Bram will escort everyone out of his office and goes back to his mountain of paperwork. The night is still chilly, and the streetlamps light is a coppery amber in color. The way to the massive lifts is a quite one with no one in the streets except for yourselves. The lifts are large enough to accommodate 10 people and was made for transporting goods and people. 

By the time the party arrives at the Upper tier the celebration was in full swing with revelers in the streets and a few up trees as they drink the night away. The buildings here in the Upper tier is in sharp contrast with those in the lower tier. There is artistic flair to the architecture and different materials are used besides drab stone, brick, and metal used in the Lower Tier. Large towers and small minarets dot the Upper Tier. 

Nathaniel can direct the party to the Blushing Bordello. In front of the bordello stands a guard in a formal suit. He was about to stop the party, until he saw Nathaniel. "Welcome back Sir to the Blushing Bordello." he then gestures to the party with a quizzical look "Are they your guest?"

Nisha just stares at the tortle, as he tries to explain himself, stammering through his excuses. “He can’t even defend his own actions,” she thinks amused. But his defiance is enough for her to drop it, as there is no point in causing a bigger scene than this one. Plus, she can feel the attention of others focusing on her, and that is not a feeling she revels in. So she shuts up and gets ready to leave, completely forgetting that she wanted to ask the Watchmaster about the content of the folder.

This meeting ended up providing Nisha with more information than she had initially anticipated. The rogue has now categorized half of the guys she was supposed to work with - the hero-wannabe and the scribe. These two didn’t worry her. But the rest of the party still eluded her and she thought it would be better to keep a closer eye on them. “Still waters run deep,” she reminds herself, pursing her lips. Despite the fact they are now teammates, in her mind, self-preservation remains the priority.

When they are escorted out of Bram’s office, the rogue follows the group with a sense of mild annoyance at being forced into this situation. “Sleek, you bastard. Look where I am because of your stupid plans,” Nisha broods, jaws clenching in anger. Oh, if only she could get her hands on her so-called guardian...

The thought of the tabaxi and his criminal mastermind actually makes her think about the task ahead of her new group as the lift rattles, taking them to the Upper Tier.

She’s heard of Ebar Hall, of course, his reputation precedes him. He isn’t one to toy with so she has to be careful. And what if the rumours of his paranoia turn out to be true? But Nisha doesn’t think it’s necessary to relay this information to her comrades, especially since she doesn’t want them to know what her not-so-noble occupation is… or at least used to be up until recently. Who knows what their righteous hero would decide to do with this information, probably give her off to the nearest guard. No, no. The information that Bram himself gave them earlier should be sufficient for the rest of the party. 

The Upper Tier and the stark difference in the atmosphere here interrupt her worried thoughts and she exhales deeply, taking in her surroundings. Her fingers twitch in her pockets, and it's as if she can almost taste the scent of gold and riches hidden in the marvellous buildings around them.

A soft groan escapes her lips. "This will be a long night."

Laine turns the corner out of the office, with a two finger wave in Braum's direction as they depart. He sinks his hands into his pockets as the group makes their way up. His gaze is drawn to the festive lights, the colors reflecting in his eyes. As they walk through the streets his eyes wander forward once more. He's fine with this Nathaniel taking the lead, it's best to have someone familiar with the area as the face after all. His gaze shifts to Nathaniel as the guard asks his question.

Gavyn follows his new comrades into the upper tier, lagging only a pace behind everyone else. He sometimes comes here to see the beautiful architecture, but doesn't find much joy in any of it now. The tongue lashing may have stilled his nervous demeanor but the celebratory fireworks cause him to flinch periodically, explosions much weaker than any battlefield. Such celebrations have, in years past, been devoted to quiet reading or reflection, far from the noise and bright lights. The novice fighter steels himself against the irritation he feels until they reach the bordello. Here, he eyes the unfamiliar structure warily. Seeing no hesitation in his fellow conscripts, Gavyn gulps and follows them forth.

"We'll just have to make sure we don't get picked up by the Crownsguard then I suppose." The pale tiefling says with a wry smile befor leaving the Watchmaster's office, feeling some pity over the gnome and his mountain of paperwork.

As the team reaches the upper tier the pale tiefling unfolds his wings slightly, smiling widerly at the beauty of the festivities. "I didn't quite catch your names back there, it would be nice to have something to call you. Also, while some of you perhaps would side with those who finds establishments like the one we're about to visit immoral or disgraceful I suggest you all at least pretend to be customers, barging in there demanding to speak to our elusive information broker will only make them more elusive. Perhaps we simply spread out in there and see what we can come up with, I'm certain some of those taking care of us would love having a minotaur as customer for instance..." He says with a wink to Kaelen. "...although I'm also sure there will be company there for everyone." He adds with a reassuring smile to Gavyn, giving his shell an encouraging pat.

"Yes, I consider them all my personal guests here, all quite important and prominent people in there respective areas." Nathaniel responds to the guard outside the Blushing Bordello.

Deception if needed: 18 Another roll if helped by the others playing along: 22

The guard is skeptical. but as a longtime customer he is willing to give Nathaniel the benefit of the doubt. He holds the door open as everyone enters the Blushing Bordello. As soon as you enter there is a scent of fresh flowers and a coat check stand to your left. Inside it is aleady crowded with patrons enjoying themselves. There are few empty tables. The ladies and men of the night are tastefully dressed in an alluring nature such as a backless dress or a partially unbuttoned shirt. On stage there is a songstress singing a jazz inspired song. There are stairs in the back that is guarded at all times. Only customers who are staying the night can head up. 

Ambience 

(This would be a good time to introduce yourselves to each other, well at least your names.)

