Outside of the Ebon Rose, it was quiet. Almost eerily so, a clear, distinct barrier between it and the rest of Diagon Alley. It was looking well enough on the outside that no one suspected it might be a better fit for Knockturn Alley. But Lysander Malfoy was not someone who wanted to be seen with the likes of folk who wandered that cesspit. He might be a Malfoy with his own sense of justice, but he also had class.
Inside the Ebon Rose, the disguise faltered, but only slightly. The cheers from the dueling arena were still muffled to a quiet ruckus while in the foyer. As one might expect of someone of old money, the room was full of dark wood that shone in the light, supple leather on every surface one could sit on, and low lights that were enchanted chandeliers up above. There was a slight haze of cigar smoke in the air, but if one asked, the fear of smelling of such when departing was not a problem. There were rooms along the side that seemed to be private lounges, from what one could catch between the opening and closing of said doors. The bar with a glowing glass wall behind it displayed not only the spirits- some rare, some unique- but it also had a list of events for the dueling arena. Discreetly named lest someone think the guests were brutes.
However, a crash shook the chandeliers, raising the eyes of some of the guests in the main room for a moment before they checked the schedule and scoffed with amusement, seeing that Lysander himself was on the docket.
"Some poor fool made the mistake of challenging him again?"
"Same poor fool as last time," The bartender shook his head, "Thought he'd redeem himself from how thoroughly he was trounced last time."
"Sounds like that went really well for him," the patron barked, getting a laugh from the bartender in return.
In the dueling arena itself, Lysander stepped from the stage, putting his wand away, not even acknowledging the man he'd knocked back so hard and so fast the bets couldn't even begin to be made, not that anyone with any sense bet against Lysander. Not in his own domain. And no one was usually stupid or brazen enough to challenge him, either. Usually, because they ended up like the one that was just an imprint in the wall.
He made his way up the stairs to the viewing area, positioned up above so that betters and duelers alike could see who they might be up against and decide what risks they were willing to take. He didn't duel much anymore himself as much as clean up messes and enforce the very basic rules they had here, but, as many Malfoys before him, his reputation preceded him. The crowd parted a bit, even as they tossed jovial comments Lysander's way- comments about making it quick, about teaching him a good lesson this time, about how truly he was a scary person in the ring, all of which he smirked or chuckled at. It didn't matter to him what any of them really had to say.
Truthfully, the blackmail he had on each of them just from their time here was enough to ensure most would never be too reckless or bold with what they chose to say to anyone about the happenings of Ebon Rose. Not to mention the debts. He was walking towards the door, planning to head back to his office and get away from the noise, when the door to the arena opened, stopping him short.
An Unexpected Twist
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Davi Baptiste
- Divination
- Player: Grim
It hadn't taken terribly long, in fact Davi had been rather surprised at how quickly he'd received a message from Lysander. An invitation to the Ebon Rose? It wasn't exactly what he expected but he understood the location was important to the other man, while dueling wasn't terribly important to Davi; he'd always been the kind to show at least a passing interest in others hobbies. Especially ones he was interested in for other reasons.
Usually he had much better control over himself when it came to matters of interest and attraction but a certain Malfoy had been haunting his thoughts and dreams since that first meeting. Mentally shaking off those particular thoughts he let himself settle mentally before he absently smoothed his hands down the front of his jacket, beneath his trusty corset vest held firm; such had been a savior for his back and posture with as much as he either sat or stood all day. Today his suit was more fitting to his mood, black and white. Honest but still guarded.
More so in an environment Davi wasn't entirely comfortable in, after all dueling seemed to be considered more a manly sport and while Davi certainly was that; he'd never ascribed to that sort of manliness in his life except when necessary to survive. Or pass. However, one wanted to see it. He'd brushed his hair till the waves lay smooth and he hadn't shaved. Rare for him but with the children being out on holiday he didn't feel the need to clean up quite as much as he normally did.
It changed his appearance far more than it should have, took away some of that babyface he was usually known for but Davi didn't mind. More often than not he found it entertaining, meeting someone one way and then appearing differently even minutely threw them off. It wasn't as if he grew a full beard, hardly but it was just enough to make him look different; older, more mature or manly as another might describe him. And that was the point today as he approached the door. The location was curious but he didn't think about it too hard, his mind was already on the man inside and wondering just why the invitation had come to visit him again here.
