Continued from Post 56 in the main thread. (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=299863.msg14756635#msg14756635)<br/><br/><em>1 Mirtul<br/>Evening<br/>Bernstowe's</em><br/><hr/><br/>Ianora and Alizeh arrive at the foyer, where the elf confers with one of the hosts, speaking in low tones that Alizeh can’t quite overhear. The host nods and hurries away. Ianora returns to Alizeh and takes her hand, leading her to an upholstered bench where they may sit and wait. “They will have everything ready soon,” she assures her. Ianora’s hand remains gently clasped around Alizeh’s, and neither does her gaze leave her. Tension and anticipation stretch between them.<br/><br/>A few minutes later, the host returns and gives Ianora a shiny copper key and directions to the room. The route the two women take is rather obscure and meandering - up the main staircase, down a hallway to a staircase behind a door, up two flights of stairs, into another hallway and all the way to the end, through the door on the right and then the door immediately to the left. The key fits the lock on this door, and together they enter the room.<br/><br/>It is simply furnished, but each detail is exquisite. Velvet upholstery, fine, rich wood, silk curtains tied back to reveal a window that<em>ought</em>to have a nice view of the harbor, but only show a dense bank of fog. A fire has been kindled in the hearth, its leaping flames banishing the chill of the night air. There is a large bed with a feather mattress, silk sheets, and a quilted coverlet; a settee and two chairs; and a round table. Atop the table is a decanter containing a clear red liquid, two rounded glasses, and a vase holding two long stemmed roses - one red, one white, the thorns removed from both their stems.<br/><br/>Ianora turns to take in the room, and nods in approval. “Make yourself comfortable,” she says in her lilting voice. Releasing Alizeh’s hand, Ianora moves to the table, giving the half-elf an opportunity to admire the sway of her hips. “Shall we have a drink?” Ianora pulls the stopper on the decanter and pours a measure into each glass. A drink in either hand, she walks to Alizeh and offers her one. “Cherry brandy.” A subtle aroma of sweet cherries and bitter amaretto rises from the glass.