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Hidden 9 yrs ago Post by EliteCommander
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As usual, Colors was one of the first to give his opinion. "To be honest, I think the only one of those that would work would be posing as Talos worshipers ourselves. If he isn't part of the cult, then selling out Talos worshipers is probably only a small part of his business. There aren't nearly as many of them here in Evermore as there are in a place like Skyrim, after all. None of those other options would have us even being on the same topic."

Malithus nodded in agreement to Colors before giving his own input. "We do not all need to meet him. It would probably be best if he did not know how many of us there are, actually. Perhaps one or two of us who can pass for Talos worshipers can go in? We don't have any Nords among us, but there are Talos worshipers from many parts of Tamriel."
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Fendros shrugged. "I thought as much. However, I won't have anyone go in alone. Sabine?"

Sabine sighed and lowered her brow.

After stifling a chuckle, Fendros raised a hand to mollify her. "Hey, you don't have to talk if you don't want to, but I know that you can deal with a group of armed men without so much as pulling a knife." He turned his eyes to the others. "I'll need someone else to go in with Sabine to pose as escaping Talos worshippers." He poked his thumb to his chest. "I cannot do it; a Dunmer worshipping Talos is a bit too suspicious. Any volunteers?"

Sabine looked around to the others. Very few of them wouldn't qualify. Even Argonians or Orcs could pass if they had enough cyrodilic in their accent.
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Kaleeth rubbed the back of her neck, obviously conflicted. "I would be willing to go in. I don't really need armor or weapons if a fight breaks out, and Sabine could give me one of those shield spells if a fight happens to give me time to transform. But, my accent might give me away. I know I am very obviously a Black Marsh native."

"It is worth pointing out that both people that go to see him don't need to pose as Talos worshipers." Colors interjected. "One of you could pose as a close friend, or even a servant. I'm sure it wouldn't be the first time that a Talos worshiper has had a friend throw in to help them. With Kaleeth, Argonians have their reputation for being loyal to friends, and not exactly being friends of the Thalmor."

"I could go instead, if you think that'd work." Shurgrag added. "I'm a mage, and there's some Orcs out there that follow that Talos nonsense."

Colors shrugged. "It could work. Her accent is local anyways. Though, what do you all intend to do if the proprietors of the business get annoyed at a few non-paying customers loitering while you're waiting for Viper?"
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Fendros shrugged. "Either of you could accompany her. As for the proprietors, that would really depend on the approach," Fendros said. "You might buy some food or drink if there is any there. I doubt purchasing the, uh...services of the brothel would ever be appropriate."

Sabine, Fendros, and Kaleeth all exchanged glances and, as a group, turned to look to Colours with neutral faces.

"You know, now that you bring up that point..." Fendros said cautiously. "You might be better served staying with the group going in, Colours."
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Colors saw the eyes of the others turn to him, and he did his best to maintain a fully serious expression. "Hmm, well, for this particular endeavor, I suppose we need someone who is willing to engage in the vices that an establishment like that provides. If one of the pair is buying from them, then their security will be less inclined to confront us. Now I understand, naturally, that this is a part of life that you all are inexperienced with. Skooma, moon sugar, the pleasant company of women. One of us will have to, well, subject ourselves to purchasing their services, and if it is for the good of the mission, them I am, uh, willing to make that sacrifice." Colors said with a grin.

"Now, um, I'm sure my joining you will be more valuable than anything I could learn through dubious contacts. Though if I am to partake in those services, I will need something of an allowance of gold." Colors added.
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Fendros did not quite share Colours' grin. This would be an unpleasant necessity. "We'll get you some gold for as much as you'll need to keep the suspicion off you and the others," he said. "I'm sure we will have enough to accommodate you for as much time as needed."

"So it will be Colours, myself, and who coming with us?" Sabine asked.

"You can accompany Sabine, Kaleeth. If you feel confident talking to the Viper, that is. I've just thought of a cover story that you might like to use." Fendros gestured with a flat hand to the actors in his ploy. "Sabine is a Talos worshipper who has run afoul with the Thalmor and needs to escape to Daggerfall, Sentinel, or some place in Skyrim, wherever there is family for her. Kaleeth, you can be her friend who is finding someone to help her get out of the city inconspicuously. It just so happens that your brother..." Fendros eyed Colours, "...the sailor, has a lead on someone that might help -- the Viper. Because he is interested in partaking in the services of the brothel, he promised to get you two inside to speak to someone. Does that make sense?"

