Stathis stood up, feeling the ground beneath her, now dry and smooth, the air utterly still and silent. Even when she waved a hand in front of her face, she couldn’t see it, as her skin continued to prickle and burn from the acid.

There was a slight groan from somewhere close by, flowing by the familiar hiss of Janaxia’s magic spells, arcane words sliding off the memory. ‘That was rather unpleasant, and we appear somewhat outmatched. I do hope that Semari and Parth can make good their escape.’

Stathis hissed in pain, acid still searing her skin. ‘Where are we? And where are you? I can’t see a damn thing!’

‘Firstly, allow me to help with that, before you are injured further.’

Magical force brushed against Stathis’ body, wiping away some of the acid, as her top began to disintegrate, the straps holding her armour on melting away. As one gave, the breastplate swung off to one side, Stathis unbuckled the other. It made the pain less, although the rest of her skin still prickled and burnt.

‘How is your clothing holding up?’

‘I dismissed that already, and will re-conjure it when needed. It seemed far easier than dealing with unpleasant burns. Although you appear rather more dishevelled, even than your usual state. But thank you for attempting to shield me – that was a most valorous deed.’ Wherever they were, the air had a strange, fusty feel to it; utterly still, no hint of motion or life.

Stathis moved an arm to cover her chest, feeling her clothing continuing to melt. ‘You can see in this, can’t you?’

There was a tutting noise from somewhere nearby. ‘This is scarcely the time for prudishness. And it is nothing I haven’t seen before. I would make note that this is rather more dignified than a back alley.’ A hand brushed against her bare shoulder, making her jump. ‘Although I do believe that mark is new. You should be careful – although you wear scars well, there is a limit! Now, please don’t be foolishly heroic and hide your wounds, or any such foolishness, it is better for such things to be checked, is it not?’ Stathis slowly unfolded her arms. ‘Was that so hard? You appear relatively unscathed, I am glad to say. Although you may be a mite sensitive, where your skin was burnt. It appears a touch reddened already.’

Stathis reached out, hand fumbling through the air, brushing against something hard and ridged – one of Janaxia’s horns. Being in contact with something was a relief, a break from the endless, crushing darkness surrounding her. She rubbed her finger along the horn, her nail making a buzzing sound as it scratched along the ridges. ‘Hey, something I’ve wondered. Can you feel with these?’

The horn twisted, moving out of her grip. ‘No, they are as insensate as nails or hair. I am considering some holes for piercings, in fact.’

‘Uh, sure, I guess that would look good. So where are we, and where is everyone else? Or anything else?’ She took a faltering step towards where Janaxia’s voice was, eyes straining to see anything in the all-consuming darkness.

‘Ah, well. That may present a certain complexity.’

Stathis sighed. ‘Where are we, and what have you done?’

‘It is scarcely my fault! I was merely attempting to broaden my range of spells.’

‘OK. Did your book eat the unreadable scroll?’

‘It did regurgitate it later!’

Stathis took another step forward, hand brushing against soft, warm hair, finding Janaxia’s shoulder. At least when she was touching something it seemed less unnerving than the prospect of endless void, or thoughts of Janaxia’s book somehow spitting up a scroll. Was it becoming a picky eater now? ‘So what’s going on?’

‘I believe it is an effect similar to Hakara’s sanctum.’

‘That creates a small, well-lit room. This appears to be, well, an infinite unlit void. Unless you can see some walls or something?’

Janaxia’s voice was very small and quiet. ‘No.’

‘Right. So we’re stuck in an infinite space? That sounds bad. How did you manage to get out before?’

‘I believe the spell expired.’

Stathis kept one hand on Janaxia’s shoulder, as magic continued to pull and knead at her skin, pulling the traces of acid off, more of her clothing disintegrating. In other circumstances, it might have been soothing, but right now was mostly unnerving, although better than being covered in acid. ‘Right. So we can’t get out. Do you mind staying close? The infinite darkness is a bit creepy.’

There was a shifting, Janaxia presumably moving in front of her, felt only as a warm but unseen presence.

‘I hope the others make it through OK. Since we’re here, what’s going on with you?

‘I don’t know what you mean.’ Her tone was defensive, and still quiet. Stathis reached out, trying to feel for Janaxia’s shoulder with her other hand, aiming high so as to avoid anywhere awkward. She stumbled as Janaxia withdrew, hair sliding across the back of her hand – Janaxia must have stepped away, impossible to sense now unless she spoke. ‘Although it is a touch unusual for you to be quite so disadvantaged, I suppose.’ Her voice went silent for a moment, before a hand suddenly stroked down Stathis’ shoulder. Stathis spun, almost losing her balance. ‘Considering you are normally the one throwing me over a shoulder, like a surly brigand taking a captive for their pleasure, this is quite a change. And not wholly unappealing, I have to say.’

‘Sorry about that, but it’s normally to stop you being eaten or something. Although I am glad that you’re so light, makes it a lot easier!’ There was another light touch, running along the top of her hip. Stathis spun again. ‘What are you doing?’

