Janaxia groaned, her head throbbing. She really shouldn’t have had quite so much wine yesterday, to say nothing of the rough-brewed drink of the street. A flavour that could best be referred to as ‘intriguing’, and certainly not something it was wise to over-indulge in. Her arms were sore as well, a tiredness deep within the muscle indicating some great labour. She pulled herself up, rising and attending to herself, carefully applying her makeup; something restrained, just a touch of red around the eyes, and a little colour on her lips. The weather outside was grimy and pale again, sunlight failing to make much headway through the omnipresent smoke and haze, so something relatively sombre and restrained would be appropriate. And in this area, it seemed unwise to be too bright.

As she wove magic around herself, her clothing altering itself to her will (long sleeves, with a high neckline, loose at the bust but tight at the waist, and a full skirt, loose enough for easy movement, but trimmed with crimson pattern, to add some flair. And sleeves, loose beneath the elbow, with ruffled edges – even here, some ornamentation was needed, despite the rather run-down surroundings). Memories trickled into her brain, through the fug of her hangover. There had been some unpleasantness with a few of the local gangs, which Semari had resolved in her own charmingly direct fashion. And then they had gone to what could politely be called a bar, a decidedly rough place, where drinks had been provided. After the unpleasantness of that… incident with Stathis, she could scarcely be blamed for taking a momentary refuge in drink.

And then… As she checked her appearance for any flaw, another memory bubbled through her mind. A sophisticated masque, where various dignitaries had been present. A rather entertaining, and quite dashing, excursion against the local lord, who ruled, if not quite tyrannically, then at least with a lamentable lack of forbearance combined with ineptitude. Then there had been a certain amount of awkwardness and flight, before escaping to an abandoned area. Fortunately, she had been able to use a spell to confound their pursuers, fogging the terrain, allowing them to escape. Jalmi had considered it a blow struck against the oppressors? Quite exciting, either way, and no doubt Stathis would approve, if she cared to take the time to regard the matter.

Properly attired, she tried to push the headache away, ignoring the throbbing soreness, standing up straight and proud. She and Semari had both stayed out of the main fray, so it was unlikely they would have been recognised, and, well, surely Stathis would approve of such things, at least in the abstract. As a knight, standing up for the little people in such a way was surely the thought of thing she should be doing, when not gallivanting off with a hoydenish slattern of a guard?

She made her way to the front room, now rather cleaner than yesterday, although still with a certain, inescapable, ambience of ‘brothel’. Something about too much brass, everything a little worn and tatty, and the faint scent of cheap perfume in the air, somehow having persisted through its abandonment. Parth was already up, having prepared what could charitably be assumed to be breakfast; hard biscuits, each topped with a berry. Janaxia poured boiling water over hers, knowing it would take a long time to soften into edibility. Jalmi was slumped at the bar, Parth pushing food towards her.

‘Could you not perhaps prepare these to be rather gentler on the palate?’ Janaxia tapped one with a knife, producing a solid “thunk”, more appropriate for a lump of wood than something intended to be eaten.

Parth looked at her. ‘The Empire fell.’

‘Am I to take it that your excuse for serving food largely indistinguishable from hardwood coasters is that the Black Triad destroyed the Elven Empire, three millennia ago? While I am aware that it had significant effects on the culture of your people, unless the Destroyers managed to very selectively target your chefs and cooks, there really does seem little excuse for this.’ She tapped it again, this time her knife making the slightest impact into the hard biscuit.

‘Cataclysmic.’

‘Even so, I have had elven rations of astounding delicacy and lightness, a subtle blending of flavours, that melt upon the tongue, which I am quite certain were created after the Triad poured their wrath upon the world. Personally, I am rather more of the thought that this is due to a certain lack of your own proficiencies as regards cookery?’

‘Queenly, regal cooking.’

‘Ah yes, that’s something else I have been meaning to discuss with you. I would appreciate being told such things in advance! Stathis has her own reasons for secrecy, one supposes, but it is a little embarrassing to have to discover these things at such a late date in our relationship.’

Parth shrugged and added another berry to Janaxia’s (very) slowly dissolving lump. ‘Considering my travelling companions are a scion of the Iristari, and not simply a Queen, but a Queen several times over, then I suppose Semari will no doubt be the child of a deity, or Hakara the lost heir to the draconic dominions! Is it really so much to ask for a little openness from my travelling companions?’

