Walking back through Sainted Hirata was an eerie combination of the normal and the war-torn – some shops and cafes were still open, despite the late hour, but there were fighters and other mercenaries on watch, along with battle-priests, in full armour and other regalia, holy symbols emblazoned onto their equipment. And some streets were barricaded and closed-off, with carts and furniture turned into blockades, manned by nervous-looking civilians. Stathis saw a few of Yeros’ squires dashing around, carrying bags of food and other supplies, moving in pairs or trios.

The whole place was still on edge, but with Peresperan gone, then it should be possible to deal with whatever was left. Still, Stathis kept one hand on her sword-hilt, just in case, peering into the shadows as they passed.

Janaxia walked up alongside her, sliding an arm through hers, gripping Stathis’ hand through her gauntlet. She had to slow down to match her pace to Janaxia’s, Semari and Parth moving along the rooftops.

‘Rather a pleasant night, is it not? Well, as much as is possible in wartime.’

Stathis turned backwards, to see smoke still trailing upwards, visible against the two moons that were currently full.

‘It could have gone better! And we’ve got a lot to do still.’ There was a barely-perceptible pressure against her gauntlet, Janaxia attempting to squeeze her hand.

‘We have managed a great deal though, I believe. And this current conflict will hopefully not last too long. I, for one, am looking forward to a certain amount of relaxation afterwards.’

‘Just don’t slack off until we get there!’ Stathis lowered her voice. ‘And what are we going to do with Armoniki?’

‘Oh, I think that they and Skotadi can renew their relationship. It has been some time since they have been able to talk, after all.’

Stathis glanced back at them – they were walking together, but with enough distance that they could argue they just happened to be there by coincidence, if pressed. Whenever they passed through a shadow, their forms grew vague and misty, before snapping back into sharpness when they stepped into the glow of a mage-light or a torch. Skotadi was definitely now older-looking, somewhere in the middle of puberty, while Armoniki appeared several years younger, and about a foot shorter. And a lot more tattily dressed!

‘I’m sure they will get more friendly, given time.’

‘Are you sure about that? Given what they did as the Black Triad, we should maybe be careful?’

‘Oh, I don’t think Skotadi at least has much desire for such things. She would rather appreciate the finer things in life. I am a little worried that the Blade might be a bad influence on Skotadi. Or that Armoniki’s time with the lower sort may have had some negative effects. They seem a little… rough around the edges.’

‘I’m pretty sure they’ll be fine, they’re both millennia old to start with. Although probably needing some more work to, uh, acclimatise themselves to being people?’

They had started to squabble about something, before Semari jumped down, lifting Armoniki up and jumping away again, ignoring their squawk of protest.

‘Well, I’m sure they’ll be OK. Semari probably won’t drop them or anything.’ Stathis squeezed back, trying not to be too forceful, the gauntlet clumsy around her hand. ‘So did you talk to Skotadi about, uh, our relationship?’

Yes. She has given you her tentative blessings, subject to continued good behaviour. She will be most displeased if you are prone to wandering! As well I. Her forelock smouldered red.

‘Well, we can talk about that later, I suppose. Let’s maybe focus on us, for now?’ At least with Semari jumping around with Armoniki, she wouldn’t be eavesdropping. And it was nice having Janaxia walk alongside her, shoulder bumping against Stathis’ armour. ‘The chapterhouse was quite busy, so we might have to share a room.’

‘I’m sure I will manage, somehow. Although I have to say I don’t like the odour of metal your armour leaves.’

‘Well, hopefully when this whole thing is over I won’t have to wear it as much! And we can take a break, I think we’ve earned it. Maybe you can refurbish the family home, at least if it hasn’t been entirely obliterated? Or would you rather Redcastle?’

Well, if it is for some post-victory celebrations, then I think somewhere rather more relaxing? Perhaps the southern islands? The beaches and jungles can be quite relaxing, especially with sufficient money to ensure a constant supply of food and drink. Not for too long, mind you – I do prefer the pleasures of culture – but after everything we’ve been through, then I think it’s deserved.

‘True. I don’t want to end up at Per Tolith having to run things! Especially not right after all this shit, when everything is going to be super-chaotic.’

Perhaps you could make a withdrawal from the treasury beforehand? You must be owed some level of compensation for commanding, after all – I believe that is standard, even for when unable to reach the main command structure.

‘I think we can get by without that.’