‘Simply assessing your wounds. And, well, it is rare to have you at such a disadvantage, there is a particular charm to be found there.’

‘Is this really the time? Do you know how long we’ll be stuck here?’

‘I daresay not for long. Although then there will be the witch to deal with.’

‘Right. Can we maybe try to avoid being in an awkward situation when we pop back into the real world or whatever happens? Anyway, since we’re both here, mind telling me why you’ve been acting up recently? You’ve been acting funny since we got here. And don’t give me any crap about Hakara replacing you or anything – I keep telling you that’s not happening. So why have you been all weird?’ Was there the faintest hint of a coal-burn red glow in front of her, or was that her imagination? A phantasmal force brushed against her stomach, clearing away shredded remnants of fabric, slightest suggestion of a nail against her body.

‘I believe that you should tend you yourself first.’ Janaxia could be inches away, or some distance; in the void, it was impossible to tell.

Stathis slowly fumbled around, trying to find her.

‘This is quite a reversal, is it not? Normally you have the advantage of me.’ Janaxia’s voce sounded stronger now, coming from somewhere behind Stathis. ‘You have manhandled me numerous times.’

‘Normally because you were going to get eaten by monsters.’ Something soft lightly brushed against her back, making her twitch and whirl, almost losing her balance. ‘And you are nice and light, which helps.’

‘Hmm. In future, I would prefer to be carried such that I can see where I am being moved to. It is rather degrading to be treated with all the respect one would accord a sack of potatoes.’

‘I’ll bear that in mind. Please tell me that’s not why you’ve been so pissy lately? Because you’ve been sulking about how I carry you?’

‘I’m sure when you carry Brina, it is with rather more care.’

‘Actually, she’s even smaller and lighter than you, I think I just bundled her under an arm to start with.’

‘And is that how you meet all your paramours?’

‘Noo… Actually, pretty much, yeah. It just seems to turn out that way.’ Stathis tried to change the subject. ‘Anyway, what have you been pissy about lately?’

‘It is scarcely something suitable for you to trouble yourself with.’ Her voice moved to sounding tired again.

‘If you don’t tell me, then I can’t help you. I know that Gervint was being a prick, is it just that? Or is it something do with whatever monster is trapped underneath here? You are really, really prone to being affected by outside influences. Look, weird magical shit happens. But you’ve been acting stranger and stranger recently, and it’s making me worry. And now there’s whatever’s going on with you and your book. So, tell me, or I’m going to get Semari to never stop poking you. Also, I’d rather not be abandoned in an infinite empty darkness, thanks very much.’

‘And yet you are quick to seek my aid when needed. As if I were but a tool, to be used and discarded.’

‘For the love of… you know it’s not like that. Yes, you’re good at blasting things. And I like having my hands, so of course I was going to ask you for help. Being this insecure is really odd for you, what’s going on?’ There was a ‘hmph’ from somewhere nearby, Stathis taking an uneasy step towards it, arms stretched out in front of herself.

‘As if you would understand. To be cast out and rejected, simply because of my appearance.’

‘I’ve told you quite a few times, there’s nothing wrong with your appearance. It’s very striking, although I think it’s mostly how it combines with your magic that puts people off. I personally quite like it, but it is a little, well, “evil sorceress”. It definitely looks good, but maybe go a little easier on the blacks and reds?’

‘You are scarcely in any position to be lecturing me on style, I feel. Perhaps you should look to your sister more?’

‘She has the luxury of standing at the back, ranged spells, and often actual gods looking out for her. If I wear clothing not made of metal, I’m going to get stabbed and smashed, a lot.’ A finger brushed against her chest, making a wound sting.

‘Yes, her skin is unmarred, unlike yours.’ Before Stathis could move, the pressure was gone. ‘Although I suppose you must know something of the pressures of a family legacy?’

‘I guess, it is generally easier if people don’t know that Carissia’s my sister. And having a mother that had acquired a kingdom before she turned thirty, well… yeah, that’s a lot to live up to. Are you getting shit from your family or something?’

‘That is a private matter, I wouldn’t wish to say. After all, you have made your opinion on my family quite clear. “Evil”, I believe you have said?’

‘Well, yes. Sorry, it’s true. Semari’s short, Parth’s an elf, and you’re evil. It’s how things are. And your family have a terrible reputation.’ Stathis moved closer to where Janaxia’s voice had come from, hoping that she didn’t just leave or blink into another dimension. ‘I can sense these things - it’s not a slight, but it is true. I’m not going to abandon you or anything, but you do get weird sometimes. Do you remember back at Cormontara, your clothing changed and you needed help calming down?’

‘Oh? And what particular outfit was this?’

‘Black, sleek, very clinging, backless, a neckline all the way to your navel, very tight at the waist, lots of lace and rubies. Not going to lie, it looked damn good on you, but then your eyes went black and you looked about ready to start sacrificing people to dark gods, all that sort of thing. Ringing any bells?’

‘I must confess, I was rather tired towards the end of that particular excursion. My memories are perhaps a little… blurrier than I might like.’

