Character

Starter

The warm glow of crystal lamps bathed the velvet-curtained hall of 'The Ring-Dang-Do' in hues of amber and rose. Perfume hung thick in the air; jasmine, wine, and powdered silk. Music drifted through the main lounge, lilting and slow, while laughter and murmurs filled the corners like lingering smoke.

Ashta stood atop the staircase that overlooked the main floor, one hand resting lightly on the polished mahogany rail. Clad in a dark crimson gown that shimmered as she moved, her head-tails were draped over her shoulders in careful rings, each one adorned with small chains and gemstones that glittered like starlight.

She watched the room below with a quiet authority, eyes scanning the crowd: nobles in masks, officers out of uniform, travellers heavy with coin and curiosity. Somewhere behind her, a door clicked shut; the sound of another girl being prepared for her debut. The evening had only just begun, and already she could feel the rhythm of it pulsing beneath her feet.

She didn’t smile, not yet.

Instead, she turned as footsteps approached.

“Evening.” She said without looking. “You’re either here to spend, work, or cause trouble. Best decide which quickly.”