Several days later, everyone was more fully rested, only Stathis still showing signs of injury, with black marks and wounds still etched into her body. After some time resting, they’d agreed to pack and head back down tomorrow, the elves having found enough old jewellery to make the trip worthwhile, although they had requested it be sold a safe distance away, so as to avoid drawing attention. While most of the elves still kept their distance (particularly from Janaxia – she had been able to sweet-talk and charm a few, but most saw her walking down a hallway and quickly absented themselves), Cerondyari and Fionarasa were normally around, as much to keep an eye on them as anything else. Still, it was nice to have some company they could actually talk to, and Cerondyari was very good at making drinks.

A wooden tray floated past, bearing a variety of shots. Stathis helped herself to one. Despite being immersed in water, Hakara had wrapped her body in a towel, and was sat next to Janaxia, eyes studiously averted from Janaxia’s naked body.

‘I had no idea you had endured such hardships!’ Hakara broke the companionable silence, as Janaxia looked at her, confused. ‘To be forced to couple with a medusa. It must have been terrible – was Miss Stathis unable to save you?’

Semari butted into the conversation. ‘It was noisy! Like, real noisy. She might look all fancy, but this one’s a screamer.’ She gestured at Janaxia, before waving her hands in the air, yelling and imitating moans of passion. ‘Like that, all night. Could barely sleep! And it looked like some of the bite marks were rather sensitive, you get what I’m saying?’ She gave Hakara a meaningful nudge and wink, Hakara’s eyes staring determinedly upwards still. ‘Bites around the sacred mount, you know? That medusa was nibbling her grassy river, get it?’

As Stathis moved to intervene, Hakara’s expression was befuddled, very much not getting it. Stathis poured her a drink of some amber-coloured liquid, thick and sticky. ‘No idea what this is, but it tastes pretty good. Try some.’

Janaxia looked mildly offended. ‘Kalmaris was simply lonely. There is a decided lack of cultured company that far into the wilderness, and she was just glad of some more elevated discourse with someone. Namely, myself. She has had quite her fill of the rougher sorts, a guest with a touch of elegance was warmly welcomed. And, of course, someone that doesn’t turn to stone partway through. Apparently that can be quite uncomfortable and cause a certain level of rather unpleasant chafing.’

Semari snickered. ‘We saw the bite marks! Must have made riding uncomfortable. And you were, like, totally blissed out all day afterwards.’

Stathis encouraged Hakara to drink, hoping she wasn’t listening too hard, as she took a long drink of the amber liquid. The selection of drinks was impressive, even if the labels were all impossible to read. Cerondyari had appointed herself their server, coming up with an endless supply of cocktails and mixes, and was currently on duty, or at least close by, with a cart fill of food and drink. Parth swam past, gliding into the seating area, grabbing a drink for herself.

‘A success.’

‘Yes, let’s drink to that!’ Stathis tried to change the subject away from the details of Janaxia’s sexual history. ‘We managed to save a town, make friends with a dragon, and help someone that is, apparently, a queen, several times over. Let’s just not mention how we beat the crap out of a unicorn. How’s it doing, anyway?’

Parth shifted herself into position, sitting by Semari. ‘Healing. Madness recedes. But still displeased.’

‘Hey, if he’d just co-operated, then we wouldn’t have had to beat him up! Damn thing should just have come along quietly, and not tried to spear us. So, Hakara, how was your first time adventuring? It’s, uh, not normally quite this bad.’

There was a long pause before Hakara answered, her head lolling in the heat, face flushed. ‘I did not expect Miss Janaxia to be such a skilled wizard! Her spells are very powerful, and she can fight as well.’ Despite her drunkenness, she still avoided looking at Janaxia. ‘Would you please teach me?’

Janaxia beamed, almost glowing from the praise, until Semari sat down behind her, using her legs to pin Janaxia’s arms in place, grabbing a horn in each hand. ‘It’s ‘cos she’s, like, evil and eldritch and stuff.’ She used them to steer Janaxia’s head, the smile swiftly turning to irritation. Janaxia tried to wriggle free, but with her arms bound and her head captured, she had no way to escape, lacking the strength to break out. Stathis felt the water pulse around her, as Janaxia tried to angle a hand to blast Semari, who was happily wrenching her head around, steering it to look at Stathis, making noises imitating Janaxia’s blasts. ‘Pewpew! I got turned to stone, that was crap. The dragon took me for a flight though. You’ve not ridden her yet, have you?’ A wave surged past Stathis, water rippling as Janaxia unleashed another bolt.

From the look of irritation and frustration on Janaxia’s face, the answer was clearly “no”, in any sense of the word. Oblivious to this, Hakara kept talking. ‘She’s so brave, standing up to the banshee like that. I’ve never met another wizard quite like her!’

