face at the idea of being a call girl, the vulgar terms he heard thrown around about such establishments by others not truly fitting his ideal. “Is that so? Good thing I don’t plan on speaking with anyone, let them think me mute if necessary.” He managed after a moment, holding still as Nyko worked on his makeup. It wasn’t as if he never wore such powders before, his own eyes were often shadowed with eyeliner to bring out the golden orbs. It was a tactic to get easier conversation, a handsome face never harmed negotiations after all. “Iris it is then.” He managed before looking into the mirror and giving a nod, his own gaze nearly widening despite himself. So this is what he would look like as a woman, hmm? It seemed both of them would make quite a pair even as the opposite sex. Yunan placed the mirror down and let out a soft sigh. “You did well. I suppose no one will realize that it’s me walking out of here, not like this.” And so he gave a final glance around the room, taking a few experimental steps backwards as he adjusted to the new weight of his attire. “Should we move out now? The longer we wait the more suspicious any wandering eyes will be.” He worried if they took too long to leave the shop then others would come in looking for him, finding a woman who could be his relative would not be ideal not if his follower had at least some sort of intelligence about him.
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Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2024 6:37 am
Once Yunan approved of his work, Nyko gave the other man the mirror to hold so he could work on himself. There wasn't much that needed adding since he wore a variety of eyeliners in his daily life, but a more prominent eyeshadow and a bold lip could sell the transition. While there was no hiding the cut of his jaw, with the way his curls fell it could be disguised and with a little contouring it wasn't nearly as visible. By the end of it all Nyko had turned himself into a fine and proper lady of the night.
"Iris and Poppy." He shrugged his shoulder. It was one of the only flowers Nyko knew the name of with a glance and even if he didn't know it's language it should work just fine. With everything in place, Nyko made sure to bundle all of their things down into the crate and store it back behind the sacks of soil just as it had been before. Unless there was a raid on a flower shop no one would be the wiser. "I've already told her to expect Poppy, and that she was bringing a friend."
Gussying up his courage, Nyko opened the door to the store room and walked out into the main shop. The shop keep had done as Nyko had previously asked; his collar was askew, lipstick in the same shade that Nyko wore was on his neck and his hair was properly tousled. The singular patron stopped what she was doing to subtly look at the three of them and then at the pair as they made their way to the door.
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Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2024 9:50 am
Iris and Poppy. Oh, he hated this so much. Just like any clothing that may remind him of this afternoon, Yunan was prepared to keep any of those flowers out of his sight for the next few years if not forever. Perhaps it was best that it was just the pair of them for this excursion, it was less people to have such a memory for the future. His gaze was wary as he watched the crate being put back, Yunan hoping that Nyko could truly trust the shop owner to keep such things hidden. If he could he would have brought his clothing along but that could potentially ruin everything if he was caught emerging from a pleasure house looking like normal again. Nor could they truly carry anything in this attire, the hybrid’s own coin purse being hard enough to place as it was tucked away in a pocket hidden along his hips.
It was hard not to give both the shop keep and the patron a stern look, but Yunan wanted to keep any descriptions of himself to a minimum so he kept his gaze down as if hiding the color from them. If someone asked for a golden eyed ice hybrid well…it would be fairly obvious. Of course that came off as being shy, as if he had been involved with whatever shenanigans had happened between the owner and Poppy which had his hands gripping tightly at his skirts in frustration. His acting didn’t get much better at least in the terms of warmth and flirtations, Yunan truly fitting in as a cold beauty who wanted nothing to do with anyone else as she urged her partner outside and into the streets. He had an idea of where the madam’s place would be located, the hybrid starting in that direction before slowing his steps to look more the part. As much as he loathed to admit it though Yunan had already spotted someone familiar along the corner, one of the guards from the manor, and knew that the man was keeping an eye on the flower shop now. It had been mentioned in today’s itinerary as one of his stops and it wouldn’t surprise him if the other locations had eyes on them as well by this point.
Ah, there was one thing that they were missing. At least for him. Yunan spotted it at a stall along the wall, the hybrid reaching out to tap at Nyko’s shoulder before turning for a quick detour. A coin later he was in possession of an elegant fan, laced with golden and black designs, perfect for his attire. It also allowed him something to hold onto, an object to hide his face or easily turn into a weapon as needed. Yunan had even plucked another one up for Nyko, handing it over without a word before nodding his appreciation towards the young boy watching the stall. Even if the young boy wanted to chit chat with the pair of lovely women, Yunan was having none of it today and was ready to push forward. He just hoped the place would be around the next corner, the hybrid not appreciating all the lingering gazes from those they passed along in the streets.
