Brandon and I walked along what was famously called the red district within the lower city. Since most vices were banned within the upper city, where most of the wealthy merchants and nobility lived, if wealthy men and women wanted to participate in gambling, prostitution, or any other shameful act that the temples would disapprove of they would have to come to the red district.
The baron didn’t care what anyone but himself thought about things so it would not be uncommon for him to send for several whores for his personal entertainment. Apparently, any time his people came to pick up some women there would be some competition to see who can go see the Baron. He is a man that loves to spend coin as much as loves making them. So, there was plenty of profit to be made.
Brandon relayed these salacious rumors to me as we walked towards Gardenia’s. We passed gambling houses and groups of people betting on street fights. Women in scantily clad clothing and heavy makeup stood outside of whore houses tempting passersby to enter. Eventually we stopped in front of the most ostentatious building I've seen so far in the red district.
There were no women outside offering their services as I expected. Standing guard in front of the large door were two of the largest men I've ever seen, even taller than Breala who stood over a head taller than me.
“Nor, Ven how are you on this fine evening.” Brandon said as he approached them with a broad smile.
The two men seemed to recognize Brandon but didn't seem to care much for his arrival; their faces grew even more grim.
“You better have the coin on you this time else you're not gettin in.” he said in a deep voice.
Brandon grinned showing his straight white teeth and sapped his coin purse. It jingled clearly heavy with coin.
He took two sterling out and handed one to each man. They pocketed it and said “Alright you're free to go in.”
They turned their gazes to me and looked me up and down as if searching for something to make a fuss about.
“What some elven lady doing this far south hmm. Come to work for Madam Gardenia.” he said with mockery in his voice.
“I knew I'd like to have a round.” The man on the right said.
They took a step closer perhaps in some attempt at intimidation. This at least I knew to be largely false on their side. Brandon mentioned that the guards outside would do this to anyone they didn't recognize trying to enter.
This ensured that they behaved themselves and had to coin to pay for the services inside. His advice was to weather the storm and simply hand them a sterling after that they would be as docile as lambs.
I held my palm forward at them and began to cast a fire spell. As soon as the circuit popped into existence they jumped back in fear. I overcharged it to the point it neared being unstable. That was enough to garner the attention of many passersby.
The two guards looked as white as sheets and backed away from the spell circuit in fear.
“My apologies sir mage were just making sure that you're not going to cause trouble and had the coin. Weren't nothing going to be done to yuh swear on Richon.” he said as his back met the door.
“Yeah true true this is just a job” the other man said.
I had zero intention to actually kill them but far too many people were giving me looks as I walked along the streets, so this was as much of an excuse as any to show off a bit of power. Hopefully that spreads and I don't have to deal with any idiots.
“Very well.” I said as I dismissed the spell.
The look of relief that came over them was palpable. I pulled out 4 silvers and handed two to each man. They accepted them with as deep a bow as their armor allowed. It had to be more than 90 degrees.
“Have a good time at Gardenia’s.” they both said.
“For a moment I thought you were actually going to kill them, “Brandon said as the guards let us inside.
“They smartened up in the end.”
The room was by far the most opulent place I have been to thus far. All around men in fine clothing were being tended to by scantily clad women whose outfits left nothing to the imagination.
Serving girls brought drinks and women on their arms or laps would laugh as they filled their cups with wine. Every man from young and baby faced to men to old and graying seemed to be wearing their best. There was a musician playing what looked like a harp in a simple tune that added to the atmosphere.
The men gave up their coins as if possessed. Occasionally one of the women would escort a man upstairs no doubt to extract more coin from him.
“Ah Brandon, so nice of you to come and visit us and who is this sweet thing.” A woman with brown hair and green eyes depressed as scantily as the rest came over to greet us and lead us to a private booth. There were dozens of them and there was even a curtain that could be pulled for privacy.
“He’s Moon, the newest member of the Bronze Spears.” Brandon said.
“He’s a light mage.” he whispered conspiratorially but I'm sure half the tavern heard him.
