Investigations

[Mael Leblanc]

"Mael, is coming here absolutely necessary?" Adrien's hand was warm in mine, and his nervousness was palpable, and it only grew the closer we came to the main entrance of Mandrake House.
"Oh, hush!" I scolded him, grinning. "No one's going to jump out of the bushes and flay you alive, Adrien, relax..."
Adrien snorted. "I just don't like the idea of you being in that...den of wolves...with no one to watch out for you."
I sighed. "Adrien, I've fought with men three times my size and emerged victorious--without your help, I might add--and now you've decided to act the part of a mother hen? Besides, we're not here for an assignation, just to look around a bit."

"Hmph," was all he said in response, but he was being quiet now, at least. I felt him making a few adjustments to the cloth tied around my eyes. We probably made quite the pair, , the lighter shade of my skin and hair in contrast to his darker features. At least, that was what I gathered from what he had said and what I had heard said about him, son of a Bodhistani whore and a D'Angeline merchant, or so the rumors would have it. Whatever his origins, no one dared mock him because of it, for he could fight like a tiger when he chose to enter the pits. It was a pity I would never watch him fight.

"I'll give you ten minutes inside before you decide you want to test Mandrake's mettle," he muttered, a note of teasing in his voice. "You're impulsive, and it's going to get you hurt someday."

"Just...try and be civil," I said as I felt him pause and drop my hand, feeling a slight rush of air as a door was opened.

"Come on, Mael, the sooner you walk in, the sooner we can walk out," he said.

I sighed, again, and stepped over the threshold and into Mandrake House.

[Idaeus nó Mandrake]

I was thinking of taking a trip out for some drinks, or at least something more interesting than this place. I had an assignation earlier and knew I would not be summoned for a second one in the same day.

As I walked toward the main door I saw a figure walk in. The wrap around the figure's head was enough for me to take notice. He must have been blind, I thought back, I had never been with a patron who couldn't see before he had even arrived. I then realized that he may not be a blind patron, but one with a creative adept and a pre-planned assignation. This amused me and I decided to stand back and follow him, to see if that was the case and which adept had thought of making their patron arrive blindfolded.

[Mael Leblanc]

I had assumed Adrien was going to follow me inside, but apparently he was still mulling it over, for I found myself alone for a few tense moments before I felt his hand grasp mine.
"Well, let us be on our way," he said cheerfully enough, though I could hear the tension in his voice. "It should not be far to the Dowayne's office..."

It took a while of him jerking me to and fro before I figured out that my eyes had no idea where they were going, and the extra set of footsteps behind us was becoming very unnerving. Whoever they were, they were making an admirable attempt at keeping silent.

I motioned for Adrien to wait, and, without turning, said: "Sir, or Ma'am, as the case may be, if you would have been so kind to speak before my companion ended up losing his way, you would have saved us a lot of trouble."

"I did not lose the way," Adrien muttered. "It's just that this house has too many damned corridors, Mandrakes obviously like to confuse their patrons before they even set foot in an assignation chamber!"

[Idaeus nó Mandrake]

It had become apparent early on that the man was indeed blind, but I had already started a game of watching, so I continued it. It was rather amusing watching a lost guide try to lead his companion. The two of them where near the pleasure chambers, it would have been even more amusing if the guide had opened one of the doors to the pleasure rooms. Especially since a closed door usually meant a room in use.

I was not greeted with that sight, however, and instead was noticed. I was not usually in the habit of following people, and it seemed I did not have the skill of spying.

Since it seemed that the man was looking for an assignation I decided it wouldn't be to my benefit to have him complaining to the Dowayne about one of her adepts, especially one who was not a child. Walking toward the couple I said, "you will have to excuse me, I am but a Mandrake caught up in himself. You said you were looking for the Dowayne's chamber?"

[Mael Leblanc]

I spoke up before Adrien could answer for me. "Actually, I was hoping for a tour...of sorts..." I felt the heat creep into my cheeks as they reddened. "Well, not a...conventional tour, of course..."

"We're just...here to have a look around," Adrien said tersely, impatiently tugging on my arm. "Mael, we should leave before we become too much of a bother..."

"Oh, Adrien..." I sighed, turning in the direction of the adept's voice. "Please excuse my companion, sir. He prefers...softer...company." I turned and walked back the way we came from, stopping when Adrien did, and I judged I was standing a polite distance away from the adept.

"My name is Mael, Mael Leblanc," I said, by way of introduction. "Do you give your name freely or must I ask nicely?" I grinned, I liked the sound of his voice, so self-assured, despite Adrien's misgivings.

[Idaeus nó Mandrake]

They were a interesting pair. I was glad I was not in Mael's position. If I had to rely on such a annoying assistant I would have probably gone mad. Of course any assistant to me would know better. "My name is Idaeus," I told him, ignoring the unhappy guide. "Exactly what kind of tour were you thinking of?"

[Mael Leblanc]

I considered his question. "Well, I see with my hands and with my ears, Idaeus. What kind of tour would you recommend? I am quite...curious...regarding how Mandrake House operates, and I have not had much experience with the Night Court in general." Well, there was my assignation with Maeve, but I had a different reason for coming to Mandrake House.

