It only took them a couple of steps from the extremes of the cobblestone tile to the brothel's entrance. Once at the doors, despite their size, they were easy to open, symbolizing the welcoming embrace of the establishment they protect.
Once opened, and its obstruction was made obsolete, the music emanating from deep within the establishment became louder and more appreciated by the ears.
Following the angelic voice and the accompanying perfectly tuned instruments like a map leading to a well-desired treasure, Avery, Centshuu and everyone else walked into the Velvet Serpent and closed the door behind themselves.
They were in a short passageway that led from the closed entrance door to the main part of the building. In front of them was a silk drapery that blocked the visuals of everything happening on the other side, but regardless, the audio coming through was as clear as day.
A mixture of erotic noises could be heard in the distance, but unlike Avery who was new to all of this, Centshuu and the rest walked confidently until they got to the end of the passage. Centshuu pulled the drape away from their path, revealing everything that The Velvet Serpent had to offer.
The air was perfumed with exotic incense that teased the senses, leaving a hint of spice on each breath. Soft, golden light bathed the interior, casting an enchanting glow over every surface. The main hall, a vast expanse of plush carpets, beckoned guests to explore its depths. Rich, wine-colored drapes lined the walls, adorned with patterns of intertwining serpents and voluptuous figures, further emphasizing the sensual atmosphere. The ceiling, adorned with intricate frescoes depicting scenes of passion and desire, seemed to reach for the heavens.
At the heart of the main hall was a grand chandelier, its crystal prisms refracting light into a dazzling display of rainbows that danced across the room. It hung low, just above a circular stage where talented performers mesmerized the audience with their sensuous dances and captivating melodies. A grand bar dominated one side of the hall, its polished mahogany surface reflecting the warm light. Skilled mixologists crafted exotic cocktails, and the shelves behind them were adorned with bottles of the finest spirits from across the country.
The Velvet Serpent's staff, dressed in elegant attire that left just enough to the imagination, moved gracefully through the hall, attending to guests' needs with a combination of grace and allure. Their laughter and playful banter added to the sensual ambiance.
Private chambers, hidden behind ornate doors, offered seclusion for those seeking a more intimate experience. These rooms were decorated in sumptuous fabrics and draped in silks, their walls adorned with sensuous art and sculptures but that was yet to be seen, by Avery at least.
Avery at first couldn't help but gawk at the sight, taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the place that was like a foreign world to him— not because he was in another world but because this was his first experience in such an established— but he quickly acclimated to everything.
With a deep inhale of the warm and welcoming air, he exhaled and settled in, letting go of the jacket's collar as he no longer feared the cold breeze. Centshuu grinned. "Welcome to the Joint, Avery. You might have thought that it was going to be an ordinary brothel while standing outside but that was your mistake. I promise you, this place is so much more. It's where we can rest, have some fun, create profitable connections, and gather information."
Avery nodded, taking note of Centshuu's words and as they walked in, beautiful women dressed in elaborate gowns moved gracefully through the space in front of them, some offering inviting smiles to the new guests.
"What's up ladies" Centshuu greeted and the emmaculately dressed ladies giggled, going on their way and hoping to be called later on.
"So, now what? We're in like we're supposed to so what do we do?" Avery asked, looking at Centshuu who was more knowledgeable than he was.
"Now we take care of business. Ripply and I are going to go do some talking with the most important person in here." He said then looked at the bar, smirking as he pointed to it with his chin.
"Why don't the rest of you find a place to sit? To celebrate your promotion from Pug to adult, why don't you have your first drink? On me of course, but make sure to watch yourself because… well, let's leave it at that"
Avery who didn't know why Centshuu told them to be careful of how much they drank because he didn't know they were short on money, tilted his head.
On the other hand, Mosey who got the message, wrapped his arm around Avery's shoulder and then said "Got it Centshuu! You guys go do what you have to and I'll keep an eye on this one over here"
Mosey looked at Avery "Alright, twenty-one, let's go" he said then pulled Avery along to the bar, followed behind by Kove and Shieve, leaving Centshuu and Ripply who turned in a different direction and walked off.
Avery struggled against Mosey's tight neck hold until he managed to look behind, wondering where Centshuu and Ripply were going.
Mosey who saw that, placed his other hand on Avery's head and said "Don't bother with those two. Just let them do what they have to and once they're done, they'll be back"
Avery grunted then sighed and freed his neck, allowing Mosey to turn his head to where they were going and finally they got to the bar and sat down.
On the other part of the main hall, where the stage was, Centshuu and Ripply approached the group of beautiful women who played the melodic instruments that echoed through the whole place.
"Nice song ladies" Centshuu complimented, bowing his head to show his respect, and they, without taking a break in their performance, did the same thing back to appreciate his kind words.
Suddenly, the lead vocal of the performance stopped, giving room for the backup vocals to shine. Then, a talking voice similar to that of the lead vocal from before said "Always the gentleman, aren't you, Centshuu?"
Centshuu took his gaze to the wonderful singer who was an equally impressive beauty as she was a singer and smirked, stopping in his tracks as he shrugged proudly.
The lady snapped her fingers and one of the girls who gave backup vocals stepped forward while she stood up from the chair she was on and passed on the reigns of the performance.
"What's the hurry? We just got here and would like to hear you sing and play that little instrument of yours some more" Centshuu said as the lady took off and passed on her fingerbell instrument to the girl who was to replace her.
Now free to leave, the lady of impressive beauty walked to the edge of the stage and stretched her hand to Centshuu who took it and smiled. She said: "Oh, come off it Centshuu. I know what you say about my performance whenever I'm not around"
Centshuu grimaced "Me? And what do I say?" He asked.
Both the lady and Centshuu strengthened their connected hands and she used that support to jump down from the stage, landing in front of Centshuu and Ripply.
She unruffled her dress which seemed to be the most concealing dress out of all the ladies in there, minus the female guests that is, then she said "If I remember correctly, you call it 'that darn music'."