The streets of the residential district were busy, as families finished their work for the day and headed home. Others worked their ways toward the restaurants and bars of the area, adding a level of congestion to the streets. Manuel and Oskar snaked their way through the crowd and headed off to one restaurant in particular.

“Come on Manuel, you’ll love this place,” said Oskar as he led his friend through the crowds toward The Wall. Backed up against the inner wall of the city, the restaurant was known among locals as one of the best places for foreign cuisine. The owners rotated through traveling chefs, allowing travelers and sailors to find a taste of home, no matter how far away home was. It was rumored that even the King had chosen to eat here when visiting years ago.

Few mentioned the other thing the restaurant was known for, lest younger ears present overheard. Just next door to the fine dining establishment was The Polished Spear, one of the most exclusive brothels in the city. Rumor was, the women of the brothel frequented the Wall regularly and customers of one establishment often found themselves waking up in the other the next morning. Oskar grinned as he led his friend inside, knowing full well the reputation of the Wall.

Inside, The Wall was spacious. Large, rectangular tables were cordoned off into private seating areas around the edges of the room, while the center held a horseshoe shaped bar that opened into the kitchen in the back. A band of string players added to the ambiance with relaxing, melodic music played just over the hushed conversation of the room.

“Just two tonight? Would the two of you like a table or a seat at the bar?” asked the tall, elegant hostess standing behind a podium just beyond the entryway.

“Think we’ll head to the bar, ma’am,” said Oskar, already eyeing up two seats next to a couple women engaged in their drinks.

“This way then, any seat is fine,” the hostess replied, handing them two small menus and directing them to the bar.

Oskar pulled a chair next to the two women and forced his friend into it. “Come on now Manuel, don’t be shy. Let’s get a drink and have a good time!” he said, grinning at his friend while trying to catch the eye of one of the girls next to them.

“Ah, you’re right, let’s live a little!” Manuel replied, perking up a bit as he looked down at the drink menu. The bartender rotated over to the two women and refilled their drinks before moving to Manuel and Oskar.

“What’ll it be for you boys?” he asked.

Oskar started to respond, before Manuel cut him off. “What are you two drinking?” he asked the woman nearest him. She turned, and raised an eyebrow. “Water, though I am a bit thirsty for something a little stronger,” she said, looking Manuel up and down. “Don’t suppose you’d buy me a drink?”

Manuel smirked and looked back at the bartender, “Let’s open up some red wine, something smooth.” The woman turned toward Manuel fully, and remarked, “Good choice.”

Ice broken, the pair chatted and enjoyed their wine. Oskar moved around to the other side of the group to speak with the woman’s friend and the night moved along smoothly. One bottle of wine turned into two, and then a bottle of champagne, and then shots of a strong smelling clear liquor. As the restaurant began to clear out, the two men found themselves quite a bit drunker than anticipated. Manuel’s conversation partner for the evening, Elisabeth, stood and stretched, giving Manuel an eyeful of her elegant curves.

“Well boys, it's been quite the evening but we’ve got places to be tomorrow. See you around,” she said seductively, winking at Manuel as she turned to leave.

“Wait! Why end the night here? Let’s head back to our inn and get to know each other a little better,” Manuel said, stumbling a little as he stood to follow Elisabeth.

She glanced back over her shoulder and brushed her long, dark hair behind her ear. “Well, I guess you boys have been very good tonight. I suppose there’s no harm in bringing you home,” she said, smiling. She reached back and took Manuel’s hand before looking over to her friend. “Will you be bringing his friend along as well, or will I have to take care of these two strong men on my own?”

Oskar’s heart raced. This was it. He wasn’t going to stop his friend by tagging along, this trip was for Manuel anyway. Now if he could have some fun too, well… that was another story. Ana rolled her eyes at Elisabeth.

“I suppose, seeing as you’ve teased him already, I could use some warmth tonight,” she responded, glancing over at Oskar. “I think I can keep you busy, so your friend doesn’t have to share,” she said, smirking at him.

“Lead on then, ladies,” said Oskar. He dropped several silver coins on the counter for the bartender and followed the women from the bar.

Initially, Oskar expected the women to lead them next door to the brothel, but they passed right by it. He was confused, but the combination of alcohol and watching the two women walk arm in arm in front of him was more than enough to assuage his concerns. The way they swung their hips was mesmerizing… tonight was exactly what he and Manuel needed. He looked over to his friend, and found him staring at the two gorgeous women in front of them, awestruck.

When they reached the docks, Oskar began to worry again. Surely they aren’t going to rob us here. They passed a few docked barges before arriving at a stately ship. Elisabeth nimbly climbed the rope ladder and turned back to the group, laughing.

“Come on, boys, what are you waiting for?” she called down, blowing them a kiss and offering both a view of her cleavage. Manuel grabbed the ladder next and shot up as quickly as his drunken limbs would carry him. Oskar paused before grabbing the ladder and hesitated, but Ana wrapped her arms around him and pulled him close.

“Now that they’re gone, we can have a little privacy,” she whispered as she pulled him into a deep kiss. Ana pulled his hands to her hips and his instincts took over as they made out on the dock. “I don’t like an audience much,” she whispered, kissing down his neck. “Let them get settled, and we can move to our own quiet spot.”

Eventually, Manuel and Elisabeth’s voices faded. Barely clothed, Ana led Oskar up the ladder of the ship. The deck was wide, with crates scattered around. Muffled voices and flickering candle light from one of the doorways told Oskar where Manuel had gone off to. Ana slid off her dress, and moved stealthily down into the hold of the ship. With just the moonlight, Oskar could just make out her soft skin. She beckoned to him with a finger, and he followed her downstairs.