Sabine curled her lips and looked down. She shortly looked back up to Fendros and nodded.

Fendros angled his head down to look to Colours seriously. "Now, Colours, I shouldn't have to say that this is not a night of relaxation. I need you to be just as ready to get out of there as Kaleeth and Sabine at any time. That means I'll need you sober and without narcotics in your body.We do not know exactly what you'll be heading into, so pay for touches or dances all you like. Just no skooma, no drink, no sugar. Understood?"
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Colors suppressed his grin, but his tone was nonetheless unmistakably pleased. "If that is your will, then I shall spend my time with their lovely and hard-working women. Why, it is possible that I may be required to keep the establishment fooled for hours on end while we wait, but rest assured, I am willing to do anything for the success of our mission. I shall be up to the challenge. Although, I would like to request permission to order a single drink when we first arrive. Just a simple mug of ale while we scout out the establishment, nothing that would intoxicate an Argonian. I believe your cover story will work for us just fine. It's as good as one I would come up with."

Kaleeth could not help but to roll her eyes at Colors' remarks, but nevertheless, she remained focused on their actual mission. "So I will be acting as his sister? We don't really look much alike, but I doubt a Human like Viper would be able to tell all the subtle differences anyways. I've been in a place like Colors describes before; Janius showed me one years ago to try to...dissuade me from something. It is not a pleasant place, but most of the people there seem more, well, pitiful than dangerous. I don't think you'll have to worry too much about us getting hurt. Our comfort will probably be more at risk." Kaleeth explained, attempting to be somewhat reassuring. "Should we go ahead and do this right now? There is still plenty of time left in the day."
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Fendros sighed at Colours' request. "Look, just keep on your toes and know your way out. That goes for all of you." He made sure Kaleeth and Sabine acknowledged as well.

The question of when to pursue the brothel had Fendros lifting his brow and shrugging. "I honestly do not even know when the place is open. We might try at any point between now and tonight, though this would be the time to try investigating in other ways."

Fendros looked over to Malithus and his pack. "Unless we have any more ideas of what to do, we might get into contact with at least one of Colours' contacts and see if we get lucky with some background information on the Viper and his brothel. Let's move."
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It was later in the evening when the group made their way to the south side of town. They made some attempts at finding out more information about Viper during the day, but met with only limited success. The contacts that Colors had identified were not always easy to find, and not forthcoming with information. The most they managed to learn was that Viper did not actually own the brothel. He was merely a frequent patron. At the very least, it meant that he would not likely have many guards with him, if at all.

Colors led Kaleeth and Sabine into an alleyway: a place that was out of sight, out of mind, and easy for the city guard to turn a blind eye to. The rest of the group was waiting nearby in case they heard any obvious trouble, but they would have significantly less they could do this time around. They could not wait as close to the building as they could to the tailor's shop.

"Okay, so, just keep a good eye out once we're in. Oh, and try not to talk to many people. Not many go to these places to be social, so you'll want to keep to yourself. Unless someone is on skooma, then they might try to talk to you." Colors explained as they approached the door. Stepping up to the decaying wooden door, Colors gave two quick knocks, and a few moments later, a tall Orc with an axe on his hip opened it for them from the inside. For a few seconds, he stood with his arms crossed, looking over the trio, before finally giving them the nod to enter. In all likelihood, he was not looking for anything in particular, but rather just wanted to give them ample opportunity to be intimidated by him.

There was a short, narrow hallway that led to another door, inside which was the main room of the establishment. Strictly speaking, it was not exceptionally crowded, but the way the room was arranged made it feel a bit cramped. Most of the furniture came in the form of cushions and blankets strewn across the floor upon which the majority of people were seated. Across the room was a bar, likely which sold far more than just alcohol. About halfway across the room to the right, there was a wide hallway, on either side of which were the "private" rooms. Though, they were not actually proper rooms at all, but just stalls that were divided off from the rest of the room by curtains.