Stathis nodded, choosing her words carefully. ‘Yes, that is almost certainly true.’ Talking to Hakara in the baths was awkward, as she spent most of her time looking at the ceiling, refusing to look at the person she was talking to. At least she seemed to be drunk enough, or lost in admiration, that she hadn’t noticed Semari bullying Janaxia, the water churning faster as bolts of dark energy shot out from Janaxia’s hands, waves forming as the energy blasted beneath the surface. ‘I wouldn’t try and emulate her though, your own skills are just as useful.’ Stathis shifted to draw attention away from Semari and Janaxia, as Janaxia continued to try and free herself from Semari’s grip, spluttering in indignation as her head was wrenched around. ‘Your spells are a lot more normal and easier to plan around, and pretty useful.’

There was a splash as Semari wrestled Janaxia beneath the water, finally releasing her. As Janaxia emerged, coughing and spluttering, her lash was blazing, lines of her tattoo stark black, energy flaring around her hands. ‘Semari!’ She looked around for her enemy, who had submerged herself.

Stathis sighed. ‘Sorry, let me go sort this out.’

Bolts of energy peppered the surface as Janaxia searched for Semari, her hands blazing with power. Stathis made her own approach from behind, staying crouched, moving stealthily through the shallow water and taking advantage of Janaxia’s blindspot. When she was within reach, she lunged, wrapping an arm around Janaxia’s slender waist and dragging her backwards, pulling her off her feet and back into an area of deeper water.

As she did so, Semari attacked, a sudden frothing of the water as she dived out of the water, arms ready to grapple. Stathis pivoted, twisting Janaxia around, and out of reach while ignoring her yelp of protest, raising an elbow to block Semari and smacking her in the forehead, sending her backwards. ‘Janaxia, play nice, at least in front of others.’ She glanced over at Cerondyari, who was openly snickering, and Fionarasa, who looked about as disapproving as normal. ‘At least don’t squabble so much in front of Hakara! If you’re quite done harassing each other, can we all just relax and enjoy this place? Semari, don’t pester Janaxia, you know she can be sensitive about her horns. Janaxia, don’t try and shoot Semari in the face with creepy magical blasts.’

Half-submerged in water, it was easy enough to spin Janaxia around, back towards the seating area. Somehow, they ended up twisting around, Janaxia sliding around her, ending up sat on her lap, pressed way too close, her body soft and warm. Stathis fumbled behind herself, feeling a bottle slide into her hand, raising it to Janaxia’s lips and letting her drink. She relaxed immediately, body settling against Stathis, warm even compared to the surrounding waters, hair brushing against Stathis’ chest, wet strands slicking in place, as she wriggled, apparently content to make herself comfortable.

Semari emerged from the water, accepting a drink from Cerondyari before wiping her own hair out of her face. ‘That was fun!’ She sat down with a heavy splash next to Hakara. ‘It’s pretty neat having a real wizard along as well, those scouting spells are handy. And you don’t blast me with anything, which is a bonus.’ With Semari on one side and a suddenly quiescent Janaxia on top of Stathis, Hakara had nowhere to look but dead ahead, neck rigid, posture stiff. Stathis tried to detach Janaxia, who was suddenly very heavy, legs somehow tangled around hers. ‘So, you want to come along again? We get to punch things and take their stuff, it’s pretty cool!’

‘I wasn’t expect so much fighting. But the elves are really nice.’ Her words were slurred, as she took another sip. ‘And this stuff… stuff tastes good.’ She glanced towards Stathis and Janaxia, then hurriedly looked away, facing towards Semari instead. ‘Almost getting killed by a legendary monster was horrible. But the elves are so nice, and we did make a difference, didn’t we? And Queen Parthenelle was reunited with her people.’

Janaxia sniffed, pressing herself even more closely against Stathis, her back against Stathis’ breasts. The tattoo had migrated to the top of Janaxia’s spine, slowly spinning in place, glaring at Stathis. ‘While I appreciate a certain level of security may be needed for royal personages, I must confess to being a little insulted that you couldn’t confide in me. Between that and you’, she twisted and turned her head to look up at Stathis, breath tickling Stathis’ face, ‘somehow forgetting to mention that you happen to be the second child of the Iristari, I feel as though I’m not trusted.’

Janaxia’s body was tense, as Stathis suppressed the urge to pat her on the head. ‘I don’t really want to trade on my name, so I didn’t tell anyone, it’s not like I was keeping it secret from you specifically. And you didn’t tell us your family.’

‘Yes I did. Several times! I even introduced myself with full honours.’

Stathis tried to remember. ‘I think I might have left partway through to get more drinks? No offense, but you have a lot of names, and it was all a bit of a shitshow when we actually introduced ourselves, what with the fire and the monsters and everything. And pretty much all elves are nobles of some kind. Hey, Cerondyari, what’s your title?’