‘Hail, Queen of Darkness.’ Parth bowed at her.

‘There’s no call to be rude! Simply because my colouration lends itself well to the darker shades, and I bear myself with a certain dignity, there is no need to cast aspersions upon my good name.’ She started fixing Jalmi’s hair, which had escaped from its neat bindings of the previous night. For a rebel leader, she took some care of herself, at least, although there was dust and grime left from last night’s adventure, and she could do with a good scrub-down. ‘Do you know anything of Stathis’ whereabouts last night? I trust she returned safely?’

Parth grinned. ‘Came back. Company.’

‘Most unseemly, for a knight she should be above such tawdry things! And just who might her companion be?’

‘Companions.’

Janaxia coughed, accidentally yanking on Jalmi’s hair, prompting a drowsy mumble of protest. Stathis had never shown any interest in such things before; no doubt it was that floozy of a guard, casting above her station! ‘She’s never seemed the type, I confess I’m a little shocked. Who were the individuals?’

For Stathis to return with not one, but multiple companions, well, that was quite the event. And somewhat vexing, considering she had cast scarcely an eye at Janaxia herself! Simply rude, considering the effort Janaxia put into her appearance, when there was clearly some attraction there. At least she hadn’t shown any interest in Semari, that would be unbearable, but to have a dalliance with (in all likelihood) some flit of a thing, of middling birth, and likely little talent? She cut at her breakfast, knife sheathed in dark energy, applying a little more force then she intended, shearing through the biscuit and into the bowl. While waiting for it to soften into some approximation of edibility, she kept working on Jalmi, using magic to clean her up, remove some of the dirt and grime. Just having awoken was no excuse – if one was to present oneself to company, one should take care to be worthy of presentation.

‘You really should put a little more effort in, I feel. You looked rather dashing last night, and no doubt made quite the impression.’ Jalmi made a half-awake mumble, clearly not a morning person. ‘As I said yesterday, something a bit more striking than a simple bandit. There should be a certain balance between style to impress, and something to drive fear into those you would conquer. There’s definitely something that can be done with your armour, and the mask adds a touch of allure and mystique.’ She ran a hand through Jalmi’s hair, pulling out several loose strands. ‘This could definitely do with some improvement. Maybe some hair clips in silver? Onyx or obsidian would work with your skin, but don’t show well in the darkness. And gems or royal metals, of course, add style to any outfit.’

Jalmi slowly roused herself into consciousness, eyes still bleary. ‘Huh? Oh, it’s you. Uh, thanks for your help last night. Sent the boys off with the loot, should get a decent price for it. And should show those nobles not to mess with us.’ She yawned, taking a biscuit from Parth, making the mistake of biting it, teeth scraping off.

‘Quite the success, it sounds like. Although you need to work on creating more of a reputation for yourself. Theft is easier if the targets are so intimidated by your reputation that they don’t fight back, or so I’m informed.’

Semari stumbled in, clothing unchanged from the previous night, and therefor far smarter-looking than usual, despite her exertions and having both fought, and slept in it. Parth handed her several of the biscuits, which were made edible by the simple expedient of Semari placing them on the table and simple punching them, crushing them into powder, which she then scraped into her hand and ate. Effective, if rather crude.

‘Mornin’! Thanks for that weird illusion thing. Creepy and weird and stuff, but it worked.’ She ducked her head under the tap, in need of liquid to wash down the dry biscuit. ‘Guess the others got off OK?’

‘I believe they successfully evaded capture, yes. Although it is to be hoped that there are no reprisals from those in power.’

Semari gulped down water before responding. ‘Yeah, Stathis didn’t look very happy, especially when she was caught in that mist-thingie of yours! That spell’s pretty neat though. Nice to see you finally learn something new. That doesn’t involve acid-ice-tentacles.’

‘Stathis? I don’t believe she was involved in last night’s events, was she?’

Semari snapped another biscuit in half, crunching through, mouth full of rather horrible looking paste as she spoke. ‘Yeah, her, that little guard from yesterday, and some fancy-looking dude. He looked nice, y’know what I’m saying? Strong, but classy, and knew how to fight. Went up against Jalmi, and that was pretty even.’

‘That may complicate matters, I would hope she didn’t recognise us. Being caught in such an affair personally might tinge her reasoning somewhat, regardless of the justice of the reasoning behind it.’