“Oh, how exciting an elven light mage I’m sure the girls will be dying to get a crack at him.” She
said.
We took a seat on the lush red padded benches and she said. “What will you boys be drinking?”
“A bottle of Thesian Red for us.” Brandon said as he dropped 10 silvers on the table.
“Excellent choice should I fetch Elen for you. She's not occupied at the moment.”
A grin spread over his face as he said. “Oh, please yes I’ve been dying to see her.”
“And what about you Moon any girl caught your eye.” she said this in a sultry tone that I was sure meant as an invitation. She leaned over the table to pick up Brandon’s coin. I couldn't stop my eyes from dropping. Her assets were quite lovely.
I was about to ask her to join us at the table when a voice from behind her interrupted my thoughts.
“Come now Tina at least give the other girls a chance.” as two blonde-haired women stood behind her. At first glance I thought they were twins but upon closer inspection I realized that they simply looked similar. The fact that they were of similar builds and wore the same green dress helped the illusion. Regardless, I was interested in both.
“Mind if we join you, we've never seen an elf before.” The one on the left asked.
“Certainly.”
The two women joined us and the woman who was advertising her assets to me saw that I was distracted by the pretend twins left in a huff to get our drinks. After shuffling around they sat on my left and right.
“So, what are your names? “I asked them.
“Ruby,” The one on the left said.
“Sapphire” said the one on the right.
I almost rolled my eyes at how ridiculous the names were.
“And yours mi lord” Ruby said if I didn't know that she was a prostitute I might have been fooled by that innocent expression. Regardless, I was here to have a good time, so I played along.
“Moon.” I said.
“Moon” she said as if savoring the name on her tongue.
“I suppose it fits. I've never seen anyone like you before” she said as she started caressing my hair.
“There is no one like me,” I said.
“That I believe I mean look at his eyes. I could get lost in them,” Sapphire said.
This went back and forth for some time. Constant touches and caresses complimenting my hair, skin, eyes, fingers,mouth the flattery seemed unending. I eventually started to cast magic for them, their hands clapping giddily as I performed simple magic for them. That drew the attention of some of the other customers as there were several floating balls of light illuminating our table. But those with
“Elen my love.” Brandon said as a woman in a dark red dress approached.
She was all curves, and her hair was such a light shade of red she looked as if her head was on fire. She joined us at the table and gave Brandon a kiss on the cheek.
“Brandon darling you have been gone too long I’ve missed you.” Elen said.
She glanced over at ruby and sapphire and said. “Figured you two would try to take the elf for yourselves.”
The 5 of us spent the next hour or so talking and drinking. It was a slightly strange experience. I both understood the game the girls were playing with me and did care that it was working on me. They would listen to Brandons tales of our battles in rapped attention, eyes glittering at every detail. They would ask for more demonstrations of magic giggling excitedly as I released a small cone of flame into the air.
Some of their questions, however, were beginning to raise my suspicion. Some were too pointed, like asking me about how fast I could cast or how many attenuations I could use, what clan I belong to.
No normal peasant would use the word attenuation or understand elven society. According to them they have never even met an elf before. Being 3 in bottles certainly didn't help my mental faculties so perhaps I was being paranoid.
Eventually the girls invited her to their bed for the night. They had been teasing me constantly, so I jumped at the opportunity. Apparently the going rate for them was 40 sterling for the night Garret tossed me a Gelding and wished me luck. That price seemed ridiculous but at this point I was so inebriated that anything they said I took as gospel. They finally managed to drag me upstairs after I handed a woman in a formal black gown the gelding.
Ruby and Sapphire were certainly worth every coin.
I woke up a few hours later, limbs tangled with the two women and clothes were thrown about the room. The sun had just barely started to rise, and the thick sheets were uncomfortably hot when sharing it with 3 bodies.
There were certainly some grumbles as I disturbed their sleep but they didn't seem keen to rise. I was slightly jealous of their ability to sleep for an entire night. We were in a large room with nothing but an opulent bed and some decorative furniture. I gathered my clothes and dressed. I admired their nude forms for a moment and then turned to leave.
