(1310-04-17) Choice of Company
Summary: A former Dahlia and a Vicomte consider what the salon of Rose Sauvage has on offer, Séverine is happy to help with their questions.
RL Date: 17/04/2018
Related: None.
marco imogen severine 

La Rose Sauvage — Night Court — Marsilikos

A huge hearth of black marble, with gargoyles of stone adorning the mantlepiece, governs the foyer of the Salon de la Rose Sauvage, which emanates a certain dark air, the interior design of the more heavy sort, that could easily be encountered in a gentleman's club, especially with the dark cherry wood wainscoting used on the walls. Dark leather upholstery is predominant in the furniture of chaise longues, couches and long-backed chairs that are arranged in a half-circle, leaving space in the center for courtesans (or patrons) to kneel for an inspection. Three tall windows with circular stained-glass insets are framed by dark red curtains of heavy brocade, a few golden threads worked into the fabric catching occasionally the light of flickering oil lamps at the walls. The lamps light a pair of portrait paintings, of the two founders of the salon, Edouard Shahrizai and his cousin Annabelle no Mandrake, resplendent in their dark Kusheline appeal; and a cabinet in a corner, holding a number of quality wines and a flagon of uisghe.

The foyer has a high ceiling, and a gallery beyond a balustrade of dark teak wood, carved in the shapes of gargoyles. Sometimes a few veiled creatures can be spotted up there, stealing glances at what is going on below; from the gallery, which can be reached by ascending some winding stairs at the back of the foyer. Beside the stairs leading up is a hallway on ground level, leading further into the building to where the offices of the leader of the salon and his two Seconds can be found, along with the two wings of private quarters for roses of Mandrake and Valerian canon.

When looking out of the windows, you see: It is a spring night. The weather is cool and overcast.


Marco is just settling down into a seat beside Imogen the dark jade eyes wandering the room again as he settles back and he smiles at the question head tilted to speak to Imogen and on occasion gaze past, "Well then it's my pleasure to alleviate that lack… Marco, Marco de Mereliot at your pleasure." He offers warmly just settling in beside the once Courtesan, "And you are?"

It may not be that odd, for the Valerian Second of the salon to enter at this late hour, and here she comes, exiting the hallway at the back of the parlor at an unhurried pace. Séverine is a woman of a certain frail look, and yet she walks with confidence, grey eyes alighting as they glimpse the visitors. Her gaze is downcast, the dark green fabric of her dress whispering, as she approaches. "Good eve. Can I bring you anything? Wine? Some other refreshment?" Her voice is smooth as she lowers into a curtsey. "Séverine nó Rose Sauvage."

Imogen smiles politely and nods to his greeting. "Imogen, Imogen no Dahlia de Mereliot. A pleasure to make your acquaintance my lord," she replies cordially before Séverine approaches and she offers the woman a warm and welcoming smile. "Oh, no thank you, i'm quite alright," she replies and repeats her name in case the woman wasn't previously in range to hear it. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well,"

Marco ahs at that and blinks, "A relative then. And a Dahlia double the pleasure I shall call it then." He tilts his head up then to the new arrival studying the woman in her dark greens. He considers her for long moments and then murmurs, "A delight as well to meet you… Séverine no Rose Sauvage." His tone rolling the name around thoughtfully considering it and her eyes flickering up and down slowly, "Wine is always a delight but I imagine like most here company is what we seek."

"Two members of the Mereliot family," Séverine replies smoothly. "You honor us with your visit." Her hand lifts gesturing for a novice or adept to fetch them wine, before she turns her attention back onto the guests. "Company? What sort of company is it that would warm your hearts, my lord, my lady?" She addresses Imogen as lady, because she overheard the name, and paid attention to the order of courtesan and family name. "If you seek the more submissive diversions, I am in charge of those and will gladly hear about your preferences to find someone to your taste. If you seek the more dominating sort of company, I can send for Jacques, the leader of our salon."

Imogen tilts her head curiously at Marco's comment regarding her be a relative. She did of course hear his surname, but there are also /alot/ of mereliots, especially in Marsilikos. "Indeed, it's always nice to meet a cousin," she offers smoothly before her companions attention, and her own, is moved to the woman that's approached them. "I must confess i've never spent much time at any salon as a patron as opposed to a courtesan, so i'm still learning the type of company I like," she explains, and there is a delicate spray of rose across her face at that admission, but like any proper dahlia she keeps it subdued.

Marco tilts his head watching the drift of Séverine's hand rising and then triggering the movement of the younger residents. "Well I enjoy both but since you are the one here it seems the best use of one's time." He grins, "Why don't you tell me some of your variety. I like to think of myself as having quite…varied interests." He murmurs lightly eyes flicking from Séverine to Imogen as he speaks and then admits, "I didn't realize the house was split in so clear a manner."

"You're of one of the most famous Houses of Mont Nuit," Séverine counters softly towards Imogen. "I've started out at House Valerian myself. I debuted there, but afterwards I moved on to Marsilikos and this salon." Attention shifts towards Marco, and as is the custom, Séverine sinks to her knees into an abeyante position. "The three canons we follow here are inherently connected," she explains. "They are three sides that need to be separate. Unless they are joined in rare Showings, my lord. My own specialties you are asking about? Or is it that you wish to hear more about our patron rooms?"

Imogen tilts her head as she's informed of Dahlia's status amidst the Mont Nuit houses. She wasn't there very long, and at the time was far too low ranking to really engage in politics, but she brushes the point aside to focus on some of the more important things occuring, her eyes turning to watch her interactions with the newly discovered cousin.