The prostitutes themselves were a majority female, though there were two men in one corner. They were mostly Humans or Orcish, though there were some elves and a single Khajiit. They were easy to identify, as they all wore the same, small loincloth. It was not particularly noteworthy attire for one who lived in a lycan clan, but everything from the way they acted, to the way they moved, to the way they simply looked at patrons showed that they were primarily focused on seduction. There were some patrons who seemed clean and fairly normal, but as Kaleeth has suspected, many had the look of skooma addicts, between their gaunt figures and ragged, torn clothing.

"All...too familiar." Kaleeth commented, turning her head towards Sabine. "So, um, do you know what a Colovian accent sounds like?" She asked.
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Sabine frowned and scanned her alert eyes over the room. She had not expected the place to be as austere as it was. However, it made sense when she thought about it. It was easier to hide an illegal drug-trading establishment if it was small.

To Kaleeth's question, Sabine simply nodded without looking at her. She had spent enough of her life around the Cyrodilic language to distinguish its accents. Unfortunately, she was at a loss for anything else. They stood by the door for a few moments longer before Sabine turned her head to Colours. "Where should we wait?"

There was little enough space that wouldn't put them in close proximity with a prostitute. Sabine did not feel afraid of harm, rather it was a combination of fear of failure and discomfort with the looks of the employees that made her nervous. The way some of the patrons looked her up and down made matters even worse, despite her comparatively modest dress.
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"Hmm, well, here is good enough." Colors answered, motioning to the nearest set of empty cushions to them. "We have a clear enough view of the room. Well, other than the private rooms, but I doubt you want to go peering in those. Just, uh, wait here a moment while I go get my drink."

Colors stepped away for only a minute or so to buy a mug of ale from the bar, but for new guests to the brothel, the employees would not be keen to simply ignore them. By the time Colors returned, one of the prostitutes had made his way over from across the room to greet the new arrivals. He was one of the males, a Breton. In all likelihood, he did not get near as much business as his female co-workers, so he probably approached almost every female patron. He looked down in particular at Sabine, standing in such a way as to call attention to his more attractive features. "Welcome, is there anything I can do for you beautiful ladies?"

Colors returned at about the same time, but he did not say anything directly to the Breton. Instead, he simply took a seat next to Sabine. He could not exactly interrupt the Breton, as that could be seen as strange. Sabine would have to be able to handle herself. Kaleeth, meanwhile, just tried to stay quiet and hope that no one put too much attention on her.
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Sabine sat with her legs curled to one side. She had her fist against her knee, clasped in her other hand tensely. She gave the prostitute a look and cleared her throat. Even with the man's features, she was far too nervous to distract herself with thoughts of joining Colours' misbehaviour tonight.

She hoped that Kaleeth or Colours would talk him away. Sabine was not so lucky, even when Colours came back. She spoke quietly, almost too quiet for the Breton man to hear. "No, thank you. We are just waiting for...for now..."

Sabine stopped herself before blurting out exactly who they were waiting for.
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The Breton leaned in and turned one side of his head towards Sabine. "Hmm? My apologies, I couldn't quite hear you. Are you interested in anything I have to offer?"

Kaleeth spoke up a bit louder, mostly repeating what Sabine had said. "Not right now. We're, um, just getting a feel for this place."

The Breton bowed his head. "Ah, but of course. You know where to find me when you decide it is time for some entertainment."

As the Breton walked away, Colors moved himself closer to Sabine and Kaleeth so he could speak more quietly. "There don't seem to be any Imperials here right now, so he'll at least stand out if we see him." He said, pausing as he took in a deep breath. The air was somewhat thick with smoke from skooma pipes. It's scent was unmistakable; pleasant for Colors, though not likely as much for Sabine or Kaleeth. Not to mention, their enhanced hearing made it all the more easy to hear any noises from the direction of the private rooms. "Think you'll be okay. I know this isn't really your kind of place, but...you may want to try to look like you're having a good time. Attract less attention that way." He explained. Surprisingly, his expression was actually showing what looked like genuine sympathy.
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"Okay." Sabine said, looking down with a nod to one side. She was clearly uncomfortable, in spite of playing it down. She lifted a fist to lightly cough into it and continued. "We will take care of ourselves, Colours. We will...We might try in a few minutes. You can go and talk to them now, if you like."