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Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2024 2:23 pm
Sabra Knight 10 - We can call it quits at 10 or keep going; your call
"Straight for two streets and then a right." He murmured. As they walked a few passing glances went their way, but nothing outwardly suspicious. Any lingering eye was on the more appreciative scale, which Nyko could tolerate so long as they didn't get too close.
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 11:28 am
Yunan nodded, following the directions without questioning it. He would rely upon Nyko to lead them while keeping an eye out for anyone familiar in the crowd. Thankfully though it looked like their disguises had somehow worked, the spies not daring to think that Yunan would resort to such a ridiculous tactic to escape their watch. He was thankful though for the fan, his fingers tightening on it as he continued fanning his face and using the accessory to avoid anyone trying to make eye contact. Only once, when there was a whistle of interest, did Yunan stop and give a man a death glare before continuing on.
“Here?” His own steps slowed down as an elegant building came into view, the twisting iron gates and colorful gardens surrounding it in the middle of an otherwise normal street with taverns and the like making him think that this was indeed the location. Despite the vulgarities that ensued within a place like this they did always paint a pretty picture of it, didn’t they? Yunan mused with another soft sigh as he adjusted his stance, the extra padding being irritating and making it difficult to stay composed.
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 11:51 am
"This is it." It had been years since Nyko had seen the place, but the image was burned into his memory. Leaning closer to Yunan, he whispered, "Y'know, when I was growing up I used to dream about going in. We would hide by that building over there, just behind the column and wait for some of the girls to come out." What pre-pubescent youth hadn't thought about going in and having a night to remember with some of the prettiest faces in Sulburi? Aiyonna herself had been among the group, licking her lips each time a particular blonde had come into view and musing about it for weeks after.
Now that he was able to approach the main gate Nyko was nearly giddy. He shouldn't have been - he should have been terrified or at the least mortified given their get up. And yet....Well, the laughter and cloying fragrances drifting out onto the street were almost like fingers beckoning him closer.
A figure near the gate cleared their throat and Nyko turned to meet them. An Oban stood post, his arms nearly the size of a ship's mast, and the lone, crimson eye narrowed on the pair. "Business or Pleasure."
"Both?" Nyko answered with a smile. "My name's Poppy and this is Iris -We're here to see Madame Primrose."
The figure let the information settle before grunting and motioning toward the establishment with a nod. We're in.
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 12:08 pm
Yunan raised a brow, trying not to seem that impressed by Nyko’s memory though he was intrigued by it. While he normally would be interested in hearing such details and gladly learn more about the Matori’s past today was not the best time to be lingering around, especially when they were outside of such an establishment dressed like this. “I see we both had different ways to spend our leisure time.” He replied in a quiet whisper with the fan hiding his face still as he kept it up at an angle to get that air of mystery. “I much preferred learning from literature and sword studies, nothing like this.” How else had he spent his time in Matori? Singing on the cliffs, watching the ocean? It was a far cry from the life of someone who lingered with others to watch entertainers coming out of this establishment. Though honestly Yunan had never truly wanted to touch another that much, not in such a way especially after all the things he endured for the business with potential sponsors, until he had tumbled around with Nyko a few times and somehow found himself so fond of the other man to the point that he looked forward to his presence.
While Nyko seemed to thrive in this type of situation, Yunan picking up on his companion’s excitement the closer they got to the gate, the hybrid felt his body tensing the louder the noises became. There was nothing about this place that beckoned to him. Too many scents and bodies all in one place…it was nearly overwhelming. Years of training to keep his composure, the interactions he had endured with those he did not wish near him, kept him from turning and leaving the establishment the moment they entered. He hadn’t even dared to speak to the guard, only giving a glance over with the fan still lingering by his face to hide the twist of his lips into a scowl as he continued forward.