As Janaxia sulked, Cerondyari came over, dangling her legs into the water. ‘I am a Knight, as it please you, the Knight of Haven’s Pass. Which is now a human town, Queen Parthenelle tells me.’

‘See? That Parth’s a queen isn’t that much of a surprise. It’s not like it means anything, since the empire fell. Uh, no offense, Cerondyari. And thanks for all the drinks.’

‘Nevertheless, I find it somewhat discourteous to only find out about such things after the occasion. And what of you, Semari? Are you, perhaps, the lost princess Talibetha of the Emerald Islands? Or maybe heir to the Galrathian Empire?’

Semari shook her head. ‘Nah, don’t think so. Sounds like a lot of work to me! Simple life for me, none of that fancy stuff. Well, except the food and the drink, that stuff’s pretty good. Don’t really care about the rest.’

‘Hm, if you say so. Another drink please, Stathis.’

Stathis raised the glass to Janaxia’s lips, tilting it slowly and trying not to drown her, feeling Janaxia swallow, wrapping her other arm around Janaxia’s waist to keep her still. With her own front view blocked, she turned to speak to Cerondyari.

‘So, how’s the dragon doing? She’s not burning or hoarding anything, is he? She is a dragon, after all.’

‘Lady Gintestarrak has been an accommodating guest, and has agreed to stay. I believe she is seeking companionship, although is too proud to admit such. Although she does insist upon being fully washed every day, which is somewhat time-consuming.’

Janaxia shifted in her lap, pressing herself closer. Was there a polite way to push her off? Although she wasn’t that uncomfortable, and had rubbed something into her hair, a slight tinge of firey-scented spice above the scent of her own body. ‘She doesn’t seem that companionable to me, and has actually been quite standoffish. Most rude, I would swear she’s avoiding me, it is only with the aid of Llewdu that I am ever able to find her. But Cerondyari had recommended me some new soaps and scents. Are they to your likeness, Stathis?’ She twisted and squirmed, pressing herself further backwards, so her hair was right beneath Stathis’ nose. Parth slowly swam past, smirking.

‘Um, I guess? It’s spicy. Seems well suited to you, although you always smell good. So the dragon’s sticking around? As long as she doesn’t start raiding the locals.’

Cerondyari shook her head. ‘Oh no, she is very polite.’ She whispered again. ‘She spends most of his time with Miss Fionarasa, discussing history and magical theory, it appears they have certain interests in common. And the seneschal has been lonely for a very long time.’

Stathis managed to push a hand into the tight gap between herself and Janaxia, trying to avoid brushing anywhere too sensitive. ‘Janaxia, would you mind getting off me? I’d like a drink, and you’re in the way.’ She ignored the slight shivering moan from Janaxia as she pushed against her back, before Janaxia let go, sweeping through the water in a graceful curve and taking a seat by Hakara. Stathis turned to Cerondyari.

‘That’s nice. Actually, while you’re here, what does “hauleni” mean? Everyone keeps calling me that, and I’ve no idea what it means.’

‘Has the term fallen into disuse? It is hard to be precise, but something like… “shining warrior of heaven”? They are great warriors and fighters, blessed with powers to destroy evil and darkness.’ She glanced over at Janaxia, currently playing with the hair of a drink-dazed Hakara, who was still refusing to look at anyone. ‘It seems much has changed, in the years since we were bound.’

‘And how do you know I’m one?’

Cerondyari looked at her for a moment, surprised, before explaining. ‘Ah, I forget that humans cannot see such things. I thought that was why Queen Parthenelle chose you as a travelling companion? You have the light of the heavens within you.’

‘So, can all elves see that?’ Parth had never mentioned it, and it would be bloody awkward if they could.

‘Queen Parthenelle tells me that it is rare now, although some do cultivate the skill, even in these fallen times. My apologies, I did not mean to offend, or breach a confidence, I assumed you were Queen Parthenelle’s guardian, not Lady Janaxia’s warden.’

Stathis coughed on her drink. ‘I’m not… we’re not like that. We just work together.’ She tried to change the subject. ‘You’ve got a pretty nice place here though, once everything’s cleaned up at least. You going to stick around?’

‘This is my home. It is diminished, but I wish it to be restored, rather than flee. It will be hard, and it seems the world has changed much since then. But this is where I wish to be.’

‘Sounds good. Be nice to see this place restored, and it could do with some people to keep monsters and stuff away.’ Stathis drained her glass, holding it out for a refill. ‘And, hey, we destroyed an ancient evil, so it’s a win, right? Better than you lot being stuck in crystal for longer, up until you all died, and the thing was freed anyway.’