[Idaeus nó Mandrake]

"Well," I said, "if you wanted a truly in-depth tour of Mandrake you would need some kind of contract." I stepped close to him, just a breath apart and put a finger on the top of his collar where fabric meet his skin. I traced his skin lightly and said, "there are plenty of sensations one could experience."

[Mael Leblanc]

I took a step back, suppressing the flare of resentment that his invasion of my personal space evoked.

"I am not looking for something that in depth at this time, I'm afraid." I said, managing to keep my tone polite. He's just being a Mandrake, life is just one big pissing contest to Mandrakes. Well, two can play at that game.

"But I appreciate the offer," I added. It wasn't that I lacked the funds, although I suppose that would have been a good excuse, but that I needed more time to make a decision. It had not been so long since my assignation with Maeve, after all.

[Idaeus nó Mandrake]

My interest in Mael tapered when he let me know that I was not going to get an assignation out of him. I had not had a blind patron and it would have been something interesting.

"Well," I said, a bit more business in my voice, "I am pretty sure the Dowayne would not want me just showing random person's around the house without permission. I can show you too his office so that you can receive his blessing." I was also hoping that he would find another adept to show the man around. Tours were not high on my list of enjoyable things to do. Especially one in which there was no personal award.

[Mael Leblanc]

The sighted were often unaccustomed to listening for the subtle changes in another person's voice, but that was not the case for me. Idaeus suddenly seemed less enthused with the idea of conducting me on a tour.

"Typical Mandrake..." Adrien hissed in my ear, for he was capable of reading the adept's expression and body language, whereas I could only go by the voice. "I'd wager he only wants in your breeches..."

"Adrien..." I groaned, exasperation in my tone. I turned my attention to Idaeus. "Would you show me the way, please?"

[Idaeus nó Mandrake]

The assistant was really starting to irritate me. I did not hear what he said, but it was obvious in his demeanor that he did not like me. The feeling was mutual.

I kept a respectful tone toward Mael, I started to consider showing him around after all, if for no reason other to further irritate his stupid assistant. I would see if the Dowayne sanctioned it. Knowing him he would, and tell me to lead, hoping to irritate me.

"Right this way," I said and started to walk in the right direction, making sure that the two of them were following.

[Mael Leblanc]

I couldn't see which direction "this way" was, so I let Adrien lead, listening to the sound of the adept's footsteps.

"Is it always so...quiet here?" I wondered out loud. I'd assumed the pleasure chambers were fashioned in such a way so as to muffle sound. He was probably accustomed to being asked such questions, and I would never be able to make my decision if I did not inquire about the operation of Mandrake House.

[Idaeus nó Mandrake]

"The sound does not sound to loudly near here," I told him. "If we were in the hall with the pleasure chambers then you might hear a few muffled sounds." I thought for a moment as we walked. I had not really thought about what Mandrake did or did not sound like before. "I guess it would not do to scare away the newer patrons before they have a chance to experience an assignation."

[Mael Leblanc]

"No, I suppose not," I agreed. It would take more than a few muffled sounds to frighten me away, especially once I'd made up my mind.

"Ah, well, you could think of it as a test: the patron who shows little regard for muffled sounds is likely going to desire more time with you than the one who quakes in fear," I reasoned, wondering which category I would fall into.

[Idaeus nó Mandrake]

"That is true," I said, "but a good adept will make sure that even the one who quakes in fear can enjoy an assignation." I paused briefly and then added, "though it is generally more enjoyable to be with a patron who is not frightened by the sounds of others, especially when they are at a House of pleasure."

[Mael Leblanc]

I nodded. "I suppose that is true." I had to admit, however, that the phrase 'house of pleasure' would not have been the first thing that came to mind when I thought of Mandrake. Ah, well, everyone had their tastes...

[Idaeus nó Mandrake]

We were close to the Dowayne's office and I habitually gestured toward the door as we grew close. "It is right here," I said. The door was open so I rapped lightly on the frame as I walked in, seeing the Dowayne with his head down and buried in some papers. He looked up, annoyance on his face for being interrupted by one of his least favorite adepts.

"We have visitors," I said, ignoring his look.

[Mael Leblanc]

Adrien pushed me ahead of him and into the dowayne's office, automatically turning me so that I faced him, or, at least, I trusted that he did not turn me towards a wall.

"Well, Idaeus, what have you brought me today?" The dowayne's voice obviously belonged to a man who was used to intimidating his subordinates, and it sounded more than a little annoyed, but I supposed not every adept was well-liked by their superiors.

"I asked him to guide me to your office, my lord." I said, finding my voice. "My name is Mael Leblanc, and I've come to inquire about the possibility of arranging a tour."

There was a pregnant pause before the dowayne next spoke. "Ah, Messire Leblanc, my apologies for my abrupt manner of speaking earlier. I am certain Idaeus here would be more than happy to give you the grand tour." I could almost hear the smile in his voice. "Well, Idaeus?"

