Janaxia breezed over, swirling a goblet of wine, sitting next to Jalmi. ‘While I cannot comment upon your tactics, I do have certain comments to make upon your style. While the, shall we say, “street vagabond” look does have a certain utility, it lacks any particular charm.’ She reached out, running a hand through Jalmi’s hair. ‘And this clearly needs some attention, and a good brush through. Maybe even a dash of colour? And most definitely some better clothing. You appear to be moonlighting as a rebel, from some sort of mundane occupation? Surely some commitment to your cause would be more praiseworthy. And your shoes, while sensible, do seem rather dull. Perhaps something shinier, and at least above the knee – you do have the legs for it, after all.’ She squeezed Jalmi’s firm thigh. ‘And you could definitely pull off a half-cape. But your posture needs work, and you need to learn to pro-je-ct your voice.’ She enunciated each syllable precisely, although she could feel the alcohol having an effect, blurring her mind in a pleasurable fashion. Well, it had been a very trying day, and surely now was an appropriate time to relax? And Stathis would of course approve – they were both helping the less fortunate and investigating some disreputable-sounding behaviour.

Jalmi shifted away, Janaxia sitting next to her, the seat just about big enough for both of them. Despite her youth, her body was toned and well-formed, and she appeared to be a skilled fighter, at least for a civilian – she wouldn’t be a match for Stathis, of course, but had managed to spar briefly with Semari, showing some level of martial prowess. ‘What are you doing?’

Janaxia pressed close. ‘If you are going to engage in revolution, then a little style, a little panache and flair, would make it far easier, to say nothing of showing your passion for the cause. Something to appeal to the masses, encourage them to raise up and aid you.’ She turned to Semari. ‘And it’s not as though anyone else is willing to listen to my advice! Hakara, well, there’s only so much that can be expected from a scholarship student, but she could at least try, and maybe tone down the crystals and suchlike, just a touch? Stathis has so much potential; her hair could be glorious, her eyes are the most beautiful shade of blue, her arms are wonderfully toned, but it’s the same battered armour, or plain tunics every time, and she is most stubborn about refusing my advice! When we attended that party and you allowed me to dress you, Semari, you looked impressive, quite the equal of any of the blood. Well, at least until you got excessively drunk, and then drank the waters of the underworld and passed out; that was not your finest hour, I have to say. All I am suggesting is that young Jalmi allows me to make a few small improvements, so that she can be made rather more dashing, and to help inspire this place to wider revolution.’

She grasped Jalmi’s head, tilting it from side to side, brushing hair into different positions as Semari spoke to Jalmi. ‘I think she’s a bit frustrated at the moment, probably best to let her do whatever. She tried seducing a dragon, it didn’t work out, so she’s a bit pissy. And got stripped naked and gagged this morning, and not in the way she likes either!’

‘That is a slanderous lie! Lady Gintestarrak simply wished to rest after her exertions fighting the Black Songstress, which is entirely her prerogative. And it seems I was overcome by a sudden sickness, and Stathis simply behaved as she thought best.’ There was a hiss from Jalmi, as Janaxia realised she had pulled too hard on her hair. ‘My apologies, Jalmi. Now, I think a limited palette would be your best option. And something to bring out your eyes. Perhaps a domino mask? With some motif, maybe silver on black?’ She traced a finger along the woman’s cheek. ‘Something to draw these out. You have good cheekbones, but a little powder and paint is needed to truly show them to their utmost.’

‘Hey, I’m not selling myself!’ Jalmi tried to shake free, Janaxia keeping her grip tight.

‘In a certain sense, you are. You simply have too much potential to be allowed to go to waste, especially if you desire a rebellion! And your colleagues as well. I’m thinking matching masks and outfits, the better to inspire the wider populace to follow your examples.’ She reached out and ran her hand lightly along the scarred and well-muscled arm of one of the other fighters, glad to see the reaction she provoked; at least someone noticed her. ‘Something sleeveless for you, I think, to show these off. Now, you mentioned some issues? Duke Barastein Cormantara has a decidedly poor reputation – he used to be quiet and studious, but of late there have been rumours of a rather harsher attitude, although quite why is unknown. Some mention of poor advisors?’