Their conversation was interrupted by Stathis herself, having slept in a baggy tunic that did her few favours, face still tired and dirty. Janaxia resisted the urge to wipe a smut of dirt off her face and forcibly straighten her posture. It was early, but she should still make an effort, especially if there were guests present!

‘Morning. Hope I didn’t wake any of you last night, things got bloody messy. Went up to the castle with some friends, and then some damn demon cultists attacked, stole a bunch of stuff. You guys see anything?’ Stathis took a biscuit offered by Parth, looking at it with resignation (showing at least a modicum of taste) before putting it in a bowl, adding water and waiting.

Janaxia glanced at Semari, who shrugged. ‘I went with Semari and investigated the locality. There appears to be some minor gang squabbles, and a certain amount of grumbling about the nature of ruling here as well; it seems that Duke Cormantara has few friends in the wider city.’

‘A rebellion? That’s all we need.’

There was a sound behind here, as a newcomer entered – a short woman, hair bearing remnants of style, her evening dress well-fitted and suited to her in both fit and colour, if rather short, but also excessively mussed, clearly the victim of overmuch exertion in the night. The broad leather belt around her waist was etched with a rather fetching pattern, all curves and loops, centred around a ruby. Below, her legs were muddied and dirtied, it apparently being too much effort to have scrubbed them clean before sleeping. It took a moment for Janaxia to recognise her as the obstreperous guard from yesterday, now apparently fully, and excessively, re-acquainted with Stathis.

Stathis gestured at her. ‘This is Brina, she helped out last night. Brina, this is Parth, Semari and Janaxia.’

Brina mumbled something that might have been an introduction, pushing up against Stathis in an excessively familiar fashion, accepting a berry that Stathis pushed into her mouth. Just how close were they? That form of gesture was entirely inappropriate!

‘She crashed here last night – it was that or head all the way back through the city, and it was after curfew. Brina, you want some food?’

Another mumble, presumably a yes, as Stathis passed a biscuit and a bowl over, even pouring the water for her. ‘Where’s Hakara? You’ve not gotten her doing all the cleaning or something, Janaxia?’

‘I did a more than reasonable share of the work yesterday! While, I might add, you were gallivanting about at a fancy party, and after that wretched business at the temple.’ Stathis had some nerve to imply such a thing! She had spent several hours yesterday cleaning this place, making it less sordid and grimy, while Stathis was off entertaining herself with some (admittedly not unattractive, it had to be said, at least when better presented then her guard uniform allowed) stranger. ‘I daresay she is exploring the area herself, or has simply gone to get some more food. Something a little less tough, one hopes.’

‘Sure.’ Whatever Stathis was about to say was interrupted by Brina touching her arm, and whispering in her ear, Stathis nodding. ‘Sounds good. Although might want to get changed first!’

They stared at each other, until Janaxia coughed, disrupting the moment. ‘Yes, do feel free to let yourself out. I believe something about demons was mentioned? I’m sure that the guard should do something about such matters.’

The conversation was interrupted, again, as another newcomer entered – the gentleman from last night. Although he appeared to have lost his shirt somewhere, his lean muscles shown to advantage in the morning light, despite a few minor wounds and scratches. The stubble was a touch untidy, but nothing that couldn’t be resolved, and he had a face that suited his currently unkempt hair. His trousers were flatteringly tight, showing well-toned calves, and a smooth, well-muscled chest above – Stathis really would do well to follow his example, rather than the tatty clothing she normally favoured. Beneath his hair, she caught a metallic gleam, as a rakishly-placed golden earring flashed for a moment in the morning sunlight.

‘Good morning, and my apologies for the imposition. Ah, you must be Lady Janaxia of the Uth Tremari, my honour to greet you.’ He smiled at her, fully awake and aware even this early in the morning, and despite the travails of the previous night. ‘You must forgive me, I’m sure Stathis has informed you of the events of last night?’ He bowed, a graceful bending of the waist, allowing her to curtsey back. Perhaps Stathis had managed to find someone worthwhile, as Brina stomped away, the sound of her teeth trying to grind through the biscuit mildly amusing. ‘It seems there are dangerous sorts about that may be a threat to the city. Any help would, of course, be most gratefully received.’

Janaxia held her hand out, allowing him to take it and give it a tastefully decorous brush of the lips. At least some standards were being maintained! The moment was somewhat ruined by the sounds of Stathis crunching through an elven biscuit, her teeth grinding through the tough food, despite its lengthy immersion. He turned to Jalmi. ‘Ah, it’s been some time, are you still at the foundry? I hear that there’s been some problems that way, but it is sadly out of my jurisdiction. I trust you are able to defend yourself?’