Of course, delaying their blending in only made Sabine more self-conscious about it. She paused for a while before catching Kaleeth's eyes. "Did you want to try approaching first?" she asked, thinking completely past her established relationship with Janius complicating matters.
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Kaleeth was not sure how to answer, nor entirely what Sabine was wanting. Meanwhile, Colors nodded. "You just have to put on a good act. Avoid suspicion." Colors said speaking as quietly as he could while still being audible to them. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on the perspective, the establishment was not too loud. They did not need to speak too loudly to hear one another, but at the same time, they did not want anyone else eavesdropping on them. It was, after all, not normal for one to willingly go into a brothel while taking objection to everything they offered.

"I can stay here a bit longer. Need to finish my drink, after all. What do you intend to do? Anything I can do to help?" Colors asked.
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Sabine threw a few glanced in Colours' direction and fidgeted with her hands. She kept looking to all the people in the room, patrons, prostitutes, bouncers, the barman, all of them.

Finally, she looked at her hands and murmured to Colours. "I have not been to a place like this. I thought I would be sitting and watching only. How should we act?" Sabine glanced at the near-nude Breton man that had addressed them before. "Do we have to...use them? I do not want to."
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Colors lightly shook his head. "Just sitting and watching for too long would be unusual. Hiring them is the simplest option, certainly, but strictly speaking, no, you don't have to. We'll have to be creative. Delay properly to blend in as much as we can. It would be easier if I could buy skooma, but Fendros gave his orders. Only thing left is the prostitutes, so I don't have that many options. You could both buy a bit of time if you order an ale. They're stronger than normal to try to get their patrons drunk faster, but one of them won't get you there by itself. Wouldn't order a second, though."

Colors turned his head towards the curtained-off stalls in the hall of to the right. "If we can get into one of those unnoticed, we can hide for a while. Probably until our contact comes in. I could get in by hiring one of them, and make an excuse for resting there for a bit. Just got to figure out how to get you two in."

Despite how he behaved the previous night, Colors was not actually encouraging Sabine to indulge in what the establishment had to offer, as he intended to. He seemed to actually be sympathetic to Sabine and Kaleeth's discomfort.
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Sabine looked at the stalls as well for a time. She spoke while she thought. "Fendros just said not to take any, not to avoid purchasing any." She hummed for a moment, and then her face relaxed. "I could stay in a stall. I know how if we hire someone." She looked to Colours. "I would not have to...you know. I have a plan."

The corner of Sabine's mouth twitched and she wriggled her fingers in front of Colours in a manner similar to the previous night when they were discussing countesses.

A realisation made her frown again. "But, how would we tell when the Colovian comes in if none of us are watching?" She turned to Kaleeth. "Should we take turns after an ale?"
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Colors shrugged. "We could just kind of...peer out around the curtain. Look through a gap just big enough for our eyes. If we have stalls on the opposite side of the hall from each other, we could still have a good view of the main room. And it's not too loud; we'd probably be able to hear his voice in the crowd. You two could probably hire one together and go through with whatever plat you have. I'd have to hire a different one. I can't avoid going through with it, but, well, I don't have any problem mixing business and pleasure." He grinned.

Colors gave another glance across the room. "I guess ales first, though?"
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Sabine nodded rapidly. She wanted to pad out all the time they could have before going into hiding.

The next few minutes were spent with Colours ferrying a couple of cups of ale to Sabine and Kaleeth where they sat. They nursed the drinks for as long as they could, avoiding the glances of those around them. Along with some hushed idle chatter, Sabine conveyed her plan to Kaleeth by way of whispering in her ear.

It may have seemed odd at first for them to be so close -- and Sabine was certainly comfortable around Kaleeth -- but their veiled intimacy would play into 'sharing' a hire.

Eventually, they were nearing the end of their mugs. Sabine circled the bottom of her cup against the floor slowly with one finger. They could wait for another prostitute to approach them, but Colours' approach would make more sense if he took the initiative.

"You go first," Sabine said to Colours after they had been sitting quietly for long enough to prove that they had nothing left to talk about.
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