Laine takes in the space and pushes his hood back, muted purple waves of hair becoming visible in the process. He pushes them back as he mutters something about a change of dress being in order. His form shimmers, his all black attire being switched out for a more well-dressed ensemble of his own. Then he begins to walk forward to one of the empty tables. 

"My name's Laine," he says as he passes the tiefling.

Kaelen, towering amidst the festivities, maintained his calm demeanor as they ascended through the Upper Tier. The contrast between the upper and lower parts of the city was stark, the artistic beauty of the Upper Tier standing in sharp contrast to the industrial lower section. His hooves clicked softly against the cobbled streets as they approached the Blushing Bordello. As the tiefling talks and asks their names he just responds "Kaelen Stoneshard, does anyone have objections to the type of establishment we are going to? Would hate for us to start off this journey with any uncomfortableness." he asks looking at his fellow companions “As for our plan of attack, divide and conquer is a good strategy. However, it might be good to gather drinks together and survey the area before we split and center on a meeting spot to come back to. That way if something happens, then we know if someone is missing.”

Nathaniel's presence provided them passage, a subtle nod of gratitude came from Kaelen. The minotaur chooses to remain quiet as the Tiefling speaks working to gain them entry. The minotaur's stature, though imposing, exuded a quiet strength and reassurance. He stood ready, prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead, his focus unwavering as he awaited the guard's response. As the guard opens the door he nods "Thank you." he says as he walks into the establishment with his companions. As the music flows, he smiles a little "The singer has a beautiful voice. Should we begin looking for information, or get a drink first as we discuss our ways forward? If you wouldn't mind leading the way Mr. Nathanial, you seem to know this establishment better than most of us." 

As Laine takes point and begins to move towards a table Kaelen just follows "Looks like Laine is taking the lead in guiding us."

The rogue considers for a moment what alias she should use to introduce herself, her mind racing to come up with a name that sounds similar to her real one but different enough to maintain some anonymity. After a brief pause, she sighs and offers a name with a subtle alteration. “Just call me Nasha,” she says softly. 

She is a bit surprised how easy it was for the group to gain access to the Blushing Bordello, but it’s not a cause for complaint. But she does make another one of her mental notes, this time about the tiefling.

As the group gets inside, Nisha tries to blend in the crowd (Stealth 21) and look around  (Perception 7) .

"Well Kaelen, particularly quite pious persons have been known to have objections to the type of establishment we're going to, if you don't mind me pointing that out, but I'm glad you seem to be relaxed about visiting this den of sin." The pale tiefling says to the massive minotaur with a friendly smile. "And your plan is sound Kaelen, but once inside I think we all must be prepared to wing it a bit." He adds with a wink and a small movement of his bloodred bat-like wings.

As the team enters the Blushing Bordello Nathaniel instincitvely glances around to see who seems to be available before following the quite talkative purple-haired young man over to the still free table. It is clear to everyone that the pale tiefling feels quite relaxed and at home in this place, enjoying both the music and the pleasant sights, smiling at the other guests and those taking care of them alike. "We are in no immediate hurry, are we Kaelen?" He answers the minotaur. "Why not enjoy ourselves with a drink and some pleasant company and I'm sure opportunities for gathering information will present themselves, trust me on this, people tend to talk more when relaxed my friend so see if you can make someone here relaxed." He finishes with a wink and a nudge. Once seated at the table he looks around for an opportunity to order some drinks and company for his new friends, noting that the mysterious half-elven girl seems to have disappeared, most likely finding some pleasant company for herself already.

A waitress comes by "Now what would you like this evening."  She mentions some spirits and available courtesans ready to serve you this evening.

Nathaniel sees a few he knows, but they are serving others at the moment.  

Nisha completely blends in but does not see much due to the crowd blocking her view. 

Laine tries to relax, or at least look like he's relaxed. The music is a bit grating, one of their members went off by themselves already which always ends well, and he's in an environment where people want to touch other people. The latter makes him frown slightly at the mere thought. He joins Nathaniel on flagging someone down for a drink, he'll need one at this rate. In the meanwhile he takes a look around surveying the crowd. Perception: 18

"If I was a spy, I would probably have a room upstairs. Not everyone is allowed up it seems," he nods his head toward the guarded stairs.

When the waitress arrives, his stoic face flashes a smile, and he orders one of the spirits. 

"You're quite right my dear Laine, how perceptive of you..." The pale tiefling answers with a friendly smile. "...but in order to get up there without drawing unnecessary suspicion to oneself, you would need to be in company of some host or hostess of your desire." He adds with an amused smile, then turning to the arriving waitress, ordering his usual minty drink and suggesting they would be accompanied by any cortesans the house would think could keep his friends pleasant company.

Luckily for Nisha, the place is crowded enough so it is not difficult to find herself a spot between the people in the bordello. Unluckily, the place is crowded enough to block anything interesting out of view. 

But the rogue remains patient. Moving carefully in the crowd, she keeps her ears pricked and her mind focused. Maybe she will hear something interesting said by someone around her, who knows. Or perhaps she can find some quieter room where she can gather her wits and think of something better. If all else fails, she might as well go back to her group, at least Kaelen shouldn’t be difficult to spot around.

Nisha hears people flirting and some terrible pick-up lines. A few are just unwinding by venting about how hard the day of work was. You also overhear someone say the songstress is the lover of a powerful criminal. 

The ordered drinks arrive along with 3 women and 1 man. They introduce themselves as Mariel, Viandra, Raven, Langdon. Mariel lightly touches Nathaniel's shoulder "So what desires do you want fulfilled tonight?"