I did have enough wit in my head to give them a quick examination to ensure that I wasn't going to catch anything. At the very least I would have to worry about siring any bastard children since the chance of them getting pregnant is so low. I'm sure working girls probably had a solution to that. There were many forms of contraceptives sold at an apothecary and some of them actually worked.
I headed downstairs still marveling at the fact that I did have any kind of hangover from last night’s drinking. It probably has something to do with elven physiology, but I had no real way of figuring out how that mechanism worked. The main room is almost empty. A stark contrast from last night where each chair and booth was filled. There were a few women in uniforms sweeping floors and wiping down tables. I decided to leave before a voice stopped me.
“Moon if you would spare me a moment.” A husky voice from behind me said. I turned around to see a tall woman in a deep brown dress. Her lovely face and the thin sliver of gray in her hair jolted my memory. She was the woman I paid for Ruby and Sapphire's company. I had a sneaking suspicion who this was.
“Madam Gardenia, I take it “I said.
“The one and only If you would join me in my office.”
I would rather have washed the scent of sex and alcohol off me, but I wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity of making a friend like her.
She took me to her small office and took a seat behind the desk. I sat in a chair in front of her.
“I'm surprised you’re up and about so early most of Ruby and Sapphire clients can barely walk the next morning. Perhaps they are out of practice.”
“I assure you they earned every sterling. Elves just don’t need as much sleep as humans.”
“Really” she said, sounding genuinely interested.
“I can actually go almost a week without sleep. However, I enjoy taking a few hours out of the day to rest.”
“That does sound useful” she sounded almost jealous.
“What did you want to speak to me about?” I said, cutting through the pleasantries.
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“I simply wish to know the elf behind so much gossip.” she said innocently.
“And what have you and your girls learned about me so far? I very much doubt Brandon has been as closed-mouthed as I would like him to be.” I said this almost accusingly.
“Ah Brandon he did reveal much about you to Lena though I’m sure not many people know you have no personal memories except for your medicant skills. And the fact that your skill in magic is a recent occurrence I don't know who trained you but I’m sure it has something to do with Sten. Information is my business as much as flesh.”
She was certainly laying everything out straight. Most people assume that my ignorance of certain things is simply due to me being an elf and not used to human society. Having such a weakness widely known is not something I want.
“And what do you plan to do with this information?” I said this pleasantly but in reality, if she dared to try to blackmail me, sold this information for profit or tried to leverage it to use me for her own purposes she wouldn't live long enough to regret her decision.
“You have made friends with many amongst the guards, your name is spreading. I've even had a few of the guards come to my establishment singing your praises. Soon enough those in power will start to want you in their corner. Mages are rare, Elven light mages are unheard of. That performance you did for my guards did not go unnoticed. I propose we become allies.” she said.
So, she wants to get into my good graces before more people take note of me. I suppose I couldn't blame her for taking this opportunity; And besides she was being quite forward with what she knew.
What information would a Madam be able to offer me and what did she want in return would be what determines if I move forward with her. How many secrets would a man spill to a woman when he has a belly full of wine?
“I see you are considering my offer.” she said with a smirk.
“What makes you think that?” I was careful not to show any reaction to her words. I even made sure to keep my breathing steady. Yet she could read me so easily.
“As a gesture of good faith, I'll share something about yourself you probably haven't realized.” she said as she pulled out a small hand mirror.
She turned it around so I could see myself. It wasn't anything unexpected. A pretty feminine face, Large purple eyes, and ears, with white hair. Strange that I have grown more comfortable seeing that reflection.
“I don't understand.” I said, glancing back at her.
“Your eyes dilate. A few seconds ago, I could barely see any purple, just a large pool of black then they returned to their natural state after explaining my intentions. Tell me what you were thinking at that moment.”
Deciding to be truthful to her to see her reaction I simply said.
“I was considering killing you but decided against it after I understood your intentions.” To my satisfaction she twitched at my frank answer.
“Hearing that from one of the loveliest creatures I've ever seen is certainly strange.” she said with amusement.
