One approaches Valerian House up a long path, flanked on either side by tall and ancient trees. This gives the manse a feel of seclusion, of secrecy, of hidden delights sampled by only the daring. Two adepts greet the visitor, one male and one female – both bare of any raiment. The walls of the salon are decorated with fine tapestries, woven with scenes from dreams and myth. Carnality is the theme, a hint of things to come. Once one descends into the pleasure chambers, the eye catches an unusual sight – for newcomers – in a place of Namaah’s servants. “There was an altar to Kushiel there; a niche with a raised dais and a bronze sculpture contained within, an offering bowl on the dais at his feet.” Valerian House is dimly lit, with lush tones of blood red and accents of black from the chaise cushions to the carving on the dungeon furniture. Nothing is left to the imagination, or the feast for the eyes.
As the patron wanders through the halls, past the private rooms and public salons, one hears things. First comes the refrains of musicians. Pleasures of the flesh cannot always be left in utter silence, setting a mood can often be perfected with just the right strum of a harp or the beat of a drum. Such songs in Valerian House are enjoyed in minor keys, with a dark kind of tone to them, we like it that way. Once the songs fade away, and the reverberations of happy patrons and enthralled courtesans fill the ear. Cracks of whips, cries of pain-laced ecstasy, the rattle of chains, a snap of the flogger, they echo from the dungeons and the bed chambers. Sometimes they are matched to the beat of a song, other times they are enacted in the total absence of any other sound, depriving the senses of all but the assignation at hand.
Upon entering the manse patrons first notice a floral scent faint by the door, which became stronger and more intoxicating as one walks deeper through the halls towards the receiving room. Once inside the receiving room, and pleasure chambers, the floral scent becomes secondary to the mix of frankincense and cinnamon. This reminds patrons of both the sweetness and the spice to be found when seeking pleasure inside the walls of Valerian. The many offerings on the altar of Kushiel add to the potent blend arousing one with anticipation.
The fragrance in the air is so heady an earthy flavour is left in the mouth, heavy and satisfying which is complimented by the rich flavour of the Namarrese wine offered to patrons in the receiving room while awaiting to choose an adept. Should a patron choose to enjoy the lesson all Valerian adepts know well they may indulge in a spiced candy with their wine and savour how the spicy pain leads to greater pleasure.
All Houses of the Night Court thrive off the sensation of touch – it is why patrons attend them. To feel, to experience, to become lost in the little kingdom which worshipped and frolicked in the name of pleasure. In Valerian House one expects pain to be the feeling most felt, at least by those adepts and courtesans who call the place home. Stings from crops, welts from whips, bites and soothing caresses mingle and intoxicate the senses. Cool leather laid in one’s hand was soft despite its ability to sting; wood can be rough but is strong and useful when used to prop up a lover. But not everything is hurt and discomfort. Velvet chaises cradle sated occupants, soft and rich in texture, with feathery cushions beneath. Silky beds awaited a tired patron, and sweet kisses pressed like butterfly wings to warmed skin.
By the time a patron leaves Valerian House, whether one has stayed the night or but a few hours, every detail of the visit has been carefully and lovingly crafted. No element is too insignificant, for the sensations bestowed on the patrons are the delight of those who practice their craft here.
Sexual ecstasy is a magic all its own, and patrons of Gentian house will find themselves enchanted. Gentian adepts provide non-judgmental guidance, mystical experiences, and connection with the parts of ourselves revealed only by dreams. If your sleep is disrupted by insomnia, if fears and anxieties plague your waking hours, you may find solace within our rooms. 
When you enter Bryony House, you leave behind the monotony of a normal life and enter a world of chance and pleasure. Our patrons are varied across all types; we turn none away who can afford a seat at our table. We recognize that all pleasure has a cost. At Bryony, we want to make the most of this, by striking a good deal and providing amazing pleasure. 
To offer something so personal is no easy task and because of it, her sacrifice on Elua’s behalf is honored in our efforts to mimic and value that modesty. Just as the other houses offer her worship through their choices so do we in our own way.
We all have our favorite characters and favorite moments in the Kushiel’s Legacy series. If you had the chance to magically become a character in the series to live through a certain time in one of the books, who would you be and what “adventure” would you experience?