[HC][RL] The Sin of Knowledge

[SilverTongue]

The music was heavy in regards to the beat to the point that if one relaxed a bit it'd give the exhilarating and slightly nauseous feeling of rocking inside their chest cavity. Lyrics, if any, made some of even the most adventurous newcomers blush at their meaning. However even that was only one part of the entire set-up Dauth had imagined for this place. Some strange scent covered the air in a form of smoke less masking the smell of sex and more complementing it, making it subtle in its own way. It was pleasant in a dark forbidden way and almost drew people in. Even the faint smell of blood only added to the allure. The smoke made a fantastic effect of a rolling light along the ground due to the naturally set low lights. Even the temperature was set just to a point to encourage closeness.

The seating was thick, but mildly firm to deliver comfort without sinking into it, and there wasn't a single chair to be found except one. Dauth sat in tight fitting clothing, his shirt half unbuttoned, in a large mock throne in a corner to the right that was slightly elevated. The lighting seemed to draw everyone's attention to it and his harem around it. Men and women fawned near it, wearing collars and light bits of leather and nothing else. It was definitely a sight to behold.

Dauth himself took the form of a young pale man with jet black hair and piercing blue eyes. He decided he wanted to get a drink, so he stood and walked across to the ornate bar on the opposite wall. He snapped his fingers when whimpering started, causing it to come to a completely stop. He smirked and waded throught a masses of contorting bodies around him. Despite losing all of his business during the Calamity, he did quite well at developing a customer base. His smirk never left as he got his drink and pressed it to his lips.

[CosmicAsh]

Graycia Roin's heart couldn't be beating any faster.Her brother,Geralt, was hot on her trail.She could already smell the slight tinge of whiskey and lavender that coated her brothers body.She jammed her self into the elevator and began to rapidly press the button for floor 69, her gloved hands clenching the parchment that she had been asked to carry.Her hazel eyes starring intently at the floor as she felt the elevator move upwords towrds the level, her long silver braids twitching slighlty from her shaking form.She took a deep breath and straightened herself up and collected her thoughts, she had a job to do and she was going to get it done.She shoke herself slightly and breathed again, she was Graycia, she had beaten whole gangs single handedly and her she was shaking over some spoiled faggot who pinched her once or twice.She was snapped out of her aggressive thoughts as the doors opened, smoke poured into the doors and a strange smell filled her nose.She slowly stepped out of the elevator and turned and saw the throne of people that had been erected, a cold shiver ran through her whole being.She took another slow step forward her lace shorts sticking to her legs from the cold sweat she broke out into, she slowly made her way to a counter and gently sat down.Her sword wich lay across her back seemed to quiver with the loud raunchy music that blasted her ears.She turned her head back over to the throne and shook again, small strands of silver locks sticked to her face.She was obviously uncomfortable.

[SilverTongue]

“Oh my,” Dauth smirked to himself as he looked at the newcomer, head turning that direction after the bell dinged quietly. “Seems as though someone lost her way.” He chuckled to himself. He took a long look at his new guest, studying her a bit before moving. She was holding something and lacked the look of nervousness from most first timers. The emotion was there, though it was for something else. “Another drink, soft and virgin for the new lady please.” Dauth told the bartender before walking over.

“Hello there.” Dauth said just over the music, “I’m Dauth au Chaum, owner of this… establishment.” He bowed his head as he sat down. “Judging from your demeanor you’re here for business opposed to pleasure. Though to be fair you seem like a caged bird. Who are you trying to escape my dear?” He offered a sweet smile, though it was probably taken as something with a promise a bit too good. He didn’t mind, it wasn’t often he was trusted.


Someone came by with a drink and set it next to Gray. “Don’t worry,” Dauth explained, “There’s nothing in there. Consent for everything is important here. If you wish to stay a bit, feel free and remember that your strongest word here is ‘no.’ You’ll be left alone as long as you wish to be. That being said, there is little here we can’t do for you. I mean very little.” He stood bowing again. “I’ll be just over there whenever you’re ready to talk business.” He began to walk away with his odd smile on his face as he turned around.

[CosmicAsh]

Grace blinked at the tall man as he walked up, her body tensing for a second.She listened and slowly took the drink, her hands still quivering.She watched as he stood up and she managed to squeak out "wait!" before he walked off, she stood up and held out the letter. " Someone ...well the person i w-work for requires your services, but i'm going to need you to promise that these words will only be heard by your ears and only your ears." She looked up and made eye contact, her hazel round eyes meeting his piercing blue.She demanded truth without uttering a word, she was feeling better now... a little more in her element.She straightened up and flicked her bangs back from her face, she was still a little weary but she needed to acomplish her mission.She opened her mouth to talk when she heard the elevator door ding, and her heart lept into her throat.Small black feahers appeared around her eyes in fear, when she was not in control of her emotions  her animal form came out easier.

