Honeybee Inn

Aerith ran in a panic through Wall Market, shoulders brushing dozens of strangers, hearing a sizeable fraction of them react to the view she suddenly offered them. She didn't know where she was going, just that she didn't want to stop running for a moment.

There was nowhere to hide. Every building she passed was jam-packed with people, and they looked out through open doors as a wailing naked flower girl ran by them.

No matter where Aerith turned, there were more people there, all of them looking right back at her.

Eventually she finally saw a place that seemed devoid of Wall Market's normal denizens. She didn't think, she just ran for it, wanting to get as far from the lustful eyes and wandering hands of the district.

It was only after she'd ducked under a beam of wood and heard music pounding through the wall beside her that she realised where she was. She'd ducked through the always busy crowd around the front of the Honeybee Inn and headed around the side, where no one ever needed to go.

She took a deep breath. It was still uncomfortable to hear so many people eagerly talking so near her, especially slurred remarks from those that had seen her body, but at least she was out of sight. She stood up straighter, resting her back against the wall. Muffled music reached her ears.

Now she just had to work out what she was doing next.

Someone started clapping. Aerith screamed. She wasn't as alone as she'd thought.

A man was not far away, at first glance hidden by the shadows. As he stepped out, the gold trim on his otherwise dark outfit became visible.

"What a wonderful performance," he said.

Aerith reddened, lifting her arms up to try and cover herself. He tutted.

"No, beauty is a thing without shame," he said. "Oh, and you, I remember you. Madam M's champion in the arena."

"What? You were there?" Aerith said. She shrank back. He smiled broadly.

"Andrea Rhodea," he said. He offered his hand. "One of the trio. I had heard you might be trying to reach me, though I didn't expect this."

Aerith reddened. Andrea didn't lower his hand, quirking an eyebrow impatiently as Aerith continued prioritising covering her boobs with one arm rather than shake it. After almost a minute, reluctantly, Aerith reached out to shake his hand back, before snatching her arm back the first second she could.

"You wanted permission to visit the Don?" Andrea said. "I may be able to help with that."

"Madam M's helping us," Aerith said.

"Truly?" Andrea said. "I wasn't aware she would countenance such a... shameless display."

Aerith bit her lip.

"I was hiding from someone," Aerith said. "Had to run. I'm going right back, though, er, I don't suppose I can borrow a towel or something?"

"You ran away from Madam M? Brave girl," Andrea said. "And you want to go back?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Aerith said. "She's my way in."

"If you believe that," Andrea said. "Come now, haven't you seen her temper? You ran out on her. I expect she would be... displeased."

Aerith hesitated. He had a point, she'd seen how easily Madam M could snap.

"You can try, of course, go back to her and hope she'll accept your apologies," Andrea said. "Though I am your other option, if you want my recommendation. I'm sure you could prove worthy."