‘Right. Well, that happened. I don’t think you’re going to knowingly do anything, but it’s a bit disconcerting. It’s like when Parth vanishes off to do elf stuff, but a bit more, well, evil and spiky. There’s something going on with you – are you having strange dreams or anything? Your tattoo looks about the same size, although I’ve not seen it much lately, is it hiding?’

‘You appear to spend a lot of time staring at my chest.’

‘Do you want me to stop? And it’s not like it stays on your chest anyway.’

‘Hm. I suppose you may look, if you wish. But I am simply tired of being taken for little more than a hanger-on, or some vapid fool.’

‘Well, when we come out of this, then make sure you’ve got clothing on, and blast that witch. Or do what Kinnevar would do, and seduce her, although she seems a bit focused on destruction for that.’

‘She is rather, ah, rustic, shall we say? The facial tattoos are rather striking, but she is a little youthful-looking for my preferences, and I prefer to know at least the rough age of those I seek to charm.’ The voice was close by, Stathis lunging forward to grab her shoulder, then grabbing her arm, making sure she couldn’t get away, her carried breastplate bashing against Janaxia.

‘That’s the spirit. When this is done, I’m getting you shitfaced, and you’re telling me about whatever the fuck is going on.’

Janaxia twisted under her grip, fabric growing beneath Stathis’ hand. Had she really dismissed her clothing the instant they showed up here? ‘That seems… acceptable. At least if this place offers a cellar I deem acceptable. I have not yet sampled the tavern.’

‘Oh yeah, where did you go that first night? You didn’t hook up with anyone.’

‘I wished to experiment with some new spells. So after speaking to that wretched Gervint individual, then I wished somewhere private to practice. Loath though I am to admit such things, I do sometimes require time to learn new spells. So I came down to the lowest levels.’

‘Please tell me you didn’t open any of the doors?’

Janaxia tensed. ‘Quite how foolish do you think I am? No, I did not. But my attempts at learning the spells were less than successful. I’m sure his scrolls must be defective copies or somesuch.’

‘And then you fed them to your book?’

‘There is no need to make it sound so… base and unusual. It is a perfectly normal transferal of magical energy. But I was so drained by the attempt, that I slumbered. And when I awoke…’

‘…you summoned that disk of darkness? It isn’t meant to last that long, is it?’

‘I thought it would be useful to carry treasure and suchlike.’

‘Sure, great. But it’s lasted for, what, days? That’s impressive, but I thought most spells only lasted a few hours. Not days! Have you talked to Hakara about this?’

Janaxia squirmed uncomfortably. ‘I wouldn’t wish to trouble her with such matters.’

‘I don’t want to be rude, but she knows a lot more about magical theory than you. If it’s draining your soul or anything, she can probably work it out and do something about it. I’d rather not have you drop dead all of a sudden because you’re feeding all your power into a spell or something.’ She tried to make her grip around Janaxia’s arms feel comforting, although mostly didn’t want to let go, in case Janaxia bolted again, leaving her in the endless darkness. Moving her face closer seemed risky, with too much danger of getting poked in the eye by a horn. ‘Given that even you seem a little vague about quite what’s going on, then try not to get yourself into trouble.’

‘I will take that under advisement. But I do thank you for your concern.’ She twisted again. ‘Must you grip quite so tightly?’

‘We’re in an infinite void. I’m not letting you go until we’re out of here. Whenever that might be? Anytime soon?’

‘I really have no idea. The spell is as yet imperfect. I’m sure it will be complete soon enough.’

‘Right. So, when we get out of here, if the witch is still there, we try and drive her off. If she’s not, we try and find the others, and check everyone is OK.’

She felt Janaxia tense and twist. ‘That seems acceptable. Although the devastation this witch can wreck is quite impressive.’

‘I’d prefer it is she wasn’t flying. Although, uh, how much of my clothing is left? I’d rather not fight naked.’

Janaxia tutted again. ‘It does have a certain barbaric charm, but I suppose you must protect yourself. Your clothing is very much on the more ragged side, sliding towards scandalous, although not in a particularly stylish fashion.’

‘They got melted in combat! Can you do something about it?’

‘Such things are scarcely my responsibility. But I suppose it would be less-than-fitting if you were to appear quite so dishevelled. You may have to hold your armour on, but I can clean it. I daresay rather more than you ever seem to clean it yourself.’

Stathis handed the breastplate over, keeping a firm grip on Janaxia with the other hand. More un-words were spoken, before Janaxia handed it back. The straps felt threadbare and thin, but would hopefully hold. And with her padding mostly melted, it would be uncomfortable, but better than getting injured.

‘So, while I am thankful that you saved us from being melted, do you have any idea how much longer we’re going to be stuck here? It’s a bit creepy.’

‘I wouldn’t like to guess. Although this is already longer than my prior experiment. Possibly the presence of another person affects the spell somehow?’

Stathis resisted the urge to sigh. It was good of Janaxia to learn more spells, but it would be nice not to get dragged into strange dimensions without warning! Then light burst into being, the sensation of movement and falling, Stathis wrapping her arms around Janaxia.