[SilverTongue]

Dauth caught sight of the slight changes and looked to the elevator door. A figure who looked vaguely related to his new guest seemed to step out. “Oh dear,” Dauth shook his head, “Family issues?” He asked teasingly snapping his fingers to cause two big burly men to step forward. Dauth calmly walked forward, towards the new man, his strut shifting from a sultry step to a serious stride.

Dauth stopped just outside of arm’s reach or so it appeared. His smile held a vague threat of power behind it. “Welcome to the Sin of Knowledge young sir.” His eyes rapidly turned from a calming purple to a bright piercing blue. “You’re free to stay as long as you don’t break any of my rules. Which means leave that lovely young lady alone or I can’t be held accountable for what many, many, of my friends will do to you.” His smile held no kindness. Perhaps he didn’t know the full story, but he didn’t need to right now.

“Shall we?” Dauth said after he turned and approached Gray again. He held out his hand. “Let me get you another drink. Perhaps something a bit stronger. And I’ll see what I can do for you.” His eyes softened again with the smile he gave the young woman.

[CosmicAsh]

Geralt smirked and glanced over at Gray, her body was rigid and her precious little balck n were starting to curve around her face.The man spoke to him in an cold voice and walked away with Gray holding his hand, she glanced back and he saw her eyes.They were filled with hate.He smiled and calmly stepped into the room and sat at the bar a little ways from the two, eyeing them with anger and repulsion.But Grace pulled a strand of hair behind her ear, her long silver eye lashes batting gently as she spoke to the owner.He dug his nails into the wood and let out a frustrated sigh.He would corner her sooner or later and she would have to come home...back to her tower.

Gray followed Dauth, she was grateful for the kindness he showed her.She knew it was just part of his job but she still was glad, she handed him the letter and spoke her secret message "My boss wants you to send him one of your finest umm people he was not specific, he is ill and refuses to leave the house.I told him i do not thing your establishment does...those sort of things but never the less he insisted.Enclosed is money and a location, i-i will escort the umm person if you chose to have them leave with me.Despite the display of cowardice i have just shown you, i'm pretty handy with a blade." she said the last part with a slight playfulness.She she glanced over and saw her brother, they had the same hair, that horrid bright silver hair that they got from their mother.She clasped a braid and sipped her drink waiting for his reply.

[SilverTongue]

“Well to be fair, my lady, you’re right. There’s little we don’t do and one of those few things is house calls. Though I can’t say I’m not flattered.” Dauth falsely pouted at the bad news. “Don’t worry about delivering the message, I have a few people that owe me a favor. I’ll make sure it gets to them.” He moved his body so Geralt couldn’t see Gray. Dauth rested his arm carefully on his knee and set his hand near Gray’s, not touching at her at all but it looked to Geralt like Dauth was starting to hold her.

“And don’t worry about cowardice,” Dauth chuckled slightly. “I have people that take care of things for me, normally violent and bloody things because I won’t do it myself. Besides I’ve noticed throughout my businesses that victims often freeze up at the sight of their abusers regardless of training.” The last sentence was said loudly so that it could be caught by Geralt a few seats down.

Dauth leaned in a bit and talked low so only Gray could hear him. “You know, I know a great deal of people. If you need an escape I can provide you one.” Out of the corner of his eye Dauth watched two guards take up careful positions nearby. “Providing of course you’re willing to pay the price.” He paused a moment thinking about the way that was phrased. “That’s not to say that you’d have to do anything here oh gods no. Rather that you’re willing to change your profession or leave your house. Things much more personal than what I deal in.” He chuckled nervously hoping he cleared it up.

[CosmicAsh]

Gray listened intenetly, she was a little shocked at the offer.She glanced over at Geralt, she would do anything to get out from underneath his cruelty.She looked down at hands "My employer will not be pleased by this....even..even if i were to change my job...what would that entail?" .She worked as a "body gaurd"for her sickly stepfather, she mainly ran errands and made sure none of her siblings bothered him to much.Once she was escorting him to a party and a group of thugs attempted to rob them, she made short work of them and showed off her excellent sword skills.But her stepfather preteneded she had done nothing, she was abused and misused.She was almost 24 and she was still under the thumb of her family.She was the best fighter in her family and here she was being the errand girl from some old pervert.She was more than interested in this deal.