‘Alls I know is that the taxes are squeezing, the guard keep bursting in, and anyone that asks questions gets vanished, along with a lot of others getting nabbed. Doing all we can to stay alive and ahead of the guard, I ain’t going up to the castle to ask him.’

Semari nodded. ‘Gotta defend your turf and your blood, right. Know that feeling. So, how about we head up-city, go have some fun? Been a while since I’ve done a lift.’

Janaxia nodded in agreement. Excellent, this would be an opportunity to show her prowess. ‘Yes, if there is some demonic activity, we should do what we can to investigate. As Stathis is otherwise engaged with that wretched little guard, then it falls to us.’

‘Yeah, people are vanishing, right? We can go sneak in, and check to see if it’s like, demons or anything. Y’know, like the stuff hidden in the basement at your place, but hopefully not as cold. See if it’s, like, proper evil stuff, or just nobles being dicks and stuff. Stathis went out anyway, that guard friend of hers might know something when they get back.’

That hug had been far too close for some random acquaintance, even if they hadn’t met for some time. Stathis still got tense whenever Janaxia got too close, even refusing a massage! ‘Very well, I suppose an exploratory expedition may be considered acceptable.’

‘The checkpoints are a problem, and we can’t afford the bribes to get through.’

Semari shrugged. ‘Walls aren’t that high, I can boost you over. Janaxia, you can, like, do weird stuff, right, use that to get through? Or just be fancy at them, that normally works. Wink at some guards or whatever, show some leg.’

Janaxia clicked her fingers, an ember of dark energy appearing between her fingers. ‘I am a powerful wizard, I’m sure that some minor walls and guards shall not be an issue.’

Semari leant forward, loudly whispering to Jalmi. ‘She’s not actually a wizard.’

‘This is scarcely the time to discuss such complex and arcane matters, most of which you can scarcely comprehend to begin with. My powers are sufficient to the task, I assure you. Although I would recommend a change of outfits, and I believe such things can be rapidly sourced.’ She stood, world spinning for a moment as she swallowed and took a deep breath, trying to retain dignity and balance, ignoring the twinge of pain from her shoulder.

It didn’t take them long to return to the old manor, where Janaxia guided them to the dressing room, picking out better clothing for each person. She summoned up arcane energies, an invisible force plucking items out from the racks – a mask each, a stiff curve of papier-mache, painted stark white, along with a matching cloak. For Jalmi, something rather more striking, a fetching blouse of black, silver thread (albeit worn) woven at cuffs and collar, and shoulderless. Given that there would likely be a certain amount of clambering and possibly combat, some of the heels present were entirely unsuitable, but a pair of thigh-high boots, the black leather buffed to a shine, were found. A crimson sash around the waist completed the look, the image of a dashing highwayman, especially with her weapons. Some armour would probably be more practical, but, outside of some dramatic and overly skimpy bits of tin and brass roughly emulating the required shapes, such things were outside what was available, and she seemed quite willing and able to fight without such protection.

‘You there, the gentleman with the muscles. I think this would set them off rather better, and is less tattered than your current attire.’ She had found a shirt with a deep-cut neck, several buttons strategically missing, the sleeves absent, edges neatly stitched. She handed it over to him, as he stood there, awkwardly bashful. ‘We are in a hurry, if you could kindly change. You have assets, which should be displayed to advantage, yes? Now, you, the lanky one. Keep your shoulders straight, and I think, yes, this should help.’ She flourished a jacket, the shoulders padded with fringed epaulettes. ‘It makes you a little more intimidating. And do stand tall, rather than slumping, if you would. Revolutionaries do not slump, they stand proud for their cause. And, of course, masks and cloaks for everyone. I imagine they were something of a house specialty? Considering the context, then I’m sure it will be obvious that we are not part of the, ah, entertainment, shall we say.’

