The Lustrum grew busier as the night came down.

The waitresses ran food and drink to the nobles at the tables; the escorts served the other appetites in the guestrooms. Amilja counted droqdo at her counter as the business poured in, and had no care in the world past the counting of it.

A new couple came in.

The male was a handsome, muscular noble in expensive blue. The commoner woman on his arm was ravishing in a small skin-tight pink top that covered only the front of her breasts. Hand in hand, they looked over the inn, deciding where to sit, and in the end the male drew her to a table at the back.

A waitress came at once, and the male ordered most of the expensive dishes, and surah.

" Master — the place is busy tonight, the food will take a while. But we can bring the drinks now, if you please. "

" Bring the drinks. And keep them coming until I say stop. "

The waitress bowed and went. The couple talked, and the drinks came, and they sipped, and the male ran a hand over the woman’s bare back as he drank. She seemed to enjoy it. He grew bolder, his hand moving to her chest, and she warmed to it, and they began to make out openly.

" What a knockout. " " I’d have loved to tap that. " " Damn, I need a release. "

Three adolescent noble males at the table just behind, watching. Drunk on surah, celebrating their awakening. The woman heard the remarks and complained to her partner, and he told her to let it go.

Another round came, and the male urged her to drink more, and she agreed readily — she had never tasted surah so fine. He caressed her again, and she answered with a kiss.

" Look at those melons. " " He’ll plough her tonight. " " Rip that scrap off her chest. "

The same three, again, from behind.

This time the male called a waitress and whispered to her. She came back with the food and a very expensive bottle of surah — and after setting the food down, carried the bottle to the three adolescents.

" Young masters. The master at that table sends this, as a gift, for you to enjoy. "

She placed it and walked off. The three looked over, surprised, at the male at the couple’s table. He looked back, raised his glass, and gave them a cheer.

" To your awakening. "

Surprised and delighted, the three raised their empty glasses. " To our awakening. " And they poured from the bottle and drank.

The couple ate and drank too. The male kept at the woman — her waist, her back, her thighs, pulling her top to bare more of her — and the three, watching and working through more than half the bottle, grew flushed and drunk and aroused, and passed no more comments.

After a while the woman went to the washroom, and the male rose and came over to the three.

" May I sit? "

" Sure, cully, sure. "

" And your names? " he asked, sitting.

" Sure — hic — sure. I am Damir, of House Stonegor. This on my — hic — right is Efrem, of House Ovine. And on my left, Kervyn, of — hic — House Stanthall. "

" A pleasure. I am Ganzuo. Of House Tsakani. "

" Ooh — hic — House Tsakani. That’s why — hic — you’re so rich. " Efrem.

" Ha. Maybe so. And which temples are you all bound for — have you decided? " Ganzuo looked at Kervyn as he asked.

" Yes — hic — we all have single affinities, so it’s settled. Damir and Efrem — hic — to Bellicus. And I — hic — to Auran. " Kervyn, drinking another glass.

" Good, good. You deserve a proper celebration — that’s why I sent the bottle. You’ll be off to training in a few days; enjoy yourselves fully, no regrets. I mean to. Surah and women — I leave no stone unturned. Ha. "

" We saw — hic — that’s a good piece you have with you. " Damir.

" She’s damn seductive. " Efrem.

" You’re going to — hic — get lucky tonight. " Kervyn.

" Her? Yes, she’s something, isn’t she. Can’t get my hands off her, and I’ve had her twice already. " Ganzuo, casual. " You want her? "

" Yes! " All three, as one.

Ganzuo laughed, on the inside.

" Well — of course. Anything for a fellow Ramiz. She’s only a commoner; she’s meant to serve us with her body. But from experience — best done with her alone, one at a time, taking your time over the pleasure of it. So. Who goes first? "

" I will — I will — " All three, and they turned on one another like rivals, near enough to come to blows.

" Easy, easy. Drink up and listen. "

They gulped another round and looked to him. The bottle was near empty.

Ganzuo signaled for another, and said, " Look. Damir and Efrem have a week before Bellicus — time on their hands. Kervyn leaves in two days, for Auran. I think he’s earned the first turn. "

Damir and Efrem looked at Kervyn with envy — but the logic sat right with them, and they gave way, unwilling.

" So — should I — hic — go book a guestroom now? " Kervyn drained his glass near to the bottom and stood.

Ganzuo laughed. " Sit, sit. Wait. "

He opened the fresh bottle and poured for them.

" As I said — the pleasure comes tenfold if you take your sweet time with her. They’re charging the guestrooms blind tonight, even for half an hour. Book an hour and you’ll be rushing it, no time to enjoy. Book the whole night and it costs you an arm and a leg. "

" Then what — hic — should I do, brother? " Kervyn asked, making puppy eyes.

" Don’t fret. Drink, and listen. Her husband’s away a week; her house stands empty. I had her there this afternoon, in her own bedroom. It’s in a secluded spot — no one to recognize you. Wear a cloak, all the same, for caution. I’ll walk you and her there myself, then come back here. You’ll have the whole night. You’ll feel true pleasure. "

Kervyn’s eyes shone with lust. " Thank — hic — you, brother. Thank you. You’re — hic — the best. "

" Sure, sure. We’ll go as soon as she’s back from the washroom. Till then — drink. " Ganzuo said it merrily, and signaled the waitress for the bill, and another bottle of surah.