I would have to ask Lilian about that little detail about my eyes when I get the chance. I can’t have a quirk of my biology giving away my thoughts so easily.
“Thank you for the compliment. Now tell me what exactly you would want from me and what do you have to offer. At best what I know about me is of minor inconvenience.”
“It's rather simple really, your healing services of course. There's also a gang who’s been muscling their way into the red district. They have taken over some of the smaller brothels and no doubt they have their eyes on my business. I have fighting men and that's enough to get them to back off but that won't last forever. We generate a significant amount of coin and greed will push them to attack eventually regardless of the danger.”
Would I want to tie my name to Gardenia?
Even the idea that she has a mage as a friend and ally would be enough to tip whatever conflict she has with this gang in her favor.
“So I incinerate a few gang members for you and heal your sick and injured. What do I get in return?” I said.
“I would also add that you would accompany me on a few negotiations and I'm sure your friendship with the guards would be quite useful. A free screw here and there from one of my girls isn't enough to buy loyalty from them, but to save a child, spouse or a sibling from certain death I'm sure there's little you could do that would result in your arrest.”
So she wants some magical muscle and me being her outward friend. If my popularity and power kept growing so too would the value of my friendship. This is a massive opportunity for her.
She better offer me something more valuable than coin or sex.
“You ask for a lot, but will you pay for it? I must warn you I charge a lot more than 40 sterling.”
“What would you like in return dear Moon.” she said seductively.
“I want what any mage wants, more power, your coin means little to me.” I said.
She raised a well-trimmed eyebrow and thought for a moment then said,
“Two months from now there will be an auction in the upper city. They sell everything from enchanted weapons and armor to etheric gems and spell books. One of my wealthier clients offered to take me there as his date. I can bring only one person with me for protection. This is an invitation only event. He loves to spoil me so he would be more than willing to purchase anything I want or anything you want.”
No doubt walking into high society with an elven mage as your guard would do wonders for her reputation.
“I certainly am interested but there's no guarantee there would be anything I want.”
I was going to refuse her but changed my mind. At the very least the upper crust of the city will start to learn my name and I can take their measure. But I damn sure wasn't going to work with her for two months on only the possibility of a reward.
“Very well I will attend this auction with you. Until then I'll settle for coin for my services. When is this negotiation of yours?”
“Two days from now I’ll be meeting with one of the gang leaders who took over Dryad's Grace. They apparently wanted to negotiate with me. Meaning they want to threaten me into handing over a portion of my business and free use of the girls.”
For the first time she showed visible anger as she talked about the gang's intentions.
“Let’s just say they haven't been treating the women at Dryad's Grace kindly since they took over. I will not let it happen to us.” She said this firmly.
I suppose that is her weak point. How could I use this situation to my advantage? I'm sure the guards wouldn't approve of me working with her to fight against gangs. Or would they?
“Why stop there.” I said as I threw out the bait.
“What do you mean?” She said, clearly interested.
“Why not take Dryad’s Grove for yourself? With me You would have more than enough fire power and if the guards have a problem. Then I'm sure I can spin it as me saving desperate women from men that abuse them.”
I tapped my chin as I thought. “Who would be at the negotiation?”
“The gang leader Lars and some of his top men.” She said, though she had a faraway look as if in her mind was somewhere else.
“And if he and his men were to die, who would miss him, who would avenge him, I'm sure those girls' lives would be far better if you took control over the red district or at the very least control the brothels. You would just have to set it up so that you wouldn't need my constant presence to maintain power.”
From what I knew about the red district there was minimal guard presence and most of the elicit businesses were run by gangs who constantly fought to maintain control. It certainly seemed possible to me that she could take over. But I didn't know much about the city's underbelly and its complexities. For that matter I didn't even know if Gardenia had the ruthlessness needed to be a gang boss.
“I will need to think on this” she said still with that far away gaze.
I stood up and said to her, “We will discuss my payment when you make your decision. What time is your meeting with Lars?”
“Noon in a warehouse on East End.” she said.
