By the time they got back to the brothel, it was getting dark. Stathis staggered up the stairs, body aching and sore – from inside, she could hear the sounds of celebration, Semari and Parth clearly already drunk, accompanied by Jalmi and several of her followers. Brina helped her up, Brina helping, as Janaxia looked on, shaking her head in disappointment.

Inside, Semari, Parth and Jalmi saluted her, before all drinking in unison, and demanding that Brina start singing. She looked at Stathis uncertainly, who gestured at her to start, before heading to her room and sitting down heavily, beginning to work at getting her armour off, ignoring the sounds of revelry coming from the next room, as Brina started to sing of valour and bravery. As the plates were unstrapped, it was a relief to lessen the weight and constriction, although her injuries stung as she peeled off protective layers, reopening wounds, bruises flaring with pain. The black marks from the banshee were still there, aching as she moved and stretched.

The door opened, Janaxia stepping through, closing it quietly behind her. ‘I thought you might appreciate a drink. Not the most flavoursome, but it has been a rather trying day.’ She offered a bottle of beer before getting closer. ‘Allow me to help. And to cleanse you, as unfortunately we lack bathing facilities here.’ She pushed Stathis’ hands away, her own fingers nimbly undoing another strap, carefully removing a shoulder plate.

‘Thanks. It’s nice to get out of it after a fight! You seem to have perked up now.’

She had found the time to change again, now wearing a short dress of red silk, her arms and legs bare. ‘Yes, I do feel rather more awake and aware. Although you seem to be somewhat battered and bruised.’ She gently touched a bruise on Stathis’ shoulder. As she did so, Stathis felt slightly giddy, feeling the darkness being drawn from her body, the pain from the pressure less than the relief it offered.

‘Yeah, it’s been a long few days. Don’t suppose that offer of a massage is still open? I could do with some relaxation.’ With the light from behind her, it was impossible to see Janaxia’s expression, although her tone was only slightly frosty.

‘Of course, although would you not prefer your friend to attend on you? As you are clearly quite close.’

‘Yes, she’s an old friend. But I don’t think she knows massages. And it sounds as though she’s busy.’ The sounds of her singing could be heard through the walls. It would be a convenient pretext to talk to Janaxia, as well as possibly get her wounds healed.

‘Very well, as you ask so nicely.’

Her breastplate fell off, falling to the bed, before Janaxia propped it against the wall. Stathis pulled her padded jerkin over her head, glad to be out of it, air warm against her flesh, before laying down on the bed, ignoring the twinges of pain. The bed creaked as Janaxia moved and straddled her, lightly settling herself atop Stathis, flesh of her thighs warm against Stathis’ back, taking her shoes off and neatly placing them by the bed before she started. Fingers brushed against Stathis’ neck, working down her spine, kneading out tiredness and soreness.

A soft, black curtain fell in front of Stathis’ face, a familiar scent tickling Stathis’ nostrils as Janaxia leant in, hair ticking Stathis’ face and back as she moved. As fingers brushed against the corrupted wounds, Stathis could feel the darkness being drawn out, siphoned into Janaxia.

‘You really do push yourself, Stathis. While I appreciate that you may feel the need to pursue great deeds, you don’t need to be quite so driven about it. A little more caution would stand you in good stead, and with rather fewer injuries.’

Janaxia began rocking back and forth, bare thighs brushing against Stathis’ hips as she moved. Firm pressure twisted and pressed up and down her back, drawing out a long-held sigh of relief, as Stathis tried to mute the sense of doom and ice coming from atop her, feeling herself being touched in more places than two hands would allow. ‘Are you using your magic for this?’

Janaxia’s tone turned frosty, a hand pressing down far harder than seemed necessary, pressure being applied in several other palces as well. ‘Is there some issue with that?’

‘Hey, I didn’t say stop! Never realised it could be used for something like this. I just worry that…actually, a little higher, just above… Wow, yeah, right there.’

It was hard telling the difference between what was Janaxia’s fingers and what was her spell, but both worked their way up and down her spine, Janaxia leaning in low and close, her breath tickling Stathis’ ears, breasts pressing against her. The soft warmth of her body was a contrast to the spiritual impression of ice emanating from her, the silk of her dress smooth as she rubbed against Stathis, softly humming to herself, seemingly happy and relaxed.

