"Perhaps I won't keep him, then, but I have an aesthetic preference against straightforward captivities. Perhaps I will offer him something he wants more than the release of death. Certainly it won't be pleasant for them, unless they're peculiar sorts - but the details might be up to improvisation."

"I see. Interesting. Do you think it likely the Carta will send other representatives to this little soiree?"

"If they do, I won't have any special interest in keeping those."

"I would be pleased to accept your invitation, then."

"Thank you. I'm planning on laying a trail after this. Hopefully they will arrive soon, but if you have other business I can contact you once they're ensnared?"

"Nothing that can't be put on hold."

"Excellent! The Keres is currently preparing the field. I can let you know when they come, or you could join her?"

"I'll join her, if that won't be unduly distracting."

"I suspect not."

"How long do expect before you'll be luring them in?"

"Probably early night - well before dawn, certainly."

"Acceptable. You do not require any assistance with that?"

"No. This sort of thing is quite in the area of my specialty."

"Very well. Which house have you claimed?"

She gives the address.

"Then I will you see there this night, if there is nothing else you require of me."

"Not at the moment, no."

"Good hunting."

"Thank you."

And she sets out to do just that. She creates two clones, one to hunt her little mage and assassin, and herself and a second to begin identifying how she might lay a trail.

A literal blood trail is tempting, but will work best if she can get them already close.

Well, the second clone can make fleeting appearances near the neighborhood, at least. Not exactly revealing herself, of course, but creating a distinct area of dread.

This provokes some talking in the streets. The residents are not a fan of this new aura.

Then she will have a lot of fun trying to set rumors and a trail. Not too obvious, of course...

Meanwhile, the Keres has a visitor. No one was compelled to take note of her arrival, so she knocks on the front door.

She's left waiting a couple minutes.

Finally, the door opens. "...Why are you here."

"I was invited. By your friend. I thought perhaps you might benefit from some advice on local capabilities in your trapmaking. Might I come in?"

"If you must. Stay to the left." She turns from the door, leaving it open behind her.