Anou had to grin at Luke's crack and then he nodded and led the way. The route wasn't long distance-wise, but the suspicious and hostile glares of the locals followed them like lasers every step of the way. Even the least observant could see the dull glint of knives, cans of mace, and other subtle weapons being prepared. The shadows rustled some as the more alert prepared themselves to strike or to flee. A few of the hookers called out their "wares". Anou affected a confident pose, but the others could see the young Scion of Anahita had a very tense back and his hands stayed close to his body until they got inside. Even then he didn't unclench much.<br/><br/>After a long few minutes of rapid-fire Farsi between him and the sleepy-looking fat man behind the counter, money was exchanged. A great deal of it. A few keys were produced, but the two heavily muscled, very large, sour-looking men near the counter looked at the outsiders. Some words were traded, and then the two bruisers came over, thick clubs strapped to their belts. The dim, faulty lighting of the misfiring bulbs above illuminated the dull glint of guns wore in the belts as well. One man held his hand out to the group, and Anou came back over.<br/><br/>"Okay, the owner says you can stay. I had to clean myself out for the fee. But these guys? They're with the local gang that runs this neighborhood. They said that you don't get to stay without each of you giving each of them a 20 percent cut of whatever you've got. For "protection". The owner covered my fee out of what I paid but I didn't have enough for all of you. I'm sorry." One man barked some quick Farsi at him and then held his hand out as well. "He said that if you don't pay right now his gang is just around the corner and the protection fee will go up to 100 percent." Anou was shoved aside as the insistent thug stomped up to the group.