She let herself relax as Janaxia progressively worked down her body, taking a swig of the beer (terrible, but still welcome) and trying not to groan and gasp too loudly as her muscles were pummelled into relaxation. And Janaxia was a damn good masseuse, her fingers expertly kneading out all the soreness, and draining out the residual taint from the banshee as she did so.

‘You’re pretty damn good at this!’ Stathis grunted in pleasure as a knot in her back was unwound. ‘Nice skill to have.’

‘I do have abilities other than the arcane.’ Hair stroked down Stathis’ back, soft and gentle, as Janaxia slowly moved down her body. ‘And I was able to acquire tuition at Ashfall Keep. Lady Gintestarrak was annoyingly uninterested, although she seemed perfectly willing to accept such services from others. Most discourteous of her, when we were responsible for freeing her from her bindings.’

‘Mmmmmm.’ Stathis simply gave a low and satisfied rumble, arching her back as Janaxia pressed down. Janaxia responded by pushing her back down, four sharp points of her nails pinning Stathis in place, jabbing into the base of her neck.

‘Do kindly stay still. Now that we have the chance to talk in confidence, I would appreciate not being treated like some random floozy, to be picked up and discarded at your discretion.’

The points digging into her neck made it hard to move, at least without inviting more pain onto herself. ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about. Are you still sore about Hakara? She’s not your replacement, don’t be stupid. She knows a lot of wizard-stuff, while you’re a lot better at fighting.’ She bit her lip to keep from grunting and moaning again, as a force twisted and pushed along her spine. ‘And massages. Fuck me, you’re good at this.’

One of the points jabbed in sharply for a moment, as Janaxia shifted her weight, settling herself comfortably atop Stathis. ‘Hmmm, kindly mind your language. Some warning that we were to meet one of your previous conquests would have been appreciated. That was a rather unexpected, and unpleasant, shock.’

‘I didn’t know she’d be here. And it’s not really your business. You hooked up with that medusa, and Akoni, whatever she actually is.’

Janaxia kept one hand on the back of Stathis’ neck, her other hand tracing a nail down Stathis’ spine, making her shiver. ‘Those were purely recreational affairs, I didn’t indulge myself while also attempting to liberate a city from unjust rule. You really should try and be more focused on matters at hand. What would Carissia say?’

‘She probably would have blasted the arena apart, and most of the castle, before re-arranging the entire place to her will with some puppet rulers in place. She’s not great at…’ She was cut off as Janaxia properly leant into her massage, hair trickling and tickling along Stathis’ body, fingers pushing and twisting, breath gentle against her body.

‘I’m sure she would have done it with rather more speed and style though. And without the rather awkward issue of getting arrested in the night like a common rogue! Really, you should have more care for your reputation. Dallying in a place like this is scarcely befitting of a knight, to say nothing of an Iristari.’

It was hard to form a proper response, with the warm, smooth silk and the gentle soft slither of Janaxia’s hair sliding around combining with her massage to make it really hard to focus, especially with the pressure of Janaxia’s own weight holding her in place. She murmured something, letting Janaxia continue without even bothering to listen. The combination of soothing pressure and seething, chilling doom was unsettling, but the beer helped her relax, and at least Janaxia was being less prickly now.

Eventually, she was done – Stathis was still tired, but her injuries felt a lot better, warm, alive and healing again, rather than cold and dead. Janaxia dismounted, pulling her dress back down where it had gotten dragged up, Stathis pretending not to notice. Despite her venting, she didn’t seem unhappy, with her lash barely glowing and tattoo un-moving, as she yawned, sufficiently relaxed that she didn’t even cover her mouth. Outside, the singing and revelry could still be heard, having switched to something a lot more bawdy.

‘Well, I hope you feel better now. It is nice to be of some use, at least.’

Stathis stretched, putting her clothing back on. ‘I do actually, thanks. And I mean it – you’re not getting replaced anytime soon.’ She smiled. ‘Who else is going to give style advice?’