[SilverTongue]

“Hmmm,” Dauth pursed his lips to think, “What you have to do really matters on what you may be willing to give up and how far you’re willing to go.” He scooted his chair a bit closer. “See, Houses are a fickle thing, particularly if you know the right people or the right rules to bend. I mean how could I get so many people to surrender everything to me if I was the best little Meticulous boy I could be.” He smirked. “No, if you don’t mind leaving your House, abandoning your friends and family, being branded a traitor, and adjusting to a entirely new system I could make the transition smooth and simple.” He reached back into his mind, staring intently as his irises began to vanish in his focus. “Pandemonium and Havoc seem to reward strength, they’re the easiest to join if a bit harsh. Mutiny is next, but even then I can’t understand how their system wholly works. They’re also attacked a lot. Draconian would be simple enough for you if not far enough away from them.” He laughed at his next thought, “If you don’t mind an arranged marriage I have a… lovely young man from Discord upstairs. That leaves Maelstrom, which would probably be your best bet for what you’re looking for. The issue being it’s a place of secrets and manipulation. If that doesn’t bother you I can write up a letter for Queen Belinda. I hear she’s looking for a few Knights in her court as well, assuming you wouldn’t mind some extra responsibilities. Well that’s your decision.” He stood up and spoke a bit clearer. “Shall we take you to my office so I can get you… taken care of?” He flashed a wink back at Geralt before offering his hand.

[CosmicAsh]

She took his hand and nodded, "i-im interested, i hate my family, house meticulas had done nothing for me.".She looked over at Geralt, all the burns and scars he had caused her ached just at the sight of him.She looked up,her golden eyes shinning with determination. "What do i have to do.."

[SilverTongue]

Dauth led her to his office. A simple one, with what seems to be a large cabinet in front of a large open space and a desk made of finely lacquered mahogany. “I normally don’t bring guests here for business like this.” He chuckled to himself. “Unfortunately I don’t have much seating for guests here.” He began writing what seemed to be a long letter. “All you’ll have to do is forgo most ties to anyone you care about and merely let Queen Belinda read this. Which since I heard she’s on her way here for other business so I’ll hand the letter over personally.” He signed his name on the letter before folding it. “Otherwise it’s up to the Queen if you join her house and what she’ll require you to do.” He smiled softly. “It shouldn’t be too bad. After all, despite rumor’s about her, I’ve never had any issues.”

[CosmicAsh]

Gray took the letter and felt her heart rate go up.She was about to forget everything she had ever done in her house and with her family.She looked up and breathed, she closed her eyes and felt all the fear and pain from her house fall off her shoulders.She opened her eyes and smiled "sounds like a plan" she folded the letter and tucked it away in her shirt.She stood up straight and pushed her hair away from her face, she tended to wear her hair covering her cheeks and forhead "Lead the way" she said with a grin.

[SilverTongue]

Dauth’s smile returned before he briefly looked at her up and down. “Such a shame,” it turned a bit sad. “I was hoping you were here for your own pleasure. Oh well.” He led her by the hand yet again pausing before they entered the main lobby. “May I ruffle your hair and offset you a bit?” He asked merely for a formality as he did so regardless before walking out with her. He told a joke as to get her to laugh as they stepped into view.

He smiled at Geralt as he walked in. “Sorry to bother you but you need to tell her employer that I don’t send people for house calls. She’s recently acquired a new job and won’t be returning.” He closed his eyes and smiled as the shadows of three large men crossed over the man. “Sooner rather than later. I find bad news is best dealt with as soon as possible.” Dauth made sure the man was escorted out and sat with Graycia next to the elevator door. “He won’t return.” Dauth looked at his watch. “Soon the Queen should come up. The next time that door opens it’ll be her. Even if she has business elsewhere she’ll normally say hi. Can I get you anything else?”

[marcyllenesyrox]

By the shade of the night sky from the outside of the building, she already knew she was going to be early for her appointment. This was not quite a problem since she was only heading to a meeting with her contractor, and knew that they were brainless enough to lose track of the time. She smirked gently, looking back at the sky before walking into the building, pushing the elevator button and pressing her back against the wall, waiting quietly. 

Her mind was rushing with the details of the day. It would only be about an hour before she would announce her holding of Ichiro, getting the rest of her payment for the deed and being on her way. She tapped her fingers against her lips, still smirking. With a whole hour, she could see her darling friend up on floor 69, and pay a small visit. Of course, these visits always seemed to land on the same handful of days, which made her usual routine quite enjoyable. With the sweet scent of adultery and affordable price, she made it her guilty pleasure to go. Who knows, maybe she would purchase one or two? 
The elevator dinged on the bottom floor, startling her slightly, she turned and stepped into the machine, clicking the "69th Floor" button with her manicured claw and waited in the corner.

