Mi'in stood right there, so Lydie couldn't show a single hint of nerves. She clasped the shawl of creamy white Ti'pahn gifted around her shoulders before turning to the woman holding and bouncing Kenth on her hip as if she was the luckiest person in all of Darshal.

"My word, I forgot how nice it is to have them this small. They're such dears at this age. My boys have my heart, but goodness knows I miss the days before they could talk back."

"I'm truly grateful you agreed to watch him for a while." Lydie smiled as Kenth happily wiggled his legs and flapped his arms to the silent beat to which Mi'in swung him.

"I'm glad to do it. I'll never deny a break from waiting on tables, and you said you have a potential employer who'll take you even having this little one. That's important. If all it takes is a half hour or so of me being up here for you to get on your way, that's no sacrifice at all."

"Thank you, Mi'in."

"I know, hun. You've said it a dozen times by now," her companion laughed, "Now hurry on and get going."

Lydie planted a kiss on Kenth's forehead, dared for a gentle squeeze with the older woman, and complied even though she wished to turn around the instant her foot passed the threshold. Why in the world had she let this crazy idea enter head? It was the fault of the three thieves in actuality for bringing it up, but she couldn't refuse to at least consider the possibility without being a hypocrite. Hadn't she told herself she'd do anything? Even taking on such a job would be far better than falling into the deep poverty of which Adina warned. It simply felt wrong though. Hardly two hours past her statement with the guards, Lydie watched and waited hiding behind a collection of men standing and drinking for Vertinac to head into the back. She didn't wish for him to see her leave, and she certainly didn't want him to know where she was going.

The colorful lamplight of Respite Way urged her into the night. A cloudless sky drenched in stars with a milky full moon illuminated the roads with a brilliance that could not be denied. The warm, sun-baked air danced for dominance with the chilly, crisp evening wind as musicians on the corner rang out their merry tune to passer-bys and nights birds alike. Vendors continued to sell their wares with vigor, and a whole new world came to life she'd not yet seen. Lydie wondered if a festival approached due to the enthused atmosphere increasing the further she walked or if this was a typical occurrence at the end of a work day. Large smiles and pleasant greetings were found everywhere. If only she could have returned them back properly. Lydie's smiles were fake, and her words held no weight. Then the Burden's Respite came into view.

When she dared to ask another patron about the business at dinner, the description of it being the best brothel for the working class in all of Darshal sounded overindulgent. Yet there it stood on the other side of the small, cobblestone square, three stories tall and twice as wide. The detailed architecture would fit better with the buildings of the second district while the perfectly tended yard and garden already enticed men and women either worker or client, everyone remained dressed so she couldn't tell, to sit and delight in the other's company on the beautifully carved stoned benches with thick cushioning. A sereneness Lydie never expected took hold as lights strung throughout the trees flicked like fireflies and bells in the branches tinkled in the wind. Rushing water from fountains and an artificial stream played the melody of the great wild. The intense quivering in her chest subsided until her fingers slowly gripped the large, golden tinted knob and her reluctant muscles pulled.

The scent of a myriad of perfumes and dazzling, kaleidoscopic light from crystal lamps hit her first. The plush carpeting eased the ache in her feet, glassy marble lined the pathways leading from the tall ceilinged foyer, and the gentle buzz of pleasant conversation and laughter echoed from every corner. Given the still relatively early hour, not many roamed about, yet nearby Lydie spotted a woman who was definitely a worker walk by with her hand snaked around the arm of an enraptured man. Her outfit of deep scarlet and sunlight gold covered more than one would think, but Lydie's cheeks blushed anyway. That was nothing to say of how her cheeks burned as she approached the front desk. Two men were there donning fine suits. They finished their conversation at her approach, and the one sitting down smiled warmly.

"Good evening, madam. Your first time here? How may I help you?" his words flowed with practiced eloquence. Lydie cringed at the revelation that her discomfort was so plainly obvious and tried to straighten her back.

"Good evening," she untangled her protesting tongue, "I am actually here to inquire if your establishment is accepting new hires."

"You wish to work here? Hmm..." the man leaned back as he searched her up and down. Lydie resisted the urge to cross her arms, and she willed her gaze to stay on his when he gathered what he could from the line of her deep green dress, "We're not necessarily in need of more workers, although that doesn't mean we won't accept anyone. The Burden's Respite prides itself on variety. I'm sure U'chama would be more than willing to provide you with an interview. If I may, have you been involved in this line of work before?"

"No, I haven't." Lydie managed to say without stuttering

"That's alright. We provide training. What is your name, madam?"

"Lydie Dvanda."

"If you will take a seat over here while Adan here goes to check how long it will be before U'chama can see you."

"Thank you very much."

Her feet eagerly took her to the elegant armchairs lining the right wall. The receptionist and Adan whispered several words to each other before Adan took off up a small set of stairs situated behind the desk. An influx of customers kept the other man busy. Much to Lydie's surprise, nearly as many women came in as men, and the amount of male workers walking by in scarlet and gold signified the crew of the Burden's Respite was diverse indeed. Some passed by with the deepest of rich, dark skin and blackest of midnight hair while the pale skin, smooth blonde hair, and stunning blue eyes of others shimmered in the light. All were beautiful in different ways. Some exuded sexuality and confidence while others moved with a subtle kindness and gentleness that Lydie preferred. No matter what though, each and every person she saw smiled as talked as if there was nowhere else they would rather be. Taking a deep breath, Lydie hoped that she could gather enough courage to traverse the halls before her the same way.

"Miss Dvanda?"

To her credit, Lydie hardly twitched at the call. Adan stood at the bottom of the steps motioning her over. She rose as if her legs didn't shake to follow him up and up to a small corridor on the third floor that appeared separate from the main halls. The scent of floral perfume and a subtler hint of musk wafted in the air, yet Lydie barely got a better look of the area to find the source as Adan immediately led her into an office overlooking the front of the building. Inside stood a tall, dark man of lean muscle dressed as well as the men in the upper districts. Given the apparent popularity of his business, Lydie supposed that was indeed where he lived. Adan announced her before taking off and closing the door. Her rapidly beating heart dove down to her shoes as U'chama loosened the drapes over the large windows before addressing her.

"Welcome, Miss Dvanda. I hear you wish to join us here at the Burden's Respite."

"I do, sir."

"Very good, very good," U'chama clapped his hands, "Now, I hope you don't mind me getting right down to it, but this sort of work places a great deal of emphasis on physical appearance. I don't see that as being a problem on your behalf, but it makes sense to get the matter out of the way so as to neither waste my time nor your time. However, you don't need to worry. What I need right now is not in-depth."

"U-Um, I believe I know what you mean, but...what exactly is it you mean for me to do?"

U'chama smiled. Not lecherously or in any manner that made her uncomfortable. His expression was soft and understanding as he gave her the gentle request.

"I'll need you to take off your clothes."