[Idaeus nó Mandrake]

I gave the dowayne a curt smile, I had already suspected this course of action and would not give him the pleasure of seeing my annoyance with the task. "of course," I said, as if it was something I did on a daily basis. "I only guided the gentleman here in order for him to meet you and to see if you had any requirements relating to where they could and could not visit."

It was not exactly the truth, but an answer that the dowayne could expect from me. The games of Mandrake could be both amusing and tiring in the same breath.

[Mael Leblanc]

I wrinkled my nose. I was not used to being referred to as a gentleman, or "my lord" or any other title of nobility, save 'Prince' but that was a name I had earned on the streets, not any reflection of my station.

"I trust you will use your discretion, Idaeus," the dowayne continued. "See to it that he comes to no harm within these walls. Good day, my lords." The last, I assumed, was meant for Adrien and I, but I flinched at the formal title all the same.

"Well, I suppose we should be off, then," I said cheerfully. "Where are we bound, Messire Idaeus?"

[Idaeus nó Mandrake]

I found the dowayne's request of allowing no harm rather amusing, though I kept that to myself.

I lead the small group outside of the office before speaking, trying to think of the most interesting course for this tour. Though I was looking more to entertain myself than these two. My afternoon had been interrupted but I would not let it go to waste.

I decided to save the pleasure rooms for last and asked, "would you like to see where our adepts learn their trade?"

[Mael Leblanc]

"Seeing when one is blind is difficult, Messire," I remarked. "But I'm sure I'll be able to tell by my companion's exclamations whether something is meant to be intimidating or no," I squeezed Adrien's hand and grinned, certain that he was probably scowling at this moment.

"Lead on, then, Messire," I said, falling back a bit so that Adrien could lead and I wouldn't have to rely on the sound of the adept's footsteps to tell where he was at a given point.

[Idaeus nó Mandrake]

I cringed internally at Mael's reply. I was not accustomed to the blind. "There will be plenty for you to hear," I assured him, keeping the annoyance out of my voice. "Our lessons are by no means silent."

I lead them to the first room, which had the younger adepts. They were learning some basic skills for life, and in this class it was the basics of math and money. I stayed by the doorway, allowing him to listen. At least he wouldn't need to peek in and watch, interrupting the class.

"Just a short visit, not everything in Mandrake is about the bed chamber. This class has young adepts, however, younger than 13 years of age."

[Mael Leblanc]

I nodded, listening to the students practice basic mathematical equations. I could hear Adrien tapping his foot impatiently. He had learned the value of money at a young age, despite having no formal training in its use. I too had seen enough of coins to recognize their value even if I could no longer see the way a gold ducat caught the light of the sun.

"I would expect no less from future adepts," I said. "After all 'he who has the gold makes the rules' or so they say."

"Which is why Byrony House is set to supplant Cereus any day now," Adrien added, and I could practically hear him grinning from ear to ear.

[Idaeus nó Mandrake]

I looked over at the two and their comments. I wondered what their impression of the night court really was, not one based on reality it seemed.

"This way," I said not wanting to discuss politics in front of a class since I was sure that would bring an angry Dowayne to my room later.

"Adepts are not as highly paid as you seem to think," I told Mael. Especially not when their rich patrons die, I thought bitterly. Instead I said, "title equals power in this country." Granted most people with title had money, but it was not always the case.

His friend's comment was so outlandish I decided to ignore it. As if a bunch of gambling adepts were going to take over anything.

[Mael Leblanc]

I snorted. "I know all about titles, Messire. I also know what it's like to not know where your next meal is coming from. Can you say the same, raised as you were in this fine establishment where you have a roof over your head and three meals a day?" I could tell he was merely suffering through this for the sake of his dowayne, and I was determined to remind him that he was not dealing with a wayward fosterling.

[Idaeus nó Mandrake]

I paused in my steps when Mael spoke. Did he think everyone here lived a charmed life? I was about to ask him if he knew what it was like to not know if he even had another day of life to worry about food, but then I saw the bandage on his eyes. I did not know what caused his blindness and did not want to sound like a fool.

"I was not born in this house," I told Mael simply, "my life was not always so charmed. My problem was not lack of food, but rather or not I would be able to even eat what was put before me."

[Mael Leblanc]

"Well, you certainly sound hale and whole to me, and confident," I replied. I liked him, despite my initial impression of him. "Now that we have an understanding, we should proceed with the tour, I am certain you have better things to do than coddle tourists, but if you would suffer my presence a little longer, it would be much appreciated."

[Idaeus nó Mandrake]

I started to walk in the same direction that we had been before I stopped at the room of youngsters. There were some things I could not show him, disregarding his ability to see or not. His assistant at least could. For example, a showing that I was pretty sure was happening in one of the rooms based on the nervous but happy adepts I had passed by before my encounter with Mael.

"We have a few classrooms I said," as we finished the length of the hall." We came upon the dinning room and I told him as much, but did not linger. I could not think of an interesting reason to stop. I had one cook that would sneak me treats if I asked, but I was not going to advertise this to someone I had just meet. That, and I did not want to share.

We were now approaching a hall of pleasure rooms. "We are near the pleasure rooms," I said, "if there is one that is open and cleaned would you want to walk inside?"