They were in and already gaining attention. The path twisting through the garden had some outside activity already started for the day, little pavilions built here and there for typical entertainment of music and drinks for those who wanted to enjoy a bit of beauty during their meetings with friends. A few Obans were being rowdy already as they cheered and clinked their drinks together with some already wrapping their other arm around the waist of a partner in delicate silks and perfume who worked at the establishment. Yunan’s fingers tightened to the point that he had to behave himself as the ivory handle of his fan nearly split in half, the subtle cracking noise making him loosen his grip as he continued forward. “Please tell me the Madame Primrose has her own private quarters.” He whispered towards Nyko, dreading whatever awaited them inside past those steps that led into the building itself. If the gardens were already buzzing with customers like this then what would the interior be like or was that where everyone ventured once the sun started sinking into the sky and evening took over the city?
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 12:41 pm
Somehow dressing in drag and walking into into a den of lust allowed Nyko to breath. No one here was expecting him to sign off on choreographed routines or to organize a song list. As far as they knew he was a simple minded fool flittering about to see which perzi pounced on his wings first. If it weren't for Yunan and his obvious distaste for the whole thing Nyko might have remained in the garden for a while longer, but they were here to work. The energy was just so infectious that he found his eyes drifting from one spot to the other, trying to soak up as much debauchery as he could.
"She does. See that tower? The only tower? That's hers." A large row of windows overlooked the garden and would give anyone on the other side full view of everything below. While he couldn't see her now he had no idea she's already been watching, whether she was aware they were there or not.
Moving through the garden, Nyko slipped past a few patrons and into the building itself. What was happening outside paled in comparison to what lay before them. Bodies, both clothed and not, lay on chaise lounges across a grand hall. Somewhere in the space a performer played some sort of string instrument, and now the smells of incense blended with other, more sensual smells. In the center of the room several couples danced - or what he assumed had begun as a dance.
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 1:00 pm
“Impressive.” Perhaps he should have thought about a tower for himself. Yunan tilted his head thoughtfully, his surroundings nearly forgotten for a brief moment as he studied the structure and the power it inspired. Building such a structure where one could sit high above all others alluded towards a confident owner who had no problem insinuating she was more powerful than those entering the residence below. Yunan appreciated such boldness, it also spoke volumes for how Madame Primrose truly felt about the hierarchy in Oba. Was that why Nyko had faith in her ability to help them? At least that was how he interpreted such a structure whether the mistress of the place had intended for such a meaning or not.
Not that it was hard to imagine why the mistress of such an establishment would view herself as higher than any patron. Yunan’s gaze narrowed in disdain at the obvious displays of lust, the hybrid reminded of some that had preferred such things to actual business interactions. As much as he was attracted to Nyko and the pair did as they pleased together it was not his desire to openly share like this. All of these interactions just were fodder for manipulation, Yunan already seeing how some of the performers managed to get more coin for their purse with every moan and teasing suggestion. Physical intimacy to gain more power…it was something he knew well. Now that Yunan knew the Madame waited for them in the tower he couldn’t help but to want to press forward in that direction. “The stairs.” He murmured towards Nyko, his determination to get to the upper floors delayed by some fool actually reaching out towards him as if wanting to invite him to the dance. Though it was far from a dance at this point with robes slipping from bodies and some completely exposed while they swayed back and forth in the fog of incense as if tempting others closer. It was not simply one partner, no. There were maybe two or three surrounding one patron at once to entice him to play more games with them, the longer their interaction the more that they could ease from his lips and pockets. Come dance with us. The evening is young and you’re beautiful things. Either way it was not a game that Yunan wanted to play with strangers today, the fan snapping closed as he smacked the fingers away and continued forward. His golden gaze was molten, possessiveness dancing there as he also dared anyone to approach Nyko while he was nearby. One had already tried before freezing in place when the exotic beauty looked like she would murder him for touching her Matori partner. Would he lose character in the moment to claim his companion? Possibly. That was another reason he was trying his best to get out of the keldari den so that they could find a place for him to regain his composure.
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 1:19 pm
The sad thing was Nyko was so used to Yunan's expressions that he barely noticed when others would turn away from them. A young man with an unfortunate nose came closer, raising his drink as an awkward smile took over his face only to have it falter at the last second. Nyko was nearly ready to excuse himself, but the young man had already run away. He stalled for a bit, hand half raised as he quizzically watched the Oban skitter off into the crowd before looking at his partner.
