Saché wandered the side streets of Theed, taking a roundabout way to the club. A cool breeze was coming from the direction of the river. As she passed the shops, the fragrances wafted out of the doorways and she caught each scent during her stroll. This was one of her favorite little alleyways, and even if she were blindfolded, she could tell where she was by each distinctive aroma or sound. A candy shop was making fresh pralines with nuts, the warm, sweet smell drifting through the screened window. The florist was next, with his seasonal blooms bearing a pleasing fragrance. Music floated from another open doorway, the lazy melody exhilarating and soothing at once. The young woman smiled with contentment. She did love the Queen and her job, but private time like this was necessary to refresh her soul.
Her winding walk took her near some street vendors. She veered from her path to see what each stall had to offer. She found such things as decorative beads, incense, and knickknacks of all kinds. She browsed, nodding at each merchant, but only giving a quick glance at the merchandise.
She stopped when she came to a booth with many colors of scarves among the offerings. She looked at her street clothes and suddenly felt the formfitting black outfit, while smart, was far too plain. It could do with a hint of color, something that would catch some young man's eye.
As she looked over the items, a streak of red stood out against the more somber shades that surrounded it. It seemed the perfect choice. "May I have that red scarf?" she asked, stretching to point it out.
The middle-aged man smiled, and glanced in the direction indicated. His eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you certain you want that one, Milady?"
"Yes, please. Let me see it," she pressed. "I'd like to try it with this outfit. The color is so eye-catching."
"That it is, Milady, but perhaps you should try several others before you make up your mind. The blue here, now that's classy, too," he stated, pulling down another piece of fabric.
Now annoyed, Saché's tone grew more insistent. "No, I want the red. The color will suit me just fine. Now, please let me have it and pay you, so I can be on my way. I have to meet some friends in just a few minutes." She hesitated, thinking perhaps she had been too short with him. She tried a different approach. "Red's my flag color and it'll show that I mean business." She added a wink to win him over.
To her great surprise, he warmed up immediately. "Ah, I see now," he replied, and winked back. "Very well then, Milady, the red is what you shall have." He handed it over with a flourish.
Saché drew herself up with satisfaction at her victory. She took the offering with a dainty wave and smiled as she handed over the payment. She tied the scarf around her neck, flashed one last smile at the vendor and moved on.
As she got within sight of the club, she saw she wasn't the only one who wanted to try the place out this night. There was a crowd milling around in front of the stone facade of the entrance, and there seemed to be no established order yet as to who got in or how.
Standing on tiptoe, Saché looked over the scene. There was no sign of Rabé or Yané. She checked the chronometer and saw the hour was a bit early yet, so she had no reason to be concerned.
Three handsome men, near to her age, strolled by. Saché chose to observe them carefully. They appeared unattached, and were laughing casually among themselves. The odds had never looked better outside the Palace, so she fell in behind them until they stopped for a moment to look in a shop window, then she made her move.
"Excuse me," she said, flashing her most fetching smile. "This is my first time here. Can you show a girl how to slip inside?"
The three men turned at her question. As soon as they saw her, their eyes grew wide. One, brown haired and boyish looking, recovered quickly. He returned her smile with a warm one of his own.
"Indeed we can, Milady. I must admit, we did not expect such boldness this early. Come with us." He offered his arm and Saché took it, feeling very pleased with herself.
The group bypassed the line that was forming and was already a block long. They proceeded straight to the door. The bouncer seemed to recognize the brown haired man and waved him in. Saché began to sense that either she had made the best move of the night, or a terrible mistake.
Casting furtive glances all around, the men seemed to let a casual facade drop just a bit, and headed directly to a closed door at the rear of the club. Reaching inside their robes, they pulled out red scarves, matching Saché's, and tied them around their necks.
She looked up at her companion, hoping that her growing apprehension did not show. He pushed the door open, motioned for her to enter and smiled.
"Welcome to your first Faction meeting, pretty lady."