‘It would help if you actually listened, I have to say! Or you at least got some cleaner armour. Really, you should have more care for your appearence. For the sake of your family, if not yourself. And if you would kindly stop casting aspersions upon my morals and personal character? Semari may rather vulgar regarding such matters, but I would expect you to be rather better raised.’ She yawned again, laying down on the bed. That dress really was very, very short, especially when she stretched out next to Stathis. ‘I find myself suddenly tired. Convey my apologies to the rest, but I believe I will sleep now.’

‘This is my room, you realise?’

‘I’m sure a true knight would be willing to make such a minor sacrifice to a lady in need.’ Janaxia's voice was drowsy, as she shifted herself to get comfortable, content to sleep there, it seemed, as Brina's voice carried through the walls.

‘Really? I’ll even carry you to yours if you’re that tired!’

Janaxia gave a slight sigh and rolled over, either asleep or pretending to be. It didn’t seem worth the fight, and there was no shortage of other rooms. As long as Janaxia actually remembered the circumstances behind it and didn’t blame Stathis this time! She stood, dressed herself, then let herself out as quietly as she could, pulling a thin sheet over Janaxia in case it was a cold night.

Outside, everyone was in a loud chorus, a song about how a demon lord had been slain by trickery, seduction and a lot of alcohol. Parth gave her a thumbs up and a questioning grin, as Brina came over, pulling her into a seat.

‘Scary demon lady givin’ you a tellin’ off? She havin’ a sulk in there?’

‘Not exactly, she’s resting. There was some stuff we needed to talk about. But she’s resting now.’

‘Well, it’s time for us to celebrate! Although you’re lookin’ happy, she didn’t do anythin’ to you did she? Nobles can get grabby ‘n weird. Uh, no offense.’

Stathis leant over slightly, giving Brina a kiss. ‘Oh? And here I was thinking you liked that sort of thing.’

Brina looked shocked for a moment before recovering herself with a grin. ‘Well, if the daughter of my boss is tellin’ me to do somethin’, then I guess the mighty hero deserves somethin’ sweet.’ Stathis sat down next to Jalmi, Brina squeezing in beside her. It felt good to move without twitches of pain, the massage having felt genuinely soothing, despite the aura of doom that had accompanied it. She tapped Jalmi on the shoulder to draw her attention, raising her voice to be heard over the general noise.

‘Congratulations! You going to become a duchess? Didn’t realise you and Dalin were a thing.’

‘Hells, it’s a chance to change everything! Shake up those rich bastards, make them actually pay taxes ‘n stuff. Start chopping bits off if they get stroppy.’ She punched her fist, almost knocking a tankard off the table. ‘Already got lads taking some of the golden tat from the palace, selling it on, getting some coin back.’

‘Should you be doing that?’

Jalmi shrugged. ‘Hey, he asked me to marry him, and I offed the last Duke, so I figure I have as much claim as anyone else. Be all nice and legit in a few weeks anyway, so may as well get people used to me bein’ in charge. So thanks.’ She hefted her tankard. ‘Heard some stories about a warrior of light down at the arena, guess that was you? Good work killing the bastards behind this. Going to string up a few of the guards, show ‘em whose boss.’

It was hard giving advice as Brina snuggled up against her, but she still tried. ‘Don’t be too harsh. Those that knew what was going on, punish them, but don’t be too punitive to start with, otherwise you’ll turn everyone against you. Don’t know how many of the nobles knew, but punish them more, rather than some scapegoat guards.’

‘Yeah, I guess. Sucks that I can’t just kill them all, but I suppose blood and terror would be a bad start. Fuck me sideways though, we managed to do it!’ She smacked Stathis on the back. ‘Actually drove a sword through the bastard’s heart myself. His body went weird and goopy though – you know anything about that? Had a metal spike in him – here it is.’

She pulled out a finger-length, fat stubby spike of metal, shimmering with a sickly, prismatic sheen. Stathis shied away, not wanting to touch it. ‘Be careful with that! It was inside him?’