‘I would urge caution, though. There is likely to be other darkness hidden within the world. Your predecessors were meant to have destroyed them, but it seems that many scurried into the shadows, to lick their wounds and recover.’

Stathis took a drink, enjoying the smooth sweetness of it. ‘There’s always something about. But we should celebrate when we can. Relax and make the most of it.’

Cerondyari smiled uncertainly, but took a drink of something that was a deep black, drinking it down with a slight shudder. ‘While fire burns, while earth endures, while oaths stand true, then the light shall fight the darkness.’

‘Yeah, that. So relax, we’re not going to get attacked again tonight.’ Stathis glanced over at Janaxia and Hakara again – Hakara’s hair was being tied into very intricate braids, Janaxia happy to have a victim to fuss over, Hakara sufficiently drunk enough to not care. Semari lunged up again, Janaxia flicking a hand, a bolt of energy slamming into Semari and knocking her backwards into the water with a splash.

‘Oi! Stop fighting! Semari, don’t be a dick.’

Semari swam over, face crimson from drink. ‘Meh, you’re no fun. Hey, Cerondyari, what’s the greens stuff called? That goes down real easy!’

‘Asinbathari, brewed from ancient herbs and spring water, blessed by a priest of the woods.’

Semari nodded. ‘Got a good aftertaste. Got a bottle I can take? Oh, or some of those biscuit things? Parth makes them, but they’re like rock. Hey, can you give her some queenly lessons in cooking or something? ‘Cos she’s worse than Janaxia, and she uses, like, actual evil or something, when it’s her turn to cook.’

Parth swam past, slowing down. ‘Refined, perfected.’

Stathis shook her head. ‘No, Semari’s right. You could use those things as sling bullets. I thought they were meant to be last ditch emergency trail rations, but the ones Cerondyari makes are actually pleasant.’

Cerondyari trailed a leg through the water, stirring it with her foot. ‘I thank you for your praise, Hauleni. But I wouldn’t dare to suggest such to a hero like Queen Parthenelle! She has far more important tasks to deal with.’

Parth pointed to herself, nodding smugly. ‘Hero queen.’

‘Sure. As long as everyone is all packed for tomorrow, I don’t care. And we have food Cerondyari made, rather than your heroically cooked rocks.’ Stathis took another drink. ‘It ended well enough, I guess. Cheers!’ There was a toast, and the celebrations continued.

Steam, even thicker than usual, started to fill the chamber. A figure, visible only as a shadow within the mist, beckoned to Stathis, then retreated. Slightly woozily, she swam over, the others quickly vanishing from sight.

Gintestarrak was there, only her head visible above the water, which was steaming around her, looking around nervously. ‘Hauleni Stathis, I was hoping to talk to you. Without that wretched wizard of yours present; she really is quite persistent, and puts on airs above her station. But you should keep an eye on her. The darkness waits, and the light dimmed long years ago. Why you let such a thing live, even if leashed for now, I do not know.’

‘I know you don’t like her, and she’s a bit odd, but she’s never done anything that bad. Yes, she has creepy magic stuff, but, well… you’re a dragon. You’re actually the size of a building and can breath fire, compared to that, she doesn’t seem that unusual.’

The seething bubbling of the water intensified, forcing Stathis backwards as the water started to scorch her skin. ‘There is much that has been forgotten, it would seem. That you have managed to keep her leashed is quite the achievement, but it seems your kin truly has forgotten much. You must…’

A warmth suddenly brushed against Stathis from behind, an arm falling over her shoulder, a wave of wet hair falling over her back. ‘Ah, this, this is where you were. Did I hear Lady Gintestarrak?’ Janaxia fell against her back, smell of wine on her breath, words slurred. Such a shame that she, she wasn’t more friendly, a dragon would no doubt be most passionate

Stathis turned back around, to see a dark blur retreating beneath the water surrounded by boiling water, as Gintestarrak beat a retreat. ‘Uh, Janaxia, you’re really…’

‘Fionarasa has now relaxed‘ enough to uncork some of the more refined vintages. ‘It is a most pleasing evening, ‘ and maybe you’re drunk enough to allow me to do something with your hair.’

‘You’re doing the creepy head-speak thing again. And there’s nothing wrong with my hair.’

Janaxia let her head sag onto Stathis’ shoulder, staring up at her, lash throbbing softly. Such a waste, I could, I could

Her cheeks suddenly puffed out as she turned away, a decidedly unlovely hacking sound as she spewed, a close-by drainage point fortunately consuming the resulting slick of vomit. She sank backwards, almost sinking beneath the water until Stathis caught her. She was completely gone, barely awake, as Stathis hauled her back to the others, laying her out by the side of the bath, and returning to her own celebrations.