Brothels and Signets

Lyric’s laughter tinkled like wind chimes, though her eyes darted quickly to the bottles Mariam had been eyeing. She caught the slight shift in Mariam’s demeanor and silently noted it. Nerves fraying, bottles mixing—this was not the time to lose focus. But she trusted Mariam to hold it together. She always did.

Oh, Da never stood a chance, poor man, Lyric chimed in, her voice sugary sweet as she leaned toward the merchant, one hand lazily twirling a strand of her golden-red hair. It’s always chaos with sisters like us, you know. One moment we’re sweet as honey, and the next, well… we can be downright *feral*. Isn’t that right, Mariam?

Her tone took on a teasing lilt, her sparkling gaze flitting toward Mariam as if sharing a private joke. But beneath the veneer, Lyric was acutely aware of how close they were to pulling this off—or blowing their cover completely.

The merchant chuckled, albeit a bit sluggishly now, his fingers clumsily gripping the goblet as he raised it again to his lips. Lyric watched intently, the tension beneath her cheery exterior winding tighter with every sip.

Sunbeams and lollipops, indeed, dear sister, Lyric cooed, catching Mariam’s sly jab and running with it. Though I think our benefactor prefers his lollipops dipped in the finest elven honey. Isn’t that right? She tilted her head, her grin wide and dazzling, even as her stomach churned at the man’s lecherous smirk.

When his goblet finally tipped back again, Lyric leaned slightly toward Mariam, her voice soft and singsong. Almost there… He’s starting to sway. One more toast, maybe? Or shall we take bets on how long before he hits the floor?

Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, ready for whatever came next. If the man went down easy, they’d secure the ring, seal the deal, and be gone. If he didn’t… well, Lyric had a dozen more bright smiles and a head full of lullabies at the ready.

Adventure, after all, was about rolling with the unexpected. And she *did* love a good adventure.

@Mariam DeTyne