And there it was. Recognition settled for Nyko and even there, surrounded by carnal pleasures, he felt a rush of true love in his heart. Yunan looked absolutely murderous, and it wasn't just because of the situation; it was because people wanted to talk to him. If I kissed him he'd just mad. Later, then.
Nyko led the way to the second floor where patrons and employees alike slipped into locked rooms. One after another doors were closed in their faces, and it wasn't as if Nyko minded. He did try leaning in for a look at a particularly weird group though; seven young, lovely people and one old man who looked ready to kill over. How did he....? Could he...?
But he kept moving and stopped only when they were in front of the rear staircase. Unlike the first, it was much smaller and the rug lining the steps was clearly new. It's fibers were threaded with gold and crimson hues, more vibrant than any hair he'd ever seen, made the winding staircase nearly glow.
"Ready?"
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 1:32 pm
Don’t you dare. The thought continued crossing Yunan’s mind as he watched the man scurrying away from them, the hybrid instinctively moving a step closer to Nyko as if to claim the space for himself. It was a relief to get to the second floor, Yunan for once happy to have a door closed in his face. Any other situation and he would have broken the door in pieces should someone dare do that to him or have the room potentially set on fire, but in this place? He was delighted to have more doors closed and less open, especially after walking past that display with the group that even had Nyko pausing as they passed. Yunan didn’t even want to think about it, he kept his gaze forward and on the task at hand as to not let such an image sear into his mind.
“Always.” Yunan replied with the first hint of a smile on his lips as he was more than ready to get this over with and discard the disguise that kept bouncing with every step he took. He took a moment to appreciate the luxury of the rug, recognizing how detailed and rich it was for such an establishment, and hoping that meant its owner would be similar instead of like others they saw when passing through these halls. “Dare I hope she’s alone up there? Or should we expect more companions while trying to discuss business?” He whispered, finally taking a moment to speak where he had been silent before for fear someone would hear the rich tones of his voice that did not quite match up to an exotic beauty in the pleasure house. There was always that touch of a Zenan accent with every word in common, but his voice was still richer than expected of any dainty woman. Either way he continued forward up the stairs, only waiting for Nyko’s answer at the ornate door where whatever awaited them lay.
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 2:35 pm
"Honestly? I'm not sure." While he knew that Madame Primrose had stopped seeing as many clients over the years she still had a set of loyal patrons that paid well to stay in her graces. As Nyko took to the stairs, carefully lifting the hem of his dress as he went to avoid stepping on it, the Matorian had no choice but to admire the look of it. Unlike the halls downstairs the way to Primrose's personal chambers had a decidedly noble elegance and none of the gold was gilded. Nyko paused as they walked to admire a sconce that could pay his current rent twice over before ascending to the top.
Nyko knocked twice, as instructed, waited and knocked again. When a rich, inviting tone bade them enter he looked back to Yunan before opening the door.
Madame Primrose's quarters were as luxurious as the stairwell made them seem. The doorway opened to a lusch sitting room that held a modest, yet well decorated desk near the windows and several plush chairs. Another door led to what he assumed to be her bedroom, but it wasn't what lay beyond that held his interest. Rather, it was the woman raising up from behind the desk itself and smiling warmly toward them both.
Aiyonna had always been on the shorter side. When they were younger Nyko had affectionately called her Grub, because she'd been short and fat like a little worm. She was a Matorian - Oban hybrid whose rich, almond skin brought a warmth to the orange eyes she'd inherited from her mother. Her hair, which was once a wild mop of crimson curls, now hung invitingly down her back. Somewhere along the line all of the pudge Aiyonna carried had traveled to her hips and chest, making her the sort of exaggerated beauty that did well in pleasure houses. Her sheer dress left little to the imagination and only small bits of thicker fabric over her more delicate areas kept her chaste.
"Close the door behind you, Iris. My eye is hard to hold, and I wouldn't want someone to take it from you."
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 3:12 pm
Yunan simply set his shoulders in determination. Whether or not they were greeted by a scene was not something that would deter him now that they were invested in this whole situation. He had gone through a crowd of roaming gazes dressed as a woman and he would be speaking with this Madame Primrose, with or without other bodies moving about in the room. If anything he would open the door and kick them down the stairs if necessary. That was the type of person Yunan could be, demanding without any concern for others if they got in his way. What were a few bruises from being kicked out of a room? Surely nothing to moan about, not in a place where moaning was caused by so many other things.
