Chapter 2A - The Jewels of Beenleigh

[Asta]

Ilsa nodded in agreement, hopefully the Den would provide some clue to get a little traction on the case.


[info]Ilsa will reacquire her personal effects from whichever valet she left them with when the group leaves.[/info]

On the way out of the mansion she turned to her fairer companion.

Though the clientele of the White Tiger is genteel I suggest you steel yourself for the possibility of violence. It is a bed of... base desire after all. If events turn sour it would bring me peace of mind if you should stay near me, but I hope it should not come to that."

[Oath]

"Thank you, I shall keep that in mind in the event that it comes to blows. I have a small degree of confidence in my  ability to defend myself, but nothing beats a trained professional." As it seemed that the conversation was winding down, Annalise made preparations to leave. She would like to see the case solved as soon as possible.

[info]if scene is over, Annalise will travel to the opium den.[/info]

[pringerbeam]

     Reginald sees you off with directions to the opium den.  The walk through the dark smog goes without incident, perhaps due to its concealing nature preventing any travelers of the dark streets from seeing one another.  You eventually find your way to the red light district where the Den of the White Tiger was to be found.  A bawdy place of brothels and other vices, a cheeful atmosphere seems to permeate the night as revelers go about.  The streets are crowded with men and their escorts.  Annalise's garb draws many an eye causing Jonathan to halt the party's advance.  "I'm sorry m'lady but are you sure you want to go on?  This hardly seems the place for someone of your birth.  While I do not doubt our new friend's skill against anyone that might wish to do you physical harm, there is no telling what might happen.  This chaotic place could hold something far too dangerous for even our soldier friend here to handle."

[Oath]

"I appreciate your concern Jonathan, but I feel obligated to solve this case and with the two of you here, I feel that it will be alright. If gentleman such as  Robert manages to make it home safe nightly, I have faith that we shall be fine as well."

[pringerbeam]

    "Very well then."  Jonathan removes a pistol from his breast pocket and cocks the hammer.  "I do hope this doesn't become necessary."  He replaces the pistol and straightenes his coat before taking up his position just behind Annalise.  It is only a few more blocks before you arrive at The Den of the White Tiger.  A sign bearing the name of the establisment hangs from above the entrance.  Carved into the door are two tigers reared to face eachother, above them are carved clawed serpents of some kind.  The faint smell of incense floats through the stagnant smog.  The windows on the front of the front of the building reveal only bright red curtains illuminated from within obscuring any activity on the other side.  The plucking sound of some instrument can be heard from where you stand outside just audible under the din of the rest of the street's business.

[Oath]

"I hope so as well." Annalise had a terse reply, she was focused on reaching the bottom of this case. She reached for the door, her hands trembling. Never had she thought that she would end up in a place like this. Even if it was for a good cause. Annalise did her best to hide her fear as she pushed open the door and took in the sights of The Den of the White Tiger.

[pringerbeam]

     The smell of smouldering incense and opium flows out from the doorway as you open the door.  Within, candles burn in red paper lanterns to cast a crimson light on the interior.  Before you an oak desk sits with a foreign man standing behind it dressed in a simple blue silk shirt which seems to hang down below his waist to his knees, cloth buttons fastened all the way up to the small erect collar.  Behind him sits a cabinet  enshrined in which is some archon-like figure weilding a halberd flanked by piles of incense. the entry room is otherwise rather sparsly furnished with a single bench and a pot of bamboo.  Red curtains obscure what lies beyond the two doorways on either side of the desk.  The foreign man perks up from a ledger to pick up a slip of paper which he places on the desk before himself.  "How many?"  He asks in a heavily accented voice.