After the long trip up, she arrived at the floor and was confronted with the familiar scent and the audible sounds of pleasure before the elevator door opened. She laughed quietly as the door opened, walking into the familiar atmosphere.

[CosmicAsh]

Gray blinked, she was expecting someone more....well intimidating.She brushed her hair back from her face and gave an unsure smile.She had just made an extreme life decision and her boost of confidence was wavering.She cleared her throat "H-hello um are you t-the queen..i was told you needed umm..k-nights or something.." she sounded like an idiot.She flashed a wider smile in an attempt to not appear completely nervous, she was trying to make a good impression but the events of the night were making her a little scatter brained.She looked down at her shoes and once again pushed her silver hair behind her ear again.Her braids dangled down around her face, almost like she was trying to hide.She wanted to work for this Queen, she wanted a new life.One where she was not just some errand girl that everyone forgot until they needed something, she was highly skilled in swordplay and hand to hand combat.She breathed and calmed herself slightly and waited for the woman's response.She knew she had just bombarded her as soon as she walked in but she needed to hurry before her siblings got wind.

[SilverTongue]

“Oh Belinda my dear,” Dauth sounded happy, “I didn’t quite realize you’d be here so soon!” A few around his “throne” looked over at the elevator. More than a few of them reached out reflexively with sounds ranging from whimpers to low moans. Dauth leaned in and delivered an intimate kiss if only to hear the growls from those jealous. “I was just finishing up some business with this lovely young lady. Don’t worry, I have plenty more if that’s what you came for.” He winked.

Dauth decided to lead Belinda and Graycia to his little alcove, dismissing his “servants” not only for privacy but because he could tell Graycia was uncomfortable. “I know you probably don’t have much time, but would you like a drink at the least?” He gave a brief signal to the barkeep who nodded in response. “To be honest my Queen the business we were talking about involved you. I was hoping to cash in one of my favors for this lovely one.” Dauth smirked. “Her family was being extremely hostile towards her it seems. And you know how I feel about harassment.” The drinks were delivered and he took a sip. “I’ve included a brief reminder in a letter.” He nodded to Graycia, saying it was ok to turn it over to Belinda. “I did inform her it’s up to your discretion however.” He shrugged.

[CosmicAsh]

Gray fumbled with her shirt, accidently popping a few buttons and then blushing horribly red and scrambling to close her shirt.She held out the letter and gave an awkward little bow before continuing to fumble with her shirt.It had metal buttons that were hard to get in the holes, she hated the expensive clothes she had to wear.They were more of an inconvenience than people would expect.

[marcyllenesyrox]

Her eyes darted over to the silver haired maiden standing by the bar who had a sense of nervousness around her. She gave a gentle smile, before directing her attention to Dauth, smirking. 
"You always know how to announce my arrival, my dear." 
She kissed him back, already accustomed to his teasing to his playtoys. "You know, one day they will try to attack me from jealousy." She paused, placing her hand on her left hip, "And if they do, you may lose your most valued customer, and much more." 
Belinda laughed playfully before walking over to the girl and following her and Dauth to the backspace, studying the way she walked and the nervous fidgeting she presented in this kind of atmosphere. 

When in the back, she nodded to the bartender, who brought her a bright green drink that she swirled around the clear glass before speaking. 


"You sure know how to play the hero, huh?" She paused to watch the girl mess with the buttons on her shirt, smirking slightly. "But you always know what to do in a situation like this. It is true that we are needing more protection lately in Maelstrom. The risk level on our behalf has been raised, and I have yet to find someone in high enough power to be knighted." 


Belinda turned to the girl, ignoring the letter, and took her hand in hers, smiling into her eyes. "I understand your struggles with your family. I, too, have had struggles within my family, and have had to overcome it. But, if you are willing to take on the heavy responsibilities of being part of my court and being by my side for all of your days, I will happily take you into my family. But to do this, you must get rid of your old life and give allegance to me. Are you willing to go that deep into the rabbit hole?"

[SilverTongue]

Dauth laughed at Belinda’s comment of them attacking her. “My dear, you’re a treat they taste rarely. I’m the dish they have most often. It’s me I’m worried about far more than you.” He sipped his drink. “Dear, you know how much consent means to me. It’s the last article of moral fortitude I have left. You should’ve seen the way he came in here and her reaction. Would’ve made a wiser man shake in his boots.” He laughed at his own joke before downing his drink. “And of course I’m aware, I have eyes everywhere. It’s a good thing my house doesn’t hold much power over me any more.” After that he stayed quiet. Listening to Graycia’s answer, figuring out how deep her conviction went.