They turned around a corner, now facing the chapterhouse, the streets barricaded. One of the squires looked down at them from atop the wooden wall, Stathis raising her hand in greeting.

‘It’s me! Can you let us through? We think we’ve dealt with the problem. And let Yeros know we’re back.’

Wood scraped, a cart getting pulled aside to let them through. The squire saluted her, before returning to his vigil. Another ran ahead of them, into the chapterhouse.

They were in the grand entrance-hall when Yeros appeared at the top of the stairs, still wearing his armour. Aimodia was behind him, sticking to the shadows, her clothing close-fitting, mostly visible by her pale face.

‘We got Peresperan! He won’t be a problem anymore.’

‘Excellent news! That will certainly make things easier, without a constant flood of demons and undead. It will be nice to have a full night’s sleep for once.’

Janaxia stepped forward. ‘On that note, Master Yeros, we would request somewhere to rest for the night. Although you are already providing a refuge to many in need, then we accept that it may be necessary to share. You can put Semari in the basement, and Parth will likely appreciate the library to meditate in.’

‘The rooms you used last time are free, I think.’

‘Oh, I wouldn’t want to be too demanding. I think just one would suffice. Perhaps an end room?’

‘Oh. Oh. Yes, of course. Aimodia, is there a room that might be appropriate for the two of them.’ He winked at Stathis. ‘And you seem to have acquired another… person?’

‘That’s Armoniki. I’ll explain later, just keep them fed. They’re Skotadi’s sibling – if they start squabbling, tell them to knock it off. They’re both a bit strange and magical, but try and keep them away from everyone else. The squires especially.’

Aimodia nodded, eyes flashing red for a moment. ‘I will do so. I would take it ill if another were to encroach into my territory. Dare I ask what manner of being she is?’

‘Old, and more powerful than she looks. Sometimes. Although she tends to behave her visible age. Just don’t let her get drunk.’

The others had all caught up now, Semari dropping back to ground level, still carrying Armoniki, their body wrapped in a protective aura. They detached themselves from Semari, blinking away and reappearing in a swirl of shadow, closer to the chapterhouse itself, form growing misty and vague in the lower light.

Aimodia curtseyed, her hands reaching towards non-existent skirts. ‘If you could care to follow me then, I will find you accommodation for the night, and food.’

Janaxia pressed herself closer against Stathis’ shoulder as they walked towards the chapterhouse, emitting happy thoughts.

Inside, the place was still rammed and cramped, most of the space occupied, families sat in small groups, a constant low noise of quiet conversations and restrained worry.

‘Your chamber is down that way. I have kept a few of the rooms empty in case of sudden need. It should have everything you need. And I will show the others to appropriate chambers as well.’

Stathis strode ahead, before opening the door, holding it for Janaxia, her hair-lash throbbing, and ignoring the suddenly-penetrating look from Semari, shutting the door behind herself. The room was small, but had a bed and no windows for Semari to peer into. It was lit only be a single candle, the light reflected by brass back-plates.

‘Hmmm, not the most glamorous, but I suppose that it will suffice.’ Janaxia walked over to the bed, bending over and plucking at the sheets, the fabric stiff and starched.

Scarcely luxurious, but it will suffice. Certainly better than a tent or a field. Janaxia’s clothing rippled and shimmered, changing into thin, figure-hugging gauze, without any pretence of covering her, sheathing close to her body. Her hair was glowing with a warm pink glow now, her tattoo starkly visible between her breasts.

Stathis glanced over at a patch of shadows in the corner, checking that Skotadi wasn’t lurking there, peering from the darkness. As she stepped forward towards Janaxia, they raised a finger. ‘Armour first! It is decidedly unappealing to embrace. Just because you can’t remove it simply doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t make the effort.’

The room was small and pokey, making the act of removing the armour an awkward set of stretches, Stathis’ gauntlets knocking against the wall before she removed them, putting the steel curves into the corner. Boots and greaves were next, Stathis stretching around awkwardly to reach the buckles.

‘You could help, you know.’

Janaxia was lounging on the bed, or at least trying to, the frame narrow enough that she was in danger of falling off, twirling her hair around a finger, her lash now a pale, soft pink rather than it’s usual blood-red tinge.

I think I’ll enjoy the show. Although the hopping around was a little undignified. Janaxia stretched in a distracting manner, arcing her back like a cat, her now-bare feet knocking against the wall, as Stathis managed to get her fingers around the buckle and pull it loose, her greaves loosening. Her fingers felt fat and clumsy, fiddling with the next set of buckles, Janaxia’s scent seeming to permeate the room. The heavy bottle Stathis carefully put aside, making sure it was still sealed.

