Dame Luel looked over the second story balcony overlooking the grand hall below. She kept her hands clasped behind her back as she surveyed the floor.
The soft light of coloured lanterns illuminated the room in sunset hues. A familiar warmth enveloped the space like the softest of touches. The front doors stood open. Curtains obscured the view of the street beyond and created the illusion of mystery to entice customers in. On either side of the door stood two bronze statues leaning towards each other, making an arch for patrons to walk beneath. In the door's shadow stood two men dressed in grey, thugs by any other standard, with muscular arms covered in scars and missing teeth they wore as medals. The one on the left has a decidedly crooked nose, another badge from a past altercation. They kept their eyes on the patrons, marking their every move. Waiting to jump in and defend their more attractive colleagues.
Luel preferred to keep the less attractive guards in the shadows. She had posted Jonnen, a new hire, on the ground floor beneath the balcony. He listened to orders and didn't leer at the girls like many of the other guards. He had a strong jaw line and piercing amber eyes. Luel suppressed a shiver. She felt exposed under his gaze. He always had a twinge of pity in his eyes. It was as if he could see into her old bones and the path that brought her here.
Luel focused on the grand hall below. The centre of the floor was split into small circles with cushions and tables for lounging. Between each circle was a waist high curtain of orange or red fabric. A few beautiful women lounged at the end, their sharp eyes watching the door as they quietly chatted amongst themselves.
On a platform in the centre a woman with split skirts sat playing the harp to a distracted audience. Patrons lounged with girls whispering sweet words into their ears.
The stairs up to her balcony flanked both edges of the room. Underneath the stairs on both sides of the room were three small alcoves. Tall sheer fabric hung in yellows and oranges, separating the nooks from the rest of the room.
An enchantress, Nyssa, fluttered out of an alcove. Her dark caramel features compliment her gold jewellery and dress. A slit ran from the bottom of her corset all the way to the floor, exposing her thigh and the Sianhon script that twisted around her leg. She leaned down towards her patron, accentuating the low cut of her corset and lack of under slip, her black lips whispering in his ear. He smiled at her exposed chest and took her outstretched hand. She guided him upstairs with one arm behind her, every movement of her hips drawing his eyes downwards.
Nyssa caught the old woman's eye and nodded politely to her. At the top of the stairs, Yulin the serving girl, wearing a black dress and matching ribbon around her throat, waited holding a small decorative metal tray. Nyssa looked back at her patron with a cheeky smile as she placed a jewelled brooch on the tray.
"Collateral." Nyssa said with her thick Siahon accent.
"What will the two of you be drinking tonight?" Yulin asked.
"A good vintage rose, bottled in Shiqorus and some warm gold," Nyssa turned back to the man and asked, "what about you, my dear?"
He chuckled a moment before responding, "I'll have the same."
The attendant scurried away.
The two walked into one of the second floor booths and took a seat on the same side. A moment later Yulin came back with the wine and whisky.
Luel watched out of the corner of her kohled eyes. Her extravagantly long grey hair was tied in a peculiar fashion, a tight bun in the centre with six loops protruding from underneath, three falling on either side. The excess length of hair was wrapped over the bun and tucked down her back. A souvenir from her brief time in the Ophelia knighthood. Her slim frame was wrapped in an elegant burgundy dress that hit the floor. A matching shawl with gold accents draped around her shoulders.
Luel always looked forward to the ninth day of the pantheon. Each god had their own colour associated with their day. Today it was customary to wear burgundy as a sign of obedience to the mother of Ibaris. Luel liked how the mother always looked reverent in muted tones while the other gods vied for attention in painting in striking colours.
Luel pulled out a woman's timepiece. She took stock of the floor below.
Two upstairs booths with closed curtains. Three occupied alcoves downstairs, one with three patrons. The main room held another five. Like a spider counting her prey as they slowly sunk into her web. Luel looked down as the seconds ticked by. She held her hand out for a second. Yulin ran over to her.
"Start the music."
"Yes, Dame Luel." Yulin responded, before scurrying through the back door.
A few moments later two women walked out into the centre of the main floor, holding a violin and a cello. They took their seats on either side of the harpist. The song started out quiet but gradually picked up volume.
Two gentlemen wander in from outside, stumbling as they walk under the statues. Each wore an elaborately decorated undercoat. The guards watching the door stiffened and looked up to the balcony. Luel slowly shook her head and the guards relaxed. The women sitting at the door eagerly helped the men up and further inside.
Luel checked the time. She raised her hand in a twisting motion. The men guarding the door gently closed them. The music covered the sound. All the patrons were distracted by the music or merchandise. Luel smiled at the sight and watched the minutes tick over.
The songs continued. The distant sound of bells could be heard above the music. No one moved; no one noticed. Curfew hit and none were any the wiser.
Luel's smile grew. The trap had sprung and her workers had quite the catch.
Now all they had to do was bleed them dry till morning.