‘Yeah, I stabbed him from behind. Through the heart no less, but that didn’t do for him. Bastard turned around and came for me! Body went weird, limbs stretching and warping and stuff. Had to damn near hack his head off before he died, and then his flesh kinda turned grey and floppy. Fuck knows what was up with that, any idea?’

‘Magic stuff, I guess. There’s that gear in the tower, make sure that’s destroyed properly. Hey, Hakara, any idea?’ She called Hakara over. From the way she was staggering, she was already very drunk, struggling to focus, one of Jalmi’s followers holding her upright before she managed to look at Stathis.

‘Yes. Yesh? How cans I help?’ She tottered sideways, barely avoiding knocking the table over, grinning vacantly.

‘Never mind, I can ask you tomorrow.’ Stathis managed to detach Brina, putting a hand on Hakara’s shoulder to steady her. ‘Time for you to go to bed, I think. Before you collapse or throw up everywhere.’

‘But I feels fines!’ She staggered forward, bumping against Stathis, reeking of cheap beer. She squeezed Stathis’ arm. ‘Strong! Need a, a big, strong man. You’re nice, but…’ She poked Stathis in the breast. ‘But, nah, not my type.’

‘I’ll bear that in mind in future. I think it’s time for you to go to bed, before you do or say anything you shouldn’t.’

‘Don’t wanna. Don’t wanna sleep alone.’ She pouted. ‘Not fair that you get choices! I wanna a fancy knight come sweep me up.’

Stathis sighed, then pulled Hakara up, hauling her into her arms. She tensed for a moment, then went limp. ‘Hey, this is, is pretty nice. You smell nice. See why Miss Janaxia likes it.’ As Stathis carried her, she wriggled and twisted, trying to get comfortable. By the time they were outside her room, she’d fallen into insensible giggling, arms tight around Stathis’ neck. It took a fair amount of tugging to get her into the bed, as she seemed to share the same ability as Janaxia, able to summon up vast strength when clinging onto someone in a drunken stupor.

Stathis left her to sleep, returning to find Brina, Semari and Jalmi with their arms around each other, belting out an exceptionally lewd song, about the many uses an enterprising sorceress might find for her rod, both on herself and a surprisingly wide range of passer-bys, from a brawny warrior, to a shy druidess and then a lusty cleric, all leaving satisfied, if a little sore. Semari’s hand gestures were probably crude, but were so vague it was honestly hard to tell.

Brina moved over, pouting. ‘What is it with you and wizards? When you’ve got me right here! I take my eyes off you for a second and you’re draggin’ some chantlin’ into bed. Again! The scary one seems to have claimed your room, so guess we’re gonna have to find somewhere else, huh? At least there’s plenty of beds here. I would offer to carry you off, but think you might be a bit heavy for me.’

Stathis scooped Brina up – she was even lighter than Janaxia, and less bony. ‘Always happy to oblige.’ Semari whooped and cheered. ‘Fair warning, I might just fall asleep, it’s been a really long day and night.’

Brina curved arms around Stathis’ neck, pulling her face close. ‘Sure I can think of a few ways of keepin’ you up. Ain’t you my liege or somethin’? Could get in a lot ‘o trouble if I don’t keep you happy!’ They kissed, Semari and Jalmi cheering and hooting, as Stathis made a rude gesture back.

‘You two, shut it. Also, put that evil spike thing somewhere safe, I don’t want to have to pull it out of someone. Semari, that’s not a euphemism, stop laughing. Seriously, put the damn thing in a beer bottle or something. Carefully! Now pass it here.’

Juggling Brina and a beer bottle containing a probably-evil metal spike was a challenge, but at least Brina was sober enough to hold on herself, although her kisses and stroking were somewhat distracting. It was easy enough to find another room, the bottle getting carefully put down, out of the way where it wouldn’t get broken, before tending to Brina. Her first attempt at putting Brina down was unsuccessful, as Brina moved to kiss her again. They tumbled together onto the bed, Brina’s quick fingers already beneath her clothing. Stathis reciprocated, pulling off her clothing for the second time, glad it was a warm night. With Janaxia having drained all the darkness from her wounds, she felt a lot better, even if still exhausted, rising to Brina’s challenge in the warm darkness.