“I'll be back in two days then. If you want, I can be your magical muscle to deter Lars from any aggression towards you.”
I locked her eyes with mine then continued with a malicious smile.
“Or I could slaughter him and anyone else he brings.”
I left her alone with her thoughts on what to do. Honestly if I didn't notice that she had some sympathy for Dryad’s Grace girls I wouldn't have even suggested that she take out Lars so she could control the Red District. The details of establishing her own power base would have to be left up to her. I knew next to nothing about it. Though this interaction with her does give me some ideas for the future.
As I walked back to the inn to prepare for the day, I had to contemplate exactly how many things I had to balance. There was my job with the guards, whatever relationship I would establish with Gardenia, My obligation to Sten and finally the Life Ether. I had to plan an excursion to the edges of the barony to consume some lives. I considered for some time if I should slow down and focus on one task at a time. It would certainly be less dangerous, however those who take the greatest risks earn the greatest rewards. In my contemplation I realized I had no clue what happened to Brandon. I shrugged realizing I didn’t care.
Two days later I stepped into Gardenia’s in full leather armor. It had been cleaned thoroughly and the leather had a nice sheen that made the dark purple color quite eye-catching. The guards at the entrance practically jumped out of my way as soon as I approached. The same woman from yesterday greeted me at the door. It was almost midday so there wasn’t a large amount of people.
She took me by one arm then said. “Madam Gardenia is expecting you please come with me.” She led me to the same office from yesterday. Before I entered the office she said, “Once you are done with your business, I have a special treat for you free of charge. So do come back later, ok?”
“I do love treats so I’ll make sure to find you.”
She pulled me into a deep kiss and pressed her body into mine. Then took the chance to stroke my ear, just when I was getting into the mood she stopped.
“I’ll see you later,” she whispered.
I watched her behind as she strutted down the hall. I had to wonder how much the Madam actually told them about what I was doing here. I suppose that was one way to keep me on their hook. It’s best to have them believe they have that power over me for now.
I entered the Madam’s office without knocking, the woman was dressed in a practical brown tunic. She looked out a window down to the street, seeming to be in deep thought. When the door opened, she looked at me and a small amount of relief came over her.
“So, what is your decision?” I said as I sat down. She gave me a once over and then said.
“Some of my contacts say he's planning on ambushing me during the negotiations, the agreement was 10 men each. There's no honor in that man.”
I rolled my eyes and responded. “Honor is only useful to the dead Gardenia. Again I ask, What is your decision?”
She seemed to struggle with this choice. I couldn't really blame her. I escalated what was to be a negotiation to a takeover. There had to be many considerations to be considered. As intelligent as Gardenia seemed to be, she was still just a Madam.But wanted someone with more influence as an ally.
“I assume Brandon is not exaggerating about your battle with the earth mage.” she said.
“No, he isn't,” I said, smiling.
“If I am to take control of the brothels, I would need more men than I have now and Lars and his gang will have to be eliminated. I have 15 men and I know he has over 60. I'm sure he would rather have me serve him than die since I have many noble clients.” she locked eyes with me then said.
“What would your price be if I wanted you to kill him and all his members that attend the negotiation,” she said. In the same moment her hesitation and doubt seemed to disappear and her will seemed to be made of iron.
“A Gelding for every head and 5 for Lars.” I said. She flinched at how much it would cost but didn't seem surprised.
“When I give you the signal, end them all.”
A Quarter hour later Gardenia, I and 4 of her most trusted men walked along the streets towards East End. This seemed to be a portion of the city dedicated to smithing and leather working. The air was thick with the smell of coal. There were many men and even some women working forges hammering away at some bright red bar of metal shaping them into some kind of tool or weapons. Eventually we came upon a large wooden warehouse with a single man standing out front.
I had a heavy cloak that covered me from head to toe so none of my armor showed. It was quite uncomfortable having my ears bend so it went over my head but I decided to tolerate it for now. I kept my head bowed so that none would get a glimpse of my eyes.
