Thar Shaddin

A young man walked up the steps towards the door and the door man that stood there. He held an invitation printed on thick paper, the name on it read “Erebos Merynir” and invited him to a fantastic Gala in celebration of the restoration of Marn. Ere was clothed in simple black and white, which is all he ever wore. Today he threw on a garnet ring on his right hand, it contrasted well with his pale skin. His hair was a healthy raven black, curling slightly here and there. The only color on him was his eyes; they were a striking blue, almost white near the center with midnight edges. He handed his invitation over, and walked into the Gala, not bothering with a backwards glance for the door man.


Erebos grinned wolfishly as he surveyed the party. The power in the room made their air seem electrified. So many powerful rich people gathered in one spot. You know what they say about eggs and baskets? He grabbed a drink, and settled at a small table. The scene was one of wealth, with ample amounts of fine cloth and colorful stones that glittered against skin. Personally, Erebos had never felt the need to parade himself. He liked to be overlooked much like a dark corner in an otherwise cheery room.


Erebos relished in his silence, dreading the banter he would have to maintain. Soon he would have to walk around, talking to this family and that family. One had to keep up his reputation, after all. Their conversations bored him, most of the talk was pointless.

Winter, 123PW

Smoke had wreathed the ceiling of Jaded since Aurelio had graced the gentlemen's club with his presence earlier that morning. He'd been there a good long while, watching the mustachioed regulars at their usual tricks. They smoked, drank, played genteel card games and waxed long over matters of politics and literature, arts and travel, wives and lady friends. Jaded was the sort of place these sort of men could comfortably relax in, separated from the dirty commoners who caroused in such unrefined places as taverns or whorehouses. Jaded was free from the constraints of poor people and women alike, leaving only the most important of Marn's citizens to talk peaceably with such airs of self-importance it was a wonder one could squeeze inside. Ego clouded the place up worse than smoke.

It would be a lie to say that Aurelio did not care for it. He graced it with his presence often enough that the man who tended bar knew him by first name. And last name, as it so happened, though thanks to a number of small "favors" enacted over the course of years Aurelio had retained his membership. If barely. These days the scandal that had curtailed his political ambitions was far enough past that it carried little social sting to it. If only political matters were so easily healed, alas. His eyes gleamed as he circled his whisky with an idle hand, looking around the room.

Jaded had chosen to leave references to its name to accents rather than going too far into tacky. As a result, the interior was mostly polished wood of too many types to name, all colored dark and somber. There was glints of jade at crown and dado rail moulding, as well as bits inset in a decorative pattern along the top of the bar. Completing the utter masculinity of the interior was its hardwood floor, covered in places by fur rugs. Tables were heavy and modestly carved -- affecting simplicity while preserving quality -- and chairs were thickly padded. The lights were electric, and tasteful; indeed, nothing within Jaded could be considered as anything less. It oozed money, and power, and denied manhood to those not capable of entering with its existence.

Aurelio cast a glance towards the smoked glass windows. He couldn't tell what time it was outside, but even so he reckoned it to nearly be the time for him to meet with Erebos.

His lips thinned.

"Istvan," he said, drawing the bartender's attention. Jaded had a certain air of dignity to it not often broken by the loudness that permeated most other bars. In the same vein, it held none of the sullen quiet that affected certain disreputable taverns. He was easily heard.

The bartender drew closer, gloved fingertips brushing against the bar as he leaned closer to Aurelio. One of his eyebrows quirked upwards in silent query.

"A back room, if you please. I am expecting a visitor, and I would much like," Aurelio placed a small handful of bishani upon the bartop, "discretion in location."

Istvan eyed the coins, and looked at Aurelio straight on. They held eachother's gaze for a few solid seconds, and then Aurelio withdrew another portion of bishani.

"The velvet room is available," Istvan said, all grace and good breeding as he collected his bribe.

Aurelio's lips twisted, just a little. "Send Erebos once he arrives," he said.

Istvan inclined his head as Aurelio walked past the cluster of cocky old farts on his way to the velvet room. Soon thereafter, he settled in to wait.