She drew a sword. ‘Reckon I can get by. Thanks for sorting out that little fuss over at Threegates. Old Ma Jelkins owes you one.’

‘It was simply an error of judgement on Lord Falwin’s part, swiftly remedied. Is that a Kashamir blade? Impressive. Although I prefer Falatine steel, it keeps an edge better.’

‘You wanna buy me Falatine steel, feel free, little rich for my blood. I had to five-finger discount mine.’

They fell into discussion about the relative merits of different swords, Stathis occasionally interjecting with her own comments. All dull and utterly mystifying, but it gave Janaxia the chance to approach Semari and have a quiet conversation while everyone else was distracted.

It seems wisest if we were to not mention the events of last night to Stathis? It may avoid complications. And we were a little the worse for drink, so cannot be entirely blamed for how things went.

‘Sure, sounds good.’ Semari was ogling the captain, enjoying the view. Not entirely unreasonably, he was very well-formed, especially when only partially dressed. A nearby bell tolled, as both the Captain and Jalmi started. He swore.

‘I should leave, lest I be thought in dereliction of my duties. Lady Janaxia, it has been a pleasure to meet you, brief though it was. Although I don’t suppose you would happen to have a clean shirt somewhere, as mine is rather damaged and bloodstained from last night?’

Hakara walked in, blushing and squeaking the moment she saw the captain, face flaming red. While she might be a skilled mage, it was clear that her education had been lacking in certain aspects. Although she must have some experience, given the reaction of the unicorn. Likely some awkward encounter with a fellow student. Janaxia made herself smile. ‘If you give me a moment, Captain, I daresay I can find something. Although most of the clothing here is a touch old, I imagine you will make it look most appealing.’

‘My thanks to you. And please, don’t trouble yourself overmuch, I can endure a little morning chill if needed.’

She managed to find something vaguely appropriate, although a little more gauche than seemed likely to be his usual style, but would at least cover him sufficiently. He put it on, and it definitely worked for him, although the puffy sleeves were, perhaps, a bit much. The view as he left was equally appealing, the trousers flatteringly tight around his waist and hips, Semari nodding in appreciation.

As soon as he was gone, Stathis groaned and fell into a seat. ‘Goddam cults or something, again. At least the guard might be able to help, but it sounds like the town is going to shit. Janaxia, you got any relatives or anything that might be to help, anyone with some local pull?’

‘Here? Not for quite some time. I believe I used to have a cousin here, but he died in some unpleasantness some years ago. Although didn’t you want to go to the temple, perhaps you could ask there? I’m sure it will be minor compared to the fuss in Redcastle though, simply some local political squabbling. Isn’t that right, Semari?’

Semari was crunching through another biscuit. ‘Sure, whatever. Jalmi, mind if hang out with you today? Might get into another fight!’

Stathis sighed. ‘Try not to cause any chaos.’ She stood, pain showing on her face – between the wounds from the banshee and the exertions of last night, she was clearly suffering somewhat. Janaxia felt a stab of guilt.

‘Stathis, allow me to accompany you today. It has clearly been a trying few days for you, I’m sure I can aid you with whatever you need.’

‘I’m fine. There’s some stuff I need to do with Brina, and you stand out quite a bit, thanks for the offer though. If you could try and find out about this Duke and if there’s anything evil going on, that’d be great. And try not to let Semari get into trouble.’

‘Hey, I heard that!’

‘Good! I’ll go see if Hakara is free, actually. Might have something useful for her to do. Parth, you want to come with? I need to go to Brina’s place first, I’ll meet you up by the castle gates in an hour.’ Stathis left, hopefully to make herself presentable before leaving. Parth slowly hacked apart her food before standing and leaving herself.

Hopefully there would be a chance to try and explain matters to her somehow, or at least find out the truth of her relationship with the guard. Slaking one’s appetites was all well and good, but some standards should be maintained, and, while the guard was pretty enough, it was in a very humdrum, bland way. It must have been an act of charity, or else simply resting, surely? And refusing her help was simply rude! As if Hakara would be as helpful! Well, she would simply have to accompany Jalmi and Semari instead. Although from the way that Jalmi had been looking at the captain, there was more than simple friendship there.