Janaxia took another drink. It had started off rough, but had grown on her as she drank more. Now all in better clothing, the group looked at least slightly more like an actual group, rather than vagabond ruffians. She saw Semari creeping towards the door, sending a bolt of energy to block her path. ‘You as well, Semari. You are not going out dressed like that! This is far more suitable.’ She handed over a shirt, black silk with a swirling pattern picked out in gold thread. ‘We are not leaving until you are properly attired!’

Really, it would be so much easier if everyone just followed her advice about these matters. Stathis might know how to fight, but considering the style, elegance and beauty of her sister, she could be far more! If she must restrict herself to armour, then at least something less battered, with a little more style, and at least polished. Some tighter trousers, surely, at a minimum, along with a nice blouse or tunic, cut to suit her frame! And her hair was gorgeous, but just left in a simple braid, such a disappointment. Out of combat, something a little showier, maybe some golden and ivory accents, or something of onyx or obsidian for contrast? A touch of scarlet or ruby might be too much to ask, (a lash of black would complement the blonde most flatteringly, and be quite complementary, but might be hard to make a case for), but at least some effort was not too much to ask, surely? If Janaxia herself could take the pains (and pains they truly were, with the amount of times she’d been smacked with a training sword!) to learn how to use a weapon, then Stathis could take at least the effort to listen to her advice, and put some work in herself. She had the raw material, and Carissia showed what could be achieved, but…

She shook her head, forcing herself to focus on the task ahead of her, rather than the wasted potential of Stathis. This Jalmi character, at least, appeared more willing to listen to reason. Although the group of them did look rather impressive, now they all had matching outfits – Semari was swishing her cloak around, as Parth poked her head around the door, looking around confusedly.

Janaxia waved her away. ‘Do not worry yourself, this is just a passing affair. Although I would appreciate it if you were keep this quiet. No-one else needs to know, just a minor thing, I’m sure you understand. Political matters, of little importance to yourself.’

Semari swished her cloak again and walked over, whispering something, Parth nodding along. ‘Human business.’ She held up a mask, turning it over in her hands before tossing it back.

‘Actually, since you’re here, there is a rather darling tunic I found, just the thing for you.’ Janaxia bent to find it – when she looked up, Parth was leaving, her ghostly body walking through a wall. Really, how rude; a simple refusal would have sufficed! Although everyone else had been accommodating, and looked quite the part, especially as a group. Hakara had seen the group and immediately hidden herself away, but her arcane skills would be little suited for such an exercise, and her physical skills were not up to par. Some iconography, or a manifesto to explicate their cause, that would be the thing, or a banner to wave, but time was short.

She made an excuse and ducked out for a moment, taking the chance to adjust her own clothing, changing the colouration to fit the rest of the group, a few tweaks shifting the hemline to a more revolutionary-seeming length and to show her thighs with some appropriately styled thigh-high boots, her corset fading into something a little looser, as it seemed a certain level of physical exertion was inevitable. There was no excuse to let standards slide, after all. Something similar on her arms, elbow-length gloves, fringed with black lace. A mask appeared on her face, covering her eyes and forehead, twin spikes extending downwards on either side of her mouth to frame her lips. And then a quick refreshing of her makeup, a little red around the lips, some darkness around her eyes to help them blend into the mask. While they were quite impressive, it was something of a shame she couldn’t hide her horns – she unwound the jewellery from them, but even so would have to keep her hood up throughout the evening. Such a shame people’s first assumption about them was some inanity around demons and devils! They were rather darling, although, and made a convenient place to hang jewellery, the better to draw attention with.

She returned, checking herself again in a mirror, noticing the gaze of some of the revolutionaries turn to her, especially when she bent slightly, pretending to check her make-up. It was rather refreshing to be noticed in such a fashion so directly, when certain others appeared to be utterly uncaring of her charms.

‘Now then, if we are all ready? You, Jalmi, if you could remember to be strong and confident, keep your back straight and project your voice. If you could mention how bad the Duke is, that sort of thing is fairly standard in this scenario. And do try to keep violence to a minimum – a brawl can be exciting, but murder is a rather more sordid thing altogether. If everyone else could try to look impressive and mysterious, it will likely make the affair rather easier. So, if we are ready, we should depart post-haste.’