[center][h3]Underground Arena - Mie, Elque[/h3][/center] [@Seirei No Hai][@Rune_Alchemist] The smaller of the two guards gave a shrug as if their names didn't matter, a wave of his hand and the older guardsman shuffled through the locked gate and into the tunnels beyond. Mie and Elque were forced to wait in silence, an occasional whistle from a nearby patron and of course the ever present shouting as spectators watched whatever combatants were in the pit at that moment attempting to brain one another with something sharp. Through it all there was a stream of other hostesses passing near the gate to whisper something or another into the ears of the gate guard who merely nodded, flagged down another patrolman, and sent a group to deal with the problem. Despite the chaos of the lower floors many drinking patrons it was clear they tolerated little fighting outside of the pit. Two men, responsible for assaulting another patron, had been dealt with in short order. Both had been beaten and shackled near the entrance for removal. Clearly the ones in charge didn't want blood on their hands if they meant to simply remove patrons temporarily rather than more permanent solutions. "They're clear. Kitchens are down the tunnel, first door on the left. Ask for Ruri." The older guard slipped his key into the locked gate and it swung soundlessly on well oiled hinges. The moment Elque and Mie were past the gates, they closed with a [i]Click[/i] behind them. For better or worse they were trapped in the thick of it. [hr] The kitchens were a short walk away. Further down the smooth worked stone passage was another gate separating the two Demis from accessing the elevated VIP area, beyond that was the storehouses and armories. Everything of value kept from Mies fingertips by a mere locked door. A locked door with two of the largest men she might have ever seen. The two of the hunched brutes nearly had their head touching the ceiling closer to 8 feet from the floor. Both wore a mix of plate and leather armor from head to toe with long halberds in hand. Their arms were unarmored but thick as oak trees. A fight with them spelled disaster for sure. Thankfully, through them was not the goal.. Yet. The kitchens were massive, barred by thick wooden doors that swung open regularly. Inside wasn't nearly as chaotic as you would think for such a large operation. Huge ovens dominated the back end of the room as they slowly cooked dozens of skewers lined with meat. Others off to the side were being used to cook fresh loafs of bread, the smell easily filling the whole room with its sweet scent. Unlike the guards, the men and women of the kitchen staff were far smaller. Less intimidating. Their hands worked with the practiced and efficient motions of experience as they flayed skin from fish, picked bones, spiced racks of meats, cored vegetables and fruits. Dozens of projects were going on at once. In an adjoining room similar to the bakery was a colder room making sugary desserts. The nearest cook, a lanky man with pale skin and short hair tucked under a white cap brandishing a butcher knife, waved them forward as he stopped butchering a pigs carcass. No doubt someones dinner tonight. "Ruri, yea? Snot-stache," Referring to the long mustache of the main entryway guardsman, "Said you two were coming. Boss is in the back. Mind your tongue, say thank you, don't cause a fuss." Like everyone else it seemed like discipline was a cornerstone of the staff. As promised, the head of the kitchens was in their office pouring over dozens of order papers. No doubt some had been delivered by the group with the supplies taken from Larchmond storehouses and this was the first step in processing goods intake before payment was issued for work done. The woman in charge was over 65 at the very least, her skin was wrinkly with hair long gone to gray, but youthful fire still burned in her sharp eyes as Ruri glanced up at the newcomers. Her eyes roamed their bodies like the guards but it was clear she was judging their appearances. "Sloppy makeup, your skirts are too long. You," Jabbing a finger in Elques direction, "Stand up straight and flaunt yourself. Not gonna make any money with the shy barmaid routine," The old crones scowl deepened before she added, "Or with the warrior woman routine. Close the door." The two entered and did as instructed while Ruri calmly rose from her desk and walked around in front of it with her arms crossed over her chest. "You two remember those false names you gave the doormen or so help me I'll switch both of your backsides. Understand?" With a huff she straightened her back and dusted off her simple dress, putting on a genuine smile of warmth. Her tone was softer by far than when they had first entered. "Where are my manners. Mistress Beladona told me she was sending in some older gentleman and his assistant and here we have two new faces to my staff. If you want the goodies, girls, you'll have to listen close. First, questions?" No doubt there were a few. Their job had been relatively secret amongst themselves, with only Mie having ever been told anything in detail and yet the crone clearly knew the game was afoot. Elque was likely blind to it. The most well known piece of information that had been covered was the serving girls in this establishment had been treated like dirt and Beladona, the supplier of serving girls, finally had enough of the mistreatment. It seemed likely that the old woman knew their whole plan and was waiting to see if they trusted her enough to spill it.. Of course this could also be a trap. [hider=Ruri, Kitchen Boss] [img]https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/fairytail/images/3/30/Old_Ultear.png/revision/latest?cb=20140920032042[/img] [/hider]