Stepping inside he was surprised once his dark eyes adjusted to the light to spot him almost immediately and flashed him a pleased smile along with a slight bow of his head. Approaching him he casually slipped a hand into his pants pocket as he looked at him, "You called, I came…" A tease. A subtle enough one he felt given the crowd and he'd spoken it just loud enough to be heard over the noise of the crowd but low enough that only Lysander would have caught every word.
Usually he had much better control over himself when it came to matters of interest and attraction but a certain Malfoy had been haunting his thoughts and dreams since that first meeting. Mentally shaking off those particular thoughts he let himself settle mentally before he absently smoothed his hands down the front of his jacket, beneath his trusty corset vest held firm; such had been a savior for his back and posture with as much as he either sat or stood all day. Today his suit was more fitting to his mood, black and white. Honest but still guarded.
More so in an environment Davi wasn't entirely comfortable in, after all dueling seemed to be considered more a manly sport and while Davi certainly was that; he'd never ascribed to that sort of manliness in his life except when necessary to survive. Or pass. However, one wanted to see it. He'd brushed his hair till the waves lay smooth and he hadn't shaved. Rare for him but with the children being out on holiday he didn't feel the need to clean up quite as much as he normally did.
It changed his appearance far more than it should have, took away some of that babyface he was usually known for but Davi didn't mind. More often than not he found it entertaining, meeting someone one way and then appearing differently even minutely threw them off. It wasn't as if he grew a full beard, hardly but it was just enough to make him look different; older, more mature or manly as another might describe him. And that was the point today as he approached the door. The location was curious but he didn't think about it too hard, his mind was already on the man inside and wondering just why the invitation had come to visit him again here.
Stepping inside he was surprised once his dark eyes adjusted to the light to spot him almost immediately and flashed him a pleased smile along with a slight bow of his head. Approaching him he casually slipped a hand into his pants pocket as he looked at him, "You called, I came…" A tease. A subtle enough one he felt given the crowd and he'd spoken it just loud enough to be heard over the noise of the crowd but low enough that only Lysander would have caught every word.
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Lysander Malfoy
- Proprietor
- Player: Nova
Lysander watched Davi as he approached, sliding his own hands into his pockets in a way that showed he was comfortable here in this dark space, not even seeming to care about the fact that two more duelists were heading into the arena and bets were starting to be called.
He was more than a little unabashed in his eyes roaming over Davi before returning to his face, a smirk coming to his face. Well. Was there no end to the ways this man was captivating every part of his attention? He'd debated on the invite for months. It was rare that he invited new faces to the Rose, enough that it had people glancing over, trying to be nosey, but unable to hear in the noise around them. Not raucous, but enough people talking over each other to make it hard to hear a more normal conversation.
He bowed his head in return, "So you did." The way he said it could almost have been taken as a purr, clearly pleased that he had come. "Though I did hope to show the more classy parts of my establishment, as opposed to this," he motioned towards the arena. Because he'd been in the ring himself, he was in a basic button-up shirt and trousers, his sleeves rolled up and a few buttons at the top undone.
"But I suppose it's fair you get to see the whole deal. The only thing I hide is my hair," he ran his hand through the brown curls, and the glamour was disrupted enough to give glimpses of the white blonde beneath it, but it didn't come completely undone. A callback to the conversation about it on their walk. He'd already admitted to hiding it, so saying he didn't hide anything would be a lie. He was surprisingly honest for a man who ran a business like this. Made it easier to get people to believe a lie if you've established yourself as impeccably honest. "Will you allow me the distinct pleasure of a tour, though? There are parts of this place meant for more respectable company," he chuckled lightly, motioning towards the door back out into the main room.
He was more than a little unabashed in his eyes roaming over Davi before returning to his face, a smirk coming to his face. Well. Was there no end to the ways this man was captivating every part of his attention? He'd debated on the invite for months. It was rare that he invited new faces to the Rose, enough that it had people glancing over, trying to be nosey, but unable to hear in the noise around them. Not raucous, but enough people talking over each other to make it hard to hear a more normal conversation.