Erebos was in a particularly frustrated mood, although he hid it well. His boots clicked on the brick of the streets as he made his way to his meeting. His wolf dog that he recently acquired decided to sneak out the door just as he was leaving. He had to chase the wild ball of fluff for a good ten minutes until he could catch her.

Briefly he stopped in front of the club, having caught his reflection in the dark slightly fogged glass. He took time to fix his black and white clothing which had become a bit ruffled from the chase. He pushed his shiny jet black curls out of his face and entered Jaded.

Erebos enjoyed the dark interior of the place, bright colors always seemed to make his head hurt somewhat. He was familiar with the setting, having taken many business partners out to celebrate new deals or simply blow off some steam. Erebos, himself preferred a more private setting where one had no chance to be over heard but he knew his cousin had a soft place for this particular establishment.

Erebos inclined his head at the bartender, sliding over a few Bishani. "Two please, of your finest."

The bartender took the Bishani, busying himself with the drinks.

"I have a meeting with a Merynir, perhaps you could direct me?" Erebos said quietly.

Istvan nodded, finishing the drinks and sliding them towards Erebos. "Last room on the left."

Erebos gave a small smile, leaving the bartender to his post.

He entered the room, taking care to push the dark wooden door closed behind him. He couldn't help but smile when he saw Aurelio, not only was he kin but Erebos admired his habit of stirring up trouble. Aurelio stood out in his bright colors, the room was much like the rest of Jaded but with accents of silky black velvet here and there. Though Erebos was not partial to bright colors he enjoyed spending time with Aurelio, even if the man had a habbit of strutting around like a peacock. He had to admit his cousin knew how to display his wealth in what he wore and the way he held himself.

Erebos held out one of the drinks in Aurelio's direction. "Good evening cousin, I come bearing gifts."

It was true: Aurelio could do nothing for his red hair, blue eyes or pale skin. Even so, he had downplayed his typical habit of wearing clothing to stand out. He hadn't wanted to be marked in Jaded, hadn't wanted attention. Not to say that what he was wearing wasn't luxurious -- the cut and the quality was on par with the establishment -- but it was below his flashy norms.

He glanced over Erebos as the other man came in, and flashed an appreciative smile for the alcohol. "Most appreciated," he murmured, reaching out to take the drink.

His expression held danger.

"I've gifts for you, cousin. We have the promise of discretion. None will bother us while we entertain ourselves in here, and none will overhear."

Aurelio paused, and gestured Erebos to sit. The room was a box shape, featuring armchairs and sofas. It was a room meant for private discussions, or discrete entertainments; the walls were thick. A gentlemen's club could not be a gentlemen's club without some secrets lurking about in the corners, after all. Aurelio had sprawled into one of the sofas, one arm spread across its back and one leg perched atop the other at ankle. His bearing was wholly artful, care taken to show some mild displeasure as well as a bulk of apathy. He tipped his newly acquired glass in Erebos' direction and waited.

Erebos smirked, taking a seat in a soft chair and propping his black boots up on a velvet cushion. He took a small swig of his drink, he didn't necessarily enjoy drinking due to the effects it had on ones mind. It was another part of the facade he wore, which changed to match the company he was keeping. He was generally good at handling the drink, and most people of high society were too preoccupied with themselves to notice how much of his drink he consumed. He swirling the amber colored drink in the glass, gazing at it while he talked.

"That is wonderful to hear, one can never be too careful when it comes to business and politics." He stated, his blue eyes straying from the glass to take in Aurelio. " I trust you haven't been getting into too much trouble."

Unlike Aurelio, Erebos hadn't quite mastered the art of looking completely relaxed and comfortable. Erebos' eyes were cold and calculating, taking in the room and watching Aurelio. The interaction between family, especially upper class family, could be described as an intricate dance between snakes.

"Trouble?" Aurelio's voice rose a hair; boredom dragged the word down past actual curiosity. "Yes, I suppose that might be of concern."

He smiled again, staring at Erebos over the rim of his drink.

" So do tell me, cousin, have you found a beautiful creature to entertain you yet?" Erebos chuckled a bit, knowing this was probably a sore subject but one that was important. Erebos hardly had time for women, preferring to spend his time sketching or otherwise attending some social gathering of political importance.

"I have many entertainments, as I always have. I do, however, wonder in what you have been partaking these past few weeks?"