Marco breaths in clearly appreciating the way Séverine drops smoothly before the two. He wets his lips thoughtfully and he admits, "I'll admit an intrigue in both if her Ladyship doesn't mind indulging my curiosity." He considers a moment and then asks, "All three, though I suppose I'll admit to preferring two to the last."

The glance Séverine gives Imogen is that of deep respect. House Dahlia's courtesans have been known to have connections to the most influential and powerful noble Houses. Marco's reply though makes Séverine's features soften in a smile. "I am versed in the manner of rope and making artful arrangements of bodies," she says, "I am favored by those who wish to administer pain, and those that indulge in domination. Which of the three canons is the one you are not favoring?" Her grey eyes hold Marco's gaze. "The innocent roses we keep upstairs?"

Marco raises a brow, "Oh?" He murmurs softly his eyes clearly working with this information, "Artful arrangements of bodies? Do tell more… I find myself intrigued by this." He admits sighing out and shifting in his seat pressing his lips together as he grins wider then, "Favored are you? So very favored." He asks leaning up and then he inclines his head staring into those gray eyes, "That isn't to say one couldn't catch attention but they don't play to my….enjoyment of indulgence you see?"

Séverine smiles, her torso twisting just so, that Marco and Imogen can admire some of the marque that has been inked into her back, the cut of the dress putting it on full display. "Favored, yes my lord, as you can see. Even if I am free to use my patron gifts for a number of costly things now." Her brow lifts. "The art of restraining a body and adding pressure by placing knots close to certain areas… it can be quite… the experience."

Imogen chuckles softly and smiles slightly, her composed Dahlia mask slipping ever so slightly for a moment. She does appreciatively eye the marque on the womans back but seems content not to interfere in others conversations for the time being.

Marco turns his attention on Imogen then and smiles, "Tell me my Lady. Have you ever had the opportunity of this experience? With ropes binding you holding in place but each movement and shift of them drawing another pain or pleasure from you?" He asks curiously and playfully his eyes lingering on Séverine and the intricate inking adding a soft, "I can only begin to imagine their favor…But what do you find the most costly now to spend your gifts upon?" His tone shifting to open fascination.

It is that chuckle that reminds Séverine of Imogen's presence, and she shifts back into her posture from before. "My lady de Mereliot, I take it you have not been in Marsilikos recently? If so, then you must check out the other salons as well. Lis d'Or especially. I hear courtesans of that salon are often attending festivities at the palace." To Marco, she smiles. "I have this dream, to pay the debut price for a Mandrake one day. Perhaps even on Mont Nuit."

Imogen chuckles softly and shakes her head. "Indeed I have not, most of my patrons in Dahlia were more of an escort nature, they did not come to me for kinks and i've yet to have the chance to explore them myself either," she explains coyly to Marco before Séverine once more captures her attention. "I spent most of my youth on Mont Nuit, then returned home to my county, it's only recently i've had a chance to visit the grand ducal seat. But I shall definitely keep your suggestions in mind," she agrees.

Marco laughs softly, "Interesting, a Mandrake must be an interesting one at debut vs over time. I imagine their ventures take their own interesting toll upon them." He looks thoughtful at that and then he smiles, "Well I'm sure you will find a way to manage such a delightful dream. At least you are in a position where you will be sure to know of them afoot." He glances to Imogen then considering her a time and then suggests, "Are you sure you don't wish to explore them tonight?"

Séverine nods, her head tilting just so. "Of course, my lady. Welcome to Marsilikos then, as you'll find it has much more on offer than just the Night Court, which is humble compared to what is found on Mont Nuit in the capital. The temple of Eisheth, especially. I suppose you have your living quarters at the palace, being a relative to Her Grace, the duchesse?" As for Marco's remark towards Imogen, it earns him a glance.

Imogen blinks a bit at the admittedly bold suggestion from her cousin, though it is quickly replaced by a rather coy smile. "I never said i was opposed to exploring it tonight, i'd simply need to find the right person," she replies smoothly, but there's something in the air around her, a seductive presence that implies it's a very high possibility. "Thanks, i'm quite enjoying my time here. But yes I opted to stay with the duchess, i thought it'd be a good chance to bond with my extended family," she explains.

Marco ahs and smiles to Séverine, "I had been considering taking up a residence a bit outside of the city but it's quite fun to explore and meet all the different personages, city living does have that appeal. And I've quite been told that one does need to see all that Marsilikos has to offer." He suggests brightly and he grins faintly at the double reaction from the two clearly amused by it but settling back once again, "Oh? Well I suppose the search for the right person is ever a challenging one."

"I agree," Séverine replies to Marco, holding his gaze for a moment, before she lowers it. "The search and choice of the right company… the task of determining the one who catches one's interest and fancy." Looking up, her grey eyes flick their gaze towards Imogen. "We have a number of male adepts and courtesans, my lady. If these are what you seek."

Imogen chuckles softly and nods. "For my first time as a patron? Yes I think starting with the men would be a good idea," she agrees before turning to her cousin. "Would you like to come with us, i'm sure we can find a lady for you also?" she offers pleasantly.

Marco's eyes twinkle at Séverine's response and gaze. "I suppose everyone must face that though. I wouldn't think…" He trails off and he glances to Imogen with a smile, "I'm quite sure you can. I suppose it would be unfortunate to not provide some company. But yes let us have Séverine show us her impressive variety." He suggests and rises waiting for the women to do so as well and preparing to follow Séverine to what goes next…

"Very well." Séverine moves to stand and then sends a novice off. "We can go upstairs, I'm certain Virginie won't mind me using her solar for presenting a few of our Valerian roses."

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