‘Are you sure Skotadi won’t be checking in on us?’

‘I was quite firm with her. And I’m sure Aimodia can keep her distracted for long enough – Skotadi seems desirous to learn to be mature, and Aimodia can certainly help with that.’ Janaxia stretched again, then rolled over and stood up. Without her heels, she was shorter than Stathis, her head coming up to just below Stathis’ chin, looking up at her.

Dark magical energy appeared around Janaxia’s hand, swirling around Stathis’ legs, cleaning away sweat and grime from her trousers.

You really should make more of an effort, you know. I appreciate that there are certain concessions to be made in the field, but I’m sure there are enchantments you can get that would help.

Her hands reached around Stathis’ chest, finding the gap between the front- and back-plates, squeaking through and pulling on the strap, loosening it away from Stathis’ body. Stathis held it there as it started to fall away from her, carefully moving it aside.

Janaxia wrinkled her nose, looking at the still-wet splashes down the padding, from where Stathis had poured the ice-water down herself.

And perhaps a cooling enchantment as well? Magical energy flickered out, rubbing against Stathis’ chest, drawing out the water into droplets that floated in the air. Janaxia looked around, before finding a cup on the side, directing the water into it.

‘Thanks, it does feel good to be dry.’ With Janaxia so close, she had to lean awkwardly to put the breastplate aside, one arm on her back to keep the rest of the cuirass in place until she could deal with that, trying not to get distracted by Janaxia’s vivid emerald eyes.

The padding may be helpful, but it is scarcely a pleasing aesthetic.

Metal chinked as the backplate nestled against the front one, Stathis keenly aware of the soft heat of Janaxia’s body in front of her, hair still throbbing with a steady pulse.

‘So, uh, you’re sure that Skotadi won’t be able to hear anything? Or Armoniki?’

I very much hope not. But I think I can manage some restraint. She pressed herself against Stathis, wriggling against her chest, her hair brushing against Stathis’ chin. Stathis kissed her on the top of her head, wincing in anticipation, but there was no fatal chill of flare of power, just a slightly sweet scent, dry, smooth strands sticking to her lips.

I would say that you’re like a well-wrapped gift with many layers, but many of the layers are decidedly unbecoming and overly-fiddly to remove.

‘It’s battlewear! It’s not really meant to be removed quickly.’ She had to break contact with Janaxia to pull her gambeson over her head, discarding that atop the removed armour. With that gone, she could feel the soft material of Janaxia’s gauze, and the heat and smooth softness of her body beneath it.

They settled into an embrace, Janaxia raising herself up onto tiptoes and kissing Stathis on the neck, lips soft and dry, tongue darting out. Do let me know if you start to feel afflicted at all.

‘That’s not very reassuring!’

Skotadi seemed to think she had done what was needful. Janaxia’s body rubbed up against Stathis’, breasts soft, as Stathis wrapped an arm around her waist, feeling the supple warmth of Janaxia’s skin. Then she bent and twisted, heaving Janaxia off the floor and up into her arms, other arm in the bend of Janaxia’s legs.

Janaxia made a surprised but happy purr, nestling herself against Stathis’ body, her hair brushing against Stathis’ arm, nuzzling herself close. Mmmmmmm. Janaxia twisted around and leaned upwards, moving her face in front of Stathis’, lash now glowing a bright, warm pink.

They kissed, slow and hesitant, Stathis keeping her grip tight, eyes open as Janaxia closed hers. There was a spark of energy, something flashing between them, but there wasn’t the bitter cold and chill, the feeling of being drained away. She leaned into the kiss more strongly, turning around towards the bed.

Janaxia’s arms snaked around her chest, nails lightly scratching at Stathis’ neck. She moved towards the bed, Janaxia still making happy noises, vibrating against her.

Well, that’s a good start. Although do let me know if you start to feel bapph!

She made a funny telepathic squeak as Stathis dropped her onto the bed, the mattress stiff enough that she landed with a thud.

Rather forceful! Not entirely unpleasant though. You may continue.

She flicked a finger, the candle blinking out, plunging them into darkness. Stathis pulled off her trousers as she slid into bed, running a hand along Janaxia’s now-bare body, leaning in to stroke and caress her.