Thankfully it looked like they weren’t going to be kicking out anyone today. While Yunan had not truly known what to expect about Madame Primrose, the image of the woman who greeted them was surprisingly fitting for such a place. Everything about her including the sheer outfit oozed sensuality, inviting in those who would lower their guard for something more physical without realizing she could take everything and anything from them for it. Even Yunan had to take a moment to brace himself before moving to close the door behind him. “Madame Primrose, a pleasure.” He started as he returned from closing the door and stood by Nyko, his gaze fierce and refusing to be distracted by the image in front of him. He had seen the luxuries of this space, the elegance and rich details that spoke volumes of wealth and he did not doubt that the hybrid in front of him had fought hard for it. He was not going to underestimate her, that was for certain. “How much time do we have before your gaze wanders elsewhere?”
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 3:31 pm
The moment the door latched closed a violet light overtook it. A nearly transparent glow shrouded the entryway, before shrinking and focusing on the lock itself. The glow itself separated into two, and swirled parallel to one another before disappearing into the keyhole all together. "Now no one can enter without our permission," Madame Primrose's smile took proud gleam. "And they won't be able to listen. If they try, all they'll hear is a good time; nothing more."
"When did you get so clever, Grub?" Nyko grinned.
"I always was, you were just too stupid to notice." Despite her teasing tone, the looks she gave to Nyko were warm. He knew there was still a veneer she was keeping and she likely wouldn't drop it, even for him. Childhood friends didn't mean they were guaranteed allies and she'd only gotten this far by protecting herself.
She moved across the room toward her desk and lifted a state of papers. "You have me for an hour. That's my gift to an old friend, and these-" After moving closer to Yunan, she handed him the top two sheets in the stack. The others she kept close to her chest, "-are my 'gift' to a new."
Nyko leaned across the way to catch a glimpse at the paperwork. From what he could tell it was a detailed list of Oban military officials, how many times they visited the establishment, who owed her favors and what their positions were. There were also listings of potential 'doves' that she could use to contact them, when to bring them in, etc.
And when Nyko looked over from the two sheets to the massive stack in her arms he knew she'd been busy.
"Of course, friends are always giving gifts, right? I could always give you more, but gifts aren't cheap."
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Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2024 12:11 pm
Yunan raised a brow at the magic, refusing to show open admiration of the display even though it was impressive. Now if only that could have teleported us here instead of having to deal with all of this. He thought with some disdain, refusing to say something outright since he was here to ask for a favor and not ruffle feathers. He was simply cranky because he was still quite aware of the layers of silk and the padding that he desperately wanted to adjust even though such movements would only make him feel more awkward, the hybrid accepting that he would simply be uncomfortable until he was back in his own attire. Though the mention of Grub had him tilting his head, his gaze snapping over towards Nyko as he listened to the conversation. It seemed that he didn’t have to worry about ruffling any feathers since Nyko was more than familiar with the Madame Primrose.
Papers? His attention went straight back to Madame Primrose, Yunan deciding he would get the background from his companion later and focusing on the hour that they had for the task at hand. “A gift that’s very much appreciated.” He acknowledged after a moment of looking over the list, the names being perfect for those they would alert to the ceremony. Yunan had the guest list down thanks to what he found with Aari in the house and with Nyko’s help they had brought in anyone else connected to those few listed on the ledgers, but he didn’t have access to the military like this. It was perfect. “Gifts are a very good start to forming meaningful relationships.” Yunan mused, a wry smile crossing his lips as he focused on the Madame. “I’m not certain if Poppy told you much about my affairs but how do you feel about medicine? Once the trash is taken from the upper districts then Hofstra's Medical will place a building there that would gladly give you and yours access to materials. I always remember those that have helped our stores to grow. We treat those we are close with a lot better than most customers, including priority on rare products and some discounts. Of course we would also offer a bit of samples to prove the quality of our products.” Her employees could have anything that they needed to make certain they stayed in the best of shape to please their customers, medical supplies and the rare herbs that were only found through Hofstra's Medical proving to be some of the best in the area. Especially now that he had Belrean connections to bring in more potions and the like from overseas. It was a golden opportunity if she wanted the best for her workers.
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