He bowed his head in return, "So you did." The way he said it could almost have been taken as a purr, clearly pleased that he had come. "Though I did hope to show the more classy parts of my establishment, as opposed to this," he motioned towards the arena. Because he'd been in the ring himself, he was in a basic button-up shirt and trousers, his sleeves rolled up and a few buttons at the top undone.
"But I suppose it's fair you get to see the whole deal. The only thing I hide is my hair," he ran his hand through the brown curls, and the glamour was disrupted enough to give glimpses of the white blonde beneath it, but it didn't come completely undone. A callback to the conversation about it on their walk. He'd already admitted to hiding it, so saying he didn't hide anything would be a lie. He was surprisingly honest for a man who ran a business like this. Made it easier to get people to believe a lie if you've established yourself as impeccably honest. "Will you allow me the distinct pleasure of a tour, though? There are parts of this place meant for more respectable company," he chuckled lightly, motioning towards the door back out into the main room.
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Davi Baptiste
- Divination
- Player: Grim
He didn't miss the way Lysander looked him over before meeting his gaze, the feeling was certainly mutual as Davi took in his own attire. It was decidedly less formal than he'd seen him dressed before and it gave so many more hints as to what else Lysander hid besides his white blond hair. And when he even went so far as to give him a peek of that, Davi had to remind himself to keep his knees locked at the mental image that came with it. "Understandable, as you explained. Besides we all hide things, some are just less important than others."
He hid a lot. And he knew it too.
But that was neither here nor there at the moment as he took in his surroundings before focusing his attention completely back on Lysander. The invitation to a tour of the location got a little smile, "I would be honored to receive a guided tour from you." He'd more or less imagined that Lysander would be busy but as it turned out, the club seemed to run itself. Obviously he'd put a lot of work into making that happen and Davi had to give credit where due that he'd done it rather well.
Motioning with the hand not resting in his pocket he smiled at him, "After you." He was more than happy to follow along and let Lysander lead him wherever he decided too. It wasn't as if the actual dueling area held much of his curiosity after all, that was saved entirely for the man in front of him. When Lysander began to walk he followed, easily keeping stride and surprised none when those who might be in their path moved out of the way. Certainly had to be due to Lysander because Davi never got that reaction on his own.
He hid a lot. And he knew it too.
But that was neither here nor there at the moment as he took in his surroundings before focusing his attention completely back on Lysander. The invitation to a tour of the location got a little smile, "I would be honored to receive a guided tour from you." He'd more or less imagined that Lysander would be busy but as it turned out, the club seemed to run itself. Obviously he'd put a lot of work into making that happen and Davi had to give credit where due that he'd done it rather well.
Motioning with the hand not resting in his pocket he smiled at him, "After you." He was more than happy to follow along and let Lysander lead him wherever he decided too. It wasn't as if the actual dueling area held much of his curiosity after all, that was saved entirely for the man in front of him. When Lysander began to walk he followed, easily keeping stride and surprised none when those who might be in their path moved out of the way. Certainly had to be due to Lysander because Davi never got that reaction on his own.
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Lysander Malfoy
- Proprietor
- Player: Nova
"Well, I suppose that's fair since I don't exactly go announcing to the world what happens in this room. A bit like that muggle movie," he said, smirking at his reference to Fight Club even if the reference was lost on Davi. Seeing his smile eased something in Lysander. He wouldn't deny he was a bit afraid that his machismo would turn off someone obviously more classy, like Davi.
With a light hand on Davi's shoulder to walk with him back to the door, also making it clear to anyone with slick fingers not to even try it, as Davi was with him. When they were back in the main foyer, he closed the door behind them, and it was as if a mute spell had been cast over the room, as it dimmed back into a noise that sounded further away than it was.
"One of these days, boss, you're going to send them through the wall," the bartender said to them with a smirk.
"Nonsense, Jacob," Lysander said with a chuckle, "I know my own strength well enough to not do actual property damage," he assured him, "I would hate to spend the money on the repairs." That part got a snort of a laugh in response as Lysander turned his attention back to Davi fully.
