In order to avoid unwanted eyes seeing where they came from.
Storm and Aurora avoided using the main doors and instead climbed through an open window into a dark alley.
After ensuring that there was no one else, they left the alley and stepped into the main streets.
Immediately the sounds of city life overwhelmed their senses.
Merchants shouting out their wares to passers by, the murmurs of the people walking through the streets, the banging of an hammer on an anvil at a nearby smithy.
Storm had no idea how people could tolerate all this noise on a daily basis.
Beside him, Aurora seemed to be equally affected. She looked around the many buildings and streets as well as the numerous people walking around them.
"Storm! How are we supposed to find one person in a city this size?!" Asked Aurora.
"I heard that taverns are usually the best place to get information about a city's people and the local news?
I'd suggest you start there!" Suggested Mimereus.
Storm looked around and saw a tavern located close by.
"Follow me!" Said Storm.
He walked towards the door and inspected the sign located above it.
It depicted a crude drawing of a lion laying down on his belly. ' The Lion's Den' was written below the drawing.
Storm pushed open the door to hear the many murmors of the patrons sitting at the tables.
Everyone fell silent and looked at Storm as he stepped into the establishment.
A minute later, they returned to their own business and the sounds resumed.
Apparently people dressed like Storm were common enough that his presence wasn't worth further inspection.
He walked towards the bar counter and sat down on a stool.
A large, burly man with no hair left on his head turned to him.
"Name your poison!" He said flatly.
"Information! I'm looking for the Mistress of 'Elysium'." Answered Storm.
The man stared at Storm flatly and began tapping his fingers on the counter without saying a word.
Storm took a few coins out of his pouch and slid it to the man.
He gathered together the coins, before turning his back on Storm.
He retrieved a glass and began pouring some whiskey into it.
Once the glass was a 3rd of the way full, he turned back to Storm and slid the glass towards him.
"You'll find Elysium in the Ruby quarter near the city center.
Follow the main road through the market towards the Southern Gate to the city center.
Elysium is the building to the right of the gate." Explained the barkeep.
Storm nodded his head, then picked up the glass and after lowering his Face Guard, downed the drink in a single gulp.
He and Aurora then turned around and left the tavern.
Following the directions provided, they soom reached a 3 story building that resembled a small palace.
Storm made sure the pin that the Matriarch gave him was still secured to his armor before walking through the gate.
A large white wall surrounded the grounds, with a large gate that was left open during the daytime for visitors.
A wide gravel path led down towards the front doors of the building.
Marble statues of 2 sitting dragons who were facing each other was located in a small plaza in front of the building.
Their front claws were interlocked with each other and they were leaning in as if they intended to kiss each other.
Their tails were also tied. A sign of affection and love among dragonkind.
A thin stream of water flowed out of their open mouths.
Several stone benches were located around the statues where people could sit.
Like most buildings built by Kitsune, it incorporated more nature into it's design, with large gardens, vines growing along the walls, and at the side of the building, a large hedge maze.
A flight of marble stairs led up to a set of double doors.
A single woman was standing by the doors as a greeter.
At first glance, she appeared human, but Storm could sense the faint trace of magic on her, which indicated she was a shifted Kitsune.
She gave a slight bow to Storm and Aurora as they clumbed the steps.
"Welcome to Elysium!"
Her eyes fell on the lotus flower pin on Storm's armor.
"I see you have powerful friends. " she said.
"Indeed, we have urgent business to discuss with the Mistress of the House." Replied Storm.
The Kitsune gestured past the doors.
"Please wait inside while we inform the Mistress and see if she's available. "
Storm and Aurora stepped over the threshold into a large hall with high ceilings that were supported by marble pillars.
The walls were painted red and the images of doves, foxes, and vines were painted on the walls.
A few Kitsune in human forms were walking through the hall with trays that held small glasses of wine, others were talking to the patrons, who all seemed to be nobles or rich people.
A single flight of stairs led up to a second floor, where several doors led to siderooms located elsewhere in the building.
A second flight of stairs connected the second floor to a third one. The third floor had no other rooms or doors except for a set of double doors that Storm assumed led to the Mistress's office.
As he and Aurora admired the room, a Kitsune in her human disguise carried a tray over to them.
She bowed before addressing them.
"Would you like some wine, milord and lady?"
"No thank you!" Replied Aurora.
The Kitsune bowed again before returning to her rounds.
After a few minutes, another Kitsune approached them.
"The Mistress is expecting you and is waiting in her office."
The Kitsune pointed to the double doors on the third floor.
Storm nodded his head and they began climbing the steps towards it.
They knocked on the doors to announce their presence.
"Enter!" Came a female voice from within.
Storm and Aurora pushed open the doors and entered a large study.
A single table that was stacked high with paperwork was located in the center of the room.
A Kitsune in a human form was seated behind the table.
She resembled a human woman in her early forties with pitch black hair that was tied up in a bun.
She wore a full length purple dress and a Silver necklace with 9 pearls placed in the piece.
Behind her chair stood an absolute brute of a man in a black suit and bowtie.
At over 8 feet tall and with an large muscular physique, he would have made even the strongest knights green with envy.
Like the Kitsune, he had a faint magical aura that indicated the use of shapeshifting magic.
He eyed the newcomers with suspicion.
The Kitsune gestured to two empty chairs opposite her own.
"Welcome to Elysium! Please have a seat! I've been expecting you two!"