The man in front of the warehouse signaled for us to enter. Inside was largely empty except for a table and where a large man with brown hair and a scar across his temple sat. All around there were at least a dozen men standing around. Though Gardenia wore a more practical outfit than her usual gown it was clear she was a well-built woman. Some of the men standing around gave her appreciative glances.
“Ah, Gardenia, so nice of you to join us.” The man who I assumed to be Lars said.
“Lars, well I am here, what do you want?”
Lars glancing at her meager guard smiled.
“As I said in my message I want your brothel, of course you would still run the joint and I would take a cut as protection.” he said confidently.
“I have my own men; your protection isn't necessary.”
“Oh, but that's where you're wrong, I've got a lot of dogs and those dogs need food and a bitch to keep them warm or they go feral.” As he said this a malicious grin spread across his face.
“I'm sure you would want that now would you, be practical.” He leaned back in his chair seemingly confident in his situation for that matter why wouldn't he be. She was just one woman with 5 guards after all.
“Now did you bring my coin? Or are we going to have problems.”
“It's nice to see you're still human garbage, Lars.” Gardenia said derisively.
“Ha just because you wear nice dresses and bed nobles don't make you no better than no one. You're still just a whore” a visible amount of anger came over her face at that moment.
“And you're still just a two-shilling thief whose own father thought he would be a failure.” she said.
That seemed to hit him where it hurt since he got to his feet in anger. He knocked twice on the table and suddenly more men appeared on the rafters. Now it looked to be 30 to our 5.
“I wanted your brothel intact but maybe it's best I just take it. Maybe me and some of my men should go visit after we have a bit of fun with your first.”
It was clear to all what he meant.
“I suppose this was always how it would end.” Gardenia said, sounding almost resigned.
“What do you think would happen walking in here with not even 10 men?” Lars said it as if Gardenia was an idiot.
“This conversation is over.” She said, sending the signal.
I had been quite entertained by their back and forth. It was like watching a play. But she had given me the signal, so I started charging a radiant lance. It only took a few seconds to charge it to full power. Seconds they wasted in their shock.
“What is…..”
That’s the only thing that he was able to get out before a laser severed his head from his body. I walked the beam all around the room as men started to scatter. This did them little good as it took me barely a flick of the wrist to bisect a man. In the space of 10 seconds, I had slaughtered every man in the room. The sound of the door behind me opening caught my attention so I whipped the beam around and bisected the 5 men that came in.
The drain of using that ability set in, I dismissed the spell and observed my work in satisfaction. Most of the men in the room were either dead or dying; some clutched at severed limbs; one man who was severed at the knees was screaming in agony as he desperately tried to crawl away.
I glance at the rest of my company. They knew to hit the ground as soon as I started casting. They slowly stood up and glanced about the room examining the one-sided slaughter. They couldn't hide the fear that was on their faces. I couldn't help Sarah's words from popping up in my head.
“Most peasants will never be comfortable with the idea of a single person with the power to cause so much destruction.”
There was a loud creak and the sound of wood cracking.
“Everyone outside I said”. I said, realizing that my spell probably compromised the building's integrity. We ran out of the building as cracking turned into violent snapping as the building's supports gave out. A few seconds later the building collapsed unto itself. My spell probably cut through the building as well as the members of the gang.
Gardenia finally gathered her wits and started to give orders to her men. My part of this was largely completed. The rest was up to her and her men to secure the power vacuum left by Lars which probably meant a lot of fighting over territory and businesses. Already the rest of her men have likely taken over Dryad’s grace. She planned on making a move on the few other brothels in the red district. My role in this was to simply enjoy my time at her brothel and heal anyone that she sends to me.
She handed me a pouch filled with gelding and said,
“I didn't count how many you killed but I'm sure this will cover it.'' By its heft it had to be a significant amount. I doubt she would be stupid enough to shorten my coin after that demonstration so I pocketed the pouch without counting. She still seemed rattled by how quickly the men died to my spell. I for one largely felt nothing. All I did was eradicate some worthless garbage. Though glancing at gardenia who was focused on the collapsed building I wondered if perhaps there was something wrong with how I viewed killing.