"Might as well start here with that tour," he motioned to the room around them, though they were at the top of a set of stairs in the room, there being no bottom entrance straight into the pit. You had to face your opponents in that viewing box before taking them on in the arena. The lack of other forms of egress tended to keep people from getting too dirty. "There are plenty of guests you don't go beyond the lounge, either just here to get some good spirits from Jerald, some that are necessarily approved to be served elsewhere," and maybe some that weren't entirely legal, "Or they're here to use the private booths to have discussions on business matters that would be frowned on at normal establishments but all of us would rather not mar ourselves by nearing Knockturn Alley. I personally hope to never walk that particular set of cobblestone ever again," his mask slipped a little at the disgust he seemed to bear for that part of the wizarding district.
"There is another room at the other end of the arena hall that is for more... serious betting, though plenty of it happens right there in the viewing area, which I can take you to if you wish to see it, and a set of back rooms, but I won't worry you with those. They're where my business happens. I'm not in the arena much myself anymore, though that absence does sometimes lead some to believe they can beat me, hence why I was in there just now. I tried to get them to wait, but" he shook his head. He'd said he was busy, and the brat of a man thought to goad him, to say he wasn't taking him up on it and was stalling cause he knew he'd lose. Which, considering Lysander had already beaten him once, had admittedly gotten him a little incensed at the audacity. Not just challenging him in his own dueling hall, but also the disrespect.
"However, it would be strange to name a place after a rose, and there be no plants at all, right?" he smirked before starting down the stairs, "There are a few guests who used the greenhouse, there are tables set up, and we even do tea. As much as the arena probably makes us all seem like brutes, we do try to have a little class," he chuckled as he looked to Davi, looking to see if he was still following him.
"Shall I tell anyone lookin for you to look another time?" Jerald asked realizing Lysander was definitely engaged in whatever was happening with this newcomer.
"That would be appreciated."
With a light hand on Davi's shoulder to walk with him back to the door, also making it clear to anyone with slick fingers not to even try it, as Davi was with him. When they were back in the main foyer, he closed the door behind them, and it was as if a mute spell had been cast over the room, as it dimmed back into a noise that sounded further away than it was.
"One of these days, boss, you're going to send them through the wall," the bartender said to them with a smirk.
"Nonsense, Jacob," Lysander said with a chuckle, "I know my own strength well enough to not do actual property damage," he assured him, "I would hate to spend the money on the repairs." That part got a snort of a laugh in response as Lysander turned his attention back to Davi fully.
"Might as well start here with that tour," he motioned to the room around them, though they were at the top of a set of stairs in the room, there being no bottom entrance straight into the pit. You had to face your opponents in that viewing box before taking them on in the arena. The lack of other forms of egress tended to keep people from getting too dirty. "There are plenty of guests you don't go beyond the lounge, either just here to get some good spirits from Jerald, some that are necessarily approved to be served elsewhere," and maybe some that weren't entirely legal, "Or they're here to use the private booths to have discussions on business matters that would be frowned on at normal establishments but all of us would rather not mar ourselves by nearing Knockturn Alley. I personally hope to never walk that particular set of cobblestone ever again," his mask slipped a little at the disgust he seemed to bear for that part of the wizarding district.
"There is another room at the other end of the arena hall that is for more... serious betting, though plenty of it happens right there in the viewing area, which I can take you to if you wish to see it, and a set of back rooms, but I won't worry you with those. They're where my business happens. I'm not in the arena much myself anymore, though that absence does sometimes lead some to believe they can beat me, hence why I was in there just now. I tried to get them to wait, but" he shook his head. He'd said he was busy, and the brat of a man thought to goad him, to say he wasn't taking him up on it and was stalling cause he knew he'd lose. Which, considering Lysander had already beaten him once, had admittedly gotten him a little incensed at the audacity. Not just challenging him in his own dueling hall, but also the disrespect.
"However, it would be strange to name a place after a rose, and there be no plants at all, right?" he smirked before starting down the stairs, "There are a few guests who used the greenhouse, there are tables set up, and we even do tea. As much as the arena probably makes us all seem like brutes, we do try to have a little class," he chuckled as he looked to Davi, looking to see if he was still following him.
"Shall I tell anyone lookin for you to look another time?" Jerald asked realizing Lysander was definitely engaged in whatever was happening with this newcomer.
"That would be appreciated."
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