Aurelio made no effort in making his pleasant tone genuine. They shared a similar veneer, those two men.

Erebos chuckled, another one of his smirks gracing his face. "I have recently acquired a guard dog from one of the prize dogs at Bitch's Bite, and she has been tearing apart absolutely everything." He paused, tipping his head. "In fact I had to chase the monster around the park before I arrived, she has already frightened my servants, drawing blood on several occasions. "

He leaned in closer, lowering his voice and raising a dark eyebrow. "As far as the little hiccup with the Vyadukas go it seems they did not take too kindly to the thought of myself sharing a bed with one of their own. After the Judge's daughter decided to grace me with a rather...wet kiss in front of her father and pulled me out the door with her I wasn't given a chance to return. She had a grip like a hawk, that one."

"Sloppy as ever. How perfectly dull." Aurelio pressed himself back into the sofa with a sigh. He looked away from Erebos to study his drink, tipping it this way and that as he watched the liquid within. "I can only pray that your ambition is not as limp as your dick, cousin."

Erebos smiled wolfishly, his gaze was predatory and cruel. "I do appreciate your concern and prayers, not all of us enjoy prancing around like some prize stead who is too good for the rest of the lot."

He leaned back in his chair, shifting his feet. "Though you may be excellent in the art of snobbery, I believe there is more too this game than just the upper class."

"I am glad you recognize my worth," Aurelio murmured, appearing not to have heard Ereobs' second statement. "At the least allow me to introduce you to a competent tailor. It's no wonder you stumble in matters of negotiation with such seams as those; your clothing is as bulky as your manner. Appearance, in all things, matters."

The last was gentle as rebukes went, but there was more to the statement than that. Aurelio glanced over at Erebos, one eyebrow lifted as if waiting for something of meatier context.

Erebos laughed as he pictured himself in Aurelio's version of clothes, bright colors and fantastic designs. "Forgive me, cousin. Although you do have a valid point, I suppose I could find a tailor that would cater to my particular choice in colors. Not always being the most colorful or tailored person in the room does have it's advantages. Perhaps you should have taken a page out of my book, maybe than our dearest family wouldn't have sought to destroy your reputation."

What their family did to Aurelio was unfortunate, they needed someone to dump the family secret on and who better than a man that always commanded attention and no one would question as the source of illegal activity. Erebos didn't for a minute believe Aurelio was really the one responsible, such a complex scandal could not be pulled off by one person, he also knew his family's knack for squeezing money from any place possible. Of course the rest of society whole-hardheartedly did believe Aurelio was the one responsible simply because he was the easiest to blame. Erebos may look like a yet another descendant child too spoiled to bother with anything involving politics but underneath the facade it was a different story.

"Do you truly think I spoke of colors? How disappointing," Aurelio's voice was low in pitch: a rhetorical question. "Alas, you are tedious today. Perhaps a recent setback has dulled you? I expected a better showing for our meeting -- if this continues I fear I might have to replace you as my favorite cousin."

Aurelio gestured grandly with his glass, an indication that embodied the whole of the Merynir name. With it went his customary head tilt, eyes roaming beyond Erebos as if considering something. "Ah. Yes, perhaps you have not the attention to spare me. If you so desire to speak of scandal, then let us retain some semblance of form.

"I asked you to gain Mila Vyaduka's trust, that you might discover pertinent information regarding Azuel's placement in the guard, and his subsequent. . ." Aurelio's head tipped the other way, "avoidance of pitfalls. Am I to believe that you were balked at the door?"

"If you do not like the way I obtain my information you are free to do so yourself." Erebos had become rather bored with the whole situation, as well as Aurelio's attitude. "Like everything, good leads take time to find. In case you have forgotten, you contacted me to help you."

The pretty little Vyaduka woman he had taken home with him would, no doubt, serve him well later. Especially due to the fact her father is one of the Judges. She seemed to be in a rather rebellious state of mind, trying to break rules and deviate from her father's plans for her to find a respectable husband. Luckily Erebos offered just the right amount of dangerous appeal to attract her but his family name and wealth put him in good terms with her father. Erebos may have use for her loud mouth and willingness to speak about her father openly with him.