[CosmicAsh]

Gray looked up, her buttons still askew.She listened intently and drank in every word, her heart beating fast.When the Queen finished Gray closed her eyes and opened them again, her hazel eyes burning with a strange light.She squeezed the Queens hand harder and  then did something she never thought she would do, she slammed her knee down onto the floor.She now looked like she was proposing, and in a way she was.She was about to declare her life to a person she just met, and she was so ready.Still holding eye contact with her she responded in a calm and cool voice "My Queen, I will give you my life if in return...you give me a life to give." her heart beating, every silver hair standing on end.She would deny her house, her family, and her heritage.Small black feathers peeked around her eyes, her intense emotion brought out her animal side.She slammed down her other knee making the bar shake slightly "You have my word."

[marcyllenesyrox]

Belinda watched the girl fall to her knees, keeping eye contact with Graycia, her smile growing wider with the proposal. She moved her hand off of hers, placing it against her cheek and stroking the black feathers that were protruding from her skin slowly.
"Then it shall be, my child, that you will become my Onyx Knight, a knight born of hardships and troubles and is pure and blessed. There will be far more hardships by being by my side, but I know that it will only make the best of you."
She ran her fingers down her face before returning the hand to Graycia, lifting her off her knees.

[CosmicAsh]

Gray smiled and stood up, her feathers becoming longer in her emotion.She smiled and bowed slightly "Thank you my Queen, i am now bound to you until you release me".She was now free, no longer did her family have there claws dug into her skin she was a knight for the Queen, she was strong, she was fierce, she was Onyx.

[SilverTongue]

"And like that my job here is done." Dauth clapped his hands lightly. "So who wants a drink to celebrate?" He looked at Graycia, "Don't forget little bird that you owe me a favor." He nodded over his drink before taking a long swig. "By all means I'm still open to perform... other tasks. But I wouldn't wish to keep you from ceremonies or what have you." He winked and signaled for another drink, his eyes trailing over Graycia's still mostly open shirt.

[marcyllenesyrox]

Belinda removed her hand from the other girls, turning to Dauth before picking her glass, half empty, off the counter.
"I would be open to another one, but yet I have to be going. Are you wanting to keep her for the time being while I am at the appointment, or would you rather me take her and I repay the favor later?" She stared him down, licking her lip playfully before taking a sip of her drink.

[SilverTongue]

"Oh any reason to get you to return is good for me." Dauth teased. "Besides the more time both of you have to get your affairs in order the better. I'm not going anywhere any time soon dearies." He smiled a predatory at Gray. "Come visit again."

[CosmicAsh]

Gray flashed on of her warmest smiles at Dauth, she didn't understand him staring at her shirt ( she forgot about it).She walked over and wrapped her arms around and gave him a light squeeze before whispering "thanks" into his ear, she gave him a soft peck on the cheek before turning to beam at the Queen.Her heart was happy and her soul free, she felt like flying.She slipped off her shirt.Her back rippled in scars and muscle, the nape of her neck looked mangled.Slowly black feather began to sprout from her back, slowly and winding like vines reaching for the sun.Her eyes turned black with the iris and pupil become blood red, black feather spreading around her face like a mask.Her mouth parted to reveal black pointed teeth with a black tongue writhing in her mouth, her nails grew long and black.Feather blossomed  forth from her breasts.She breathed in from the change and looked back at Dauth and said in a gurgly voice "DO YoU HAve A winDow..:

[marcyllenesyrox]

The Queen chuckled at the scene. She had seen many people transform into an animal before, but it had never quite been from joy. This was going to be a wild ride from the looks of it.
"Darling, now isn't quite the time to go off into the night. There will still be such a high chance of you being taken back to your family, and that wouldn't be quite fun, hmm?"
She stepped towards the changing woman, purring with every word.
"We have business to do at a floor higher than this one. You may need to save your strength for what is about to come, for it will be rough. Come now, my dear, let us take off."

[SilverTongue]

Dauth watched them leave, calling back his servants that he sent away. He had to surround himself again with debauchery as even small amounts of affection like that set him off. He supposed it was a good reward in it's own right and he smiled in spite of himself. He thought about the effect that everyone in that house would have on her, well he'd find out soon enough wouldn't he.
(Exit Belinda and Graycia)

Dauth finished his drink and debated something a bit stronger. His fingers idly played around on whatever skin was closest to him. Hopefully some more interesting people would come soon.

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